Chapter 197 - Proper Home

Meanwhile, Darren reached at Qiu mansion to meet Zhao Wei, Dylan's mother. But even before he got out of the car, he could see Zhao Wei happily chatting with Xin Xiaoli and Xin Xiaosi in the garden. It was certainly a surprise for Darren as well to see both Xin brothers there.

Seeing Darren making his way towards the table, Zhao Wei stood up with an even brighter smile on her face and opened her arms saying, "Darren, what a pleasant surprise! I thought you'd want to rest for the day or perhaps spend it with your girlfriend after your long flight. I didn't think you'd come to see me."

Darren kissed her cheek and said with a pitiful expression, "Apparently, my girlfriend doesn't want me. So, I decided to have a date with my godmother instead."

"There is really a woman who doesn't want Regan Darren Salvay?" came a surprised voice of Xin Xiaoli as he stood up to greet Darren as well. 

"How is that possible?" said Zhao Wei and added, "I don't know why she isn't accompanying you today but I'm glad to see you."

Darren greeted both Xin brothers and asked, "When did you come back Si?"

"It's been a while," replied Xin Xiaosi nonchalantly. 

"It's been a while and he is only coming now to meet his aunt," complained Zhao Wei to Darren who sat between Xin Xiaosi and Zhao Wei.

"Well, at least he came to see you. He didn't even bother telling me that he's coming back. So much for being friends," Darren said with fake sadness dripping from his eyes.

Darren had known Xin brothers only because of their connection with Dylan, at first. But later on, they grew closer. He had been doing business with Xin Xiaoli for years but Xin Xiaosi was more like a friend. And that's why when Xin Xiaosi raised his brows at Darren, he took Xin Xiaosi's side without hesitation, "Beauty Wei, Si came back after years. He must have a lot of stuff to deal with. Besides, isn't he here to see you now?"

Zhao Wei eyed Darren before rolling her eyes at him, "So, you're choosing friendship over me?"

"Never!" said Darren with determination. Zhao Wei let him off the hook and offered him coffee. 

"Darren, about that launch show-," Xin Xiaoli had yet to complete his sentence but seeing Zhao Wei's deadly glare he stopped himself. 

"It's Saturday and I'm seeing you all after a long time. I better not hear anything related to business," Zhao Wei's warning tone was enough to shut the three boys instantly. "Today, I'm so happy to see you all. My own children live in the same city and yet I see them once in a blue moon. So, I'm really glad to have you all."

"Don't tell me, Auntie you're gonna express this happiness by cooking a feast," Xin Xiaoli joked but seeing Zhao Wei's expressions, he facepalmed himself. "Seriously? Just sit with us. Don't bother with the food."

"But my biggest happiness is seeing you guys eating happily. It gives me pure joy," Zhao Wei said earnestly. 

Darren smiled to himself seeing her reaction. His own mother didn't enjoy cooking since she rarely had time for anything other than work. But from the time Zhao Wei left her job, she wholeheartedly became a housewife. Seeing others enjoying her food was like an accomplishment.

"Let me help you then," said Xin Xiaoli and got up to follow her.

"Mr. Xin is trying hard to impress his way in," said Darren in a teasing manner as Xin Xiaosi and Darren shared a knowing look.

Xin Xiaoli looked at Darren and said, "Both of you, wipe that smirk off."

Darren and Xin Xiaosi laughed at him but didn't tease him again. Apparently, it wasn't a secret that Xin Xiaoli was in love with Qiu Meihui. Even Zhao Wei knew that as well.

"I can't believe that he's still not moving on," said Darren as he shook his head referring to how even after years Xin Xiaoli was still stuck on Qiu Meihui.

"Is moving on that easy?" asked Xin Xiaosi. "Oh, that reminded me, I need to meet this girlfriend of yours. I have to see who managed to steal you from the girl who lives in your memories."

"If I knew you're coming back, I'd have planned a meeting beforehand." Darren took a sip of his coffee which had gone cold by now.

Xin Xiaosi noticed his smile and said, "So, when's the wedding?"

"Ptui!" Darren spurted out the coffee and coughed a couple of times. Xin Xiaosi passed him a tissue which he used to wipe his mouth and said, "Aren't you moving too fast?"

"Am I?" asked Xin Xiaosi and added, "I don't think so. I really hate it when people play this boyfriend girlfriend game for too long. If your heart is certain she's the one, why bother playing this game?"

"Talking from experience, are we?" At Darren's words, Xin Xiaosi gave a sad smile and nodded. He took too long with his feelings and he knew it but Darren knew that as well. "How is she?"

Xin Xiaosi's face lit up instantly at the change of topic as he replied, "She's great as always."

"Did she come with you?" asked Darren.

Xin Xiaosi shook his head and replied, "Not yet. I have to settle some stuff before bringing my baby girl to a proper home."

The look of pride, love, and happiness was evident on his face but Darren knew something was missing as he said, "A proper home is with a mother. Do you plan on meeting her-," Darren hadn't even completed his sentence when Xin Xiaosi stopped him by shaking his head.

"I wasn't planning on but I guess fate had something else planned for us. I just met her last night. She was with Dylan and they seemed happy together." 

Darren knitted his brows and said, "But Dylan is not dating anyone."

Xin Xiaosi looked at him in surprise as he said, "Don't tell me she's still holding on to one-sided love!"

"That I'm not sure about," replied Darren since he didn't know the identity of the girl in question. Taking a moment, he added, "Why don't you tell me her name? I can ask Dylan about what really is going on."