Taming The Hidden Bigshot By Kissing Him-Chapter 618: You Cried for Him Last Night

Qiao Xi pulled out a contract, and the back of it had some messy handwriting.

It seemed like a draft discussed by the two during their conversation, not a formal contract. On it, a few opinions about contract clauses were scribbled in rough, including Huo Xingzhou’s handwriting and another unfamiliar one.

She could naturally recognize Huo Xingzhou’s handwriting, and her recent writing style was even starting to lean toward his.

As for the other unfamiliar handwriting, it should be Zhong Yi’s.

Qiao Xi carefully examined the contract and read a few lines, focusing on the details of the strokes. However, she couldn’t discern anything unusual.

It was said that while some people’s handwriting appeared to change, the pressure applied while writing often remained the same. This could be identified through those details.

It seemed she needed to consult a professional for analysis.

Qiao Xi took out her phone and snapped a few photos, planning to find time to seek a professional evaluation. The Liu Family specialized in these matters, and after hesitating for a moment, she sent the photos to Xu Xiuyuan, asking him to find someone to analyze them.

She sent the two sets of photos—one of the medical book and one of the contract—sequentially, instructing him to ensure that nothing leaked.

Xu Xiuyuan was more than happy to oblige. He envied Xu Yunye for being able to assist Qiao Xi with sourcing Chinese herbs, while as the eldest son of the family, he had been unable to offer much help. Even the elders were often dismissive of him.

Now that Qiao Xi actively sought his help, he was somewhat elated.

He immediately forwarded the photos to the Liu Family’s best handwriting analysts for evaluation. These experts specialized in authenticating antique script and paintings—this task would be relatively simple for them.

Qiao Xi pressed the button on her phone, the dark screen reflecting her face.

Sigh.

She exhaled slowly and organized the contracts, putting them back in the desk drawer.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway, growing closer.

Qiao Xi turned her head just as the study door was pushed open. Old Chen and Huo Xingzhou entered, both seemingly surprised to find her there.

Qiao Xi turned around to face him, her throat tightening slightly. "Why did you come back in the afternoon?"

"I’ve finished most of my work, so I came home early." Huo Xingzhou stepped closer to her side, lowering his gaze and asking, "What are you doing in the study? Shouldn’t you be resting?"

Qiao Xi shook her head, her fingers tightening as they touched the medical book. "I came to look for a book."

She didn’t want to reveal her true intentions.

Because she suspected that Huo Xingzhou was hiding something from her—perhaps a secret related to Zhong Yi’s identity.

She felt as though she was on the verge of uncovering the truth.

"Hmm."

Huo Xingzhou responded softly, "Old Chen, you should leave now. Look thoroughly into what I asked you to investigate. Until everything is clear, avoid leaking any information."

Old Chen glanced briefly at Qiao Xi and then responded, "Understood."

The Young Master must be sparing the Young Madam from worry. Seeing her here, he chose not to explain everything outright. If Mr. Cheng were mentioned... the Young Madam would definitely not remain so composed.

"Young Master, I’ll go now. Let me know if anything else comes up."

Old Chen left the study, closing the door behind him.

The study fell silent. The breeze stirred the thin curtains, and the flickering sunlight shimmered faintly.

Light and shadow fell across Huo Xingzhou’s nose, accentuating his features.

He remained quiet for a moment before speaking: "This morning... I lost control." He pulled a tube of ointment from his suit pocket and handed it to her.

It was the exact ointment needed for her condition.

Qiao Xi’s throat was dry, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

"I... it’s not that severe, actually. I don’t need the ointment. A few days of recovery should suffice..."

Huo Xingzhou didn’t insist she accept it and simply said, "Then I’ll apply it for you tonight."

Qiao Xi felt like her entire body was on fire, burning with heat.

Hurriedly, she snatched the ointment and said, "I’ll handle it myself."

Huo Xingzhou stepped two paces closer and wrapped an arm around her waist, saying, "Qiao Xi, you got drunk and acted out last night. In the past, you were quite well-behaved after drinking; even when drunk, you were rather cute. But last night, you cried terribly."

"You..." Qiao Xi looked up at him with her almond-shaped eyes. "Didn’t you say I fell asleep last night and did nothing?"

"That’s what I said because I didn’t want to bring it up this morning. Now that it’s daylight, I’ve calmed down."

Qiao Xi stared at him and asked, "Then why did I cry last night?"

Qiao Xi wracked her brain but couldn’t recall any relevant moments. Yet judging by Huo Xingzhou’s expression and tone, she could infer that whatever she drunkenly said must have stirred this man deeply.

He lowered his head, his deep gaze fixed upon her, as though trying to discern her truest self.

His fingertips gently caressed her cheek and said, "Last night, you cried and called out for Grandma, saying you missed her. Then you mentioned Ayi again—these two people tug at your heart deeply. You can’t let them go..."

He was jealous of Zhong Yi.

Because he was certain her "Ayi" was still alive.

Perhaps Zhong Yi’s provocative words had sparked a subtle sense of threat in him—an unconscious feeling he couldn’t ignore.

When Qiao Xi heard "Ayi," she suddenly understood why Huo Xingzhou had such a strong reaction.

She realized she must have said something more than just calling out Ayi’s name.

"I’m sorry."

Qiao Xi bit her lip. Her unsettled emotions had emerged due to the details she noticed at the engagement banquet. That’s why she drank so much, even though she had promised Huo Xingzhou she would keep her drinking to a minimum.

She had broken her word.

"I’m sorry. Going forward, I’ll avoid drinking when I’m out. I won’t even touch alcohol anymore." Qiao Xi’s heart was filled with guilt.

Huo Xingzhou gently tousled her hair. "I wasn’t blaming you. I also lost control of my emotions for a moment. Regarding this morning, I should apologize to you as well."

Qiao Xi shook her head and said, "But I still want to make something clear: I’ve only ever felt guilt toward Ayi. He was my best friend, and it’s true I can’t forget him. If you want me to completely erase his memory, it’s impossible. There are many people I’m attached to, but love? That’s reserved for you alone."

Her love was only for Huo Xingzhou.

Huo Xingzhou replied in a low voice, "I believe you. It’s just that jealousy in a man tends to defy logic."

"So you do get jealous too."

A faint smile appeared on her face. She had always thought he handled everything with complete confidence and composure.

"I’m human too—subject to emotions and desires." Huo Xingzhou’s fingertips lightly brushed her waist. "Is the beauty salon ready for its opening? Do you need any help?"

Speaking of the beauty salon, Qiao Xi perked up and said, "Young Master Sun and Jiaojiao have done really well with this project. Everything is nearly finalized. All that’s left is tying up loose ends and picking an auspicious day for the grand opening."

"Good. I’ll be there to show my support for the opening."

Huo Xingzhou’s tone was warm and supportive.

Qiao Xi nodded. "I’ll make sure you’re invited to participate in the ribbon-cutting. We’ll..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Huo Xingzhou’s phone vibrated.

Qiao Xi pursed her lips slightly. "You should take care of your work first. We can talk about the rest later. I’ll go downstairs to check if Jiaojiao is back. She’s been out for quite some time."

Huo Xingzhou pulled out his phone and glanced at the screen—his eyes flickered momentarily before he nodded.

Only after Qiao Xi had left the study did he answer the call.