Chapter 553: Chapter 553: Qiao Xi, Do You Regret Marrying Me? Chapter 553: Chapter 553: Qiao Xi, Do You Regret Marrying Me? Huo Xingzhou looked at her, his slightly long and narrow eyes seemed to hold the brilliant starlight of a galaxy.

Profound and bright.

His voice coaxed, “Do I count as the best?”

The faint scent of alcohol emanated from him, encroaching upon her.

Mixed with that cool fragrance, it made one drowsy.

It’s not the wine that intoxicates, but the person themselves.

Qiao Xi succumbed to his affectionate gaze, unconsciously pursing her lips to force herself to stay a bit more alert.

“You are the best husband, grandma is the best grandma, and Grandpa Cheng is the best master,”
Qiao Xi said softly.

“You’re being willful,” Huo Xingzhou stepped even closer.

Qiao Xi’s back pressed against the wall, confined in a narrow space, close enough to feel his breath.

She reluctantly reached out her finger, poking his chest: “Everything I’ve said is true.”

Huo Xingzhou lowered his head and gently bit her lip, “What about someone else? Where does he rank?”

What does Ayi count for!

That old photo of their youth, he had never got a chance to ask for an explanation.

What did that line written on the back mean.

She looked up and asked him, “Are you talking about Ayi?”

Huo Xingzhou embraced her, saying softly as he looked down, “I didn’t mention who it was, yet you thought of him.”

“Ayi is the best friend! Why would you even get jealous over that?” Qiao Xi’s cheeks flushed, her tone carrying a hint of laughter, “You are the one who will stay with me until we’re old, and if he were still alive, he would also have someone to spend the rest of his life with, inseparable.”

Upon saying this.

Huo Xingzhou’s eyes and brows softened, “I heard some gossip today.”

“What news?”

Huo Xingzhou indifferently said, “Zhong Yi and Lu Yingxue are getting engaged on the 8th next month.”

“The alliance between these two families was never a secret. Just didn’t expect the Lu Family to really rely on the Zhong Family, but I find it a bit strange.”

“What’s strange?” Huo Xingzhou’s fingertips caressed the side of her waist, his eyes inquiringly looking at her.

He knew Qiao Xi wasn’t foolish.

Qiao Xi reviewed the various accidents from today’s acupuncture competition, looking at Huo Xingzhou and saying, “Xiang Mingzhu causing Lu Yingxue to have an allergic reaction, it seemed to be within your control. How could you control Xiang Mingzhu’s actions? Last time after you disclosed information to me, I knew Xiang Mingzhu would definitely run into trouble and wouldn’t be able to compete. But I didn’t expect Lu Yingxue to suffer too!”

Qiao Xi’s heartbeat quickened inexplicably.

“I always heard that Xiang Mingzhu and Lu Yingxue had a deep sisterly relationship, and Xiang Mingzhu always spoke highly of Lu Yingxue. What made her take such a drastic turn, I thought back and forth, and there’s only one thing, it’s because of a man.”

Appreciation flashed in Huo Xingzhou’s eyes, “Continue.”

“That man is Zhong Yi!”

Qiao Xi fell into contemplation, “Others may not know, but we’re aware that Zhong Yi was indecisive between the cousins. Listening to Xiang Mingzhu and Lu Yingxue’s conversation during the competition, I guessed that Zhong Yi must have promised something to Xiang Mingzhu for her to take such a risk.”

But why would Zhong Yi do this?

There was no benefit to him at all, with both Lu Yingxue and Xiang Mingzhu failing.

And the one who ultimately benefited was her?

Did Zhong Yi truly like Xiang Mingzhu? Not necessarily.

He did this on purpose, not on impulse from romantic affairs.

Qiao Xi slowly looked up at Huo Xingzhou, “Do you and Zhong Yi have some secret cooperation? Is this your condition?”

After much consideration, Qiao Xi had only this more reliable speculation.

“This is my agreement with him.”

