353: Chapter 352 Fake Affection, Real Slap in the Face

The reporters' chatter was like a swarm of buzzing bees circling the parking lot, but not one of them dared to approach.

There was no other reason but that the Si Family was the absolute local tyrant in the Southwest. If the Si Family hadn't nodded their approval for today's photos, any media outlet that dared to publish them would be packing their bags and closing down tomorrow.

Si Hongjun’s eyes swept over those 'long spears and short cannons' out of the corner of his eye. He suddenly tilted his chin toward Qin Yi and said in a voice that was not loud but carried an unquestionable aura: "Qin Yi, come here."

Qin Yi's heart skipped a beat. He had just finished the 'kissing scene' with Si Yao; what act was he supposed to perform now?

He deliberately leaned closer to Si Yao, his elbow inadvertently brushing against her arm, and asked in a low voice, "What is your dad trying to do? He's not going to recognize me as his son-in-law on the spot, is he?"

Si Yao couldn't help but let the corners of her mouth curl up at his words, but she immediately straightened her face and shot back in a whisper only the two of them could hear, "What kind of beautiful dream are you having? Just cooperate well, and you won't be short of benefits." As she spoke, she didn't forget to steal a glance at Zhao Lintai nearby. Seeing his face already turning blue, like a frost-bitten vegetable, she felt even more refreshed.

"Uncle Si, what are your instructions?" Qin Yi walked quickly to Si Hongjun, his back straight, his posture respectful but not fawning.

"Mhm," Si Hongjun raised his hand and patted Qin Yi's shoulder. The force was perfectly controlled—not too light, not too heavy—but enough for the reporters in the distance and the surrounding servers to see this 'closeness' clearly.

He deliberately raised his voice: "Qin Yi, you push the old man. He's getting on in years, and the wheelchair is heavy. You're young and strong, so it'll be more convenient for you to take care of him."

Si Yao also immediately nodded in cooperation, her tone carrying a hint of 'admonishment': "Since my dad said so, don't refuse. Be careful, don't let Grandpa get bumped or bruised, or I won't let you off." As she spoke, she also gently patted the back of Qin Yi's hand, a cunning light flashing in her eyes.

Qin Yi was stunned at first, but then he quickly reacted—could it be that on the car just now, these three generations of the Si Family had already reached a consensus? It seemed that the Si Family also looked down on the now-fallen Zhao Family and was determined to break the engagement! It looked like he was definitely going to be the 'shield.' Well, that was fine; he could do the Si Family a favor and irritate Zhao Lintai at the same time. Why not?

"Got it, don't worry." Qin Yi immediately took the wheelchair from Si Hongjun and even bowed slightly toward Si Zhengxiong, his voice respectful. "Grandpa Si, I'll push you. Rest assured, I'll keep it steady."

While speaking, Qin Yi could clearly feel a cold gaze coming from behind, pricking his back like a needle. He didn't even need to think to know it was Zhao Lintai, but instead of feeling uncomfortable, Qin Yi felt exceptionally gratified.

"Grandpa, I'll help push too." Si Yao moved to the other side of the wheelchair, her hand deliberately resting on the back of Qin Yi's hand as he held the handle. Their hands inadvertently pressed together, and she could even feel the temperature of Qin Yi's fingertips. She pretended to be natural, but she was laughing in her heart: This time, Zhao Lintai's face would probably turn as green as emerald.

"Ah, good," Si Zhengxiong responded calmly.

The group of seven, surrounded by hotel staff, walked toward the lobby.

Si Yao linked her arm with Qin Yi's, and the two pushed Si Zhengxiong side by side at the front. Occasionally, they whispered a few words to each other. Si Yao smiled with her eyes curved like crescents, and Qin Yi nodded in cooperation. Their posture was as intimate as a real couple's.

Ye Ziming led Shen Jianan behind them. The two of them would occasionally look at each other and smile, looking more like they were just there to join in the fun.

Si Hongjun deliberately slowed his pace, walking at the very back with the gloomy-faced Zhao Lintai, acting like a 'supervisor' specifically watching Zhao Lintai's reaction.

