Chapter 4: Calling Her Sister-in-Law

Meng Tang adopted a delicate, feminine demeanor. “You’ve been working overtime for days straight. Even after the engagement ceremony last night, you had to go back and work late into the night. That must have been exhausting.”

Zhao Baitong’s ears flushed warm, her fingers nervously fidgeting.

Fang Zhixu’s expression was open and sincere, his gaze towards Meng Tang carrying a trace of deep affection. “Not exhausting at all.”

Meng Tang blushed slightly, showing her consideration. “Baitong is here. If you keep showing off your affection like this, Baitong might feel uncomfortable.”

“She’s already twenty-four, not some naive little girl. What’s there to be uncomfortable about?” Fang Zhixu said.

Zhao Baitong felt a bit embarrassed. “Sister Meng Tang, it’s okay. You two should do whatever you feel is right.”

She reminded herself not to mind her own presence; her chapter with Fang Zhixu had ended.

A shadow flickered in Fang Zhixu’s eyes. “Zhao Baitong, if you still call Meng Tang ‘Sister,’ you should call her ‘Sister-in-law’ instead!”

Zhao Baitong recalled the traffic light intersection just now, where the large screen on the building was broadcasting the launch ceremony for Southern Airlines’ new aircraft model. The young chief engineer was present, accompanied by a woman of elegant and noble demeanor, holding his arm.

A reporter asked, “Chief Engineer Fang, could you introduce the lady beside you?”

Fang Zhixu smiled and replied, “My fiancée.”

To the outside world, the young and accomplished Fang Zhixu, handsome and dignified, was perfectly matched with Meng Tang, whose graceful beauty was captivating.

Even Zhao Baitong thought they were a perfect pair.

A brief silence fell.

Meng Tang, mistaking Zhao Baitong’s quietness for reluctance, affectionately linked her arm with Fang Zhixu’s. “Baitong and I have grown apart. Didn’t you say he would treat me like a sister-in-law?”

Fang Zhixu’s deep gaze shifted to Zhao Baitong. Calmly, he said, “The Fang family has supported you for seven years. I’m five years older than you. You have few relatives in this world; the Fang family counts as half your family. You used to call me brother; now calling Meng Tang ‘Sister-in-law,’ is that so hard for you?”

A sharp pain struck Zhao Baitong’s heart; a faint redness appeared at the corner of her eyes.

“Sister-in-law,” she said softly, without resistance.

Fang Zhixu’s phoenix-like eyes narrowed slightly as he examined Zhao Baitong.

Today, she wore a loose hoodie paired with jeans and white sneakers.

She looked slender, light enough for him to lift with one hand. Her figure was admirable; her flesh obediently growing in all the right places.

If only her glossy black hair hadn’t been cut off. At the height of their intimacy, he loved to run his fingers through her hair, watching her soften like a pool of water.

Meng Tang invited Zhao Baitong to sit. “I asked Zhixu what you like to eat, but he said he didn’t know. Take a look at the fruit on the coffee table—do you see anything you like?”

Zhao Baitong glanced briefly. “Just a glass of plain water is fine.”

“How can plain water be proper hospitality?” Meng Tang took on the role of gracious hostess. “Actually, I wanted to meet you today to thank you—for taking such good care of Zhixu while I was away. I heard you’re working at a pet clinic now. Are you adjusting well?”

“I quite like working at the pet hospital,” Zhao Baitong replied.

“I think you’re well suited to be around those stray cats and dogs,” Meng Tang acknowledged, noticing the change in Zhao Baitong’s expression. She quickly amended, “I mean, you have a very kind heart.”

Meng Tang peeled a piece of tangerine carefully, placing it on a porcelain dish. She remembered Fang Zhixu’s preference—no pith in his tangerines.

Over the years, Zhao Baitong had learned to make soups and cook for Fang Zhixu, attending to all his daily needs. Aside from her work at the pet hospital, her entire life revolved around him, accommodating everything about him.

“Sister Meng Tang…” Zhao Baitong suddenly realized her mistake and corrected herself, “Sister-in-law. This is a gift for you. I wish you a happy engagement. I was originally going to attend your engagement banquet yesterday but had something come up at the last minute.”

Passing by a jewelry store, Zhao Baitong picked out a necklace. She knew it might not meet Meng Tang’s favor, but it was the thought that counted.

Meng Tang barely glanced at the gift. “It’s alright. Just don’t miss the wedding. Your blessing means a lot to Zhixu and me.”

Zhao Baitong nodded symbolically. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going now.”

She couldn’t stay any longer. Placing the jewelry box on the coffee table, she wanted to step outside for some fresh air.

Meng Tang didn’t stop her. “Alright, I’ll see you out.”