Chapter 23: Ex-Boyfriend Has Really Bad Taste

Gu Qichen's voice softened. "If you doubt it, ask him to confirm it."

Xia Yangyang studied Gu Qichen's serious, unsmiling face. Doubt began to creep in.

Gu Qichen had claimed Gu Zhaohan liked her. How could that be?

Their gazes locked, a silent intensity passing between them. Then, a knock sounded at the door.

Gu Qichen initially ignored it, but the insistent knocking forced him to respond. He released Xia Yangyang and opened the door to reveal Xia Weiwei.

Smiling brightly, Xia Weiwei greeted him sweetly, "Brother-in-law."

Gu Qichen frowned. "What is it?"

Xia Weiwei held a stack of new clothes. "Brother-in-law, I brought some clothes. You haven't stayed here before, and you didn't bring a change of clothes. These are new—Brother Haotian's, but he never wore them. You can use them for tonight."

Gu Qichen's frown deepened. Xia Weiwei, pleased, sensed the tension between him and Xia Yangyang earlier. The photo of Xia Yangyang and Lu Haotian had clearly made an impact. She'd brought the clothes to exacerbate the situation, hoping for a major conflict.

Seeing Gu Qichen's grim expression, Xia Weiwei entered, placing the clothes conspicuously on the bed. "Brother-in-law, I'll leave them here."

Fearing she'd overdone it, she quickly left, her goal achieved. She'd planted the seed; now she awaited the inevitable conflict. Xia Yangyang's stubborn nature would prevent any explanation. Her pride would be her downfall.

Silence fell. Gu Qichen closed and locked the door, then approached Xia Yangyang.

She rubbed her arm, her voice cold. "You're not staying tonight, are you?"

Gu Qichen hadn't brought clothes, and he wouldn't wear the same clothes for two days. His meticulous nature would prevent it. Regardless of their origin, he wouldn't wear clothes left by Lu Haotian. His pajamas were custom-made by top Italian craftsmen—expensive and time-consuming to produce. He was far too fastidious for such "coarse garments."

Gu Qichen looked at Xia Yangyang. "Why the rush to get rid of me?"

Xia Yangyang stammered, "I didn't mean it that way. Are you going to wear that shirt?"

Gu Qichen picked up the clothes, his disgust evident. "Your ex-boyfriend has truly awful taste. I'm surprised he even left the house in them."