Walking behind, Zhao Lintai watched the backs of Si Yao and Qin Yi. His fists clenched until they creaked, his knuckles turning a pale blue-white, and even the veins on the back of his hands bulged out.

Si Yao's laughter drifted over with the wind, every word stabbing into his heart like a knife.

He could feel the strange looks from the surrounding servers—looks of sympathy and mockery—making him wish he could find a hole to crawl into. He had been in the Southwest for so many days and had attended many occasions with Si Hongjun; the matter of the engagement between the Zhao and Si Families was already common knowledge.

Now, having his spotlight stolen by a young brat, he was losing all his face!

But because Si Hongjun was beside him, he could only suppress his rage. A stiff smile was forced onto his face, the curve of his lips looking worse than if he were crying. In his heart, however, he was roaring frantically: "Qin Yi! Si Yao! You just wait, I'll settle this debt sooner or later!"

Just then, Si Hongjun suddenly turned his head. Looking at Zhao Lintai's tense profile, he deliberately sighed, his tone full of 'regret': "Lintai, I'm truly sorry. I didn't expect Si Yao to suddenly bring back a boyfriend. This child grew up by the old man's side and has a very strong personality. No one can force her into something she doesn't want to do. So, in this matter of feelings, you still have to strive for it more yourself."

He said "sorry" with his mouth, but he was sneering in his heart: Zhao Lintai, oh Zhao Lintai, do you really think the current Zhao Family is still the Zhao Family of the past? The second generation of the Zhao Family has already moved away from the center of power, let alone you, the third generation! You want to marry a daughter of my Si Family? Today, I'm going to let you know that a daughter of my Si Family isn't someone you can marry just because you want to.

How could Zhao Lintai not hear the perfunctoriness and mockery in Si Hongjun's words?

He knew in his heart that Si Hongjun was saying this on purpose. It seemed like he was encouraging him, but in reality, he was laying the groundwork to invalidate the engagement between the Si and Zhao Families.

It was just that he needed the Si Family's support now. If he were to point it out directly, things would turn sour. In the end, he would be the one to suffer.

Therefore, out of consideration for Si Hongjun's status and the Si Family's power, Zhao Lintai could only suppress his rage and squeeze out a stiff smile: "Uncle Si, I understand. Rest assured, I won't give up easily. I will work hard to let Si Yao see my sincerity."

"Mhm, having confidence is a good thing." Si Hongjun immediately showed a 'gratified' smile and raised his hand to pat Zhao Lintai's shoulder, though he deliberately increased the force a bit as he continued 'painting the picture': "I also asked Si Yao on the car just now. She hasn't known Qin Yi for long. In terms of family background and ability, Qin Yi can't compare to you. To be honest, I still think more highly of you. So Lintai, you must have confidence; don't let this little setback defeat you."

Zhao Lintai's heart was filled with mixed emotions after being 'encouraged' by these words.

He knew Si Hongjun was coaxing him, but hearing things like "family background is stronger than Qin Yi's" and "thinking more highly of you," he still couldn't help but harbor a sliver of fantasy—could it be that the Si Family was really just testing him?

Watching Zhao Lintai's foolish appearance after being 'fed a big dream,' an imperceptible curve formed at the corner of Si Hongjun's mouth.

Soon, the seven of them entered the private box. Si Zhengxiong sat in the seat of honor. Si Yao plopped down in the seat to his right and even patted the chair next to her, smiling radiantly at Qin Yi: "Sit here. It's close to Grandpa, so it's convenient to take care of him."

Qin Yi sat down accordingly. Their knees almost touched, looking incredibly intimate.

Ye Ziming and Shen Jianan sat behind, and Si Hongjun sat to the left of Si Zhengxiong.

Finally, it was Zhao Lintai—however, Zhao Lintai happened to be sitting across from Qin Yi. The moment their eyes met, Qin Yi suddenly took Si Yao's hand on purpose and even raised an eyebrow at Zhao Lintai. The provocative intent couldn't be more obvious.

