CHAPTER 172: CHAPTER 172: BREAKUP 5_1

Her face flushed suddenly.

He took her hand and said, "Let’s go in and look around. We’ll get the keys in three months, and then we’ll be busy with renovations. Xixi, what style do you like?"

She stammered, unsure of how to respond.

Huang’s mother had once said, "Many girls these days are shameless, marrying just for a house." Now, Yan Xixi truly didn’t want Huang Xiaojue’s half-share of the property, and she wouldn’t accept it.

A sense of unease settled in her heart. She knew Xiaojue’s intention in buying a house on his own was to completely escape his parents’ interference. But, as Xu Xiaoya had said, would living apart truly eliminate all conflicts?

The two of them strolled around the residential complex. Huang Xiaojue was in high spirits, looking around everywhere with interest. He noted that the various details of the landscaping were very well designed.

Since it was the weekend, many people were viewing properties, discussing and chatting as they walked.

"The quality of this residential area is really impressive. Look at the environment here. Seems like their claim of a ’forest oxygen bar’ isn’t just hot air..."

"There are quite a few high-end clubs around, and the supporting facilities are well-equipped, with kindergartens, primary, and secondary schools all well-planned..."

"But the property management fee is too high..."

A few people who had been chatting and laughing cheerfully stopped and looked at Yan Xixi, who was somewhat puzzled.

Among them was a young woman, fashionably dressed and clutching a designer bag. She glanced at Yan Xixi, then her gaze landed on Huang Xiaojue. After giving him a fierce glare, she turned and walked away.

Huang Xiaojue nodded slightly, maintaining his politeness. The older women accompanying the young woman didn’t look pleased either, but they all curiously sized up Yan Xixi. It was evident that this couple was also here to look at properties.

"Aunties, are you here to view properties too?"

"Yes, we didn’t expect to run into Mr. Huang here."

The older woman’s attitude was cold. She gave a perfunctory reply and then left with her companions.

Once their group had moved further away, Yan Xixi, with an ambiguous smile, lowered her voice. "Who are they?"

Huang Xiaojue chuckled, not looking bothered in the slightest, and also lowered his voice. "That’s Zhou Xiaoxuan’s cousin and her mother."

She really hadn’t expected to run into these people while just looking at houses.

It suddenly dawned on Yan Xixi. Wasn’t that the beautiful woman Zhou Xiaoxuan had deliberately tried to set Huang Xiaojue up with? No wonder her expression was so unpleasant.

The blind date had failed, and now she’d run into her "ex-prospect" looking at houses with another woman. Of course, she wouldn’t be in a good mood.

Xixi knew that Huang’s mother had been very pleased with Zhou Xiaoxuan’s cousin initially. She had even deliberately arranged a blind date for Huang Xiaojue and made sure Xu Xiaoya would "happen to" encounter them. Suddenly, Xixi recalled the time her own mother was critically ill. She had called Huang’s mother for help but was refused—all because of this beautiful woman...

She stood rooted to the spot, dazed. Huang Xiaojue found it odd and asked, "Xixi, why aren’t you moving?"

"Since it’s Zhou Xiaoxuan’s cousin, then Zhou Xiaoxuan will know about us very soon."

She bowed her head. "If Zhou Xiaoxuan knew that we were together, she would certainly tell your mother. Xiaojue, I’m afraid we will not be able to keep this a secret anymore..."

He laughed.

"Xiaojue, why are you laughing?"

He composed himself. "Xixi, are we having some kind of secret love affair or a clandestine marriage? We’re together openly and honorably. Why should we be afraid of others knowing? Not only am I not afraid, but I’ll also inform my parents, relatives, and friends as soon as possible. I want them all to know you exist."

She was aghast. "No! You absolutely mustn’t tell them."

"Why not?"

She was speechless, unable to answer. She just thought that she absolutely couldn’t let Huang’s mother know; she didn’t want to face that questioning gaze of hers again.

"Xixi, I have never intended to hide you!!!"