Chapter 240: You Shall Not Touch Me Today

Xiang Ri's unease did not stem from An Xiaonü's shocking words but from the tone of her voice. She had mimicked his manner of speaking perfectly, to the point of uncanny resemblance. 

As expected, the secretary on the other end fell for it completely. She didn't notice the subtle differences in tone—after all, it was over the phone, leaving her without the slightest suspicion. 

Nearby, Xiang Ri could hear the conversation crystal clear, thanks to his antiquated phone, which was practically a relic: 

"Miss you? Of course, I do! I think about you while eating, sleeping, sitting, walking—always! Now, can you come to pick me up from the airport? I've just landed, darling!" 

Xiang Ri's knees nearly buckled; he almost collapsed to the floor. Were it not for the certainty that the secretary didn't realize she wasn't speaking to him, he would have seriously suspected her of deliberately framing him. 

An Xin clenched her teeth and glared at him viciously, as if she wished she could devour him on the spot. 

Despite this, her tone on the phone remained warm and gentle. However, her twisted expression betrayed her true thoughts entirely. "You miss me that much? Fine. Wait for me. I'll be there soon." She hung up immediately. 

"Xiang Kui, don't you think you owe me an explanation?" An Xin asked, her expression cold and impassive as she stared at him. 

Xiang Ri knew the misunderstanding was already deeply rooted. Any attempt to explain would only make it worse. With a sigh, he opted for a strategic retreat, speaking in a somber tone: 

"Xin Xin, I know you won't believe anything I say right now. But I swear, there's absolutely nothing improper between me and the person who just called." 

"Oh? And what kind of improper relationship might I be imagining?" An Xin's face was adorned with a mocking smile. 

"Well..." Xiang Ri gritted his teeth and replied, "My dear wife, if you don't believe me, why don't you come to the airport with me? You'll see for yourself." 

An Xin's eyes lit up, clearly intrigued, but her expression remained indifferent. "No need. You're off to rendezvous with your lover—why would I tag along as an unwelcome third wheel? Surely, that'd be unpleasant for you." 

"Xin Xin..." Xiang Ri was at a loss. How could this woman tolerate Chu Chu and the apprentice but be so hostile toward others? 

Was it because they were friends to begin with, making it easier to accept, while she maintained an "united front against outsiders" mindset when it came to strangers? 

"Fine. Since you're so pitiful, I'll accompany you," An Xin said with a frosty expression, though she had, to some extent, forgiven him. After all, his willingness to bring her along was evidence he had nothing to hide. 

"Let's go," Xiang Ri urged, eager to clear his name. Perhaps he also had ulterior motives, but once An Xin agreed, he was determined to head out immediately. 

However, An Xin was in no hurry. From her perspective, there was no need to rush; picking someone up could wait until after grocery shopping. 

By the time they finished buying food, almost an hour had passed. 

Watching An Xin's smug expression, Xiang Ri could only manage a bitter smile. He knew she was deliberately dragging things out to exact her revenge. If the secretary had already left by the time they arrived, their trip would be in vain. 

Considering his "female brother-in-arms" wasn't exactly the most patient person, Xiang Ri felt unsure she'd still be waiting. After all, though their relationship had progressed somewhat, it hadn't reached the level where one would wait hours for the other. 

An Xin, however, couldn't care less. If the woman left, all the better. Even if she stayed, An Xin figured the secretary would be furious at his tardiness, which was precisely the outcome she desired. 

When the two finally arrived at the airport, an absurdly comedic sight greeted the onlookers: a couple arriving to pick someone up, where the woman appeared elegant and poised, while the man, inexplicably, carried several plastic bags filled with fresh vegetables and meat. If not for his close proximity to the well-dressed woman, the security staff might have mistaken him for a wandering food vendor. 

Yet Xiang Ri, oblivious to the spectacle he created, ignored the gawking crowd entirely. Instead, he boldly strode into the arrivals area with An Xin on his arm, unfazed by the curious stares. 

Fortunately, the secretary was still there. As soon as they entered, Fang Yingying approached them, her expression devoid of irritation despite the wait. This allowed Xiang Ri to breathe a sigh of relief. 

But An Xin was far less composed. Seeing that the person they'd come to meet was a stunningly beautiful woman, her jealousy flared. It wasn't just because Xiang Ri hadn't told her beforehand—it was also due to the woman's ample curves, which were at least double her own. 

Casting a glance at herself, then at the other woman, An Xin arrived at an undeniable conclusion: this vixen existed solely to seduce men! 

In truth, An Xin's swift judgment wasn't entirely unwarranted. Fang Yingying's outfit that day was enough to captivate any man's attention.

Clad in an elegant, slightly form-fitting suit that accentuated her perfect curves, her long, shapely legs were on full display beneath a skirt that ended a daring three inches above the knee. 

Though she had just returned from abroad, she carried no bulky luggage, only a small, exquisite handbag, which lent her an air of crisp professionalism and efficiency. 

