"Thank you, Dad."
She gave Qiao Sheng a grateful look, followed by an apologetic glance at Lu Moqing.
"I'm sorry, Mo Qing, I originally wanted to share my happiness with you, but I didn't expect..."
She bitterly tugged at the corner of her lips, showing her grievances and helplessness in front of Lu Moqing.
Seeing Su Rou like this, Qiao Sheng felt even more guilty.
"Xiao Rou, it's all Dad's fault for making you feel wronged today."
"It's okay, Dad. If my sister doesn't acknowledge me, I'll work hard in the future to change her view of me and make her like me."
She obediently held Qiao Sheng's arm and said, "Dad, don't be angry with my sister. After all, my mom really did something wrong, and it's only right that my sister takes it out on me."
Her understanding and willingness to take the blame not only served to show off in front of Qiao Sheng but also to let Lu Moqing see it.
He had been acquainted with her for so many years and had always been responsive to her requests, but his attitude was always indifferent, not cold, but distant and aloof. No matter what she did, she could not get close to him, let alone enter his heart.
She was well aware that being Lu Moqing's wife would give her a greater sense of superiority than being Qiao Sheng's daughter.
"Mr. Qiao, should we serve the dishes now?"
The waiter, sensing the tense atmosphere earlier, had been hesitant to approach but now came over with a thick skin since Qiao Xu had left.
"Go ahead."
Qiao Sheng was somewhat dejected and looked at Lu Moqing, saying, "Mo Qing, Xiao Rou ordered some of your favorite dishes. Let's eat together."
He subtly linked Su Rou with Lu Moqing. This obvious motive, how could Lu Moqing not detect?
Seeing Lu Moqing glance at his watch, he said, "No need. I came here with Qiao Xu, and now I need to take her back. I'll treat you to dinner next time."
His polite words lacked the respect a son-in-law should have.
His direct refusal also painted a hint of disappointment in Su Rou's eyes, but she still maintained her usual decorum and attentiveness in front of Lu Moqing.
"Then you should hurry up and take my sister back. She's in a bad mood, so take good care of her."
Lu Moqing didn't bother with Su Rou and unconsciously sped up his steps toward the exit. From afar, he saw Qiao Xu slowly walking towards the parking lot.
Her slender figure carried a momentary heartache and sadness.
There weren't many cars in the parking lot, and Qiao Xu immediately spotted her SUV. Reaching into her bag to grab the keys, she remembered they were in Lu Moqing's hands.
Her brows furrowed, and just as she was about to go find Lu Moqing to get her keys back, her mobile phone began ringing inside her bag.
When Lu Moqing arrived, he saw Qiao Xu's previously desolate face reveal a tender, gentle smile as she looked at the incoming call on her phone that he felt was very distant.
Once, that gentle smile was reserved only for him, but now it was for someone other than him.
A shade of annoyance rose rapidly in Lu Moqing's heart, and he quickened his pace toward Qiao Xu.
He heard her speak with an extremely gentle voice, "What's wrong, baby?... Yeah, I'll be back soon; you go eat first..."
At this moment, Qiao Xu was far from the sharp, aggressive persona she displayed in the restaurant, her gentleness infuriatingly unbearable.
Baby?
Damn it! Who was she calling baby?!