The familiar voice inside made Lin Xiao realize what was happening. She raised an eyebrow. Was it her? She got here so quickly?

Lin Xiao's expressive face caught the attention of Nan Lichuan, who was standing nearby. Nan Lichuan smiled gently and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Your girlfriend is here. Did I disturb you, brother?"

Disappointment was written all over his face. Lin Xiao never hid his expression in front of his brother, no matter where he was.

Nan Lichuan stroked the little guy's tousled hair. Even now that he's grown up, he still loves to act cute. But calling that person over was definitely not that person's intention; it must have been his mother who called him.

[Ding! The affection level for the romance character Nan Lichuan has increased by 50.]

"Dad, we're back..."

Before Lin Xiao could finish speaking, the girl's voice came out and said, "Lin Xiao is back! Ah Chuan is back too, right? Auntie made your favorite dishes."

Lin Xiao pursed his lips. He found this tone, which sounded like that of a mistress of the house, so annoying. The man of the house should be the father, but she acted like she was family.

Moreover, this situation made him a little depressed. His father was sitting in the parent's seat, as was his brother's mother, and that persistent woman was sitting next to his brother.

What a bizarre combination! He's left standing there like a third wheel. Is this some kind of blind date dinner?

Nan Lichuan frowned. The woman's appearance made him realize that today's dinner party was not so simple.

Why did Xiao Xiao have to be there too? Her unhappy expression was practically written all over her face.

Did her mother genuinely not know, or was she pretending not to know, that Lin Xiao was unhappy?

Nanshan's father spoke first. Seeing his son's reserved demeanor, he wasn't surprised; it would definitely take time for his son to adjust suddenly. His younger son's unusual behavior, however, puzzled him.

"Xiao Xiao, what's wrong? Are you unhappy? Did the recording of the show not go well today?"

"It's okay. Even if you didn't do well this time, you'll do better next time. Dad believes in you."

Lin Xiao shook his head. He wasn't doing it for any particular show; he had complete confidence in those shows.

He was just afraid that his brother would fall in love with this woman, which would change his position and his mission in his brother's heart.

But who is he? How could Lin Xiao be stumped by these things? Hmph.

"Ms. Li, what a coincidence! You used to be an artist in my brother's company, and now you're my brother's girlfriend."

It seems like becoming my sister-in-law isn't far off. I hope Miss Li will take good care of my brother.

Nan Lichuan was unhappy with Lin Xiao's way of introducing him. What did he mean by "brother's girlfriend"? He hadn't admitted it, had he? But the boy's jealous look was so cute that it made people want to tease him.

"Xiao, it's not what you think. My parents and Miss Li are indeed artists in my company, but when did she become my girlfriend?"

The son's questioning tone made Nanshan hesitate and turn to look at his wife. Hadn't she always respected Li Chuan's decisions? Why was she going back on her word?

He never imagined that his wife, who always had a kind face, would drag their son down with her for her own position.

He would definitely regret it if he found out, but that's another story.

"Why are you all so reserved? We have a marriage alliance with the Li family. Otherwise, why would Xiaoqin's parents have agreed so quickly when she joined your company?"

"It may have been wrong of us to keep it from you, but our intentions were not wrong. Marriages are arranged by parents and matchmakers, and that has always been the case."

"Except for this one thing, which is non-negotiable, your mother agrees to everything else."

Nanmu's noble and aloof demeanor was revealed in these matters, which also proved just how deep this woman's cunning was.

"Xiao, Mom will also prepare a gentle girl for you in the future, when you and your brother get married and start a family."

Your father and I are relieved to have the company in your care.

Lin Xiao scoffed inwardly. What did he mean by "I'm relieved"? Marrying a woman like you? He really couldn't recommend it.

“Mother, Xiao is still young and should be focusing on his studies. It’s not good to talk to him about these things so early.”

He couldn't bring himself to do what his mother did, and he didn't know why he was thinking about his future child.

He might show his tenderness to other women, which would make him feel resentful.

He'd had these feelings for a long time, but he'd always thought of it as just brotherhood, which was why he felt this way.

Shouldn't he take some time to investigate why he's acting this way?

Li Qin felt like she was being ignored, and her pretty face felt a little embarrassed. She smiled awkwardly, trying to get noticed.

"Lin Xiao will definitely find a girl he likes in the future. He's so lovable and handsome, who wouldn't like him?"

Anyone can say flattering things, and Li Qin is no exception. Therefore, Li Qin should be more tactful in front of Lin Xiao.

Otherwise, if she became Li Chuan's woman in the future, she was afraid that Lin Xiao might do something to her.

Nan Lichuan's gaze deepened. Although it was a blind date dinner, it didn't feel like a blind date at all. Instead, it seemed more like a confirmation.

So this means he's been given a fixed position? He won't just give up easily, because he has more to do.

Taking the opportunity, Nan's mother said, "Oh, right, isn't today Saturday? Xiao Xiao has tutoring today, so Li Chuan, why don't you accompany Xiao Qin for a walk around our neighborhood? It'll be good for her to get to know the neighbors better."

With such an obvious tone, Lin Xiao couldn't possibly miss it. His brother was going shopping with this woman instead of tutoring him? His brother had promised, surely he wouldn't agree to that?

Lin Xiao pursed his lips. Although he was somewhat unwilling, he knew this was not a good time.

What if this gives that woman an opening? Wouldn't that be giving her what she wants? He doesn't want that.

Lin Xiao looked at her brother with a pitiful expression. "You promised to take me to school every day. Does that mean you've changed your mind?"

Nan Lichuan had no choice but to comply with his mother's wishes and avoid dealing with the person his mother wanted to deal with.

"Then Miss Li Qin, let's go. Be a good girl, Xiao Xiao. The housekeeper will take you there today, and we'll treat you to a strawberry cream cake tomorrow."

Li Qin looked up and gazed at the handsome young man who was looking at Lin Xiao with doting eyes. This was the person she had liked for a long time, just as she had imagined.

He is responsible, meticulous, and the dream lover of many young girls, but now he is by her side.

So she should have more opportunities than others, how could she let someone else steal his tenderness, right?