Chapter 177 - Thanks For The Kiss, By The Way.

Upon hearing his introduction, Clara Wei and Olivia Tang could not help but snort. 'Did he give up the little pride he has as a man?' Both thought internally, judging him negatively inside their minds. 

Well, as much as the two ladies hated to admit it, when it came to business, Zoey was capable — no doubt. If only she didn't have a history with Ezekiel Tang and her personality was a bit likable, both women wouldn't mind adding her to their circle. 

However, not only Zoey was Ezekiel Tang's former 'mistress', but also they couldn't bear with her crazy personality. Yet, they couldn't turn a blind eye to her achievements in the business industry. 

Therefore, they wouldn't be surprised if a 'nobody' like this 'fake' Matthew Xi took advantage of her. Not their problem, though. 

Meanwhile, Vivian Xi arched her brow as she cast both mother and daughter-in-law duo a glance. "Why are you laughing?" Raising her chin, Vivian Xi crossed her arms under her chest. 

Sure, her son's introduction took her aback. However, she felt insulted by their snort after hearing him. 

"Nothing, Madam Xi. We were just amused that Mr. Xi, who has the same name as Young Master, is hugging someone's thigh. I mean, how ironic." Chuckling, Olivia Tang explained as she didn't notice the glint that flashed across Zoey and Vivian Xi's eyes. 

"Huh..." A faint scoff escaped Vivian Xi's lips, utterly amused at the audacity of these women. 

"I know right, Mrs. Tang? Miss Wei? My darling is unlike any man. I mean, he's willing to give up his own ventures to be with me!" Curling her lips up, Zoey chimed in as she darted her gaze at Clara Wei and Olivia Tang. "I wonder where Young Master Tang is... I thought you were on a date." She added, insinuating Matthew Xi was way better than her man. 

Vivian Xi glanced at Zoey, pleased that she was not just beautiful but also witty. Fortunately, Zoey chimed in or Vivian Xi would bring them all down in an instant. 

Shifting her gaze, Vivian Xi and her son made a brief eye contact and witnessed how Matthew Xi raised his brows as if silently saying, 'My woman got my back.' 

'Huh... how proud.' Vivian Xi chuckled internally as she could feel Matthew Xi's arrogance even without any words being said. 

"Well, as much as I want to spend more time with you, Madam Xi, I can't neglect the duties in my company." Pleased at the reaction from Clara Wei, Zoey smiled as she faced Vivian Xi. "But, thank you for your time." She bowed, expressing her genuine thanks to the awesome woman. "The girl needs to earn those moolah." She humored which made Vivian Xi chuckle at the unfamiliar lingo.

"It's nothing, Miss Zhou. I'll see you around." Smiling back, Vivian Xi's eyes softened as she glanced at Matthew Xi's unchanging front. "Have a good day, Mr. Xi." She added, making Matthew Xi nod his head. 

With that being said, Zoey and Matthew Xi didn't spare any more time and left the three ladies. As they watched the two depart, Vivian Xi's smile slowly vanished. 

"Mrs. Tang, I hope to see you at my niece's party on the 20th." Slowly, Vivian Xi turned and faced Olivia Tang and Clara Wei. "I would love to introduce you to my son, Miss Wei." She added, the side of her lips curled into a smirk. 

"I — yes, it's my honor Madam Xi." Surprised by her last remarks, Clara Wei's eyes lit up as her displeasure about Zoey hogging the spot slowly vanished. 

"Since I didn't have the chance to meet young master Tang, I would appreciate it if he could attend the party as well. I'm certain my son would be amused to meet people like you." 

"Yes, Madam Xi! I'm certain my son will be glad to meet the real Young Master Xi!" Excited that Vivian Xi took an interest with her son, Olivia Tang grinned but never forgot to highlight the word 'real'. 

Although Olivia Tang was disappointed that Vivian Xi didn't teach Zoey and Matthew Xi a lesson, she believed that if she mentioned it in front of the 'real' Matthew Xi, the outcome would be different. 

"I have to warn you, though. My son is very different from how most people think." Amused at their useless excitement, Vivian Xi warned which seemed like they didn't take to heart. 

*****

Meanwhile...

"Darling, what happened? Is Z Image about to blow up again?" When they arrived at the parking space, Zoey turned to the languid Matthew Xi as he placed her purchases inside the trunk. 

"Hey?" Yet, Zoey wasn't getting any response from him which made her cock her head to the side. "Hello? Can you hear me? Wanna make babies or what?" Walking to his side, Zoey leaned on the car's side and crossed her arms as she furrowed her brows. 

"Nothing." As Matthew Xi closed the trunk, he slowly shifted his gaze to Zoey and answered her first question. 

"Huh?" Blinking her eyes many times, Zoey's mind was still loading as she pondered which question that answer for. 

"I noticed you wanted to escape from that circle of women, so I did." In a matter-of-fact tone, Matthew Xi explained which made Zoey's entire face twitch. 

"Was it that obvious?" 

Instead of answering her, Matthew Xi wordlessly walked and stopped in front of her. Fishing out a small bottle of alcohol, he reached for her hand and sprayed the area where Arthur Shen had kissed. 

"The deal is not yet done, but you're letting others flirt with you." Still bearing his monotone voice, Matthew Xi kept spraying alcohol on the back of her hand. 

The reason Matthew Xi didn't care much about Vivian Xi and Zoey's unexpected encounter was because he was still stuck up on Zoey's previous appointment. Therefore, he wanted to sanitize her first as it was his priority. 

Zoey pursed her lips into a thin line. "You're weird." She mumbled, recalling how he wiped her back in Clara Wei and Ezekiel Tang's engagement night. 

"If you want to sanitize it, that's not how you do it." Zoey added, sighing hopelessly as him. 

"How would you do it?" Arching his brows, Matthew Xi slowly raised his gaze. 

Alas, just as he did, Zoey already tip-toed and leaned forward, the next second, she bit his lower lip gently. "Romantically," She winked, her lips curled into a smirk.

"You still have a lot to learn, tsk tsk." Feeling triumphant, Zoey arrogantly took a step back as she shrugged her shoulder. 

"Huh," Biting his lower lip, Matthew Xi let out a short chuckle as he raised his gaze to her. "No, I don't need to. I only need to play hard to get while I still get the benefits." 

"Ah?!"

"Thanks for the kiss, by the way." Matthew Xi waved his hand as he trudged towards the driver's seat languidly, bearing a sly smile on the corner of his lips.. Meanwhile Zoey watched with eyes full of dismay.