"Woohoo!!!" After a short silence, there was a roaring cheer.
Many of them witnessed how hard Zhuang Rongguang had trained, so they were really happy to see him win.
All of his old and new friends went up to congratulate him. They patted his shoulder and rubbed his head.
"That's my boy! Good job!"
"10 shots with 10 points each while blindfolded! So amazing for such a short period of training!"
"Hahaha...Xiao Guang! I knew you could do it! Now, you can make that bastard suffer!"
"You brat, I've underestimated you! Superb shooting!"
…
Zhuang Rongguang looked around. As he heard all the praises from everyone, there was a strange, warm, and cozy feeling bubbling inside him. It was something he had never experienced before…
That passion, excitement, and pride filled him with power…
When he saw the comforting eyes from his father and grandfather, he felt like tearing up. How weird!
How could he be this emotional?! He hated hard work so much and he also hated shooting…
Was that...really hate…?
"Hey! Kid, Xiao Guang did it, you lose. Time to fulfill your promise!"
"That's right! Change! Let everyone see! Remember to go three rounds!"
"Hahaha...if Ms. Zhuang saw how embarrassing he looks in a girl's outfit, she'd surely despise him!"
"Right…"
…
Until the crowd reminded him, Zhuang Rongguang returned to his senses, looking excited and refreshed. He went up to Ning Xi. "Bastard! I told you, I just wasn't serious enough before. I even surprised myself when I got serious! How's that?"
"Impressive! I admit defeat. Is there a changing room here?" Ning Xi asked.
Someone replied, "It's just over there! Just pick any one that's vacant!"
"Don't go back on your word if you're a man! We're all watching, don't you dare run away!"
"Hahaha, he must look like a sissy in a girl's outfit with that face of his!"
…
Ning Xi took her clothes and walked slowly into the changing room.
Zhuang Rongguang felt that all his effort was worth it. He looked at Zhuang Keer haughtily. "Sis, now you can finally give up on him! That bastard can't even beat me! And he's the worst kind of person out there! But I really don't understand... When did I even start a feud with him?!"
Zhuang Keer tried to suppress her emotions and did not say anything.
Zhuang Rongguang thought that she was disappointed with Ning Xi, so he was really glad and took out his phone, ready to take a video.
He was going to threaten this bastard the next time he came close to his sister!
A while later, the door of the changing room Ning Xi had entered earlier was pushed open from the inside.
The next moment, Zhuang Rongguang’s handphone dropped to the floor and the black screen cracked like its master’s facial expression…
It was as if time had stopped. No one moved a muscle.
There was not a sound made inside the large shooting range at all.
The girl wore a body-hugging pink dress, highlighting her lean waist as her slightly curly, long, black hair circled her hips beautifully. Her cute little face was like the stars in the sky, a flower blooming in the season of spring…
A...a beauty!
A super beauty!
"Hey, you stepped on my foot!"
"Ah! Who pinched me!? Pinch yourself!"
"Stop pushing me!"
…
The silence came to an end as people started making noise and pushing each other to get a closer look, but no one's eyes left Ning Xi.
Most of the people who came to the shooting range were elders. All of them had been rooting for Zhuang Rongguang’s victory just now, but now they probably had second thoughts…
"What’s happening?!"
"Is...is that the same person?"
"I’ve been watching! It couldn’t have been switched!"
"Why do I feel like...the boobs...are real?"
"You idiots! All of you virgins know nothing! With my experience, that’s a real woman, alright? And a real beauty at that! This brat, I mean, this girl was disguising herself as a man all along!"
"Seriously? Disguising?!"
…
Ning Xi walked up to the crowd. She then stood right in front of the stunned Zhuang Rongguang and smiled. "Are you satisfied with what you're seeing?"
Zhuang Rongguang nodded awkwardly, but then shook his head hard a second later. He looked at her in disbelief. "You...you’re a woman?"
Ning Xi grinned. "Yeah!"
This bastard admitted it so casually! How frustrating!
Zhuang Rongguang felt hurt and betrayed. "You’re a woman! You’re a woman all along! Then, why did you say you’d wear a girl’s outfit…?"
Damn it!
Zhuang Rongguang finally realized that he had been pranked!
The worst part was, it would be easier if he was facing the bastard from before, but now he could not get angry at such a beauty!
He finally won, the contest but what was this!?
Wait, was that really a win? His opponent was a woman, a woman with such fine marksmanship. How could he really say he won this as a man!?
Zhuang Rongguang felt like he was going crazy!
"Wow, Xiao Xi, I’ve never seen you in this before! How cute! It really suits you!" Zhuang Keer held Ning Xi’s hands and circled her.
Zhuang Keer’s reaction acted like a dagger stabbing Zhuang Rongguang. In confusion, he asked, "Sis...you...you knew?"
Zhuang Keer nodded. "I know!"
"Then, why didn’t you tell me!?" Zhuang Rongguang yelled deep from within his soul.
"You didn’t ask me!"
…
At the back, Zhuang Zongren smiled and just watched the young ones fool around, but when he saw Ning Xi walk out of the changing room, his eyes welled up and he mumbled to himself, "Ci...Ci…"
Zhuang Liaoyuan glanced at his father when he noticed his odd behaviour.
Ci?
Was that not his mother’s nickname?
"That child...that child...she looks just like Ci when she was young…" Zhuang Zongren said in a trembling voice, his eyes full of the memories and love towards his late wife.
When Zhuang Zongren first met Ning Xi, she had just finished attending a business matter, so she dressed smartly and formally. He had not noticed her as much the other time.
But today, Ning Xi wore a pink princessy dress, reminding Zhuang Zongren of the first time he saw his wife…
He did not expect his other granddaughter to look exactly like Ci because neither Lingyu and Keer did not.
Zhuang Liaoyuan looked at Ning Xi’s direction and tried to remember his mother’s face, but because she had died when he was really young,, he had almost no recollection of his mother.
He somewhat remembered a picture of his mother with his father in which she wore a pink dress as well. Most memorably, the aura of his mother from the picture was similar with Ning Xi's now.
…
At night, at the Zhuang family home, Zhuang Zongren had his servants prepare several delicious dishes.
Zhuang Zongren’s attitude towards Ning Xi before was welcoming and grateful, but today, he was even warmer and passionate.
The elder kept on piling food on Ning Xi's plate."Xiao Xi, eat more! Eat more!"
"Thank you!" Ning Xi was a little surprised at his warm attitude.
Zhuang Rongguang felt that something was not right as he munched on a chicken drumstick. He then stared at Ning Xi and suddenly stood up. "Damn it! I remember! You’re that woman who tripped me the other day!"
Zhuang Zongren sharply chastised him, "Stop being noisy and sit down! And what do you mean by 'that woman'? Xiao Xi’s older than you, so call her 'sister'!"
Zhuang Rongguang glared furiously at his father. "I’ll call her sister if I’m crazy. Girl, what did I ever do to trigger you? Why have you been in my way ever since I met you?"
Zhuang Liaoyuan glared at his son angrily and yelled at him, "Stop being rude!"
Zhuang Rongguang looked at his grandfather, then at his father. He was exhausted. "Why are all of you on her side!? Did you take the wrong child?! Maybe she’s your real child!"
Zhuang Zongren’s face went frigid at his grandson. "I really hope we mistook you as our real child! Sadly, no!"
Zhuang Rongguang was ignored mercilessly after that.
"Xiao Xi, how’s your work lately? Are you tired?" Zhuang Zongren did not bat an eyelid at his grandson and asked Ning Xi with concern.
Feeling the genuine concern from the elder, Ning Xi quickly replied, "Things are going well. I’m not really tired. I like what I’m doing now."
"Oh, alright then. I heard from Keer that you even have a fashion apparel company of your own. Don’t exhaust yourself!"
"Mmm, I won't!" Ning Xi replied.
Zhuang Zongren was still worried, so he continued asking, "Where do you stay now? A place provided by your company?"
"I stay in an apartment arranged by the company, but I’m moving soon. I’ve earned quite a bit, so I just bought myself a house," Ning Xi replied.
Zhaung Zongren was glad to hear that. "It’s great that you can rely on your own at such a young age!"
He then looked at his own useless grandson with despise.
Zhuang Rongguang remained silent. He was already eating quietly. Why was he still being targeted?! Was this woman here just to go against him?
"How’re things with Xiao Lu recently? That kid didn’t bully you, did he? What’s up with the cheating matter Keer mentioned the last time?" Zhuang Zongren finally reached the most important question he wanted to ask.
Ning Xi quickly replied, "We’re great. It was a misunderstanding the last time, but we’ve resolved it already."
"That’s good...that’s good…" Zhuang Zongren mumbled as his expression turned grave.
Xiao Xi’s current identity was still the adopted daughter of the Ning family. With Lu Tingxiao’s family background, Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi would never agree to their relationship so easily.
He swore back then then that he would never get involved in anything related to Lingyu, but Ning Xi was her daughter and her relationship with the Ning family was so complicated…
Nevertheless, he was still her grandfather. Seeing his granddaughter grow up to be such an obedient child and especially when she looked so much like Ci, how could he not be concerned…?
Zhuang Keer could faintly feel her grandfather and father’s attitude being a little odd during dinner.
However, she was not sure what was wrong, so she just assumed that they were being nice to Xiao Xi because she had saved Grandfather before…
…
The villa Ning Xi bought had a nice name, Peachwood.
After the security system was set up, Ning Xi informed Ling Zhizhi about moving, then soon after, she started packing up her things.
As long as Ning Xi still worked for the company, the apartment in Regal Riveria would still be hers, so she left some of the larger items there.
The moving company was efficient and they shifted everything very swiftly.
When she was moving, she accidentally found something troublesome…
A...big diamond…
It was sent to her by Yun Shen on her first day working on "The World".
She closed the lid and looked around. After making sure that there was nothing else left, she went down.
"Hey, pretty, is there anything else?" The moving staff asked.
"Nope, let’s go!"
"Okay!"
…
As Ning Xi was about to get into the car, she heard her name being called.
"Ning Xi!"
Ning Xi turned around and saw Ning Yaohua.
"CEO Ning, you called me?"
"CEO Ning?! I’m your father!" Ning Yaohua looked flabbergasted, then he took a glance at the big truck. "What are you doing? Moving?"
"Is there a problem?"
"Perfect timing, actually. Move back with us now! I’m here to tell you this today!" Ning Yaohua said.
Ning Xi raised her eyebrows. "Move back? CEO Ning, did you have a little too much to drink today?"
Ning Yaohua was surprisingly not incensed by Ning Xi’s sarcastic tone. He still spoke kindly, "Ning Xi, you’re my daughter. No matter what, I’ll never neglect you! It’s not good for you to stay outside alone anyway. Just come back and live with us. Our house is big and the room you’ve been using is still there!"
Ning Xi almost laughed out loud.
Her room…
It was about a third of Ning Xueluo’s room and had been modified from being a maid’s room. Their initial reason was that they were afraid she might mess up the place. They would change her room once she learned her manners, but then...nothing happened…
Ning Xi looked at Ning Yaohua suspiciously.
Ning Yaohua’s sudden change in attitude must only be because of one thing…
Grandfather was going to write his will.
After he was discharged from the hospital the last time, Grandfather had the intention to write it.
So, was this her father trying to get her share of the will?
Although she did not care about what she would get from the Ning family, if her grandfather gave it to her, she would never give it to Ning Yaohua.
"Ning Xi...Ning Xi? Did you hear me? What a coincidence today! Just in time when you’re thinking of moving. Isn’t it great that you can move back with us right away?" Ning Yaohua said.
Ning Xi crossed her arms as she looked at the truck and sneered, "Are you sure that room can fit all my stuff here?"
Ning Yaohua was a little taken aback by her brazen reply. "Although we have quite a few rooms at home, most of them are occupied. We can’t let you stay in the guest room as well. If you’re not using these things, then just put them in the storeroom."
Ning Xi looked at the man with an odd expression. "Sure, I can go back as long as you let me stay in the room that’s supposed to be mine."
Ning Yaohua’s expression changed. "Ning Xi, what do you mean by that? You want to take Xueluo’s room now? Xueluo has been staying there since she was a child. How does that room belong to you now?" Compared to Ning Xi, Ning Yaohua was more inclined to Ning Xueluo’s side.
Ning Xi was bored with him now. She did not even bother replying him anymore, so she turned around and prepared to leave.
"Ning Xi! Ning Xi, stop! Where are you moving to?" Ning Yaohua did not give up and kept on asking.
"I bought my own house," Ning Xi replied.
Ning Yaohua laughed. "What kind of house can you buy with that salary of yours? A studio apartment or a two-bedroom house? How could those places possibly be better than our house? Why do you have to make yourself suffer? And your job, you should really quit it now…"
Before Ning Xi could say anything else, the driver could not stand it anymore and popped his head out. "Mister, your daughter bought a house in Peachwood!"
After Ning Xi got into the car, the driver closed the door and started the engine.
The truck moved away, leaving Ning Yaohua behind, stunned…
"P-Peachwood…"
Did he hear him wrongly?
Ning Xi had bought a house in Peachwood? How could it be Peachwood!?
Peachwood was an neighbourhood of villas that cost in tens of millions each. It was located in an even better district than the Ning family’s villa and was also one of the famous areas for the wealthy…
How could she afford a house there?
She only took on a few supporting character roles and attended some variety shows that did not pay much…
Ning Yaohua had a flashback. He remembered when Lu Jingli had come to pick Ning Xi up.
Could Ning Xi...be his mistress? Did he buy her the house?
That did not sound right…
He investigated after what had happened the last time and found out that Ning Xi and Lu Jingli only maintained a professional relationship. However, if they were really affiliated, how was it that Ning Xi had not gotten any huge roles yet?
…
At Peachwood.
"Thank you! Please have a drink!"
As she finished her sentence, a metallic robot came out with few glasses on a tray, imoving towards the workers.
"Alright, thank you! Ah...this!" The workers were surprised when they saw a robot approaching them.
Ning Xi smiled. "Don’t worry, this is a robot. It’s pretty smart."
The robot scanned the three workers, then gave them a glass of water each. To their astonishment, it was able to deliver the water into their hands accurately.
The three of them were impressed. The moment they stepped in, they actually realized that the house was equipped with high technology.
So, this was how the rich lived!
The workers left after they were done.
Ning Xi started to unpack her things. "Steamed bun, play a song for me!"
"Master, my name is Andrew, not steamed bun. Master, what song would you like to listen to?"
"Whatever."
