CH 35

With the hotel room card she had won in the previous lottery, Bai Zhen Zhen continued to stay at the five-star hotel that night.

It was almost ten o’clock at night when Huo Xiang came back with spicy crayfish.

“Let me tell you, that store’s crayfish was absolutely scrumptious tonight! It’s a pity you couldn’t eat it while it was still hot! I estimate this takeaway has lost a bit of flavour…”

The moment Huo Xiang stepped through the door, the scent of crayfish wafted throughout the entire room. In addition to crayfish, he also bought some drinks.

Of course, with the previous experience, he had only bought fruit juice this time with absolutely zero alcohol content.

“By the way, my grandfather mentioned that I must bring you home for dinner tomorrow night, if not I won’t have anything to eat either.” Huo Xiang brought up while passing the gloves over to Bai Zhen Zhen.

Bai Zhen Zhen nodded: “Ok. Either way, we have to eat dinner. It’s good to visit grandpa on the way.”

After speaking, she felt that something was amiss, and asked: “Home? Did you buy a house here?!”

“It’s our ancestral home! It’s just that the last time, grandfather came back in a hurry and the rooms hadn’t been cleaned up yet.” Huo Xiang boasted, “You don’t know how big the garden is, with a large variety of flowers… And when the helpers lined up to welcome the young master’s return, the moment I stepped in, the entire area was filled with the sound of bursting firecrackers and the din of clashing gongs and cymbals…”

Bai Zhen Zhen mercilessly interrupted Huo Xiang’s boasting, asking: “Grandpa wasn’t… suspicious of us, right?”

“Nope!” Huo Xiang waved his hands, “Everything is under control!”

Bai Zhen Zhen looked at his smug expression and couldn’t resist laughing. Huo Xiang saw Bai Zhen Zhen laughing, and he became more excited.

“Come, eat this! This is a big one!” Huo Xiang picked out the biggest crayfish and placed it in Bai Zhen Zhen’s plate.

“Thank you,” Bai Zhen Zhen paused, “By the way, you’ll accompany me to Su Meng’s company for a visit tomorrow. I’ve already made plans with her on this previously.”

Huo Xiang asked in confusion: “Why are we visiting her company?”

“I want to find a job.”

Huo Xiang clicked his tongue: “Finding a job? From the looks of you, I really can’t tell that you’re a designer.”

Bai Zhen Zhen didn’t respond to him, instead asking him: “Speaking of which, it’s been awhile since you’ve found your long-lost family. Why hasn’t grandpa arranged a job for you yet? He lets you wander about outside everyday, not watching over you at all?”

“Zhen Zhen, I’ll be upset if you phrase it that way,” Huo Xiang pretended to be aggrieved, “Isn’t the reason why I wander about outside everyday to protect you…”

“Alright, I know that already!” Bai Zhen Zhen stuffed the freshly peeled crayfish into Huo Xiang’s mouth.

Huo Xiang’s eyes immediately curved into crescent moons again.

He continued: “Didn’t I mention it to you last time? My grandfather instructed me that during this period of time, I only need to learn how to spend money. Sigh, you don’t understand. There’s too much money at home, I really don’t need to go out and personally earn money myself…”

Bai Zhen Zhen interrupted him once again: “It turns out that listening to others show off their wealth is really annoying, even if that person is your best friend.”

Huo Xiang grinned evilly: “The Huo family’s doors are always open for you!”

“Forget about it. Even if the Huo family earns money, my dad won’t accept it.” Bai Zhen Zhen said, “However, I want to ‘take advantage’ of your Young Master Huo’s connections to land a job with Sister Meng. It just depends on whether Young Master Huo is willing to show his face to help.”

Huo Xiang asked: “You’re really going to work in her company?”

Bai Zhen Zhen replied: “Yes. Bai Meng Ru and I had an agreement in the hospital today. From my dad’s hospitalisation this time, she and I will take turns every week to take care of him and pay for the medical bills. Thus, next week I will have a huge bill to foot.”

“Don’t you still have a few hundred thousands in your bank account?”

“That is all Ling Hao Chen’s money. Even if I take it out, my dad won’t use it!”

“You can hide it from him…” Huo Xiang suggested.

Bai Zhen Zhen glared at him.

Huo Xiang couldn’t understand why. He frowned and recalled his earlier words — There was nothing wrong with it!

“Why does it feel that you’re more concerned about my dad than me?!” Bai Zhen Zhen asked, “You’re trying very hard to come up with solutions!”

