Sixty-Three

 The sunlight was still pretty good today, shining into the bathroom. Zhou Yang, with his back to the light, looked obscure and unclear. After a moment, he continued fixing the pipe and asked, “How did you know?”

He didn’t hide it anymore and admitted openly. Just didn’t know who let it slip.

Su Hao took another tissue and wiped the sweat off his neck, whispering, “I guessed.”

“Is that your way of showing off?” Su Hao asked lightly.

Zhou Yang laughed but didn’t respond, too embarrassed to answer.

Su Hao also smiled and watched his well-defined fingers working on the leak. The old house had its main valve on the first floor, connected to the neighboring supermarket.

Since the supermarket needed water, once it was turned off, it couldn’t be used. So, they had to find someone to quickly seal it up. A young master like him, with fingers unaccustomed to manual labor, was surprisingly skillful, fixing it quite competently. Su Hao tossed the tissue and asked, “How did you learn this?”

“Learned it,” Zhou Yang said, closing the wooden panel and then the toolbox. He stood up, nudged the door with his long legs, and pulled Su Hao into his embrace.

He leaned against the door while Su Hao leaned into him, her fingertips resting on his chest as she looked up at him.

“Where did you learn it?”

Her dress was quite thin, and his palm, touching her waist, was rough and warm. Zhou Yang smiled and said, “I learned it during my years at Harvard. I assembled military weapons and such.”

Implying that he was very capable with his hands.

Su Hao nodded. “Impressive.”

“Then, how about a reward?” He lowered his head, inhaling the scent of her hair, tilting his head, and his lips landed on her cheek. Su Hao tilted her head slightly but didn’t try to move away. Her gaze fell on the repaired pipe, and with close inspection, one could see that the originally broken section was now patched up, and Zhou Yang’s new work was evident.

His delicate kisses moved to her neck. Su Hao held onto his collar, her cheeks flushing, and said, “I’ve noticed that sometimes you’re quite ruthless.”

Zhou Yang paused, his voice muffled, “Really?”

Su Hao chuckled softly, “You know yourself.”

Zhou Yang placed a kiss on the corner of her lips, “It’s all for you.”

Su Hao responded, “Don’t. I don’t dare to take on that responsibility.”

After the kiss, Zhou Yang raised his head, pressed her face against his chest, and looked at the light coming in from outside, along with the dust dancing in the air. He tightened his embrace and said, “I’m a good person.”

Su Hao laughed.

She gave his chest a light punch.

She found that the more time she spent with him, the less she was concerned about things, and she could say many things openly. He, on the other hand, understood everything with a glance. The more he understood, the more arrogant he seemed.

The door panel was knocked on.

The two of them paused, their breathing becoming awkward.

Then they heard Cheng Ling asking from behind the door, “Su Hao? Zhou Yang, is it done?”

Su Hao immediately pulled away from Zhou Yang’s embrace and replied, “It’s done.”

After saying this, she pushed Zhou Yang aside and went to open the door.

Zhou Yang stepped aside. The empty feeling in his arms was quite unpleasant, and Su Hao’s hasty attempt to distance herself made him even more uncomfortable.

When the door was opened.

Cheng Ling, holding a spatula, first glanced at the water pipe on the floor, which was already covered with the wooden panel. She sighed in relief and asked, “Where’s Zhou Yang?”

“He’s washing his hands,” Su Hao calmly said as she stepped out of the bathroom and adjusted her collar.

“Oh, good.” Cheng Ling had never thought Su Hao would be with Zhou Yang, so she didn’t dwell on it. She turned and went back to the kitchen, but after a couple of seconds, she stuck her head out and asked, “Su Hao, is he eating here?”

Su Hao poured a glass of water and heard the sound of water in the bathroom, which meant he was probably washing his face. Su Hao nodded, “Yes, he’s eating here. It’s already this time.”

“Alright.” Cheng Ling went back to the kitchen.

The light in the bathroom was blocked for a moment, and Zhou Yang came out with his sleeves rolled up and some water droplets on his neck, likely from washing his face. He walked over to the coffee table, bent down to pick up his watch, fastened it, and then looked at Su Hao, who was by the dining table. Su Hao poured a glass of water, brought it over, and placed it on the coffee table after making eye contact with him.

Zhou Yang adjusted his shirt collar, reached out to take the cup, and as he brushed past her, he asked softly, “When are you going to tell Aunt Cheng? Always like this, and I look like a mistress.”

Su Hao gave him a look, seemingly indicating, “Aren’t you always like that? You always are.”

Zhou Yang narrowed his eyes, catching her implied meaning.

He felt a pang in his chest.

A second later, as he drank his water, he spoke lazily, “This matter still needs my mom’s help, but she tends to be a hindrance.”

Su Hao was surprised that his thoughts aligned with hers, and she said, “You’re quite self-aware.”

Zhou Yang remained silent.

At this moment, Cheng Ling’s voice came from the kitchen, calling Su Hao to help with the dishes. Su Hao turned and went into the kitchen, where two dishes were already prepared.

