Volume One, Chapter 11: Right from the Start, You Kidnapped My Beloved Child?

Most of the Pei family’s power lay in Pei Lin’s hands, so even when Pei Xi went to work, he mostly just went through the motions. Usually clocking out on time, today he simply took Xue Qingning with him to experience leaving early.

He had already prepared a gift to bring when visiting, but Xue Qingning wanted to buy a few things herself, so the two of them went to the mall. Fearing they might be spotted by Pei Lin’s people, Xue Qingning pulled him along like they were sneaking around, glancing back nervously, which made him a bit amused.

So adorable. Yet he reassured her, “Qingqing, don’t worry, no one will find out. I’ve taken care of everything.”

Hearing this, Xue Qingning finally relaxed. Standing outside the Xu family’s door, she was unusually nervous, repeatedly asking Pei Xi what expression would be best.

Seeing her like this, Pei Xi rubbed her cheek gently. “Qingqing, just be yourself. But could you help me check—does this smile look too half-hearted?”

Xue Qingning laughed at him. “Pei Xixi, why are you more nervous than me?” She patted his shoulder. “Show the poise of our CEO Pei when handling things—calm and composed!”

With that, she turned and rang the doorbell.

The door opened, revealing Mrs. Xu. Upon recognizing Xue Qingning, she reached out to stroke her face. “Sweetheart, why are you home so early?”

She glanced at Pei Xi behind her. “And this is...?”

“Hello, Auntie. I’m Pei Xi, Qingqing’s boyfriend.”

“Oh, come in, come in.”

They had bought quite a few things, and Pei Xi made two trips downstairs to carry them in.

Taking advantage of the time, Mrs. Xu sat Xue Qingning down on the sofa, smiling warmly. “So you’re dating? When did this happen? Does he treat you well?”

How was she supposed to answer that? They got their marriage certificate as soon as they met? This wasn’t a boyfriend—it was a husband!

With no other choice, Xue Qingning dodged the question. “He treats me very well... Mommy.”

After mentally rehearsing, she finally said the word out loud. She hadn’t expected it to come out so smoothly, and once said, everything else felt natural.

She nestled into Mrs. Xu’s arms, acting coy. “Mommy, I missed you so much!”

Mrs. Xu was momentarily stunned, then laughed, running her hands through Xue Qingning’s hair. “You’re all grown up—how come you still love to act so spoiled?”

“If little Pei sees this, won’t he get jealous?”

Xue Qingning snorted playfully. “He wouldn’t dare!”

“Look at what you say—are you always bullying him?”

“No way!”

Pei Xi stood by the door, watching the scene inside with a smile tugging at his lips.

After finishing carrying in the items, Pei Xi took over Mrs. Xu’s place in the kitchen. At first, she was a little worried, but seeing his skilled knife work and familiarity with her daughter’s tastes, she relaxed.

“Well then, little Pei, dinner’s all yours.”

“Alright, you go rest! Qingqing misses you and Uncle so much!”

“That child has always been so clingy!”

Though she said that, Mrs. Xu’s smile deepened whenever she mentioned Xue Qingning.

When Mr. Xu came home, Pei Xi was just putting the last dish on the stove.

After changing his shoes, Mrs. Xu pulled him aside, gesturing to the kitchen. “Your precious daughter’s boyfriend looks good, cooks well, and most importantly, knows how to care for her.”

Mr. Xu didn’t catch the last part. Hearing that someone was trying to take his precious daughter away, his expression darkened immediately.

“Dating so early? That boy’s no good!”

Mrs. Xu punched his arm. “Our Qingqing is already twenty-four—she can date now.”

“Then you have to thoroughly inspect him—see if his character and appearance measure up!”

“Well, I think he’s quite good.”

“You think so? You get tongue-tied whenever you see a handsome guy. Our daughter’s just as much a face-lover as you!”

Mrs. Xu didn’t bother arguing and left with a smile. “If I weren’t a face-lover, we wouldn’t be together.”

Meanwhile, seeing that the two hadn’t come out yet, Xue Qingning slipped into the kitchen and popped out from behind Pei Xi.

“May I ask our Chef Pei, what’s the last dish?”

“The promised beer crab. Want to taste the broth first?”

“Huh? Only the broth? I want to eat the crab meat!”

Pei Xi hooked a finger under her nose. “Little glutton. But sadly, it’s not ready yet. Wait until dinner, okay?”

“Okay~” Xue Qingning shrugged. “Pei Xi, why does every dish you make suit my taste so well?”

“We haven’t even eaten together before.”

“But didn’t Qingqing fill out a questionnaire?”

That reminded her—in confirming their collaboration, she had received a survey so detailed it even asked for her measurements.

She had thought it was just a formality, but Pei Xi not only looked at it but remembered everything?

If that was the case...

“Don’t tell me you memorized all my information?”

With a nod from Pei Xi, Xue Qingning closed her eyes in despair. Oh my god! No wonder all the clothes in my wardrobe fit so perfectly—it’s Pei Xi...

“Pei Xixi, you don’t have to have such a perfect memory...”

While she teetered on the edge of collapse, Pei Xi remained composed. “Qingqing’s matters are my top priority, so I need to remember everything.”

Xue Qingning’s hair flared as she bit Pei Xi’s bare wrist. Then, their eyes met those of her parents at the door.

How could she possibly be more embarrassed? She immediately released him, crouching down, silently begging for a reset of this moment.

Pei Xi pulled her up, then faced Mr. and Mrs. Xu with a slightly apologetic smile. “Uncle, Auntie, I was just teasing Qingqing. It’s my fault.”

Her parents exchanged glances. The teeth marks were still on his wrist—how could he say it was his fault?

“Does she need a rabies shot now?”

Mrs. Xu’s comment sent Xue Qingning over the edge. “Waaah, I didn’t break the skin... Wait, you guys...”

Pei Xi pulled her into a loose embrace. “Auntie’s joking! It’s okay, really. If we don’t start eating soon, the beer crab won’t taste good.”

Xue Qingning immediately stopped pretending to cry. “I’m hungry, let’s eat!”

Seeing their daughter dart away faster than a fish, Mrs. Xu chuckled. “Little Pei, sorry about that. Qingqing’s dad and I have spoiled her.”

“No, Qingqing’s great. I really like her lively spirit.”

At last, dinner began. Xue Qingning accepted the attention from all three and stared at the bowl of rice in front of her, her thoughts drifting.

In her memory, she was an orphan, growing up in a welfare home until her teenage years, when the System Bureau selected her. Relying on her quick wit and excellent grades, she earned her place.

During her time at the welfare home, hearing countless unhappy love and marriage stories from older siblings had made her fearful of marriage and cautious about romance.

But at this moment, her fear of family seemed to lessen considerably.

If she could have a family like this, perhaps love and marriage wouldn’t be so daunting after all.