Huo Xiang said sincerely: “This is a critical period, after all. As long as he can be saved, a little white lie can be overlooked. If it’s money that’s not enough, just let me know. You don’t have to suffer alone, I will definitely help you through this difficult times…”

“Also, don’t worry, I’ll keep it firmly under wraps. Uncle Bai will never know that it was me who provided the money…”

Huo Xiang couldn’t help but praise himself in his heart after saying that.

To take care of Bai Zhen Zhen’s father as if it was his own family without asking for anything in return, Bai Zhen Zhen would definitely be touched!

— System: “Ding~ Female lead happiness index -5.”

— Huo Xiang: “What do you mean?! Minus 5? Is it a system bug?!”

— System: “Thus far, you have accumulated 49 happiness points. Please continue to do your best! Success is right in front of you!”

— Huo Xiang: “Success, my ass! I seriously suspect that there is a problem with your testing standards.”

— System: “The tests have gone through official certifications. It does not accept appeals.”

— Huo Xiang: “….”

****

The next day, Bai Zhen Zhen woke up naturally. After having breakfast with Huo Xiang at the hotel restaurant, the two of them arrived at Su Meng’s company together.

Mix Company was more stylish than Bai Zhen Zhen imagined. The entire office was surrounded by glass panels, giving it a simple and modern feel. Based on this style, Bai Zhen Zhen simply couldn’t figure out why Su Meng was attracted to the way Huo Xiang was dressed so exaggeratedly that day.

The secretary led Huo Xiang and Bai Zhen Zhen into the office.

As soon as Su Meng saw them, she immediately stood up to greet them: “Zhen Zhen, Huo Xiang, feel free to take a seat! What do you want to drink?”

“Anything is fine!” Bai Zhen Zhen said.

Huo Xiang replied proudly: “I want to drink ice cola!”

Su Meng laughed: “Ok! For the son of the richest man, even if you want to drink 1982 cola, I will get it for you!”

Bai Zhen Zhen laughed along with Su Meng.

After chatting for awhile, Su Meng asked Bai Zhen Zhen for the purpose of this visit.

“There must be something urgent going on, right? If not, you wouldn’t take the initiative to visit me at my office!” Su Meng said.

“I really can’t hide anything from the beautiful and smart Sister Meng!” Bai Zhen Zhen sighed, bootlicking Su Meng on the way.

Su Meng replied: “We are sisters, similar in all aspects. Didn’t you see through me the last time I tried to act in a play?”

“Alright, stop praising each other already. Don’t you feel embarrassed?” Huo Xiang said, while sipping his cola, “Zhen Zhen, since you came here to recommend yourself, you should show off your abilities. Flattering others is not a skill.”

“Recommend yourself?” This surprised Su Meng.

“Yes, I came down today to find a job!” Bai Zhen Zhen grinned, “It’s better to work with familiar people, so I immediately thought of you, Sister Meng!”

Su Meng looked at Huo Xiang subconsciously: “What’s going on? Even if it’s a fake marriage, you wouldn’t make your newlywed wife come out and earn money, right?”

Huo Xiang sighed heavily: “I want to support her, but unfortunately her ambitions cannot be contained by me. She wanted to come out and prove her strength…”

“This is also a good thing.” Su Meng glanced at Bai Zhen Zhen in admiration, “Actually, I’ve always felt that regardless of gender, one should always have their own career. This is a sense of self-fulfillment that money cannot buy.”

She continued: “It just so happens that our company has been short of designers recently. Zhen Zhen, are you good at drafting or illustration?

Bai Zhen Zhen shook her head: “I’m not good at either.”

Su Meng was taken aback for a moment, but continued in a roundabout manner: “Uh… That’s right, after all you’re new to the field, why don’t you… start from the most basic assistant role?”

“Sister Meng, to tell you the truth, I just want to handle calls and hand out brochures.” Bai Zhen Zhen directly expressed.

Su Meng froze.

Huo Xiang nearly spit out the cola in his mouth.

“That is my dream.” Bai Zhen Zhen added.

Looking at Bai Zhen Zhen’s sincere eyes, Su Meng forced a strained smile, replying: “That’s pretty good. There’s no distinctions between good or bad dreams. As long as you have a dream, you should pursue it. Our company happens to lack such people too…”

“Su Meng, we should handle it officially. You should also conduct an interview. Don’t just immediately hire her just because of me!” Huo Xiang exclaimed.

The moment he finished his words, he laughed dumbfoundedly at himself — It’s just handing out brochures, why would an interview be necessary?!