Cheng Ling said, “I don’t know if he’ll like it. Anyway, I took out all the vegetables from the fridge.”

Su Hao replied, “If he likes it, let him eat more; if not, he can eat less. He doesn’t lack this meal.”

Cheng Ling agreed, “That’s true.”

Feeling relieved, Cheng Ling continued cooking. Su Hao brought out the dishes, and soon they were ready to eat. During this time, Zhou Yang received a phone call, and there were four dishes and one soup.

The three of them sat down. Su Hao served Zhou Yang some soup, and he helped Su Hao with the dishes. They interacted but kept a bit of distance.

Cheng Ling didn’t notice any special relationship between them.

After dinner, Zhou Yang checked his phone and said, “Tonight we’re going to Liu Yan’s bar. It just opened.”

Su Hao nodded.

Cheng Ling added, “Don’t stay out too late.”

“Mm, okay.” Su Hao responded.

She helped clear the dishes and chatted with Cheng Ling in the kitchen before coming out and leaving with Zhou Yang. Cheng Ling, suddenly remembering something, came out and called, “Su Hao.”

Zhou Yang’s hand on Su Hao’s waist was abruptly removed.

He turned to look at Su Hao.

Su Hao turned to look at Cheng Ling.

Cheng Ling didn’t see their actions but reminded Su Hao, “Don’t drink too much. Just enjoy yourself.”

“Got it.” Su Hao smiled.

Zhou Yang stood aside, feeling a deep sense of frustration. Having to hide his identity in front of his girlfriend’s mother was quite uncomfortable for him. He crushed the cigarette he was holding in his hand.

After the door closed.

In the hallway, only the two of them remained. Su Hao glanced at him.

Zhou Yang put the crushed cigarette back in his pocket, then took Su Hao’s hand and turned to go downstairs.

His tone was somewhat cold. “What’s wrong with me? Hmm?”

Su Hao asked, “What do you think is so great about you?”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yang stopped in his tracks and turned back. Su Hao was standing on the previous step, her eyes soft. She smiled and said, “Ordinary girls can’t play with men like you. Parents of ordinary girls also avoid men like you like the plague.”

Zhou Yang climbed the steps, getting closer to Su Hao, his knee touching hers. “If I had gotten someone pregnant, Aunt Cheng wouldn’t be able to oppose it, right?”

His breath was close, and his fingertips had a hint of mint scent. Su Hao looked at him, sensing that his proud demeanor might not hold up well in front of his mother.

It hurt his pride.

She asked, “In the past, why didn’t you have a child?”

Zhou Yang played with her earlobe, “They’re not worthy.”

When the topic of children came up, Zhou Yang seemed more animated, his fingertips pressing against her abdomen.

Su Hao swatted his hand away.

Zhou Yang raised his eyebrows but didn’t continue, taking her hand and continuing downstairs.

His irritation and frustration eased a bit.

A child was also an option.

After getting into the car, Su Hao saw a message from Liu Yan.

Liu Yan: Su Hao, remember to come tonight.

Su Hao: Okay, on the way.

The black Bentley started, driving out onto the main road towards the bar street in the city center. Su Hao glanced at the man driving. He took out a cigarette, not lighting it, and bit it while looking at her. They exchanged glances several times, and Zhou Yang, with the cigarette dangling from his mouth, squeezed her hand.

Liu Yan’s bar was located in the central area but in a less busy part, quite a corner. There were many cars parked outside, all luxury vehicles.

Probably the young masters and young ladies from prominent families were here.

The music was soft and not too loud. After the car stopped, Zhou Yang wrapped his arm around Su Hao’s waist and walked in. At the door, they ran into Li Yi, who was leaning against the wall, on the phone.

From the tone, it seemed he was comforting someone.

He gestured to let them in and greeted Su Hao. Su Hao smiled at him, and Zhou Yang asked with a faint smile, “Ran into some temptress?”

Li Yi replied, “Su Hao, manage him. He’s got a sharp tongue.”

Su Hao laughed and glanced at Zhou Yang.

Zhou Yang coughed, acting meekly as he embraced Su Hao and walked in.

Li Yi stayed by the wall, observing and clicking his tongue.

Zhou Yang was not that impressive.

The bar’s private seats were designed in a crescent shape. Xu Dian, Meng Ying, Jiang Yu, and Yun Lu were sitting in the crescent-shaped booth, playing dice. Zhou Yang took Su Hao over, and Yun Lu waved, so Su Hao sat next to her. Zhou Yang casually grabbed a fruit cocktail and placed it in front of Su Hao.

He then sat on the edge of the sofa, wrapped his arm around her waist, and tapped the cigarette given by Liu Yan on the table.

Xu Dian threw a dice cup over. Zhou Yang caught it, rolled up his shirt sleeves, and, with the cigarette still in his mouth, started playing. “What should we drink?”

He asked, lifting his gaze.

Xu Dian took a piece of mint and chewed on it, saying, “Drinking contest? Let’s wait for Liu Yan to come over and see what she wants to compete with us.”

