Do You Like Him?

Hearing this, Sheng Xiangsi remained silent.

"Hmph!"

Yu Huanxi sounded displeased, "This is such a big deal, and you didn't tell me! If I hadn't pressed William for details, were you planning to keep this from me?"

"I..."

Sheng Xiangsi felt very embarrassed, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."

"You did mean to!"

Yu Huanxi knew her well.

The truth was, she didn't have enough money, but she wouldn't ask for help.

Yu Huanxi huffed, "Sheng Xiangsi, don't you consider me a friend?"

"No," Sheng Xiangsi quickly said, "It's precisely because I consider you a friend that I couldn't ask."

Friendship should be kept light and not involve too many burdens. Besides, Yu Huanxi had already helped her so much since they met.

She couldn't shamelessly keep asking for more.

"Huanxi, I owe you too much already."

"Sigh... For Jun Jun's sake, what's one more time?"

Yu Huanxi sighed, "The surgery costs 500,000 yuan. If you don't borrow from me... where are you going to find that much money?"

Hearing this, Sheng Xiangsi's eyes welled up with tears again. "Huanxi, with your help, I don't know how to thank you."

"No rush."

Yu Huanxi laughed, carefree as ever.

"Life is long, you can thank me slowly."

She said, "The reason for this call is to let you know not to worry about the surgery costs. I've got it covered."

Sheng Xiangsi was choked with emotion, "Huanxi, thank you."

Great kindness speaks for itself; Yu Huanxi was her lifelong benefactor!

Yu Huanxi's nose was also a bit sore, "Hehe, alright. I've said what I needed to. It's late there, get some rest."

"Okay."

"By the way," Yu Huanxi called out gently, "Happy birthday, Xiangsi."

"Thank you."

As the call ended, tears streamed down Sheng Xiangsi's face.

The lively birthday party tonight couldn't compare to the warmth of her child's and friend's birthday wishes.

Now, despite feeling guilty towards Yu Huanxi, she was relieved that Jun Jun's surgery costs were covered. Once the surgery was done, they could reunite!

...

The next day, Sheng Xiangsi woke up late.

When she got up, she didn't see Fu Hanjiang, which made her feel relieved.

After last night, regardless of his intentions—whether he had a purpose or was just acting impulsively—she didn't want to see him again.

While having breakfast, Sheng Xiangsi asked the housekeeper, Lin Ma.

"Lin Ma, where's Grandma?"

"The old lady went for a check-up today, she just left not long ago."

A check-up?

Sheng Xiangsi frowned.

She had planned to say that she had stayed at the Fu residence for several days and should leave, but Fu Mingzhu was not at home.

She also had to go to the set later, then rehearse at Mise in the afternoon, and her first performance was in the evening.

It seemed she would have to stay at the Fu residence for another night since it would be too rude to leave without informing the elder.

After breakfast and some tidying up, Sheng Xiangsi left the house.

She didn't stop all day, and by the time the Mise performance ended in the evening, she was exhausted.

Fortunately, Fu Hanjiang didn't show up tonight.

After removing her makeup and changing her clothes, Sheng Xiangsi left the Mise venue.

"Xiangsi!"

Across the street, in front of a silver-gray Pagani, Zhong Pei stood in a well-tailored suit, waving at her with a smile.

Why was he here?

Zhong Pei jogged over, crossing the street, and stopped in front of Sheng Xiangsi, "Are you done for the day? Let me take you home."

"This..."

Sheng Xiangsi hesitated, "No need, I can take a taxi."

Zhong Pei remained unfazed, "Do you usually take a taxi home?"

"Yes," Sheng Xiangsi nodded, "I can go back on my own..."

"Get in the car."

Zhong Pei extended his arm in a welcoming gesture, "It's late, and since I ran into you, there's no reason to let you go back alone."

Seeing Sheng Xiangsi still standing there, he teased, "Miss Sheng, my background is clean, you can trust me, I'm not a bad guy."

"Pfft..."

Sheng Xiangsi was amused and no longer refused, "Alright, I'll trouble you then."

"It's no trouble, an honor."

They got in the car and headed to the Fu residence.

Sheng Xiangsi asked, "I didn't notice during the performance, did you come with friends?"

"Not exactly friends," Zhong Pei shook his head, "I came with business partners."

He clarified, "Just socializing. In Jiangcheng, people like to discuss business in such places. It seems if it's too formal, deals can't be made. I just returned, so I'm still getting used to it."

"Mm," Sheng Xiangsi nodded with a smile.

She didn't understand business matters, "Perhaps it's a cultural difference between East and West."

"Philadelphia has its merits, and so does Jiangcheng..."

Talking about Philadelphia gave them a common topic, and they chatted and laughed all the way.

When the car stopped at the gate of the Fu residence, Zhong Pei got out and opened the passenger door for Sheng Xiangsi. "Here we are."

"Thank you," Sheng Xiangsi got out.

Zhong Pei pointed inside, "It's late, and there are elders at home. I won't go in to avoid disturbing Mrs. Fu."

"Alright..."

Sheng Xiangsi waved, "I'll head in. Thanks for the ride."

"Mm."

Zhong Pei smiled and nodded, watching her walk inside.

It wasn't too late, just before 10 PM.

However, at this time, Fu Mingzhu should already be resting. Entering the living room, Sheng Xiangsi moved quietly.

"Is that Xiangsi back?"

It was Fu Mingzhu.

Sheng Xiangsi was startled and then replied, "Yes, Grandma."

"Perfect timing, come here."

"Okay, Grandma."

Sheng Xiangsi walked over and saw Fu Mingzhu, not yet asleep, having a late-night snack with Fu Hanjiang sitting across from her.

"Xiangsi, come here, have a bowl of freshly made cordyceps soup."

Fu Mingzhu glared at Fu Hanjiang, "What are you waiting for? Go get Xiangsi a bowl."

"Alright."

Fu Hanjiang stood up, not looking at Sheng Xiangsi, and went straight to the kitchen.

Sheng Xiangsi avoided his gaze, not even daring to look at him from the corner of her eye. She clasped her hands in front of her and sat down next to Fu Mingzhu.

"Grandma, it's late, why aren't you resting?"

Fu Mingzhu laughed meaningfully, "If I sleep too early, won't I miss out on seeing certain things?"

"Grandma..." Sheng Xiangsi didn't understand, "What things?"

Fu Mingzhu's smile deepened. She put down her bowl and took Sheng Xiangsi's hand, "Still hiding from Grandma? Little one... tell me, who was it that brought you back just now?"

This...

Sheng Xiangsi paused, "Grandma, you mean... Zhong Pei?"

It wasn't surprising that the old lady knew, given the surveillance at the Fu residence entrance, but her specific attention and inquiry were intriguing.

"Yes."

Fu Mingzhu nodded with a smile, "Tell me, what do you think of Zhong Pei? Do you like him?"