A short while later, inside the high-tech house, a song belted out, "Ah! Today is a good day! Whatever you think could happen, tomorrow is a good day! The moment you open the door, the spring breeze will arrive…"
Ning Xi almost fell down when she heard the song.
Well, this song...hit the nail on the head…
"The song is pretty good. Thanks, steamed bun!"
"Master, my name is Andrew, not steamed bun. Glad to be of your service!"
Little Treasure really loved his robots. He usually put them in a room exclusively for them in Platinum Palace. When he found out that Ning Xi was moving, he gave her his most prized butler robot to her.
As Ning Xi was arranging her things, the doorbell rang.
She just moved here. Who could it be?
Ning Xi took a glance at the security camera. It was Lu Tingxiao, so she quickly opened the door in surprise. "Boss? Why are you here!? Come in! I thought you said you were going to be busy today."
"I have to be here to set up our matrimonial home no matter how busy I am."
"Okay...then why don’t you key in the password to come in?"
"I'd like to see you open the door for me."
Ning Xi stayed silent.
Could their conversation stay happy?
Well, actually, she was being flirted with quite jovially.
The moment Lu Tingxiao stepped in, he heard the high-pitched "Today Is A Good Day" song and he clearly found it good., "This song...is interesting."
"Hahaha...you think it’s nice too? Steamed bun chose it! It’s so cute! Especially when it said 'my name is Andrew, not steamed bun!'"
Lu Tingxiao stared at the robot, suddenly feeling like it had become another new threat to his love…
With Lu Tingxiao’s help, Ning Xi finished setting up her room. She stood in front of the bed and looked at her new home with satisfaction. "That’s about it. I just need to get something for you and Little Treasure…"
From the back, the man’s warm chest closed in on her as he wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder.
Looking at the large man clinging on to her like a lost puppy, Ning Xi was a little confused. "What’s wrong?"
The man kissed the tip of her ear, then held her up and put her on the bed. He looked into her crystal clear eyes from above. "I feel very lucky to have met you…"
Ning Xi ran her fingers through his hair lovingly. "Me too…"
The man closed in and kissed her lips, deeper and deeper…
Suddenly, there was a clattering of things falling and rolling on the floor, making a pretty loud sound.
"What happened?"
Ning Xi pushed Lu Tingxiao away, then saw Lu Jingli standing there with vegetables and fruits all over the floor. He covered his eyes with one hand and Little Treasure’s eyes with the other. He kept saying, "I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry...it’s my fault! Please continue! I’ll take Little Treasure away now!"
Ning Xi rolled her eyes at him. "Stop messing around! How did you come in?"
Lu Jingli cried out , "Little Treasure knows the password!"
"Oh, right...my dear Little Treasure! You’re back! Come here!" Ning Xi hugged Little Treasure.
Little Treasure was a little unhappy that his uncle had covered his eyes suddenly, but after a hug from his mother, he forgot all about it.
Lu Jingli went up to the annoyed man, looking regretful. "Oh! My brother, I’m sorry! My future niece or nephew! I’m sorry!"
It was all his fault that they could not come into this world…
Lu Tingxiao and Ning Xi were speechless.
…
As it was Ning Xi’s first day moving in, she invited a few friends for a housewarming party.
Soon after Lu Jingli and Little Treasure came, Zhuang Keer and Jiang Muye arrived as well.
Lu Xinyan had somehow known about it as well and came bearing gifts. She probably wanted to take this opportunity to get on Ning Xi’s good side.
"Xiao Xi, your place is really pretty and the air around here is great as well. There’s even a big peach garden on the way here! The interior design looks so refreshing, I like it!" Zhuang Keer gushed.
"Come here more often then!"
"Mmm!"
"Oh, how’s your brother recently?" Ning Xi asked.
Zhuang Keer looked like her head hurt when Ning Xi mentioned Zhuang Rongguang. "Still the same, he started sneaking out every night again. His exams are coming soon, but at his current level, he'll probably fail…"
"What does your father have to say about it?" Ning Xi asked.
"My father and grandfather discussed and they are considering letting him join the army immediately. He’s at the best age to join as well, then he can attend military school after joining...but my brother doesn’t want to!"
"If he doesn’t want to, what does he intend to do then?"
"I spoke to him in private, and he said…" Zhuang Keer almost laughed. "He said that the world is so vast and that he wants to go out and explore. He wants be an adventurer and leave his footprints everywhere! He sounded pretty determine. I’m really afraid that he might leave without a word…"
Ning Xi was annoyed. "That idiot...break his leg! We'll see how he can go on his adventures!"
Zhuang Rongguang was just a teenager who liked to act tough with his family’s prestigious name. He had never failed before. Compared to the regular person, his life was way too peaceful.
…
Opposite, on the sofa, Lu Xinyan was a little speechless when she saw the two of them chatting so happily, so she quietly asked Lu Jingli beside her, "Didn't Zhuang Keer go on a blind date with Cousin before? How does she know Ning Xi? And it seems like they are pretty close."
Jiang Muye and Lu Jingli looked at each other, not knowing where to start.
"Steamed bun, go and get me some fruits!" Ning Xi yelled at the robot.
"Master, I'm Andrew, not steamed bun. Please wait!"
As Andrew was going to get the fruits, it suddenly stopped.
They then saw Little Treasure taking a chair and putting in front of it. He stood up on the chair and opened a lid on the back of the robot. He was modifying something within the complicated-looking circuits and screen inside.
After a while, Little Treasure closed the lid and the robot's eyes lit up. It turned towards Ning Xi and greeted her, "My dear Master, your most loyal butler, steamed bun, is at your service!"
"Hahahahaha…" Ning Xi giggled, then patted Little Treasure, "Thanks to my little bun!"
For making the stubborn Andrew become "steamed bun".
Lu Xinyan was confused by the sudden emotions that bubbled up in her throat.
Why…?
Why did it feel so heartwarming…?
A lover, a kid, a few good friends, and a cute little pet robot…
Her cousin had always given her the vibe of being emotionless like a robot, but when he was beside Ning Xi, he was so...gentle…
She could envision him as a person who came back from work and gently looked at his wife and son like a normal man…
Once, she hated Ning Xi for making her beloved cousin fall from the rank of a god to that of of a mortal, but now, she felt her eyes tear up seeing her cousin's warm expression.
…
The second day, at Spirit Studio.
"Director Qiao, are you looking for me?"
"Boss, look at this." Qiao Weilan handed her a stack of materials.
Ning Xi glanced through them. "This is Lu Xinyan's new proposal. She's mentioned it to me in private before, but what do you think?"
"I can't say much about the proposal. It's good but she was obviously taught or helped by others. No one knows how it will fare in execution...but…" Qiao Weilan stopped for a little. "She's taken up one of the best spots in the large shopping complex in the west of the city, so I think we can give her a try!"
Ning Xi nodded. "I can also see that she's very serious this time. With our brand's popularity now, it's quite impossible for us to lose money on her, right?"
"Let's hope so!" Qiao Weilan replied.
Her decision was actually a little risky.
However, like Ning Xi said, attitude was important. If Lu Xinyan was as playful as before, she would not let her through even with the shoplot she had acquired in the west of the city.
"Should I inform her now?" Qiao Weilan asked.
"Sure!"
A short while after Qiao Weilan called Lu Xinyan, Ning Xi's phone rang.
As expected, it was Lu Xinyan.
"Hello?"
"Ahhhhhh!!!" A loud, deafening scream came from the other side of the phone.
Ning Xi quickly moved the phone away from her ear and put it back on after the screaming ended. "My dear, did you just call me just to boast about the capacity of your lungs?"
"Just now...just now, Director Qiao from your company called me. She said my proposal went through! I can open a shop with Spirit Studio now, hahahaha…"
Lu Xinyan’s voice was pretty loud, even Qiao Weilan could hear her.
"Congratulations!" Ning Xi smiled.
There was a short silence, then came Lu Xinyan’s awkward voice, "Well...thank you!"
"For?"
"Thank you for helping me! I’m a fair person! You helped me, so of course, I’m going to thank you!" Lu Xinyan said.
Ning Xi humbly replied, "Thank you for your fairness, Ms. Lu, but you don’t have to thank me. I didn’t do anything. When Director Qiao came to me earlier, they had already decided to accept your proposal."
"Does it mean I passed with my own abilities?" Lu Xinyan’s tone was full of excitement.
"You can say so." Ning Xi nodded.
There was another short scream again. Lu Xinyan then cleared her throat, "Well, then thank you for being fair and not hindering my proposal submission!"
"You’re welcome."
"Just wait and see, my shop will definitely score the top sales among the six!"
"Okay, I’m looking forward to it!"
…
After Ning Xi finished the call, Qiao Weilan asked, "Boss, you know Lu Xinyan?"
From their conversation, they seemed pretty close.
"Sort of! We had some complicated matters between us before and she thought I'd purposely obstruct her proposal...but the misunderstanding is probably cleared by now!" Ning Xi explained.
Qiao Weilan nodded, then took another look at the woman in front of her again.
The more she knew, the more she felt like this woman was like a mystery with many secrets dwelling within her…
——————————
After she left the studio, she went to the garage with her car key. As she got into the car, her phone rang again.
The screen showed it was Tang Lang.
Ning Xi picked up the call. "Hello, Second Senior Brother? What’s up?"
"Little Junior Sister, I just received interesting news! Come to the usual place!" Tang Lang’s oddly excited voice came over from the phone.
"Interesting news? What interesting news?"
"Come and you’ll know! Quick! Remember to bring some money with you! I don’t have any! It’ll be on your tab!"
…
Ning Xi was about to go home but after the call from the mysterious Tang Lang, she drove towards bar Number 8.
"Did you bring enough money?" Tang Lang asked her urgently when she reached.
"Yes I did, what’s the matter?" Ning Xi asked impatiently.
"Water! Get me another bottle of Remy Martin Club Brandy!" Tang Lang yelled generously after his human ATM arrived.
Ning Xi slammed her hand on the table hard. "Hey! Did you lie just to get me here to pay for your alcohol?"
Tang Lang was stuffing popcorn into his mouth greedily and dropped the whole bowl when Ning Xi slammed the table. He then put on a mature expression and haughtily said, "Rude! How can you talk to your master like this?!"
Ning Xi clenched her teeth, then put on a sickly sweet, honeyed smile. "If guns weren’t banned in China, do you think I’d need you?!"
Everyone in the organization had a specialized skill of their own. Tang Lang had his fighting prowess. As for Tang Ye, aside from fighting, he had extraordinary business management skills. Feng Xiaoxiao specialized in assassination while Annie was the medical expert. Feng Jin was all about strategy and Ning Xi was the sharpshooter.
When they were abroad, as long as she had a gun in her hand, to say that no one could get near her was not an exaggeration.
However, things were different here. Guns were strictly prohibited in China.
In addition to her career as an actress, if she was found out carrying a gun with her at all times, it would gravely affect her acting career, which was why she had to train her fighting prowess and expand her capabilities in some things that were not her forte.
It was quite difficult for her.
"That’s why I said that the best, the most perfect weapon in the world is your body!" Tang Lang acted like a professional.
"Fine. Stop it. Are you done being so secretive? If you’re not going to tell me, I’m leaving!"
Tang Lang quickly replied as his human ATM was going to leave, "Why are you in such a rush!? You can’t get anything done without patience, okay? But...this news isn’t really a secret anyway. It’s been known throughout the organization!"
"You mean it's related to them?" Ning Xi’s expression darkened.
Tang Lang waved when he saw Ning Xi’s serious expression. "Relax, it’s good news! Do you know Satan actually ordered that no one is to lay their hands on you?! What he said was 'if anyone hurts her, I'll crush all their bones…'"
Ning Xi was surprised. "Are you sure? Didn't he say the opposite? Maybe he put up a bounty for people to crush my bones!"
Tang Lang rolled his eyes at her. "Not just the organization, the entire black market, including The Sins and the other mercenary groups were warned. No one dares to take any orders that might be involve you because of what happened the other day!
"And do you think it was just a normal gun shot to Feng Jin’s hand? That shot was aimed at his veins on purpose. His hand is long gone. If it wasn’t for Annie, he might even have problems coping with his daily life. He might not even able to hold a gun ever again!"
Ning Xi pinched the bridge of her nose. "That’s his personality alright, never allowing anyone to disobey his orders…"
Was that all…?
Tang Lang put on the face of a curious paparazzi and shoved his fist like an imaginary mic into her face. "Hey, Little Junior Sister, don’t you feel anything after hearing what I’ve just said?"
"How should I feel?"
"Touched! Not only did you leave the organization and broke up with him, you even get together with the big boss of the enemy, yet Satan didn’t kill you! He’s even protecting you. This is what I call true love!" Tang Lang said in a exaggerated tone.
Ning Xi’s mouth twitched. "You’re thinking too much!"
Maybe he did not want others to lay their hands on her because he wanted to kill her personally. Moreover, what did he mean about "breaking up" with him!?
Back then, after the guy had saved her, she had made a four-year promise that she would work for him for four years. As payback, she would do anything for him during the four years.
After four years, she was promised that she could leave as she wished.
In the end, on the last day, that man broke his promise and did not let her leave, driving her frustrated.
Ning Xi could not do anything, so she asked him what he wanted.
That man had the gall to ask her to be his girlfriend!
To repay one life with another, as long as she agreed, she would not owe him anything anymore!
Ning Xi agreed easily since he had not mentioned the period anyway! She had so many exes, so he was just another on on the list.
After she agreed, she decisively escaped the next day…
Thiat was the truth behind her one-day relationship with Yun Shen…
Tang Lang did not know about Ning Xi’s true story. "So, from what I see now, your safety is definitely secured!"
He then sighed, "Now you know why I need you to pay for my alcohol, don't you? I might lose a part of my salary soon!"
Ning Xi stared at him in disbelief. "Don't worry, you won’t! Didn’t you say that the best and most perfect weapon in the world is your body? So, please continue to train me! Who knows if he might go crazy and want to crush my bones? I have no one to rely on!"
"Well, that’s true, you still need me. I'm your Master!" Tang Lang nodded.
"However, since you're not that useful and the fact that my safety is secured for now, your doubled salary has returned to the normal rate now!" Ning Xi grinned.
"Hey! You profiteer! You think I won’t go and get back my card from Tang Ye, huh?!" Tang Lang howled.
"Heh, you can always try. No one’s stopping you. But don’t say that I didn’t remind you. The last time I was caught there, I saw First Senior Brother with several new scars on his arms! He must’ve put himself through some devilish training! Compared to your half-assed training, I wonder if you’ll be getting your card back or giving your life up?"