“I’m not hiring her because of you. Zhen Zhen and I are sisters. Now that my sister is in trouble, since I have the ability to help, I will naturally help her.” Su Meng replied Huo Xiang seriously, before looking towards Bai Zhen Zhen.

“Zhen Zhen, as we are a design company, the salary of a basic administrative position will not be very high. I hope you don’t mind…”

“I don’t mind!” Bai Zhen Zhen replied, “Sister Meng, just casually throw out a number!”

Su Meng took a sip of water, before falling into thoughts. After a few seconds, she responded: “Ten thousand dollars a month, what do you think?”

“You can get ten thousand dollars a month to hand out brochures?!” Huo Xiang was stunned, “It turns out that the salary is so good here! CEO Su, is your company short of security guards? The kind that comes from a wealthy family and went to university.”

Su Meng laughed: “Young Master Huo, don’t tease me. A bowtie on your body is more expensive than my salary!”

Huo Xiang shrugged, neither refuting nor agreeing.

On the other hand, Bai Zhen Zhen said: “I will not agree to ten thousand dollars.”

Huo Xiang immediately looked towards her: “You can’t be serious, Zhen Zhen. Sister Meng is already showing sufficient goodwill to you. If you want to further negotiate salary, even I would be embarrassed for you!”

Bai Zhen Zhen ignored him, directly grasping Su Meng’s hand before solemly asking: “Just one thousand dollars, ok?”

Su Meng: “…”

Huo Xiang: “…”

****

Exiting from Mix Company, Huo Xiang was still reminiscing Su Meng’s collapsed expression. He reckoned that Su Meng was also reminiscing about his appearance at that time.

— Because the “position” Bai Zhen Zhen gave herself was simply too shocking!

“Bai Zhen Zhen, you’re still my wife in name. I’m amazed you could even ask for a salary of one thousand dollars a month!” Huo Xiang scorned.

Bai Zhen Zhen didn’t think too much about it, responding: “What do you know! Sister Meng also brought it up just now — Regardless of gender, one should always have their own career. This is a sense of self-fulfillment that money cannot buy. So, it doesn’t matter if it is ten thousand or one thousand, it’s all good if you’re able to realise your dreams.”

Huo Xiang’s lips trembled as he asked: “Are you sure that… that’s your dream?!”

“Why? Do you look down on my dream?” Bai Zhen Zhen squinted dangerously at Huo Xiang.

Huo Xiang’s eyes twitched, and he looked away. He had no way of going against his true heart to answer the question.

“Besides, Sister Meng is willing to give me such a decent job as a high school graduate. I couldn’t be more thankful; how could I take advantage of her? For the work that I’ll be doing, even one thousand dollars is a sign of goodwill.”

“You’re still quite self-aware…” Huo Xiang muttered.

“What was that?”

“I said you’re still quite loyal.” Huo Xiang changed his words.

Bai Zhen Zhen smirked and continued to walk forward.

They don’t know her troubles, and naturally couldn’t understand her intentions. The female lead in the novel has a filial character setting. The system couldn’t care less about other aspects, but regarding her filial piety towards her father, it had given out many “warnings” already. This time, her father was critically ill. If she still didn’t find a job and earn some money, there was no way she could talk her way out of it.

So, finding a relaxed job with low salary was the most suitable option.

Bai Zhen Zhen and Huo Xiang had just taken the lift down, and was about to head to the parking lot when Huo Xiang’s phone suddenly rang.

“It wouldn’t be grandpa urging us to hurry over, right?” Bai Zhen Zhen commented.

Glancing at the time, it wasn’t even four o’clock. It shouldn’t be him.

Huo Xiang took a look at his phone, before pausing. After that, he handed his phone to Bai Zhen Zhen.

“What the hell?!” Bai Zhen Zhen immediately noticed the words on the screen — “Evil step-sister, extremely hateful!” — and almost burst out laughing.

Huo Xiang answered the call, then turned on the speakerphone.

“Hello, Brother Huo Xiang…”

A familiar hypocritical voice, and a familiar ambiguous way of calling someone.

“What is it?” Huo Xiang asked.

“I, I have something to tell you. I don’t know if you have time tonight… It won’t take up too much time…”

“Tonight? I’m not free tonight, I have to accompany my grandfather for dinner!” Huo Xiang refused without hesitation.

However, Bai Zhen Zhen felt that something fishy was going on. She hurriedly winked at Huo Xiang, signaling him to agree to Bai Meng Ru’s invitation.

