"Shi Jue! Stop targeting Xia Ningyan!" Lin Xilan scolded sternly. "Xia Ningyan, don't listen to his nonsense. That kid has a sharp tongue but a soft heart. The more he talks about you harshly on the surface, the more he actually cares about you in his heart," she said gently to Xia Ningyan.
"But, but..." Xia Ningyan lowered her head and felt uneasy. She carefully glanced at Shi Jue. She wanted to say something, but she hesitated.
"Don't worry about him. As long as I'm here, you can live in peace."
As she said this, Lin Xilan pulled Xia Ningyan to the living room. "Take off your apron. You don't have to do anything at home in the future. If you don't mind, spend more time with me." Lin Xilan emphasized the last three words. She then glanced at Shi Jue from the corner of her eyes.
"Auntie, I..."
"Auntie? Don't call me that. Just call me mom," Lin Xilan said.
"Yes, mom," Xia Ningyan shyly said as she turned to look at Shi Jue.
"Hey," Lin Xilan replied loudly. "Let me hug that child," she said as she took the little boy from Xia Ningyan's arms. "The child's name is Xia Rongxuan, right? From now on, he'll be called Shi Rongxuan."
Lin Xilan's tone was very authoritative. It did not sound like the child's name was open for discussion.
Xia Ningyan did not refute Lin Xilan and simply nodded in agreement.
A smile appeared on Lin Xilan's face after she saw Xia Ningyan's reaction.
As he watched the two women, Shi Jue felt a little resentful towards his mother.
His hatred towards Xia Ningyan increased sharply.
Since his mother was protecting Xia Ningyan, Shi Jue had no other choice but to compromise. However, he would not let her live with his family for too long.
A cold light flashed across his eyes. Shi Jue took a deep breath and decided not to look at them anymore. He turned around and walked out of the door.
"Shi Jue, it's time to eat. Where are you going?" Lin Xilan shouted. "Xia Ningyan made a lot of your favorite dishes."
Shi Jue felt angrier after hearing what his mother said.
"Eat them yourself!"
Shi Jue then took big strides and left without hesitation.
As she watched Shi Jue walk away, Xia Ningyan looked very troubled. "Mom, I, he..."
"Don't worry about him! He'll come around once he gets to know you," Lin Xilan told Xia Ningyan as she comforted her.
"Yes."
Xia Ningyan lowered her head to hide her eyes.
From the corner of her eyes, she caught a glimpse of Shi Jue as he walked away. Then, the corner of Xia Ningyan's mouth slowly rose. "No matter how unwilling you are now, you will still be mine in the future."
"As for Xia Weiyang and her children, I'll make sure that they will suffer!"
Shi Jue got into his car and left his house.
He was driving fast.
Looking at the gradually darkening sky, he felt even more irritated. Shi Jue's eyes were cold as he stared at the road ahead.
He arrived at his destination.
He entered the bar he frequented by himself.
He asked for a private room.
After ordering wine, Shi Jue sat on the sofa. Traces of intense anger and frustration were still visible on his face.
After pouring a glass of wine, Shi Jue raised his slender fingers and looked at the scarlet liquid inside the transparent wine glass. It looked like blood. He swirled it for a moment before he took a sip.
The private room was only reserved for him. Other customers were not allowed to use it even though Shi Jue was not at the bar.
Whenever he felt bored, he would always visit the bar to drink by himself inside the private room. He enjoyed the silence and the space that belonged to him.
He could no longer remember when this habit started.
Bang!
Suddenly, the door of the private room was kicked open.
Shi Jue immediately looked at the door with his sharp eyes.
Who was reckless enough to disturb him?