Chapter 181 - Blessing In Disguise

"Tomorrow's weekend... use those time to rest." Staring at her strangely, Matthew Xi placed a few folders on her desk. 

It's been two days since Zoey started acting weirdly. She would constantly gaze at him bearing eyes full of complexity and mumbled to herself. 

For some reason, he felt unsettled on what's going on inside her mind. But deep down, he didn't want to know either. Just the thought of what's been bugging her somehow frightened him. 

"I agree with Browny, Z. You should rest. You've been in too much stress lately. Not like you're getting any younger." From the other end of the line, Cora Ma's voice was heard followed by a disconsolate sigh. 

However, Zoey didn't say anything anymore as she ended the line. "Darling?" Gazing up, Zoey raised her brows as she felt conflicted whether to ask him of what's bothering her lately. 

"Hmm?" Arching his brows, Matthew Xi hummed a tune as he patiently waited for her next words. 

Alas, Zoey just shook her head as she decided not to ask. "Nothing," placing her hand over the folders and dragged them towards her. 

Matthew Xi's already furrowed brows creased even more. It didn't seem like it was nothing. Hence, it only intensified his curiosity, and at the same time, didn't. 

Just then, they heard a faint knock from outside her office. "Come in," Zoey announced, turning her distracted gaze towards the door. 

They watched the door slowly open followed by Melanie Xue's poking head. "Uhm... Boss?" 

"What? Don't tell me it's another failed product, Mel." Arching her brows, Zoey instantly read the strange expression plastered across Melanie Xue's bubbly face. 

"Uhm, no!" Melanie Xue denied as she slowly came inside. "There's someone looking for you..." Melanie Xue hesitantly informed which caused Zoey to arch her brows. 

"Who?" Perking her chin up, Zoey's thoughts about Matthew Xi possibly being gay were overwhelmed by her curiosity about Melanie Xue's conflicted front. 

*****

[Z Image Office for Clients]

"Miss Zhou!" As soon as Zoey entered the room, her under eye twitched upon seeing the elegant Vivian Xi. 

Behind Zoey, the vicinity around Matthew Xi slowly enveloped with invisible ice. There was not a remnant of bliss in his eyes because he was displeased by his mother's behavior. 

Didn't he say not to meddle with his affair with Zoey? Didn't Vivian Xi agree? Then, why was she here? Excited upon meeting Zoey?

"Madam Xi! Haha!" Sounding awkward, Zoey forced a grin on her lips as she watched Vivian Xi glide towards her. "What a surprise!" She added, spreading her arms as she welcomed Vivian Xi. 

"Oh god, I was just nearby and thought of dropping by to say hello!" Carrying an over the top energy, Vivian Xi explained which made Zoey nod her head in understanding. 

"Ahh... hehe." 

Meanwhile, the frown on Matthew Xi's lips worsened. He knew, without a doubt, that Vivian Xi was lying. Although Z Image Group's location was in the city, it was the area where people like the Xi's wouldn't have any business. 

Not that the area was dangerous or anything of the sort. It was just that, it's a rather plain area; nothing fancy or amusing. 

"So, your office is... cute." Vivian Xi commented as she scanned the minimalist room with designs of Z Image Group hanging on the wall and awards on the stand. 

'Cute as in small?' Zoey remarked internally, as she noticed that Vivian Xi was trying not to insult her. 

Well, no offense taken. After all, Zoey wouldn't be surprised since the XI Corporation was three or five times as huge as the Z Image's building. They weren't called giants for nothing. 

"Well, this is our proud and humble office. Thank you, Madam Xi, for sparing your precious time visiting our office. It's a great honor." Unlike her inner thoughts, Zoey humbled herself as she bowed her head and brought forth her business smile. 

Perhaps, Vivian Xi's sudden visit was a blessing in disguise. She would be the perfect diversion from her brewing thoughts about Matthew Xi's 'gender confusion'. 

"Please, have a seat." Zoey gestured as she guided Vivian Xi to a seat. "What would you like to have? Tea? Coffee?" As Vivian Xi perched and added some elegance on the simple black leather couch, Zoey inquired like a role model attendant. 

"Tea." Smiling delicately, Vivian Xi answered. 

"Right, let me make you a quick one!" Nodding her head, Zoey snapped her fingers as she hastily trudged towards the door. 

However, Matthew Xi stood in front of the door, blocking her way. Arching his brows as he looked down at her, he asked. "You'll leave your guest?"

Same with Matthew Xi's expression, Vivian Xi arched her brows as she watched her adorable daughter-in-law recklessly strode away. Well, the thought of tasting Zoey's tea pleased her. However, didn't Zoey have an assistant named Matthew Xi?

'She's really cute.' Vivian Xi sighed, as it was apparent that Zoey wasn't used to her son's presence. 

"Uh..." Realizing what he meant, Zoey laughed awkwardly as she nodded her head and glanced back at Vivian Xi. "Right," She muttered, sucking her teeth as she inhaled sharply. 

"It's actually my first time having an assistant." Zoey explained awkwardly, making Vivian Xi nod and smile in understanding. "Mr. Xi, can you make Madam Xi a tea, please?" Raising her brows briefly, she ordered. Yet, her tone didn't sound commanding, rather, it sounded as if she was asking for a favor. 

"Mhmm," Unlike Zoey's awkward tone, there weren't any changes in him as he left them just like that. 

"I'm sorry about that, Madam Xi. I also wondered who's the boss between us. Hehe." Cringing at Matthew Xi's nonchalance, Zoey apologized as she sat on the couch opposite the goddess Vivian Xi. 

"Haha! Xi Matthew, is it?" Chuckling at Zoey's remarks, Vivian Xi waved her hand as she inquired. 

"Well, as much as how awkward this might sound, but yes." Honest, Zoey shrugged her shoulders as she grinned awkwardly. 

After all, the woman before her was a well-known madam akin to a queen. She is the queen and her son is the ruler. 

Alas, the ruler, the emperor of the business industry has the same name as her assistant. Thus, this made things more awkward as Vivian Xi's son was leading an empire while the Matthew Xi she called darling was making tea! The irony!