After the White Lotus Drops the Act

Tang You sat properly across from him—small figure, small hands, small face.

Everything about her was small.

From the moment she pushed open the door, Xiao Zexing had been observing this child.

His cousin, Xiao Zeyan, was nearing fifty and still had no children. Wanting an heir to take over the family business, he had decided to adopt a pair of siblings from an orphanage—Tang You and Tang Fu.

On the day they were supposed to meet officially, Xiao Zeyan’s wife had a worsening health crisis, leaving him unable to attend. He asked Xiao Zexing to meet the siblings in his place.

So far, Xiao Zexing only had limited information—Tang You was still in high school, while Tang Fu was in elementary school.

The girl before him had a light, natural makeup look, wearing a quiet, modest dress with black hair and no accessories—fitting the image of a typical high school student.

Tang You sat with an elegant posture, eyes lowered as she focused on the items on the table.

In reality, she was secretly using her peripheral vision to observe Xiao Zexing.

After four years, this man had grown even more attractive—not just a little, but significantly so.

Officially speaking, Xiao Weijing was four years and seven months older than her. A five-year age gap wasn’t much of a difference. At least, the “Xiao Weijing” in front of her had no wrinkles on his flawless, handsome face. Instead, the passage of time had given him a depth and restraint that most his age lacked.

Caught off guard by Xiao Zexing’s gaze, Tang You’s hand trembled.

The man’s quiet yet imposing presence was overwhelming. The moment their eyes met, she nearly dropped her cup and bolted.

To cover up the embarrassment of being caught staring, she immediately widened her eyes in an innocent, fawn-like expression and spoke in a voice full of admiration:

“I heard the group successfully secured multiple infrastructure projects in Country E this time. That’s amazing!”

Xiao Weijing’s most hated type was delicate and fragile girls. Tang You understood this deeply and was determined to present herself as a silly, naïve, and overly sweet little dumpling—one who did nothing but whimper and pout.

A dumpling filled with poison.

But Tang You didn’t get the reaction she wanted from “Xiao Weijing.” No trace of disgust appeared in his eyes.

Xiao Zexing simply responded flatly: “Mm.”

Was she not being exaggerated enough? Should she act even softer and weaker?

Tang You smiled and continued, “So, Mr. Xiao, how was your stay in Country E? Was the food good? I’ve always wanted to visit, but I just never have the time…”

Under her relentless stream of chatter, Xiao Zexing answered methodically:

“It was fine.”

“Most of the time, I ate Chinese food.”

…

His voice was as perfect as his face—so unbelievably smooth and refined, like sunlight cascading over piano keys, each note striking the heart with precision.

Yet, despite her best efforts, Tang You felt an unexpected sense of defeat.

She had worked so hard to max out his disgust meter, yet he had no reaction at all!

Just as Tang You was about to explode in frustration, she finally heard the first question he had asked since she arrived.

Xiao Zexing asked, “Why didn’t Tang Fu come with you?”

Tang Fu?

What the heck was that?

Tang You racked her brain for a moment before it clicked.

Wait… was he talking about her dog? She had a mutt named Tang Huhu.

She hadn’t expected Xiao Weijing to even know about her dog—though his pronunciation was a little off.

Then she remembered—Xiao Weijing’s grandmother was from Hunan.

That explained it.

She said, “Oh! You mean Tang Huhu?”

Tang Huhu?

Xiao Zexing frowned.

Must be Tang Fu’s nickname. Tang Fu Fu.

He vaguely recalled that the Tang siblings were originally from Fujian.

That explained it.

“Yes.”

With their misunderstanding mutually confirmed, Tang You let out a relieved breath and smiled sweetly.

“So Mr. Xiao likes Huhu? Then I’ll bring him next time so you can see him.”

What kind of person brings a pet to a blind date? Tang You grumbled internally. Xiao Weijing’s demands are way too weird.

Xiao Zexing neither confirmed nor denied it. Instead, he said, “The family’s arrangement is for you to move into the Xiao residence next week with Tang Fu.”

Move into the Xiao residence?

Their marriage had been arranged, but the legal paperwork wasn’t even done yet. They weren’t even legally married! Besides, wasn’t Xiao Weijing supposed to hate her with a burning passion? What was with this calm and collected attitude now?

Wait—was he trying to sleep with her?! Holy sh*t!

Tang You was startled. “So suddenly?”

Xiao Zexing remained unfazed by her shock. “This is the best arrangement to ensure your studies won’t be disrupted.”

Tang You: “…”

Wouldn’t living together be even more distracting for her studies?!

Afraid that rejecting him outright would ruin her delicate and pitiful persona, Tang You could only whisper a timid “Okay.”

The man’s aura was overwhelmingly strong when he wasn’t smiling—too oppressive. Tang You clutched her cup, sipping her tea in small, careful sips, even slowing down her breathing.

