Chapter 28. "I am her husband."
Bai Xiao's neck was stiff as a piece of wood. He kept thinking about Song Huai's beautiful amber eyes, but he didn't dare to turn his head to look at Song Huai. He was afraid that if he turned his head, things would get out of control.
These days, he has been wavering in his mind, unsure of how to handle his feelings for Song Huai.
He tried to express his love to Song Huai, but every time he tried to speak, it felt like something was stuck in his throat, making him almost suffocate—there were some things he just couldn't say, so he had no choice but to remain silent.
Childhood memories surfaced one by one in his mind.
His mother died early, and his father was busy with work, so he grew up surrounded by a group of nannies.
A child's nature compels him to approach his father, but his father always ignores him, leaving him feeling disappointed.
He tried everything he could to get his father to look at him more.
When other children in the class got full marks on their tests, their parents would reward them with many gifts. So, he also got full marks every time, but his father wouldn't even glance at his test paper, at most giving him a perfunctory smile.
He spent several months knitting a scarf by hand and gave it to his father on Father's Day. But his father only glanced at the scarf and then threw it aside. He never saw the scarf again.
Over time, he got used to his father's indifference and was no longer saddened by his father's neglect.
Outsiders all say that Bai Xiao is Bai Jingzhong's only son and the sole heir of the Bai family, and should enjoy endless pampering. But only Bai Xiao himself knows that it's not like that. When he was very young, his father ordered him to start learning about company affairs and took him to meetings and banquets of all sizes. To him, Bai Jingzhong was more like his teacher and boss than his close relative.
From childhood to adulthood, Bai Xiao was like a work and study machine. He always excelled academically, and after taking over the Bai family business, the company flourished under his leadership. He was good at everything except love.
Over the years, only Song Boyu awakened the seed of love in Bai Xiao's heart. Unfortunately, this seed was destroyed with Song Boyu's death just as it was sprouting.
Bai Jingzhong is now terminally ill and will not live much longer. Although Bai Xiao visits his father every day, he doesn't feel much grief. Visiting his father is more like completing a task, just like the work he has to do every day.
In contrast, what Bai Xiao cared about more was that once his father passed away, he would no longer have any reason to allow Song Huai to maintain their marital relationship. At that time, Song Huai would probably have to divorce him.
The thought that Song Huai would one day leave her caused Bai Xiao a dull ache in her heart.
Just as Bai Xiao was lost in thought, the car that was supposed to pick them up arrived, interrupting her train of thought.
--
After getting into the car, Song Huai clutched his empty stomach, looking miserable. He had only eaten a few asparagus spears at the dinner table before coming out with Bai Xiao; that little bit of food wasn't even enough to fill his teeth.
But he didn't dare tell Bai Xiao that he hadn't eaten enough. He had sneaked out today without telling Bai Xiao, which was his fault. Bai Xiao seemed to be holding a grudge, and he didn't want to walk into the line of fire.
These days, Bai Xiao has been buying him all sorts of delicious food, which has improved his appetite considerably. In the past, he might have been able to tolerate missing a meal, but now, he seems to really not be able to stand it.
After much thought, Song Huai finally decided that he would skip dinner tonight and eat more tomorrow morning.
At this moment, the car stopped, but not at the hospital entrance as Song Huai had imagined.
Song Huai knew this place all too well.
The car stopped at a small restaurant. There was an inconspicuous signboard at the entrance of the restaurant, with the five characters "Chen's Beef Noodles" printed on it.
A pleasant surprise descended upon him. Song Huai looked at Bai Xiao in disbelief, "How...how did you get here?"
Bai Xiao raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you hungry? If you're not hungry, I am. Then you can stay in the car and wait for me to eat."
"Hey...no, no, I...I'm hungry."
Fearing that Bai Xiao would really abandon him and enjoy the food alone, Song Huai hurriedly followed Bai Xiao out of the car.
Strangely, the usually bustling shop was deserted today. Song Huai asked in confusion, "Why is there no one here today?"
The driver, Xiao Yang, interjected quietly, "Because Boss Bai booked the whole place today."
Bai Xiao glanced at Xiao Yang, who immediately fell silent in fright.
Song Huai suddenly realized that this young master Bai was indeed worthy of his reputation, making such a grand show even for a bowl of beef noodles.
Song Huai used to come here to eat noodles often, and the proprietress already knew him. Today, she was surprised to see Song Huai bringing a tall and handsome stranger to eat noodles. This man was also very wealthy and had booked the whole place for the night. She was amazed.
Taking advantage of serving the dishes, the proprietress couldn't help but glance at Bai Xiao.
She whispered to Song Huai, "Young man, is this your boyfriend? He's handsome and rich, you have great taste!"
Although the proprietress lowered her voice, the store was very quiet at the moment, and Bai Xiao could still hear her words clearly.
Before Song Huai could answer, Bai Xiao naturally replied, "I am his husband, not his boyfriend."
Song Huai was taken aback by Bai Xiao's sudden words. He lowered his head, his face flushed with embarrassment, and said, "Yes, this is my...husband."
When Song Huai heard Bai Xiao admit that he was her husband, even though he knew it was all a lie, his heart still couldn't help but pound.
When Bai Xiao heard Song Huai say the word "husband," the corners of her mouth subtly curved up.
Each lost in their own thoughts, they finished their bowl of noodles.
After the meal, Song Huai glanced at Bai Xiao, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.
Bai Xiao looked up and saw that Song Huai had ulterior motives. "What is it? Speak."
Song Huai hesitated and said, "Bai Xiao, I don't want to go back to the hospital, okay? I feel uncomfortable staying in the hospital..."
Bai Xiao frowned and said in a deep voice, "Song Huai, I haven't settled the score with you for sneaking out today. Don't push your luck."
Song Huai asked in bewilderment, "How did you know where I went tonight?"
Bai Xiaojian said briefly, "Your father also sent me a message."
Song Huai suddenly realized what was happening and regretted his own stupidity. Song Chengping, of course, would not miss any opportunity to talk to Bai Xiao. He guessed that Bai Xiao had ignored him, so he called him.
Song Huai said sincerely, "Bai Xiao, I'm sorry, I was wrong. I promise I'll listen to you next time and won't run around anymore. Please don't be angry, okay?"
Bai Xiao snorted coldly and remained silent.
Seeing that Bai Xiao's complexion had improved slightly, Song Huai pressed his advantage, saying, "Bai Xiao, you see, I'm almost better now. Can I stop staying in the hospital?"
Seeing that Song Huai was going too far, Bai Xiao was about to open her mouth to refute him.
However, Song Huai was staring at Bai Xiao with his big, round eyes. His amber eyes, like jewels, were captivating, and his gaze was filled with both grievance and hope.
Bai Xiao couldn't withstand Song Huai's gaze. He immediately abandoned all principles, changed the subject, and said in a muffled voice, "...Okay, but you have to stay home obediently for the next few days and can't go out anymore."
"Bai Xiao, you're so kind!" Song Huai didn't expect Bai Xiao to actually agree to his request. Overwhelmed with joy, he immediately wanted to run out and breathe some fresh air.
Bai Xiao hurriedly called out to Song Huai, "Song Huai! Put your coat on first..."
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