WBSGVS Chapter 257 Part 2

“I’m thinking about what yummy things Mom’s cooking today!” Qingli replied in a sweet, crisp voice.

Wei Xu took her hand with a smile. “Your favorite caramel pudding, and…” She drew out the last word, trying to tease her.

But Qingli’s little nose twitched, catching a whiff of something. Her face lit up. “And roast chicken!”

“Correct!” Wei Xu laughed. “That nose of yours is just like a dog’s. I hadn’t even taken it out yet, and you still smelled it.”

“That’s because Mom’s cooking is too good. The aroma can’t help but escape.” Qingli gave her a generous compliment.

Wei Xu was all smiles at that, sending her to wash her hands before bringing the food out—an entire roast chicken in gravy placed right in front of her, ready for her to dig in.

Normally, she would monitor her daughter’s diet and make sure she was eating balanced meals.

But after what happened last night—something that probably scared her daughter—today she decided to just let her eat to her heart’s content.

Qingli didn’t hold back. She slipped on gloves, tore off a big chicken leg, and took a huge bite, grease running down her chin. Then she gave Wei Xuwei a big thumbs-up. “So good!”

Wei Xuwei’s smile widened. “Eat more—next time you might not get the chance… mmph!”

Before she could finish, another chicken leg was shoved into her mouth. “Mom, you eat too. You’ve worked hard!”

Wei Xuwei’s heart melted. “It’s not hard at all.”

Both mother and daughter had a bit of grease at the corners of their mouths, which made them look pretty funny. They pointed at each other and laughed together.

That’s when Shao Mingxuan came back.

His voice was warm and clear, with a hint of a smile. “What’s got you two so happy?”

Wei Xuwei’s smile instantly faded. Her tone went dry. “Laughing at how A’Li eats like a little kitten.”

In the past, she could pretend not to know, keeping up the harmony of the family. But after what happened last night, she felt like she had a bone stuck in her throat—she could no longer face Shao Mingxuan with the same natural ease.

As for Qingli, her smile faded too. She lowered her head and ate quietly.

Men were strange creatures. To say he didn’t love his child wasn’t right—but to say he did, well… he couldn’t even make a small effort to present himself as a strong, dependable father figure.

In her previous life, the original Wei Xuwei’s tragedy had been caused by Shao Mingxuan’s irresponsibility. Back then, and even now, he liked Shao Qingli well enough. But in the future? That was another story—especially if there ended up being a child he fathered with Su Qiu.

Hearing Wei Xuwei’s comment, Shao Mingxuan looked over at his daughter and raised an eyebrow with a smile. “Little kitten? Come here and let Daddy see.”

Qingli forced a small smile at him, then immediately lowered her head and went back to gnawing on her chicken leg.

Shao Mingxuan shook his head helplessly. Inside, though, there was still a trace of guilt from last night. He didn’t say much more, just turned to Wei Xuwei. “I don’t have much of an appetite. Make something heavy on flavor to whet it.”

“Mm.” Wei Xuwei nodded and headed for the kitchen.

The housekeeper was already preparing dinner, so she only needed to give instructions.

Her own cooking skills were actually quite good. Shao’s parents were traditional people—they wanted a grandson to carry on the family name, and they expected their daughter-in-law to be equally good in the kitchen and presentable in public. Every time she visited the old house, she had to cook for herself. At first, they nitpicked everything, so she worked hard to improve. Over time, she became skilled, and when she was in the mood, she’d cook for herself.

But today, she clearly wasn’t in the mood—except when it came to making food for her daughter.

After speaking, Shao Mingxuan also went back to his study.

Other than work, he liked spending time there—drinking tea, reading books. The only time he went to the master bedroom was to sleep.

Qingli finished a big chicken leg, two wings, and a serving of crème brûlée before she was full. Then she went back to her room early.

Wei Xuwei casually cleaned up the mess she left behind.

When Qingli came out again, only Wei Xuwei was in the dining room.

Qingli’s brows furrowed. Something felt off. “Mom, where’s Dad?”

Wei Xuwei smiled, but it was a bit forced. “Your dad had something come up at work and went out again.”

Qingli gave her a deep look, then ran back to her room.

Distracted, Wei Xuwei didn’t think much of it.

But soon, Qingli came out again—this time dressed to go out. Wei Xuwei’s heart skipped a beat. Was her daughter planning to drag her along to catch him cheating?

The thought was gone as quickly as it came.

Sure, kids matured early these days—but not that early.

Qingli had no idea what her mother was thinking. She looked excited. “Mom, go change your clothes and put on a little makeup. I’m taking you somewhere nice!”

Wei Xuwei looked confused. “Where?”

Qingli grinned mysteriously. “You’ll know when we get there. I can’t tell you now!”

Her little round cheeks puffed out as she spoke, looking adorably serious. Seeing her like this lightened Wei Xuwei’s mood. She smiled, got changed, put on light makeup, and said playfully, “Alright then—lead the way, Miss Shao Qingli.”

“Keep up,” Qingli said proudly, striding out the door. She didn’t even look for the driver—just called a taxi.

Wei Xuwei found it amusing and didn’t notice the strange flicker in the driver’s eyes when she gave the address.

Half an hour later, they arrived at a lavish-looking club.

Wei Xuwei hesitated, but before she could say anything, a woman in a suit who had clearly been waiting at the door hurried over. “Are you Mrs. Shao?”

“Yes!” Qingli answered crisply.

The woman blinked. “???”

She seemed like she wanted to say something, but didn’t. “My surname is Ji, and I’m the club manager. The private room you reserved is ready. Please follow me.”

“A’Li…” Wei Xuwei had never been to a place like this and felt nervous.

“Don’t be scared!” Qingli reassured her and confidently pulled her inside.

There weren’t many people in the lobby—just a few women scattered around. That eased Wei Xuwei’s nerves a little. They didn’t need to register either; Manager Ji led them straight upstairs and into a private room.

But when the lights came on, the sight inside left Wei Xuwei completely stunned.

Standing there was a lineup of young men, each with their own distinctive looks. The moment they saw her, they all bowed in unison.

“Welcome to Green Shade Club!”

Wei Xuwei: “!!!”