The Billionaire's Hidden Affection-Chapter 357: Mother Must Stay Away from Marriage 2_1

Aunt Xiaojue’s birthday was a lively affair held in a hotel, with over a dozen tables of guests. Huang’s mother had married well and had always been financially comfortable. Since her son rose to prominence, she had also provided substantial support to her siblings, which earned her significant status among her relatives.

Surrounded by friends and family, the conversation naturally turned to Huang Xiaojue. After a round of praises, her sister Li Qiong suddenly asked, "Wasn’t your daughter-in-law supposed to be here? Why hasn’t she come?"

Huang’s mother was seething. "Don’t remind me. Xiaojue has already broken up with her."

"Why did they break up?" someone asked.

She forced a smile. "It wasn’t a good match. We still believe that the girl’s family isn’t very well-off."

Li Qiong had already heard about this from her older sister and knew about Yan Xixi’s family background. As soon as she heard about the breakup, she immediately said, "It’s good that they broke up! They should have done so sooner. Our Xiaojue is such a catch. In today’s popular slang, he’s tall, wealthy, and handsome. What kind of beauty couldn’t he have? Don’t worry, I’ll arrange some introductions for Xiaojue right away. In this day and age, marriages should be between equals. There are plenty of women with good backgrounds..."

"Yes, marriages should indeed be between equals," another chimed in.

Just then, Huang Xiaojue called to wish his aunt happy birthday. After a brief chat with Li Qiong, she passed the phone to Huang’s mother, saying, "Older sister, Xiaojue wants to talk to you."

Huang’s mother excused herself to a quiet corner, and the complaints started pouring out, "Yan Xixi really lacks manners. She had clearly promised me earlier that she would come to wish Aunt Xiaojue a happy birthday, but she backed out at the last minute, saying she couldn’t make it. That was so embarrassing for me! This morning, your father and I even went to pick her up. And guess what? She didn’t show up! She made up all sorts of excuses, even saying she had to wish happy birthday to Director Huang’s aunt..."

"..."

"Son, I really think there’s something wrong with this woman’s character. Why do you think she’s so obviously trying to curry favor with Director Huang?"

"..."

"She keeps promising to resign, but she only feigns compliance and is full of lies. She’s a real con artist, son. You’re no match for her."

"..."

"You don’t know how embarrassed I was today. I’ve never had to break my word like this in my entire life. I simply couldn’t hold my head high in front of my relatives..."

"She’s like this even before marriage. Wouldn’t she treat us with even less respect after they’re married? Xiaojue, you know how good Aunt Xiaojue is to you. Yan Xixi isn’t just slighting us; she’s clearly disrespecting you. I think she doesn’t love you at all..."

Huang Xiaojue couldn’t bear to hear any more and quickly ended the conversation with a few noncommittal remarks, hanging up the phone, thoroughly annoyed.

It was already half past five when Yan Xixi hurried back to the city. She tried to call Huang’s mother to confirm the address of the hotel, but Huang’s mother hung up on her three times.

She sent a text message to ask for the address, hoping she could still rush over, but Huang’s mother still didn’t respond.

Despite feeling mortified, she tried calling two more times, but Huang’s mother still hung up on her.

Soon after, her phone rang. It was Huang Xiaojue.

"Xixi, were you busy today?"

She told the truth. "I went to wish Director Huang’s aunt happy birthday today. I just rushed back and was planning to go over to Aunt Xiaojue’s for dinner..."

Huang Xiaojue sounded surprised. "Why didn’t you tell me before?"

She replied in a low voice, "I promised Director Huang over a month ago, but I didn’t think it was a big deal, so I forgot to tell you."

Huang Xiaojue fell silent, and she did too. This was the first time such a long silence had fallen between them. It was as if they had nothing left to say to each other. After a moment, they exchanged brief goodbyes, their voices barely audible.