Here, Song Ligang not only works as a bodyguard but also works part-time as a driver.
After safely delivering the three women to the Xu Family Villa,
he drove away.
On the other hand, as the boss, Xu Shi,
has eliminated all possible danger factors.
First, the relationship between Song Ligang and Song Yuqi.
With the Gao siblings backing them,
unless Song Ligang or Song Yuqi reveals it themselves,
no one will ever know about their connection.
And no one will be able to find out.
Secondly, regarding talent,
the Xu family's approach is simple and brutal.
Money! Money! And even more money!!!
The residence is located in a high-end community.
The car provided is no less than a ￥500,000 model.
As for salaries and annual bonuses,
there’s no need to mention them.
The Xu Family Villa is quite spacious.
Finding a room to stay is effortless.
"Sister Zhiqi, my clothes might not fit you, so tonight, just use Sister An’s for now. Or I’ll have someone send some over. This pajama, however, you should be able to wear; it’s brand new, with a size similar to Sister An’s."
Xu Shi busied herself around the room.
No need to misunderstand;
housekeeping staff cleans the villa at specific times.
Seeing a speck of dust is harder than ascending to the sky.
Han Zhiqi sat on the bed, her small hands fidgeting,
feeling unusually flustered.
The failed attempt to assassinate Lin Fan was just that—a failure.
And now,
this was Han Zhiqi's first time visiting the Xu family,
and she was prepared to live under the same roof as Xu Mo.
How could she not feel nervous?
"Will Uncle and Auntie be unhappy that I’m staying here?"
Xu Shi paused her movements,
smiling warmly,
and patiently replied,
"Oh, my dear Sister Zhiqi, I’ve told you several times already. My parents are very welcoming to my friends staying over, and you’re not a stranger, anyway."
"You’ve met my parents before, haven’t you?"
As Shi Shi spoke,
she gently placed a fair, delicate hand on Han Zhiqi’s shoulder and patted it.
"Just feel free and stay as long as you like; it’s just an extra mouth to feed, after all."
Hearing this,
Han Zhiqi could only force a smile.
Xu Fuqiang and Su Ting had graciously accepted her.
But what about Zhou Qiaoqiao?
Would she harbor animosity toward her?
While Han Zhiqi was lost in these scattered thoughts,
some commotion echoed from downstairs in the villa.
Since the room door was open,
the noise was audible.
"Huh, are Mom and Dad back?"
Xu Shi tilted her head inquisitively.
Han Zhiqi’s previously relaxed heart tensed up once more.
She stammered,
"Wh-what should I do?"
Xu Shi reassured her with a smile,
"If you’re still not at ease, why not follow me downstairs to say hello?"
Han Zhiqi thought it made sense.
Having come to someone else’s home,
it would be impolite not to greet the elders.
Before long,
the two women descended the stairs.
Xu Fuqiang and Su Ting were casually chatting
when they noticed their daughter leading another girl down.
They were momentarily stunned.
Because this girl,
they recognized her!
"Hello, Uncle and Auntie."
"Ah, yes, yes, yes."
"Xiao Qi, are you Xiao Qi, right?"
Su Ting blinked and asked.
Han Zhiqi shyly nodded.
Xu Shi quickly explained,
"Mom and Dad, this is what happened: Sister Zhiqi wants to stay with us for a while."
"Welcome, welcome! Stay as long as you like."
Su Ting’s face lit up with a smile as she walked over to Han Zhiqi.
"Xiao Qi, you’ve grown up so much. Come, let me take a look. Just treat our home as your own."
Su Ting naturally hugged Han Zhiqi,
her movements, expressions, and tone all effortless
with no hint of pretense.
Han Zhiqi stiffened momentarily,
feeling as though her heart might melt at that very moment.
She had long anticipated this moment,
even dreaming about it.
Though this hug was just a part of it,
the most important thing was her desire for Su Ting to be her mother.
And for her, Han Zhiqi, to become their daughter-in-law.
However, all of this was currently only a fantasy.
In the following time,
Su Ting engaged Han Zhiqi in conversation.
From her initial uneasiness
to gradually finding solace.
Han Zhiqi marveled at how well they conversed.
Here,
she didn’t need to put on any pretenses,
allowing herself to be at her most relaxed state.
While the two women chatted,
Xu Fuqiang assured Han Zhiqi she was welcome to stay as long as she liked,
then went upstairs.
Old Xu was quite considerate.
Soon after,
a car’s noise sounded outside the door.
Then Xu Mo and Zhou Qiaoqiao arrived home.
Xu Mo assumed it was just another ordinary day,
when he stepped inside
and saw a familiar face.
At first, he thought he was mistaken
but realized Zhou Qiaoqiao was beside him, pulling him back amusedly.
"What are you doing?"
"Uh, I was just wondering if we left something in the car."
Xu Mo casually made up an excuse.
On the other hand, Su Ting saw her son return,
waving her hand to signal him over.
"My dear boy, don’t you recognize your own home? Come here."
Xu Mo nodded,
walking over rather awkwardly, resembling a perplexed goose.
*Holy crap! What’s happening here!?*
*Why is my ex-girlfriend in my house?*
*Well, it’s been years, and I remember her, but she might not remember me.*
*Don’t panic, don’t be afraid. If she’s here due to whatever reason, Xu Mo, you gotta face it.*
*Smile and deal with it.*
As Su Ting was about to introduce Zhou Qiaoqiao as her daughter-in-law,
but Zhou Qiaoqiao, as if right at home, warmly greeted Han Zhiqi
and hugged her, almost like long-lost friends.
Su Ting wondered,
"Oh, you two know each other?"
Zhou Qiaoqiao laughed,
"Of course, we do, Mom."
Su Ting realized,
given both being part of the four major families of Shanghai,
they had to know each other.
Tonight, she admitted, she was probably a bit tipsy and tired.
After a bit more talk,
she headed upstairs.
Now, only Xu Mo, Xu Shi, Zhou Qiaoqiao, and Han Zhiqi remained in the hall.
One man and three women,
eyed each other awkwardly.
Xu Mo felt incredibly awkward,
desperate for a hole to disappear into,
surrounded by these female leads,
well, except Zhou Qiaoqiao, who was on his side.
Being engulfed in eye contact among the female leads
was simply disastrous.
"Why are you still staring? You want a one-on-one chat with your ex?"
Zhou Qiaoqiao sarcastically remarked,
her tone not targeting anyone in particular.
Xu Mo finally snapped out of his trance, looking at her,
"Should I go?"
Zhou Qiaoqiao nodded, "Yeah, yeah, go back to your room and wait for me."
With that in mind,
Xu Mo attempted to maintain his cool,
walking up to the second floor.
On the surface, he appeared calm as a seasoned veteran,
but inside, he was flustered to the core,
creating a striking contrast.
Seeing Xu Mo leave,
the three women couldn’t help but laugh.
After a round of cheerful laughter,
Zhou Qiaoqiao added,
"Are you girls okay tonight? Any injuries?"
Instead of asking about the process,
she directly focused on the core,
showing concern for their well-being.
*People-oriented*, after all.
If Han Zhiqi and the others were injured,
it would be quite troublesome for her.