Ultimate Tug-of-War

Little Jia raised her eyebrows and smiled playfully. "It's just a form of address—do you really care that much? Though... judging by appearances alone, I should look younger than you."

There was no denying that Little Jia had an exceptionally youthful face.

This was especially true when she widened her almond-shaped eyes and put on an innocent expression.

Xie Tingwan smiled faintly. "As you said, it's just a form of address. If you prefer being a little girl, I don’t mind. There’s charm in naivety—who doesn’t love an innocent young lady? If you call me 'sister,' I’d be the one benefiting."

Little Jia caught the underlying jab—Xie Tingwan was mocking her for acting childish and pretending to be young despite her age.

Xie Tingwan had a way of insulting people without using a single vulgar word. At first glance, her words sounded complimentary, but upon closer inspection, they carried a sting.

Zhou Yi quickly intervened. "Let’s go eat first. We can talk more later."

Xie Tingwan nodded. "Sure, let’s go, Ah Yi."

But Little Jia grabbed Zhou Yi’s hand. "Ride in my car, Xiao Zhou. A Porsche is so outdated—mine’s the latest Bugatti. Riding in that old thing would be beneath you."

Zhou Yi gave her a cool glance. "Have you forgotten what I told you last time?"

Little Jia stiffened, then bit her lip and softened her tone, her large eyes glistening with feigned vulnerability.

"Fine, I won’t say things like that anymore. But will you ride with me, please?"

Zhou Yi thought: Good. The discipline is working.

In the past, no one would dare treat Little Jia this way.

Yet for some reason, she responded well to Zhou Yi’s methods—submitting to him didn’t feel as humiliating as it should have.

Was this the so-called... one thing conquering another?

For Zhou Yi, seeing a woman like Little Jia—who was haughty and cruel to others—humble herself before him was oddly satisfying.

This was the appeal of a woman’s duality.

Little Jia had her own charm, and Zhou Yi was a man who knew how to appreciate it.

He glanced between Xie Tingwan and Little Jia, feigning hesitation.

"I..."

"Since sister says I’m childish, surely she won’t stoop to competing with me over this, right? Come on, Xiao Zhou."

Without waiting for a response, Little Jia tugged Zhou Yi toward her car.

Xie Tingwan, being the well-bred young lady she was, wouldn’t make a scene by forcibly dragging Zhou Yi away in public.

Little Jia, however, had no such reservations—she feared nothing.

Left with no choice, Xie Tingwan let Zhou Yi go with Little Jia.

This is just the beginning, she thought. Soon, Zhou Yi and I will be going to the U.S. for the competition. What can Little Jia do about that?

Little Jia triumphantly pulled Zhou Yi into her car.

"So, what do you think of my ride?"

"It’s nice."

Zhou Yi’s expression remained indifferent, even though the car was a Bugatti worth over a hundred million.

"Honestly, I don’t get what an old-fashioned guy like you even likes. Am I just too tacky for you?"

"There’s no such thing as tacky. Everyone has their own tastes. And next time, don’t talk to my friends like that."

Zhou Yi deliberately provoked her again.

"What, you’re upset over one little comment? Relax, your friend is tough—she won’t be hurt by something so trivial."

Zhou Yi sighed and gave her a resigned smile. "I just don’t want you to keep making people dislike you."

Little Jia tightened her grip on the steering wheel. So he’s actually worried about me?

Instantly mollified, she decided Zhou Yi wouldn’t say such things just to placate her.

This was Zhou Yi’s brilliance—he made Little Jia believe he was blunt, someone who spoke his mind without sugarcoating. In her eyes, he wasn’t the type to coddle women, so his words had to be genuine.

Little Jia grinned. "Who cares if they like me or not? They’ll still smile and grovel when they see me."

"And what about when you get married? A woman’s reputation matters—you act like it’s nothing."

"My dad could support me even if I never married. But... why are you suddenly so concerned? Are you not mad at me anymore?"

"Forgot to mention—Uncle Qu took me in as his godson. That makes you family now, so it’s only natural I’d care."

Little Jia abruptly slammed the brakes, staring at Zhou Yi in shock.

"What?! So you’re my cousin now?!"

"You heard it yourself in the hospital—you even called yourself my cousin."

"I thought it was a joke! You’re really Uncle Qu’s godson?"

"Are you surprised? Or do you not want me as your cousin?"

Little Jia pressed the accelerator again, pouting.

"I don’t know... I just feel a little unhappy. Can’t you not be their son?"

"It’s already settled. If you dislike me, we can just see less of each other."

Hearing the chill in his voice, Little Jia hurried to explain.

"No, no! I don’t hate you. Ugh, fine, whatever. It’s just a godson thing, not like you’re his real son. No big deal."

"Exactly. Since you’re family now, of course I want what’s best for you."

"So you’re only nice to me because I’m family?"

"Obviously. What else would it be?"

Little Jia’s mood soured again.

Zhou Yi was like a rollercoaster for her emotions, sending her heart racing up and down.

"If I weren’t Auntie’s niece... would you still indulge me like this?"

"So you do know this is indulgence."

"I’ve been pretty well-behaved around you, haven’t I? I hardly ever lose my temper with you, but you keep scolding me."

"As long as you stay this well-behaved, I won’t scold you. Little Jia is quite adorable when she’s obedient."

Zhou Yi chuckled, his voice warm and laced with something almost affectionate.

This was the first time Little Jia had sensed this kind of tenderness from him.

Her eyes curved into crescents, and she tempered her usual arrogance when she spoke to him.

Their conversation carried them all the way to the restaurant Zhou Yi had booked.

Little Jia glanced up. "We’re eating here? Want me to switch to somewhere nicer?"

Quickly, she batted her big eyes and clarified, "Not that I’m looking down on it! Just that a friend of mine owns a restaurant—we could eat there for free."

"Next time. I’ve already made reservations here today."

"Fine. That woman—uh, your friend—isn’t here yet?"

"No rush. We’ll wait."

Zhou Yi checked his watch—they were still early.

About ten minutes later, Xie Tingwan’s car pulled up.

She parked at the entrance, stepping out with two gift boxes in hand and a bouquet of flowers.

With a gentle smile, she handed the flowers to Zhou Yi.

"Ah Yi, I meant to give you these in the car—congratulations on your music release. Well done."