The warm glow of the lights made the room feel tranquil. Under the light, Tang You’s fair skin appeared as smooth as porcelain. Her lashes drooped as she noticed Xiao Zexing’s cup was empty. Quickly, she leaned forward slightly, reaching for the teapot to pour him more tea—

But just as she moved, Xiao Zexing also reached for the teapot.

Tang You’s delicate fingers didn’t withdraw in time, landing lightly on top of his hand.

His fingers were warm, his knuckles firm.

The brief touch sent a small electric current zipping through her veins, crackling through her bloodstream. Tang You instantly withdrew her hand, flustered.

She whispered, “Sorry.”

Guilt-ridden, she didn’t realize she had accidentally exposed herself slightly when she leaned forward.

Nor did she notice the slight shift in Xiao Zexing’s gaze—now carrying a hint of consideration.

“It’s fine.” Xiao Zexing remained composed as he refilled his cup, his movements refined. “Also, regarding the surname change—”

“I have to change my surname too?!” Tang You was completely stunned. “Your family actually has a rule like that?”

This is 2020, right?! Why is anyone still expecting a woman to change her last name after marriage?!

This isn’t Japan! The Qing Dynasty has been dead for centuries!

Xiao Zexing frowned slightly. “Is there a problem?”

Xiao Zeyan’s decision to adopt a child was for inheritance purposes. His entire estate would be passed down to his adopted son, so naturally, the child needed to take the family name. It was only logical.

After a pause, Xiao Zexing added, “You should have been informed about the surname change a long time ago.”

Under the table, Tang You secretly pinched her arm.

Then her thigh.

Hiss…

That hurt.

How could he say something so obviously unreasonable with such a straight face?!

The Xiao family was wealthy and powerful. Tang You reminded herself to think of how Xiao Weijing once had his leg broken by Old Master Xiao. With a gentle smile, she said, “It’s fine, I just suddenly thought that ‘Xiao You’ sounds a little strange…”

Xiao Zexing made no comment.

In the enclosed space, a phone ringtone suddenly rang out.

A default ringtone.

Tang You thought to herself, This man is unexpectedly old-fashioned.

Breaking the silence, Xiao Zexing spoke. “Excuse me, I need to take this call.”

Tang You offered a soft, sweet smile and sat obediently. “Go ahead.”

Even though it was a work-related matter, Xiao Zexing didn’t deliberately avoid discussing it in front of her.

After all, she was just a high school student.

Listening quietly to the voice on the other end of the call, Xiao Zexing suddenly interrupted.

“You’ve had half a month, and this is the only solution you came up with?”

His tone was completely different from when he had been speaking to her earlier.

Tang You subtly adjusted her posture, sitting up straight.

She lowered her gaze, neatly placed her hands on her knees, and carefully folded and tucked her skirt.

She sat perfectly proper and well-behaved.

“You’ve had it too easy these past two years while I was gone, haven’t you?” Xiao Zexing loosened his tie and smiled slowly. “So easy that you dare bring me this patchwork garbage? Did you really think I’d be that easy to fool just because I’ve been out of the country?”

Tang You was startled by his words. Even though she knew he wasn’t directing his anger at her, she couldn’t help but flinch.

A reflexive reaction—completely out of her control.

Xiao Zexing glanced at her lightly.

The little thing was obviously frightened; her earlier sweet smile had vanished completely. Lips pressed together, her hair fell slightly forward, revealing a glimpse of her porcelain-white neck—with a small, delicate red mole on it.

A timid one.

Xiao Zexing’s tone softened. “I’ll give you two more days. Clear your heads before you come see me again.”

After setting down his phone, he checked the time on his watch and stood up. “I have plans tonight. That’s it for today.”

He gestured toward the two exquisitely wrapped gift boxes on a low table beside them. “Take those with you.”

The packaging was elaborate—one red, one blue—each tied neatly with a bow.

Why two gifts?

Tang You hesitated. “Are these from Auntie?”

Xiao Zexing paused slightly. “The red one is from me, for you. The blue one is for Tang Fu.”

Tang You was touched.

Auntie is getting more and more considerate! She even prepared something for Huhu this time.

As for the one from the man in front of her—

He probably just picked it up randomly.

Tang You asked, “What did you get for Huhu? Is it food?”

“Mm.”

Tang You immediately switched to praise mode. “Auntie is so thoughtful! She even brought dog food all the way back…”

Xiao Zexing corrected her, “Not dog food. Snacks—some cheese, cookies, and chocolate.”

Tang You: “…”

Is this meant to feed or to poison?

Tang You carefully explained, “Huhu can’t eat chocolate. It affects a dog’s lifespan. And dairy products aren’t good for him either—he’s slightly lactose intolerant.”

“I see. My apologies—I didn’t know.”

This was the first time Xiao Zexing had ever heard that chocolate could shorten someone’s lifespan.

Once he stood up, Tang You suddenly realized just how tall he was. She tried comparing their heights and found that the top of her head barely reached his shoulder.

Wait… was he always this tall?

Tang You tried to recall, but she had no clear memory.

