Chapter 107: My Wife

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Seeing Xiao Tianci and the others come in, Dongfang Yi felt a wave of danger approaching. In his heart, there was a mix of luck and curiosity as he probed, “Heh… Ni’er, what’s Xiao Tianci up to? Uncle Tian sent him with so many bodyguards and a plane—is he involved in some big deal?”

Tian Ni thought to herself, with my dad’s stingy nature, he wouldn’t waste resources on others like this; he’d rather enjoy them himself. Ni’er said, “Actually, he just…”

“Ha… ha… hahaha!” Xiao Tianci came laughing over, reaching out to shake Dongfang Yi’s hand. “Isn’t this Brother Dongfang? It’s been a long time! How have you been?”

Dongfang Yi quickly stood and smiled, shaking Xiao Tianci’s hand. “All is well. I don’t know what President Xiao has been busy with lately. I heard you went to the overseas branch—how’s that going?”

Sighing, Xiao Tianci sat beside Tian Ni, while Dongfang Yi stood there, stunned, wanting to say something but noticing Tian Ni was silent. Tian Ni shifted slightly, glaring at Xiao Tianci with some displeasure.

Feigning ignorance, Xiao Tianci continued, “It’s tough! It hasn’t been long, but the overseas company just couldn’t hold on. So I came back. These days, earning a living is no easy matter!”

“Pfft…” Huofeng and Meige couldn’t help but laugh, but seeing Xiao Tianci’s sharp glance, Dongfang Yi covered his mouth, trying not to laugh. Huofeng pulled Meige to sit at another table.

Dongfang Yi glanced at Chief Steward Lin Jian, the tough bodyguards, and the others who had practically taken over the entire restaurant, causing the owner to hide so afraid to come out. Others were either hurriedly paying or too full to eat, cautiously watching. With so many people acting like this, who would believe the company had lost money?

Xiao Tianci didn’t care if anyone believed him and sighed again. “I’m thinking about what to do next. It’s really tough—I have a family to support.”

He deliberately glanced at Tian Ni, whose heart was filled with amusement at his act. She turned away without looking at him. Xiao Tianci pitifully said, “Actually, I’m not asking for much; I just hope when I’m tired outside, there’s someone waiting at home to talk to. Isn’t there a saying… oh right, a warm hearth with wife and kids—that’s life’s joy!”

The more Dongfang Yi heard, the more confused and mystified he became. Tian Ni blushed slightly. She was naturally cheerful but didn’t know how to respond to this situation. The earlier incident was too sudden, and she hadn’t explained everything to Dongfang Yi.

Cautiously, Dongfang Yi asked, “President Xiao, may I ask if you recently inherited a sum of money?”

Xiao Tianci nodded. “Yes, yes, Brother Dongfang, you heard about it, huh? Haha, well then, this meal is on me.”

He slammed his hand on the table and shouted, “Someone! Clear out the other guests here, and while you’re at it, go negotiate with the owner to buy this restaurant.”

Dongfang Yi stared at him in disbelief. It really was him—the prodigal son Xiao Tianci.

Xiao Tianci apologized, “Haha, Brother Dongfang, don’t mind me. When poor people suddenly get rich, this is how we act. It’ll settle down in a while.”

Dongfang Yi, realizing Xiao Tianci was teasing him, said puzzledly, “President Xiao… no, I should say Big Boss Xiao now. Though we haven’t been close before, we’re friends. If I’ve done anything wrong, please point it out—I’m ready to admit my faults and make amends.”

“Tsk tsk, Brother Dongfang, what are you saying? My wife and I are kindly inviting you to dinner. Your words are hurtful.”

Dongfang Yi was taken aback. Wife? Was that the woman from earlier? He glanced toward Huofeng, who was laughing and eating a variety of small pastries with Meige nearby.

Tian Ni couldn’t hold back anymore, glaring at Xiao Tianci, “Have you finished your antics? If you have something to say, let’s talk at home.”