The anger in Zhao Lintai's heart flared up instantly, and he almost lashed out on the spot. But in the end, reason triumphed over impulse, and he forced himself to endure it.

The hotel manager led the servers in with the dishes, and the private box was instantly filled with fragrance. The light from the crystal chandelier spilled onto the food, making it look oily and bright, enough to whet anyone's appetite.

Si Hongjun asked Si Zhengxiong what wine he wanted to drink, but Si Zhengxiong pointed at Qin Yi: "Ask the young people. I'm old and can't drink much."

Si Hongjun immediately looked at Qin Yi, who casually replied, "Anything is fine."

Si Yao, however, added from the side with a tone of 'showing off': "Grandpa, Qin Yi has a good tolerance for alcohol. If you want to drink, let him accompany you for a bit." As she spoke, she even winked at Qin Yi. Their tacit understanding made even Si Zhengxiong unable to resist glancing at them a few more times, the doubt in his heart growing heavier.

"Mhm, then what about Ziming?" Si Hongjun looked at Ye Ziming again.

"Oh, anything is fine. Whatever Uncle Si wants to drink, we'll drink that." Ye Ziming replied with a smile. He knew now wasn't the time to steal the spotlight; it was better to just be a quiet background character.

"Good. Then I'll make the decision." Saying that, Si Hongjun looked at the manager and continued, "Then bring the wine I have stored here. Also, open a bottle of the wine brewed by our own winery."

In the meantime, a table full of delicious food had been served. The hotel manager responded with a "Yes" and signaled the servers to leave before gently closing the door to the private box.

At this time, Si Zhengxiong was the first to pick up his chopsticks, smiling as he greeted everyone: "Everyone here today is family, so let's skip the dinner party etiquette. Everyone, start eating."

Si Hongjun immediately responded and also picked up his chopsticks: "That's right, I imagine everyone is hungry. First, try the flavor of our Southwest cuisine and see how it is."

Si Yao immediately picked up a piece of Cordyceps Steam Pot Chicken and placed it in Qin Yi's bowl, her voice cloyingly sweet: "Try this, it's good for the body. You went to sleep so late last night, you must be tired." As she spoke, she deliberately glanced in Zhao Lintai's direction. Seeing his face turn ashen, looking as if he had swallowed a fly, she felt incredibly satisfied.

Qin Yi almost choked on that "went to sleep so late last night," his cheeks heating up slightly. Although he knew it was an act, having so many eyes on him was still a bit embarrassing. He cleared his throat, picked up a spoon, and scooped some Papaya Stewed with Snow Clam into Si Yao's bowl, responding with a smile: "You try this too. It should be 'Papaya Stewed with Snow Clam,' right? It's good for girls to eat this."

Hearing the word "Papaya," Si Yao subconsciously looked down at her chest. Her cheeks were instantly stained with a flush, and she raised her hand to gently swat Qin Yi, saying coquettishly: "How annoying, so many people are watching, what are you saying!"

Qin Yi hadn't thought in that direction; it just so happened that this 'Papaya Stewed with Snow Clam' had rotated in front of him. Now, reminded by Si Yao, Qin Yi could only smile awkwardly at everyone and busied himself with eating the cordyceps in his bowl.

Si Zhengxiong and Si Hongjun watched the interaction between the two, exchanged a look, and both had the same thought in their hearts—given Si Yao's personality, being able to act so naturally with Qin Yi was truly not easy. Could it be that Si Yao really had some feelings for this young man named Qin Yi? If that were the case, making Qin Yi a Matrilocal Son-in-law wouldn't be out of the question.

Thinking this way, the gaze Si Zhengxiong and Si Hongjun directed at Qin Yi became a bit more complex.

But this intimate behavior only made the anger in Zhao Lintai's heart even stronger.

The hand he held the chopsticks with was shaking, and the hand hidden under the table was clenched tightly into a fist, his fingernails almost sinking into his flesh. Looking at the smiling faces of Qin Yi and Si Yao, his eyes looked as if he wanted to tear Qin Yi apart on the spot.

