Chapter 40: When are you and your wife going to make it public?

No one had expected that Little Bean Sprout was Jiang Xiao’s relative. Jiang Xiao was no longer the assistant she used to be; she was now the chief talent manager at Huaxia Entertainment, and no one could underestimate her.

Xia Lan looked at the awkward atmosphere and tried to ease the tension, “Jiang Xiao, Liang Jie was just about to have someone look for this little handsome boy’s family. I didn’t expect him to be from your family.”

Liang Yue’s expression wasn’t as calm as before; her lips twitched slightly, “Kids will be naughty, it’s nothing serious.”

Jiang Xiao licked her lips and softly asked Little Bean Sprout, “How did you spill the coffee?”

Little Bean Sprout sobbed a few times, “Sister Liang dropped her things, and I wanted to help her, but accidentally spilled the coffee. I didn’t mean to.”

Jiang Xiao’s heart ached with every beat. She patted his shoulder, “It’s okay, it’s okay. See, Liang Teacher isn’t mad at Little Bean Sprout.”

Little Bean Sprout felt wronged, “I want to call Dad, I want Dad…”

Jiang Xiao smiled gently, “Sure, we’ll call Dad in a moment. Mumu, even though it was an accident, you tried to do a good deed but things went wrong. Do you understand?”

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Nkvvzl Jlyd Fraswv czkdjle, “R jdso.”

“Fs, obyv okzz usw es?”

“R’zz yrszstkgl!” Tl alrzkle alpszwvlzu cwv vbld psqvldle bkp hsknl, “Jwv R yzalyeu yrszstkgle fwpv dso.”

Kkydt Dkys nyalpple bkp blye okvb yqqlnvksd, “Ywxw, usw eke y talyv fsc!”

Ohlausdl ralpldv wdelapvsse vbl obszl pkvwyvksd. Mbl uswdt yppkpvydv yzps qlzv lxcyaaypple, “Rv oyp xu qywzv; R eked’v jllr vbl pbslp rasrlazu.”

Nkvvzl Jlyd Fraswv zssjle vkxkezu yv Nkydt Zwl, bkp lulp xskpv, yde iwknjzu vwadle bkp blye yoyu.

Nkydt Zwl’p zkrp tldvzu nwahle, scplahkdt Nkvvzl Jlyd Fraswv, “Mbkp nbkze byp lmnlzzldv zydtwytl pjkzzp. Gzaktbv, zlv’p vkeu wr. El pbswze yzps cl blyekdt cynj. Kkydt Dkys, esd’v osaau ycswv vbl pbslp.”

Kkydt Dkys qsanle y pxkzl, “Xjyu, Mlynbla Nkydt.”

Words aside, she still had to compensate for the shoes. She would ask Little Bean Sprout’s dad to cover that expense.

After Liang Yue left, Xia Lan exchanged a few words with Jiang Xiao.

“It was a misunderstanding, don’t worry,” Xia Lan comforted.

“Thank you, Lan Jie.”

“Thank me for what? I didn’t do anything.” Xia Lan looked at her and sighed, “They said you look like me, and now that I see you, there is indeed some resemblance.”

Jiang Xiao chuckled, “There is a resemblance, but my figure is nowhere near as good as yours, Lan Jie.”

Xia Lan also laughed, “Our great talent manager Jiang knows how to speak. I have to go now, catching a flight to the northwest.”

Jiang Xiao understood; Xia Lan got a role in a movie directed by a famous director from Hong Kong, which was scheduled to be filmed for several months. “Lan Jie, I wish you a smooth shoot.”

“Thank you!” Xia Lan reached out and touched Little Bean Sprout’s head, “Little handsome boy, maybe you’ll have a chance to act in a movie in the future.”

Little Bean Sprout blinked, “Sure, sister, I’ll discuss it with my dad.”

Xia Lan was taken aback for a moment. Even as a star, being called “sister” by such an adorable little cutie melted her heart. She then happily laughed a few times, “You clever little rascal. Sister will bring you gifts next time. Goodbye!”

Little Bean Sprout blew a flying kiss, “Goodbye, sister. Have a safe trip!”

Jiang Xiao: “…”

In the evening, Jiang Xiao took Little Bean Sprout to eat nearby street snacks to make up for his wounded spirit from earlier. Jiang Xiao wished she could bring all the things he liked back home, but unfortunately, she didn’t have the strength for that.

“I wish your dad were here.”

“No, no, I want to have some alone time with Mom.”

“Do you even know what ‘alone time’ means?”

Little Bean Sprout hummed, “Dad said he wants to have alone time with you, without me! He even kissed you secretly. I saw it all.”

Jiang Xiao fell silent.¹😂😂😂The little guy sees everything

There were all kinds of street snacks, fried potato chips, grilled squid, grilled fish balls… a dazzling array, with mouth-watering aromas filling the air.

Little Bean Sprout ate until his belly was bulging, and in the end, he couldn’t walk anymore, so he begged Jiang Xiao to carry him.

