Chapter 306 - 305: Faces Are Known, but Not Hearts
Xi Yu’s bold declaration was met with a sarcastic remark from Xie Yunzhen, "Just don’t chicken out when the time comes."
"Absolutely not!"
He and Xie Yunzhen were the same age.
Now Xie Yunzhen had a beautiful wife, a son and a daughter, while he was still all alone.
Originally, everyone was single, so there was no comparison and it didn’t feel like much.
Currently, he had fallen far behind Xie Yunzhen.
If he didn’t hurry to sort out his lifelong matters, as he grew older and even saw the mundane with indifferent eyes, he’d truly end up single forever.
Xie Yunzhen didn’t take Xi Yu’s words to heart; instead, he seated his daughter on his lap and playfully offered a meatball to the little one.
The aroma was so strong that the little one unwittingly drooled.
Excited expression, she waved her small hands to grab the item in her father’s hand.
Despite her small size, Zimu was very energetic and unusually strong.
A few times, while Ji Mingzhu was nursing her, the little one wouldn’t let go of her hair.
If Ji Mingzhu hadn’t experienced having her hair pulled, she couldn’t have imagined a little baby possessing such strength.
According to Xie Yunzhen, the little girl was bursting with force and might become quite a little tyrant in the future.
Right now, she was wriggling in Xie Yunzhen’s arms like an eel, and Ji Mingzhu feared that Xie Yunzhen hadn’t held her securely and she might get hurt.
Upon seeing the little one drool again, Ji Mingzhu quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth.
She gave Xie Yunzhen a side-eyed glance, "She can’t eat yet, why are you teasing her?"
Xie Yunzhen replied confidently, "I’m teasing precisely because she can’t eat."
Ji Mingzhu sighed helplessly, "You’re taking advantage of the fact that she can’t speak. Just wait a few years when you tease her like this, see if she doesn’t scold you."
"My daughter likes me very much."
The underlying meaning was that she wouldn’t scold him.
Seeing her daughter’s innocent and adorable smile, Ji Mingzhu couldn’t find words to refute.
She no longer interfered with their father-daughter interaction and returned to her seat to dine.
Xie Yunzhen continued to tease his daughter. Prior to fatherhood, he didn’t know infants were so amusing.
Although still quite young, she understood human speech.
She would cry when scolded.
And laugh when praised.
When lying in Mingzhu’s arms while nursing, she’d leisurely stick out her tiny feet—impossibly cute.
Each time he gazed at his daughter’s chubby, adorable appearance, Xie Yunzhen’s heart melted thoroughly.
This time was no exception.
He suddenly kissed his daughter’s cheek.
It felt so milky sweet he couldn’t get enough.
Xi Yu watched enviously, "Let me hold her for a while."
Xie Yunzhen refused.
He narrowed his eyes at the man across from him, "Weren’t you planning to go on a date? You can have one of your own."
This was still a far-off matter; where would Xi Yu get one?
He could only shift his focus to Zishan.
Due to weak health, the second child slept more—now the little one lay in the cradle sleeping soundly.
His tiny hands clenched into fists beside his head, a delicately crafted longevity lock hanging from him—white and tender, looking exceedingly cute.
Xie Yunzhen was a protective father, and upon noticing Xi Yu’s gaze on the second child, he promptly issued a warning.
"If you wake him up, see how I deal with you."
Xi Yu clicked his tongue, "So this is how you treat your esteemed guests?"
Xie Yunzhen casually lifted an eyelid, "If you don’t like it, you can leave."
Xi Yu had important business in Yanzhou; he couldn’t leave until he found the Spiritual Medicine he sought.
He picked up his chopsticks and ate nonchalantly, conversing with Ji Mingzhu.
"That Liu Xu has business acumen, but compared to Ah Zhen’s Imperial Merchant acquaintances, her strength is obviously insufficient. Is she really worth having brought all the way to Yanzhou for business?"
Xie Yunzhen had many connections, which Ji Mingzhu was aware of.
If he wanted to make new friends, she wouldn’t stand in the way.
They were not only a couple but also independent individuals. As long as there was no backstabbing involved, each focusing on their endeavors was quite alright.
"Others are others, Liu Xu is Liu Xu."
At least in her presence, Liu Xu was the best businesswoman.
Now wanting to accomplish something proper, Ji Mingzhu’s most desired partner was Liu Xu.
Ji Mingzhu had a premonition that through a close relationship with Liu Xu, she wouldn’t suffer losses and might even achieve quite a career.
Xie Yunzhen had official duties, an expansive Yanzhou with countless matters awaiting his decision, hence he wasn’t home much.
The children also had help with caring.
If she didn’t find something meaningful to do, Ji Mingzhu had no idea how she would live the rest of her days.
She couldn’t always revolve around her husband and children...
Although Xi Yu was cautious and feared she’d suffer losses due to knowing someone’s face but not their heart.
Liu Xu, being a woman who managed a large business, was clearly resourceful.
Even though Ji Mingzhu had faced some setbacks, she remained under the wings of her family.
First, there was her mother.
Later, Lady Guan entered the picture.
Under the elder’s protection, she likely hadn’t witnessed much of human nature’s cruelty.
He reminded, "You’d better observe her a while before deciding to deepen your ties."
Knowing Xi Yu meant well, Ji Mingzhu smiled and accepted, "Thanks for the reminder, I’ll keep an eye out."
Xi Yu felt reassured.
He joked, "Speaking of which, Yun Ling girl married Lan Ci, meaning Liu Xu is her sister-in-law. As long as she’s alright, you and Ah Zhen helping Liu Xu equates to helping Yun Ling."
It’s not about seeking others’ wealth.
Nominally, Liu Xu was Lan Ci’s widowed sister-in-law, but with the marriage now complete, Yun Ling was included in the family connection.
As long as Liu Xu is well, Yun Ling and Lan Ci could be too.
Ji Mingzhu had received Yun Ling’s letter earlier, in which she described the betrothal gifts meticulously.
Liu Xu was generous, giving Yun Ling the best within her capacity.
In response to Xi Yu’s remark, Ji Mingzhu jokingly added, "Seems like family helping family."
Xi Yu remained composed, "Family taking advantage of family isn’t new. Make sure to maintain balance; otherwise, losing money without a dime and causing troubles would be bad."
The silent individual suddenly interjected, tone icy, "Prophet of doom. If you can’t say something nice, stay quiet—no one’s mistaking you for a mute."
Mingzhu was determined to accomplish something outside—anyone dampening spirits was just asking for a scolding!
Xi Yu snorted, "I consider Mingzhu like a younger sister, so I give more advice. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t bother."
Xie Yunzhen chuckled lightly, "You really know how to elevate your own status."
He and Mingzhu were married, so if Mingzhu was Xi Yu’s sister, wouldn’t that make him Xi Yu’s brother-in-law?
Xi Yu pressed his forehead in exasperation, "A petty, narrow-minded man like you, I’ve never seen before—only Mingzhu with her good temper can tolerate you."
Xie Yunzhen laughed instead of getting angry.
He slowly lifted his daughter, letting the small one lay on his shoulder.
He looked at Ji Mingzhu, full of pride.
"My wife holds me in her heart, so she’s naturally patient."
Xi Yu felt a toothache; the festive dinner was suddenly unappetizing!
"There’s no curfew in the city tonight. I’ll go for a walk outside; don’t wait for me to return."
Xie Yunzhen, holding babe in one arm while picking vegetables with chopsticks, replied, "You’re overthinking."
Xi Yu: "..."