Chapter 70 - Surprise
Bai Xia moved on instinct.
The moment the shadow rushed from behind, she shifted her weight, grabbed the attacker's wrist and used her martial arts strength to flip the person cleanly over her shoulder. The body hit the ground with a heavy thud. Without hesitation, she raised her fist and punched—once, fast and precise. As she prepared her second strike, her wrist was caught mid–air.
Her arm didn't budge.
This one is strong… They actually sent a proper assassin this time.
Before she could twist out of the grip, she heard a hurried voice:
"Bai Xia! It's me—it's me!"
Her mind blanked for a second.
Then recognition hit.
"Fu Jian!!"
Her fist dropped immediately and she grabbed his arm, pulling him up. When he stood, she couldn't stop herself—she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Fu Jian froze, stiff like a statue. His hands twitched to return the hug, but by the time he reacted, Bai Xia had already stepped back.
Fu Jian's brows pulled slightly together.
Too slow… I missed the moment.
But Bai Xia didn't notice any of that. She only saw his expression and misunderstood.
"You're angry because I hit you, right?" She huffed and poked his chest with her finger. "If you didn't sneak up on me like that, I wouldn't have attacked you."
Fu Jian laughed lightly and shook his head.
"I wanted to surprise you. I didn't expect your first reaction to be violence."
She stared at his face—smooth, not even red.
So was it his face that was hard… or was her punch weak?
He suddenly asked, "Bai Xia, are you free right now?"
She narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
"Why are you asking? Every time you call me out, you never buy me anything."
Fu Jian's smile deepened.
"I'll give you the gift when we get there. I want you to meet someone."
"Who?"
"You'll see."
They walked side by side for a while until they arrived in front of a modest restaurant. Not luxurious—just a clean and quiet three–star place. They checked in and headed toward a private room.
But right before entering, Fu Jian held her back gently.
"Wait here for a moment. I need to check something inside first. I'll be right back, okay?"
Bai Xia eyed him suspiciously but nodded. "Mm."
---
Inside the room, chaos.
Gifts—piled everywhere in bright boxes—covered the room.
Fu Jian pressed a hand to his forehead.
"Mum, Grandpa… this is too much."
Madam Fu glared sharply.
"What's too much? She saved your life! And this is all you brought? Hmph!"
Grandpa Fu snorted, slamming his cane.
"My granddaughter–in–law saved you, and this is your repayment? Shameful!"
Fu Jian exhaled helplessly. Months ago, he had told Bai Xia he was simply a businessman—nothing more. He hadn't told her he came from the Fu family, one of the top three families in the capital, surrounded by enemies, power struggles and constant attention.
He didn't want to scare her away.
"Mum, Grandpa… she doesn't know I'm from the Fu family. I didn't want to pressure her."
Grandpa Fu picked up a book and threw it. Fu Jian barely dodged.
"You unfilial child! God finally sent me a granddaughter–in–law and you start the relationship with lies?! Even if you try to hide it, I will drag her into the family myself!"
Madam Fu sighed.
"Does she not like wealthy families?"
Fu Jian didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"It's not that. I just want to take things slowly."
Grandpa Fu considered… then finally nodded.
---
Outside, Bai Xia waited. She heard voices but couldn't make out the words. The room's soundproofing was too good.
After ten minutes, Fu Jian returned.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Come."
Bai Xia walked in.
Inside the room sat two elders. The first was an old man with sharp, sword–like white brows—he resembled Fu Jian. The second was Madam Fu, refined and elegant. The piles of gifts were now gone, replaced by only one small wooden box on the table.
Madam Fu and Grandpa Fu both froze when they recognized her.
XB's Owner?!
Bai Xia realized immediately what situation she was walking into.
She straightened her posture, calm and graceful. Her outfit was modest—loose black trousers, a grey sweater, her hair tied neatly in a bun. She bowed politely.
"Auntie Fu, Grandpa Fu. It is nice to meet you."
Madam Fu hurried forward and caught her hands.
"No need to bow, child. Call me Mum."
Grandpa Fu's stern face cracked into a proud smile.
"So beautiful. So capable. Good! I can die peacefully now!"
"Grandpa, you must live to a hundred." Bai Xia smiled.
They sat and talked—warmly, naturally.
Madam Fu asked gently, "Xia Xia, do you know how to cook?"
"I do. Not perfect, but I try my best." Bai Xia answered steadily.
Grandpa Fu asked, "What are your goals? Your ambitions?"
"To build XB steadily, not too fast, not too slow. I don't want to chase fame. I want stability."
Madam Fu nodded with satisfaction.
"Good child. You know what you want."
They spoke about family, school, hobbies. Bai Xia answered confidently yet politely, calm like clear water.
Finally, Madam Fu opened the small wooden box. Inside lay a fine warm–jade bangle—soft green and glowing.
"This is for you. I hope you will accept it."
Bai Xia accepted with both hands.
"Thank you… Mum."
Madam Fu's eyes reddened instantly.
---
After some more time, Madam Fu and Grandpa Fu left, both smiling widely. Before leaving, Madam Fu gave Fu Jian a very obvious wink.
Fu Jian nearly choked.
His mother was too mischievous.
After seeing them off, Bai Xia returned to the private room.
"Fu Jian, your family is really nice."
Before she could sit, Fu Jian stood and gently took her hands.
"Bai Xia… I know you said we should wait until you're eighteen. But right now, I feel a bit insecure. Our relationship... isn't confirmed yet."
His voice softened.
"It's okay if you don't want to rush. But… will you be my girlfriend?"
Bai Xia paused.
"This…"
Her heartbeat slowed, but her eyes softened.