Chapter 176 - Xi Matthew Of Z Image Group

Clara Wei's hand trembled as her jaw tightened. In her mind, perhaps Olivia Tang was right. She often thought of keeping her image and wanted to be as elegant and classy as always. 

However, this particular approach seemed not to work anymore. Glancing at Zoey who seemed comfortable talking with Vivian Xi, her eyes glinted. 

'Our approach may be different, but...' said Clara Wei internally as her thoughts paused and shifted her gaze to a figure standing not far away from them. 

There, Matthew Xi was just standing while busy on his phone. Arching her right brow, an idea flashed across Clara Wei's mind as the corner of her lips tilted up. 

"Right..." She whispered, catching Olivia Tang's attention that made her brow raise. "Mother, isn't that man with the same name as Madam Xi's son, Xi Matthew?" Without averting her gaze, Clara Wei inquired. 

Olivia Tang followed the direction where her daughter-in-law was looking. Upon setting her eyes on the towering figure and dashing Matthew Xi, her lips curled into a smirk. 

After thirty minutes, Vivian Xi and Zoey's shopping spree came to an end. Walking towards the exit, Zoey snuck a glance at Vivian Xi. 

'I bought more than I should, damn it!' Zoey grumbled internally. It wasn't because she wanted to impress Vivian Xi but because she could not say no to her suggestions. 

After all, Vivian Xi's enthusiasm was so real that Zoey hated to break it. Perhaps, Zoey never had this mother-daughter bonding so she let it be. 

Moreover, it's not like this would happen again, right? Also, deep down, aside from leaving a good impression on Vivian Xi, Zoey was enjoying shopping with her. . 

"So, where are we going next?" Excited, Vivian Xi asked which caught Zoey off-guard.

"Ah?" Blinking her eyes many times, Zoey tugged her earlobe as she cast the woman a questioning look. 

"Miss Zhou, since we've shopped together, why don't we have dinner together? You don't have any arrangements later, right?" Not surprised by Zoey's reaction, Vivian Xi proposed as she believed Matthew Xi wasn't around. 

Thus, Vivian Xi wanted to take advantage of this meeting. After all, even if her son's spies reported to him about today, Vivian Xi could just say it was a pure coincidence. 

"Right, Miss Zhou. Why don't you join us for dinner with Mr. Xi?" Just then, Clara Wei approached them with Olivia Tang beside her. 

Vivian Xi, who finally noticed this lady knotted her brows. "Excuse me? Who are you?" Despite seeing Clara Wei being accompanied by Olivia Tang, Vivian Xi purposely asked since she wasn't a fan of strangers chiming in on her conversation with Zoey. 

"Also, did you say Mr. Xi?" Vivian Xi inquired as her heart pounded heavily instantly. 

'He's here?' Vivian Xi wondered internall and sensed a threatening aura coming from somewhere. 

Despite the sudden tremor in her heart, Clara Wei tried to calm herself down at the indirect insult from Vivian Xi. "Madam Xi, my surname is Wei, Wei Clara. I am our humble Master Ezekiel Tang's fiancee." Bowing her head, Clara Wei introduced herself politely. 

"Madam Xi, didn't you say you wanted to meet my son and soon to be daughter-in-law? However, due to emergency reasons, my son needed to head back to the office. My apologies." Olivia Tang recalled as she awkwardly chuckled and apologized. 

"I see... well, my son is also like that, so I understand. You know men. They tend to cancel everything for their precious business." Chuckling back, Vivian Xi waved her hand as she didn't care anymore. 

After all, Vivian Xi just wanted to scrutinize Zoey's former lover. However, since Zoey was now here, that didn't matter anymore. 

Still, the thought that her son was around never left Vivian Xi's mind. Yet, she couldn't act carelessly which might cause suspicion — especially around Zoey since she's a smart lady. 

"So, it will just be us ladies and... Mr. Xi...?" Moving her gaze to the three ladies, Vivian Xi said and included Matthew Xi. 

"Uhm," Clearing her throat, Zoey looked around as she pondered quickly. It frightened her that Vivian Xi might misunderstand if she knew about Matthew Xi's first name. 

"Yes, Mr. Xi Matthew!" Clara Wei's eyes lit up, speaking before Zoey could divert their attention. 

'Young lady, I know which Mr. Xi you're talking about — he's head over heels with my daughter-in-law.' Peering at Clara Wei in dismay discreetly, Vivian Ci scoffed internally. However, her sudden mood transition was misunderstood in a wrong way. 

"Miss Zhou and Mr. Xi attended our party and Mr. Xi said he's from the XI Corporation. Haha, we all fell from Miss Zhou's little joke." Chuckling sweetly, Clara Wei stated as she glanced at Zoey whose visage was a poker face. 

'Right... just when I thought they would behave themselves.' Zoey muttered internally. She had foreseen the troublesome outcome of this day. 

"But, I'm pretty sure Miss Zhou didn't mean to take her joke that far." Chiming in, Olivia Tang fanned the flames as she expected Vivian Xi's impression towards Zoey would change. 

To their dismay, Vivian Xi's expression transitioned to bafflement. "I don't think it was Miss Zhou's fault in the first place. After all, my son's name is very common, so is his surname." Shrugging her shoulders, Vivian Xi peered at them as if she was looking at brainless zombies. 

"I..." Taken aback by her words, Clara Wei's words clogged her throat as she didn't think of any right words to rebut — same with Olivia Tang. 

"Right, Miss Zhou?" 

On the other hand, Zoey's jaw dropped as she turned her gaze full of disbelief to Vivian Xi. 'No, Madam Xi. I am partially at fault too!' Zoey's under eye twitched, as Vivian Xi's justification sounded as if Zoey had zero fault in it. 

"Miss Zhou, there's a problem in the company. We have to return immediately." Just then, Matthew Xi approached the ladies and his monotonous voice sent a cold chill down Vivian Xi's spine. 

Turning to face her son, Vivian Xi forced her lips into a smile. "So — so, you are..." Finding her acting a little awkward, Vivian Xi could not help but feel the utter strangeness about the fact that she needed to act as if she didn't know her own son! 

Just what kind of situation did Matthew Xi put her in?!

"My surname is Xi, Xi Matthew of Z Image Group. " bowing his head, Matthew Xi didn't bat an eye as he introduced himself. 

Upon hearing his introduction, Vivian Xi's eyes widened as she gasped. 'Please tell me I didn't hear Z Image Group!'