Huo Xingzhou spoke softly, “You guessed right,” but she didn’t guess Zhong Yi’s ulterior motive.

He wouldn’t spell it out, because that was Zhong Yi’s own request.

Qiao Xi nodded her head, “So it is. But there’s still a bit of regret, I didn’t get to compete with Lu Yingxue at our best. Such a victory is somewhat dramatic.”

Huo Xingzhou held both her hands, speaking earnestly, “Qiao Xi, you want fairness, but all I want is a sure thing. I can’t afford to take risks. Because of me, you’re exposed to these dangers.”

If she hadn’t married him, her life would have been smooth sailing, without a single trouble.

She would not have been targeted by the main branch of the Huo Family, which would have exposed her identity as Cheng Han’s apprentice, nor would it have provoked the wariness and hostility of the Lu Family.

But the Lu Family’s attitude towards the Cheng Acupuncture Technique is really quite strange!

Something significant must have happened in that year sealed by history and silenced by time!

“Qiao Xi, have you ever regretted marrying me?”

He was seeking confirmation.

If she hadn’t married him, Zhong Yi would have inevitably returned to find her.

Perhaps, they would have ended up together.

All possibilities existed.

“Do you want to hear the truth?” Qiao Xi had never discussed this matter deeply with him. After the tough victory tonight, she was filled with emotions. Her defenses were completely down, and she had a lot to say in response to his question.

“Of course, I want to hear the truth. You rarely lie and are not good at sweet-talking.”

Qiao Xi’s voice was tender: “I have regretted it. Initially, it was out of spite towards Zhao Yuzhen that I replaced her in the marriage, thinking that would settle the life debt I owed her. I was full of regrets during that time, thinking once I cured your legs and our Marriage Agreement came into effect, we could get divorced.”

She was always thinking of running away.

Huo Xingzhou’s hands were tightly pressed against her waist, his nose brushing her cheek: “I’ve had regrets too, always suspecting that someone plotted for you to be by my side. Do you know when I fell in love with you?”

Qiao Xi tilted her head up, a slight smile on her lips: “Then do you know when I fell in love with you?”

“The day I severed ties with the Huo Family, you protected me and took a beating for me.”

“The day you broke off with the Huo Family.”

Surprise flitted across Qiao Xi’s eyes, “Was it the same day?”

A fragmented smile flickered in Huo Xingzhou’s eyes, “No woman has ever taken a beating for me before.”

Those ambiguous probes and tests finally took root and cocooned on that day, binding them together.

Qiao Xi’s lips curled up, watching him: “It was on that day, I knew some people have heartfelt loyalty, a true hero. It’s a pity they don’t understand you, trampling on your dignity and denying your contributions. The man I love and cherish should not be humiliated by them!”

Her eyes were tender, like pools of spring water.

Huo Xingzhou leaned down and kissed the corner of her lips.

Tentatively advancing, pushing the boundaries.

Caressing.

Deep kissing.

Qiao Xi tilted her head back slightly, her misty gaze catching a glimpse of the man’s desire spilling from the depths of his eyes.

“Huo Xingzhou…”

“Hmm?”

His shirt was open, revealing his collarbone. The restraint he exhibited while kissing was absolutely captivating.

Her lips felt numb and tingling, she spoke vaguely: “Slower.”

The man’s voice was very soft, “Okay.”

…

The moonlight was like water.

The Rolls-Royce was driving towards Yunqi Hotel.

Old Chen sat in front, steering the car steadily.

The inside of the car was full of the heavy scent of alcohol; Huo Sijiao, the little drunkard, was feeling the buzz, her mind not very clear.

She had a bad tolerance for alcohol, constantly reaching out to grab at Shen Xuanzhi’s clothes.

Shen Xuanzhi kept moving away, until he was right next to the car door.

Nowhere left to move!

Old Chen glanced at the rearview mirror.

Hah, those two were almost sticking to each other!

He hurriedly lowered the partition between the front and rear of the car, not wanting to embarrass the young couple.