Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Newlyweds Unable to Restrain Themselves

    “What do you say?”

    The man leaned against the soft leather seat, his demeanor relaxed, and the water in his eyes shimmered like a mountain spring under the moonlight.

    Qiao Xi deliberated and said, “Mr. Huo, I think you knew all along that the painting was a fake.”

    It was just an intuition.

    “How so? I’m hardly a master of cultural relics appraisal.”

    Qiao Xi furrowed her brows and shared her speculation, “You gave up so decisively at the beginning, and you seemed indifferent in the face of Huo Beiting’s humiliation. Most importantly...”

    ...

    “What is it?”

    “The Mr. Huo I know would never buy a painting for thirty-five million. To you, that money would be better spent on meaningful activities.” For example, setting up a foundation or making a donation.

    He didn’t have an interest in feigned refinement or the pursuit of fame and fortune; instead, he was down-to-earth and principled. That’s the demeanor of a truly noble gentleman, right?

    Huo Xingzhou moved closer unexpectedly, staring into her eyes.

    “Little Divine Doctor is so clever. But...”

    His eyes, like springs reflecting the shimmering moonlight, held a smile as he said, “The things that should be bought must still be bought.”

    Then, he placed the long red velvet box into the palm of her hand, “This is for you, consider it a reward.”

    Huo Xingzhou hadn’t expected that a young girl he had known only briefly could see through his true nature, yet his so-called “family” never understood him.

    Qiao Xi opened the box to find a row of Golden Needles gleaming with a cold, sharp light.

    Indeed.

    As expected.

    “Last time I saw you eyeing Zhuo Feng’s Golden Needles, you looked envious. They’re yours now.”

    Qiao Xi wanted to reject the gift but also couldn’t bear to.

    Seeing her cute and conflicted expression, Huo Xingzhou said, “We’ll deduct it from your consultation fee.”

    “Okay!”

    Her eyes curved into crescents as she responded aloud.

    His deep eyes brimmed with amusement; his Little Divine Doctor naturally deserved the best.

    “Mr. Huo, you’re really kind!”

    Huo Xingzhou felt his heart stir with warmth at her innocent and trusting demeanor. A slow smile spread across his lips, his voice husky and sensual.

    “So, Qiao Xi, you should be good to me as well.”

    “Mhm, mhm.”

    On their way, Qiao Xi kept her head down, fondly touching each Golden Needle with such joy that she couldn’t contain it.

    It’s one thing to have affection, but forcing the marital act was immature.

    Qiao Xi listened, baffled, but she did clarify one thing. The little blue pill was for use by men.

    She hadn’t thought Mr. Huo would care so much about male pride.

    Huo Xingzhou, seeing her puzzled look, his handsome face turned iron blue, and he said through clenched teeth, “That’s not mine.”

    Du Juan laughed in disbelief, “Are you saying Zhou Yu deliberately threw it into your room to frame you?”

    “Why couldn’t it possibly be his?”

    Huo Xingzhou raised his eyes. Those cold, pond-like eyes burned with anger. His hands clenched into fists, the veins on his hands bulging, his knuckles white and crackling.

    Qiao Xi, swallowing hard at the tense atmosphere, said, “Huo... Xingzhou didn’t take it.”

    Du Juan asked seriously, “Did he really not take it?”

    “He didn’t,” she checked his pulse every day, “Zhou Yu did come over the other day.”

    Du Juan was skeptical, “Since you didn’t take any, you’re not allowed to in the future either.” She felt more at peace, “I’m confiscating these.”

    “Husband, take Xingzhou upstairs to rest. I have some words I want to say to Qiao Xi.”

    “Alright.”

    Huo Jiancheng, pushing Huo Xingzhou’s wheelchair, headed toward the elevator, away from the place of trouble.

    “Qiao Xi, come here.” Du Juan patted the seat next to her, “Sit down, let’s have a talk.”

    This girl, the more she looked at her, the more likable she became.

    Qiao Xi walked over and sat down obediently next to her.

    “I know you’re feeling wronged, living like a widow. But... some things can’t be rushed,” Du Juan said with a meaningful tone, “Once he gets better, won’t you have even more fun?”

    “Hmm?”

    Qiao Xi was thoroughly confused. Have fun with what?

    “That thing.” Du Juan indicated by touching her two thumbs together.

    “No, we haven’t...” Qiao Xi began to defend.

    “Young Madam, it happened. There’s no need to be shy.” Aunt Qian, grinning, took out her phone and with a snap, placed it in front of Qiao Xi.

    There it was, in a burst mode series.

    “Look, that day you were drunk, kissing the young master intensely. I heard the noise all the way downstairs.” She flipped through the photos.

    “You see, these red marks are from your mouth. That’s why he’s been wearing high-collared white shirts these past days.”

    Qiao Xi’s mouth dropped open. Her cheeks turned so red they seemed to bleed.

    The shame spread from her ears down to her toes, her body burning up, wishing she could just bash her head against a block of tofu.

    What bruising!

    Qiao Xi, you fool!