Chapter 182 - I Think He’s Gay.

"Haha..." Chuckling at her remark, Vivian Xi supported her jaw by the back of her hand. "Miss Zhou, this Mr. Xi... do you like him? And when I say like, I mean romantically." Smiling, Vivian Xi inquired which made Zoey choke on her saliva and cough repeatedly. 

'Wait — isn't this a bit personal?!' Zoey retorted internally. 

However, this question came from Vivian Xi. Therefore, Zoey needed to give her an answer — even if it's not the direct answer, she should still sound polite. 

"Well," Raising her brows, Zoey let out a short awkward laugh as she pondered on which words to say. "He's my, uh..." Alas, nothing came to her mind which made her unconsciously bite her thumb. 

'Damn it, Zoey! Just admit it!' 

"By the looks of it, Mr. Xi likes you!" Amused at Zoey's obvious dilemma, an idea struck Vivian Xi's mind and she decided to extend a helping hand to her son. 

"Ah?" But, unlike the reaction that Vivian Xi expected, Zoey's face distorted as she didn't even mind her manners by how she stared at Vivian Xi. 

"Don't worry. I don't judge office romance. Actually, I find them quite amusing." Shrugging her shoulders, Vivian Xi gave Zoey a knowing look as she smiled reassuringly. 

For a while, Zoey scrutinized Vivian Xi's demeanor thoroughly. She gravitated whether she should tell her or not. However, since Vivian Xi was hungry for any gossip, Zoey made up her mind as she cleared her throat. 

"The thing is, I know he likes me alright? And I like him too... well, I don't know the proper term but take it as it is." Unveiling all pretense, Zoey's stiff shoulder relaxed as she rubbed her chin while dwelling deep in her thoughts. 

On the other hand, Vivian Xi smiled as she even liked her even more now. After all, the Zoey she first encountered until moments ago was distant. 

"I don't know if it's hormones because I'm getting older, but I'm pretty sure that I should be losing my interest in him. But, I don't — even though I know his feelings!" Grinding her teeth, Zoey completely loosened up as Vivian Xi's vibe felt trustworthy. 

Moreover, Zoey couldn't sense any malicious aura emanating from Vivian Xi. Hence, considering Vivian Xi's odd interests, Zoey opened up easily as Cora Ma was quite useless regarding it. 

Not to mention, Zion Kwan and Enzo Li. Zoey was certain those two wouldn't help even a tiny bit. But Vivian Xi... maybe she could help, right? After all, sometimes, she believed that its easier to get advice and open up to a 'stranger'.

"It's because you didn't get what you want?" Arching her brows, Vivian Xi moved her gaze towards the door as it slowly opened. "I mean, although you know he likes you, he doesn't give in?" While Matthew Xi silently intruded the room, Vivian Xi purposely spoke her guess out loud for her son to hear. 

"Yes and no...!" Snapping her finger, Zoey turned to Vivian Xi with eyes full of enthusiasm. 

Sensing the strong aura not far away, Zoey turned her head towards Matthew Xi who was bringing a tray with a set of tea cups and pot. "Ahem," she cleared her throat, "You can just place it here then go." Zoey pressured as she waved her hand as a gesture for him to hasten his turtle movements. 

Casting her an indifferent side eye, Matthew Xi frowned as he placed the tray on the small table between the two women. Despite noticing his frown, Zoey shooed him away as she was having a very important meeting. 

As he was being scooted away, Matthew Xi glanced at his mother as his gaze screamed threats. Yet, Vivian Xi just smiled innocently as if she didn't understand the meaning behind her son's glare. 

When Matthew Xi closed the door, Zoey immediately turned to Vivian Xi. "As I was saying, Madam Xi, I'm not saying you're wrong as it was also one of the factors why I keep him around. But, the thing is, we've been living together and he doesn't seem like he's that interested in me like what he claims." Zoey immediately picked up where she left and informed Vivian Xi her concerns. 

Nodding her head in understanding, Vivian Xi leaned forward as she opened the tea pot's lid. 'Well, that's how my son compromises. It's rare, but always effective.' She thought inwardly. 

Vivian Xi would be more surprised if Matthew Xi forced Zoey to stay by his side. After all, they were talking about her son and Vivian Xi knew him well as she was the one who raised him. 

"Miss Zhou, doesn't that mean he genuinely likes you?" Vivian Xi muttered, pouring herself a cup of tea because Zoey seemed preoccupied with her dilemma. 

Glancing at Zoey, Vivian Xi offered a smile. "If Mr. Xi blatantly showed his affection for you, wouldn't that mean you'll replace him?" In a matter-of-fact tone, Vivian Xi explained. 

By the tone of her voice, she was speaking not as Matthew Xi's mother but Zoey's friend or auntie. If Vivian Xi heard this from someone else, she would have flipped and sent them to the hellhole they belong to. 

However, the lady before her was her future daughter-in-law. The only woman that her son had taken an interest in. Thus, Vivian Xi's lenience was thrice longer than usual. 

"Well," Sighing heavily, Zoey watched Vivian Xi languidly lean back with the tea and saucer placed an inch above her lap. "I also thought about that two days ago. But..." A glint of conflict flickered across Zoey's eyes as she raised her gaze towards Vivian Xi. 

"But?" As Vivian Xi patiently waited for Zoey's next word, she raised the cup of tea for her to enjoy. 

Just as Vivian Xi did, her brows furrowed as she witnessed Zoey stretch her arm and placed her palm under the saucer. 

"But I think he has a bigger problem." Zoey sighed, "I think he's gay." Just as Zoey uttered that taboo sentence, Vivian Xi gasped. She lost her grip onto the tea, causing it to fall onto the saucer while a little amount of hot tea spilled. 

Fortunately, Zoey had placed her hand under the saucer beforehand as if she had foreseen such a reaction.. Therefore, Vivian Xi and her dress were left unharmed by the hot tea.