Divorced and Determined: The CEO’s Ex-Wife Fights for Love

After finishing his work, Ouyang Lin arrived at the hotel to meet Lu Qin and his family.

Lu Xiyao obediently called out "Uncle," and Ouyang Lin pulled out a thick red envelope from his pocket and handed it to the little one. It was Ouyang Lin's first time meeting Lu Xiyao, and he marveled at how cute she was.

Lu Qin's family was truly enviable—aside from the couple's perfect match in appearance, their child was also amazing. This was truly a case of excellent genes all around!

Ouyang Lin had learned that they were a family of three, so he had prepared a gift for the child in advance. He had considered giving something valuable, but worried it might not be accepted, so he thought the red envelope would be the most appropriate choice.

"Uncle, I can't accept this, thank you for your kindness~!"

Lu Xiyao shook her little hand to refuse. Normally, other children might turn to their parents for guidance in such situations, and if the parents said "accept," they would, and if they said "don't accept," they wouldn't.

But Lu Xiyao was a clever child. Lu Qin had told her before that when unfamiliar people give gifts, it was best not to accept them. She had never met Ouyang Lin before, so naturally, she couldn't accept the red envelope.

Ouyang Lin smiled and ruffled her head. "Yaoyao is really well-behaved. But, Uncle and your dad are good friends, and this is our first time meeting. This gift is for you to accept. You don't call me Uncle for nothing."

Ouyang Lin was asking Lu Qin for a favor, and for him, it was important to observe proper manners. So, Lu Qin told the little one to accept it. As Ouyang Lin went to arrange for the car, Lu Xiyao had no place to put the big red envelope, so she secretly opened it for a peek. Inside were bright red bills—many, many of them.

The little one wasn't interested in money, but she knew that red bills could be exchanged for lots of ice cream. Her eyes instantly lit up. Just as she was about to hide the envelope, she noticed that her hands were empty. A slender, fair hand had taken the red envelope from her.

Lu Xiyao pouted.

"Mom, I think that's mine~!"

"Mom will keep it safe," Shen Muyan said (calmly).

"No need, Mom, you can have it all~!"

The little one had long known that the phrase "keep it safe" was a lie. During the holidays, all the red envelopes had been taken by Shen Muyan, and she had never seen a single cent of it—losing out on many, many ice creams.

Shen Muyan raised an eyebrow and glanced at Lu Xiyao, thinking, hasthis little one become more sensible?

"Mom, that red envelope can buy so much ice cream, right? Can you fill our fridge with ice cream?"

Just as she said that, Lu Xiyao's little head was rubbed by Lu Qin's big hand.

"Why is your mind always on ice cream?"

After Ouyang Lin finished his call, not long after, a luxury business car arrived.

The group got in the car. A few minutes later, the car stopped outside a more remote courtyard.

"We'll have a simple lunch here, and in the evening, we'll host you properly," Ouyang Lin said politely.

Although he called it a simple meal, it was anything but. This place was a VIP private kitchen, and Shen Muyan knew that such places only served special guests—ordinary people couldn't even get in the door.

Shen Muyan said, "President Ouyang, you're too kind."

The group entered and passed through a uniquely designed courtyard before arriving at a house in the style of a traditional Jiangnan residence. Inside, the Chinese décor exuded a sense of traditional charm and elegance, making the atmosphere warm and comfortable.

This private kitchen didn't have a menu; the chef prepared whatever he chose for the guests. Lu Xiyao had been holding a canvas bag the whole way, which was bulging with a few box-like items.

Ouyang Lin couldn't help but ask, "Yaoyao, what are you carrying?"

"It's delicious food," Lu Xiyao replied honestly.

Lu Qin laughed and explained, "President Ouyang, it's food we brought on the road. We've always taught the little one not to waste food, so she brought it with her to eat. Sorry for the joke."

Ouyang Lin waved it off and complimented, "You've really done a great job in educating your child!"

Ouyang Lin also had a daughter about the same age as Lu Xiyao. His family spoiled her so much that she had become a little pampered. Ouyang Lin had always thought this wasn't a big problem, as many families in his circle raised their children the same way.

And, after all, a daughter should be raised with luxury, given anything she wanted, so she wouldn't be wronged. But after seeing Lu Qin and Shen Muyan's daughter, Ouyang Lin could see the difference.

From the initial politeness and education to her lack of shyness in a new environment, even knowing not to waste food, Lu Xiyao's performance was incredibly pleasant. She was quiet, well-behaved, occasionally lively and fun—she was hard not to like.

Ouyang Lin had originally thought of bringing his own daughter to let the two little ones play together. But now, he was glad he didn't. Ouyang Lin thought that if he had brought his daughter, it would have been embarrassing.

His daughter certainly wouldn't be as well-behaved as Lu Xiyao. She would probably get bored in just two minutes and start asking for a phone, tablet, or to play with her dolls.

At mealtime, she would be even worse, picking at everything, refusing to eat this or that, and needing to be coaxed to eat. And when eating, she insisted on holding a toy, a bad habit she had developed over time.

It was a relief that he hadn't brought her, Ouyang Lin thought. Otherwise, the difference would have been too obvious.

…

Ouyang Lin was still lost in thought when he saw the little one running over with a teapot. She climbed onto a chair, refilled her own cup, and then refilled Lu Qin's and Shen Muyan's cups before returning to her spot.

At that moment, Ouyang Lin was truly stunned, forgetting to even say "thank you," standing there in shock. Lu Qin and Shen Muyan's child was just too impressive!

This wasn't just being well-behaved, this was knowing how to be a good person!

Ouyang Lin thought of his own daughter. If it had been her, not only would she not be refilling anyone's tea, but she probably would have knocked over the cup.

It just goes to show how important good education from a young age is!

On this point, Ouyang Lin felt ashamed, realizing that Lu Qin was more impressive than him. Ouyang Lin made a mental note to start taking his own daughter's education more seriously after the old man's birthday banquet was over.

After drinking some tea, the dishes began to be served. The dishes in this private kitchen were known for their unique flavors and creativity. To put it simply, these were dishes they couldn't find elsewhere.

Lu Qin looked at the dishes being brought out, all red and green, so visually appealing that just the presentation looked high-end and exquisite. The chef himself brought the dishes and briefly introduced each one.

"This dish is [Vegetable Juice Wild Rice with Ginseng]. After steaming the wild rice, we use fresh asparagus and chicken broth to make the juice, then simmer the ginseng in the broth. This green sauce is made from asparagus…"

As the chef introduced the dish, his tone was slightly proud, clearly showing that these private dishes were his proud creations.