Sun Yao smiled. "Hahaha, Dad bought a house here. We will live here from now on. It is close to your kindergarten, so it will be much more convenient for you to go to school! You won't have to wake up early anymore! You can sleep in comfortably, can't you?"
Xiaoxi tilted her head, thought for a moment, and asked, "But what about my little toys?"
Sun Yao nodded and explained patiently, "We can have Grandpa Butler send your toys over!"
Upon hearing this, Xiaoxi's eyes lit up, and she said excitedly, "Wow, that's great! Is there a slide in the new house? I really want to be able to play on a slide at home."
Sun Yao smiled and said, "How about this? Once we get to the new house, we'll see if we can build a slide in the yard, shall we?"
"Yay, yay!" Xiaoxi jumped with joy. The paper airplane in her hand flew away, carved an arc in the air, and dropped to the ground.
Sun Yao held Xiaoxi's hand and continued walking. Xiaoxi looked at the unfamiliar streets around her and could not help but ask, "Dad, how much further is the new house?"
Sun Yao looked ahead and said, "It's not far! We'll be there in a moment. Look, that beautiful area of houses up ahead is where our new home is."
Xiaoxi looked in the direction Sun Yao pointed and saw a brand-new residential area with well-arranged houses and large green spaces around them; it looked very beautiful.
She excitedly quickened her pace, pulling on Sun Yao's hand, "Dad, let's hurry, let's hurry! I want to see the new house quickly."
Soon after, they arrived in front of a two-story villa.
Sun Yao pushed open the gate, and Xiaoxi rushed inside impatiently. As soon as she entered, she saw a spacious and bright living room with white walls, soft sofas, and large floor-to-ceiling windows. Sunlight spilled through the windows onto the floor, creating patches of golden light.
"Wow, it's so beautiful!" Xiaoxi exclaimed. She noticed a cozy bedroom and a room that could serve as a study, which was already furnished with a desk and bookshelves.
Then, Xiaoxi pulled Sun Yao to the backyard. There were several small trees and a large patch of grass in the yard. She asked Sun Yao excitedly, "Dad, can we really build a slide here?"
Sun Yao smiled and said, "Of course we can! As long as you like it, we'll find someone to build one."
Xiaoxi rolled around on the grass happily, then suddenly sat up and asked, "Dad, I'm hungry."
Only then did Sun Yao remember his plans with Lin Wanqing, so he said to Xiaoxi, "Xiaoxi! We are having dinner with Sister Qing tonight!"
Upon hearing this, Xiaoxi's eyes twinkled, and she asked curiously, "Is Sister Qing that sister from the other day?" As she spoke, she tilted her little head and looked at Sun Yao with full anticipation.
Sun Yao smiled and patted Xiaoxi's head, saying, "Yes, that's her!"
Xiaoxi clapped her hands excitedly. "Wow, I like Sister Qing the best! Then I want to wear my favorite little dress to see her. Dad, when are we going? I can't wait."
Sun Yao checked the time and said, "We'll go inside and get washed up first, then we'll go find Sister Qing."
Xiaoxi nodded quickly and said like a little adult, "Okay, Dad! Where are we having dinner with Sister Qing? Are we going to a restaurant? Is the food there super delicious?" A series of questions spilled out of her mouth, filled with curiosity about the upcoming meeting.
Sun Yao answered patiently, "We are going to a place Sister Qing recommended. They say the food there is delicious, and they have the sweet and sour ribs that Xiaoxi loves!"
"Sweet and sour ribs!" Xiaoxi jumped excitedly. "I love sweet and sour ribs the most! Dad, how did Sister Qing know I like those? Is she a magician?"
Sun Yao was amused by Xiaoxi's innocent words. "Perhaps Sister Qing does have magic and can know what's on Xiaoxi's mind."
"Then I want to tell Sister Qing that I also want a big doll to see if she can conjure one up," Xiaoxi said, her eyes shining with longing.
"Sure! When you see Sister Qing, you tell her your wish. But Xiaoxi, you must remember to be polite and not be too greedy!" Sun Yao cautioned with a smile.
"I know! Dad, I will be very polite and say 'thank you' and 'please'," Xiaoxi promised, patting her chest.
"Mm, our Xiaoxi is the best. Let's hurry home, change, and get ready to go!" Sun Yao took Xiaoxi's hand and said.
"Okay, let's go!" Xiaoxi held Sun Yao's hand tightly as they headed indoors.
Fifteen minutes later, Sun Yao brought Xiaoxi to the entrance of the community, hailed a taxi, and went straight to the Diyue Grand Hotel.
