Chapter Thirty-Six: Confession

Pei Xi knew that her mother’s affairs were a forbidden topic with her father. Once she received a definitive answer, she never asked again.

“Dad, you really ought to think about your future. When I was young, I was immature, but now that I’ve grown up, I can’t always stay by your side. Don’t you think it’s time to find yourself a companion?” Pei Xi grinned mischievously at her father.

In Pei Xi’s memory, although her father often did things that shocked people, he was a good father. Whenever he was around, he personally took care of everything concerning Pei Xi, never delegating to others.

For example, Pei Xi had a satellite phone since childhood, just like her father. She still had it now, though she felt it was a bit conspicuous and usually didn’t carry it. Her father had specially prepared it for her; even if he wasn’t by her side, as long as she picked up the phone, no matter where he was, she could always reach him.

The sun had completely disappeared behind the clouds, and dusk was slowly settling in. The lights behind them switched on right on time—Zheng Hao had noticed that the father and daughter had no intention of returning to their room yet. Not wanting to disturb them, he simply lit up the darkness around them, their elongated silhouettes stretching all the way toward the sea.

As the waves surged, their shadows were shattered, then merged, then shattered again, then merged once more.

“It’s time for dinner. We should head back.” As night fell, the seaside air brought a slight chill.

“Alright, let’s go back.”

Inside the room, Zheng Hao had already prepared a sumptuous dinner. All the dishes were favorites of Pei Xi and her father. For someone known as a wealthy heir, Zheng Hao had done remarkably well.

Caring for Pei Xi was something Zheng Hao did gladly, and honoring Pei Xi’s father was a pleasure for him as well.

Pei Xi’s father asked Zheng Hao to join them for dinner, and Zheng Hao did not hesitate, as he had planned to do so anyway.

Just as they sat down, there was a knock at the door.

Zheng Hao opened it to find Fang Yuan standing there.

“Fang Yuan? How is it you?” Seeing Fang Yuan unharmed and standing before him, Zheng Hao was clearly surprised.

“Why shouldn’t it be me?” Fang Yuan replied with a smile, glancing inside to spot Pei Xi’s father and Pei Xi both present.

Pei Xi’s father also heard Fang Yuan’s voice and couldn’t help turning around.

“Is that Fang Yuan? Let him in.” Pei Xi’s father’s tone was ambiguous, but Fang Yuan was already mentally prepared and paid no mind to it.

“I’m here today to apologize to Pei Xi. What I said yesterday wasn’t true. The reason I spoke that way was because I had some unresolved matters at the time. Now, everything is settled. If Pei Xi is willing to give me another chance, I hope I can continue to protect her. Pei Xi, would you be my girlfriend?”

Fang Yuan entered and went straight to the point. After his confession, everyone present was left bewildered.

What on earth was going on?

“Fang Yuan, can you explain yourself more clearly? I don’t quite understand,” Pei Xi asked, confused about what Fang Yuan was up to.

“Yesterday you said you wanted me to be your boyfriend. I believe, as a man, I shouldn’t let a girl say that first. So I rejected you yesterday, but today, I want to confess—will you be my girlfriend?”

As he spoke, Fang Yuan took a ring from his pocket, making his intentions unmistakable.

“Fang Yuan, do you realize what you’re doing right now?” Pei Xi’s father could no longer hold back. Without waiting for Pei Xi’s response, he shot Fang Yuan a cold look.

But Fang Yuan wasn’t intimidated in the slightest and continued to pursue his happiness, undeterred.

“Pei Xi, please believe me, I am the best choice for you. If you miss this chance, you won’t find someone better.” As Fang Yuan spoke, he walked toward Pei Xi.

Hearing this, Pei Xi already had her own thoughts. Whatever Fang Yuan’s motives were, his approach was actually quite beneficial to her.

“Fang Yuan, are you serious? You really want to be my boyfriend?” Pei Xi, it must be said, was quite the actress.

Once she made up her mind, she became enthusiastic at once.

“Of course, I would never let you suffer.” Fang Yuan had never been in a relationship and had no experience confessing his feelings. Everything he said was prompted by Chong Chong behind the scenes.

Pei Xi’s father didn’t want to lose his temper in front of his daughter, but seeing Fang Yuan’s smug face, contorted with pride, he couldn’t help feeling irritated.

Perhaps it was Pei Xi’s father cursing him in silence, but Fang Yuan suddenly sneezed several times in succession.

“Fang Yuan, are you catching a cold? I have some medicine—do you want me to make you a cup?” Seeing Fang Yuan sneeze repeatedly, Pei Xi put on her girlfriend act, showing concern.

“Sure, bring it here; I can make it myself.” Fang Yuan looked at Pei Xi with an indulgent gaze, and Pei Xi, caught off guard, shivered involuntarily.

It seemed her acting skills were no match for Fang Yuan’s; he was practically Oscar-worthy.

“Zheng Hao, don’t you have things to do? You should go and take care of them.” Pei Xi’s father had no intention of leaving; who knew what these young people might do if they got too excited?

He wanted to keep an eye on them himself. As for other matters, Zheng Hao understood perfectly well. Without further instructions, he knew what needed to be done.

Fang Yuan had come to someone else’s territory to steal their girlfriend—how could they let that slide?

Zheng Hao quickly contacted Fatty Dahai, and within ten minutes, Fatty called back. He said everything was arranged; all that was left was for the main characters to take the stage.

After making the medicine, Fang Yuan drank it down in one go. It had no effect on him, so he treated it as water.

“We were just about to eat. Why don’t you join us?” Pei Xi pulled out a chair for Fang Yuan.

“Pei Xi, don’t be so inconsiderate. Maybe Fang Yuan has already eaten. Unlike us, who dine so late,” Pei Xi’s father said, displeased at Pei Xi’s invitation.

“Actually, I haven’t eaten yet. And you probably won’t finish all this food, so I won’t stand on ceremony.” With that, Fang Yuan sat down next to Pei Xi, acting as if he belonged.

Hearing his words, Pei Xi’s father nearly lost his composure. He’d never met anyone so shameless. The hosts had already said enough, yet Fang Yuan insisted on staying.