Lu Xinyi was bored, but knowing that Shen Yi wouldn’t allow her to find a job anytime soon, she turned her attention to cooking. Lately, she’d been trying some recipes from one of her father’s books. Her husband and Madam Jin were kind enough to help her with preparations and taste tests.
Still, she found them lacking something although Shen Yi and their housekeeper seemed to love all the dishes she had cooked so far.
After lunch, she made sure that her list was in her handbag first before bidding goodbye to Madam Jin and her two Akita dogs. She was about to turn to their garage and take one of their less popular cars when someone arrived at their front door.
“Going somewhere?” A familiar face greeted Lu Xinyi.
“Hey, Xiao Lan. What’s up? Shen Yi isn’t here. Do you need something?”
Xiao Lan laughed and waved a hand. Her dark hair was tied in a loose braid. She was donning a white dress s.h.i.+rt, tight blue jeans, and a pair of running shoes. What surprised Lu Xinyi the most was she wasn’t wearing anything that screamed she was wealthy.
“Nope, I actually called him and asked if I could hang out with you. He told me to pay you a visit and check if you’re still here.”
“Well, I’m going out to shop for our dinner tonight,” Lu Xinyi replied.
Surprised by her words, Xiao Lan gasped.
“You shop for your dinner? This is surprising. I thought you’re a pampered wife that Shen Yi spoils.”
“Ah, Shen Yi asked me to make him some chicken dish this time.”
Lu Xinyi arched her thin brow. Shen Yi indeed tried to spoil her with too much of everything, but she mostly declined his gifts, especially if she knew it was expensive. At least, Shen Yi had realized that she would never allow herself to be spoiled too much so he just gave her another black card with higher purchasing limit.
“I’ll go with you then. I can’t stay in one place for too long, and my husband wouldn’t be at home till later.” Xiao Lan sighed and pulled Lu Xinyi’s arm leading her to her car.
“Are you sure you have nothing to do? I mean, a woman like you should be busy, right?”
After Shen Yi explained that Xiao Lan was one of his acquaintance in college and had been his ex-fiancee for the short time, Lu Xinyi was at ease with Xiao Lan’s presence. It was nice to meet new people and have new friends.
“And feel trapped with all the planning for parties and functions? No way!” Xiao Lan turned her gaze towards Lu Xinyi, watching her settle in the pa.s.senger seat.
“If you are sure, then let’s go.”
—
They had finished all the shopping a bit later than expected. Xiao Lan had been fascinated with the instant ramen and coffees she’d seen in the supermarket. She’d never been in one before so her eyes twinkled with excitement as she looked around, took her own pushcart, and threw in everything that caught her attention.
“Wow, I heard about the instant coffee before, but I never thought it’s this cheap,” Xiao Lan said as she compared two products in her hands.
“It’s popular, but I’m pretty sure they’re far inferior to your usual coffees,” Lu Xinyi commented.
“I’m not a heavy drinker of coffee though, that’s fine. I just want to try them.”
Once they paid for their purchases, Lu Xinyi and Xiao Lan went back to the parking lot. They were busy loading their bags when someone called Lu Xinyi’s name.
“Xinyi.”
Gong Yijun was about to leave when he saw Lu Xinyi talking with a woman. She wasn’t far away from where he was. His eyes lit up and felt so happy that he was able to meet her and walked towards her.
“Xinyi, where have you been? I miss you,” he asked with a smile on his face. He stood in front of her and looked at her thoughtfully.
“What do you want?” Lu Xinyi spoke coldly.
She had enough of him. Couldn’t he take a hint that she wasn’t interested to see or talk to him anymore? After Shen Yi’s business trip, she really did replace her old phone so Gong Yijun or Meng Jiao would not pester her with calls anymore.
“Xinyi, can you please listen to me?” Gong Yijun begged and grabbed Lu Xinyi’s arm tightly. “I know I was wrong. Can’t you forgive me just this once? I will never do it again, I promise.”
Lu Xinyi hissed in pain and tried to draw her arm back from his hold.
“Gong Yijun! Let go of me! Didn’t I say I’m already married? You can’t turn back the time and pretend that nothing happened!”
“That’s a lie! You’re lying! You’re just saying that to spite me!” Gong Yijun yelled back at her.
Xiao Lan stepped forward and held his arm.
“Hey, buddy. I have no idea what you are to my Xinyi, but try to harm her, and I’ll make you pay for it. You’re courting death.”
The cheerfulness on her voice was replaced with coldness as she looked at him with scrutiny. Shen Yi would surely throw a fit when he found out that his little wife got hurt while in her company. Xiao Lan had seen the demon side of that man, and she would never dare trigger the sleeping monster.