The Marriage Partner Is The Villain Boss Chapter 13

Chapter 13

But what if I insist?

That was all the woman said.

Xu Zhiyi stared blankly into her eyes. It felt as if something had been knocked over in her heart with a loud crash, and a belated warmth flushed her cheeks.

She turned her head away, avoiding the woman’s burning, almost aggressive gaze.

Thank you for handling the matter with Zhou Bo for me.

Before she could finish, she felt the woman naturally take her hand. If anything happens in the future, you can always tell me.

…Alright.

Xu Zhiyi didn’t bring up how the other woman had taken the liberty of arranging a meeting with Professor Zhang. She knew perfectly well that everything Pei Qingyan had done was for her sake—even if it meant leveraging her own influence and that of her family’s corporation.

A thousand words caught in her throat, eventually manifesting as a soft, Drink less in the future.

Xu Zhiyi felt conflicted. She knew that Pei Qingyan was the best candidate for a political marriage she could find right now; a chance like this wouldn’t come twice.

After all, she had been publicly jilted before and had even become the center of a high-society scandal, which significantly diminished her perceived commercial value. Furthermore, her naturally aloof personality meant she had few friends within their social circles. After narrowing down the options, only Pei Qingyan remained.

And only Pei Qingyan had stood unwaveringly by her side, no matter the circumstances. For a moment, Xu Zhiyi couldn’t tell how much of her reluctance to let the woman leave was born out of genuine affection. She simply didn’t know.

Upon arriving at her front door, Xu Zhiyi was surprised to find someone who shouldn’t have been there.

Mom? What are you doing here?

She looked coldly at the well-maintained middle-aged woman before her. Her tone was neither too distant nor too close, though it carried a hint of estrangement.

I came to see you. Le Lei’s gaze quickly swept past her, lighting up slightly when it landed on Pei Qingyan. It seems you and President Pei are getting along quite well.

Hello, Auntie. Pei Qingyan stepped forward at the perfect moment and said warmly, Calling me President Pei is far too formal. From now on, I’ll be like a daughter to you.

Sweet-talker.

Xu Zhiyi looked away helplessly, but she could still hear her mother’s delighted laughter. However, it seemed Le Lei truly had only come to check on their progress and see if the marriage was still on track. Once she had her answer, she hurried away without even a backward glance.

Come in and sit for a while.

Xu Zhiyi opened the door and invited the woman following closely behind her inside. Things had already reached this point; she no longer had any reason to keep her out. Pei Qingyan was also very tactful; she not only helped tidy up the table but even volunteered to peel some fruit.

Give me the knife.

After watching for a moment, Xu Zhiyi reached the limit of her patience and snatched the fruit knife away, attempting to save what was left of an apple that had been whittled down almost to the core.

…Sorry, the woman whispered, looking embarrassed.

It’s fine. It’s not like I just met you today.

Everyone had their weaknesses, and Pei Qingyan was no exception. Looking at the mangled apple in her hand, Xu Zhiyi suddenly remembered a time when they were cutting watermelon. Pei Qingyan had managed to cut out a perfect, square block and presented it to her like a precious treasure—it was the sweetest part of the heart.

She let out a soft chuckle, only then realizing that they were standing uncomfortably close. Just as she was about to step aside, the woman stood up of her own accord.

I’ll go make dinner.

As if eager to prove her worth in some way, Pei Qingyan moved with a brisk pace. Xu Zhiyi’s lips parted, but the words I’ll help you died on the tip of her tongue, ultimately dissolving into a faint, barely audible sigh. In that moment, an inexplicable sense of regret welled up in her heart.

Composing herself, Xu Zhiyi decided to follow her heart and headed toward the kitchen. What if she needs help finding the seasonings? She told herself, using it as an excuse.