"Little Junior Sister, I suddenly feel that your suggestion about my salary adjustment is appropriate!" Tang Lang quickly changed his attitude.
…
Lu Xinyan was impatient. The moment her proposal passed, she immediatley opened her store.
On top of that, she organized a grand opening ceremony on the first day, inviting several popular celebrities over, and because of Lu Corporation backing her up, many socialites came over to support her.
At the same time, outside of Spirit’s store, Ning Xueluo and History’s marketing manager stood somewhere near the store.
"Boss, it’s here…" The manager pointed at Spirit’s sign.
History had a store in this complex as well, but the location was not as strategic as Spirit's. Their retailer was a general fashion retailer, and while they were not bad, their status and name could never beat Lu Corporation's.
As he saw Ning Xueluo’s expression darkened, the manager said, "Boss, although Lu Xinyan has the name of Lu Corporation behind her, she’s useless! All her previous businesses ended up losing money and her ex-partners were almost ruined by her, so her involvement with Spirit is Spirit’s misfortune!"
Ning Xueluo did not seem happy about it. She did not care about their business at all. It was the fact that Spirit was able to attract people like Lu Xinyan.
That meant that Spirit was just as popular as History…
Ning Xueluo looked at the man beside her coldly. "You cannot let Spirit continue to grow. Use whatever method you can!"
"You cannot let Spirit continue to grow. Use whatever method you can!"
"Understood, Boss! Just wait and see! They are still too young to go against me!" The man looked confident.
Ning Xueluo’s expression softened when she saw the man’s determination. This man was the previous marketing director of SF, a well-known market manipulator in the industry. He helped SF destroy countless competitors, so it was worth the fortune she had spent to get him on her side…
As for her, she had something more important going on.
It was confirmed that the elder was going to write his will!
…
In just a few days time, the news of the cousin to the CEO of Lu Corporation, Lu Xinyan’s new store opening spread like wildfire.
Many people came to support her. In addition to the strategic location of her store, her sales remained the highest among all the stores for the first few days.
Ning Xi was relieved when she saw Lu Xinyan doing well.
Unfortunately, the situation did not last long…
Inside Spirit Studio, Ning Xi held the sales report of Lu Xinyan’s store in her hands. She lay her head on the table of Qiao Weilan’s office in exhaustion. "I was wrong...I was really wrong this time…"
Aside from the spike in sales in the start, the sales of Lu Xinyan’s franchise store had dropped steeply and the loss incurred was extremely severe.
"Seriously, with the support of so many people, a strategic location, and sufficient backup...she could still lose this much money... A real talent indeed! How does she even do that?" Ning Xi sighed.
Actually, Qiao Weilan had somewhat expected this to happen.
She had gone through Lu Xinyan’s proposal personally and found the plan was pretty solid, but a business was run by people. With Lu Xinyan as the boss, her decision would affect everything and if her execution went astray of her plan, the proposal would be meaningless.
With this much loss incurred, Lu Xinyan did not tell Ning Xi about it and planned to tough it out, but numbers could not lie. Qiao Weilan could identify the problem at one glance.
She quickly called Ning Xi over for a discussion the moment she realized something was wrong.
"I’ve gone over and investigated how she was doing before. Historically, she would just lose more and more. She's just not a business-minded person," Qiao Weilan explained, "Not only could she not differentiate between peak season and normal season, to boost her sales numbers, she also had promotions almost every week. Although it looked like they attracted a lot of customers, as time went on, a high-end brand turned into cheap. After the event ended, how could she expect to sell them at the prices of a high-end brand again?"
Ning Xi looked helpless. She finally believed that that girl was really an amateur. In regard to Lu Xinyan’s loss, Ning Xi sort of expected it, but she just did not expect it to be this severe.
"If this goes on, it'll definitely negatively influence to Spirit as well as the other stores," Qiao Weilan said.
Ning Xi pinched the bridge of her nose. " Director Qiao, you’re still tied up with the business expansion project. I’ll go and discuss with Lu Xinyan personally!"
Qiao Weilan nodded without any objection.
She was not afraid for Lu Xinyan to make mistakes; she was afraid that Lu Xinyan would not realize her own mistake and continue to make them. Judging by the conversation Ning Xi had with her the last time, they should be pretty close, so it would be great if they could talk this out.
…
At the headquarters of History, David swirled the wine glass in his hand, then took a sip. He said happily, "Boss, like I said before, brand and popularity is one thing and business management is another. No matter how good their designer is, they aren’t a threat to us!
"Now that you've seen it for yourself, you can relax now! The marketing department said that Lu Xinyan was a real amateur. All the business she has handled before failed in the end. That girl from Lu Corporation simply has no idea how a franchise works. She made money-losing promotions one after another, turning Spirit into another cheap brand now. When people stopped coming by after promotion period ended, she’d start another promotion campaign again! Hahaha…"
David guffawed heartily.
Ning Xueluo wore a long dress. She looked outside the window with a sneer.
They thought they had gained a solid supporter and tried to get involved with Lu Corporation through Lu Xinyan. Great! Instead of gaining, they have lost a lot more now!
Nevertheless, she already expected that this would happen with Lu Xinyan. It was nothing to be surprised about.
"Oh yes, I’m here today to ask you something. Have you heard of this person?" Ning Xueluo passed David an Italian fashion magazine.
David’s eyes glowed when he saw the designs on the cover, but when he saw a vague face of the designer, his expression changed.
"Han Xiao…?!"
Although the picture was not clear, he could tell that it was him.
"Do you know him?" Ning Xueluo asked when she saw the obvious change in his expression.
"Boss, this Han Xiao is a Italian-born Chinese...h-he’s a madman!" David seemed to be reminded of something scary and his forehead was full of sweat. "I went to Italy to study for a period of time before. Although Han Xiao was impressive, he has a bad reputation. He betrayed his own teacher, always had extreme mood swings, and he only does whatever he likes!"
David had heard a lot about Han Xiao before. Although he was a newbie in the fashion design industry, everyone called him "The Demon". However, he disappeared a long time ago as his interest in design did not last long. He quit after his interest fizzled out.
He could recognize the man because he had met him personally before at a gathering in Italy and his friends had told him about Han Xiao.
"That’s great then. I heard he came to China recently. He's right in our city! Help me look for him." Ning Xueluo grinned.
Find Han Xiao?
David shivered. Even if he met him, he would want to leave as far away as possible. Who would want to be with a madman?
"Boss, what're you saying?" David felt uneasy. Why did Ning Xueluo want to find Han Xiao? Maybe…
"I need him to help History get to the next level," Ning Xueluo said straightforwardly. However, there was a twist. "But you can relax, you’ll still hold your position. Since he’s a madman, I’ll probably just use him once or twice."
"Understood." David smiled as he stood up and finished the wine in his glass.
…
At West City Mall, Lu Xinyan’s store was having all kinds of promotions. Ning Xi shook her head when she reached there.
When Ning Xi walked into the store, a few salespeople were chatting away happily, not even greeting Ning Xi when she entered.
"Anyone here?" Ning Xi frowned a little and asked.
The salespeople then turned around and looked at Ning Xi.
"I’m sorry, we’re getting off work soon. Please come again tomorrow," said one of the taller salespeople.
"If you’re getting off work soon, that means you haven't just yet," replied Ning Xi.
They were a little surprised, then took a closer look at Ning Xi. She dressed a little plainly today, but they all had instantly looked down on her.
"Miss, Spirit is a high-end luxury brand. Although we do have some promotions going on, all of them still cost at least tens of thousands." The tall salesperson sounded impatient.
Their customers used to be mostly rich socialites and famous celebrities. However, ever since their promotion campaign started, more and more people visited them and asked them for the prices as if it was a market. The salespeople felt disgusted as they knew that these people would not be able to afford them even after asking.
Ning Xi ignored them and went inside the store.
"What’s wrong with you? Didn’t I tell you that we’re closing soon!?"
They went after her and the tall girl looked especially annoyed.
Ning Xi’s eyes landed on a long coat and she put her hands on it. The tall girl wallked in front of her, grabbed the coat and put it on a higher rack to avoid Ning Xi from touching it.
"I’m sorry, Spirit is a luxury brand. You can neither try nor touch it!"
"How much is this?" Ning Xi asked.
"This?" The tall girl glanced at Ning Xi disdainfully. "This is a new design from Spirit. It’s $ 40,000 after discount!"
"$ 40,000?"
Ning Xi was more than a little shocked. The cost price cost was more than that. Each piece Lu Xinyan sold made losses. The more she sold, the more she lost.
The salesperson thought that Ning Xi was shocked by how expensive it was. When they saw her frown, they tittered coldly at her.
"You can go to other stores. Spirit’s clothes are the definition of luxury."
All of them looked at Ning Xi like she was some poor, penniless lady.
"What time is it now? Is it really time to close?" Ning Xi looked at them coldly.
"That’s none of your business! Please go somewhere else and stop looking for trouble!"
The tall salesperson was really rude.
Before Ning Xi could continue, a man and a woman entered. The girl had a branded sling purse on her right shoulder while her left arm clung onto the man beside her.
"Is it closing?" The girl asked the tall salesperson.
"Oh, Sis Li Xun, of course not. We’re waiting for you!" The tall salesperson ignored Ning Xi and quickly went up to Li Xun with a smile.
Li Xun glanced at Ning Xi, then forced a smile. "For a brand that’s meant to be the definition of luxury, no wonder you’d want to close now to avoid random people coming in."
"You’re right, Sis Li Xun. Even though Spirit is having promotions now, not many people can still afford them. There're even some people who sneak inside luxury shops and get prepare to steal when they think no one notices."
The tall salesperson then intentionally threw a glance at Ning Xi.
"Sis Li Xun, we have some new products. Our boss’s discount is much better than the main branch's. Do you want to have a look?"
The other salesperson went up to her and introduced some new designs.
"We’ll just take a look then." Li Xun clung on to her man and followed the salesperson.
"Hey, why are you still here? Don’t block the path!"
They shoved Ning Xi aside, making her very frustrated. All the salespeople in the franchise stores were paid directly by the main branch, even Lu Xinyan’s store.
Ning Xi had not come for nothing this time. She now realized an extremely severe issue. Spirit was too focused on making the brand popular and setting their brand positioning in the market, but they ignored personnel training. Whether it was the salesperson or store manager, they should have received proper training from the main branch before being sent out to other franchises.
When they saw that Ning Xi was not leaving, the salespeople ignored her and served the couple.
"This looks pretty good, how much is it after discount?" Li Xun asked.
"Sis Li Xun, this discount on this one isn’t good enough. We have another one that’s fresh from the main branch."
The tall salesperson then took out an elegant coat.
"Let me tell you, this cost $ 60,000 when the boss took in from the main branch, but after discount, this is $ 58,000!" The tall salesperson beamed.
"Let me try."
The girl quickly put it on for Li Xun.
"Dear, does it look nice on me?" Li Xun turned around and asked the man beside her.
"Mmm, not bad, looks better than the one you bought for $ 120,000 from History." The man smiled adoringly at her.
"Hmm, Spirit can never compare to History. History is the real luxury brand. You can’t even try the clothes on there." Li Xun pouted, "But, well, Spirit is kind of okay."
The man shrugged. From his experience in both shops, Spirit was way behind History. The salespeople in History were very professional.
"This is pretty good, give me this one." Li Xun took off the coat.
"Give me a moment, Sis Li Xun, I think I can get this coat even cheaper." The tall salesperson gave her a secretive smile, then made a call.
"Manager, it's the latest coat. A customer wants it to be cheaper and you know we’re still new anyway... Mmm, okay, I understand."
The girl ended the call and winked at Li Xun. "Sis, the final discounted price is $ 55,000. That's another extra $ 3,000 discount!"
"You’re really good at closing deals. The next time you come to my place, I’ll definitely give you some special service." Li Xun was satisfied.
"Sis, with our relationship, of course I’d want to save money for you."
After they packed the clothes, they all sent Li Xun out of the store with wide smiles.
"Why aren't you leaving? We’re closing!" The tall salesperson said coldly when she saw that Ning Xi was still there.
"I remember that Spirit is a high-end store and trying on items isn't allowed." Ning Xi stared defiantly at this arrogant salesperson right in front of her.
"Anyone else can try except for you. Leave now or I’m calling the security guard!"
The other two salespeople went up and wondered where this woman was from and why was she not leaving.
Ning Xi scoffed at them, "Get me your boss."
"Boss?"
"What’s wrong with you? Who do you think you are?"
"Are you here to look for trouble?"
"Knowing my boss’ identity? Who do you think you are to see her?"
One of the salesgirls went out and called the security guard.
"Guard, she came in and looked for trouble. Please get her out!" The tall salesperson glared at Ning Xi as she saw the security guard entered.
"What’s the fuss? What happened?"
Before the security guard could say anything, a middle-aged woman came in.
"Manager Gu Yue, why are you here this late?"
The salespeople went up to the middle-aged woman as she walked in.
"Manager Gu, this random woman stayed in our store for a long time. She just asked for prices and didn’t buy anything. I’m suspecting that she might want to steal our clothes. Didn’t we lose a few before?"
"Right, the whole mall has been having a volume of thefts recently, from branded shoes to bags. They were all stolen when no one noticed."
The manager looked at Ning Xi impatiently, but when she saw her, she felt that she looked familiar.
"Are you...from the main branch?"
The manager tried to remember. Some time ago, she had gone to the main branch with her boss to do some paperwork and she was sure that she had seen this woman there before.
"The main branch?!"
"Spirit’s main branch?"
The salespeople were surprised. Why would a person from the main branch be at their store?
"Maybe she wants to buy something from our store because she heard about the discounts," said one of the girls.
"Main branch? So what if she’s from the main branch? We might even be more well-off than her. Look at how poorly she's dressed. She still can't afford things from our store even when it’s discounted!" The tall sales guide said.
Ning Xi had no more tolerance for people like her anymore. She looked at the store manager and then called Lu Xinyan.
"My big boss, it’s very late already. Can we talk about this tomorrow?" Lu Xinyan sounded like she was sleeping.
"Come to your store, right now. If I don’t see you in ten minutes, you can close your store tomorrow."
Ning Xi did not give Lu Xinyan any chance to talk and ended the call immediately.
The manager and the few sales guides were dumbfounded. They did not know that Ning Xi was talking to Lu Xinyan just now.
Lu Xinyan acted quickly this time and actually arrived her store within ten minutes.
