Chapter Sixteen

When Su Miao asked this question, his eyes were fixed on Su Xiaobai, and Su Xiaobai could only feel the mischievous glint in his eyes, which were just like her own—those playful peach blossom eyes.

He was her real brother, yet she felt a sense of urgency as if walking on thin ice.

Su Xiaobai wasn't worried about being exposed. She wasn't some reincarnated soul or someone who had taken over another's body—those clichés didn't apply here. She was Su Bai, in the flesh. It was just that her spirit resided in a different plane, but Su Bai's memories coexisted with hers. This time, she was sure Su Miao wouldn't find a single clue on her.

She smiled knowingly and calmly met Su Miao's gaze. With a playful frown, she said, "What scar? Although dad nearly had a stroke from you back then, I remember it was just a few light lashes with the belt. You didn't really go all out. You barely left a scratch. See, you're starting to get more and more improper in your speech."

"When has he ever been proper? If it weren't for this troublemaker, he'd still be at Yizhong, finishing his studies," Su Lingfeng said with a frown, clearly irritated whenever he thought of his son's past misdeeds.

Su Xiaobai remembered that it was during her time in college when Su Miao got into trouble. He had gotten into a fight at school and broke several ribs of the dean's son, leaving him bedridden for months. Su Miao was nearly sent to the police station. If it weren't for Su Lingfeng pulling some strings, Su Miao's school year would've been over. In the end, he was transferred to a stricter school with a military-like management system. Su Xiaobai remembered how surprised she was when she saw Su Miao that summer, darker than before and sporting a buzz cut. He looked like a completely different, serious person.

Su Miao didn't pay much attention to what Su Xiaobai said. He casually popped a piece of sweet and sour potato into his mouth, savoring it.

It was Qin Ming who was the most shocked, teasing, "Hey, Su Miao, weren't you the one who said you chose the second school because it had a higher rate of students going to top universities? You didn't mention it was because you made a mess at your old school that you transferred here, did you?"

Qin Ming had only gotten to know Su Miao after his transfer, so it was the first time he'd heard about this past. He couldn't resist poking fun at Su Miao. If he didn't do it now, there might not be many chances left.

After dinner, the old man exchanged a few words with the younger ones before heading upstairs to rest. Su Xiaobai glanced at the clock in the living room and saw that it was almost 7 PM. She stood up and smiled, telling Su Miao and Qin Ming that it was time for her to head back.

Su Miao stood up too, insisting on sending her home. Since Su Miao wanted to send his sister, Qin Ming shrugged nonchalantly. He asked Su Miao for the keys to his Lamborghini, grinning as he drove off to the club. He didn't mind that Su Miao had to go later—his priority was to make sure his sister got home first.

Su Xiaobai didn't refuse. Firstly, she truly didn't have a car. If Su Miao was offering to drive her, it would be more convenient. Secondly, the more natural and casual she was, the less likely Su Miao would suspect anything.

In the car, Su Xiaobai sat in the passenger seat, casually pushing her hair back. The air conditioner was on, but it was still a little warm inside, so she had to gather all her hair behind her neck.

Su Miao just happened to catch this motion in the rearview mirror, and his brows instinctively raised. He remembered that his sister didn't usually like to let her hair down. She was always very particular about her image and preferred to tie her hair up, thinking it was more convenient and elegant.

To put it simply, Su Bai was inherently a conservative woman. Su Miao had never seen his sister act in such a coquettish manner before.

And she must have used some perfume today too. It was faint, but in the confined space of the car, the floral scent slowly filled the air.

Su Bai never used perfume. Why was his sister suddenly interested in such things? Connecting this with her unusual behavior today, Su Miao increasingly felt that her change must be related to Fang Cheng.

After thinking for a long while, Su Miao finally spoke up. His tone was completely different from the casual one he had at the dinner table, and the smile on his face disappeared. His handsome face was now half-lit and half-shadowed by the dim car lights, his eyes slowly filled with indifference.

"Sis, is that man treating you well after marriage?"

Su Xiaobai, who had been looking out the window, was caught off guard by the question. She was momentarily stunned, then smiled and replied, "Pretty good, about the same as before we got married. Miao Miao, do you still have prejudices against Fang Cheng?" From Su Xiaobai's current position, even though she didn't respect Fang Cheng's actions, she still tried to maintain the image of Su Bai by defending him in front of Su Miao.

Although saying this made her feel uncomfortable inside.

For a disloyal husband, when she said the word "good," she almost ground her teeth in disgust.

She had expected Su Miao to either stay silent or not respond, but to her surprise, Su Miao merely snorted. That single sound was full of disdain and contempt for Fang Cheng.

"That guy Fang Cheng pretends to be all important in front of you, but you're too naive, getting fooled like that."

