The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!-Chapter 163: Note—Pretty Baby

The time displayed on the screen is already half an hour ago; she should be recording the program then. Since checking the phone is not allowed during the recording process, she only discovered the message now.

Maya opened the message.

Just one sentence:

[When will you be home?]

Compared to previous styles, there’s an extra question mark.

Maya’s fingers hovered on the screen, unsure of what to type.

What does Ian mean? Since when did he care so much about her whereabouts?

Maya rubbed her eyes, glanced at Ryan next to her, and asked, "Ryan, when are we heading back?"

"Are you asking when the recording ends?" Ryan glanced at his watch, pondering for a moment, "Probably another hour, why, something urgent?"

He regretted saying that, knowing Maya couldn’t have anything urgent; her daily thoughts are just snacks and lazy naps. Any big matter before her wasn’t urgent.

Maya mused, "It’s kind of urgent..."

Maya lowered her head, typing several messages in the chat box.

[Honey, do you miss me? It’s been so short yet you miss me already; indeed, you’re becoming more attached to me~]

[I’m still on the show, probably won’t have dinner, please eat first, or I’ll be heartbroken if you miss dinner because of waiting for me~]

Even thinking logically, Ian wouldn’t wait for her to eat.

[What time?]

To some degree, Ian is a person pursuing absolute definitive answers, tolerating no sloppiness.

[Another hour and a half, honey remember to think of me, another day of loving you~]

After sending these words, Maya exited the chat interface.

Ryan interestedly observed her for a while. "You’re not waiting for a reply?"

Maya raised an eyebrow, "I’ve said all I should, he usually sticks to me, missing meals when I’m away; it’s a habit that won’t change."

Ryan knew Maya’s family was wealthy but was unaware of who her husband was, as Maya always avoided the topic. It’s less disdainful and more exasperatedly helpless.

"Seems your man is like a puppy!"

Puppy?

Maya suddenly shivered; someone like Ian didn’t seem like a teary-eyed, playful, clingy puppy.

She coughed twice, "Cough, cough, not really..."

"Then a wolfdog?"

"Not really either."

Maya pocketed her phone, "He’s not someone easy to deal with."

Ryan thought for a moment, suddenly seeing Scott running towards them.

Scott cheeks were sweating, face rosy, seemingly from running.

As if surprised by Ryan next to Maya, he visibly slowed his speed, quickly hiding the milk tea behind him.

Ryan squinted at him, turned his body, "I didn’t assign you any tasks just now, why are you sweating?"

"I, I... I just washed my hands."

Maya knew why Scott acted this way, but felt it unnecessary, reaching out, "Give me the milk tea!"

Ryan, noting certain words, incredulously said, "You’re having milk tea at night?!"

Maya raised an eyebrow, seemingly expressing: What’s wrong with that?

Ryan helplessly looked at Scott, "She wants it so you bought it? Didn’t I remind you to limit her high-calorie intake? How much have you bought her when I’m not around?"

"I... I..." Scott was embarrassed, slightly regretful. Despite Ryan’s repeated emphasis on managing Maya’s diet, she always had various ways to make him compromise.

Maya never forces or threatens; she prefers psychological tactics and is persuasive, soon persuading Scott to buy her snacks obediently.

This isn’t the first time.

Upon reflection, Scott felt a tinge of regret.

Maya took the taro milk tea from Scott, which she liked.

"I made him buy it."

Ryan redirected his anger at Maya, "You can’t keep eating like this! You might not be overweight now but who can guarantee you won’t be later? And consuming greasy foods isn’t good for your body..."

Maya tore open the straw’s paper wrapper, then inserted it into the milk tea, taking a sip.

"You’ve seen me drink this rarely, right Ryan? I just have it today; I usually barely drink them. One cup won’t make a difference, it’s just occasional."

Ryan sighed, "Many times, I don’t know how to persuade you."

Maya understood Ryan was all bark no bite. Over time, she found Ryan’s bluster wasn’t very intimidating, little real deterrent.

Maya took another sip, promising, "One cup won’t hurt, trust me, just this time, I’ll definitely drink less later."

*

Ian’s gaze paused on the screen, his long fingers hovered over several lines.

He lingered particularly long on the words "love you".

His gaze shifted to Maya’s nickname, seeing she updated it again to: "The girl who loves food".

Ian’s brow furrowed unconsciously, his fingers lightly tapped the screen, changing her nickname back to: "Beautiful baby".

His fingers suddenly paused, unable to press the final button, realizing his foolish action.

He tossed the phone onto the desk, lighting a cigarette he’d clamped in his mouth.

Withdrawing a smoky breath, yet his mood wasn’t much alleviated.

Ian casually extinguished the cigarette, propping his head on one hand, picking up his phone again.

His eyes scanned the words, brushing past the smiling portrait; his eyes flickered before finally pressing the "confirm" button.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door.

Ian composed his expression, reverting to imperturbability: "Come in."

Vincent opened the door, striding swiftly into the study, his hair slightly disheveled, wearing gray slippers.

Ian’s gaze paused: "Why did you come over like this?"

Despite his identity and temper, Vincent wanted to give him an obvious eye-roll.

"What do you think, Ian? Who else but you needs me rushing over at midnight? Surely you have a driver, is it necessarily me?!"

"Just a habit."

Vincent’s gaze became slightly complex, "A habit?"