Chapter 37

"Who is he?" Zhi Xia asked in surprise, unconsciously raising her voice to ask again.

"Pei Jing. Why are you reacting so strongly? Don't tell me you knew him before?" An Zhiang was startled by Zhi Xia's reaction.

But he figured they shouldn't know each other. His little sister had been confined at home by the Gao family before, and the Pei family was in Anle village, so they didn't have any relatives in common and shouldn't have had a chance to meet.

Zhi Xia said, "I don't know him, I don't know him. I'm just surprised to hear he's your little uncle when he's so young."

The Pei Jing that Auntie An MeiYun said became a business legend after leaving the military and left a billion-dollar inheritance for Pei Jianguo - that's the Pei Jing she was talking about.

How could she not know him!

She had also seen Pei Jing in her previous life, when he came back once after the An family incident.

But it had been too long ago, she didn't remember what he looked like at all.

Plus she had only seen him once. The Pei Jing of her previous life didn't survive, but was betrayed by his teammates on a mission and sacrificed. An MeiYun had a hand in that too.

To be precise, it was An MeiYun's husband's doing.

After marrying, An MeiYun had always harbored feelings for her unrequited love Pei Jing, and her husband was jealous.

Or perhaps that was just an excuse. They simply wanted Pei Jing dead.

Because in the world An MeiYun said they hadn't been reborn in, Zhi Xia and Pei Jianguo stood at the pinnacle relying on Pei Jing's assets. Mrs. Zhou came in with the washed meat and saw them. "What are you two doing in here? Go out and play for now. I'll call you when it's time to wrap dumplings."

Zhi Xia took the meat from Mrs. Zhou and said, "I'd just be bored outside, so why don't I help chop the meat and Mrs. Zhou can make the dough. We can divide up the work and get it done faster together."

"No need, no need. I can handle it myself. If you're really bored, go with Zhiang to the supply and marketing co-op and get some more wine. We're running low, and Old Pei is here today too. Those two old men will probably drink a lot, and I'm worried we won't have enough for them."

Mrs. Zhou was used to doing everything herself.

Plus the people she served were retirees, not rushed to get to work. Whether meals were early or late didn't matter much, and the old master wasn't very demanding.

"Then Zhiang can go buy wine. It's too hot outside. I just got a bit pale and don't want to get sunburned dark again." Zhi Xia said, already picking up a knife to start chopping meat.

Pei Jing didn't leave. She was determined not to go out, so avoiding him a while longer suited her.

Even if she was staying for the meal, she wanted to minimize being alone with him. She didn't believe that with so many people around, he could bring up what happened that night.

Of course, Zhi Xia hoped even more that he didn't recognize her at all. Then she wouldn't have to worry about him making trouble.

Old Pei glanced disapprovingly at his idle son. "Zhiang's gone to buy wine. If you've got nothing to do, go to the kitchen and help chop meat. Don't let the little girl wear herself out with those tiny arms and legs."

"Alright, I'll go help." Pei Jing had just been thinking of an excuse to go over.

Old Pei was taken aback by his prompt agreement. "This boy is still so mature. Not a hint of a lively youngster. I'm worried he won't be able to find a wife in the future."

His son hadn't been around when he was born, leaving just him and his mother alone. Plus he was the oldest grandchild, so he had been sober since childhood.

The old master glanced at him disdainfully. "You old geezer should be content. With such an outstanding boy, whichever girl in town doesn't have her eye on him if he would just show interest?"

"You're right about that." Old Pei instantly felt his mood lift and bantered back, "But don't be jealous. Your eldest grandson isn't much worse than little Jing. The second and third sons have their own businesses now too. The fourth is still young. I'm sure in a few years he won't fall behind either..."

He deflated again thinking about it. Pei Jing and An Zhiqing were the same age, and the latter already had a two-year-old. Meanwhile his son was still a bachelor.

Zhi Xia had just finished chopping the meat and turned to look for a bowl when she suddenly saw Pei Jing come in, frightening her.

She instinctively turned her head away anxiously.

"Zhi Xia, right?" His magnetic, slightly low voice sounded from behind, making Zhi Xia clench her fingers. And Pei Jing saw it all. "You seem very nervous. Are you avoiding me?"

"Uncle Pei must be joking. I don't know you and haven't offended you, so why would I avoid you?" Zhi Xia adjusted her expression and calmly turned around. "I'm just timid and afraid of strangers. Please forgive my rudeness, Uncle Pei."

Pei Jing looked at her seriously and puzzled. "You really don't recognize me?"

Zhi Xia shook her head, but thought to herself: This is bad.

From his manner, it seemed he must have already investigated her.

Zhi Xia didn't feel he would fail to uncover the truth. If he didn't even have that capability, Pei Jing wouldn't have become someone An MeiYun admired yet feared.

But she was determined not to admit it.

It would be one thing with someone else, but given the current relations between their families, their statuses, and the circumstances of their meeting that night - it was too awkward and embarrassing.

A huge social death scene!

"Humph!" Zhi Xia's denials amused Pei Jing. "You might not admit it, but we're both clear about what happened that night."

After a moment's hesitation, Pei Jing added, "If you need it...I can take responsibility."

If it had been another woman, Pei Jing probably would have...

But no point thinking about what-ifs. He didn't know what he would have done.

That night, although he was the one violated, he had gotten aroused too. Otherwise at most some minor advantage could have been taken, not providing the opportunity.

He had heard many stories before of heroes falling at a beauty's hands, always scoffing at them.

If one's heart was unwilling, how could the body react?

Yet the reality was, physical stimulation was completely beyond the brain's control.

Zhi Xia was frightened by Pei Jing's words, staring at him in disbelief. "Take...responsibility? Uncle Pei, what a strange thing to say. I don't even know you, and there's nothing I need you to take responsibility for."