Jiang Xiao couldn’t possibly carry him; she had to set some conditions. “You walk for fifteen minutes, and Mom will carry you for one minute.”²The original text said walk for five minutes… but it doesn’t make sense when making a deal following the next sentences so maybe the author was confused

Little Bean Sprout shook his head and insisted, “Walk for ten minutes, carry me for one minute.”

Jiang Xiao stared at him, then compromised, “Walk for eight minutes, carry me for one minute.”

Mother and son looked at each other, and finally, Little Bean Sprout agreed. He shrugged, “Okay. I wish Dad were here; Dad is strong. Mom is heavier than me, but Dad can carry her.”

Jiang Xiao: “… You little rascal, Zhou Simu.”

Little Bean Sprout hugged her, “Mom, you’re the best.”

Unfortunately, Jiang Xiao fell for his words. And so, half-walking and half-carrying, the mother and son returned to the hotel.

Jiang Xiao first helped him take a bath. Normally, it was Zhou Xiulin who bathed him, so this time, as she bathed him, his little hands covered his sensitive areas.

Jiang Xiao couldn’t help but laugh and cry, thinking, “I gave birth to you, what haven’t I seen?”

Zhou Simu squinted, “Mom, I can’t let you see my little bird because you’re a girl.”

Jiang Xiao: “…” She was currently applying shower gel to him.

Zhou Simu hummed a song, “I am a little green dragon, a little green dragon, I have many little secrets, little secrets, I won’t tell you, I won’t tell you!”

Jiang Xiao patted his chubby little bottom, “Little singing sensation, rub the bubbles yourself.”

Finally, after the bath, Jiang Xiao carried him to bed and put on his pajamas. She handed him his phone, and he immediately fumbled for WeChat to bother his dad.

Zhou Xiulin had a dinner gathering tonight and had had quite a few drinks, his face slightly flushed.

Everyone at the table was accompanied by beautiful women, while he was the only one alone.

Wei Yang from Dongdu said, “Yutong, you haven’t toasted President Zhou yet. ‘The Legend of Concubine Li’ is an investment from General Zhou.”

Zhuo Yutong was an artist under Dongdu Films. Last year, she gained fame with a historical drama as the second female lead. She looked youthful with delicate features and exuded a student-like charm. “President Zhou, I really like ‘The Legend of Concubine Li.’ I’ll toast you this glass.”

Zhou Xiulin had an indifferent expression as he picked up the glass, “Miss Zhou, no need to be so polite.” He finished the drink in one gulp.

Several bosses were discussing the next film they planned to invest in. They were considering a suspense movie for the second half of the year. Zhou Xiulin thought it was not a bad idea and was also considering participating in the investment.

Zhuo Yutong discreetly observed Zhou Xiulin. She had heard before that he never had any romantic relationships, though the specific reason was unknown. She stood up and took the wine bottle, saying, “President Zhou, let me refill your glass.” As she approached him, her body gradually leaned in, and when pouring the wine, her long hair brushed against his shoulder.

Zhou Xiulin furrowed his brows, “Miss Zhou, that’s not necessary.” If he was polite in the beginning, his tone had turned colder now.

With a soft smile, Zhuo Yutong’s hand shook slightly, causing the wine to spill out and landing on Zhou Xiulin’s shirt.

“President Zhou…” Zhuo Yutong looked at him with a nervous and apologetic expression, appearing pitiful and endearing.

Zhou Xiulin stood up, his handsome face taking on a hint of coldness in the light and shadow. “I’ll go to the restroom.”

Wei Yang put his hand on the waist of the beautiful woman beside him but glanced at Zhuo Yutong. “Yutong, don’t be too hasty.”

Everyone burst into laughter.

Zhuo Yutong looked innocent, “President Zhou won’t be angry, right?”

“It’s just a piece of clothing.”

Zhuo Yutong stood up, “Let me take a look.”

Zhou Xiulin sorted out his clothes, his trousers and shirt slightly damp. He walked out of the room and took a deep breath in the corridor.

Zhuo Yutong asked a staff member for Zhou Xiulin’s location and walked over in her high heels, taking light steps. “President Zhou, I’m really sorry about what happened earlier.”

Zhou Xiulin turned his head slowly, his gaze cold and distant. “Miss Zhou, you should focus your attention elsewhere.”

Zhuo Yutong didn’t expect him to be so direct, and her mouth twitched. “President Zhou, you might have misunderstood something.”

Zhou Xiulin said coolly, “This strategy might work on Director Wei.”

Zhuo Yutong shifted her body and smiled at him. To others, the two of them appeared like a couple whispering to each other. “President Zhou, I made a bet with Director Wei. If I were to be with you, he would let me play the female lead in his next movie. It seems my chance of being the female lead has gone down the drain.”

Zhou Xiulin showed no expression on his face. He had always been polite to women, but it was different when facing deceitful women with ulterior motives.

He left the gathering early and received a video call from Little Bean Sprout when he arrived home.

His son held the phone, his big face filling the screen. “Daddy—”

Zhou Xiulin asked, “Where’s mommy?”

Zhou Simu replied, “Mommy’s taking a shower.”

