Chapter 480 - 478: The Identity Card Number Has Arrived
"Brother Yang is getting engaged? I want to go too."
Upon hearing that Xue Yang was getting engaged, Xue Xing immediately clamored to attend. He had only recently found time to come home. As soon as he arrived, he hurried over to Xue Yang’s Home, but to his surprise, he was told that Xue Yang and the others had already gone back to school. He felt a small pang of disappointment. However, he had long suspected that his brother and sister-in-law wouldn’t stay home for that long, so the feeling didn’t last.
This is great! My brother and sister-in-law are finally getting engaged. Humph, let’s see if Xiao Pang still believes me now. I’ll tell him about it as soon as I get back.
"We’re all going. Xiao Xi and the others have already arranged everything," Zhong Hailan said, her eyes sparkling at the mention of Lin Xi.
"That’s wonderful! When are we leaving? I’m going to pack right now. I’ve never been to a big city like Yancheng; it must be really fun."
"The day after tomorrow, August 26th. But we’re only staying for one night, so you don’t need to bring too much," Zhong Hailan instructed.
"Oh, okay! But I still want to bring some things, just in case they come in handy."
When traveling for the first time, you always want to bring a little bit of everything.
"Then go ahead. Take advantage of these next two days to finish all your homework."
"Auntie, I know! I promise I’ll finish my homework."
Xue Xing elatedly went home to pack.
The day after tomorrow... that’s so soon! He would be able to see his brother and sister-in-law, and the thought alone made him exceptionally excited.
I’m only staying for a day, so I guess I won’t bring any books. He felt like he was going to vomit from studying every day, so the first things he decided against packing were his books. Clothes are a must. I’ll just bring the two new sets I bought. And shoes... As Xue Xing packed and repacked, he realized there wasn’t much to bring. Everything fit into a single backpack with plenty of space to spare.
Just as he finished, his phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number.
Xue Xing hesitated for a moment before pressing the answer button.
"Hello?"
"Send me your ID number," a woman’s voice said. It sounded somewhat familiar, but Xue Xing couldn’t immediately place it. However, the fact that the caller demanded his ID number right away made him instantly wary.
"Who are you?"
"What? Have you forgotten me already?"
Xue Xing’s heart skipped a beat, and his shoulders slumped. "Sister Si Wen..."
I should have known. Who else could have such a blunt and commanding voice? Did she time this for the day I got back from break? Her timing is perfect.
"At least you have some sense," she said.
"Sister Si Wen, what do you need my ID number for?" Xue Xing asked.
"To book you a plane ticket."
"There’s no need. Auntie said we’re chartering a flight, so we don’t have to buy tickets individually."
"I’m buying one for tonight. You’re coming over this evening."
"Huh? Why?" Xue Xing asked, surprised.
"Send me your ID," Si Wen repeated, her tone faintly impatient.
"Oh," Xue Xing mumbled, obediently sending his ID number to her.
A short while later, a WeChat message arrived from Si Wen. "The flight is booked. I’ll have someone pick you up from your house later. Get ready."
Do people in big cities always get things done this fast? Xue Xing muttered. Resigned to his fate, he put the books he’d previously set aside back into his bag. Sigh. And I wasn’t even planning on bringing any books.
After packing everything, Xue Xing changed into a new outfit, shouldered his backpack, and went downstairs.
Seeing him with the large bag, Yang Zhaodi said, "Xing Zai, why are you bringing your luggage down? We aren’t going to Yancheng until the day after tomorrow. It’s still early."
"Mom, my brother said he booked a flight for me tonight and told me to head over this evening," Xue Xing said, using an excuse he had just invented upstairs.
He knew his mother wasn’t very fond of Sister Si Wen, though he didn’t know why. To play it safe, he decided to tell a small lie. Right now, without a doubt, Brother Xue Yang held the most sway in the Xue Family. As long as he dropped his brother’s name, his mother definitely wouldn’t overthink it.
"Is that so? I’ll give him a call to check."
Xue Xing hadn’t expected his mother to want to verify his story. Oh no, I’m screwed.
"Mom, it was really Brother Xue Yang who asked me to go first! Besides, I don’t have the money to book a plane ticket. He must be totally swamped right now. Calling him would just bother him, wouldn’t it?"
Hearing this, Yang Zhaodi conceded, "You’re right. I’ll go ask your dad to drive you to the airport. It’s your first time flying. You won’t get lost, will you?"
"Mom, I’m not a little kid anymore. How could I get lost?"
"Oh, that’s right. You’ll be an adult next year. You’re not little anymore."
Xue Xing was speechless. How can Mom be so clueless? She still thinks I’m a kid.
"I’ll go find your dad."
"Mom, there’s no need! Brother Xue Yang has arranged everything. Someone will come to pick me up later."
"Your brother is so thoughtful. Still, let your dad go with you. I won’t be able to rest easy otherwise."
Xue Xing gave in. If Dad doesn’t go with me, Mom probably won’t be able to sleep tonight.
A little while later, his parents walked in from outside.
"Your dad happens to be free, so he’ll go with you. When you get there, listen to your brother, and don’t cause him any trouble, you hear?"
"I know, Mom."
Xue Xing breathed a sigh of relief. Phew, I managed to bluff my way through that.
Around five o’clock, a Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of Xue Xing’s house.
"It’s so luxurious!" Yang Zhaodi’s breath hitched when she saw the magnificent vehicle. She had never ridden in such a fancy car before.
"Mom, since Dad is taking me anyway, why don’t you come along to see me off too?"
"Ah, that’s a good idea."
Yang Zhaodi quickly locked the front door. Meanwhile, Xue Xing’s father put his son’s backpack in the trunk. The family of three climbed into the Rolls-Royce and headed for the airport.
「Elsewhere」
After making all the arrangements, Si Wen petted Xiao Bai for a while longer, then grabbed a silk bathrobe and headed into the bathroom.
There are still five hours until Xue Xing arrives. Plenty of time.
After her bath, she scheduled appointments for a beautician, a makeup artist, and a hairstylist to make house calls.
Seeing such a production, Auntie Shen couldn’t help but ask, "Miss Si Wen, do you have a date tonight?"
"A date? Not really. I’m just picking someone up."
"Who are you picking up? Will they be staying over tonight? I can go and tidy up a room."
Si Wen thought for a moment, then said, "Yes, they’ll be staying. Oh, and it’s a he."
"Alright. Ah? A he?" Auntie Shen looked at Si Wen, surprised.
"Yes, a man."
"Is he Miss Si Wen’s boyfriend?"
"Of course not. I don’t have a boyfriend. He’s just a friend. But I’m sure Xiao Xi will be happy to know he’s coming. I almost forgot, you’re heading back to the Lin Family home tonight yourself, aren’t you? Xiao Xi is back."