Volume One, Chapter 9: Is This Our First Time?

In the afternoon, Zhou Yian and Xia Xiyin returned home from the old residence. On the way back, she looked at the jade pendant curiously and asked him, “Grandma said that in critical moments, this can stand in for her. What kind of critical moments? Does Grandma still manage the company affairs?”

Zhou Yian looked straight ahead and said deliberately, “Critical moments at any time.”

“If, in the future, there is a major decision in the company and Grandma cannot attend, you can carry this jade pendant to represent her.”

“Wow!” Xia Xiyin exclaimed, feeling the weight in her hand, moved by the trust. “Grandma really trusts me!”

Zhou Yian smiled slightly. “Don’t feel too pressured. Such critical moments won’t come often. Just stay calm.”

“Okay.” Xia Xiyin carefully put the jade pendant back into her bag, silently hoping such critical moments would never arise.

When they got home, Xia Xiaoman wasn’t there. Two large suitcases stood by the door, delivered by Zhou Yian’s bodyguard.

“Where did Xiaoman run off to again?” Xia Xiyin took out her phone to call her brother.

Zhou Yian said, “I had the bodyguard take him to Blue Ocean Restaurant. I see he has a knack for cooking. It’s better for him to develop that skill and maybe open a private restaurant someday rather than just working for someone else.”

Xia Xiyin looked at him, the phrase “cool shade under a big tree” flashing through her mind. Zhou Yian’s arrival was like that big tree, solving the troubles that followed for her and her brother.

“Thank you,” she said simply, unsure what else to say.

Zhou Yian ruffled her hair. “Don’t be so formal with me. Come help me unpack; consider it your thank-you.”

“Alright, Mr. Zhou,” Xia Xiyin agreed and went over to drag the suitcases as they headed to the bedroom.

Xia Xiyin gave up half of the wardrobe for Zhou Yian, who had brought many formal suits that quickly filled the space.

Looking at the unpacked items in the suitcase, Xia Xiyin felt a bit guilty. “I’m sorry you have to suffer this inconvenience.”

Zhou Yian smiled. “We’re only staying for a month. After that, won’t we just register our marriage?”

“You’re so confident that after dating for a month, I’d agree to register with you?” Xia Xiyin asked with a smile.

Zhou Yian paused and said, “Why not? I do have that confidence.”

“But there’s one thing you have to promise me,” Xia Xiyin said. “Once we register, that six million, Xiaoman should pay you back. You can’t just let it go.”

“Got it, my lady,” Zhou Yian obediently replied.

“Don’t call me that yet—we haven’t registered,” Xia Xiyin shyly tapped his arm.

Zhou Yian chuckled, clearly enjoying the gentle punch.

The next morning, Xia Xiaoman got up at five to cook. After visiting Blue Ocean yesterday, he had decided to apprentice in the kitchen. Since he had to leave early, he woke up earlier.

“Sis, I’ve made breakfast. You and brother-in-law get up quickly; don’t be late for work. I’m heading out now.” Xia Xiaoman knocked twice on the bedroom door and left after giving his instructions.

Half-awake, Xia Xiyin mumbled a reply.

Behind her, a hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her into an embrace.

“Yian, get up. Don’t be late,” Xia Xiyin patted his hand.

Zhou Yian groaned softly, “I don’t want to get up yet. I want to hold you a little longer.”

Xia Xiyin glanced back at his tousled hair and childlike tone.

“Did you act like this with your ex?” she asked mischievously.

Hearing this, Zhou Yian tightened his hold on her and countered, “What about you, Xinyin? How many exes did you have before me?”

Xia Xiyin burst out laughing and teased herself, “I don’t have any exes, let alone several. You’re my first love.”

“Really?” Zhou Yian asked, surprised.

“Why would I lie? It’s true; I’ve never been in a relationship.”

She turned to him, cupping his face in her hands, speaking slowly, “Now it’s your turn. How many exes did you have? Did you act like this with them?”

Zhou Yian laughed heartily, “Xinyin, you care about me, don’t you?”

“Answer me,” Xia Xiyin said, stroking his face with a playful pout.

Zhou Yian gently pulled her hand away and replied seriously, “I dated one girlfriend a few years ago, but we broke up due to personality clashes. As for acting spoiled with her, that never happened. We never even slept together.”

“What?” Xia Xiyin was shocked. “So I’m your first? You were a virgin before me?”

Zhou Yian looked at her in disbelief. “Xinyin, do you have to react like that? Need me to announce it with a megaphone?”

Xia Xiyin giggled and hugged him. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“So you’re saying I’m a casual guy?” Zhou Yian pretended to be offended.

“Of course not,” Xia Xiyin explained with a smile. “I just thought a successful man like you wouldn’t be like that. Guess I was thinking too small.”

Zhou Yian huffed proudly. “You better treat me well from now on.”

“Pfft,” Xia Xiyin smiled, “Get up, or you’ll be late for work.”

Without lingering, they got up, dressed, and freshened up. They had a simple bite of the steamed buns and porridge Xia Xiaoman made before setting off.

Zhou Yian drove to the company, parked in his reserved spot, unbuckled his seatbelt, and was about to get out.

Through the window, Xia Xiyin saw colleagues entering the building one after another and felt a bit awkward, unsure how to face them.

“Get out,” Zhou Yian clicked her seatbelt open and said.

Steeling herself, Xia Xiyin stepped out. Zhou Yian came over, naturally took her hand, and they walked toward the office together.

“Why are you afraid when we’re just dating normally?” Zhou Yian whispered.

“It’s not fear exactly. I just feel a bit awkward, wondering what people will say behind my back.”

“Don’t waste energy worrying!” Zhou Yian stood with her in front of the CEO’s private elevator. “Being together openly is better than anything.”

Xia Xiyin thought about it and agreed. Some people will talk no matter what; it’s her relationship—why care about others?

“Okay, I get it.”

At that moment, the elevator doors opened. Zhou Yian and Xia Xiyin stepped inside and ascended.

“Wow, dating the CEO is great—you don’t even have to squeeze into the staff elevator.”

“You see, you have to be bold to get ahead.”

“So what? Who knows what’ll happen later? I bet Mr. Zhou will dump her. His exes were way better than this one; she simply doesn’t deserve him.”

The female employees whispered as they squeezed into the elevator with the crowd.