Chapter 58: A surname

Chapter 58

Liang Di had been leading a fulfilling life these past few months. After reconciling with Cao An, their relationship entered a sweeter and more passionate phase. Although one would expect more frequent dates with Cao An due to their deepened connection, the reality was that both of them were busy with work. They ended up inexplicably scheduling overtime together.

However, Liang Di had a passion for working overtime because Shengxin, the company she worked for, experienced a significant boost in business after launching a new weather software. The company was bustling with activity, and as a gesture of gratitude to all the early employees, Xie Cheng introduced an equity incentive plan. Liang Di and Cao An were allotted different amounts of shares, eagerly awaiting Shengxin's further growth and eventual listing. Liang Di even joked that she might become a wealthy woman who earns money effortlessly just by holding those shares.

Due to the immense business opportunities presented by the weather software, influential figures from various industries started visiting Xie Cheng's office. Some of them were renowned experts in their fields, and despite being old enough to be Xie Cheng's father, they treated him with great respect and deference.

Initially, Liang Di didn't think much of it. However, as more and more big shots came and went, their attitudes towards Xie Cheng became increasingly reverential. Some even displayed a pilgrimage-like reverence that struck Liang Di as highly unusual. Her suspicions deepened when she accidentally witnessed Xie Cheng bidding farewell to one of the senior executives. It confirmed her belief that something was seriously amiss.

During their lunch break, she nudged Lan Xi, who sat at the adjacent workstation, and shared her discovery. "Listen, you need to be wary," she whispered.

Not long ago, rumors circulated online about Xie Cheng and Lan Xi being involved romantically. However, those rumors were eventually proven false. Surprisingly, Liang Di observed that Lan Xi and Xie Cheng had indeed embarked on a genuine relationship. Xie Cheng took the opportunity to publicly announce their relationship within the company. Strangely, his open approach alleviated any tension among the employees, and Lan Xi continued to fulfill her previous role as a data analyst. Xie Cheng maintained a clear distinction between personal and professional matters and didn't show any favoritism towards Lan Xi because of their relationship. Their interactions with colleagues remained unaltered, and over time, everyone grew accustomed to the situation.

Liang Di's attitude towards Lan Xi did not change either. From her perspective, Lan Xi had put in a great deal of effort to win over Xie Cheng and transform an unhealthy relationship into a legitimate romantic one. It was a result of genuine affection and a reciprocated commitment that allowed them to reach the stage where clouds parted, revealing a bright moon.

Therefore, as a friend, Liang Di felt compelled to offer a reminder: "You need to be cautious. While our weather software indeed has tremendous potential in the market, it shouldn't make influential figures from various industries bow down to us, right?"

Lowering her voice, Liang Di added, "Moreover, the other day when I witnessed President Lin, the real estate tycoon, bidding farewell to Xie Cheng, he persistently refused the house that President Lin wanted to give him. But President Lin insisted on gifting it, saying it would be their future marital home!"

Recalling this incident, Liang Di still felt a lingering fear. "President Lin firmly disagreed, saying there were too many and couldn't accept them. I was actually wondering how many he would accept, but when I heard it, President Lin gave him 365 sets! Villas from all over the country, 365 sets! So that he can live in a different one every day! Can you believe it?"

It's truly unbelievable!

Lan Xi couldn't help but shake her head in disbelief.

How could he only give 365 sets! The Earth has leap years and regular years! Leap years have 366 days! What does it mean for President Lin to give 365 sets?

Lan Xi immediately became indignant, but before she could criticize President Lin, Liang Di's words struck her ears:

"Lan Xi, President Lin must be trying to win over Xie Cheng! I did the math, considering his age, if he has a child, they would be around the same age as us. Look, he clearly has his eyes on Xie Cheng, wanting him to become his son-in-law! He even went as far as giving him a bridal house!"

"The problem is, it's not just him who's interested in our President Cheng. Zhang, Wang, Chen, all those presidents, they've come over eagerly to visit President Cheng. If it was a normal business negotiation, would they lower themselves like this? It's because they see Xie Cheng's abilities and want to have him as their daughter's husband. They want to groom him to manage their enterprises in the future, to be the successor of the next generation. That's why they're seeking his favor and showing this attitude."

