“Alright then, where do you plan on sending him?” Crossing her arms, Cheng Liyue looked pointedly at him.
Gong Yexiao answered, “The Royal Elite School.”
There was indeed such a prestigious school in the city with high security. The school had a high-tech security system. But the school fees were exorbitant — an average family would certainly not be able to afford it.
“How much are the fees per semester?” She crinkled her brows. Her son's school fees would naturally be paid by her.
“Based on what I've heard from my acquaintances, the fees aren't that much. It's only about a million per semester.”
Cheng Liyue came close to choking on her own saliva. Her eyes widened. The man seemed so blasé about it. She stammered, “One… one million, that expensive?!”
“Is it? My son's safety is a priority. The fees aren't a concern. ” Gong Yexiao c.o.c.ked his eyebrow and said to her, “Come with me to the room. I've something to tell you.”
Seeing that his daddy and mommy were going to have another private talk yet again, the little boy said perceptively, “I'll go back to my room. You guys can stay here and chat.”
“Good boy. Go on then.” Gong Yexiao gave him a smile and patted the little boy's head.
After the little boy entered his room and closed the door, Gong Yexiao's expression turned grim as he looked at the woman sitting across him. “My family's background is a little bit complicated. And because Xiao Ze is my son, his safety would definitely be at risk. Therefore, he can't attend an average school. He must study in a school that is equipped with the best security system.”
Cheng Liyue blinked her eyes. An ordinary folk like her would certainly not have taken such matters into account.
“Is that why he has to attend an elite school? But I… don't have that much money.” Cheng Liyue was filled with a sense of helplessness.
“Then let me be in charge of our son's safety and his education. And another thing — the security at your place is really lacking. You have to move.” Gong Yexiao said gravely.
Cheng Liyue arched her brow. “Move? Move where?”
“There are better apartment units near your company. I'll buy you one. From now on, you and our son will live there.”
“How much is it there?” Cheng Liyue worried her bottom lip with her teeth. If she really had to move, she did not want him to pay for it. She planned to buy it herself since she had saved up some money over the past few years.
“200 square meters for about several millions.” The man casually replied.
Cheng Liyue found herself a slave to money once again. Several millions for just a single unit? It was pathetic how little her savings were.
“Must we move?” It would be a lie if she wasn't the slightest bit concerned about her son's safety. Just thinking of it made her anxious.
“There's no way around it. If you don't want to move, then the safest alternative would be to stay at my place.” Seeing that she did not make light of their son's safety, pleased him.
“I don't want to move in with you. If you buy a unit, I'll just rent it. How much is it per month? I'll pay you.” Cheng Liyue did not want to get financially involved with him.
Hearing that she insisted in drawing a line between them, he arched his brow and replied, “Alright. You'll just have to pay me ten thousand per month.”
A dazed expression instantly appeared on Cheng Liyue's face. Ten thousand per month? How could she possibly afford it with what she was currently earning?
“Uhh… I… ” Cheng Liyue felt it necessary to explain her financial circ.u.mstances to him.
“Forget it. You don't have to pay the rent. After all, I'm buying it for my son. You might as well stay in it.” The man interrupted. Rising to his feet, he continued, “I'll be heading to work in a while. If you're doing the same, I'll drop you off.”
Thinking of all the rumors that had been spreading in the company ever since she had ridden in his car, she waved her hand in refusal and replied, “Umm… it's okay. I'll be getting a ride from my colleague.”
Brows furrowed, he asked, “Male or female?”
“Female. What's the matter?” Cheng Liyue responded.
“Nothing. Our son will be coming along with me. And he will also be following me home tonight.”
“No.”
“Are you sure you want your son to live here without adequate security?”
Their previous discussion had left her frightened. Various scenes from the crime TV shows flashed through her mind. She swallowed. “Alright. But on condition that you agree to my previous ground rules.”
Gong Yexiao had long forgotten about her three ground rules. “Hmph. I'll promise you one thing. I will never touch you — not unless you're willing.”
Cheng Liyue asked doubtfully. “Really? You're not lying, are you?”
Drawing himself up to his full height, he exuded an imposing mien. He gazed intently at her, “Only if you personally climb into my bed will I not stand on ceremony.”
“Don't worry. That will never happen.” Cheng Liyue firmly a.s.sured him.
“I find that hard to believe.” The man let out a scoff as if he was the aggrieved party here.
This left Cheng Liyue speechless. Gong Yexiao then left first with the little boy in his arms.
Cheng Liyue dialed Linda's number. Linda was just about to leave when she called. They both agreed to meet at the entrance of the apartment.
In a large villa situated in an affluent neighborhood not far north of the city center, Shen Junyao was enjoying a delicious breakfast. Lu Junxuan walked down the stairs, ready to head to the company. Shen Junyao immediately went up to him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she gave him a smile. “Hubby, have some breakfast before leaving.”
“I can't. I'm in a hurry. I'll grab a bite at the company.” Lu Junxuan then untangled himself from her embrace and headed towards the door.
Shen Junyao gazed at his departing figure in disappointment. Following him out, she said, “Junxuan, I'll see you at the company for lunch!”
“We'll see. I may have an appointment with a client.” Turning around, he gave her a comforting smile. “I'll see you at dinner.”
Shen Junyao went up to him and put her arms around his neck. Giving him a kiss on his cheek, she asked, “Junxuan, do you still love me?”
“I love you, wife.” Smiling, Lu Junxuan gave a perfunctory reply.
“I love you, husband.” Shen Junyao gave him a delighted and sweet smile. She kissed him on the lips and let him go so that he could walk to his car.
Looking at the departing car, Shen Junyao let out a sigh. She became absent-minded as her thoughts drifted to the past. They had enjoyed conjugal bliss during the first two years of marriage, but as the company had gradually expanded, Lu Junxuan had begun to spend most of his time at the company.
As a consequence, the time he spent with her gradually decreased. For instance, she had prepared him breakfast now, but he would rather rush to the company and have his breakfast there. Not only that, it had become a normal occurrence for him to return home late at night due to the fact that he had to entertain clients.
Despite doing her best to maintain their conjugal bliss, it had still mellowed out. Shen Junyao nibbled on her red lip, sensing an impending crisis. She must tighten her hold on her husband so that he won't be taken away from her by another woman.
Her first thought went to Cheng Liyue who had now become a different person. She had to admit that Cheng Liyue was no longer the naive and ignorant girl from four years ago. Instead, she was now an independent, competent, and beautiful woman who was capable of enticing men.