Volume One, Chapter 112: Chen Qifan’s Family

Page (1/3)

The location Chen Qifan sent was a five-star hotel. The people he had invited were not only Xiao Yue and Chi Xingwan, but also Zhang Shaodan and Qiao Qingyun.

They were all around the same age. Except for Chi Xingwan, the others had even grown up together from childhood.

The next morning, Xiao Yue arrived at the Chi residence to pick up Chi Xingwan. Once she settled into the passenger seat, she was still marveling. “I never expected you to drive yourself.”

Xiao Yue smiled. “I haven’t driven in over two years, so I’m a little rusty. Fortunately, I had the foresight to practice yesterday.”

Chi Xingwan smiled as well and teased him, “Looks like I should find the time to get my license. Driving yourself around does seem rather fun.”

“The main advantage is the freedom.” Xiao Yue gave it some serious thought before answering.

Chi Xingwan held out the gifts she had brought. “Do you think these are appropriate?”

After Chen Qifan’s biological father had cheated on his mother, Chen Congying had decisively divorced him. Chen Qifan had still been young at the time, but he was no longer a clueless toddler and already knew how to take care of himself.

Besides, Chen Qifan’s grandparents doted on him. Even after his stepmother entered the family, he continued to live quite comfortably.

Thus, Chen Congying chose to go abroad for further studies. While overseas, she met her current husband. After they married, she settled abroad and gave birth to a daughter.

Today, Chen Congying had invited Chen Qifan’s friends to dinner, and her husband and daughter would be coming as well.

As juniors, Chi Xingwan and the others naturally had to bring a few small gifts. They did not need to be expensive; all that mattered was expressing their goodwill.

Xiao Yue opened the gift box, and a familiar fragrance immediately filled the air.

“Flower tea?”

Chi Xingwan nodded. “That’s right. Chen Qifan told me that his mother and stepfather know how to enjoy life, so I guessed they probably like brewing tea.”

The flower petals had been picked from her inner world, where they had absorbed abundant spiritual energy. She had then asked a tea master from Thousand Springs Abbey to process them into flower tea. The resulting tea was of exceptionally high quality; its delicate fragrance could be detected even before the lid was opened.

As a matter of fact, the first time Chi Xingwan had asked Thousand Springs Abbey to make tea for her, it had been a gift for Xiao Yue’s grandmother and Secretary He.

The tea master from Thousand Springs Abbey had trembled all over with excitement when he held the petals. He had never seen petals so rich in spiritual energy—more potent even than the spirit plants cultivated at their abbey.

Seeing that he looked ready to faint, and remembering that she ought to pay someone she had asked for help, Chi Xingwan had agreed to give him one-third of the tea produced.

Page (1/3)

Page (2/3)

The man had been so excited that he could barely speak. Ever since then, whenever he saw Chi Xingwan, he would invariably ask her whether she needed any tea made.

Looking at the tea in his hands, Xiao Yue smiled. “What a coincidence.”

“What is?” Chi Xingwan asked, puzzled.

Xiao Yue took the gift he had prepared from the back seat. When Chi Xingwan opened it, she found an entire tea set inside.

She laughed. “It really is a coincidence.”

When they arrived at the hotel, Chen Qifan was waiting outside. The moment they got out of the car, he hurried over. “Come on, come on. I’ll take you inside. Sister Dan and Qingyun just arrived too.”

Chen Qifan was in an especially good mood that day. He had gotten his hair trimmed especially for the occasion and even used hair gel. His clothes and shoes were all new, and he was dressed with extraordinary formality. If someone had pinned a red flower to his chest, anyone seeing him would have assumed he was about to become a groom.

“Although they’ve always kept in touch, Chen Qifan hasn’t seen his mother in a long time,” Xiao Yue murmured to Chi Xingwan.

No wonder Chen Qifan was so excited. He had heard that his mother would be returning to the country to settle down, which meant the two of them would have many more opportunities to see each other in the future.