Si Hongjun was closest to Zhao Lintai, so the other's small movements naturally didn't escape him. He deliberately smiled and reminded him: "Lintai, you should eat too. Don't be constrained; just act as if you're in your own home."

Zhao Lintai nodded stiffly. Just as he was about to pick up his chopsticks, the phone in his pocket suddenly vibrated. He then put down his chopsticks and pulled out his phone to take a look; it was still that 'Unknown Number.'

As if grabbing a life-saving straw, he immediately stood up: "Sorry, Uncle Si, Grandpa Si, I'm going to take a call." Saying that, without waiting for a response, he walked quickly out of the private box.

Seeing this, Shen Jianan immediately nudged Ye Ziming with her elbow and gave him a look. Ye Ziming understood instantly and also stood up: "I'm going to the restroom."

There were surveillance cameras everywhere in this hotel. For the sake of caution, Zhao Lintai definitely wouldn't answer the phone inside the hotel.

Therefore, he walked quickly into the restroom. After confirming no one was there, he pushed open the innermost stall and answered the phone.

What he didn't know, however, was that Ye Ziming was following him unhurriedly. Seeing the other enter the restroom, he slowed his pace and waited a few seconds before following him in.

Ye Ziming didn't dare get too close. He chose a stall that was neither too close nor too far—just enough to hear the sound—and walked in, gently closing the stall door.

A moment later, Zhao Lintai's voice came from the stall, deliberately kept very low: "Hello."

"Young Master Zhao, I've arrived in the Southwest." Bai Ruoxue's voice came from the other end of the phone.

"You move quite fast." Zhao Lintai's voice was cold and devoid of emotion.

"Naturally. I wouldn't dare be the slightest bit negligent with the task Boss Lei assigned." Bai Ruoxue said with a smile, "Where should I find you?"

"Shangri-La International Hotel. Go book a room first, and I'll come find you tonight."

"Alright. Then I won't disturb Young Master Zhao. See you tonight."

The call ended, and the sound of flushing followed. Zhao Lintai pushed open the stall door and walked out.

Standing at the sink, he washed his hands. Looking at himself in the mirror with a furrowed brow, Zhao Lintai took a deep breath and muttered softly to himself, "Qin Yi! I'll kill you sooner or later!" After saying that, Zhao Lintai splashed his face with cold water, trying to suppress his anger, and adjusted his collar before walking out of the restroom, forcing himself to look calm.

Once the sound of footsteps faded away, Ye Ziming cautiously stepped out of the stall. Seeing that Zhao Lintai was no longer in the hallway, he took a detour to the other side and hurried back toward the private box.

However, he was still a step too late; Zhao Lintai had returned to the private box before him.

As soon as Zhao Lintai entered the private box, he noticed Ye Ziming wasn't there, and his heart skipped a beat: Had Ye Ziming followed him just now? He asked, forcing himself to look calm, "Eh, where's Ziming?"

"Oh, Ziming went to the restroom," Si Hongjun replied with a smile.

"Is that so? I just came back from the restroom myself; how come I didn't see him?" As Zhao Lintai spoke, his gaze turned toward Shen Jianan.

Just then, Ye Ziming pushed the door open and entered, carrying a bottle of wine in his hand.

Seeing Ye Ziming return, Shen Jianan immediately stood up and asked, "Ziming, where did you go? Young Master Zhao said he didn't see you in the restroom."

"Oh, sorry, I took a wrong turn and went a bit out of the way. On my way back, I happened to see the hotel manager bringing wine over, so I just took it. The wine is still decanting; it'll be brought over in a moment." As he spoke, Ye Ziming walked to Si Zhengxiong's side and picked up a wine glass: "Grandpa Si, shall I pour some for you?"

Zhao Lintai stared at Ye Ziming for a long time but found no flaws—the other's expression was natural, and there was nothing unusual in his tone—so he could only temporarily set aside his suspicion.