Probably around the same.

After all, it had been four years since they last met. Her memory of him was already hazy.

The man in front of her stood tall and straight, exuding an undeniable aura of power and nobility.

It was hard to connect him with the cold and distant person in her memories.

Tang You found herself staring again.

But instead of her heart pounding like a timid rabbit or deer, it was like a dozen huskies running wild inside her chest.

Even now, she still couldn’t figure out why he had prepared snacks for a dog.

Sure, Huhu was smart and adorable—but at the end of the day, he was just a dog!

Was this man treating him like a person?

“Mhm…” Tang You flashed Xiao Zexing a sweet smile, revealing a tiny tiger tooth. “Next time you visit my place, I can have Huhu perform a frisbee catch for you! It’s amazing!”

Xiao Zexing stood up. He couldn’t quite picture what kind of game a little boy playing frisbee was supposed to be, his expression remaining faintly indifferent. “No need.”

He left first.

The moment he got into his car, Xiao Zeyan called, asking about his meeting with the two little ones today.

Xiao Zexing loosened his tie, undid a button, and replied, “I only met Tang You today. She’s got a bit of wit, and her eyes are quite clear.”

—Like a little kitten that had tucked away its sharp claws, rolling over to reveal its soft, snowy belly and pink paw pads.

Given Xiao Zexing’s notoriously high standards, hearing him give a positive remark was no small feat.

Xiao Zeyan was satisfied with the response and let out a relieved breath. “And what about Tang Fu?”

“He wasn’t there today.”** Xiao Zexing rested his hand on the steering wheel, speaking lazily. “But the sibling dynamic between them is a bit complicated.”

He chuckled. “Or maybe it’s just kids playing around. Quite amusing.”

“That’s good to hear…” Xiao Zeyan responded before suddenly remembering something important. “Oh, right—Weijing and his fiancée were also supposed to be at Bishui Xiaoting today. Did you see that girl?”

“No.” Xiao Zexing didn’t seem to care. “Weijing didn’t go.”

Coincidentally, both families had arranged to meet at the same place today. Before going to see Tang You on Xiao Zeyan’s behalf, Xiao Zexing had asked Xiao Weijing about it.

Xiao Weijing was firm in his refusal.

“Wen Ling’s birthday is today.” Xiao Weijing had spoken with clear disdain. “As for that girl… bland and uninteresting. Too delicate and pampered, only good at pleasing the elders.”

Xiao Zexing had no interest in his cousin’s personal affairs. All he knew was that the old man had forced Xiao Weijing into an arranged engagement. Whether the girl’s surname was Tang or Tang, whether she was round or square—he hadn’t bothered to find out.

Xiao Zeyan sighed lightly and changed the topic. “Zexing, you’re at the age where you should be settling down. Don’t you think—”

“No rush.” Xiao Zexing chuckled. “Better to go without than to settle for less.”

Xiao Zeyan had just settled one concern, only to start worrying about Xiao Zexing instead.

It was fine to be selective, but the problem was—Xiao Zexing had reached this age without ever having had a girlfriend. He had always been indifferent to matters between men and women.

Even Xiao Weijing, the younger generation, was already engaged, while Xiao Zexing remained completely unhurried. That was a bit concerning.

Xiao Zeyan tried persuading him earnestly, “At least give us a preference, Zexing. Your sister-in-law can keep an eye out for you.”

“I have no requirements.” Xiao Zexing laughed lightly, unconcerned. “Alright, if you’ve got time to worry about this, you might as well focus on next quarter’s financial report.”

Seeing that he couldn’t get anything out of him, Xiao Zeyan sighed in frustration and hung up.

Xiao Zexing’s preferences in a partner were a well-kept secret.

He had never shown even the slightest hint.

His car remained parked in place; he didn’t leave immediately.

During the brief moment he was on the phone, he happened to see Tang You’s small, slender figure walking out while hugging two gift boxes. She stopped right beside his car and casually placed the boxes at her feet.

The car window was slightly cracked open, allowing the cool air to carry in the sound of a girl’s teary voice as she spoke on the phone.

Her soft, kitten-like voice was tinged with a sob, “Mhm, mhm, please don’t be mad. I believe Brother Jing didn’t mean to meet that woman…”

Xiao Zexing narrowed his eyes slightly, picking up on the general situation.

Looks like this kid was in a puppy love situation.

Judging by her tone, it sounded like her boyfriend had cheated, and she was pathetically trying to make excuses to comfort someone else.

She really did sound like a little kitten—huddled up pitifully in a corner, mewling through her tears.

Outside the car, the girl hung up the call. Her hands dropped to her sides, her shoulders trembling, her back looking rather pitiful.

Xiao Zexing was just about to get out of the car when he saw Tang You pick up her phone, swipe a few times, and suddenly burst into laughter.

“HAHAHAHAHAHA Jia Jia! That scumbag got caught kissing another woman! I’m laughing so hard I almost fell to my knees like a warrior slain in battle!!!”