Chapter 112: A Spirited Exchange

“Why on earth would you talk to me like that, Huang Caixing? Buy your own clothes, I’m leaving.” Huang Xinyu’s composure faltered after Huang Caixing’s sharp retort, prompting her to turn away.

“It’s not like I’m a child anymore. Why are you overreacting? Besides, am I wrong? If you want to leave, then do. I’ve got Big Brother Lin here with me. I don’t need you.”

Unperturbed by Huang Xinyu’s threats, Huang Caixing contentedly clung to Lin Xiao’s arm.

“Oh, how quickly girls grow up, thinking they no longer need their mothers,” Huang Xinyu said, pausing and sighing deeply. “Alright, I’ll help you pick out clothes. After all, who better to choose for you than your own mother?”

Lin Xiao watched the lively banter between Huang Caixing and her mother with amusement, finding the dynamics between the two rather endearing.

Huang Caixing hailed from a wealthy background, yet she lacked the typical haughtiness commonly seen in affluent second-generation kids. This was likely a testament to sound family upbringing.

Huang Xinyu didn’t dismiss Lin Xiao for his unassuming attire, nor did she harbor resentment toward him for Huang Caixing’s evident fondness. Throughout, she extended nothing but a genuine and equal regard to Lin Xiao.

Being in the company of Huang Caixing and her mother, Lin Xiao felt a rare sense of comfort.

What puzzled Lin Xiao, however, was just how young Huang Xinyu appeared, so much so that it was hard to believe she was truly Huang Caixing’s mother. The only thing that dispelled his growing suspicion that they might not be biologically related was the unmistakable resemblance they shared.

Having gotten the upper hand in their light-hearted spat, Huang Caixing was pleased with herself. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she said, still clutching Lin Xiao’s arm, “Big Brother Lin, I’ll accompany you to shop for clothes.”

Under normal circumstances, Lin Xiao wouldn’t dwell on such matters. In fact, he would consider himself lucky.

However, with Huang Xinyu present, he felt a need to tread carefully. To avoid any potential discomfort for Huang Xinyu, given that she’s Huang Caixing’s mother, Lin Xiao attempted to gently extricate his arm from Huang Caixing’s enthusiastic grasp.

But, Huang Caixing held onto him so tightly that Lin Xiao couldn’t withdraw his arm. Instead, he accidentally bumped into Huang Caixing’s soft chest.

“Ah!” Huang Caixing exclaimed softly, glancing at Lin Xiao shyly before lowering her head in embarrassment.

Seeing this, Huang Xinyu had had enough. She grabbed Huang Caixing’s ear, forcefully pulling her away from Lin Xiao.

“Huang Caixing, this is too much. We’re in public and I’m right here. Do you think I won’t discipline you for such behavior?”

“Hmph, I’m not afraid. Big Brother Lin is not a stranger. If you dare to scold me, I’ll just elope with him,” retorted Huang Caixing with a hint of mischief.

Lin Xiao was momentarily at a loss for words. Why was he suddenly dragged into the middle of their quarrel?

He cast a slightly guilty look at Huang Xinyu. As their gazes met, sensing her teasing stare, Lin Xiao hurriedly explained, “Auntie Huang, you’ve misunderstood. Caixing is only joking, we’re just friends.”

“Alright, no need for explanations. I’m well aware of Caixing’s antics. If even ten percent of what she says holds true, that’s an achievement in itself,” Huang Xinyu laughed dismissively.

“What’s that supposed to mean, that only ten percent of what I say is believable? Huang Xinyu, you owe me an explanation,” Huang Caixing interjected.

Seeing the brewing spat between mother and daughter, Lin Xiao quickly intervened, “Let’s not create a scene. People are watching.”

Huang Xinyu glanced around and indeed, their little disagreement had drawn attention.

“Alright, let’s move on,” she declared, swiftly guiding Huang Caixing away, whispering sharply, “Caixing, what you do in your private time is your business. But in public, mind your manners. Continue this and I’ll reduce your allowance.”

“I know,” Huang Caixing murmured begrudgingly, glancing at Lin Xiao as if seeking support, “Big Brother Lin…”

“Your mother has a point,” Lin Xiao responded, cutting her off.

Huang Xinyu flashed a thankful smile at Lin Xiao, her dimples mirroring those of her daughter’s.

“Hmph, teaming up against me, are you? Fine then.”

With that, an annoyed Huang Caixing released Lin Xiao’s hand, striding ahead on her own.

As Lin Xiao and Huang Xinyu walked side by side, following behind Huang Caixing, she asked nonchalantly, “Lin Xiao, can you tell me how you met Caixing?”

“We first met on a bus…” Lin Xiao shared openly, recounting their initial encounter. “Didn’t Caixing tell you, Auntie Huang?”

“I’ve told you not to call me Auntie Huang. Call me Sister Xinyu,” Huang Xinyu responded with a hint of annoyance. She then sighed, “Alright, call me Auntie Xinyu. It sounds better. And then Caixing can’t tease me about trying to act young.”

With a touch of gratitude, she added, “Thank you. It’s no wonder Caixing thinks so highly of you. You played her knight in shining armor, didn’t you? I’m impressed. How do you feel about Caixing?”

As she spoke, something seemed to stir within Huang Xinyu, and her gaze toward Lin Xiao shifted.

“She’s both kind-hearted and adorable,” Lin Xiao replied genuinely.

“She’s a gem,” Huang Xinyu said with a sigh, her tone tinged with melancholy. “She’s been dependent on me since childhood. Don’t be fooled by her cheerful demeanor. She’s really sensitive and delicate at heart. My business often keeps me away, and I constantly worry she might stray…”

Interrupting her own train of thought, Huang Xinyu said, “Why am I even telling you this? It’s all in the past.”

To Lin Xiao’s surprise, he realized Huang Caixing was from a single-parent household, something she’d never shared with him. He’d assumed her parents were too caught up in their business to care for her, but the reality seemed more complex.

“Lin Xiao, I have a request,” Huang Xinyu began earnestly.

“Go ahead, Auntie Xinyu.”

“Maybe it’s because you saved Caixing when she needed it most, but she really values your opinion. Sometimes, I think she listens to you more than she does to me, her own mother. I hope you can look out for her and be there for her in the future,” she said, her eyes searching Lin Xiao’s. “Can you promise me that?”