In this neighborhood, only Western-style villas dotted the landscape. These architectural marvels not only bore witness to the passage of time but also represented the residents' social status. Yi Qin found himself standing before the wrought iron gates of one such villa, his gaze transfixed on the interior, lost in contemplation.
Usually, Yi Qin wouldn't even hesitate before entering his own family home but these days, he really dreaded going home. Every time, the situation was the same. He was tired of listening to the same things. He had enjoyed the perks of being the youngest in the family all his life, but only now was he realizing that being the youngest also meant that he could be pressed by everyone in the family.
One of the biggest reasons why he was so keen on helping Liu Xinyu was this. He felt like he could relate to her. He was as lost as she was after losing his own dream. Sometimes, he also wanted to run away from home but he also knew he won't be able to succeed. It won't even take a day for his family to find him and drag him back home. And once he was found back, he wouldn't have it easy.
Suddenly, he heard the sound of an engine and turned his head. And once he did, he froze. In the gentle embrace of the sun-kissed spring afternoon, there came an icon - a beacon of automotive ingenuity. The Acura NSX, resplendent in its lustrous coat of Formula Red, commanded attention like a monarch amidst its court.
Yi Qin couldn't move his eyes away as he was enraptured by the NSX's allure even as it came to a stop in front of the iron gates of the villa and honked. He didn't think anyone in his family had this car. He was wondering who was inside when the door opened and he saw a long leg stretching out. Just seeing those red heels, he already knew who the owner of this car was.
As anticipated, Nan Xing emerged from the car, gracefully removing her black sunglasses and perching them atop her head. With a fleeting glance in Yi Qin's direction, she exuded an air of effortless elegance.
"Why are you standing out here?" asked Nan Xing in confusion. "No one's opening the door for you? Are you getting punished again, little trouble?" Her smooth and melodic voice had a hint of teasing evident in it.
"Sorry to disappoint you but I'm not getting punished this time around," replied Yi Qin.
"Tsk. That's really a disappointment," the corner of her lip lifted up slightly in a teasing manner making Yi Qin's blood boil with anger.
To calm himself down, he moved his eyes to the car behind her. Its low-slung profile and sculpted bodywork exuded a sense of purpose, a siren's call to those who sought the thrill of the open road.
Noticing his furtive gaze, Nan Xing's eyes held a smile. How could she not see his eagerness and passion? He wasn't even trying to hide it.
"Like it?" she asked in a low voice as if bewitching him. "With a 3.0 liter V6, its symphony of cylinders is ready to unleash a crescendo of power. With 270 horsepower coursing through its veins and a feather-light aluminum chassis like having a nimble dance partner, it slices through the corners with surgical precision, a ballet of balance and control. Do you wanna ride it?"
In a daze, Yi Qin ended up nodding and heard a chuckle that woke him up. He glared at Nan Xing.
"Don't wanna ride it! Who wants to ride this 1995 model? I don't! Hmph!" He looked away as if he was really disdained right now but inwardly, he really wanted to ride it. He didn't even have that many hobbies in life, one happened to be cars. Anyway, which guy his age didn't have an interest in cars?
Nan Xing gave him a glance before putting her sunglasses back on and stepping inside her luxury car. As the engine roared to life with a throaty growl, she rolled down the window and said, "I think, that suits you better, little trouble!" With that, she drove the car through the iron gates leaving him still standing outside.
Yi Qin looked at his bicycle that Nan Xing pointed at before leaving and stomped his foot. Why was everyone here to anger him today? He was already doubting his decision to come back home for the family dinner.
He slowly passed through the garden and still couldn't help glancing at the parked NSX. One thing he couldn't understand though was why Nan Xing was driving this car. Firstly, she didn't usually drive. Either she had her personal driver with her or her assistant. Second, although all her cars were luxurious, she wasn't the kind of person who would like something like Acura NSX.
Usually, she always sat in a BMW or a Mercedes-Benz. Yes, he also saw a Jaguar at her place but she didn't drive it. But today, she not only came in the NSX that didn't match her image of the elegant, sophisticated, and professional woman but she also drove here on her own. What a surprise!
