Reborn to Redeem: Their Abusive Love
Chapter 37: Irritable

Chapter 37: Irritable

Their gazes met from afar.

Xu Si saw the worry in his eyes, felt a soft comfort in her heart, and smiled, "Sure, come over whenever you want to."

Then she lowered her eyes to glance at her wristwatch. "Time’s up, I have to go."

"Okay, Auntie, goodbye."

The night was thin, and Pei Zhen watched her leave.

He caught the scent of cedar from her again, the same fragrance from two years ago that could give one the illusion of serenity.

He stood there for a while before coming back to his senses. He then picked up the book that was upside down on the sofa, flipping through it with even greater seriousness than before. It was as if some interesting, engaging content attracted him, compelling him to immerse himself in the pages of the hardcover book.

Butler Ge, bringing him water, glanced over and, surprised, said, "Young Master Pei, are you reading a German textbook?"

"Thank you, Butler Ge."

Pei Zhen took the glass of water, wrapped in his grey coat, nodded calmly, and replied, "Yes, I borrowed it from a classmate on purpose."

"Does the young master have any plans?"

The air carried a faint woody fragrance in early February, and the sky was devoid of stars.

Pei Zhen put down the book, his voice as soft as the warmth of spring, "Yes, I want to go to university in Germany."

Butler Ge was stunned for a moment, then smiled kindly, "Miss Xu’s university is also in Germany. That’s quite a coincidence."

Pei Zhen looked out the window and, after a long pause, chuckled softly to himself in a volume only he could hear, "Ah, it’s not a coincidence at all."

He really wanted to attend the same university as his auntie.

...

This year, Wen Jiaojiao’s grandfather turned 80.

Wen Jiaojiao’s mother was the head of the Wen Family. Her father had married into the family, so Wen Jiaojiao also took her mother’s surname. It was to the Wen Family’s grand mansion that Xu Si was heading.

Unlike the Xu Family’s unconventional decorative style, the Wen Family’s was very European and standard. People of that era favored opulence, and wealthy families would renovate their old mansions to brilliantly reflect their social status.

The dim, shifting light from the walls illuminated the procession of luxury cars continuously arriving.

Before the event, many had speculated if Miss Xu would make an appearance to offer birthday wishes.

Two years had passed without any news of her.

It was only heard that Xu’s Real Estate was becoming more stable, which naturally aroused the curiosity and greed of many.

When Xu Si’s sports car finally arrived, many who were still waiting in their cars stepped out. They pretended to casually glance over, only for their gazes to return filled with admiration.

Xu Si wore a tasteful deep brown spring dress cinched with a black leather belt. A white pearl necklace adorned her neck, and a gold luxury watch graced her fair wrist. Her ruby earrings complemented her rosy lips.

Her attire was simple yet sophisticated, its fashion sense elevated entirely by her accessories.

She wasn’t overly flamboyant, yet she possessed a subtle, high-class intellectual beauty.

This suited her transition from a rich heiress to a genuine magnate.

It was the first time she presented herself in front of everyone as a member of the Xu Family.

She faced all the scrutinizing gazes, each filled with different intentions, escorted by bodyguards as she walked step by step into the Wen Family’s reception hall, her every step radiating a formidable presence.

Being a familiar guest, the Wen Family’s butler naturally led her to Wen Jiaojiao’s grandfather. She sat next to the seat of honor, chatting with the old man for a good while.

Finally, the grandfather looked at her lovingly. His aged voice, though lacking youthful vigor, still carried the distinct concern of an elder for the younger generation.

"Xiaoxu," he said, "your father left us too early. For you to support such a large family business all by yourself... you’re a good child. You’ve truly grown up."

To many, Xu Si might have seemed arrogant and fearless, simply lucky to inherit the family business so young. They likely scoffed, jeered, and awaited her downfall. However, Wen Grandpa knew she had poured her heart and soul into it.

She devoted all her time to managing complex affairs.

Xu Si smiled gently, her tone soothing as she shared a title with Wen Jiaojiao, uttering auspicious words, "Grandpa, please stay well and healthy. May your blessings be abundant. Aunt Wen is capable, Jiaojiao has grown up—only good days lie ahead."

The guests present all followed with laughter.

Only one person’s expression flickered repeatedly.

That was Xie Ming, who was doused in chicken blood jelly just last night.

He wore a white suit, his hair neatly slicked back. His features were handsome, and he had even meticulously sprayed on a strong men’s eau de cologne. Unlike his usual nightclub attire, his present dignified appearance made him seem like a spirited young nobleman.

Yet, those passing by who knew what had happened last night couldn’t help but feel he was trying to cover something up, to mask a filthy stench of blood.

Xie Ming touched the base of his wine glass, constantly staring at Xu Si’s radiant face through the exchange of drinks. He lounged with a dejected yet debonair air.

He had been angry to hear that Xu Si would also be attending. But there she sat among the crowd, smiling so charmingly. With the gentle light shining on her, she seemed to glow brighter than anyone else.

Her lip color was vibrant and alluring, utterly stunning.

He found his anger waning.

He knew this behavior was lecherous by nature, but he never denied it, did he? Indeed, he now wanted to put aside his prejudices and get to know Xu Si all over again.

The banquet, with its speeches and social niceties, lasted three hours.

Xu Si stayed by Wen Grandpa’s side the entire time.

Only when the banquet was nearly over and most guests had departed did Xie Ming lean by the doorway with a smile, his long legs casually blocking the path. He watched Xu Si approach and said flirtatiously, "Miss Xu, hello."

No reaction?

Xu Si simply nodded towards him. Her gaze, clear and serene, lingered on him no more than necessary as she focused on the path ahead. She then sidestepped past him and descended the spacious steps.

As if their past conflict never happened.

What the hell!

"Miss Xu, wait a moment," Xie Ming said. His gaze turned cold for an instant, his eyes narrowed slightly, and his voice darkened—not out of anger, but rather a reluctance to be ignored. He quickly caught up to Xu Si.

"Don’t I deserve an explanation for what happened yesterday?"

Yesterday? Xu Si frowned imperceptibly, glancing at him, her tone as light as drifting mist, "You’re Xie Ming?"

"Damn." Xie Ming looked up, his voice now colder. "Miss Xu, we were classmates. You don’t even remember what I look like, yet you sent me a bucket of filthy blood and caused me to lose face. Isn’t that going a bit too far?"

His emotions churned with irritation and frustration.

"So it is you, Classmate Xie." Xu Si slightly raised her eyebrows, her tone cold. "Before you question me, have you forgotten the excessive things you’ve done? Do I need to remind you?"

"That won’t be necessary," Xie Ming said, suppressing his anger and smiling again. "Business is all about competition, but we’re not discussing business right now, so let’s drop it."

"Indeed. Suit yourself. We’ll handle business matters when we’re doing business," Xu Si replied with a slight smile, turning to leave. Even as she issued this veiled threat, her demeanor remained aloof and detached, her eyes devoid of fear.

That smile stirred something in Xie Ming, and on impulse, he reached out and grasped Xu Si’s waist. It felt wonderfully slender beneath his touch.

A thrill shot through him. His smile turned flirtatious.

"Hey, don’t go. Since you’ve forgotten me, let’s get reacquainted."