After being reborn, I became the big boss's darling.

"Zhizhi, I..." Shi Xubai opened his mouth, but couldn't say anything. He never expected that his supposedly superb acting skills would be so exposed in front of Tang Zhi.

Tang Zhi ignored him, turned her head away, and looked at the scenery outside the window.

When Shi Xubai saw her like this, he immediately became anxious, grabbed her hand, and quickly said:

"Zhizhi, I'm sorry, please don't be angry. I wasn't really drunk just now, but everything I said was from the heart. I was just too embarrassed to say it before, but I had a few drinks today and I couldn't control myself, so I blurted it out..."

The car had arrived at the entrance of the residential area where Tang Zhi used to live. She was still looking out the window, and after a long while, she finally spoke: "Now that you're sober, go back to your place. I'm leaving first."

She then opened the car door and got out.

Seeing that Shi Xubai also wanted to get out of the car with her, she held the car door shut and added, "Don't follow me."

Shi Xubai froze on the spot after hearing her words, only reacting after she had walked away. He irritably scratched his hair, closed his eyes, and slumped weakly in his seat, looking utterly dejected.

"Mr. Shi, where are we going next?" the driver asked, glancing in the rearview mirror.

"Go to Shi's house."

……

When Tang Zhi arrived home and opened the door, the house was spotless and tidy. Sunlight streamed through the French windows, casting a bright and warm glow on the sofa. The environment was exactly the same as when she left; Shi Xubai must have had it cleaned beforehand. He was still the same, exceptionally attentive and meticulous when it came to her.

Thinking of this, Tang Zhi suddenly couldn't control herself. She leaned against the door and slowly squatted down on the floor, covering her face and sobbing. She wanted to agree to his request, but for some reason, the words just wouldn't come out.

She hated her own cowardice and timidity; even though she knew he was sincere, she still didn't dare to reciprocate his feelings.

……

Shi Xubai's phone vibrated in his pocket, and he took it out to look at it. A message popped up in the notification box.

"Ah Xu, have you gotten off the plane? Mom will send someone to pick you up."

"Mom, no need, I'm already on my way back." Shi Xubai felt a deep sense of powerlessness spreading through him, making it extremely difficult to even type a few words.

The car quickly arrived at the Shi family's door. Shi Xubai took a few deep breaths, composed himself, and put on his usual smile before getting out of the car.

The Shi family butler, who had been waiting at the door, hurriedly went to greet him and helped him take the luggage from the trunk.

"Uncle Li." Shi Xubai greeted him when he saw him, his voice rising at the end, indicating that he was in a good mood.

"Oh, young master, you're finally back. Master and Madam have missed you terribly. Especially Madam, she talks about you every day at home, just waiting for you to come back. Come on in, they're all waiting for you inside." Uncle Li looked at him, his face crinkling with laughter.

Shi Xubai walked in and glanced around the house. His father was sitting on the sofa reading the newspaper, the maid was going in and out of the kitchen, and Xiaoqi was sneaking food at the dining table.

"..."

"What's wrong with this girl waiting for him to come back before she eats?" Shi Xubai's lips twitched.

"Put more sugar in these butterfly cookies, Ah Xu likes sweets," his mother's voice came from the kitchen. Everyone was busy, and for a moment no one noticed him.

"Mom and Dad, I'm home." Shi Xubai cleared his throat and called out.

"Oh my, Xu is back?" Upon hearing the voice, Shi's mother hurriedly came out of the kitchen, her joy barely concealed.

Shi's father turned around from the sofa, scanned him from head to toe, and coldly asked, "So you've finally decided to come back?"

Shi Xubai pursed his lips and said indifferently, "Didn't you ask me to come back?" His tone was extremely casual.

"you……"

"Alright, alright, your son just got home and you're already starting a fight? And Ah Xu, stop arguing with your father, come and eat." Seeing that the two were about to start arguing as soon as they met, Shi's mother quickly intervened.

Shi's father snorted coldly and got up to walk towards the dining table.

Seeing her father walk away, Shi Yuqi got up, coughed twice, and swaggered towards Shi Xubai.

"Brother, what gift did you bring me back this time?" She smiled sweetly, with a hint of ingratiation.

"you guess."

"Hmm... clothes, a bag, or... a necklace?"

"As for your brother... I didn't bring you anything." Shi Xubai walked straight past her, heading towards the restaurant, while she looked at him with disbelief.

"Shi Xubai! I hate you!" Shi Yuqi was so angry that she was about to rush up and hit him.

At the dinner table, Mr. Shi kept asking questions such as, "When do you plan to take over the company's affairs?" and "What are your plans and development after taking over the company?"

With Tang Zhi on his mind and his father scolding him, Shi Xubai couldn't take it anymore. He sighed and interrupted him, "Dad, can we eat first? I've been on a plane for a long time and I'm really tired. I just want to finish eating and go to sleep."

"Can't you be a little more sensible...?"

"Alright, let the child relax for a bit. We can talk about these things later." Looking at Shi Xubai's appearance, Shi's mother felt a little sorry for him and couldn't help but complain about her husband, but she didn't dare to show it.

After finishing her meal, Shi Yuqi went back to her room. As soon as she reached the door, she saw a large gift box placed in front of her door.

"My brother still loves me after all." She happily picked him up and immediately opened the box in her room.

The box contained a pink evening gown, adorned with delicate sequins and lace trim. The openwork lace and opulent details exuded artistry and luxury. It was likely a custom-made piece by a renowned designer abroad, commissioned by Shi Xubai.

Shi Yuqi's eyes lit up, and she immediately picked up the dress and ran to the mirror to try it on. She was sweet-looking with fair skin, and the dress suited her perfectly.

After taking a shower, Shi Xubai sat down on the small sofa in the room and habitually opened his chat window with Tang Zhi. She hadn't sent him a single message since she got off the bus.

"Sigh... Such a cruel heart. I'll just not say it again..."

Shi Xubai was a little irritable. Whenever he had a moment to himself, he couldn't help but think about her.

"Brother!" The door to the room was suddenly opened forcefully, startling Shi Xubai.

A little head popped out from the doorway: "Thank you for the gift, I love it. You're still my favorite brother, goodnight~" Then it slammed the door shut from the outside.

"..."

"This girl is really..." Shi Xubai sighed helplessly. His irritable mood was stuck in the middle because of her commotion, making him feel uncomfortable.

Shi Xubai reopened his phone, looked at the chat box, typed a message, then deleted it. He turned his head and stared blankly at the vast night outside the window.