Chapter 587 - A Different Perspective

Meanwhile, at the Xi old residence…

"Welcome back, young master." As soon as Matthew arrived at Vivian's place, the mansion in which he grew up, Butler Yi and several maids lined up to welcome him with a bow.

"It's good to see you again here, Young Master." Butler Yi uttered, a smile on his lips as if he hadn't seen Matthew just a few hours ago.

"Where's Mom?" After returning a subtle smile, Matthew inquired as he resumed in his steps.

Butler Yi followed his tracks, keeping a safe distance from Matthew's figure. "Madam is in the dining area."

"I see." Matthew nodded in understanding and walked directly towards the dining area, passing across the elegant lobby with several maids bowing their heads no matter how far the young master and Butler Yi were.

"Oh! You're here?!" Vivian exclaimed as soon as she caught her son's figure entering her vicinity.

"I am," Matthew shrugged, walking over to the seat and glanced at the dishes on the table. "Hosting a feast?"

He asked, furrowing his brows as the dishes were a lot in number. His mother knew that both of them wouldn't finish this all and this would all go to waste which would upset Matthew. After all, he hated food going to waste thinking there were people -- children -- starving across the globe.

"Yes! I want to treat everyone to dinner with my cooking!" Vivian rolled her eyes as she assisted the chef in serving a pot of stew.

"Who do you think taught you not to waste food?" 

Vivian sassed, guessing what's going on inside her son's head. Matthew just briefly raised his brows and said nothing further as he took a seat.

"Anyway, I prepared a few of your favorites since it's been a while since you've been here." Vivian smiled as she took off the apron around her neck and handed it to the servant standing on the side.

Matthew cast his mother a side eye but said nothing. Indeed, he recalled that in this lifetime, Matthew rarely visited his mother's place. In his mind, he sees his mother daily in the company since Vivian would often nag him and still join company meetings even though her presence was not needed.

Now, Matthew realized that Vivian was always in the company because he wouldn't visit her. Well, he was partially at fault and often blamed his hectic schedule when he could simply free his time to spend some time with her.

"Thank you." While Vivian started serving Matthew food, he looked at his plate before raising his gaze and offered a gentle smile.

Taken aback, Vivian's action paused as she turned her eyes full of disbelief towards him. She blinked her eyes; as if that would make her hearing clearer.

"Although I'm upset about how Zoey got injured under your care, I'll overlook it just this once." 

"You're acting cocky in front of your mom and inside her territory, huh?" Vivian scoffed, rolling her eyes as she didn't need the mercy from her son.

Heck. She carried him for nine months. However, Vivian wouldn't use that as an excuse now because it was her fault. If only she didn't try and take advantage of Zoey, or used another method, Zoey wouldn't hurt herself.

"I'm just saying… She's been through a lot and I want her to feel she's safe at home." Matthew shrugged as he picked up the spoon.

Vivian arched her right brow and nodded ever so slowly. Soon, her son started digging in while she just watched him with her mind wandering somewhere else.

"Hmm?" Without glancing at his mother, Matthew produced a low questioning hum as he felt that his mother was just staring without touching her food.

"I've run a background check on little Zoey." Vivian didn't beat around the bush as she picked up the cup of tea and blew on it delicately.

"And?" Not surprised by Vivian's predictable move, Matthew wiped the corner of his lips with the dining cloth before raising his head towards her.

"She's with the Kwan's, but they didn't legally adopt her. Why?" Vivian asked before she sipped from her cup of tea with her right brow still arched and her gaze firm on her son.

"Because Zoey didn't want them to." In a matter-of-fact tone, Matthew replied.

However, Vivian narrowed her eyes suspiciously and slowly put down the cup of tea. A subtle smirk resurfaced on her lips as she shook her head sideways.

"If it was me, Zoey wouldn't have a say since a pure-hearted person would always say no." 

"Well, sometimes, you have to respect other people's feelings." Matthew replied.

Even though he knew the real reason Zoey didn't want to be legally adopted, he still argued mildly. Still, part of him agreed with his mother's statement. 

If there was a child who lost her parents by an accident, Vivian and the entire Xi Clan would feel responsible. Even if Zoey said no, she would be a part of the XI Family and be the young miss and Matthew's sister.

There was no way they would let her be alone like how the Kwans did. They just left Zoey alone, to work and pay for her school fees and other expenses. That's not Xi's way of repaying for everything.

Just like Matthew's thinking, Vivian had similar thoughts. Based on the background check, the reason Zoey lost her parents was due to an accident.

"My son, there is a difference between respecting other people's decision and agreeing to that decision because that's what you want." Vivian cast Matthew a knowing look as she picked up the cup of tea once again.

"So, your saying the Kwans didn't really want to adopt her?" Matthew furrowed his brows as he guessed to that extent. "But, that's probably the family head's will."

He added, thinking that it was possible -- no, it was definitely what Zachery Kwan wanted. Aside from that, Zion and his mother would surely accept Zoey with open arms. Matthew had been hearing praises from Zoey about those two.

If only Zachery wasn't part of the Kwans, Zoey would have a place she would call home as a child. But those were all in the past. What matters now was they were together and Matthew would build a place for her to protect her peace.

"Pfft--!" Upon hearing her son's last remarks, Vivian could not help but chuckle. "Oh, my son… how can you be so innocent?"

She said as she shook her head in disappointment, biting her lower lips as she attempted to resist from laughing. Matthew narrowed his eyes as his mother's unsaid opinion had caught his full attention.

"In a household, there's no secret between husband and wife. No matter what it is, the truth will always prevail. It's just a matter of time." Vivian explained vaguely as the aroma of the tea wafted her nose.

"And decisions will always be a mutual agreement between the husband and wife. Do you think men can hide everything from women? Never underestimate a woman's instinct, my son. Especially those foxes clad in sheep's clothing -- they're the scary ones."

Vivian smirked as she could smell something else in this situation. The reason she invited her son tonight. Upon hearing his mother's insinuation, Matthew's eyes squinted as he leaned back and pondered deeply.

"I see…"