NOVEL NEXT Chapter 409: Huh?
After delivering the shocking revelation to Lin Youxi's parents, the Mei-You-Yuan Trio deemed the timing ripe. Under the pretext of visiting the night market, they created space for their parents to discuss matters.
In reality, the trio went to Yuan Yuan's old family home—reminiscing about childhood memories while rekindling their adults-only secret games.
After several rounds of gaming together (with Mei Fang hard-carrying at 4/0/0), Xia Yuan grew tired and suggested resting. Sitting cross-legged in Mei Fang's lap, she cuddled close and asked about their parents:
"Ah Fang, do you really think Xiang Mama will gather our parents to talk today?"
"Probably. Before leaving, I saw Dad making calls, and Xiao Ya just told me she was instructed to stay in her room to avoid interrupting the adults."
As Mei Fang played with Xia Yuan's hair, Lin Youxi—wearing her "Empress's New Clothes" —approached with a new bottle of red wine. After placing it on the bedside table, she slithered over like a water snake, winding around Mei Fang from behind to nuzzle and kiss him.
Feeling neglected, Xia Yuan huffed and squirmed in Mei Fang's arms. "Hey! We're discussing serious matters here! Why are you two at it again?!"
Pfft—
Lin Youxi rested her hands on Mei Fang's shoulders, grinning at Xia Yuan. "There's not much to discuss anyway. Seizing this beautiful moment is what matters most. Let the elders handle their own troubles—the initiative is entirely ours now."
"All we need is Xiang Mama's belief."
Lin Youxi smiled. "She'll convince the others."
"I hope so…"
"More importantly, Yuan Yuan, since returning, we've grown distant again. Why won't you kiss me properly?"
"I-I think us kissing is kinda weird… I prefer when Ah Fang initiates group kisses."
"Ah Fang, hear that? Yuan Yuan says you're not proactive enough."
"Not proactive? Wrongfully accused! Yuan Yuan's just being lazy."
"I'm just acting spoiled!"
"Speaking of which, Yuan Yuan, your tummy's looking rounder lately. Are you really pregnant this time?"
"I! DO! NOT! HAVE! A! BIG! BELLY! Ah Fang, back me up!"
"I… think the softness feels just perfect to squeeze."
"Wah… I'm starting a diet!"
While the Trio enjoyed their sweet threesome, the six parents at Mei Fang's childhood home sat around the table, each lost in thought.
"It's been so long since our three families gathered. With our kids being so close, we parents should bond more too…"
Due to Xia Yuan's lack of communication with her parents, Yu Ling mistakenly treated this as a casual reunion. Her cheerful smile made the atmosphere subtly awkward.
"Of course we should meet more often. We've neglected this before, but going forward, we must stay informed about our children's situations."
As Xiang Xiaoxia served tea, Lin Guochuan accepted his cup with trembling hands. After sipping, he nodded. "Last year, I was preoccupied with health issues and failed to properly guide Youxi…"
Xia Xun nearly laughed internally. Though they rarely interacted professionally, he'd witnessed Lin Youxi's decisiveness at work.
What 'guidance'? She makes all her own decisions…
Just as Xia Xun picked up an orange slice, Lin Guochuan suddenly stood and addressed him—ignoring Liang Meijuan's attempts to stop him.
"Old Xia, I… don't know how to say this, but ultimately, this is Youxi's fault. I must apologize to you."
"Huh?"
The usually composed Xia Xun froze mid-bite before quickly regaining his CEO demeanor.
"Apologize… for what?"
He wasn't stupid—Lin Guochuan's demeanor spoke volumes.
No, impossible…
Our Yuan Yuan is so lovely—she can't possibly lose to Lin Youxi.
What does that brat Mei Fang take our daughter for? Borrowing money from me with one attitude, now this?
He'd actually dare abandon our Yuan Yuan?
Though Xia Xun's face remained calm, his fists clenched and molars ground together as he struggled to maintain composure.
Memories of Yuan Yuan's recent behavior flashed through his mind…
…Actually, not much different than usual.
Wait—no!
This New Year, Mei Fang didn't stay overnight at our place!
But he's not Yuan Yuan's boyfriend anymore… no reason to stay…
Unless—
Xia Xun's mind raced until he arrived at the most plausible explanation for Lin Guochuan's apology:
That clever Lin Youxi must've found the ultimate solution to their love triangle—
She's planning to marry Mei Fang with a shotgun wedding!
Is… is that possible?!
Absolutely.
Our Yuan Yuan's so innocent—probably doesn't even know how to kiss properly, gets flustered just holding hands.
But Lin Youxi? She's clearly… experienced.
Noticing steam practically rising from her husband's head, Yu Ling interjected, "Dear, don't overthink it. Let's hear Brother Guochuan's explanation—"
"You… you really don't know?" Lin Guochuan seemed surprised.
Xia Xun and Yu Ling exchanged glances. "Know what?"
"Yuan Yuan's always been kindhearted. She must've hidden the truth, fearing you couldn't accept—"
"Hmph, nothing's unacceptable."
Xia Xun growled, "As parents, we know best how exceptional our Yuan Yuan is. If that Mei brat can't appreciate her, we don't need him either! Plenty of others would cherish our daughter—"
Mei Lijun:Old Xia's crying.
Xiang Xiaoxia:He's crying.
Liang Meijuan:Yuan Yuan's dad? What's he saying?
Lin Guochuan:Huh?
Yu Ling:Waaah husband—
After his outburst, a red-faced Xia Xun angrily plopped back down—only to immediately rise again.
"Wife, we're leaving."
"Wait! Old Xia, you've misunderstood!"
Mei Lijun forcibly guided Xia Xun back to his seat. The moment Mei Lijun touched him, Xia Xun recalled the terror of their bathhouse encounters and stopped resisting.
Lin Guochuan continued, "This isn't about Youxi and Ah Fang being together… Rather… Youxi has… someone else she likes."
Xia Xun felt like he'd been teleported from hell to heaven.
This… this is good news?
"Then why apologize? Pursuing love is normal. If she doesn't like Mei Fang anymore, so be it."
"It's because…"
Impatient with Lin Guochuan's stammering, Xiang Xiaoxia cut in:
"Old Xia, the 'someone else' Youxi likes is your daughter Yuan Yuan."
"They've dumped our Ah Fang to be together."
Xia Xun:"Huh?"