After thirty minutes, they arrived at the Diyue Grand Hotel. The hotel entrance was magnificent and golden; the fountains on both sides sparkled with colorful lights under the illumination, and doormen in uniforms respectfully greeted every guest.
As soon as Sun Yao walked to the entrance holding Xiaoxi's hand, he saw Lin Wanqing, who had been waiting there for a long time.
Lin Wanqing was wearing a light blue dress today, the hem as light as a cloud, her long hair draped smoothly over her shoulders, and her delicate face appeared even more graceful and moving under the lights.
As soon as she saw Sun Yao and Xiaoxi, her face instantly broke into a smile, and she walked over quickly.
"Sun Yao, Xiaoxi, you finally made it!" Lin Wanqing squatted down and said to Xiaoxi with a smile, "Oh my! Xiaoxi is so beautiful today! Like a little princess."
Xiaoxi hid behind Sun Yao, feeling a bit shy, and peeked at Lin Wanqing, saying softly, "Sister Qing is also very beautiful, like a fairy."
Lin Wanqing giggled and reached out to gently pat Xiaoxi's head. "Xiaoxi is such a sweet talker. Come, let's go in. The food is almost ready."
The three of them walked into the hotel together and were led by a waiter to a private room.
Along the way, Xiaoxi looked around curiously, full of admiration for the hotel's luxurious decorations.
When they pushed open the door to the private room, several young people were already seated inside.
Among them, Hǎo Shàoqīng was dressed in an exquisitely tailored custom suit, the expensive watch on his wrist refracting dazzling light under the lamps as he leaned on the sofa, twirling an expensive cigar in his hand.
Seeing Lin Wanqing and Sun Yao enter with a child, the smile on his face vanished and turned cold instantly.
Although Hǎo Shàoqīng did not say anything, a friend next to him with dyed hair, known as Huang Mao, spoke up: "Wanqing, this is a gathering for adults. Bringing a friend is one thing, but why bring a little brat along? What a mood-killer."
the atmosphere in the room turned awkward instantly. Lin Wanqing's smile froze on her face; a spark of anger flashed in her eyes. Just as she was about to retort, Sun Yao gently pressed her arm, signaling her to remain calm.
However, the yellow-haired youth remained relentless and continued: "This kid clearly has no social experience. Don't embarrass Sister Wanqing in this high-end hotel."
Upon hearing this, Sun Yao's eyes turned icy cold, and his gaze shot toward Huang Mao like a sharp blade.
Xiaoxi was so frightened her eyes turned red, and she grabbed onto Sun Yao's shirt tightly.
Lin Wanqing could no longer hold back. With her eyebrows knit in anger, she snapped, "Huang Mao, you have a lot of nerve today! Do you think you can look down on me just because someone is backing you up? These are my guests, show some respect!"
Hǎo Shàoqīng frowned, somewhat dissatisfied with Lin Wanqing's attitude, but pretended to be magnanimous, saying, "Wanqing, don't be angry. Huang Mao is just joking. It really isn't very convenient to have a child here, is it?"
Lin Wanqing was shaking with rage. She took Sun Yao's and Xiaoxi's hands and said, "Hǎo Shàoqīng, so you say the same? Fine, very well. I didn't want to come in the first place. That's perfect, we won't eat this meal. Dayao, let's go!"
As they turned to walk toward the door, several of Hǎo Shàoqīng's sycophants stood up and blocked their path.
A muscular youth among them sneered, "Come when you want, leave when you want? What do you think this place is?"
Sun Yao looked at these people with a flash of disdain in his eyes. He gathered Xiaoxi in his arms and said softly to Lin Wanqing, "Your friends are a bit untoward."
Lin Wanqing looked at Sun Yao apologetically and whispered, "They are not my friends anymore."
Sun Yao smiled slightly: "That puts my mind at ease. I am very angry about their attitude." He then asked Lin Wanqing to hold Xiaoxi.
Hǎo Shàoqīng, seeing this, thought Sun Yao was merely making empty threats, and remarked dismissively, "Kid, if you're smart, apologize immediately and get lost with this little girl, otherwise you'll regret it."
Sun Yao ignored Hǎo Shàoqīng, instead narrowing his eyes at the sycophants blocking them, saying calmly, "Are you sure you want me to apologize?"
The sycophants burst into laughter. The muscular youth mocked, "If you don't apologize, then kneel!" As he spoke, he took the lead and swung a fist at Sun Yao.
