"Oh really? That's great because I also want to talk about something," Xu Yue replied first as she led Zhenzhen to the table. It would be best to avoid this talk near Zhenzhen but there was also a plus of having her nearby.
"Good Morning Sir Xu," Zhenzhen bowed to the family head politely before even sitting down. "Thank you for letting us stay in your villa. It has been nothing but pleasure."
She then gazed at Xu Yue's mom who looked like an older version of her and bowed as well, "Good Morning Mrs. Xu. Looking at how pretty big sister is, I knew you would be a shiny star as well."
"Aww, you are such a sweetheart," Mrs. Xu muttered as she pursed her lips and invited her to the table, "Come, come, sit down and eat. You can ask our chefs to cook anything you want. There are also some prepared dishes if you want to try them."
"Thank you, Mrs. Xu," Zhenzhen acknowledged and sat down gracefully. "I am feeling like eating some strawberry and chocolate pancakes. If I may ask for one of course."
"Of course," Mrs. Xu nodded with a smile and simply glanced at the chefs who were busy in the kitchen. They immediately began to prepare the order as per her wish.
Both Xu Yue and Liu Ye were surprised how quickly Zhenzhen lifted the mood in the dining room. Even Leader Xu was nodding in approval of her act.
"What will you do about Master Yang's messenger?" Xu Yue questioned as Liu Ye pulled out a chair for her. "I hope I can count on you."
Leader Xu slowed down his chewing on the dumpling in his mouth and wiped his mouth. He watched Liu Ye sit down next to his daughter and announced, "We of course can't let our sweet Zhenzhen lose her brother so I will help but I and your mother want to know the truth."
A sudden silence filled the room but Liu Ye was already prepared for that. Leader Xu wasn't dumb and they were bound to finally notice that something was between them. Xu Yue wouldn't treat anyone else like she treats him.
"The truth about?" Xu Yue broke the silence to get the more specific information and Mrs. Xu replied in her husband's stead.
"It's about you two. We want to know if you are secretly dating," she explained while sipping water. "Maybe your father has different views and values but I talked to him yesterday. We know you are someone who will follow her own path and we just want to support you. I don't want to lose my daughter because of such a silly reason."
"Is that true dad?" Xu Yue questioned while casually placing food on her own and Liu Ye's plate. "Will you let me handle my own love life and stop forcing me to meet those losers from other rich families?"
Leader Xu's eyelid twitched at that question but before he replied, Liu Ye spoke first.
"We are indeed dating."
It already came down to such talk so Liu Ye could only be a man and admit it. He wasn't the type who would stay silent and not take responsibility for his actions.
"But we are not hurrying anywhere," Liu Ye added right after. "We are still young so we want to take it slow. Right now we are mostly focused on solving the current crisis so if Leader Xu has any questions about our future, I can't answer them since I'm not even sure if I will live till tomorrow."
"Big bro…" Zhenzhen muttered upset but Xu Yue only hugged her, letting the men talk.
"I guess it's fair to wait until everything is over before we talk about it seriously…" Leader Xu replied as he glanced at his wife. "So how long have you been together?"
This time it was Xu Yue who took the lead and answered, "We have been on good terms even before but only yesterday did we start to date. He left to take care of his sister since working for our family would only endanger her. I don't blame him though since I would also do the same if I was him."
Zhenzhen gazed at them and began to slowly tear up.
"I only met her for a short day but I already managed to love her like my own sister," Xu Yue added honestly while cheering Zhenzhen up with a rub on the shoulder.
The approaching chef with a plate of pancakes had to stop as Zhenzhen suddenly pushed her chair back and rushed to hug into Liu Ye's chest. He was already expecting it and accepted her warmly.
"I'm sorry…" Zhenzhen apologized through her tears as she squeezed his neck. "It's all my fault…"
Liu Ye felt like scolding her for being so silly but he had a soft spot for her.
"You did nothing wrong. If I were to go back in time, I would still do the same because you are the most important to me," Liu Ye announced while hugging her tightly. "Don't cry, okay? Go eat your pancakes while they are hot. The chefs put effort into making them so don't waste it."
Even though he said it, Zhenzhen didn't want to release him so fast. When she was finally standing up after Liu Ye's cheering, they saw two guards walk into the dining room with their rifles hanging on their shoulders.
"Leader Xu, the man you were talking about arrived."
Leader Xu momentarily snapped into focus as he ordered, "Inform everyone and get in position. I want everyone to be on high alert. We don't know who we are dealing with."
"Yes, sir."
Liu Ye was forced to stand up while separating Zhenzhen from him but she questioned worriedly, "What is going on?"
"There is someone I need to meet. That person might be dangerous so we need to be careful," Liu Ye replied as he looked her closely in the eyes. "Please, stay here with Mrs. Xu and finish your breakfast. I will try to be back as soon as possible."
"Promise you won't get hurt…" Zhenzhen demanded, not letting go of his hand.
"I won't let anyone separate us, don't worry," Liu Ye assured confidently and followed Xu Yue who was already waiting for him.
It was time to get an answer to every 'why' in his mind.
