CHAPTER 821: CHAPTER 551: STEALING THE KEYS

The meal was quite enjoyable, with conversations centered around everyday life.

During the meal, Wu Wei asked about some matters of the Xu family, but Men Chao glossed over them lightly without much discussion.

Wu Wei didn’t press further.

Xu Xuezi had Yin Li open a bottle of wine: "It’s rare for Master to come back, we must enjoy the drink today. Honey, this is the imported wine I’ve been saving; I’ve heard it’s very good. Since Master is also here, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy it together."

Men Chao didn’t say anything, and Yin Li filled all three of their glasses.

Xu Xuezi raised her glass to toast Men Chao and Wu Wei.

Wu Wei drank one glass and claimed to feel tipsy, saying he didn’t want to drink any more and that he wanted to go back.

Men Chao offered him to stay and sleep at the Xu family’s home, but Wu Wei said he wasn’t accustomed to it and insisted on going back to his place. Men Chao had no choice but to have someone see him off.

After seeing Wu Wei off, Xu Xuezi had someone prepare several small dishes and send them to Men Chao’s room, intending to drink with him tonight and catch up.

Returning to the room, Men Chao saw a few dishes on a small table, with two wine glasses beside them already filled.

Seeing him return, Xu Xuezi gave him a warm smile: "Honey, it’s been a while since we had a good chat. I’ve prepared a few appetizers; tonight, let’s have a good drink as a couple. I poured some of the rice wine you brought back from Old Gu’s house. I remember you like it."

Men Chao sat directly in front of the small table and responded softly, "What do you want to talk about?"

"Just some random chat. I was in bed sick before and couldn’t be with you. I’ve thought it through now; we’re a couple, and no matter what I become, it doesn’t change that fact."

"Honey, rest assured, you take care of the outside, I’ll handle the inside, and together we’ll manage the Xu family well. I think that’s also Grandpa’s hope for us, don’t you think?" Xu Xuezi looked deeply at Men Chao, sending a flirtatious look.

Men Chao didn’t meet her eyes and didn’t seem touched by what she said, merely whispering, "You will always be the mistress of this house, and that cannot be changed."

"Yes, you’re the master, I’m the mistress. Honey, don’t worry, I will definitely be a mistress who makes you proud." Xu Xuezi raised her glass: "Honey, let’s drink heartily tonight."

After three glasses, Men Chao was feeling slightly tipsy.

He stood up, massaged his temples, walked towards his large bed: "In a while, you can head back on your own. I seem a bit drunk, and will rest for a while first."

Except for a few nights together right after the marriage, their relationship had cooled off significantly.

Xu Xuezi watched Men Chao make his way to the bed without any other intentions, biting her lip, she pushed her wheelchair forward: "Honey, we are husband and wife."

As a couple, naturally, they should sleep in the same room.

"Honey, I’ll sleep in your room tonight, carry me up." As a woman, she had already humbled herself.

Men Chao squinted at her.

Then he turned towards her, picked her up, and headed to the bed.

Xu Xuezi closed her eyes, pondering whether Men Chao would make any further moves.

After placing her on the bed, Men Chao made no other moves and shortly fell into a deep sleep.

Xu Xuezi looked at him, her eyes flashed with frustration.

This man is truly insensitive.

Was he unable to see her makeup today or what? The two of them were in the same bed, yet he had no other thoughts.

She also felt frustrated about her disabled legs. If they were okay, then in the past, when dealing with someone like Men Chao, a mere glance or action would suffice.

Xu Xuezi bit her lip, and after confirming Men Chao was indeed asleep, her eyes fell on a coat hanging at the foot of the bed.

If she remembered correctly, the house keys were kept in the pocket of that coat. Being on that side of the bed with immobile legs, going out to get the keys would be impossible.

Xu Xuezi thought for a moment and called out softly.

"I probably ate something bad tonight and my stomach feels uncomfortable. Please push me back to my room, don’t disturb Sir’s sleep." Saying such things would have embarrassed her in the past, but now she said them as if they were just everyday conversation.

