Chapter 163 Is he bad?

"By the way, how's Xiaoxi's academic performance?"

"Pretty good."

"Pretty good? How good is that?"

Ye Xian shot her son a glare, clearly unimpressed, and said, "You're planning to challenge the Genius List. If you somehow succeed, wouldn't that mean you'd have to attend Qing University or South University?"

"Huh?"

A hint of surprise flashed through Ye Fan's eyes. He teased with a smile, "Mom, I didn't expect you to know so much about the Genius List."

"Nonsense!"

Ye Xian snorted proudly, "Do you think I just sit around watching TV dramas all day? I read the news too, you know!"

Ye Fan squinted slightly, suddenly asking, "What episode has Tidal Realm reached now?"

"Just finished the finale. I caught up on the last episode yesterday on the high-speed train…"

Ye Xian's voice trailed off, her face flushing slightly red. She nudged her son, "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

"Just joking."

A warmth spread through Ye Fan's heart. In his previous life, he had never opened up and chatted with his mother like this. Today, he was finally making up for that regret.

It felt wonderful~~~

"I'm talking about serious matters here."

Ye Xian smacked her son lightly and said, "Challenging the Genius List is a good thing, but I still think it's better if you and Xiaoxi attend the same university."

"After all, looking at the long term, your lifelong happiness is more important. If you let a girl like Xiaoxi slip away, it'll be hard to find another one like her."

"Mom, what are you trying to say?"

Ye Fan's mouth twitched. "Are you suggesting I give up challenging the Genius List?"

Most parents encourage their children to work hard, but his mom? She was outright advising her son to give up trying.

Was this…

Was this really his mom?

"That's right."

Ye Xian nodded naturally, her expression showing no sign of unusualness, and countered, "Or do you want to have a long-distance relationship with Xiaoxi?"

"Let me tell you, the breakup rate for long-distance relationships is as high as—"

"Stop!"

Before his mom could finish, Ye Fan hurriedly interrupted, half-laughing and half-crying as he explained, "Mom, Xiaoxi and I haven't even established a relationship yet. Aren't you worrying too much?"

"What do you mean worrying too much?"

Ye Xian glared at him, "Watch your words. Your mom is just planning ahead. Did you see the way Xiaoxi looked at you just now? She clearly has feelings for you. Otherwise, would a girl willingly stay alone with you in a room?"

"In this scenario, if you still can't win her over, then you're really hopeless!"

"…"

Faced with his mother's words, Ye Fan truly didn't know how to respond.

Was he hopeless?

Impossible!!!

He'd already reached peak shamelessness…

"As long as you have the ability, any university is the same. It's just a degree."

Ye Xian continued, "This trip to the capital was so worth it. Xiaoxi is the perfect daughter-in-law. You have to hurry up and win her over before it's too late. Once she becomes an adult, turn raw rice into cooked rice!"

Hearing his mom's bold words, even with Ye Fan's thick skin, he felt overwhelmed and smiled wryly, "Mom, Xiaoxi and I are still young. Relationships need to develop gradually."

"I don't just want her body, I want her heart too!"

"Yuck~~~"

Ye Xian shivered, poking fun, "Even your own mom isn't safe from your cheesy lines? Act normal!"

As she spoke, she pointed to the goosebumps on her arm.

"…"

Ye Fan rubbed his temples, trying to ease his headache.

After meeting Ning Xi, it seemed like his mom had flipped a switch. Everything she said tonight completely overturned her usual demeanor.

"Who says challenging the Genius List means long-distance relationships?"

Ye Fan's gaze shifted to the window, where countless stars shimmered in the night sky. He murmured, "I can take Xiaoxi with me to challenge the Genius List."

Hearing this, Ye Xian couldn't help but reach out to feel her son's forehead, "No fever… so why are you spouting nonsense?"

"It's not nonsense."

Ye Fan withdrew his thoughts and said seriously, "I mean it. Xiaoxi's grades are already excellent. Recently, I've been helping her address her weak points, and her performance has significantly improved. Challenging the Genius List isn't a pipe dream."

"That… impressive?"

"Yep!"

…

The next day.

7:30 a.m.

Ye Xian, rubbing her reddened eyes, walked out of the bedroom. The aroma of food wafted into her nose, and her stomach growled. Her gaze shifted to the coffee table, where steaming soup dumplings, two bowls of hot preserved egg and lean meat porridge, and a plate of greens were placed.

"Mom, go wash up. Breakfast is ready."

Ye Fan walked out of the kitchen carrying freshly fried eggs. Seeing his mom standing in the doorway, he smiled, "Don't doubt it. Your son made all this with his own hands."

Looking at the golden fried eggs on the plate, Ye Xian asked incredulously, "Since when did you know how to cook?"

"After I came to the capital."

Ye Fan gave a vague answer.

Technically, it was in his previous life, but he couldn't say that. Otherwise, she'd definitely think he was crazy.

Ye Xian looked at her son tidying the bedding on the sofa, her heart swelling with pride.

After breakfast, Ye Xian busied herself in the bedroom.

What was she up to?

Dolling herself up, of course!

Today, she was going to treat her future daughter-in-law to a meal. She had to be well-prepared and leave a good impression as a mother-in-law.

She tried outfit after outfit…

And Ye Fan naturally became the judge. He had no choice; this was his mom, after all.

"Looks good."

"Looks good."

"Looks…"

"Xiao Fan, do you have to be so perfunctory?"

Finally, Ye Xian couldn't take it anymore and protested, "Every time, it's just those two words. Can't you use different vocabulary?"

Ye Fan froze for two seconds and nodded earnestly.

"Really good."

"…"

A similar scene unfolded at the Ning household.

The bedroom door opened.

Ning Xi stepped out gracefully, wearing a white dress that made her look like a snow lotus from the Tianshan Mountains—pure and ethereal. Unlike her usual loose-fitting clothes, the dress accentuated her petite, delicate figure.

Her eyes sparkled with liveliness, tinged with a girl's shyness and reserve. Her waist-length hair was tied into two small braids, with loose strands framing her cheeks, adding to her youthful charm.

Her unadorned face had a light layer of foundation, showcasing flawless, snow-like skin, making her look like a sprite from a snowy fairyland—playful yet ethereal.

Just one glance was unforgettable.

Downstairs, Ning Xi smiled sweetly, lifting her left foot slightly and spinning in place, her skirt swaying. "Mom, how's this outfit?"

"Looks good."

Lan Xi crossed her arms, her curiosity piqued to the brim.

Her daughter had dragged her out of bed early, then started trying on clothes, leaving her without breakfast. Her stomach had been growling for a while now.

That wasn't the oddest part, though…

Her daughter had put on makeup!

From childhood to now, Lan Xi couldn't recall her daughter ever wearing makeup—not even once.

What was going on today? Did the sun rise in the west?

Something was up!

Absolutely… something was up!!!