So that was it—fighting at the drop of a hat! Sun Yao smiled slightly, his figure flickered, easily dodging the punch while simultaneously grabbing the muscular youth's arm and twisting it hard.
With a "crack" sound, the muscular youth's arm was dislocated, and he screamed as he slumped to the floor.
This sight left everyone in the room stunned. They hadn't expected someone to dare to fight back when they were so outnumbered, especially with such crisp and clean movements.
"Attack together, don't let this guy get away!" Hǎo Shàoqīng said, enraged and embarrassed.
The remaining sycophants rushed forward. Sun Yao showed no fear; dealing with these people was just like stepping on ants! Every strike he landed precisely hit a vital point, and suddenly, screams echoed throughout the room.
Lin Wanqing watched Sun Yao in surprise. She had only had some curiosity toward him before, but now, that curiosity was mingled with a sense of admiration.At this moment, Lin Wanqing could clearly perceive a power within her, like a restless caged beast, stirring uncomfortably.
It was like a spark that spread rapidly within her heart, igniting all her senses, and making her eyes flash with a strange and intense brilliance.
Xiaoxi was hiding in Lin Wanqing’s arms, her eyes wide open watching everything, her little fists clenched tightly. She was a bit scared, but also proud of how strong her father was.
She whispered to Lin Wanqing, "Sister Qing, my dad is so amazing!"
Lin Wanqing collected herself, smiled, and patted Xiaoxi on the head, saying, "Yes, your dad is amazing."
In less than ten breaths, all the sycophants Hǎo Shàoqīng had brought were lying on the floor, groaning in pain.
Hǎo Shàoqīng's face turned ash-white. He hadn't expected Sun Yao to be such a capable fighter; he was filled with both rage and fear.
"You... do you know who I am? If you dare to touch me, you won't have a good life in Xidu!" Hǎo Shàoqīng threatened, his voice harsh but lacking substance.
Sun Yao walked over to Hǎo Shàoqīng, looked down at him, and said coldly, "I don't care who you are. This is just a lesson for today; you won't be so lucky next time."
Hǎo Shàoqīng's heart felt like it was turning over; anger and hatred intertwined, almost swallowing him whole.
He gritted his teeth so hard his cheeks bulged, and his hands were curled into fists, his knuckles turning white.
However, the moment he met Sun Yao's intimidating gaze, it was as if he’d been drenched in cold water, his fury instantly suppressed.
That gaze was like a solid blade, piercing straight into his heart, making him tremble with fear for no reason.
He knew very well that if he dared to say another word, his fate would likely be no different from those lackeys', lying on the ground like a stray dog, moaning in agony.
Thinking of this, the insults Hǎo Shàoqīng was ready to spew were swallowed back down by force. He moved his lips, but ultimately didn't dare to utter a single word.
Sun Yao turned, carried Xiaoxi in his arms, and said, "Let's go!"
The three of them exited the private room. Hotel staff arrived upon hearing the commotion but, seeing the scene, did not dare to intervene.
Once outside the hotel, Lin Wanqing looked at Sun Yao with complex emotions—gratitude, admiration, and a hint of an indescribable heartbeat.
She said softly, "Dayao, I really caused you trouble today."
Sun Yao smiled and said, "Don't be polite. They went too far; whoever was in my position wouldn't stand by and watch."
Xiaoxi also nodded firmly from the side, "Dad is the best, he protected me and Sister Qing."
Lin Wanqing looked at this pair of father and daughter, and a wave of warmth surged through her heart.
She felt that there was an unprecedented sense of comfort in being with Sun Yao and Xiaoxi.
However, Hǎo Shàoqīng, as one of the Five Young Masters of Xidu, had always been arrogant and domineering, never having suffered such a loss.
Hǎo Shàoqīng was now full of anger and unwillingness. He had always been able to act recklessly in Xidu, but today he had stumbled badly because of Sun Yao, losing all his face.
His face was as dark as the sky before a storm, and he paced back and forth in the private room.
But when his anger subsided slightly, a trace of unease began to stir in his heart.
He suddenly thought that even though he was one of the Five Young Masters, he was ranked the last. Above these five, there was also a Young Master Xiaoyao. None of these young masters had ever met Young Master Xiaoyao, nor did they have the qualifications.
It was said that this Young Master Xiaoyao controlled the core resources of Xidu. His family foundation was profound, and his power was deeply rooted; if he stomped his foot, the business and political circles of Xidu would all tremble.
He kept a low profile and was like a high mountain hidden behind clouds; though his figure was not seen, everyone could feel that intangible deterrent force.