The servants had no choice but to help her off the bed.

"You all may go out first, I’ll be in the room for a while." Sitting in the wheelchair, Xu Xuezi glanced lovingly at Men Chao.

The servants dared not say much more, and just complied.

Men Chao opened his eyes, half-asleep: "Go back to sleep."

"You sleep; I’ll just watch you."

Men Chao turned over, facing inside to sleep.

After a while, Xu Xuezi spoke: "Honey, honey."

Men Chao did not respond.

Xu Xuezi chuckled lightly.

In fact, she had put a small dose of sleeping powder in the wine, just enough for a deep sleep once in slumber.

"Honey..." Xu Xuezi called softly again.

Men Chao remained still, and Xu Xuezi reached a hand into the coat pocket hanging nearby, taking out a set of keys.

She swiftly found and separated the basement key from the rest, putting it in her pocket.

She then calmly placed the remaining keys back in the pocket, turning her wheelchair towards the door.

...

Teacher Lu brought three sets of exam papers from school—the ones for the mock exams yet to be distributed. She brought them to see Xiaofeng and the others’ true capabilities.

So tonight, all other reviews stopped, and the three did the exam papers.

Xiaofeng was fine, writing like a god, her pen didn’t stop once the papers were in her hands.

Xiaonian and Shuiling were a bit stunned getting the papers.

Upon looking again, these questions seemed like they had been done before, which prompted them to start writing.

As they wrote, they felt more and more confident as if the questions were etched in their minds, giving a strong sense of familiarity.

This feeling delighted Xiaonian and Shuiling.

It seemed these past nights of review weren’t totally ineffective, they were very effective.

Two hours later, Xiaofeng had completed two papers.

Half an hour later, Shuiling and Xiaonian were also done.

Teacher Lu glanced over their papers.

Even the papers of Shuiling and Xiaonian, whom she didn’t think much of before, seemed quite good tonight.

Collecting their papers, her tone was better than usual: "Tonight, just do the two papers and rest early; I’m going home."

Gathering the papers, she happily walked out.

"Sister." As Teacher Lu left, Xiaonian jumped up: "I seemed to know quite a bit on those papers, haha."

"Me too, I remembered the previously done questions distinctly, and clearly. When did my memory get so good? I can completely recall the questions I did."

"Me too, me too. I found some knowledge points I remember clearly too. I think I can definitely pass the exam this time."

"Pass this time, do better next time. Wow, our dream of going to university is getting closer." Remember, they usually scored low in class and never even thought about going to university.

Hearing them, Xiaofeng smiled: "I also think my memory has been great recently; I can remember many knowledge points smoothly."

"Surely it’s because the three of us enjoy studying together and share common goals, so our memories improved."

"If we keep this up, we’ll surely only get better."

"Sis, I suddenly feel confident again."

"So do I."

Xiaofeng had someone bring a pot of wine: "We did well today, so you’re allowed a small drink before heading back."

Xiaonian giggled: "Thanks, sis."

Shuiling drank it down: "Ahh, I realize working hard on studies is quite amazing."

"Come, let’s toast to our future." No longer struggling with studies, it’s something to truly celebrate.

Xiaofeng watched them, a smile at her lips, realizing the Memory Fruit was working on them too.

...

The next day, Teacher Lu carried the papers back to her office, needing to grade them to see how the three did last night.

"Teacher Lu, where did you get these papers?" A teacher noticed Teacher Lu grading and was surprised.

"They’re just made by a few of my students." Teacher Lu didn’t look up: "They usually aren’t in class, so I had them do it ahead of time."

"Let me help grade a paper." The teacher offered assistance without asking more.

Teacher Lu handed over Xiaofeng’s paper: "Please help me grade this one."

In Teacher Lu’s view, Xiaofeng surely did well.

The colleague, after checking a few questions, couldn’t help but remark: "Teacher Lu, who’s this student? These answers are quite impressive."

The answers were concise, the handwriting neat, clearly a girl’s.