The store manager and the salespeople went up to greet their boss who had suddenly appeared.
"What’s so urgent that you need me here right now? What happened? Can’t we talk about this on the phone?" Lu Xinyan complained unhappily while looking at Ning Xi.
The store personnel were totally stunned when they heard what Lu Xinyan said.
Their boss actually knew this woman?
"Lu Xinyan, these people in your store...where did you find them? Didn’t the main branch assign some professional salespeople to you?" Ning Xi glanced at the sales guides and the manager.
"I hired them! It’s my own shop, so of course, I’m going to recruit the people myself. Only then will it be counted as my own effort!" Lu Xinyan looked proudly at Ning Xi.
Ning Xi almost passed out hearing the girl’s logic. She took a deep breath. "Change them! All of them! I’ll pick out personnel from the main branch for you. Just follow the protocol!"
Ning Xi’s tone was ferocious and she did not give any chance for Lu Xinyan to say anything.
"Fine, fine...you’re the boss. I’ll do whatever you say...but what happened?"
Lu Xinyan frowned a little, she could sort of guess what had happened. Ning Xi must have noticed some issues when she arrived in the store. Otherwise, she would not be this angry.
Anyway, Lu Xinyan felt immensely guilty. Although her financial report seemed to be earning a lot on the surface, she was losing money. A lot of money…
"Big boss?!"
"Boss from the main branch?!"
The few sales guides could not believe it. This woman was the founder of Spirit?! They freaked out, never imagining that the boss would suddenly appear in the store.
The store manager had only felt like she had seen Ning Xi before, but she had not known that Ning Xi was the founder of Spirit.
Ning Xi’s voice softened as Lu Xinyan’s attitude was gentle and she had toned down. "Also, cancel all your promotions. Go and look for Director Qiao tomorrow. Learn how to run a franchise from her!"
"Huh? Cancel? I came up with these campaigns with all my wits!" Lu Xinyan sounded dejected.
Ning Xi’s mouth twitched. "My dear, you used up all your wits just to lose money like this?!"
Lu Xinyan’s expression froze. "Y-you found out…"
Oh, no! Her cover was blown!
"In three days, I want to see you strictly following the plan and our protocol! If not, you’ll bear the consequences!" Ning Xi left the store without even looking back at the workers.
They were all shocked when they saw Ning Xi’s attitude towards Lu Xinyan.
Lu Xinyan was Lu Tingxiao’s cousin! Yet, Ning Xi had yelled at her!
Who exactly was this woman?
"What happened?!" Lu Xinyan asked angrily while glaring at her people after Ning Xi left.
"Boss...I-I don’t know anything! Big boss was already angry when I came back. It must be them!" The store manager pushed the responsibility away completely.
One of the salesgirls told the truth.
After she heard everything, Lu Xinyan immediately fired everyone, including the manager.
Ning Xi had a headache after she left Lu Xinyan’s store. She felt really helpless.
Six franchise stores but only Lu Xinyan’s shop was doing so badly. With a manager and salespeople of that standard, plus an amateur owner, the store would definitely close down sooner or later. It was a good thing that Ning Xi found out about it early…
Thud!
As Ning Xi was deep in thought, a person suddenly flashed by and collided with her, making her almost fall.
"I’m sorry, lady, are you alright?" The person stopped and held Ning Xi to avoid her from falling down.
Ning Xi shook her head. "I’m okay."
"Ah...lady, you seem pretty agile. Have you learnt martial arts before?" The man looked at her with perked interest.
Ning Xi could not help but roll her eyes. Just where was he from, calling her "lady" like an ancient, old man?
"Haha, I’m glad that you’re alright. I have to flee." The man smiled and looked back, his smile growing wider.
Flee?
Ning Xi tilted her head and raised her eyebrows questioningly.
Before Ning Xi could say anything, numerous running footsteps came from the back. About a dozen people were running towards their direction.
"Are...they your enemies?"
Ning Xi was taken aback. Who exactly was he to be chased by a dozen of people in the middle of the night?
"Haha!" The man laughed, "I don’t know them, but I saw that they fought pretty well against each other. They couldn’t decide the winner after quite some time, so I beat them up instead. Who knew they'd have guns? Haha, no matter how good I am, I can’t be faster than bullets!"
"Oh...how are you not dead by now then?"
Ning Xi was impressed by the man’s shameless attitude. He had offended some people and was chased by a dozen of them, yet he was still acting tough.
And people were fighting on their own, so why did he involve himself? Was he asking for trouble?
"Farewell, milady, I have to go!"
As the man was about to flee, Ning Xi held him back.
"Follow me."
Ning Xi dragged the man and forced him under a SUV.
"You...what are you doing?"
The man was taken aback by her action.
Ning Xi looked at him smilingly. "Luck is in your favor. I like your adventurous attitude!"
And...everything she was interested in…
This man had just so happened to possess them all.
Ning Xi stopped talking to him. She stood in front of the car and blocked the man from the sight of his pursuers. A short while, the dozen of people reached her.
"First...First Senior Brother?!"
Ning Xi's eyes flew wide open when she saw a familiar face framed by a pair of glasses.
The man at the front was Tang Ye! The more outrageous fact was not only that Tang Ye was there, Tang Lang was also beside him!
How had they ended up together?
"Little Junior Sister, why are you here?" Tang Lang asked while panting.
"Second Senior Brother? I’m about to ask you guys! What are you guys doing? Why are you with First Brother Senior?"
Ning Xi was stunned.
Could the man under the car be hunted by Tang Ye and Tang Lang?
Really? Who exactly was that man who was able to make Tang Ye and Tang Lang cooperate?
Ugh...wait... Just now, that man mentioned that he saw two people were fighting and that he beat them up because they could not decide the winner after a long time. Could the people he was talking about be First Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother?
"Little Junior Sister, did you see a madman pass by?" Tang Ye’s cold eyes looked questioningly at Ning Xi from behind his glasses.
Ning Xi was not stupid. The madman Tang Ye was referring to must be the same one under the car.
After a difficult moment of internal struggle, Ning Xi nodded.
"Where!?"
Tang Ye and Tang Lang suddenly became alert as they focused on Ning Xi.
"Right here." Ning Xi inclined her head towards Tang Lang and Tang Ye.
"Where?" Tang Ye swung around.
"Here, two madmen, right in front of me!" Ning Xi looked seriously at them.
"You cheeky little brat! We’re asking you about something serious!" Tang Lang exclaimed.
"Go back early tonight. It’s not safe here," Tang Ye said expressionlessly.
She became more and more curious. Just who was the man under the car and how did he get on First Senior Brother be aware of him?
"Second Senior Brother, what happened?" Ning Xi asked.
"Just now, I was playing around lovingly with your First Senior Brother when suddenly, a madman butted in and said he wanted to give us advice. He even fought with the both of us!"
Tang Lang was really annoyed. What the heck was "playing around lovingly"?
Ning Xi’s expression darkened. "Then...the both of you lost?"
Was she really looking at Tang Lang and Tang Ye?
Ning Xi was shocked. Tang Ye losing? Tang Lang also losing? Tang Ye and Tang Lang had both...lost?
Tang Lang seemed a little awkward. He slapped Ning Xi’s head lightly. "Nonsense! Your First Senior Brother lost, I didn’t!"
"I understand...but, why do you need so many people for?" Ning Xi looked at the dozen people behind him.
If he could really win, why did he need the people behind him?
"They...they're here for us to find him easily. Anyway, I have no time to stay and chat anymore!" Tang Lang realized that this girl was up to no good.
"Let’s go." Tang Lang turned around and left as they had lost the guy. He did not even bother glancing at Tang Lang.
"Hey! Where are you going? We’re not done yet! Give me back my card!" Tang Lang yelled at him.
"My dear Second Senior Brother, if you don’t put in more effort, First Senior Brother probably won’t look for you again because it seems like something more interesting has just popped up!"
Tang Lang was reminded of that madman and his expression turned broody. "Go away! I can finish him instantly with just a little bit more training!"
…
After Tang Ye and Tang Lang left, Ning Xi’s curiosity was killing her. Who exactly was the man under the car?
Ning Xi was well aware of the abilities of Tang Ye and Tang Lang. Wth the both of them together, how could they have possibly lost to the madman?
As Ning Xi was thinking about it, a powerful palm casually tapped her shoulder.
Ning Xi was surprised by the sudden contact and she swiftly swiveled a kick behind her.
What was surprising was that her instinctive kick missed! A dark shadow moved through the air at an inhumane speed.
If Ning Xi was in a forest, she would have surely assumed that it was a beast.
"Lady, you’re really well trained!"
The man had easily dodged her attack and suddenly stood right in front of her.
Ning Xi instinctively backed away. This man is extremely dangerous. Extremely!
"The both of them are your Senior Brothers? They aren’t much," the man mocked, laughing in a rather hoarse and creepy way.
"Who are you?" Ning Xi looked at the man as her senses were on alert.
"My name is Han Xiao, what about you?" Han Xiao half-smiled at her.
"I'm Ning Xi."
He did not seem like a bad guy, so Ning Xi relaxed a little. The reason that she felt Han Xiao was really scary was that knowing Tang Ye and Tang Lang’s high standards, he could still beat them. It was incredibly hard to believe for her.
"Lady, you saved me, so this meal is on me." She noticed that Han Xiao’s eyes sometimes looked crystal clear, but at times were filled with a devilish charm. One look of his was able to send a chill down anyone's spine.
"It’s okay, I’m kind of busy," Ning Xi rejected Han Xiao’s invitation.
She had saved him unintentionally just now. Now that she knew it was Tang Lang and Tang Ye who were chasing after him, she did not want to get too deeply involved with him anymore. However, since she had already helped him, she would finish the job.
"No, no way. I never owe others... If you don’t want to eat, let me help you with some self-improvement. Would like some plastic surgery? Ladies nowadays like to do it on their face, don’t they? Although you already look great, I can make you look perfect!" Suddenly, Han Xiao took out a scalpel.
"Hey! What do you want?!"
Ning Xi doubted whether it was a right decision to help him.
"Don’t worry, I forgot to tell you that I was a surgeon before. Oh, I was also a fashion designer... I've even worked as a grave caretaker…" Han Xiao looked like he was seriously recalling the jobs he had worked as before.
"A designer…" Ning Xi’s mouth twitched.
This guy was once a designer?
"Hey, didn’t you say you want to buy me a meal? Let’s go!"
Ning Xi did not know what this madman was thinking, so she might as well go to a more crowded area, which would be safer for her. In case anything happened, it was easier for her to escape as well.
…
Halfway to the restaurant, Han Xiao sped up ahead of her.
"Mountains aren’t blessed with heights. It’s blessed if a god resides within... A river isn’t judged by its depth. It’s spiritual when a dragon stays within... Spirit...the name feels pure."
Han Xiao stood outside Spirit's store and looked at the garments inside through the glass window.
"I looked through the design concept and the garments of a few stores. This Spirit is pretty good. I’d like to see who the designer is." Han Xiao grinned creepily.
"I think you should go back to be a grave caretaker... You really think you’re a designer?" Ning Xi said.
Han Xiao turned around sharply. "Lady, believe it or not, Spirit’s designer is nowhere near my level, I can end him anytime."
"I believe you," Ning Xi acquiesced, "I believe that with your scalpel, you can end him anytime you want."
Ning Xi was sure that Gong Shangze would never beat him in a fight.
"And please, don’t keep calling me 'lady'. Call me Ning Xi," Ning Xi interrupted before he could say anything else.
Han Xiao looked at Ning Xi with a sly smile. "You’re pretty courageous. No one has ever talked to me like that before."
"Right, aren’t you a grave caretaker? The dead ones are usually pretty shy to talk to the living." Ning Xi felt like she was going crazy talking to a madman.
Han Xiao stopped talking to Ning Xi until they reached a 24-hour KFC outlet.
"I’ll buy you a meal here." Han Xiao then dragged Ning Xi in.
"Two hamburgers and two milk teas, please."
Treating your life savior to a meal in KFC... Bro, you’re really creative!
After he paid, Han Xiao really brought over two hamburgers...and two cups of milk teas.
Han Xiao smiled as he saw Ning Xi’s odd expression. "Don't eat so much at night or you’ll get fat."
Ning Xi did not bother to reply.
It was dim earlier but now, Ning Xi could see Han Xiao’s face clearly. He had long, dark hair that fell to his waist, the tendrils falling messily like intersecting streams of waterfalls.
His brown eyes were filled with a mysterious spiritual aura and were as clear as crystal. They peeked out from under his long eyelashes, making him look very pretty.
Ning Xi’s heart got caught in her chest for a moment. She swore that she had never met any man...so beautiful!
This Han Xiao had nothing to do with being cool; there was only one word to describe him: beautiful.
If Han Xiao had not opened his mouth to speak, she would never have known that he was a man.
Ning Xi started to doubt herself. Maybe, Han Xiao’s voice was just a little too masculine and he was actually a real woman…
Ning Xi kept staring at him while wondering if he was actually a man or woman.
Han Xiao stood up a short while later and said, "Lady Ning, thank you for your help tonight although you were just a busybody…"
"I should’ve just give you to them," Ning Xi replied.
"This is my contact. Lady Ning, if you have any problems, do give me a call. I just feel that...a hamburger and some milk tea don’t seem enough to repay you."
Han Xiao snatched Ning Xi’s phone away and punched in his contact number to save, then he returned the phone back to Ning Xi.
Before Ning Xi could say anything, Han Xiao turned around and disappeared.
"First Senior Brother and Second Senior brother aren’t wrong... Han Xiao really is a madman!"
Ning Xi felt her brain go haywire after talking to him. She would never want to meet him again!
…
At night, after she returned to her villa, Ning Xi soon forgot about it. As she was about to shower, she received a phone call from her grandfather.
"Mmm, I’m alright. Little Treasure’s doing well too... I know, I’ll go over tomorrow!"
The elder had called her to inform her that he was going to write his will tomorrow and told her that she had to come.
Ning Xi was not surprised. As expected, Ning Yaohua had approached her the other day about this matter.
After her shower, Ning Xi went to bed early. She heard that even the long-lost Aunt Ning Qiutong had come back as well…
There would probably be a storm tomorrow...
…
The next morning, Ning Xi wore the same floral dress she wore at the cooking show. She took her bag and drove towards the Ning residence.
"Miss Xi, welcome! Elder Master said to inform you to meet him in the study room when you’ve arrived!"
It could be the BMW she drove today, or because they knew that the elder, who always had a soft spot for her, was making his will that they thought they might get some sort of advantage from her. The servants had never once called her "Miss Xi".