"Miao Miao, that's too harsh. After all, he's your brother-in-law…" Su Xiaobai's voice softened toward the end. It wasn't because she felt guilty, but because she was afraid her words might lack conviction and that Su Miao would notice.

Su Miao furrowed his brows, turning the steering wheel as he asked again, "Sis… do you… love him?" After he asked, Su Miao felt strangely suffocated. He didn't know why, but he just felt like Fang Cheng wasn't good enough for Su Bai. Su Bai deserved a better man than the hypocritical, pretentious Fang Cheng.

That was a pretty direct question. Love? Love my foot. Su Xiaobai certainly didn't love Fang Cheng.

Su Xiaobai blinked and coughed several times. When she saw the car had already entered the neighborhood and parked downstairs, she noticed a tall figure walking out of a black Audi. Wasn't that her husband Fang Cheng?

Su Xiaobai didn't expect to run into Fang Cheng just like this. Before she could ask Su Miao to head back, Su Miao had already opened the car door and stepped out.

Su Xiaobai wasn't sure what he was up to but hurriedly got out of the car and followed him.

Fang Cheng naturally recognized Su Miao. When he saw Su Xiaobai awkwardly following behind, he instinctively squinted. However, he quickly changed his attitude, smiling at Su Xiaobai and saying, "I feel much better now that Su Miao sent you back. I tried calling you several times today, but your phone was off. I was really worried something had happened to you." He then turned to Su Miao, "Su Miao, long time no see. Last time you were abroad and didn't attend Su Bai and my wedding. Your sister was really disappointed."

"My phone ran out of battery," Su Xiaobai responded apologetically.

"It was just a wedding. There'll be more chances to attend in the future," Su Miao said, hands in his pockets, not backing down as he stared at Fang Cheng.

Su Xiaobai glanced at her younger brother in surprise. This kid really dared to say anything. What did he mean by "more chances," implying that her marriage with Fang Cheng wouldn't last.

To her surprise, Fang Cheng didn't mind at all. He didn't look upset and instead calmly replied, "There will indeed be many more chances. Your sister has been hoping you settle down for a while now." He smoothly turned the conversation back to Su Miao.

Su Miao's lips, which had been slightly curved, suddenly stiffened. He ignored Fang Cheng, turning to speak to his sister gently, "Sis, make sure to visit home often. If anyone treats you badly, don't keep it to yourself. Don't let people think you're easy to bully. Whatever you decide, I'll support you."

He then gave Fang Cheng a provocative glance and continued, "By the way, in a few days, I'll take you to check out Qin Ming's new project. It's a small resort, quite nice. Since you're at home with nothing to do, you might as well go out and relax. Staying at home all the time isn't good for you, unlike others who are busy with work. Don't let yourself get bored."

Su Xiaobai didn't rush to agree, merely mumbling in response.

"Well, I'm heading off. Call me if you need anything." Su Miao didn't even bother to look at Fang Cheng, and drove away on his own.

Su Xiaobai couldn't help but feel a headache over the tense relationship between her brother and husband. She knew it was strained, but she didn't expect it to be so blatantly hostile when she was around.

After Su Miao left, Su Xiaobai sighed inwardly. As she turned around, she realized Fang Cheng had been observing her for a while. His gaze felt icy and chilling, but it only lasted a moment. He quickly returned to his usual self, giving her a faint reproach, "The wind is strong tonight, and your clothes are too thin. Don't stand here. Let's go upstairs."

"Okay," Su Xiaobai responded, but inside, she felt uncomfortable. If she didn't already know about Fang Cheng's issues, she might have thought he was a decent man. Unfortunately, the more he acted this way, the more uncomfortable she felt.

What Su Xiaobai didn't expect was that when Su Miao arrived at the club, he hadn't even gotten comfortable on the couch before Qin Ming asked with a smile, "So, how was it?"

"There's something off, not quite right," Su Miao said.

"Heh, if I hadn't seen her in person, just by her outfit, I'd have thought she was switched out with someone else," Qin Ming laughed, taking a sip of his drink.

Su Miao shook his head. "No way. If she was really switched, she wouldn't remember things from her childhood. I'm just afraid she's been holding it in too long and wants to let loose."

"That's good, sometimes letting loose and venting is fine," Qin Ming said with a grin.

"No. I think we should investigate her. I need to know what she's been up to lately. Keep an eye on Fang Cheng too. I have this feeling he's involved in this. When the time comes, we'll know exactly what to do," Su Miao said, his cigarette still untouched, one finger tapping the glass coffee table. His eyes were filled with a ruthless intensity.

Qin Ming nodded. He understood. When the time came, that would be the perfect opportunity for Su Bai and Fang Cheng to get a divorce.