The First Impression of a Negative Review

Seeing that his sister was a bit irritated, Xiao Yao said, “How about I make a sacrifice and go with you?”

“That’s perfect, it’s settled then.” Xiao Banxia was instantly reinvigorated. “You’re my brother, so it shouldn’t be inappropriate for you to accompany me to the dinner.”

After changing clothes, the two of them waited at home for a while. When the time seemed about right, they had Old Zhao drive the Rolls-Royce Phantom and set off.

They got out directly at the restaurant entrance. Xiao Banxia stood in place and glanced toward the door, but didn’t spot Zhao Yiming, which left her a bit displeased.

She wasn’t the type to fuss over trivialities, but she had already informed Zhao Yiming over the phone that her brother would be joining the dinner. Zhao Yiming had clearly left work early, yet didn’t bother to greet them at the door. Obviously, he didn’t take her brother seriously at all, which made her feel somewhat slighted.

Her brother already had a poor impression of her boyfriend’s family, and if Zhao Yiming didn’t make an effort, who knew how much her brother would mock her once they got home.

“You haven’t told your boyfriend about your brother’s sudden windfall, have you?” Xiao Yao asked.

“Zhao Yiming has been busy with overtime since he got back yesterday, so we haven’t even met yet. I haven’t had a chance to tell him what’s been happening at home,” Xiao Banxia answered truthfully.

“If he knew your brother was now wealthy and still acted so nonchalant, I’d actually be impressed.” Xiao Yao, much like his sister, wasn’t too happy. “Even though I’m your brother, I’m still an adult. If he pays me no mind the first time we meet, it means he doesn’t value you enough either. I think your test for him isn’t tough enough—you should prolong it and make it more challenging.”

“How can you, a grown man, be so eager to stir things up? Young people don’t care about such formalities anymore. Isn’t it better to just relax?” Though Xiao Banxia was also a bit annoyed, she hoped the meeting would go smoothly. They hadn’t even met Zhao Yiming’s parents yet, and if there were unpleasantness now, things would only get more awkward later.

“The old saying’s right: a married woman is like water poured out. You and Zhao Yiming aren’t even family yet, and you’re already defending him like this. The hundred thousand I give you every month for pocket money really feels wasted—it’s disheartening.”

“If you don’t pour this ‘water’ out, I’ll just stay home living off you—would you be happy with that? Someone’s come along to ease your burden, you should be pleased. Why the fake sentimentality? What’s there to be heartbroken about?” When Xiao Banxia was in a bad mood, her words were razor-sharp.

“That’s true. You nag all the time—if I get you married off, I’ll finally have some peace and quiet.” Since they still hadn’t met Zhao Yiming, he decided not to go too far in his jabs. A little trouble was enough.

Xiao Banxia, worried about her brother’s behavior, reminded him, “When you meet Zhao Yiming, don’t keep needling him. It’s the first meeting—let’s keep it polite.”

“As long as Zhao Yiming isn’t too disappointing, I won’t embarrass him. Your relationship is your own business, and I won’t interfere. But if I really can’t stand him, don’t blame me if I don’t mince words.” Xiao Yao was confident he could strike the right balance.

“My temper isn’t exactly mild, but have you ever seen me suffer a loss? If Zhao Yiming steps out of line, I’ll deal with him later, but today, don’t add fuel to the fire. We’ll be meeting his elders, and if I lose my temper and put them on the spot, that would be truly improper. Since his parents will be there, let’s both restrain ourselves and save any complaints for later.” Though Xiao Banxia’s temper could be fierce, she never lacked for basic courtesy.

“We’ll do it your way; today, I’ll let Zhao Yiming save face,” Xiao Yao agreed readily.

He was quite satisfied with his sister’s attitude today, even comforted. Though her temper was fiery, she was rational, and her words showed she didn’t need anyone to worry about her. Even if something went wrong between her and Zhao Yiming, she’d be able to handle it herself.

After heading to the second floor and entering the reserved private room, Xiao Yao finally saw Zhao Yiming for the first time.

Zhao Yiming was not just “handsome,” as his sister had described, but strikingly attractive—thick eyebrows, large eyes, sharply defined features. He wasn’t the boyish, delicate type popular these days, but a truly masculine, dashing figure.

As Xiao Banxia’s only brother, Xiao Yao knew full well that Zhao Yiming was exactly his sister’s preferred type.

No wonder his sister was so tolerant of him; with looks like that, she could hardly be blamed.

Now, Xiao Yao suspected it might even have been his sister who had pursued Zhao Yiming, given her personality.

When the siblings entered together, Zhao Yiming stood up and greeted them warmly, “Banxia, this must be your brother, Xiao Yao? I never thought I’d meet someone even more handsome than myself—how am I supposed to handle the blow?”

“By facing reality, admitting defeat, and learning from my brother. Only by recognizing your shortcomings can you settle down and really learn from him how to be a responsible, reliable man.” Xiao Banxia responded with ease, raising her brother up even higher.

“So our brother is quite impressive,” Zhao Yiming said, reaching out his hand. “Zhao Yiming. I’ll be counting on your guidance in the future.”

No wonder Zhao Yiming managed to do so well at the capital’s mobile company at such a young age. He had a high emotional intelligence, spoke well, was good-looking, and radiated a sunny disposition—he easily made a good impression.

Unfortunately, it was all a facade. Xiao Yao, having inherited the ability to read faces from Pan Wu, could see right through to the truth at a glance.

From his features alone, Xiao Yao could tell: this was a hypocritical, selfish, cold-hearted man, and on top of that, quite the womanizer—utterly casual about relationships.

Not only was he unfit for his sister, he was more like a pitfall waiting to drag her down.

Having realized this, Xiao Yao could hardly let his sister’s relationship with Zhao Yiming proceed. If Zhao Yiming dared set his sights on her, Xiao Yao would make sure his sister saw his true colors—and teach him a lesson he’d never forget.

“For my sister’s sake, I’ll be keeping a very close eye on you,” Xiao Yao said, his words carrying a double meaning.

Zhao Yiming hadn’t expected Xiao Yao to be so proud and blunt, and was momentarily taken aback.