Ning Xi nodded, then went upstairs.
After she had left, she did not have to even bother guessing the kind of things these people said about her behind her back…
"Tsk, how shameless! She came to take their assets from them as a foster daughter…"
"Right! Shameless indeed!"
"This girl is different now. Did you see her outfit? That's a very popular brand recently and it's pretty expensive too. Plus, she drives a BMW! With her seductive face, who knows which old man kept her as his mistress?!"
"What is the Old Master thinking? He already has Miss Xueluo, yet he wanted to adopt another girl from the countryside!"
…
"Chatting very happily, aren’t we?! Who’s the girl? Hmm?"
As the big bunch of servants was gossiping happily, a cold voice came from behind. Everyone was shocked and they turned around.
"A bunch of servants biting your master’s tail, eh? Is this the standard of the Ning family’s servants?" A woman in her thirties reprimanded them. She had short hair and wore a champagne-colored dress, looking very much like the epitome of a strong woman.
Ning Qiutong was the cousin of Ning Yaohua and Ning Yaobang. Her parents had passed away early, so she left home and ventured overseas. Rumor was that her business was going really well and that she had married into a good family. It had been many years since she last came back. Her name was sometimes brought up in conversations because of how well she was doing overseas and some of the older servants in the Ning family knew about her.
Even after so many years, the intimidating aura she gave off was still the same.
"W-we’re talking about Ms. Xi, not Ms. Xueluo…"
"That’s right! We’re talking about the countryside girl!"
Ning Qiutong was not someone to pick fights with, so they quickly explained to her.
Ning Qiutong glared at all of them, her tone going even colder. "Why would I have to scold you all if you guys were talking about Ning Xueluo!?"
Ridiculous! The servants could not even recognize their real master now! If it was not for her uncle’s call, she really did not want to come back.
"Miss... She... What does she mean? What does she mean she wouldn’t have scolded us if we were talking about Ms. Xueluo?"
"Who knows!?"
"Actually, I realized that Ning Qiutong did not like Ms. Xueluo many years ago. I don’t understand what went wrong between them…"
They started gossiping again, discussing the capable Ning Qiutong’s legendary life.
…
When Ning Xi stepped into the study room, she saw that everyone else had arrived. Ning Yaohua, Zhuang Lingyu, Ning Xueluo, Ning Yaobang, and Ning Tianxin were there. Even Su Yan attended the session.
"Xiao Xi, you’re here! Come to Grandfather!" The elder’s serious expression broke into a smile the moment he saw Ning Xi.
Ning Xi had put on peach-themed makeup today, matching her youthful outfit. The elder was pleased that she looked healthy and happy.
Ignoring the cold glares from multiple directions, Ning Xi went up to her grandfather smilingly. "Grandfather, are you alright? How was the herbal medicine prescription I gave you the last time? Was it effective?"
The elder was excited to update her. "Ah, I was just about to tell you! The prescription you gave me worked like a charm! My headache stopped and I stopped having sweat when I sleep. I can even walk more now! Look at me walk!"
Ning Xi's laughter tinkled lightly. "That’s great then. I’ll get more for you after you've finished it!"
"Xiao Xi, which old traditional Chinese medicine doctor did you go to? He really must be the real deal! I’ve gone to a few before. All the prescriptions they gave tasted horrible and were all very useless. Those that were useful have severe side effects!" The elder complained.
"It’s a friend of mine. He's not that old but he has really good medical knowledge," Ning Xi replied.
After Annie’s visit the last time, they texted each other from time to time, so in one of these conversations, Ning Xi had just asked her casually about how to treat her grandfather's condition. Annie had replied with a very detailed prescription, so she went to a traditional Chinese herb store and bought whatever she needed according to the prescription. To her surprise, it worked very well.
She had to find a time to thank Annie properly...
"You actually dared to trust a young doctor’s prescription? What if any problems arose?" Ning Yaobang mumbled.
Ning Yaohua interrupted him, "Didn’t Father say it was effective? Stop your nonsense!"
Ning Yaohua then switched to a gentler attitude and spoke to Ning Xi, "Thank you so much, Xiao Xi!"
It was a sensitive period right now. No matter how unhappy he was towards Ning Xi, he had to get Ning Xi on his side right now.
Zhuang Lingyu was about to say something but was stopped by Ning Yaohua. "Xiao Xi, take a seat!"
As she observed Ning Yaohua’s attitude towards Ning Xi, Ning Xueluo could not do anything but to suppress her emotions inside.
What was important now was to get the shares from Ning Xi.
"Sister, come over here!" Ning Xueluo dragged her to her seat where Zhuang Lingyu was on her left and Su Yan was on her right. When Su Yan saw Ning Xueluo trying to drag her over, he moved over a space, so Ning Xi now sat in between Ning Xueluo and Su Yan.
After Ning Xi sat down, Su Yan did not feel at ease and moved away slightly further. However, his effort was futile as the girl’s natural sweet scent invaded his nostrils everytime he breathed, seeping right into his heart.
He did not remember the last time he was this close to her…
He also did not understand why he was feeling so uncomfortable when they were just sitting next to each other.
The girl was talking to Ning Xueluo at the moment. He glanced at the girl’s butterfly-like eyelashes, her soft lips, and her exquisite collarbone…
He must be crazy! His fiancee was right here, yet he was attracted to another woman and this woman was one whom he treated like his little sister…
Ever since he realized his feelings for Ning Xi were unusual, he had stopped himself from seeing Ning Xi. For a period of time, he did forget about her. Unfortunately, now, the moment they were reunited again, the burst of his long-suppressed feelings was hardly controllable…
Su Yan! Wake up!
The man took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.
"Sis, this outfit looks really good on you!" Ning Xueluo sounded impressed.
She touched the fabric, and said, "Sis isn’t this the latest product from Spirit this season? I saw you wore this on the cooking show last time. Many people have asked me about the brand. I heard that this particular design is sold out!"
Without waiting for Ning Xi to say anything, Zhuang Lingyu had already revealed a dismal expression. "She knows that Spirit is a rival to her sister's company, yet she intentionally wore their clothes to advertise them. You're always helping outsiders!"
When Ning Yaohua heard this, he quickly tried to smooth things over and said, "Girls! When they see pretty clothes, they buy it if they like it without paying attention to such things! But, Xiao Xi, this Spirit has really been going against your sister's company recently, so you should watch out a little. If you like this kind of style, just let your sister give you a few outfits later on!"
"The last time Sis came to our store to shop, I told her that I wanted to give her some, but...Sis..." Ning Xueluo did not finish her sentence. Nevertheless, it was enough for Ning Yaohua and Zhuang Lingyu to fill in the blanks by themselves.
Zhuang Lingyu's face was full of loathing. "Why should you care about her? She's petty, always fussing over minor matters and throwing tempers!"
It turns out that having her entire life snatched away was just a minor matter to her!
Ning Xi sat on the side and watched the three of them like a drama and she almost laughed out loud. She kept on calling her "Sis", yet she did not know when she had one. It made them look like they were really a family now that they really seemed to have forgotten about breaking ties with her and chasing her out of the house.
As he watched the girl's indistinct smile, like the lazy short-lived bloom of a cactus in the dead of the night, once again, Su Yan's logic broke through his cage of control and he felt reckless...
When she felt a fervent sight on her, Ning Xi subconsciously turned to look.
The instant his gaze met the girl's, Su Yan thought his heart was about to explode. He had used up all his might to regain self-control. In a calm tone, he said, "I watched your show a few days ago. Your culinary skills have improved again!"
When he said this, Su Yan could not help but feel a forlornness in his heart. There was a time when she had learned to cook for him, yet now he could only find out that her cooking had improved through a television show...
Ning Xi smiled and said, "Really?"
She naturally did not miss the sentiment and ambiguous affection in Su Yan's eyes when he looked at her.
If this man could be loyal and love Ning Xueluo unchangingly, she could still respect him a little more. Sadly...
There was the sound of three knocks on the door. Someone pushed the door open and walked in.
Everyone in the room turned to look, then they saw Ning Huiyuan strolling in, cool and proud.
"Uncle!" Ning Qiutong did not look at anyone else and only greeted the elder.
"Huiyuan is here..." When the elder saw his niece whom he had not seen for years, he could not help but feel rueful. At least, he felt assured as he knew that she had a good life outside.
After the two made some small talk, the elder's gaze swept across the crowd before he said, "Since everyone is here, let's begin then!"
The moment he said that, everyone's expression turned serious. After glancing at each other, they slowly got up and walked to the long oval table to sit down. The lawyer was holding the prepared will and stood beside the elder who was sitting at the head of the table.
On the table, Ning Yaohua, Zhuang Lingyu, Ning Xueluo and Su Yan sat on one side, while Ning Yaohua and Ning Tianxin sat on the other. Ning Qiutong sat beside Ning Tianxin.
Then, there was Ning Xi left.
Ning Xi's eyes swept past the empty seat opposite Su Yan, then ignored Ning Yaohua's warning gaze and sat casually opposite Su Yan, beside Ning Qiutong.
When Ning Yaohua saw that she had actually sat opposite, his expression darkened.
Now, he could only wait and see. He hoped that Xueluo would get a little more shares. That way, he would feel less pressure and would not need to involve the root of all his trouble, Ning Xi!
"Well... Father, you're so healthy now. You don't actually need to rush your will!" Ning Yaobang knew that the current version of the will was most unfavorable for him, so he said that as his final attempt.
Ning Tianxin, who sat beside him, was indifferent instead.
When the elder heard his second son's words, he was furious and immediately roared, "Shut up! You have no right to tell me what to do! If you have the capability, then turn the tables for the companies under you that lose money every year, or else, don't talk to me!"
Ning Yaobang was sullen after such a scolding while Ning Yaohua looked delighted.
The elder calmed down before saying, "To avoid any grudges among all of you, I have some things to say before the lawyer reads out the will!"
"Okay, okay...speak, Father! We're all listening!" Ning Yaobang started to be the obedient child after getting criticized.
The elder gave him a harsh look, then continued to say, "You can see that I've called Su Yan over as well this time. I know some of you have opinions about this, but Su Yan is going to be engaged to Xueluo soon, so he's counted as half a Ning already!"
"Father's right, this needs to be done," Ning Yaohua quickly echoed as Zhuang Lingyu nodded. Ning Xueluo looked shyly at her grandfather.
The elder looked towards Su Yan and continued, "Regarding the distribution of the inheritance, the Nings have nothing much to hide. To avoid any trouble in the future, I might as well just invite you to hear for yourself!"
"I'll leave everything in your hands. I married Xueluo because of who she is as a person. No matter what the results are, it won't affect my decision," said Su Yan.
Ning Xueluo looked intensely at the man beside her, feeling moved. "Bro Yan..."
The elder looked at Su Yan and nodded with satisfaction. He had always had a pretty good impression of his granddaughter's husband. He remembered back when Su Yan and Xiao Xi seemed to be quite close too. He thought that there was a possibility of a romantic relationship between them but who would have expected him to choose Xueluo in the end. Nevertheless, it was not right for him to probe too much into the children and their relationship matters.
When Ning Xi first met Su Yan in the countryside, she was just a simple girl. Su Yan's family would definitely not agree to their relationship, so they had secretly dated.
Even after Ning Xi returned to the Ning family, because she had caused a series of ruckus and embarrassment, to avoid implicating Su Yan, she continued choosing to temporarily hide their relationship. It was only until she was pregnant that she had to tell Ning Yaohua and Zhuang Lingyu.
Thus, apart from Ning Yaohua, Zhuang Lingyu, and Ning Tianxin who had accidentally found out about their relationship, many people in the Ning family including the elder did not know that Ning Xi and Su Yan had dated.
When he was finished with Su Yan, the elder's gaze fell on Ning Qiutong again. "As for Qiutong, I know her business is expanding and her life is steady..."
"Why did you call her over if you knew? It's not like she's lacking any wealth!" Ning Yaobang mumbled.
The elder shot him an annoyed look. "What I wanted to say is that her father also contributed to the company back in the day. Now that her parents have passed away, it doesn't matter how great her life is. I will give her what she deserves. It doesn't matter whether she wants or needs it or not, I will still give it as her uncle!"
The elder's tone was incredibly solemn. No one at the table dared to say a word. Even if Ning Yaohua and Ning Yaobang were miserable that another person had suddenly appeared for the inheritance, they could not say anything either.
Ning Qiutong was not one to mess with. If the shares fell into her hands, it would be extremely difficult to get it from her. Worse still, if she had intention to fight for the rights to inherit the company, that would make things harder...
Ning Yaohua and Ning Yaobang both looked like they were about to face a huge adversary while Ning Tianxin seemed absent-minded. Only Ning Xi was the most relaxed at the table.
Ning Qiutong was taking in everyone's reactions...
"Okay, Lawyer Cai, please announce the will!"
The moment he said that, everyone found themselves sitting up straight.
The lawyer flipped the document in his hand and started to read, "The Will of Mr. Ning Zhiyuan. Due to his old age and his concern that he might suddenly fail in health, to avoid any dispute over his inheritance, he has written this will and his assets are as follows: Ning International Private Limited Company's 51% in shares, foreign trust funds..."
After the lawyer listed out the elder's assets, he started to go into the distribution of it. "The three estates and two shop lots in Imperial as well as the foreign trust funds will go to the granddaughter, Ning Xueluo!"
"What!? Are you crazy?! To give an outsider this much inheritance!" Ning Yaobang was the first to slap the table and stand up. He could not believe that the old man had given half of his stable property to Ning Xueluo, a granddaughter who was not even blood-related. Also, that foreign trust fund was not a small sum of money.
"What outsider? Xueluo is my daughter, Brother-in-law. Do you need me to repeat it for you?" Zhuang Lingyu asked with a sharp look.
"Daughter, my ass! She's just a country girl you had carried home wrongly. My two other blood-related daughters aren't allowed to be present today, so on what basis can your outsider get our Ning family's inheritance?!"
"On the basis that she was raised by me myself! We don't even know which cheap woman gave birth to your daughters, so on what grounds can they appear here to tarnish our Ning family?"
...
Opposite her, Ning Xi, who maintained the attitude of a third party, had a sudden change in expression. The unyielding attitude of a mother protecting her daughter from Zhuang Lingyu took her by surprise.
Hmph! She had long told herself that Zhuang Lingyu was just a stranger to her, yet why had her heart still experience inexplicable pain when she watched her protect Ning Xueluo so fiercely?
