Ling Xuan couldn’t believe his eyes. He had been waiting outside, hoping to catch someone, but the person he saw was none other than his father—accompanied by… Jiang Fuyue?!
Even though he could only see her profile, he recognized her instantly. He had secretly observed her so many times that just a glance was enough to confirm it.
It’s her. No doubt about it!
Soon, the family driver arrived with the car. Ling Qingzhou got in and instructed, “Take me home.”
Ling Xuan, however, remained frozen in place, unable to snap out of his daze.
Until—
“Young man?”
An elderly woman patted his shoulder. “Are you alright? Why are you just sitting here by the road alone?”
Ling Xuan’s eyes were vacant.
The old lady asked again, “Did something happen?”
Without responding, Ling Xuan stood up and staggered away.
His mind was in complete chaos, unable to process anything logically.
Dad and Jiang Fuyue?
How do they even know each other?
When did they meet?
Why were they at a bar together late at night?
And then there were his father’s small gestures earlier—so meticulous, so careful.
He’s never treated anyone like that before.
Not his mother.
Not even him.
But with Jiang Fuyue…
Ling Xuan didn’t dare think any further.
For the first time, he had the urge to deceive himself.
He flagged down a taxi, got in, and instructed the driver, “Take me to the Ling family villa. Hurry.”
As a result, he and Ling Qingzhou arrived home almost simultaneously.
“So late—where have you been?” Ling Qingzhou frowned as he changed into his indoor slippers and walked into the living room.
Ling Xuan stood frozen at the entrance. Then, suddenly, he called out—
“Dad—”
Ling Qingzhou turned around and saw his son standing by the doorway, head lowered, not even stepping inside to change his shoes. His brows furrowed even deeper, and his gaze carried a hint of scrutiny.
“What is it?”
“Where were you tonight?”
That question, that tone—it felt strangely familiar.
Not long ago, something similar had happened.
Ling Qingzhou’s expression darkened. “What’s with you? You’re starting to act just like your mother. Do I need to report my whereabouts to you now?”
The last sentence came out harsher than intended.
Even Ling Qingzhou himself realized it the moment the words left his mouth.
But once spoken, they couldn’t be taken back. He had always been a strict father and never had the habit of softening his stance in front of his son. So, he let the awkwardness hang in the air.
“Heh…”
A faint, dry chuckle slipped from Ling Xuan’s lips.
He slowly changed into his slippers, then walked calmly toward Ling Qingzhou.
Standing before him, he looked up and called, “Dad.”
Ling Qingzhou stared at his son, who was now nearly as tall as him, his brows tightening.
He could tell—his son was upset.
“Mom’s in the bedroom.”
Ling Qingzhou: “?”
“You should probably wash off that smell in the guest room before seeing her. Or better yet, just sleep there. The scent is pretty overwhelming.”
Ling Qingzhou’s gaze darkened instantly.
But Ling Xuan simply lowered his eyes slightly, concealing his emotions. Then, he brushed past his father and headed upstairs.
….
In the following days, Ling Xuan continued attending school as usual.
But it was clear he was deliberately avoiding Jiang Fuyue.
He didn’t have the courage to directly question his father about their relationship. Yet, he couldn’t stop himself from wondering.
More than once, he thought about asking Jiang Fuyue.
But what consequences would that bring?
He had no way of predicting.
For someone as proud as him, it was ridiculous—and pathetic—to find himself so hesitant, so lost.
Especially since they were both set to participate in the upcoming competition’s pre-tournament training camp, where they’d be in the same classroom for most of the day. There was no avoiding her.
He tried to act normal.
But he still couldn’t help noticing her.
Thankfully, after that night, he hadn’t seen any further interaction between Jiang Fuyue and his father.
And his father no longer carried that overwhelming scent of perfume.
One day, after school, Ling Xuan returned home and saw that Zhou Qin’s expression—dark and gloomy for days—had finally brightened.
“Mom, did something good happen?”
“Ah Xuan, about last time…” Zhou Qin hesitated for a moment, then looked slightly embarrassed. “I might have misunderstood your father.”
Ling Xuan froze.