Liang Di looked at Lan Xi, frustrated: "You know, so many people are keeping an eye on President Cheng! Besides these presidents who are looking for a son-in-law, there are also many eligible women in the companies he cooperates with. Lan Xi, you have to keep a close eye on President Cheng. I'm really afraid that just as you're about to bear fruit, someone will come and ruin it."

Liang Di grew more agitated as she spoke: "You have to understand how far the distance is between dating a man and marrying him! My dear sister, you can't let it go on like this. At the very least, fill up Xie Cheng's personal time."

"As for those presidents, I always feel they have ulterior motives."

But faced with Liang Di's heartfelt words, Lan Xi wasn't concerned. She waved her hand: "It's fine, those presidents are on our side. They're just here to bless us and give gifts! Later, I'll ask them to tone it down!"

How could that be possible! Lan Xi was just an ordinary employee from a mountainous area, and those people are well-known figures in the industry. They couldn't possibly know Lan Xi!

Liang Di couldn't help but exclaim, "Did Xie Cheng say those things to you? He must be deceiving you!"

But even in this situation, Lan Xi shook her head repeatedly, "No, no."

...

Lan Xi looked at Liang Di before her, feeling deeply moved. Liang Di genuinely cared about her.

Since Liang Di was Xie Cheng's younger sister, she could be considered part of their circle. After struggling for a moment, Lan Xi made a significant decision. She held Liang Di's hand and solemnly said, "Liang Di, I have a secret to tell you."

Lan Xi looked into Liang Di's eyes and spoke slowly, "I'm actually a princess."

Liang Di burst into laughter, thoroughly amused. "I thought you were going to say something else. What a coincidence! You're a princess, and I'm a princess too," she chuckled. "In this day and age, who doesn't pamper themselves like a little princess? The best thing is indeed to love oneself!"

"..."

Lan Xi attempted to explain, "Not that kind of princess. I'm a real princess, you know? I'm the princess of Mu Yi Star, a very noble one! Xie Cheng even calls me princess!"

But Liang Di waved her hand dismissively. "Stop! I don't want to be a part of your princess and prince play. Don't tell me about your romantic affairs anymore."

Lan Xi had poor social skills to begin with, often saying peculiar things. Liang Di was already used to it and quickly immersed herself in her work, completely forgetting Lan Xi's offhand comment. Fortunately, for some unknown reason, those industry big shots had indeed become quieter lately, and there were fewer people coming to see Xie Cheng.

Perhaps Xie Cheng's resolute refusal had shaken their confidence and motivation?

With this thought, Liang Di felt that Xie Cheng had barely passed this round.

Liang Di wholeheartedly joined forces with Lan Xi, happily working together. On this day, both Cao An and Xie Cheng were away on a business trip, so they were carefree and focused on their work. Before Liang Di realized it, they were the only two left in the entire company.

Liang Di initially planned to take a taxi with Lan Xi, but Lan Xi refused, telling her that a fellow villager would come to pick her up. Liang Di didn't doubt it, considering that recently Lan Xi often brought various delicacies to the company, claiming they were sent by her fellow villagers.

One of them sprouted a third arm from his back. While the two normal arms held the other person down, the additional arm landed resounding slaps across the opponent's face...

And the other person retaliated by spewing a fireball from his mouth.

Yet, the most absurd part was when someone from the crowd stepped forward to intervene. Extending a finger, it seemed as though a faucet had been turned on, and water gushed out, extinguishing the fire...

Someone from the crowd finally couldn't bear watching any longer. While zapping the two fighters with electricity, they angrily scolded,

"You two, even if you're jealous of each other, have some sense of occasion! Fooling around like this in front of the princess, do you want to die?!"

...

Given the circumstances, it was clear that continuing to deceive oneself with the notion of rehearsing a play was no longer feasible.

Liang Di stared in disbelief at the scene before her, feeling utterly bewildered.