“Home… home… home…” Dongfang Yi wondered if he’d misheard. What did she mean by home?

Xiao Tianci’s arrogant demeanor vanished immediately, replaced by a smile. “Heh… heh… Whatever my lady says goes… You’re in charge at home.”

It was the first time he had called her that in front of others. Tian Ni flushed but said nothing.

Dongfang Yi finally understood but couldn’t fathom how this was possible.

For Dongfang Yi, nothing was more shocking than this flirtatious banter. Xiao Tianci’s earlier sarcasm he could handle calmly, but now his heart felt lost and numb.

Seeing Dongfang Yi’s expression, Tian Ni lightly nudged Xiao Tianci. “I want to talk with my friend privately. Could you leave for a bit?”

Xiao Tianci quickly nodded, then reached out to Dongfang Yi. “Brother Dongfang, sorry I didn’t invite you to the wedding—it was so rushed. This meal is humble and embarrassing, but now that I’m financially stable, I’ll treat you properly next time.”

Dongfang Yi, almost on autopilot, raised his hand to shake. The sudden pain in his hand woke him up. Xiao Tianci gave him a warning look: “Kid, scram. Don’t even think about my wife—you’re looking for trouble.”

Suddenly, Dongfang Yi asked, “Ni… er… do you… love… him?”

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Tian Ni slowly lowered her head. Love him? To love or not to love—that was the question.

Seeing Tian Ni not answer, Dongfang Yi seemed to understand everything. Tian Ni pushed Xiao Tianci slightly; he wanted to talk to Dongfang Yi alone, but someone else, more sensible, quietly whined and headed out. Seeing this, Tian Ni quickly stood, “Dongfang…”

Xiao Tianci was puzzled. “Hey, this guy’s got no manners. I bought out the entire restaurant and invited him to eat, but he just ran off—really no respect.”

“Xiao… Tian… Ci…”

“Ah, here I am.” Seeing Tian Ni’s angry glare, Xiao Tianci knew he had to stop and shrugged. “Maybe it’s better if I tell him instead of you. You know this can’t be avoided.”

Indeed, today she had come to tell him—to let him thoroughly despair so he wouldn’t hope anymore. She looked over and saw Xiao Tianci already eating his steak.

“You…” Xiao Tianci looked pitiful. “Wife, I’m so pitiful—I haven’t eaten anything yet.”

Tian Ni couldn’t help but laugh at his expression. “Why don’t you just order something yourself?”

Xiao Tianci argued reasonably, “This steak’s already cold; eating it now would be bad for my health. I’m fine, but you’re not. Besides, food shouldn’t be wasted!”

At this moment, Huofeng and Meige approached. Tian Ni only then remembered how many people were around and that Xiao Tianci had told her about Huofeng and Meige on the phone.

Huofeng eagerly stepped forward, “Hello, I’m Huofeng.” She nudged Meige, who looked cautious, probably afraid this sister-in-law wouldn’t recognize her. She timidly whispered, “Sis… ter-in-law…”

Xiao Tianci had discussed Meige’s situation with Tian Ni over the phone. Seeing her now, Tian Ni felt a weight lift from her heart—it was as if something had vanished. Yes, things needed facing; otherwise, thinking about them only remained thoughts. Recently, they had talked extensively on the phone and formed a certain feeling.

But she was afraid that feeling wouldn’t exist when they met in person—that it would change after the meeting.

“Hello, I’m Tian Ni.” After greeting Huofeng, Tian Ni turned to Meige, who seemed shy and scared. “Heh… little Meige, what did you just call me?”

Meige was afraid. Did her brother’s wife dislike or not recognize her? She had seemed so strict earlier—even her brother was afraid. Holding Huofeng’s hand, she tried to hide; since she couldn’t use a gun against the sister-in-law, hiding was her only option.

But Huofeng pushed her from behind. Unable to escape, Meige whispered, “Sis… ter-in-law…”

Even Xiao Tianci was surprised. Tian Ni crisply replied, “Sis-in-law. The company’s got some business to handle, but after that, I’ll cook something delicious for you tonight, okay?”