Huo Xiang understood, and immediately added on: “But… I’ve thought about it. I don’t seem to have any plans for tomorrow.”

“Then can I find you tomorrow?” Bai Meng Ru continued, “Brother Huo Xiang, although I know it’s rude, but I truly have no other way. I don’t know who else I can look for other than you… After all, you had a relationship with my sister previously. I know you’re definitely not one to turn away heartlessly when someone is in trouble…”

Bai Zhen Zhen spit out emotionally — Isn’t this the standard hypocritical way of speaking?!

Although I know I shouldn’t do it, but I still did it. In fact, even if I did it, it was because I had my difficulties. I believe even if I did it, you will understand me…

— Vomit!!

Huo Xiang glanced at Bai Zhen Zhen’s body language, and replied: “Of course! Ultimately, I am also your former brother-in-law! Don’t worry, what kind of troubles are you facing? I will definitely help you!”

“Thank you, Brother Huo Xiang, you’re so nice…”

“Then let’s make an appointment tomorrow!”

“Ok…”

Huo Xiang hung up the phone and looked at Bai Zhen Zhen: “I only agreed because you asked me to. As for what happens after, I’m only in charge of acting, but not the scriptwriting.”

“I’ll do it.” Bai Zhen Zhen was very invested.

Huo Xiang examined her suspiciously: “What’s going on? Why do I feel that you’ve changed recently? In the past, you couldn’t wait to hide from such things, but now you’ve started taking the initiative?”

“It’s better to take the initiative to attack than to sit still!” Bai Zhen Zhen smiled perfunctorily, before continuing, “By the way, if you have time in the next few days, do me another favour!”

“You’re asking me for another favour?! What do you treat me as?! I’m the grandson of the world’s richest man!!” Huo Xiang pretended to be arrogant.

Bai Zhen Zhen pouted, tugging on a corner of his clothes and acted cutely: “Good Xiang Xiang, you’ve helped me me so many times, one more time wouldn’t matter.”

“You must have plastered on a lot of make up today, how is your skin so thick!” Huo Xiang spat out, before immediately saying, “Speak, what is it! I really can’t win you.”

“Help me pick out a grave.” Bai Zhen Zhen said.

Huo Xiang staggered, and almost fell head-first.

“What?!”

Bai Zhen Zhen was steadfast: “A grave! The kind in a cemetery.”

She paused, before mumbling: “I wonder if burying or cremating is more common here? We’re still in a city, so it should be cremating, right?”

Huo Xiang asked worriedly: “Do you have a relative that passed away? Why haven’t you mentioned it before?”

“He hasn’t passed away yet, but it should be soon…”

Recalling the plot of the original novel, Bai Meng Ru’s thoughts of killing her own step-father emerged when she was unable to hook up with her “future brother-in-law”. Not only would she be able to rid herself of a burden, she could also ruin her sister’s marriage.

So, she was going to break Bai Meng Ru’s fantasy tomorrow and completely anger her, pushing forward that good show.

“Although I don’t know much about this, but the market price has to be within ten thousand dollars. The location and fengshui doesn’t matter…” Bai Zhen Zhen emphasised, “After all, the money I earned working at the restaurant only amounts to so much. The other money is ill-gotten in his eyes. If I used it, it will ruin his upright image, which would be disrespectful…”

Huo Xiang understood the general context, asking: “Is Uncle Bai’s condition worsening? This can’t be delayed any longer. Why don’t we use the method I mentioned yesterday, to hide the origin of the money first…”

“Come on, why are you still so concerned about him after the way he treated you?” Bai Zhen Zhen interrupted Huo Xiang, “Don’t tell me you’re overflowing with sympathy. That’s not a good thing.”

Huo Xiang pursed his lips. Although he also wished that Father Bai would suffer a little, but…

“He’s ultimately your father…” Huo Xiang said, “Even if I don’t acknowledge his way of doing things, but for your sake, I should still help him, shouldn’t I…”

“So, please be sure to help him choose a cost-efficient grave!!” Bai Zhen Zhen exclaimed earnestly, patting Huo Xiang’s shoulder.

Huo Xiang: “…”

—————–

Bai Zhen Zhen: To love him, is to give him the best (grave).

Huo Xiang (as if he has eaten a fly): The people in this novel really god damn know how to play!!

T/N: Huo Xiang, ah, Huo Xiang.. Please reflect on yourself. It’s clear by now what Zhen Zhen wants, especially since you can see the fluctuations in her emotions via the happiness points.