Chapter 116: An Inquiry from the Sister-in-Law (?)

After hesitating for quite a while, Zheng Xiuyan decided to confirm once more. She simply couldn’t believe that Chen Zhe and her own sister would sneak out behind her back to go on a date together.

“Oh no, Se-yo, are you really Ah Zhe?”

Having just finished scolding Zheng Xiu Jing, Zheng Xiuyan’s anger had somewhat subsided. Then, hearing a voice that sounded like Chen Zhe’s was like a splash of cold water, instantly cooling her down completely. Her tone softened, losing its earlier sharpness, becoming calm and natural—just like the usual composed manner she spoke with.

—————————— Trembling Chen Zhe’s dividing line ——————————

Mimicking Zheng Xiu Jing’s example, Chen Zhe took several deep breaths to ease his nervousness. Though he appeared much calmer on the surface, Zheng Xiu Jing could still see beads of sweat forming on his forehead, trickling down his cheeks, betraying his inner turmoil.

“Y-yeah, it’s me. I really am Chen Zhe! I was the one who just got in the car with Xiu Jing!”

After steadying himself, Chen Zhe finally spoke, confirming his identity once again. This time, he was prepared to be scolded. He began taking responsibility, hoping to shield Zheng Xiu Jing from any backlash from Zheng Xiuyan later.

Hearing Chen Zhe’s admission, Zheng Xiu Jing, who had been watching with arms crossed, suddenly widened her eyes. She reached out to snatch the phone, but Chen Zhe, anticipating her move, pressed his hand firmly against her forehead.

Blocked from grabbing the phone, Zheng Xiu Jing glared fiercely at Chen Zhe, trying to intimidate him with just her eyes.

“Mo-ya, it really is you, Ah Zhe! Why did you sneak out early this morning with Xiu Jing? And why did you both run away as soon as you saw me?”

Upon hearing Chen Zhe’s confirmation, Zheng Xiuyan was initially shocked. Then, as realization dawned, her questions came fast and furious, like a barrage aimed straight at Chen Zhe.

But to Chen Zhe’s surprise, Zheng Xiuyan either didn’t catch that he was the one who took Zheng Xiu Jing into the car or simply didn’t care, for she didn’t comment on that at all.

“I finally got some time off, so I wanted to explore Seoul a bit. But since I just arrived, I’m not familiar with good places to visit here.”

“So, I decided to find a local to show me around. After careful thought, I chose Xiu Jing, who’s about my age. She happened to have no plans, so she agreed.”

Though puzzled why Zheng Xiuyan hadn’t scolded him, Chen Zhe didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he quickly racked his brains for answers to her questions.

“Indeed, Xiu Jing and I are close in age, so our tastes in places to visit are probably similar. But you haven’t answered my other question!”

“Why did you both hide from me and run off without a second thought when you saw me?”

Though she accepted their reason for going out together, Zheng Xiuyan hadn’t forgotten her other pressing question: why they tried to avoid her so blatantly.

With one hand on her hip and the other clutching her phone, Zheng Xiuyan’s face was expressionless, cool and stern. She strode back toward her home with slow, deliberate steps—after all, she still remembered she hadn’t washed up yet.