Ning Xi closed her eyes lightly and soon returned to normal moments later as if nothing had happened.
No one had noticed Ning Xi's subtle change in emotions. No one but Ning Qiutong beside Ning Xi who was taking everything in.
This child... It had only been a few years since they met, yet she had changed so much. Not just in terms of looks, but more so her temperament. She was far calmer and more mature than those her age. There was not the faintest shadow of that weak girl from many years ago...
At the table, Ning Yaohua, Zhuang Lingyu, and Ning Yaobang were turning the room upside down with their argument.
At last, the elder had to knock the table harshly to quiet them down. "Everyone, shut up! Xueluo is indeed not blood-related to us, but humans are living things and we cannot be merciless. She has been my granddaughter for more than 20 years, so I consider these my dowry for her! No one is allowed to say another word!"
Ning Yaobang slapped a fist on the table in fury.
Zhuang Lingyu scoffed as she consoled Ning Xueluo by patting the back of her hand, "Don't worry, Mother is here. No one can bully you!"
"Mother, thank you..." Ning Xueluo teared up as she lay in Zhuang Lingyu's embrace. Her eyes caught Ning Xi's and there was an undoubted sneer in her eyes.
After the momentary dispute, the will announcement resumed.
The remaining funds and property had been evenly divided among a few people. Ning Xi had received a property in City C too. City C was where her foster parents lived and where she had grown up for the past 18 years. The elder had really put thought into this arrangement.
After that was done, the most important part remained -- the company shares!
This was also the reason why Ning Yaobang had refrained from causing a ruckus. The shares were the most important portion.
At that moment, Ning Xueluo looked slightly nervous. She had observed the elder's attitude towards her earlier. In terms of shares, he would not treat her unfairly, would he?
The lawyer flipped the page then continued to read aloud, "Ning International Private Limited Company. With a total of 51% in shares, the distribution is as follows: Ning Yaohua 15%, Ning Yaobang 6%, Ning Qiutong 10%, Ning Tianxin 10%, Ning Xi 10%! End of announcement."
The instant the lawyer finished, the study room was pin-drop silent.
The end?
The sharing of the will had ended?!
After the distribution of shares had been announced, Ning Yaobang breathed a sigh of relief. Even though Ning Yaohua had 15%, on his side, he and Tianxin would have a total of up to 16%, which was exceeded Ning Yaohua's portion by 1%, so how could he not be happy?
Even though Ning Xi had received 10% as well, based on her bad relationship with the other side, she would definitely not give up her shares to Ning Yaohua!
However, he did not expect that Ning Qiutong would get as much as 10% too. As the elder's biological son, he himself had only gotten a mere 6%, so it made him a little sulky.
On Ning Yaohua's face was a complicated expression as he looked towards Ning Xi. Even he could not help but affirm that experience counted. The way it was distributed was really...
It had completely tied everyone to each other. No one could influence anyone.
The first person to say something was Zhuang Lingyu. "You're done reading? What about Xueluo?"
As much as Ning Xueluo had been holding it in, she could not help but turn pale at that moment. She never would have thought that the elder had not left any shares for her!
Was this a way of him slapping her before the entire Ning family? Even with Su Yan present!
How could she remain honorable when she married into the Su family?
Earlier, he had even pretentiously said some things about values and family ties...
This goddamn old man! How cunning of him!
Ning Yaobang scoffed, "Hasn't all that should be given been given? What more do you still want? Sister-in-law, let me advise you that as a person, you shouldn't be too greedy!"
"Well, you can't just leave Xueluo out. Not even a percent of the shares! What is this supposed to mean? Isn't Xueluo part of the Ning family? Even you said so yourself, Father. Humans are living beings and we cannot be merciless. Xueluo has, at least, been your granddaughter for so many years. You make us disillusioned by treating her this way!" Zhuang Lingyu said this in outrage.
"Huh..." Just as Zhuang Lingyu was expressing the injustice of the situation, a soft peal of laughter was suddenly heard from a corner.
Zhuang Lingyu immediately looked crossly at Ning Qiutong. "Qiutong, just be upfront if you have anything to say. There's no need to be peculiar!"
"Since you said so yourself, then let me be straightforward."
Ning Qiutong straightened up slightly, then looked at Zhuang Lingyu squarely. "Sister-in-law, you say that Uncle made you disillusioned when you're the one who's sorely disappointing!"
"What are you saying?" Zhuang Lingyu frowned.
"It's fine if the outsiders don't know, but everyone sitting in this room is very clear that Ning Xueluo is just an adopted daughter while Ning Xi is your biological daughter. She's the one who's blood-related to the Ning family. Is it wrong for Uncle to distribute his shares to Ning Xi?"
"I never said that it's wrong for Father to give Ning Xi his shares. That's his right. I'm asking about the reason Xueluo gets nothing!" Zhuang Lingyu replied.
Ning Qiutong jeered, "Well, then, let's talk about why the shares aren't distributed to Xueluo! Ning Xueluo is just an adopted daughter that we carried home wrongly from the hospital, yet she has enjoyed a life of luxury for 18 years that should've belonged to Ning Xi. After the truth was revealed, she didn't return to her original home and biological parents. Instead, she remained in the Ning family and held the name of a lady of the Nings. She even used this identity to get a good match to Su Yan!
"On the other hand, Ning Xi who is blood-related to the Ning family wandered afar for 18 years and lived 18 years of poverty. When she had finally been found by the Ning family, she could only continue with the title of an adopted daughter. The things that should've been hers were taken away. Even the servants can bully her and call her a wild chicken and bumpkin!
"And all this while, what have you two done as parents? You took the side of the outsiders and criticized her for being vulgar and tacky! What rights do you have to criticize and scold her? Have you raised her or taught her at all?
"Do you think you've completed your duty as parents just by bringing her home, giving her food to eat and clothes to wear? To have such cruel parents like the two of you, you might as well have just let the child continue to live in the countryside and know nothing! That's better than losing faith in humanity and being stabbed in the heart by her own parents!"
When they heard this, the table was dead silent. No one said anything.
Ning Xueluo felt herself stiffen. Even Ning Yaohua and Zhuang Lingyu's faces clouded as they kept silent. The elder looked at Ning Xi while his expression was full of guilt. Su Yan had balled his hand into fists...
Ning Xi sat there quietly, her eyes full of mixed emotions as she looked at Ning Qiutong beside her. She had long been numb and was used to the indifference from this circle. She never would have thought that...
Ning Qiutong could actually disregard everything but she had said these words to defend her...
All of these...were words that no one had ever said on behalf of her...
Ning Qiutong paused, then her sharp gaze cut to Ning Xueluo. "Uncle has given Ning Xueluo those assets. It's enough for her to marry gloriously and live in luxury for the rest of her life. Since she's just a village girl who's eaten from the Ning family, lived with us and held the title of a lady of the Ning family, what else are you unsatisfied about?
"Tang Xueluo, I have to ask you one thing. What else are you dissatisfied about and what qualifies you to even hanker after our Ning family's shares?!"
When she heard Ning Qiutong's every word, especially hearing her address her as "Tang Xueluo", Ning Xueluo's shoulders shook violently and her fingernails stabbed into her own palms. She had lowered her hateful face at this point, and in the next second, she got up and ran out the door...
When Su Yan saw that, he quickly chased after her.
"Ning Qiutong, you're too much! Even if you're a part of the Ning family, this is our family matter and you have no right to intervene! Don't spew nonsense here when you don't know anything!" Zhuang Lingyu was instantly riled up in anger when she saw her daughter run out after being deeply hurt.
Ning Qiutong sneered, "Hah, I don't know anything? I wonder who's being blind. Let me advise you to clearly see the kind of thing that's sitting beside you every day! Don't wait till you get bitten to death. You're attracting that wolf to your home and you still aren't aware!"
"Ning Qiutong! I'll tear your mouth apart! I raised my daughter myself. You have no say about the kind of person she is!" Zhuang Lingyu was so agitated that she wanted to walk over but Ning Yaohua held her back.
"Hahaha...I think Qiutong is quite right! I've told you, Sister-in-law, you two treat this outsider like a gem. Your IQ and logic are a little hard for me to comprehend!" Ning Yaobang was enjoying the good show.
"Shut up, Ning Yaobang! I think you're just envious!" Ning Yaohua roared back.
The two sides started to quarrel and the situation was chaotic...
The old man massaged his temples and did not have the energy to care about their arguments. He just allowed the lawyer to help him up to walk out of the room...
At the same time, in the Ning family's courtyard, Ning Xueluo had run straight to the woods and was crying loudly in sorrow as she leaned on a tree.
Su Yan stood behind her and carefully pulled her into his embrace. "Don't be sad. Aunty Qiutong's words are a little harsh, but that's just her personality, don't take it to heart..."
"How can I not take it to heart!? She made me sound utterly horrible as if I robbed everything from Ning Xi! I'm also my mother's daughter! I've been in the Ning family since I was born and have been Ning Xueluo for 18 years. When you suddenly tell me that everything I have isn't mine and that my parents aren't really my parents, does she really think I felt good about it?
"Why did she say I robbed Ning Xi!? Wasn't it she that suddenly appeared to rob me of everything? Grandfather repeatedly said that I'm his granddaughter too, yet he treats me like this. Maybe he did not treat me as a part of the Ning family at all!" Ning Xueluo was incredibly emotional as she blurted all of this out.
As Su Yan listened to Ning Xueluo's words, he was suddenly tongue-tied.
Had Ning Xueluo had cried to him about this before, he would have definitely supported her unconditionally and be on her side.
However, now...perhaps it was because he was not sure about his feelings towards Ning Xi...or it could be the things Ning Qiutong had said earlier...
He suddenly felt like Ning Qiutong was not wrong...
All of this should have belonged to Ning Xi!
Ning Xi was born to be the lady of the Ning family, yet because of a confusion, their lives had been switched...
Ning Xueluo did not know what Su Yan was thinking about at the moment. She was weeping in his embrace, "Bro Yan...what to do? What should I do? How can they treat me like this?"
Su Yan patted Ning Xueluo's shoulder and said gently, "Xueluo, didn't you say it before? You don't even want everything from the Ning family. We can rely on ourselves and you're already doing excellently right now, so why should you care about these mere worldly possessions?"
"That's not the same! Why should I let go of the things that should be mine?!" Ning Xueluo yelled out in the moment of agitation.
When he heard this, Su Yan's expression instantly changed into disapproval. "Xueluo, how can you say that? That should be Ning Xi's...or did you really want to fight for the Ning family's inheritance?"
Ning Xueluo almost exploded at the first half of the sentence but she was instantly clear-headed when Su Yan finished his sentence!
Damn it! She was too emotional and had accidentally blurted that out. No matter if it was Su Yan or Zhuang Lingyu or Ning Yaohua, if it was something she liked, she would get it. She could not show that she actually coveted the Ning family's inheritance...
Thus, Ning Xueluo revealed a hurt expression and quickly covered up, "Bro Yan, how can you say that about me? If I really wanted the Ning family's assets, would I need to work so hard? I'm just feeling very sad. I always thought of myself as a part of the Ning family and I prioritize the Ning family for everything, yet it turns out that they had always treated me as an outsider! And there's you too, Bro Yan, I want to marry you grandly. I want everyone to say that you married a good wife!"
Su Yan's expression softened when he heard this. "Xueluo, I understand where you're coming from, but you don't have to worry. If you're Su Yan's woman, no one will dare say you aren't good enough. You don't have to worry about being scorned when you marry me. I will explain to my parents!"
"Bro Yan, thank you... Thank you for always being by my side..." Ning Xueluo could only temporarily suppress all her dissatisfaction and anger, obediently leaning into his embrace. When Ning Xueluo was facing the other way, Su Yan lifted his head to look up at the study room's direction.
Through the window, he could still roughly see the silhouette of Ning Xi sitting on the chair. The image of that little girl from back then could not help but appear in his mind.
That girl who had carried him all the way while she sweated and her legs started to shake, yet promised to never leave him...
The girl who had picked fresh wildflowers for him every day...
The girl who had cooked delicious dishes so that he would eat his medicine obediently every day...
She was poor and wore clothes that had been mended many times and spoke shoddy Mandarin, yet the way she said it was beautiful and cute!
When had all of this begun to change?
From the day he was healed and picked up by the Su family, from the time he returned to the pretentious city, from when he was charmed by Ning Xueluo's beauty, all the good times that once were in his memories had become unacceptable...
But at this moment, why did he miss it so much?
He missed the girl's innocence, missed the way her eyes would sparkle and cling onto him when she stared at him...
————————————-
At the Ning family's gate.
"Um... Aunty..." Ning Xi hesitated but still decided to call out to Ning Qiutong.
"Hmm?" Ning Qiutong who was about to open her car door paused her steps and looked at Ning Xi.
Ning Xi's cleared her throat and walked up to her. "About today... Thank you."
No matter what, she still had to thank her.
Ning Qiutong was nonchalant. "We're family. There's no need to thank me."
Ning Xi felt a mix of emotions hearing her say that they were family. She took a deep bow graciously. "I still want to thank you!"
As she watched the girl before her, Ning Qiutong sighed, "Sadly, I was abroad that year. I didn't know many things and when I did, it was too late. I never would have thought that my cousin would be foolish to this extent. If I let him continue like this, the elder's hard-earned family business will fall into the hands of an outsider!"
As Ning Qiutong said this, a hostile glint flashed in her eyes.
Ning Xi fell into deep contemplation.
——————————————
At night, in Ning Xueluo's bedroom, Zhuang Lingyu covered Ning Xueluo with her blanket, then turned around to close the door.
On the bed, Ning Xueluo, who was dozing off, immediately woke up again.
There was no sleepiness in her eyes. In fact, it was full of darkness and hatred.
How could she fall asleep in such a situation!?
Ning Yaohua currently had 15% of the shares, while Ning Yaobang had 16% of shares, and Ning Qiutong had 10% of shares.
So, the key was Ning Xi.
Whoever she used that 10% of shares of hers to support, that person would be the largest shareholder of the company and they would have the most potential to fight for the rights to inherit the entire company!
This time, Ning Yaohua and Ning Yaobang would definitely go crazy trying to snatch away the shares in Ning Xi's hand.
While she had not gotten any of the shares, she had no say in this at all. Even if she risked her life to get all the loose shares in the market, she could only get 2% back at most which would not do much.
There was no doubt that Ning Qiutong was a hard woman to handle, so there was no way they could get the shares from her. The key was those shares in Ning Xi's hand!
She obviously hoped that Ning Yaohua could get Ning Xi's shares and acquire the company.