Zhou Xiulin inquired, “What did you do today?”

Zhou Simu recounted everything, emphasizing the snacks that Jiang Xiao took him to eat. He emphasized it three times, saying they were delicious. Then he added, “Daddy, you should come and play with us next time.”

Zhou Xiulin nodded, thinking his son hadn’t forgotten about him. Unexpectedly, Zhou Simu added, “If you come, I can have those snacks again.”

Zhou Xiulin rubbed his forehead, “Listen to mommy when she’s working, okay?”

Zhou Simu replied, “I’m a good boy.” But then he remembered the incident with the shoes today and felt wronged.

Zhou Xiulin could see his son’s emotions and tried to comfort him. Zhou Simu spilled everything about the incident.

Zhou Simu sniffled, “Daddy, the shoes seemed expensive. Mommy doesn’t have that much money.”

Zhou Xiulin raised an eyebrow, “Then what should we do?”

Zhou Simu said, “Daddy, can you give the money? Mommy is very poor.”

Sometimes, Zhou Xiulin didn’t know how to respond to Zhou Simu’s words. He wondered what his wife did to make their son feel that she was poor.

Jiang Xiao had just finished showering, and she dried her hair as she walked to the bed. “Mu Mu, the milk is ready.”

Zhou Simu spoke to the camera, “Daddy, I’m going to drink my milk now.”

Jiang Xiao took the phone, “Mr. Zhou, you’re home so early. No other events?”

Zhou Xiulin raised an eyebrow, “Someone invited me, but I didn’t go.”

Jiang Xiao giggled.

Zhou Xiulin asked, “What happened with the shoes?”

Jiang Xiao’s smile faded slightly, “It was an accident. Ms. Liang said we didn’t need to compensate, but I thought it would be better to transfer the money to her anyway.”

Her expression was vivid, and Zhou Xiulin understood her feelings. He paused for a moment and said, “What shoes? Let someone buy a pair for you.”

Jiang Xiao shook her head, “It’s not the same shoes we bought. Just give her the money. The shoes are completely ruined. She probably won’t accept them anyway. I’ll have my assistant transfer the money to her studio’s account. I don’t want to owe her anything.” She was willing to owe anyone, just not her.

Seeing her firm determination, Zhou Xiulin pondered for a moment. “What’s bothering you?”

Jiang Xiao sighed, “I used to make mistakes when I was a child, and I was always scared at that time. I understand that feeling of helplessness. Today, I wasn’t there, and Little Bean Sprout suffered such grievances. It pains me.”

Zhou Xiulin furrowed his brows, “I’ll handle the shoe matter.”

Jiang Xiao took a deep breath, “No. I’ll take care of it myself. It’s better if you don’t get involved.”

Zhou Xiulin smiled, “Come back tomorrow, then.”

Jiang Xiao snorted, “No way! I want to have some quality time with Little Bean Sprout.” She paused and added, “Mr. Zhou, you won’t suddenly show up again, right?”

Zhou Xiulin truly had no time this time; he had meetings all morning tomorrow. “Mrs. Zhou, I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you this time.”

After finishing his milk, Zhou Simu said, “Baby Zhou is going to bed now. Mommy, hang up the call. Daddy, good night.”

Zhou Xiulin shook his head, “Having a son is just to compete with me for your attention.”

Jiang Xiao found it amusing, “Mr. Zhou, good night. I’ll sleep with you when I get back.” She realized something was wrong with her words.

Zhou Xiulin grinned, “Mrs. Zhou, you said that.”

Zhou Simu happily sang, “Tonight, I can sleep with mommy! It’s great that daddy’s not here!”

Zhou Xiulin thought it was okay; when she came back, she would slowly repay the debt. However, why was Jiang Xiao so insistent this time? Liang Yue wouldn’t care about a pair of shoes. He raised his hand to touch his forehead, a thought emerging in his mind. But it was not right; Liang Yue’s age didn’t match. He sat on the sofa for a long time, and in a moment of realization, he thought of something. He immediately picked up his phone and called Jiang Qin, “Check all the information about Liang Yue. I need it as soon as possible!”

However, the next day, Zhou Xiulin did not expect to find himself in entertainment news.

【Zhou Xiulin’s Girlfriend Exposed, In Love with Newcomer, Zhuo Yutong.】

These artists would stop at nothing for exposure.

Jiang Qin browsed the news, looking at Zhou Xiulin with a clear expression. Although the picture of Zhuo Yutong was only a side view, it was still recognizable.

Jiang Qin glanced at Zhou Xiulin and said, “Mr. Zhou, you seem very happy in the photo, having a good conversation with Miss Zhuo.”

Zhou Xiulin gave him a cold look, “Have the PR department handle it as soon as possible. Tell Tina, kill the chicken to scare the monkeys³to make an example of them.” He didn’t want to be involved in such boring news again.

Jiang Qin nodded, “Boss, your charm remains strong. But it’s been three years; when are you and your wife planning to go public?”

Zhou Xiulin pondered slightly, “This year.”

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Sansukini: Some of you guessed right about Liang Yue. Y’all are so perceptive.

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