Her long hair, casually secured at the back with a bold red clip, cascaded over her shoulders, adding a radiant allure to her appearance. Her every movement exuded an intoxicating charm and mature femininity. 

Men in her vicinity, regardless of their age or whether they were accompanied, couldn't resist casting glances her way. Even Xiang Ri, who had already shared intimate moments with her, was no exception—much to An Xin's dismay. 

Watching Xiang Ri's gaze linger on the woman's prominently enhanced figure, An Xin's patience finally snapped. She stealthily reached out from behind the cover of her arm, pinched the soft flesh at his waist, and twisted viciously before releasing her grip. With a look of innocence on her face, she then gazed at Xiang Ri, who was now wincing in pain. 

Retracting his gaze from the secretary, Xiang Ri was forced to deepen his understanding of An Xin's jealous tendencies. Was such a harsh punishment necessary for a mere glance? If not for his inherently robust constitution, that pinch alone might have been unbearable. 

Although An Xin believed her action had gone unnoticed, Fang Yingying, with her keen perceptiveness honed over years in the workplace, saw everything clearly. She immediately deduced the reason for Xiang Ri's tardiness. 

The sight of him carrying grocery bags filled with vegetables and meat only confirmed her suspicions. It was clear that the woman beside him, whose guarded expression betrayed her wariness, had orchestrated this situation. Not only was it a form of retribution against Xiang Ri, but it also served to undermine his image in front of her. A shrewd strategy, achieving two goals at once. 

Fang Yingying couldn't help but admire the calculated cunning of this seemingly carefree woman. 

Still, Fang Yingying found herself curious about the woman accompanying Xiang Ri. This was someone she hadn't encountered before. With a tone of uncertain politeness, she inquired, "And this is...?" 

Xiang Ri opened his mouth to respond but was instantly halted by the murderous glare An Xin directed at him. Swallowing his words, he swiftly replaced them with a declaration that carried even greater consequences: "This is my... fiancée!" 

The moment the words left his lips, a triumphant smile appeared on An Xin's face. Her expression, once threatening, softened into one of tender satisfaction as she shot Xiang Ri an approving glance. 

Fang Yingying's eyes widened in disbelief. Although she had suspected the nature of their relationship, she hadn't anticipated that it would be this serious. "Fiancée?" she repeated internally, wondering if her ears had deceived her. 

Despite her astonishment, Fang Yingying maintained her composure and politely inclined her head toward the beaming An Xin. "Nice to meet you." 

"Likewise," An Xin replied curtly, her reluctance barely concealed. Yet, she made an effort to suppress any pettiness, unwilling to appear overly possessive in front of Xiang Ri. However, she shot him a sharp glance, silently blaming him for not introducing the secretary sooner. 

Xiang Ri, sensing her discontent, quickly introduced Fang Yingying, choosing his words carefully to avoid exacerbating the situation. 

"She's my company's secretary, Fang Yingying," he explained. 

"Secretary?" An Xin's nerves immediately tensed at the word. Her gaze flitted between the voluptuous Fang Yingying and the man by her side, filled with complex emotions. 

"Yes," Fang Yingying interjected, attempting to defuse the tension. "I work for his boss." 

"Boss?" An Xin's eyes narrowed as she released Xiang Ri's arm and regarded him suspiciously. "You mean him?" 

Sensing imminent danger, Xiang Ri could almost feel the storm brewing despite An Xin's outward calm. 

Fang Yingying, ever perceptive, detected the mounting tension and seized the opportunity to make her exit. "I have urgent business at the office," she said hastily, turning to leave. 

Her excuse was paper-thin—if she truly had pressing matters, she wouldn't have waited an hour. 

Watching Fang Yingying's retreating figure, An Xin only turned back to Xiang Ri once she was completely out of sight. Her face serene, she said, "Let's head home, Xiang Ri." 

Caught off guard, Xiang Ri hesitated before nodding. "Uh, alright." 

He had anticipated further questions about his supposed role as a "boss" but was instead met with this cryptic statement. The calmer An Xin seemed, the heavier his unease grew. 

And, as he soon discovered, his instincts were correct. 

"Xiang Ri," An Xin remarked casually as they walked, "I'll handle lunch today." 

"Sure," Xiang Ri replied, nodding. Given the groceries they had purchased, this seemed perfectly natural. 

"You don't need to step into the kitchen, though," An Xin continued, her tone suddenly icy. 

Xiang Ri's heart sank as he realized her intent. He opened his mouth to protest, but An Xin cut him off decisively. "I'll make fried eggs for Qing Qing and Chu Chu. You, however, can enjoy whatever else I prepare." 

Xiang Ri could only manage a weak, resigned sigh. 

"Oh, and one more thing," An Xin added, her voice laced with finality. "You're not allowed to touch me tonight." 

With her verdict delivered, An Xin strode ahead, her expression stormy, leaving Xiang Ri standing behind her, utterly defeated.