However, if Ning Yaohua bargained anything with Ning Xi for that 10%, such as let her come home or even publicly announce her identity, everything would be over for Ning Xueluo!
This matter was a top priority. She needed to have a strong backbone to let Ning Yaohua forget about the idea of announcing Ning Xi's true identity!
Ning Xueluo immediately thought of the Zhuang family!
However, she had accidentally overheard Zhuang Lingyu arguing with Ning Yaohua at Zhuang Lingyu's original home. Zhuang Lingyu forbade Ning Yaohua to have any contact with the Zhuang family. In fact, she was very firm about this.
That was why she had not dared to claim any connections with the Zhuang family, but now she could not care anymore. She had to take this opportunity!
She also had a way to handle Zhuang Lingyu.
Besides, Zhuang Keer had already been gone over to Ning Xi's side in advance, so she had to hasten her plan!
However, a lady like Zhuang Keer would be hard to curry favor from. From what happened before this, Ning Xi and Zhuang Keer seemed quite close and she was not sure if Ning Xi had said anything bad about her already...
When she thought of this, Ning Xueluo narrowed her eyes with hatred.
If it was not for Ning Xi ruining things the last time, she could have given the outfits to Zhuang Keer who would have worn History's dresses at the international banquet. That way, she would have been connected to Zhuang Keer and hugely promote her company.
In the end, everything had been ruined by Ning Xi!
Now that she had lost the key opportunity, she might need to use some special methods to get acquainted with Zhuang Keer...
As Ning Xueluo thought about this, she took out a key and used it to open a safe. She took out a handphone from the safe, charged it, then made a call, "Hello, it's me! Do me a favor!"
"Who is it again this time?" A raspy voice came from the other end.
"Zhuang Rongguang," Ning Xueluo said a name.
"Zhuang Liaoyuan's son?" The voice on the other end said in a low voice.
"Yes, it's Zhuang Liaoyuan's son!"
"Huh, little girl, you're getting braver, aren't you?" The voice from the other end sinisterly answered.
Ning Xueluo replied indistinctly, "Don't worry, I just want you to frighten him a little. I'm not asking you to actually do anything to him. When it happens, just do as I say. But you must wait for a suitable opportunity and do it cleanly! I can wait...but don't make me wait too long..."
At Peachwood, when she returned home, Ning Xi was still thinking about the events from the day when her doorbell rang.
"Steamed bun, help me see who's here," Ning Xi said.
"Yes, my beloved Master!" The robot's face revealed a small screen which showed the image from the security monitor at the door. It was Lu Tingxiao.
When Ning Xi saw it was Lu Tingxiao, she immediately got up to open the door. "Big Boss! It's so late. Why're you here?"
"I'm worried about you."
"Come in! Steamed bun, serve some water, please!"
"Yes, my beautiful Master!" The robot immediately rolled off to get a cup of water.
Ning Xi took the water from the serving tray and gave it to Lu Tingxiao before sitting down beside him on the sofa.
Lu Tingxiao took the cup and asked, "How did it go today? Did those people trouble you?"
"With Grandfather, no one dares to trouble me. In fact, something that happened today surprised me. You know my aunt, don't you? Ning Qiutong! She came back this time!"
"I've heard of her, she's someone alright. What happened?"
"This time, when the will was being announced, I almost got into an argument but she helped to defend me!"
"An argument?"
Ning Xi nodded. "Yeah! Grandfather gave Ning Xueluo a lot of estates and trust funds. He said it was her dowry but he didn't give her any shares. At that moment, Zhuang Lingyu immediately raised her doubt and voiced that Grandfather was not fair with the distribution. Then, Ning Qiutong got up and defended me a lot. She was basically saying that Xueluo did not have any right to inherit the Ning family's shares. Ning Qiutong is quite amazing. Xueluo lost control of her emotions on the spot and ran out!"
Lu Tingxiao long fingers tapped the glass lightly and analyzed, "Your grandfather's distribution of shares for you guys should be...15% for Ning Yaohua, 10% for Ning Qiutong, 6% for Ning Yaobang, 10% for Ning Tianxin, and you get 10% too?"
Ning Xi widened her eyes at his guess. "Whoa! Lu Tingxiao, how do you know this so clearly? You couldn't have bribed the lawyer too, could you?"
Lu Tingxiao looked at her casually. "Your man would obviously have such basic analytical skills."
Ning Xi instantly broke out in a sweat. "Cough, cough...okay! You're amazing! Whatever it is, your analysis is right. Grandfather distributed it like that!"
"It's currently the best way to divide the shares. It's good check and balance for everyone."
"But it's quite frustrating too. Ning Yaohua and Ning Yaobang will definitely start to disturb me!" Ning Xi sighed.
"Do you want Ning International?" Lu Tingxiao looked at her and suddenly asked.
"Uhh..." Why was the devil's tone so suspenseful? It was as if he was asking with the same nonchalance as asking her, "Do you want to drink water? If you do, I'll go pour a cup for you".
Ning Xi thought about it, then said, "To be honest, I don't."
Based on her current situation and energy, she did not care for it that much.
"But, of course, I definitely won't let the company fall into Xueluo's hands!"
Thus, she was still struggling with this issue...
It was a good thing that with the current situation, it was still a stalemate, so she still had a sufficient amount of time.
"Then, I suggest that you temporarily pass your 10% of shares to Ning Qiutong," suggested Lu Tingxiao.
"Transfer them to Ning Qiutong?" Ning Xi thought about it, then her eyes lit up.
"This is a good idea! I don't want to give it to Ning Yaohua or Ning Yaobang either, and if I hold on to it, I'm worried that they'll trouble me! Giving it to Ning Qiutong is a smart thing too. Based on her personality, she definitely wouldn't let the other two sides go easy. Besides, with Ning Qiutong's business capabilities, she won't let Grandfather's company wane! Boss, you're too smart!"
Ning Xi discussed it with Lu Tingxiao for a while more, then when he saw that it was getting late, she asked, "Do you want to sleep over?"
When Lu Tingxiao heard her, he looked at her and said, "Nah."
"Ah? Why not? It's quite late! Isn't it troublesome to rush back? Do you still have things to attend to later?" Ning Xi was confused.
Lu Tingxiao massaged his temples helplessly as he said, "Because I will easily lose control, especially in our future matrimonial home. Understand?"
"Uhh..."
Lu Tingxiao rubbed the girl's head adoringly. "I don't necessarily have to wait till after marriage, but I still want to do so because you're the most important person to me, so I'm willing to wait and I want to give you the utmost respect too."
Ning Xi sighed, enjoying her head being rubbed against his broad palm as she mumbled, "I am forever within your hands... I really have no complaints at all... You were born just to be the bane of me, weren't you?"
A while later, Ning Xi sent him off.
Before he left, Lu Tingxiao suddenly thought of something and gave her a red, gold-plated invitation.
Ning Xi opened it to read and asked in confusion, "Huh...a birthday invitation? Who is Mo Jianzhang? Why am I invited?"
"It's Mo Lingtian's father. The invitation was sent by Lingtian. If you're free tomorrow night, then you can go with me. Otherwise, then it's fine."
Mo Lingtian must have been prepared to invite Lu Tingxiao and his female partner, but because they could not appear as a couple, he had especially prepared an individual invitation for Ning Xi. This gesture showed that he valued her.
Ning Xi thought about it. "There isn't much going on tomorrow night, but I'll be at the studio in the day, so I'll go over myself at night!"
Not many people in Lu Tingxiao's circle acknowledged her or treated her as a friend. Plus, he had been so thoughtful, so it was not nice for her to reject the invitation.
Lu Tingxiao replied, "Okay."
Ning Xi tiptoed and leaned in to kiss the man's lips. Then, she said in the tone of a tyrannic CEO, "Baby, one day I will let you stand beside me rightfully and honorably! I'll let the entire city's women know that you're mine!"
Lu Tingxiao was speechless.
Well, those were nice words...but did they reverse their roles?
...
The next day, at Spirit Studio, because Spirit had been preparing to expand their business to H district, Ning Xi arranged the details and proposal for that site whenever she found the time.
Without realizing it, she had been in discussion with everyone till late at night. Ning Xi looked at the time on her phone and saw that she would be late soon, so she quickly said, "I have a dinner to attend later, I've to go first!"
"Okay, Boss, just go!"
"Don't work overtime too. Rest earlier! Ah, right, Shangze, are there any ready-made gowns in the studio? Simply get one for me! I don't have time to change at home!" Ning Xi said.
"Yes, what kind of style do you want, Boss?" Gong Shangze asked.
Ning Xi thought about it. "It's a birthday banquet for an elder, so the color and style should be low-key and staid!"
"Okay, Boss, please wait for a moment!"
...
Moments later, Ning Xi changed into the gown Gong Shangze had taken out for her before putting up some light make up and flat ironing her hair.
The evening dress that Gong Shangze had found for her was indeed a very understated design. It was a traditional classic qipao which was in a simple yet elegant color. The black orchids printed on it were outlined subtly and she looked very much like the chaste daughter of a noble household from the Republic of China era.
Ning Xi stood before the full-length mirror to look at herself and was satisfied. "Not bad, it's splendid! This one, then! Thank you, Shangze! I'll make a move first, bye bye!"
"Okay..."
Gong Shangze watched his boss leaving and hesitated to say something.
This dress was relatively low-profile...but once she donned it, it was not inconspicuous at all...
Ning Xi was the muse of his inspiration, the source for many of his designs, and was even the model in his head when he designed his pieces. You could say that she was the real owner of all of Spirit's apparel. When she had worn the dress herself, she brought his designs to life perfectly...
...
At the Mo residence, Mo Jianzhang's birthday banquet was organized in the outdoor garden today and the current atmosphere was extremely lively.
Lu Tingxiao had reached earlier, knowing that Ning Xi was busy in the studio, so he did not rush her.
Mo Lingtian held a goblet in his hand and worriedly asked Lu Tingxiao, "Hey, Lu Tingxiao, your bunny will turn up, won't she? Is she still angry at me? Is she okay from the last time that she almost fell off the cliff? Was she traumatized?"
When Lu Tingxiao heard this, he cast a sidelong glance at his best friend without a word.
Frightened? That little girl had said that she had a lot of fun and that it was quite exciting!
He really hoped that she could be frightened a little. That way, she would be more careful.
Mo Lingtian did not know what Lu Tingxiao's glance meant. Just as he spoke to him, a familiar outline appeared at the door.
Ning Xi handed over her invitation to the guard at the gate before walking in leisurely. Under the gorgeous and dazzling chandelier at the doorway, the girl looked as if she had stepped into the world of mortals from thin air with her simple gown and her wooden hairpin in her loosely-tied hair. She walked with her back to the light and the view behind her gradually faded away like an ink-washed painting...
The dress did not just fit her well; it was Ning Xi's unique talent of being able to change her own spirit that made the air around her shift with the gown she wore. It was for that reason that both person and dress complemented each other well.
Ning Xi's appearance made the banquet room fall into a hush for a while, then came the lowered voices of discussion.
When they suddenly saw such a breathtaking new face, people would obviously be curious. While the girls were curious about Ning Xi's identity, they were most interested in timeless topics such as clothes and accessories, thus many people took notice of Ning Xi's qipao very quickly.
"Who's the girl that just walked in? She looks like a certain female celebrity... That gown is amazingly beautiful! She looks very charismatic!"
"Ah! I know that gown... That's a Spirit piece. I've seen it in the boutique before but I didn't buy it because I thought it seemed too ordinary. Who knew that it would be so stunning when you put it on? I really regret not buying it then!"
"Spirit's pieces are not bad. I really like it too, but most importantly is who wears it! The more understated these dresses look, the more it chooses who wears it!"
"You're right!"
...
After Ning Xi walked in and caught Lu Tingxiao's eye, she found a corner to sit down.
Mo Lingtian hung his arm over Lu Tingxiao shoulders and could not help but started listing, "Two-faced fox, cute little bunny, shooting expert, adorable maid, warrior, daughter of nobility...hey! How many faces does your little bunny have? I finally know why you're so charmed by this woman. She becomes a different person every time she dresses up. Do you feel like you're changing girlfriends every day?"
Lu Tingxiao responded, "I like her no matter how she looks."
Mo Lingtian's joke suddenly became an emotional moment when Lu Tingxiao said that.
Mo Lingtian felt like he had just been shot with an arrow to his chest. "Bro, I noticed that after you started dating, you've practically become a love guru! I would never have known before this! I thought you had low EQ! Speaking of which, the strategy you gave me earlier was too general, can't you teach me a few more tricks in detail compared to that cringy affectionate words you just uttered?"
"How's Ziyao?" Lu Tingxiao suddenly asked.
Mo Lingtian sighed, "You've already made it so clear the last time. Based on Ziyao's personality, she definitely will give up, I guess. She's not the kind of woman who would cling on and pester."
Mo Lingtian chatted with Lu Tingxiao for a while more, then greeted Ning Xi before entertaining other guests.
In the end, many people at the banquet asked him about Ning Xi, even his old man was looking at her.
"Lingtian, is that girl your friend?" Mo Jianzhang asked.
"Yeah, why?"
"I didn't think that you'd have this kind of friend!" Mo Jianzhang looked at his son lamentably.
"Huh? Father, how can you talk about your own son like this?!"
"When are you going to progress and make her your girlfriend?" Mo Jianzhang suddenly asked.
Mo Lingtian spat his drink into his glass and started coughing furiously. He was almost startled to death by his father's words. "Father! Don't scare me!"
Mo Jianzhang frowned at him. "Don't make a fuss about nothing. How did I scare you? The old saying goes that you can see one's values through their looks. I can see that this girl is not bad. She's composed and well-mannered. Since the two of you are friends and were chatting happily earlier, why can't you just take it further? You're about to reach your thirties. Even Lu Tingxiao has a girlfriend, so how much longer do you plan to fool around?"
Mo Lingtian looked like he would rather die. "Father... I have something to say! Today is your birthday. Can't you just talk about something happier?"
"Then, can you do something that can make me happier? Which family is that girl from? If you're not going to say anything, I can help you propose a marriage! If you get married this year, she should be able to give birth to a bouncy little baby by next year!" Mo Jianzhang was obviously fixated on the thought of having grandchildren.
"Father! My dear father! Don't joke around anymore! She is Lu Tingxiao's other half!" Mo Lingtian finally could not hold it in any longer and blurted out.
Mo Jianzhang was stunned. "What? That's...that's Lu Tingxiao's girlfriend?"
