As Annoying as a Chihuahua

Leslie's jaw almost dropped once Calix told her what Vernon did to the foolish people. The image of Calix's laughing face was reflected in her widened eyes.

Calix raised his right arm, pretending to flex his muscles while saying, "You know what's funny? My brother challenged them to a physical fight. A ring battle. They chickened out."

The former special forces captain outrightly threatened the morons. If they wanted a taste of his deadly kick, they were more than welcome to continue their stupid actions.

Instead of one by one, all of the absurd people forfeited at the same time. None of them were brave enough to be the ex-military officer's punching bag. They were so close to courting death.

Thus, the matter died down, much to Calix's disappointment. He was ready with a huge bag of popcorn to watch the one-sided battle escalate.

"Sigh... I actually hoped to see him beat them during the fight ah."

Calix's long and deep sigh amused Leslie. His action reminded her of a lethargic old man.

"Hehe, at least it's peaceful now. Ah, it's green."

Calix focused back on driving. He slowly moved the car forward before the vehicle regained its usual speed. 

Leslie glanced at Calix. Humming softly, she said after much consideration, "It's great that you and your brother didn't fight over the heirship. Wouldn't it change your relationship if it indeed happened?"

Calix pursed his lips before he slowly nodded. 

"Well, I actually offered to step down from being the heir," Calix continued his story, referring to the time when Vernon had just returned, "Until now, I don't care about it. I'm content with just being a regular staff. But, my brother refused. He enjoys what he's doing now."

In a voice laced with pride, Calix told Leslie how Vernon got out of the shackles of his injuries and trauma. During the time the latter sought treatment, he met a woman who would be his future wife.

"My sister-in-law works at a firm near the clinic. They bumped into each other a few times. The rest is history, hehe."

According to Calix, Vernon and his wife, Lucille Wu got married five years ago. Now, they were blessed with an adorable daughter, Amelia. Vernon really adored the small family of his own.

A soft smile found its way to Leslie's lips. She loved hearing how Calix spoke about his family, especially anything related to his elder brother. It was obvious how much he respected Vernon.

"Calix, your youngest sibling is a sister, right? Isn't she a top actress?" 

Leslie brought up Calix's sister, wondering about the latter.

"Oh, that brat Eve? Are you happy to be her sister-in-law? Don't be deceived by her glamor facade ah. She's as annoying as a Chihuahua."

Leslie cracked up hearing the deadpan tone of Calix's voice. Her shoulders shook as she kept laughing.

"Hey! Are you trying to badmouth your own sister? The Evelyn Xu, crowned as Ice Goddess Xu?"

"Huh! She's still so bothersome ah."

Evelyn Xu, the only young miss of the main branch was a top actress.

Even though she started acting under the umbrella of XuGlam Entertainment, a subsidiary of Xu International, her acting prowess was publicly recognized. Only the stubborn anti-fans who kept hating her.

As far as Leslie remembered, Evelyn was charmed by the female lead Violet's kind heart, something that was hard to find in the muddy waters of the entertainment field. Eventually, the two ladies became the best of friends.

Hurm... they should already be friends now.

Leslie recalled some events where Evelyn blatantly told Xander off for mistreating Violet. Calix always ended up being the peacemaker.

"Eve's filming somewhere in the wilderness now. I think she hasn't heard about us being married," Calix was actually rejoicing as he brought up the topic, "If not, I need to hear her and my grandma double-nagging me."

"W-what? Hahaha! Isn't that too bit of a stretch?"

"I told you. She's so bothersome."

Leslie covered her mouth. Laughter kept spilling out of her lips. Calix's dramatic choice of words amused her.

"Still, she's a goddess to her fans. I can't wait to see her."

Evelyn Xu was crowned as one of the Four Heavenly Goddesses of the new generation, the term used to label a group of the most bankable actresses in the country.

Anything she starred in would bring massive crowds to theaters. Such a feat couldn't ever be achieved if her acting was terrible.

Hearing that, Calix raised his brows. Mirth danced in his eyes. He didn't make a joke that only Leslie could see Evelyn while his sister couldn't. Yet.

"I think she'll return this week. As long as she doesn't fall into a hole somewhere inside the woods, I guess."

Leslie giggled while shaking her head in helplessness. In this short ride, she learned more things about the Xu family. 

Aside from that, she also knew that the Xu family was a harmonious one. No wonder Calix was a refined gentleman, despite his chatty mouth.

Throwing her gaze outside the car, Leslie watched how the scenery changed after Calix exited the expressway. She guessed that they were closely approaching Phoenix Heights now.

Densely packed trees stood on both sides of the spacious roadways. From the distance, Leslie saw a few grand mansions. Most of them were built into traditional courtyard houses.

Befitting its status, Phoenix Heights was maintained well. Its landscape reminded Leslie of the traditional garden with blends of unique and ornate buildings paired with natural elements.

The sun was slowly dipping below the horizon. The orange lights cast a layer over the area.

"We're here."

Calix announced in the next few minutes as the car rode past a gigantic wooden gate. It was the main entrance of the enclosed compound. The Xu family's ancestral home was within its walls.

The bodyguards bowed at Calix as the car rode further inside. Leslie unconsciously widened her eyes. She was amazed by the natural beauty that lay inside the huge compound.

"First, you need to stay close to me. Wait for me to explain about the house to you," said Calix. Slowing down the speed, he entered the big garage until he stopped on a spot.

"Okay. I don't want to lose my way here," remarked Leslie, now looking around the garage, "Even a soul like me has a hard time navigating inside such a big house."

Calix snorted. While unbuckling the seatbelt, he reminded, "Keep quiet if possible. What if I accidentally reply to you with other people around?"

Snickering, Leslie retorted, "That means you need better control of your mouth. Your lack of it isn't my fault."

"..."