When they entered the private dining room, they saw Zhang Shaodan and Qiao Qingyun, who had arrived together. They had only been there a short while and were chatting with Chen Congying.

As soon as Chen Qifan entered, he began making introductions. “Mom, Belle, this is Xiao Yue and his fiancée, Chi Xingwan.”

“Xiao Yue, Sister-in-law, this is my mother, and this is my younger sister, Chen Belle. My uncle has some work to finish and will be here later.”

Chen Congying rose with a smile. “Ah Yue has grown so much, and this must be Xingwan. I’ve heard Qifan mention you long ago. He said you’ve taken very good care of him. Thank you both for staying by his side during all the years I was away.”

Xiao Yue and Chi Xingwan shook Chen Congying’s hand. After exchanging a few pleasantries, everyone took their seats, with Chi Xingwan happening to sit beside Chen Belle.

Chen Belle was biracial. Although she was only a thirteen-year-old girl, her golden hair and bright blue eyes were enough to win anyone’s affection at first sight. When she gave Chi Xingwan a friendly smile, Chi Xingwan was immediately reminded of the junior sisters she had known in her former sect.

Concealing her movements with her sleeve, she took several small animal-shaped jade carvings from her inner world and handed them to Chen Belle.

“Belle, it’s our first time meeting. These little trinkets are for you.”

Chen Belle held the jade carvings in delight and hurriedly thanked her. “Thank you, Sister. I love them.”

“Next time we meet, I’ll bring you a gift too.” She blinked at Chi Xingwan.

Page (2/3)

Page (3/3)

Chi Xingwan was delighted. In the brief span of a few minutes, it felt as though she and Chen Belle had already formed a deep friendship.

The atmosphere in the private room was warm and harmonious when the door opened and an elegant man walked in.

“Sorry I’m late.”

Chi Xingwan turned around and unexpectedly found herself exchanging glances with Charlie.

Chen Belle jumped up and ran to him, throwing her arms around him. “Daddy, you’re finally here! I met so many big brothers and sisters today.”

She pulled Charlie over to Chi Xingwan and introduced them. “Daddy, this is Sister Chi Xingwan. Sister Xingwan, this is my father, Charlie Williams.”

Chi Xingwan greeted Charlie awkwardly. The two of them tacitly concealed the fact that they already knew each other.

After Chen Belle pulled Charlie around and introduced him to everyone, Chi Xingwan learned that he had another name: Bella Williams.

The meal ended in a warm and cheerful atmosphere. Chen Congying had already arranged to go shopping for New Year goods with Zhang Shaodan and Qiao Qingyun that afternoon, and Chen Qifan and Chen Belle would naturally be going with them.

Xiao Yue had limited time, so Chi Xingwan decided to accompany him back to the Xiao residence. Charlie, meanwhile, said he still had to visit the school that afternoon and would not be joining them.

After Chen Qifan and the others left, only Chi Xingwan, Xiao Yue, and Charlie remained in the private room.

Xiao Yue rose. “I’m going to the restroom.”

Chi Xingwan looked at him with an amused, knowing smile. “I recall you went ten minutes ago. What’s wrong? Is Vice President Xiao having kidney trouble?”

Xiao Yue sat back down helplessly. “I only said that because it seemed the two of you had something to discuss.”

Charlie looked at them curiously. Chi Xingwan said to him, “Uncle Charlie, Xiao Yue is my fiancé. There’s no need for us to avoid speaking in front of him.”

Xiao Yue wore a surprised expression, but only for a moment. He immediately understood. Charlie was probably also a member of the mystical world, and he and Chi Xingwan had most likely known each other for some time.

Charlie was somewhat surprised as well. “Consultant Chi, I never expected you to be so decisive. I’ve always been afraid to tell Congying and Belle about my identity. I keep feeling that I have no way to make them feel at ease.”

Chi Xingwan glanced at Xiao Yue. “I’m different. I have complete confidence in myself.”

Page (3/3)