You Stinky Little Fish

He stood leaning against the doorframe, arms folded and head tilted.

He looked thoroughly entertained. "Is this a shattered mirror that can never be mended, or a sea of hatred and sorrow? Why was he so upset? Does your chest hurt? Call him back to examine you. Isn't he a cardiac surgeon?"

Xiao Yan looked at him.

Soft purple curls, an Art Deco suit, a slouching stance, and yet such excessive sweetness-who else could it be?!

She was stunned. "Rafayel!"

"Wow, you actually remember me." Rafayel spread his hands, shook his head, and pouted. "It's been over a month, and you haven't even thought to add me on VV. I thought you'd forgotten you had a husband like me."

Xiao Yan thought fast. What did Rafayel mean by this?

Was he shifting the blame? Making groundless accusations? Or was he simply unhappy with their marriage and here to pick a fight?

"Today really has been spectacular."

Rafayel knitted his brows, looking extremely displeased. "I ran into Sylus on my way here, and he showed off his Moments, flaunting your affection in my face. Then I ran into Zayne when I was leaving. You two were holding each other so tightly. Why let go? Did the superglue stop working?"

That mouth of his was practically dipped in poison.

She quietly approached.

Rafayel walked toward her, muttering as he brushed past Xiao Yan, "I shouldn't have listened to Uncle Sang and insisted on waiting until now. All I did was ask for a snub."

Xiao Yan stopped. "What's your problem? It's not like I asked you to wait for me."

Picking a fight was the best way to keep Rafayel here.

Rafayel stopped too, turning to face Xiao Yan. "What problem could I possibly have? I only waited for over a month, was neglected by my wife for over a month, and finally talked myself into having the nerve to come here. And guess what?"

"What? What did I do to you?" Xiao Yan stepped forward and poked Rafayel in the chest. "You waited over a month? I waited over a month for you too, and you neglected me for over a month. Why aren't you mentioning that?"

Oh, this darling Little Fish felt so nice to poke. So pokable. Love poking him~

Rafayel didn't dare retaliate and kept backing away.

He was far too much on the defensive. He couldn't stand it.

He abruptly caught Xiao Yan's wrist. "Wow, you're really good at turning the tables! You picked five of us in one go. How was I supposed to know when it would be appropriate to come over? Obviously, you should've contacted me first!"

Only after blurting all that out did he realize how cold Xiao Yan's skin was.

He looked her up and down again. "Why are you wearing so little? Did the Xiao Family go bankrupt? Can't they afford clothes for you?"

Ugh, that mouth of his!

Xiao Yan shook him off and headed inside.

Rafayel stood frozen for a few seconds, angry, indignant, and wanting to make a fuss.

He gave up on leaving the house for now and went after Xiao Yan again. "Why are you running? Can't win an argument against me, so you're greasing your soles and making a getaway?"

Uncle Sang had fetched a small blanket early on and was waiting for Xiao Yan.

Once she came through the door, the old butler tried to wrap the blanket around his young lady.

Rafayel darted over and snatched the blanket away.

His actions belying his words, he unfolded it and draped it over Xiao Yan's back. "Why aren't you saying anything? Feeling guilty? You know it was wrong not to contact me for over a month, don't you? Then look me in the eyes and give me a proper apology. Maybe I'll be magnanimous enough to forgive you."

Uncle Sang followed the two masters, listening in a cold sweat.

Mr. Sylus, who had visited today, had already made himself thoroughly at home. After arriving, he had ordered Uncle Sang and the servants around as naturally as breathing.

Mr. Rafayel, who had arrived a little later, behaved even more as though he had the place entirely to himself.

After arriving, he had taken a turn around Xiao Yan's room and even complained that several of its decorations were both expensive and tacky.

Back in the living room, he had pointed at a vase right in front of Uncle Sang. "Just because something has history doesn't mean it's good and has to be displayed. Does this porcelain even match its surroundings?"

He had plenty of complaints about the large European-style sofa in the living room too. "Bulky and impractical. At least the style matches, but why have you made this house so glittery and lavish? Is my wife ascending the throne?"

Each remark had left Uncle Sang utterly embarrassed. Knowing that Rafayel was a great artist, he couldn't offer any explanation for the considerations behind the interior design or decorations.

He had known his young lady would be in trouble once she came home.

And sure enough.

Following her usual routine, Xiao Yan made as if to return to her room for a hot bath first.

Rafayel followed her up the stairs. "You rich young ladies are all so arrogant..."

Suddenly, Xiao Yan turned and pointed right at the tip of Rafayel's nose. "Did you wait specifically for me to come back just so you could fight with me?"

Inside, she desperately wanted Rafayel to keep grumbling a little longer.

But interacting was still more important. If Rafayel kept talking to himself for too long and got bored, he might leave.

If Xiao Yan wanted to keep Rafayel from leaving, she had to face off against him.

Rafayel took out his phone. "Add me on VV first, then sign two documents for me."

What a clever retreat to advance. First, he had used one accusation after another to make Xiao Yan feel she was in the wrong.

Then he brought up what he needed help with, so Xiao Yan would sign for him out of guilt.

She wasn't about to let him steer her so easily. She scoffed at Rafayel and called loudly, "Uncle Sang!"

Uncle Sang bowed at the foot of the stairs. "Your orders, my lady?"

"Prepare a late-night snack for Mr. Rafayel. I'm going to take a hot shower to warm up. Whatever it is, we can discuss it when I come downstairs later."

"You!" Rafayel was so angry. "I'm standing right here. Can't you say all that directly to me?"

Xiao Yan stared into Rafayel's beautiful eyes again. "I only have friendly conversations with reasonable people. Go have a late-night snack and cool down. Think carefully about the proper attitude to use when asking me for help."

Rafayel knitted his brows and shut his mouth.

Xiao Yan badly wanted to stroke his head and pinch his cheeks.

She forced herself to resist and kept a sour face.

She turned haughtily and went upstairs.

In a fluster, she returned to her room and ran into the bathroom, silently praying under the hot water that Rafayel wouldn't leave.

He probably only came after dinner, right?

He should be hungry now, right?

He'd stay for a late-night snack, wouldn't he?

Xiao Yan hadn't refused to sign his documents, either.

Mm, when I went downstairs later, Rafayel should still be there.

He wouldn't give up on what he'd come to Xiao Yan for and leave so easily.

She finished washing properly, dried her hair, and changed into cute, fluffy pajamas.

Then Xiao Yan ran all the way downstairs.

Uncle Sang, who was waiting downstairs, volunteered a report. "My lady, Mr. Rafayel's car broke down on his way here. It was towed away for repairs."

"Mm-hmm." Xiao Yan chuckled and was about to run toward the dining room.

"Well, my lady, Mr. Rafayel said he wanted to go home, so I've already arranged for a bodyguard to drive him down the mountain."

Xiao Yan said, "...Huh?"

Rafayel had left?