Chapter 104 - I Warned You, Didn't I?

After a while, everyone recovered from the earlier shock and the party eventually went back to its original state. Still, the talk about Zoey's courage and endless shamelessness continued by a small section of people who were utterly disgusted by what she displayed. 

The amount of dare she had to make fun of them caused their hatred to grow. Still, they could not ignore that Professor Ernest Meng treated her with high regard. Thus, they couldn't express that hatred. 

"Haha! But you really got me, Young lady! There's always a boundary when joking! Hahaha!" Professor Meng laughed, patting Zoey's back as he recalled that memorable experience. Since he had moved on from the earlier prank, he could not help but feel amused at Zoey's cards. 

Truly, Zoey was an entertaining lady. Even if they could anticipate what card she would play, she would still surprise them. 

"Hehe, it's not my fault, though. Blame my future in-laws. Hahaha! And everyone who assumed immediately." Humoring the old man, Zoey giggled and pushed the blame to everyone. 

Meanwhile, Matthew Xi watched Zoey laugh with the person who smacked her head. He couldn't understand them. 

One minute, Professor Meng was scolding Zoey. The next second, both of them were laughing like nothing happened. 

Not just that, but also, she was ignoring him. Wasn't this their date? A time for only the two of them? Yet he was being ignored while being forced to watch this pair laugh to their heart's content. 

"Anyway, you keep saying that Mr. Xi here is your future husband. Did you get engaged secretly?" Diverting the subject, Professor Meng asked as he altered his gaze from Zoey to Matthew Xi's unchanging countenance. 

"No." Without batting an eye, Matthew Xi answered.

"Not yet." Correcting him in a matter-of-fact tone, Zoey beamed Professor Meng a large grin, confusing the old man. "He'll fall for my charms, eventually. So, it's just a matter of time." She added, her words oozing with confidence. 

For a second, Professor Meng stared at Zoey before shifting it to Matthew Xi's poker face. The smile on his lips slightly faded as he nodded his head in understanding. 

"Can I talk with Miss Zhou privately?" After nodding his head, Professor Meng asked as he set his wrinkled eyes on Matthew Xi. 

'You've been hogging her attention even when I'm here.' Was what he wanted to reply. However, Matthew Xi didn't bother to cause her any trouble, so he nodded in positive. Without a word, he left the two, despite not knowing where to go. 

Zoey watched his retreating back as a faint sigh escaped her lips. 'Where is he going?' She wondered, knowing he must have hated this crowded place. 

Of course, Zoey wasn't purposely ignoring him. Alas, she must admit that she had to calm Professor Meng first. After all, he might be a jolly, 'go with the flow' person, but he also possessed his own influence. 

She couldn't bear to lose her good ties with the old man because of a silly joke. Moreover, if Zoey didn't humor Professor Meng until they were good again, the impression he has for Matthew Xi could not be salvaged. 

"Little Zoey, I can see that you're fond of Mr. Xi." Clearing his throat, Professor Meng glanced at Zoey before moving his gaze to Matthew Xi's retreating back as he faded into the crowd. "However, it seems as if you're the only one that's interested — not him." He added, his tone full of sincerity and concern. 

"I admit that I don't have a good impression of him. But since you like him, I can only respect your decision and want to try seeing what you see in him." Out of good will, Professor Meng said, before a sigh slipped out of his mouth. "I have one question, though. Is he worthy of investing your time? Z Image flourished because of your wise decisions and keen eyes for potential businesses. But love hits differently. It can also blind a person and cloud one's decision." He added, shaking his head as he spoke his thoughts. 

Matthew Xi's honest denial about their relationship alarmed Professor Meng. If he could answer such a question with no emotion, how could Matthew Xi expect that the people who were genuinely concerned about Zoey to be at ease?

"Professor Meng, love never blinds a person, they choose to be blind, and that's the person's fault not love's." Slowly, the corner of her lips stretched upward. "Is he worthy? I don't know... but he makes me think twice or thrice every single time." Zoey added, her usual cocky tone softened.

For other people, they would expect an answer such as "he makes me smile", "he makes my heart race", so on and so forth. But for Zoey, having such uncertainties, making her feel human matters the most.

Professor Meng glanced at Zoey's side profile, seeing the gentle expression he hasn't ever seen. ��I see..." he muttered, chuckling at his uncalled advice. 

"Also, where's the fun if he likes me immediately? You know I like challenges and he challenges me to the bones. I don't even know if I can win him over... which makes him more special." Zoey slowly returned her eyes to Professor Meng. She smiled, "But I appreciate that you're willing to see what I saw in him. Thank you, Professor." Slightly, Zoey bowed her head as she expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the man. 

"Aya! I'm actually looking forward to this relationship. Haha!" Seeing how Zoey went sentimental, Professor Meng chuckled as he humored to lighten up the mood. 

"Do you want to make a bet?" Chuckling back, Zoey gave him a knowing look as she wiggled her brows. 

"Eh? Why are you proposing a bet? Do you want me to bet on your failure in love? Little girl... I'm in!" Bewildered at the unconventional proposal, Professor Meng shamelessly agreed nevertheless. 

*****

Meanwhile...

"Mi — Young Master Xi," As Matthew Xi stared at the garden's view, Richard Sun's stuttering voice came from his side. Yet, Matthew Xi didn't bother to glance at him and kept looking at the light posse dancing around.

Gulping a mouthful of saliva, Richard Sun took a step closer like a scared puppy. "I —" 

"I warned you, didn't I?" Slowly, Matthew Xi retracted his gaze from the light posse as Richard Sun intruded his personal space. 

"Do you want to wait for a declaration of your bankruptcy for you to heed to my warning?" As soon as his pair of russet eyes settled on Richard Sun's, a dangerous glint flickered across them.