Chapter 311: Han Xi and Her Mother

Standing at the doorway, Fang Zhou was taken aback by what he overheard. Han Xi’s mother’s negative opinion of him wasn’t surprising—he knew he didn’t measure up to the standards of the wealthy elite. It was normal for someone like her to see him as poor and insignificant.

As a man, it did sting a bit, but considering how much support he had received from Han Xi, he couldn’t afford to feel ashamed. He really was broke, after all.

Fang Zhou took a couple of steps back, planning to wait until they finished their conversation before approaching. However, Han Xi noticed the movement and called out, “Who’s there?”

Realizing he couldn’t sneak away without seeming suspicious, Fang Zhou knocked on the door and entered.

The spacious study was neatly organized, with a prominent redwood desk that exuded understated elegance. On either side of the desk were two women—Han Xi, standing, and her mother, seated.

Han Xi’s mother, a sophisticated-looking woman who appeared to be in her forties despite her age, was in a wheelchair. Her physical limitations made her seem less imposing than Han Xi, but their similar features and the context of their conversation made it clear who she was.

As Fang Zhou took in the scene, Han Xi’s mother scrutinized him openly, as if assessing his worth. Her gaze made him uncomfortable, but he reminded himself to be patient and respectful.

“What brings you here?” Han Xi’s initially stern expression softened upon seeing Fang Zhou. She even stood up to greet him.

Fang Zhou glanced between Han Xi and her mother before offering a greeting. “Hello, Auntie.” Then he turned to Han Xi. “I came to get my phone.”

He hoped Han Xi would keep her promise and return his phone, especially in her mother’s presence. But Han Xi merely glanced at his back and replied seriously, “Your wounds aren’t fully healed yet. You can only get up and move around for now.”

Fang Zhou was stunned. Was she really going to play hardball on this?

“You…” He started, but was interrupted by a cold huff from Han Xi’s mother.

“Xi’er, are you planning to finish talking to him before you continue our conversation?” Her mother’s icy, piercing gaze left Fang Zhou feeling uneasy.

He suddenly understood that Han Xi’s cold demeanor might be inherited, shaped by years of exposure to her mother’s attitude.

Han Xi, however, remained unfazed. She guided Fang Zhou to a chair beside her desk before addressing her mother. “We’ll all be family soon, so let’s not distinguish between us. Just say what you need to, Mom.”

Han Xi’s straightforwardness left Fang Zhou momentarily speechless. Her sincere, intense love felt overwhelming, like she was offering up her heart for him to mistreat as he pleased.

While Fang Zhou grappled with his emotions, Han Xi’s mother let out a dismissive snort, appearing indifferent to her daughter’s words.

“Transfer some money to me. Your father has frozen my accounts, and I can’t use any of my cards,” she demanded.

Han Xi’s gaze, which had been focused on Fang Zhou, shifted to her mother. She frowned slightly before relaxing. “How much did you lose last night?”

Han Xi’s mother hesitated before replying, “Not much.”

“How much is ‘not much’?” Han Xi’s eyes were like icy arrows, aiming to pierce through her mother’s facade.

Her mother suddenly turned defensive, raising her voice. “Han Xi, what’s the meaning of this? So what if I spend some money? Half of the Han family’s wealth is mine! Do you think you and your father can control me? Remember, you came from my womb; you don’t get to tell me what to do!”

Han Xi, seemingly used to such outbursts, remained calm, though her tone grew slightly colder. “I’m not trying to control you. I just want to remind you that our family’s money isn’t infinite. Instead of gambling it away, why not donate it to those in need? At least you’ll gain a good reputation.”

Though she didn’t say it out loud, Han Xi thought it would be better than being known as a gambler. She held back her harsher words, fearing they might push her mother towards another meltdown.

Her mother scoffed. “What do I get from donating? Just a hollow reputation. Gambling brings me happiness, something you wouldn’t understand. Now, transfer the money quickly. The game’s about to start.”

Han Xi waved Fang Zhou away, indicating she needed to talk to her mother privately. “Wait outside for a bit. I’ll call you when I’m done.”

Fang Zhou nodded, trying to be as unobtrusive as possible as he slipped out and closed the door behind him. Once outside, he exhaled deeply, but his heart continued to race. He regretted coming over, feeling like he had accidentally uncovered too many secrets. Would the Han family tear him apart for this?