She grabbed Lan Xi, who remained calm and composed beside her, and pleaded, "Lan Xi, punch me once. Tell me this is all just an illusion!"

Perplexed, Lan Xi responded with a soul-searching question, "Punch you? Are you serious?"

"Be gentle! Just don't give me a concussion!"

In response, Lan Xi, claiming to already be holding back, threw a punch.

Liang Di didn't suffer a concussion, but two streaks of blood appeared under her nose...

The pain brought tears to her eyes, and in that moment, she confirmed that everything was real.

None of this could be explained by science. Anxious, Liang Di clutched Lan Xi's arm and asked, "Lan Xi, what on earth is happening here?"

"Do you not already know?" Lan Xi replied calmly, "I am the princess of Mu Yi Star, and these are my extraterrestrial subjects, the 'compatriots' who often give me snacks. President Lin's visits to Xie Cheng are not with any ill intentions; it's just a normal tribute to the Prince Consort. Of course, since you are Xie Cheng's sister, you will also be of noble blood in the future! Because you are one of us, I don't need to hide my true identity from you."

Liang Di was dumbfounded. "Xie Cheng's sister..."

Before she could explain, a familiar voice interjected with despair, "My princess! This isn't Xie Cheng's sister at all! She's not one of us!"

Liang Di looked closely and realized it was Wang Zhiqiang, sweating profusely and looking flustered.

The only composed one, Lan Xi, also seemed perplexed. "Didn't you say there was a relative of the company here? Liang Di has always called Xie Cheng 'my brother,' so isn't she the relative you were talking about?"

Wang Zhiqiang was on the verge of tears. "My dear princess! 'My brother' is just a term used by fans! The relative is clearly Wan Yan! Luckily, you have good instincts, or else I would have been worried about you surviving the first episode in a palace intrigue..."

"..."

At that moment, Liang Di's thoughts were not focused on taking photos or videos for evidence, but on rushing to President Lin and snatching the villa key from his hand.

"President Lin, let's make a deal. I'll gladly accept this house!"

Since it wasn't a stage play, it meant that the Xiangjiang Garden villa they were giving away was real! Liang Di couldn't afford to miss out on this opportunity!

However, the President Lin, who had been respectful towards Liang Di just a moment ago, suddenly changed his expression. He promptly pulled back his key and shouted, "Zhiqiang, since this is an unrelated Earthling, we need to clear her memory! Don't you know someone from our clan who can do memory erasure? How effective is their ability?"

"They can basically erase everything and make the memories feel like a dream, but... there's one impactful fact that will remain firmly imprinted in her subconscious. She'll frequently remind herself of it," Wang Zhiqiang said, glancing at Liang Di. He sounded almost certain. "It's alright; she will definitely remember that Lan Xi is a princess. It's not bad to have this suggestion embedded in her mind. Just look at her; she has been working overtime with the princess lately. It's a good thing for her to remember this suggestion. It's time for the princess to take a good rest. The Prince Consort and I will report her excessive overtime. They both have had less time for each other and fewer sweet moments together..."

...

When Liang Di woke up again, she was in her own dormitory bed. Although she remembered going to bed early, she still felt exhausted, and she couldn't even recall how she got home last night.

It felt like she had experienced an incredibly long and absurd dream.

The only thing she could remember was receiving a standalone villa in Xiangjiang Garden and President Lin respectfully handing her the key...

Liang Di believed that people don't have strange dreams for no reason; every dream can be deciphered.

So, what does this dream of hers mean?

It must be a hint of fate!

It suggests that if she continues to work overtime like she does now, she will be able to live in a luxurious standalone villa in Xiangjiang Garden!

So, what is she waiting for?

Liang Di quickly got up. Even though it was the weekend, she couldn't miss out on working hard. She had to use her own advancement to motivate those around her, particularly Lan Xi, who was struggling financially. She was determined to pull Lan Xi, who had nothing, along with her to work overtime together. She had to wash Lan Xi's brain thoroughly. Love may disappoint you, but money and career surely won't! It's a beautiful weekend, but what's important is getting up and working hard!