Meige finally realized this sister-in-law wasn’t so scary and nodded. Tian Ni patted Meige’s cheek affectionately. “Alright, Meige, sis-in-law’s leaving first. I’ll cook something good for you tonight.”

She stood and turned to leave. Xiao Tianci hurried, “Wife, you really will cook tonight!”

Unexpectedly, Tian Ni turned her head, snorting, “Who’s your wife? Don’t call me that without my consent!” Then she walked off. Xiao Tianci thought to himself, “She’s already gone home. My sister calls you sis-in-law, and you accepted it but still say you’re not my wife? Only a fool would believe that.”

Once in the elevator, Tian Ni looked around and sighed, recalling the earlier events and Xiao Tianci. Her heart was filled with both anger and amusement. “This scoundrel used to pretend to be a good guy, but he’s actually so rotten—slick and sly.”

“Ding…” The elevator doors opened, and Tian Ni stepped out but suddenly stopped, worried. “Oh no, Dongfang Yi… I was so angry with Xiao Tianci that I forgot about him.”

Tian Ni quickly took out her phone to call Dongfang Yi, but though the line connected, no one answered. She didn’t know what to say—maybe it was as he said; sometimes it’s better not to say anything.

When she reached her office and sat down, she thought for a long time before her stomach growled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten. Of course, she couldn’t help but think of that big bad guy who made her skip meals. Just then, the secretary called, saying someone had brought food.

Curious, Tian Ni said casually, “Sign for me and have them bring it in.”

“But… but…”

What was wrong with the secretary today? Tian Ni asked, “What’s the matter? Did something happen?”

The secretary hung up, knocked, and entered. “General Manager, you should see for yourself.”

Tian Ni went out and was stunned—one man in a suit, over a dozen chefs in uniforms with all sorts of tools. When Tian Ni appeared, the suited man approached.

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“Hello, may I ask if you are Mrs. Xiao?”

...

Tian Ni already knew who was behind this. The receptionist, her secretary, and surrounding employees all looked over, making her very embarrassed.

Clearly, the man’s question was routine. He pulled out a freshly printed menu. “Please have a look at these dishes. We can prepare them immediately—both Chinese and Western cuisine.”

Tian Ni took the menu but didn’t look at it. Having so many people at the company entrance was unacceptable. She told the secretary, “Take them to the conference room.”

The secretary led them away. Tian Ni immediately grabbed her phone, dialing Xiao Tianci and glancing at the menu.

Back in her office, the call connected. “Was this your doing?”

“Heh, good or bad? I admit the good, but I’ve never done the bad.”

“What about the chefs? How did they come here?”

“Oh, that. Yeah, I did that. You weren’t leaving earlier, right? I saw you didn’t eat anything you ordered. I was worried you’d be hungry, so I had someone prepare lunch for you. How is it? Does it suit your taste? Remember, no cold food!”

“This is a company! You sent them here? Didn’t you think about… about my business?” She started angry and loud but ended softly because the menu was filled with dishes she liked.

“Ah, sorry, I didn’t think it through. I just didn’t want you to go hungry. I wrote the menu and asked them to prepare it. Sorry, wife, don’t be mad. I’ll be more careful next time.”

“Hmph… who’s your wife, you big dummy?” Saying this, Tian Ni hung up, one hand on her phone, the other holding the menu.

“By the way, Chief Steward, how did I instruct you about the menu?”

“The boss just said to deliver lunch to the lady.”

“Ni’er said there were many people. You didn’t prepare all the dishes I wrote, right? I only asked you to pick a few.”

“No.”

“Good.”

“I told them to cook directly there.”

“What? You had them cook at the company? Crazy! I wondered why Ni’er reacted so strongly. Even the boss can’t allow that! Who cooks at the company?”

“This way, it’s better.”

“You amaze me. Fine, let it slide this time, but no more next time.”

“Yes.”

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