“She probably won’t have time,” Zhou Yang said.

As more and more people gathered in the bar, Liu Yan appeared at the bar counter. The crowd urged her to come over and toast, but Liu Yan leaned against the bar and said, “I’m not married, so why should I come over to toast you? I’m not going.”

A group of people laughed.

Su Hao took a sip of fruit wine and looked over to the bar counter, now crowded with people.

But Liu Yan seemed to have said something, and a few people laughed as they stood up, saying they wanted to toast her. When she didn’t accept, it turned into everyone coming over to toast Zhou Yang and the others.

One by one, they came over with their glasses and immediately noticed Su Hao sitting next to Zhou Yang. A few exchanged glances and then bowed to Su Hao, saying, “Sister-in-law! You’re really beautiful.”

Su Hao was taken aback.

“Hello.”

Her voice was soft.

As soon as she spoke, everyone else fell silent. Her voice was so pleasant that Zhou Yang kicked the leader and said, “Get lost!”

They were all playboys.

Used to dealing with people, they felt something different about someone as proper and gentle as Su Hao. The leader was stunned for a moment, hurriedly finished his drink, and awkwardly left with his group.

Sometimes, men really can’t resist women with such tender, gentle charm.

Zhou Yang placed his glass on the table, moved closer to Su Hao, and cornered her. He whispered, “When we’re outside, can you be a bit fiercer to others? Hmm? Like you are with me, sharp-tongued.”

Su Hao pushed his shoulder, “I’ll try.”

Zhou Yang snorted coldly.

He had never realized before that Su Hao’s type was actually the “white moonlight” in many men’s hearts.

Damn it.

Tonight, the bar was having a grand opening, and Liu Yan organized a lottery. Drinking a special drink she mixed would allow you to participate in the lottery. Zhou Yang was somewhat interested and kissed Su Hao’s lips before saying, “Wait for me here. I’ll get you a big prize.”

Su Hao nodded, leaning on the table, watching. Laughter occasionally erupted from the bar counter. Su Hao looked over and saw Zhou Yang sitting at the bar with a crowd around him. He was laughing with his forehead resting on his hand, his collar slightly open, still charming as ever.

Xu Dian and Jiang Yu also joined the fun, leaving only three women here. Yun Lu grabbed Su Hao’s hand and chattered on. Su Hao listened attentively. Yun Lu was indeed very cute and often added little nuances to her speech.

Meng Ying occasionally joined in the conversation. The atmosphere among the three was very harmonious. At this moment, a tall figure appeared in their booth. Su Hao looked up and met Li Xiu’s exquisite face.

Li Xiu smiled, “Sister Su Hao, long time no see.”

“Long time no see,” Su Hao responded.

Li Xiu stood there with a dismissive expression. She glanced at Meng Ying and Yun Lu, greeting them as well. Yun Lu looked at Li Xiu with curiosity, while Meng Ying lost interest after a quick glance. Li Xiu scanned the wine glasses on the table and said, “Sister Su Hao, how have you been lately? Are you drinking fruit wine?”

Su Hao glanced at her glass and nodded, “Yes.”

“Fruit wine is still wine. Sister Su Hao, you should drink less,” Li Xiu tilted her head slightly, as if concerned.

Su Hao said, “I will.”

There was a brief silence.

“May I sit for a while? I’d like to chat with you,” Li Xiu asked cautiously. Su Hao glanced at Yun Lu, who nodded, and Su Hao smiled and moved over slightly, “Sure.”

Li Xiu took a seat beside Su Hao. She was wearing a black spaghetti strap dress that revealed a bit of her collarbone. Su Hao immediately noticed a tattoo on her collarbone.

A prominent Z.

Su Hao’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she remained composed.

Li Xiu leaned slightly towards Su Hao and said, “I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t had time to contact you. I must congratulate you for being with Zhou Yang.”

With such a beautiful opening, Su Hao smiled, “Thank you.”

Li Xiu’s eyelashes were long, and her eyeshadow was heavy. When she lowered her eyes, she had a somewhat melancholic look. After a few seconds, she leaned closer to Su Hao and whispered, “Sister.”

“Zhou Yang is going crazy for you today, fighting, kneeling, roses, balloons—only because you’re so hard to get. Sooner or later, he’ll get bored because he’s simply not that kind of person. He won’t change for any woman, and the novelty will wear off.”

Her voice remained soft and delicate.

Talking to Su Hao was like chatting, but each word was cutting.

Yun Lu’s eyes widened.

Meng Ying, on the opposite side, became interested and sat up straight.

Su Hao rested her chin on her hand, looking at Li Xiu. She thought that the newcomer was indeed not here with good intentions. After a few seconds of silence, she agreed, “You’re quite right.”

Li Xiu’s eyelashes fluttered, and she immediately looked at Su Hao, thinking she had won.

Su Hao’s eyes were warm and devoid of any aggression, “Then, why don’t you make Zhou Yang kneel for you, fight for you? Would you?”

Li Xiu’s face changed drastically.

She looked at Su Hao, who appeared innocent, with disbelief.

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