"Young Master Qin is here," said the housekeeper as she looked at Yi Qin. Yi Qin returned her greeting and went inside.
He went straight to his grandfather's room to say hello to him. Seeing that he was taking a nap right now, Yi Qin didn't disturb him. Instead, he went to his room to freshen up and change his clothes. After doing that, he came to the kitchen and looked at Auntie Zhang making preparations for the dinner.
Their family had dinner early at around 6 in the evening. And it was already half past 4 now, so it was no surprise that Auntie Zhang looked busy. But she still stopped her work once she saw Yi Qin and smiled at him kindly, "Xiao Qin is back. Do you want to eat something special? I'll make it for you."
"I like everything Auntie makes," replied Yi Qin.
"You and your sweet mouth," chuckled Auntie Zhang as she pinched his face lovingly.
"But don't forget to make something light and pack it for me. I need to bring it to someone."
Auntie Zhang raised her brows and lowered her voice to ask, "Is it for your girlfriend? Is she unwell? Is that why you haven't been coming home these days?"
Yi Qin shook his head, "It's not her. It's a friend who is sick. I am taking care of a friend."
"Okay. I won't ask anymore. You take those walnut cakes and enjoy. I made those for you. Now, don't stay in the kitchen, it's too hot and the smoke isn't good for you either. Go outside and watch TV or something."
Yi Qin hurriedly found the walnut cakes to munch on and nodded his head in agreement with her. But as he was about to leave, Auntie Zhang stopped him, "Did you meet your mother?"
Yi Qin stopped and then sighed, "I'm going now."
Auntie Zhang smiled helplessly looking at his back and went back to her work.
Yi Qin slowly walked towards his parents' bedroom but before he could knock on the door, he heard a slam and stopped. The door was slightly ajar and he could hear the voices from inside.
"I told you to come early so that you can help Xiao Qiu with dinner. You not only came late but are also giving me excuses here?"
That voice belonged to his mother and it really made Yi Qin a bit uncomfortable. Usually, his mother's voice was always gentle and soft making her seem noble and elegant. But she'd only change her voice and demeanor once she faced Nan Xing, her prospective daughter-in-law. And that's why, Yi Qin was certain that it was still Nan Xing who was facing his mother's anger right now.
"Auntie, I already explain to you. An unexpected meeting came up. If I didn't meet Mr. Daniel today, I'd have to wait for a month. I'm not making excuses here," replied Nan Xing in a calm and unhurried manner. She seemed unfazed by the displeasure of her future mother-in-law as if it didn't concern her at all.
And her unbothered attitude always riled Mrs. Yi even more as it was doing right now.
"Meetings, work, office—does anything else ever cross your mind? You're marrying my son in just a few months, and yet you're clueless about running a household. How can I trust you to be a suitable eldest daughter-in-law? Are you trying to embarrass me in front of my sisters?"
Nan Xing couldn't fathom her mother-in-law's mindset. All she seemed concerned about were her gossiping cronies, who whiled away their days playing mahjong, shopping, or pampering themselves at salons and spas. And if they grew bored, they'd resort to scandalous pursuits like exposing their husbands' mistresses or humiliating their sons' girlfriends. Did Nan Xing really need to win the approval of such shallow acquaintances? She did not think so.
She was Nan Xing, a name that commanded respect and recognition in society. Did her mother-in-law even comprehend the significance of her name? Nan Xing had never sought validation from the likes of Mrs. Yi's sisters. In fact, she had never needed anyone's approval. That's why she remained unfazed by Mrs. Yi's incessant criticisms and attempts to find fault with her.
It was an undeniable fact that Mrs. Yi harbored a deep-seated dislike for her. But Nan Xing had no inclination to indulge in coaxing or flattery to win her favor. She believed her time and energy were better spent elsewhere.
Regardless of Mrs. Yi's animosity, Nan Xing knew her actions were limited to glares and harsh words. After all, the decision of whether or not to marry her son was never within Mrs. Yi's control. Nan Xing couldn't help but pity her mother-in-law's futile attempts, so she humored her, allowing her to vent her frustrations.