Chapter 228: He Visits

Xia Weiwei left angrily. Xia Yangyang lay on her bed, her heart aching. She felt lost and unsure what to do.

The next day was Saturday. Xia Yangyang slept in until the afternoon. Besides lunch, she remained in her room all day.

In the evening, a knock came at the door. Expecting Nanny Yang, she was surprised to see Xia Weiwei.

Xia Weiwei, beaming, said, “Sister, let’s go to dinner. Mom cooked, all your favorites.”

Xia Yangyang frowned. Xia Weiwei’s unusual politeness and demeanor seemed suspicious. She was wearing a white dress, her usually curly hair was straight, and her makeup was minimal, yet she looked strikingly beautiful—a completely different person.

Xia Yangyang simply replied, “I know.” She didn’t want dinner, but something felt amiss.

“Hurry up, we’re waiting,” Xia Weiwei said cheerfully, then left.

Still in pajamas, Xia Yangyang quickly changed before going downstairs. Entering the dining room, she was startled. Seated at the table was Gu Qichen, conversing amiably with a smiling Xia Liangdong. Xia Weiwei sat beside Gu Qichen, calling him “brother-in-law.”

Xia Weiwei, noticing Xia Yangyang, approached her affectionately, taking her arm. “Sister, you’re finally here. Brother-in-law’s been waiting.” Despite her smile, Xia Yangyang saw a glint in her eyes. It was clearly Gu Qichen who prompted Xia Weiwei's sudden kindness and simple attire.

But why was Gu Qichen there?

Xia Weiwei pulled Xia Yangyang to the table. Xia Liangdong said with a hint of reproach, “Yangyang, you should have told us Ah Chen was coming.”

Xia Weiwei immediately interjected, “Brother-in-law, sister said you were on a business trip to Japan. When did you get back?”

Xia Yangyang anticipated this. Calmly, she looked at Gu Qichen.

He replied smoothly, “I just returned from Japan and came straight here.”

Xia Weiwei’s expression faltered. He hadn’t been to Japan, yet he readily went along with the lie. Xia Weiwei had intended to expose Xia Yangyang’s falsehood, but Gu Qichen covered for her. Xia Weiwei’s fingers clenched.

Liu Ruyan emerged from the kitchen, smiling. “Yangyang, you should have told me! I could have prepared more. It’s just simple home cooking today.” The table, however, was laden with food.

Xia Yangyang responded casually, “He’s not a national leader. Why treat him like a VIP? He’s family, isn’t he?”