Chapter 13: Preventing Her From Being a Starving Ghost
The drowsy Leslie was unable to immediately react to anything. Still rubbing her eyes, she took a clearer look at Calix. The man in the flashy burgundy suit was still laughing at her.
What was so funny?
Was her hair so messy?
Shaking her head, Leslie ignored how she might possibly look right now. She was more focused on why Calix appeared in her room in the morning.
"...you're going to work now?" asked Leslie after coughing a few times. She casually ran her fingers through her long hair, trying to smoothen the tangles a little.
"Yeah, I have a few meetings," Calix shrugged nonchalantly. His lips curled into a lopsided grin, "I might return at four."
"Okay," Leslie nodded once. A yawn escaped her lips. She quickly covered her mouth, "I'll wait here. It's not like I have somewhere I can go."
Leslie stayed up until late last night. She tried to sleep but, her brain kept her awake. Even if she didn't want to overthink, countless scenarios and questions popped into her mind.
Not only did Leslie wonder about Calliope's whereabouts, but she also was curious about the Li family. By meeting Charlene's family, she might be able to understand the situation more.
Descriptions about them in the novel were a mere fraction compared to what was truly happening.
Calix put both hands inside the pockets of his pants. His long and slender legs were accentuated by the slim cut. The vest and the coat also emphasized the broadness of his chest and narrow waist.
Tilting her head, a question came out of Leslie's mouth, "Didn't you say you're going to the office? Why so bold ah?"
Calix smiled smugly, "Red is the auspicious color for a marriage, right? This is our second day of being married. Shouldn't I wear this instead of dark colors?"
"...up to you."
Leslie wondered what Calix's thought process was.
All this time, she had been imagining young and handsome CEOs wearing their dark-colored suits. Even the domineering CEOs in the dramas mostly wore black.
Black was a color of mystery and elegance. It suited well with the drop-dead gorgeous men.
The deadpan look on Leslie's face made Calix slightly embarrassed. He coughed once before stating the real reason he came looking for her.
"Don't you want any breakfast? You can't eat anything without me around you, isn't it? I'll be gone until the afternoon."
"Huh?"
Perplexed, Leslie unconsciously widened her gaze. Calix's casual expression was reflected in her almond eyes.
Under Leslie's confused look, Calix spoke again.
"Aunt Wendy usually made half-boiled eggs and sandwiches for me. I'll bring them up for you if you want them."
Before Calix got out of his room, his thoughts wandered to Leslie. Thinking that he would be away from home for quite long hours, he decided to wake her up just so she could have a meal.
Leslie mentioned that her hunger and sleepiness would come later than normal humans but, Calix was still worried. He didn't want to return home to the starving soul of his newly wedded wife.
What if... the mansion ended up being haunted by a hungry ghost?
Cough!
Calix didn't actually mean that. He was serious about keeping Leslie well-fed before he had to leave for work. She would be so pitiful if she had to endure her hunger.
Leslie smiled in helplessness. Shaking her head, she refused the offer, "It's okay. I'm still full. I think I just need to eat once a day instead of the usual amount."
"Really?" Calix raised his brows in skepticism.
"Yes," Leslie nodded twice, "Go to work. I'll just be here."
Calix was still unconvinced. He asked again. This time he shot more questions.
"Are you sure? You really don't want to eat? How about having some milk? Fruits?"
Leslie burst out laughing. The remains of her sleepiness disappeared. Her giggles caught Calix off guard.
"What? What's so funny?"
"Hehe, I didn't expect you're such a worrywart," Leslie slid down the bed before standing on the floor. Still laughing, she said further, "I'll eat before we go to your ancestral home. It's already enough for me."
Calix exhaled a sigh, "Since you say so, I won't force you."
"You're not forcing me. I know you're simply being concerned," Leslie chuckled, "Still, thanks."
Calix shrugged. Spinning around on his heels, he walked toward the door.
"I'll try to return before four. Oh, don't only stay in this room. Go and explore it if you want."
Calix's words passed his shoulders, reaching Leslie. Her smile softened.
Hehe, once again CEO Xu proved how good of a man he was. Instead of leaving the mansion without saying anything, he dropped by her room just to get her to have breakfast.
Even though Leslie really was not hungry now, she was still touched by Calix's consideration.
"Alright. Thanks again, Calix. Bye-bye."
Calix paused his steps at the door. Glancing briefly at Leslie, he smiled faintly, "See you later. Bye."
Once Calix reached the kitchen, he bumped into Aunt Wendy who had just come out of the laundry room.
"Aunt Wendy, please prepare my portion for lunch today," said Calix while sitting at the kitchen island. He rarely had breakfast in the dining room.
"Oh? You won't have lunch at your office today, Mr. Calix?" asked Aunt Wendy, slightly confused.
"Yes. I'll return early today. My grandma told me to have dinner with the family tonight."
Calix took a bite of the sandwich. In a short moment, he recalled eating egg fried rice with Leslie last night. A corner of his lips curved upward.
"Okay," Aunt Wendy asked nothing anymore. Her eyes widened as a thought struck her mind, "Mr. Calix, did you take care of Mrs. Charlene last night? You didn't call me for help at all."
"..."
Calix was thoroughly grateful that Aunt Wendy's question came right after he swallowed the food. If not, he might have choked right now.
Aunt Wendy didn't specify what kind of care but, Calix understood her meaning full well.
"T-that... I actually... haa... yes, I took care of her."
Unable to come up with any excuses, Calix admitted defeat and played along with Aunt Wendy. His shoulders slumped down.
Seemed like he would be late to work today.
No matter what, he needed to clear some things up with her.