Mo Lingtian pinched the space between his brows. "Yes! So, can I please ask you to stop right there?! Besides, I already have someone in my heart!"
Mo Jianzhang scoffed, "Huh, the person in your heart has high standards. Would she ever like you?"
"Father, am I actually your child?! She has high standards but I'm not that shabby, okay?" He had already been working hard recently to court his love interest.
Mo Jianzhang looked at Ning Xi's direction and sighed with regret, "You useless thing! You don't even have a girlfriend till now!"
Mo Lingtian was speechless.
Awkward…
He would not have been treated this badly if Lu Tingxiao had not gotten a girlfriend so soon.
He still had a friend in him before and could still use Lu Tingxiao as his shield! But not anymore!
He really had to speed up his game to get closer to Ziyao…
As he was about to go and look for Guan Ziyao, a guy suddenly dragged him aside and asked excitedly, "Master Mok, is that girl in the corner your friend? What’s her name? Where's she from?"
"What do you want?" Mo Lingtian glanced at him suspiciously.
This guy was an infamous Casanova in Imperial and changed girlfriends as often as he changed his clothes. Worst of all, he loved to mess with other people’s girlfriends.
Wang Shengzhe raised his eyebrows. "Of course, I’m interested! You know I like that type of chick!"
Mo Lingtian sipped some wine to contain his annoyance. "You don’t have to know who she is. All I'll say is don’t mess with trouble."
Wang Shengzhe exclaimed, "Hey, don’t jinx me! It’s normal for a guy to be attracted to such a beautiful lady!"
Mo Lingtian said without any expression, "She’s taken."
"So what? There’s no girl in Imperial that I wouldn't dare to flirt with!" Wang Shengzhe then courageously walked towards Ning Xi’s direction.
Somewhere nearby, Guan Ziyao was talking to Lu Tingxiao. She wore a black Chanel gown in her usual simple and elegant style, but her expression looked tired.
Guan Ziyao looked at the man in front of her and spoke slowly, "Tingxiao, I’m sorry for what happened last time. I lost control of my emotions. I should’ve said something before I left.
"I understand what you’re trying to say. You’re the most compatible man I’ve ever met and I once thought that we could spend the rest of our lives together. But there is still a long way to go and too many things are simply unpredictable... It’s regrettable but I respect your decision."
Guan Ziyao then smiled with poise. "So, we’re still friends right?"
Without a doubt, this was the best way for her to move forward right now. She had forced herself not to look for him during this period of time. She thought that if she stepped back, Lu Tingxiao would not reject her this time.
Lu Tingxiao glanced at her, then said with his usual cold expression, "I’m sorry, to avoid any further misunderstandings with my girlfriend, we really shouldn’t contact each other anymore."
Guan Ziyao’s face froze. She did not expect Lu Tingxiao’s reply. His words had completely disregarded her!
Guan Ziyao looked hurt and her voice trembled, "Tingxiao...we’ve known each other for about 20 years, I understand that you have someone you love, but I already declared that I will leave you. Are you going to give up our friendship for a woman you haven't known for very long?"
"She’s not just a woman I haven't known for long. She’s my future wife." Lu Tingxiao then coldly looked at her with a warning glare and Guan Ziyao felt a chill run down her spine…
After Lu Tingxiao finished his conversation with Guan Ziyao, his eyes moved to Ning Xi and he noticed that Wang Shengzhe sat opposite her.
The man’s cold expression changed slightly. He excused himself from Guan Ziyao and headed towards Ning Xi…
…
The Mo family’s little garden was really pretty with had a pleasant view. The corner Ning Xi was sitting in had vines around it with flowers sprouting from it. Beside her was a pond reflecting the full moon.
What was more beautiful than the view was the person under it.
Yet, the person was only focused on Lu Tingxiao and Guan Ziyao.
What were they talking about? It was taking really long! Damn it!
Many young men or parents like Mo Jianzhang, who intended to look for a girl for their sons, all noticed Ning Xi. However, before they could make a move, they all saw the infamous flirt walking towards her.
As they saw Wang Shengzhe in hunting mode, they hoped that this innocent-looking little girl would not be fooled by him!
He actually came from a pretty prestigious family in Imperial. Although he was capable, he always indulged himself with lustful deeds.
As Ning Xi was wondering what Lu Tingxiao and Guan Ziyao were talking about, a man had suddenly walked up to her. "Hi there, is there anyone sitting here?"
The man wore a fitting English three-piece suit, looking rather retro and cool. His looks were above average, but his lustful eyes were a huge turn-off to Ning Xi.
Nevertheless, no matter what the man did, it did not concern her, so Ning Xi kept on looking at Lu Tingxiao. Without looking at the man, she replied, "Yes."
Wang Shengzhe was a little taken aback but quickly smiled, "You’re really good at joking, I’ve been watching you for a while. You seem to be here alone."
Ning Xi was speechless at his nerve to ask something he already knew.
Wang Shengzhe noticed that Ning Xi was not reacting to him but that got even more excited. His eyes were like a radar, scanning every inch of Ning Xi.
Wang Shengzhe was way more knowledgeable than women in girly stuff and he soon found a topic to approach her about. "Is your dress from Spirit?"
Ning Xi reacted a little when she heard the brand name. "Yes, why?"
Wang Shengzhe got his chance and he beamed proudly before continuing with the topic, "This is just a normal ready-made dress, isn't it?"
"Correct." Ning Xi nodded and was waiting to see what he would say next.
"I’m guessing you weren't able to get a custom-made piece? I heard that Spirit’s list of custom-made dresses has a waiting line of 6 months now. It’s really difficult to get one but I know someone on the inside. If you'd like, I can help you!" Wang Shengzhe tried to make himself appeal to Ning Xi.
Ning Xi smiled benovelently. "No way! I didn’t do anything to deserve that!"
Wang Shengzhe's pride swelled when he felt that he had a chance. "You’re too humble, Miss. For a beauty like you, simply existing is hard work!"
He then scanned the girl’s gentle eyes, her neat nose, cherry-like lips, and the gentle swell of her hips…
The girl’s outfit was quite reserved as the dress was longer than her knee and the collar was high around her neck as well, but she was emitting an aura that made him excited.
What a real hottie!
Wang Shengzhe decided that he had to get this girl for himself, entirely forgetting Mo Lingtian’s warning to him.
"Oh, I don’t know your name yet. How should I address you? My surname’s Wang, I’m Wang Shengzhe," Wang Shengzhe asked as he inched closer to Ning Xi.
Wang Shengzhe thought his flirting skills were top-notch, but Ning Xi rolled her eyes so hard that she could practically see her brain.
What was this!? He was the best flirt in Imperial?
With this sort of standard?
"I…" She looked at the devil who was slowly ambling towards her.
After a long, happy chat with his childhood friend, finally , he was coming over!
Wang Shengzhe was really attracted to how Ning Xi gazed in a different direction when speaking to him. How seductive!
At the same time, Ning Xi smiled and answered Wang Shengzhe, "I go by the surname Ning now, but it’s going to be Lu in the future."
Lu Tingxiao had an aggressive expression on his face but after he heard her, his eyes turned gentle.
Lu…
What a great reply! As expected of his wife!
"Oh? Which Lu?" Wang Shengzhe asked.
"Lu Tingxiao," Ning Xi replied.
Ning Xi was staring at Lu Tingxiao for quite some time. Wang Shengzhe understood her and grinned coldly. "Heh, Miss Ning, you’re really greedy, aren’t you?"
"Why not? I’ve decided that I’ll not marry anyone apart from Lu Tingxiao!"
Wang Shengzhe almost laughed out loud. "Every girl in Imperial wants to become Mrs. Lu. Do you think you can really do it? Why don't you...have a more realistic goal?"
As he spoke, he tried to extend his hand towards Ning Xi…
Suddenly, Lu Tingxiao came in between the two of them.
"Hey! CEO Lu, you…" Wang Shengzhe was a little surprised as he thought that Lu Tingxiao was here to talk to him.
However, the man did not even look at him, he focused on the girl opposite him with a gentle gaze and a doting tone, "We’ll go back together later."
Ning Xi nodded with a big smile. "Okay!"
This short conversation was impactful enough to give Wang Shengzhe a good fright.
This...the both of them...what was happening…?
Could it be…?
"Well...CEO Lu, you...I…" As Wang Shengzhe realized what their relationship was, his soul almost left him. He just stared at the man blindly.
Lu Tingxiao glanced at him murderously, then left without saying a word.
Although it was just a short glance, Wang Shengzhe felt like he had experienced a brief moment of death…
After Lu Tingxiao left, Wang Shengzhe looked at Ning Xi. "Y-you...and Lu Tingxiao…"
Ning Xi smiled coyly. "It’s exactly as you think it is."
Wang Shengzhe was speechless.
Wang Zhengzhe quickly went to Mo Lingtian. "Damn you, Mo Lingtian! Why didn’t you tell me that that girl is Lu Tingxiao’s woman?"
"Didn’t I tell you earlier?" Mo Lingtian saw that the man was panting and sweating like he had been chased by a beast.
"When?!" Wang Shengzhe almost broke down.
"I told you to not mess with trouble. Think! Just how many people could give you trouble in Imperial? You'd know after some careful deduction," said Mo Lingtian as a matter-of-factly.
Wang Shengzhe freaked out. "Oh no! What should I do?! I actually flirted with Lu Tingxiao’s woman! Should I buy something for her as an apology? She seems to like Spirit’s clothes. Should I buy her a few?"
Mo Lingtian stared at him like he was an idiot. "That girl is the owner of Spirit!"
Wang Shengzhe was once again speechless.
From an outsider's point of view, they had seen Wang Shengzhe flirting with the girl and then, Lu Tingxiao walked over. As it was a corner, everyone could only see Lu Tingxiao’s back as he blocked Ning Xi, so everyone thought Lu Tingxiao had said something to Wang Shengzhe. The supposed Casanova ran away like that corner of the room was haunted…
What exactly did Lu Tingxiao say to him?
Still, there were also people who understood what had happened.
"Hahaha... Wang Shengzhe is really looking for trouble! He even flirted with Lu Tingxiao’s woman!" Ling Fei roared.
Most people did not know what had happened because only a few people who were close to Lu Tingxiao knew the girl’s identity.
Zhao Haisheng held his wife close. "But you can’t blame Wang Shengzhe. Who would’ve thought a girl here would turn out to be Lu Tingxiao’s girlfriend!?"
"Speaking of which, do Lu Tingxiao and Miss Ning plan to keep their relationship hidden?" Ling Fei asked.
"I heard that because of Miss Ning’s career, they can’t publicize their relationship!" Zhao Haisheng said.
Ling Fei looked at the girl’s direction. "I actually think this girl is pretty nice. If any other female celebrity were to hook up with Lu Tingxiao, she would surely announce it to the whole world. Do you know Su Yimo from Glory World Entertainment? She’s totally unrelated to Lu Tingxiao, but she always calls herself Mrs. Lu or Lu Tingxiao’s true love... But in truth? Lu Tingxiao probably doesn't even know who she is!"
"That’s true! Although we’ve just met twice, she’s pretty nice and quite special, always scaring us with her stunts, hahaha…"
…
At a quiet corner in the garden, Guan Rui was holding a wine glass, looking absent-mindedly in the direction of the pond.
Guan Ziyao looked nervous. "Father...are you sure that this method...is really okay?"
Guan Rui sipped some wine. "There're a lot of government officials among the guests today. There’s even a personnel from the law department and Judge Liang is also here... If she killed someone here, even Lu Tingxiao can't help her! While he might be able to spare her from death, do you think a murderer could ever enter the Lu family?"
Rate Translation Quality
Guan Ziyao frowned and looked at the woman in white talking to Ning Xi. "There’s no issue on Lirong’s side? If she doesn't die…"
"She will surely die!" Guan Rui’s eyes flashed with the intention to kill.
If she did not die, he had already arranged for his own people to take care of it at the hospital. Nothing would go wrong.
It was her first time getting involved in matters related to a person’s life. Guan Ziyao’s fingers were shaking with nervousness but she quickly calmed down. She was just trying to stop the woman from continuing to fool Lu Tingxiao. What she was doing was not wrong…
Her plans had failed so many times. There could not be any more accidents this time. Extreme situations require extreme measures.
This time, she would make sure there was no turning back for Ning Xi!
She forgot all about her worries the moment she was reminded of Lu Tingxiao’s coldness towards her.
Guan Rui patted his daughter’s shoulder firmly. "Go and prepare yourself! It’s our turn to show up soon! Call your Uncle and Aunty Lu too! Let them see Ning Xi kill someone for themselves. Now, that would be interesting…"
"Yes, Father!"
…
After Wang Shengzhe was terrified away by the devil, Ning Xi was finally alone. She picked up some fish food and was stood by the pond, tossing the pellets in.
A big school of red koi fish rushed over, fighting for the food.
Ning Xi suddenly thought of the glutton Lu Jingli, so she snapped a picture of the fishes and sent it to him.
As she was feeding the fishes happily, there was the sound of footsteps behind her suddenly.
Ning Xi thought that it was another guy trying to flirt with her. As she raised her head, she saw a strange and frail girl in a long, white dress.
The girl had makeup on but it could not hide her pale and weak state. Ning Xi analyzed her longer, wanting to ascertain that she did not know her. She was not sure why the girl was there, so she waited quietly to see what she wanted to do.
The girl looked at Ning Xi like she was trash and she smiled coldly. "So, you’re Ning Xi? Your face is thicker than the Great Wall! A cheap girl like you trying to get into the Lu family?"
Ning Xi raised her eyebrows.
Although this girl looked weak, her mouth was anything but.
However, I'm sure that I don't know this girl... What's happening?
Something's wrong... It smells fishy...
As Ning Xi was guessing the girl’s intentions, the girl started uttering more and more ridiculous words, "Do you think you can hide the fact that you’re just a village girl by dressing like a model? You’re just a low-life. Who do you think you are?! You motherless thing!"
With that last sentence, Ning Xi squinted her eyes and emitted a lethal aura.
The girl became more motivated when she saw Ning Xi’s reaction, so she kept on provoking her.
"Who doesn’t know how complicated the entertainment industry is? You’re just another filthy slut! Stop acting innocent! You witch!"
The girl in the white dress did not expect Ning Xi to be able to suppress herself this well and not get angry at her yet. She then splashed the glass of red wine she was holding onto Ning Xi.
Ning Xi’s face and hair were all dripping with wine. Her clothes were all drenched as well. She looked like a mess and her eyes were filled with darkness…
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