Chapter 7: Humble Little Lu

“Am I not your favorite daughter anymore?”

“Heh, you're not worthy.”

Lu Yiqi: “...”

So heartless! So cold-blooded! How pathetic I am!

After a few seconds, the pitiful little Lu mumbled, “If I go next door and bring Xie Xu over now, will you change your mind?”

“If you think you can, go ahead.”

For the sake of a good meal instead of instant noodles or takeout, Lu Yiqi was ready to risk it all. She had already embarrassed herself in front of Xie Xu before—what was one more time?

So, with a fierce determination, Lu Yiqi stormed next door. Just as she was about to press the doorbell, her courage faltered.

She suddenly wondered if it was too late to salvage the shreds of dignity she’d already stomped to pieces...

But she’d already made her bold declaration...

Since she was going to lose face anyway, why not do it and at least enjoy a feast afterward?

That settled it!

She raised her hand and pressed the doorbell.

Moments later, the door opened.

Seeing Lu Yiqi, Xie Xu sounded a little surprised. “What brings you here?”

Lu Yiqi gave an awkward laugh, her hand unconsciously scratching her head. “Well... I just wanted to ask if you’d like to come over to my place for dinner?”

“Oh?” Xie Xu replied with interest. “Weren’t you just shaking your head at me before, telling me not to come? Why the sudden change of heart?”

Lu Yiqi: “...”

Why expose me so quickly? Couldn’t you let me save a little face?

At a loss for words, Lu Yiqi just kept grinning at him, trying to win him over with her brightest smile.

But the dazzling smile didn’t last long before Xie Xu commented, “Stop smiling, you look like a total goof.”

“!!!”

Lu Yiqi shot him a furious glare.

You’re the goof! Your whole family’s a bunch of goofs!

“So are you coming or not? What’s past is past. Now is now. I’ve changed my mind and want to invite you to dinner at my place. Is that so wrong?” Lu Yiqi straightened her back, trying to sound as confident as possible.

“...It’s not wrong.”

“So, are you coming?”

“I am.”

With Xie Xu’s answer, Lu Yiqi lifted her chin proudly, shooting Xie Xu a look as if to say, “See? My awkwardness was all for your benefit.” She looked genuinely pleased.

“Then let’s go now.”

“Alright.”

As soon as Lu Yiqi brought Xie Xu home, she rushed to show off to Chen Wan. “Mom! Look who’s here.”

Chen Wan, seeing Xie Xu, gave Lu Yiqi a look that said, “Well done.”

Lu Yiqi returned a look that said, “Of course.”

Chen Wan approached and greeted Xie Xu. “Xie, take a seat, watch some TV if you like. I’ll go whip up something delicious for you.”

Xie Xu remained composed and courteous. “Thank you, Auntie.”

With that, Chen Wan headed toward the kitchen—but after a few steps, she turned back.

“Xie, if you don’t feel like watching TV and get bored, just take a look around, or have Yiqi chat with you or something.”

Lu Yiqi froze, staring at her mother in disbelief: Mom, are you really trying to set me up like this...

After Chen Wan left, Lu Yiqi glanced at Xie Xu in silence for a couple of seconds, then decided to take the initiative. “Xie Xu, let me turn on the TV for you.”

“No need.”

Lu Yiqi’s hand, reaching for the remote, froze awkwardly.

“I don’t like watching TV.” Xie Xu lounged on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, his voice lazy and relaxed. “Besides, didn’t Auntie just say that if I get bored, you should keep me company?”