Chapter 49: Are you satisfied?

Lin Xiaoxiao watched Zhou Ting’s actions with a mix of shame and helplessness, unable to stop him from completing the purchase.

In her heart, she vowed fiercely: I absolutely won’t wear that embarrassing outfit. Never!

Afterward, they shopped a bit more, and she picked out a modest but heartfelt birthday gift for Zhou Yang.

Back home, she busied herself preparing ingredients and ordering a cake from a bakery.

Zhou Ting watched her bustling about with enthusiasm, feeling a twinge of discomfort. He grabbed her hand, pulling her into his arms.

Caught off guard, she squirmed. “What are you doing? It’s broad daylight—stop it…”

He paused, realizing his unusual behavior, then bit her rosy lips before letting her go, turning the tables. “Not my fault. You’re the one tempting me by prancing around.”

He wasn’t wrong—still in her little skirt, she looked delectable.

Pouting, she retorted, “I’m not! You’re just too perverted.”

She turned to change into something safer, especially with Zhou Yang possibly returning. Even without him, there was a big bad wolf in the house, and this outfit gave her no security.

In Zhou Ting’s eyes, no outfit could make her “safe”—he could tease her whenever he wanted.

By afternoon, she started cooking dinner, asking Zhou Ting to call Zhou Yang to come home early.

When dinner was nearly ready, she went to pick up the cake from the shop downstairs.

Before leaving, she glanced at Zhou Ting lounging on the sofa. “Keep an eye on the pot. Turn off the heat in five minutes.”

He nodded, his gaze fixed on her delicate feet as she changed shoes.

Sensing his heated stare, she cursed him inwardly as a pervert and hurried up.

“If Zhou Yang comes back early, stall him. Don’t let him suspect anything—we’re surprising him,” she added.

Noticing her shoes were on, he looked away, bored. “Got it. Hurry back.”

She nodded, opened the door, then turned back. “Oh, and—”

Before she could finish, he stood, approaching. “Little one, keep nagging, and I’ll deal with you.”

Her body trembled, and she fled, slamming the door shut.

Seeing her panicked escape, he chuckled, heading to the kitchen. Eyeing the finished dishes, he thought, A taste won’t hurt…

Lin Xiaoxiao grabbed the cake from the bakery and headed back without delay.

At the elevator, she was about to close the door when a hand blocked it.

Startled, she thought it reckless. Who was so bold?

A woman stepped in, bringing a familiar perfume scent.

Lin Xiaoxiao froze, recognizing her. “W-why are you here?”

Xin Wan smiled faintly, her charm unsettling. “What? Surprised to see me?”

Lin Xiaoxiao stepped back, silent.

Noticing the cake, Xin Wan raised an eyebrow. “So, what’s your role at Zhou Yang’s birthday? Friend? Or… stepmom?”

She leaned closer, whispering, “Oh, right, you’re just my brother-in-law’s kept canary. Not even stepmom material.”

Lin Xiaoxiao paled, lips trembling, unable to respond.

After a few seconds, she mustered, “I-I’m just here as a friend to celebrate his birthday…”

Xin Wan scoffed, eyeing her. “You believe that?”

Lin Xiaoxiao clutched the cake box tighter, speechless. The elevator reached their floor.

Xin Wan stepped out first, and Lin Xiaoxiao followed, head down.

At the door, left ajar, Xin Wan paused.

Confused, Lin Xiaoxiao heard a crash from inside, her heart jolting.

Before she could check, Zhou Yang’s furious shout rang out: “What’s with bringing her here? To disgust me? What would Mom think, knowing you’re with a guy?”

Inside, cups and bowls lay shattered. Zhou Yang roared at Zhou Ting.

Mention of her* made Zhou Ting’s temples throb, anger flaring. “Don’t mention her! If you’re staying in this house, shut your mouth, or get out!”

“You’re kicking me out? For that sissy Lin Xiaoxiao? Am I even your son?”

Zhou Ting stayed silent.

Zhou Yang gritted his teeth, storming out, only to freeze upon seeing Lin Xiaoxiao and Xin Wan.

Lin Xiaoxiao’s face was ashen, avoiding his gaze, but she felt his cold stare.

Xin Wan opened her mouth, but Zhou Yang cut in, glaring at Lin Xiaoxiao. “Nice one, Lin Xiaoxiao! I stole your girlfriend, so you seduced my dad? Shameless!”

“You got what you wanted. Happy now?”

Her body trembled, unable to retort.

He sneered, shoving past her and leaving.

The collision made her drop the cake, which smashed on the floor.

Xin Wan, satisfied with the drama, moved to leave, pausing to whisper, “I told you I wouldn’t let you off easy. You chose the hard way—don’t blame me.”