Lu Mingzhe sighed and dejectedly took a taxi home.
Xiang Yang had no classes that morning and was home alone.
He was surprised to see Lu Mingzhe return.
"Where have you been these past few days? Your phone has been unreachable. Did you go on a business trip to some godforsaken place?"
Lu Mingzhe slumped onto the sofa, rubbing his temples, and didn't answer his question.
Instead, he asked,
"What exactly happened to your sister these past few days?"
Xiang Yang sat opposite him and recounted what Xiang Wan had gone through.
"Is that Tang Haichao very familiar with your sister?"
"Reasonably so. My sister said they aren't very close, but he's quite helpful. We really owe him for his assistance this time."
"There were no suitable manufacturers in the South City who could help my sister process her orders, which is why they went to North City."
Lu Mingzhe sneered, "That guy has no good intentions. I don't think he's being helpful; he's probably got his eye on your sister."
Xiang Yang's heart skipped a beat, and he asked what Lu Mingzhe meant.
"My sister is carrying your child, and you two agreed to get married. You suspect her at a time like this?"
Lu Mingzhe sighed and said no.
"I know what your sister is thinking; I'm just afraid some people are too forward."
"Never mind, I can't stay at home. I should be by her side at a time like this. You stay home and take care of yourself, I'm going to North City."
With that, he booked a flight to North City.
On the way, he messaged Xiang Wan to ask which hotel she was staying at. Xiang Wan didn't reply until after the plane landed, when he received a hotel name.
Xiang Wan asked him, "Why are you asking this? You're not planning to come find me, are you?"
"What? Is it inconvenient? You don't want me to come?"
How could that be?
Ever since they got together, she didn't want to be apart from Lu Mingzhe for even a second.
Now that something like this had happened, she wished she could have his shoulder to lean on for companionship at all times.
Lu Mingzhe didn't explicitly say he had arrived and went to the hotel alone.
After checking in, he knocked on Xiang Wan's door, intending to surprise her, but she wasn't there.
He messaged her again, asking what she was busy with.
Xiang Wan was busy confirming styles and fabrics with the manufacturer and signing contracts. Her phone was in her bag, so she didn't hear it.
By the time everything was settled, Tang Haichao suggested they treat the person who connected them to a meal. On the way to the restaurant, she finally saw Lu Mingzhe's message.
She replied, "Going to dinner. I might be back late today. Wait until I get back, and I'll explain everything properly, okay?"
"Where are you eating? With whom? Why will you be back late?"
"With the people who helped me. Don't worry, I don't drink, and I'll eat well for the baby."
Lu Mingzhe was speechless for two seconds. "Send me the address."
Xiang Wan was taken aback. "What for? You're really coming? Are you coming to find me?"
"No. I'm worried about your safety, just being cautious."
Xiang Wan didn't think much of it and sent him the address.
The four of them went to the restaurant, sat down, and ordered. Tang Haichao began with pleasantries.
He first recalled old friendships and then thanked them for their help that day.
The two friends hadn't seen each other in a long time, and the friend expressed many emotions, immediately starting to drink.
The accompanying legal consultant was also a man, and drinking was unavoidable.
Everyone also poured wine for Xiang Wan. Before she could refuse, Tang Haichao restrained her wine glass.
"She'll pass. Her condition is special; she can't drink."
"Is Miss Xiang, perhaps, allergic to alcohol?"
"No. She's pregnant," Tang Haichao said candidly.
The consultant and the friend were stunned for a moment, then quickly reacted, raising their glasses to congratulate Tang Haichao.
"So you're expecting, congratulations. Miss Xiang is so beautiful; Brother Tang is truly blessed."
Xiang Wan was embarrassed and looked at Tang Haichao, hoping for an explanation.
Tang Haichao drank first, then smiled faintly. Before he could say anything, a tall, dark figure suddenly appeared and squeezed in next to Xiang Wan.
Lu Mingzhe squeezed onto the same chair as Xiang Wan, slung an arm around her shoulders, and loudly announced to everyone,
"Sorry I'm late. Hope you haven't been waiting long?"
The sudden appearance of a man, and one who was embracing the only lady present with such possessiveness, stunned the friend and the consultant.
"And who is this?"
"My boyfriend."
Although Xiang Wan was surprised by his sudden appearance, she was also delighted.
The moment they made physical contact, a sense of security washed over her, and she unconsciously smiled.
"Your boyfriend? This..."
Tang Haichao turned to look at Lu Mingzhe. Their eyes met, and he nodded, as if greeting him, then smiled faintly.
"Indeed. You were mistaken. Xiang Wan is like a sister to me, and this gentleman is her boyfriend."
"I was delayed by some urgent matters, which is why I accompanied her today. He insisted on treating us to this meal."
The two men finally understood. Seeing Lu Mingzhe's attire and distinguished demeanor, and his handsome looks, they felt he and Xiang Wan were a perfect match, and they reached out to shake Lu Mingzhe's hand.
Throughout the meal, everyone introduced themselves, promoted their businesses, and it felt like a business networking event. Although not particularly intimate, it was a harmonious gathering.
Since they had helped Xiang Wan significantly, Lu Mingzhe, as her boyfriend, had to offer several toasts.
When the banquet ended, he was noticeably tipsy.
They exchanged pleasantries and said their goodbyes at the restaurant entrance.
They saw them off first, then Tang Haichao.
Lu Mingzhe shook his hand. "Xiang Wan told me that I've been busy with work lately and have neglected many things concerning her. Fortunately, Mr. Tang was there to help."
"Rest assured, we are all friends from now on. If you ever need anything, just ask. Consider it my thanks to you on behalf of Xiang Wan."
Being men, Tang Haichao could understand the underlying meaning in Lu Mingzhe's words.
But he could only smile and agree.
Xiang Wan and Lu Mingzhe took a taxi back to the hotel. While waiting for the car, he leaned against Xiang Wan, making him sway precariously.
Xiang Wan tried to stand straight and reached out to pinch his chin.
"Who are you trying to show off to? Drinking so much, aren't you being childish?"
"Who do you think I'm showing off to? Anyone who has designs on my wife, that's who."
With no one else around, Lu Mingzhe hugged Xiang Wan from behind, finally able to say whatever he pleased.
"You're still so charming even though you're the mother of my child, making that Tang fellow willingly follow your lead. You're something else."
Hearing his jealousy, Xiang Wan pinched his chin hard.
"You're so petty. I knew you'd say something like this."
"Why do you think I know Tang Haichao?"
"At the time, I didn't expect him to fall for you at first sight!"
His jealousy boiling over, Lu Mingzhe wanted to bite her lips as they talked.
"Why do you have to be so beautiful? You attract attention everywhere. Some people don't even care that you're pregnant. I'm truly impressed."
In public, their embrace was already drawing attention, and he still wanted to kiss her?
Xiang Wan dodged slightly. "Don't attribute the worst motives to others. Tang Haichao and I have a purely platonic friendship."
"He said..."
"Tch, that kind of nonsense only fools women. How could I believe that?"
Lu Mingzhe cut her off decisively.
"Let me tell you, Xiang Wan, if there's such a thing as a 100% pure relationship between men and women, then pigs can give birth."