Win My Husband Over to Find My Child
Chapter 126: News Traveled Far to Here

Chapter 126: News Traveled Far to Here

Mr. Morino and Mr. Bernadi arrived to pick Calix up slightly before seven in the evening. Once the three men left, Leslie continued watching the drama in peace. The intense first episode hooked her.

Calix was brought to a fine dining restaurant. Once he stepped inside, he was welcomed by the warm and muted lighting of the place alongside soft instrumental music playing in the background.

"Mr. Nucci will arrive soon," said Mr. Bernadi as the group of three men was led to the room by an attendant, "He has just reached here from France."

"Today is surely an exhausting day for Mr. Nucci. I’m honored because he still makes time to dine with me tonight," replied Calix with a polite smile.

"How could he not, Mr. Xu? Mr. Nucci has been waiting to meet you again," Mr. Morino chimed in, earning faint laughter from Calix.

This was not the first time Calix had met with Mr. Nucci. The middle-aged Italian man was among the business partners he was comfortable to continue working together with.

Simply put, Mr. Nucci’s fussiness was only a tenth of others’.

Mr. Nucci was a successful businessman from an old money family. Despite living like royalty for decades, he didn’t let arrogance take over his head. The way he carried himself spoke of his intellect and elegance.

"Gentlemen, please make yourself comfortable," the attendant opened the private room’s door, ushering the three men inside.

Calix, Mr. Morino and Mr. Bernadi helped themselves to the wooden chairs upholstered in vivid, earthy tones. The soft, warm light beamed through the glasses, conjuring a beautiful arc in the air.

Not long after, Mr. Nucci made his appearance with his wife.

"Mr. Xu, I’m glad to see you again," Mr. Nucci greeted Calix with a pleasant smile. Lines of exhaustion marred his face but, his demeanor was still flawless, "I hope you don’t have too much jetlag."

"Likewise, Mr. Nucci. I’m delighted to meet you again," Calix shook hands with the older man, "About that, we’ll see. Thanks to the great accommodation, I had a pleasant nap once I got there."

Laughter echoed in the air, shared between the two men. Mrs. Nucci greeted Calix as well before all of them sat at the table.

While waiting for the food to be served, they continued their small talk.

"News traveled far from your country to here," Mr. Nucci smiled meaningfully at Calix, "Is that true you’re a married man now? Should I congratulate you now? And where’s Mrs. Xu?"

"Oh, I didn’t expect that news to reach you, Mr. Nucci," Calix grinned, playing the role of an infatuated husband in front of the man, "Yes, I’m a married man. Unfortunately, my wife is sick. If not, I’ll bring her together with me."

"Surely, you miss her dearly," Mrs. Nucci smiled in helplessness, "I wish to get to know your wife. If she’s here, she can accompany you to the banquet."

"One day, Mrs. Nucci," Calix chuckled, he was unconsciously reminded of Leslie back at the private villa, "I’ll just attend the banquet alone."

The Nucci spouses invited Calix to attend their wedding anniversary party. The banquet would be held on Wednesday, two days before his departure back to the country.

"It’s fine. We’ll get to meet Mrs. Xu someday," Mr. Nucci half-shrugged, "Seems like you have a valid excuse this time to deter the young ladies from coming to you."

Chuckles slipped out of Calix’s lips as he understood what Mr. Nucci meant.

Whether it was in the country or abroad, Calix often rejected coming with a female partner unless it was really necessary.

If Evelyn was not busy, he would drag his younger sister along. If not, he would choose among his female secretaries. All of them were already married and mothers to their young children.

Soon, dinner was served. Even though Calix had a good time dining with the Nucci spouses, Mr. Morino and Mr. Bernadi, his mind still drifted to where Leslie was.

’Is she still watching the drama? Geez, she’ll be a salted fish if I just let her be.’

Calix already made an arrangement with Leslie. Because she insisted on staying at the villa throughout the time he was out working, he allowed her to wander out of the estate. The only condition was that she needed to return before sunset.

Calix knew that Leslie wanted to see how life was here. The nearby neighborhood should be enough to keep her occupied for several days. Once he finished the official tasks included in the itinerary, he could start bringing her for sightseeing.

At half past nine, Calix parted ways with Mr. and Mrs. Nucci. He wished them to have a good rest after a tiring day. They would meet again tomorrow at Mr. Nucci’s office.

"Oh, I forgot to mention to you, Mr. Xu," Mr. Nucci paused from entering into the black limousine. His gaze fell on Calix, "I want to introduce you to someone during the banquet."

"As long as it’s not a woman you intend to pair up with me, Mr. Nucci," replied Calix jokingly, "I’m fine with other arrangements."

"Haha, you jest," Mr. Nucci let out hearty laughter, "It’s your fellow countryman. I’ve only seen him twice but, I think it’ll be good if you’re acquainted with him too."

"Surely, he’s an extraordinary man. You sound like you hold him in high regard," Calix smiled, not paying much attention to who the person might be, "Don’t worry. I’ll certainly meet that man."

Mr. Nucci smiled in satisfaction. His cheeks were tinged in the red color due to the wine. He seemed to be in a good mood.

After exchanging a few more words, Mr. Nucci and his wife finally left. Calix stared at the fading red taillight of the limousine.

"Mr. Xu, do you want to drop by anywhere?" asked Mr. Morino who sat behind the wheels, "Most shops are still open at this time of the night."

Throwing his gaze out of the car windows, Calix was greeted with the vibrant colors of the Eternal City at night.

The soft glow of the streetlights bathed the city’s ancient architecture. Local and tourists alike leisurely walked on the cobblestone streets while enjoying the night breeze. The city exuded a mystical elegance after the sun went down.

"Please stop at any candy store. I want to buy some," Calix responded as his eyes drifted along the passing stores.

"Understand, Mr. Xu."

Mr. Morino pulled over on the roadside after ten minutes. He and Mr. Bernadi wanted to show Calix to the candy store but, the latter refused.

"I’ll be fine by myself."

The candy store was tucked away in a corner. It appeared very quaint but, Calix could tell the shop was rich in history. It was not an ordinary place selling various types of candies.

Once Calix opened the door, the bell chimed overhead. His presence was noticed by a sweet-looking old lady sitting behind the counter.

"Welcome, young man."

Calix smiled at the shopkeeper, "Hello, do you have suggestions for chocolate and candies? I’m buying some for my wife."

Well, a certain someone was left alone at the villa for hours. Shouldn’t he get her some sweet chocolate and candies?