Everyone sized Matthew Xi from top to bottom. From his poise, his demeanor, the air surrounding him and his expression, no one could detect anything humorous about the person.
Even with his words and actions, Matthew Xi was like a walking winter season. His first impression of them — the way he looked at all of them as if they were all inferior to him — was not even a little humorous!
"Mr. Sun, I think you got the wrong person." In a matter-of-fact tone, Zoey finally said something which everyone agreed with.
"Haha! How can I? We're now best buddies! I'll surely recommend him to Xi's higher ups when I meet them!" Despite the suspicious gaze that was cast upon him, Richard Sun ignored it as he settled in his character at the moment.
"What…?" Upon hearing that, the crowd were in awe as they alternated their gaze from Matthew Xi to Richard Sun.
"It seems that Mr. Sun really got fond of Mr. Xi. There must be something good that Mr. Sun and Miss Zhou saw in him! Aya! This new generation of businessmen has sharp eyes!" Nodding in understanding, Professor Meng chuckled.
There was no need to probe on such small details. If Zoey saw something special in Matthew Xi, there would be no surprise if Richard Sun noticed it too. After all, Zoey was a wise businesswoman, and Richard Sun too had keen eyes for potential businesses and people.
Therefore, there was no need to question the reason behind their fondness towards the overbearing man. Moreover, Matthew Xi seemed to have reflected on his previous actions since he was more polite now.
"Indeed, Mr. Sun was acknowledged by the Xi's because of his capabilities! I'm sure he's not wrong!" Director Long, who was being Richard Sun's 'buddy-buddy' earlier, chimed in. He chuckled along with Professor Meng because they have a point.
Meanwhile, Matthew Xi watched Richard Sun, and every word he spat caused Matthew Xi's brows to twitch. If it were him, there was zero chance he would buy this obvious cover up. However, it seemed as if it worked with these people...
Matthew Xi then glanced at Zoey, the person who he was confident about detecting the sneaky lies they've been cooking up.. However, Matthew Xi's under eye twitched even more seeing Zoey nod in understanding along to Richard Sun's story.
'She believed it?' Matthew Xi wondered, questioning himself if he expected more from Zoey.
"That's true! My darling can be humorous sometimes." Zoey muttered, nodding her head as she affirmed.
"I see..." After Ezekiel Tang recovered from his shock, he nodded his head as a gentle chuckle escaped his lips. "Anyway, I'm glad that you were able to accompany Miss Zhou tonight. I hope you're enjoying the party so far." Sounding noble as ever, Ezekiel Tang curled his lips into a smile as his gaze brushed past Matthew Xi and settled on to Zoey.
"Mhmm," Out of habit, Matthew Xi hummed instead of saying something which made Zoey giggle.
"He said he's enjoying it since he's with me." informed Zoey, translating her darling's humming into words. Of course, she modified it as she pleased.
Little did she know that was what Matthew Xi meant to say. He just felt lazy because he didn't think he should waste more of his energy exchanging nice words with his rival.
On the other hand, Ezekiel Tang's gaze turned darker. Momentarily, his gentle eyes turned piercing as his jaw tightened. In his perspective, Zoey was purposely saying such stuff in front of him to make him jealous.
Despite arriving at this conclusion, Ezekiel Tang hated to admit that it was effective. Zoey was being too clingy and the way Matthew Xi looked at him enraged him for some reason.
"Hahahaha!" This pair of unconventional lovers made Professor Meng laugh. "Miss Zhou is indeed outstanding!" He humored, commenting on how she understood Matthew Xi's wordless response.
"Hehe! I think that's what he said too!" Backing up Zoey, Richard Sun didn't think of a more convincing reinforcement resulting in him sounding stupid.
"Jeez, what's up with him?" Staring at Richard Sun in disdain, Zoey murmured which only Matthew Xi could hear.
"Huh," Yet, only a faint chuckle slipped from Matthew Xi's mouth because everything seemed to run smoothly. Fortunately, Richard Sun's words had an impact on these people. Hence, Matthew Xi felt that he made the right decision by telling him his little secret.
Just as the atmosphere gradually stabilized, a woman's voice approached, causing Zoey's corner lip to curl into a smirk.
"I see that everyone is enjoying the night." Madam Olivia Tang noted, approaching them with elegance. Her gaze then moved onto Zoey's familiar figure and smiled, "I see, Miss Zhou is also here." She added, still bearing a smile.
"I see, your wrinkles beneath that one inch concealer with my 20/20 vision are still there." The ever mischievous and playful Zoey murmured with an excited giggle.
"Behave." Alas, the 'iceman' warned her, ruining her excitement as he studied the approaching woman. Matthew Xi pondered where he had seen the woman because she looked familiar to him.
"Darling," Pouting, Zoey glanced up at his inexpressive side profile as if asking for his permission silently.
"No," Matthew Xi whispered firmly. Even without Zoey stating anything aloud, he could figure out that she wanted to run her mouth until the old lady got a heart attack. No good!
Upon seeing the old lady who still appeared younger than her age, Clara Wei's gloomy expression brightened. It was as if she saw her hero that would save the day.
"Oh, Mrs. Tang! This event is definitely entertaining!" As he watched Olivia Tang slowly make her entrance, Director Long humored with cheerfulness.
"Well, if Miss Zhou is here, I expect nothing less." Olivia Tang chuckled, glancing at Zoey's innocent frown, thinking she was displeased to see her. Unbeknownst to her, Zoey was frustrated that Matthew Xi zipped her lips close.
"She is indeed interesting!" Meaning no harm, Director Long commented because he truly found Zoey an interesting person. Moreover, she was able to befriend Professor Meng and Richard Sun. That's commendable for a lady.
"Haha," Chuckling, Olivia Tang then settled her gaze onto Zoey. "Miss Zhou, how have you been? Is he your date?" She asked.
In that second, Zoey knew that Olivia Tang's gaze was akin to a shooter aiming at her target. However, her dear browny told her to behave, so she would.
"Yes, he is! Isn't he handsome, Madam Tang?"
"Oh?" Arching her brows, Olivia Tang sneered but still appeared gentle. "I hope he's single and unmarried, though." Olivia Tang insinuated, causing some confusion to others who were unaware of Zoey's past.
"Mrs. Tang, I hate to intervene, but what are you insinuating?" Displeased, Professor Meng frowned.
"I don't mean to offend Professor Meng. I'm just concerned. As a mother of her friends, Miss Zhou often gets tricked by married men and begins an affair with them.." Olivia Tang sighed, shaking her head as if it disheartened her to remember such an occasion from the past .