Chapter 210 - At the night when the clock starts to run

Xiong Gaiyu stared at Xiong Zhi's deep eyes.

Then, she looked down at their intertwined hands.

"L-let me…think about it," Xiong Gaiyu spoke in small words.

"Why do you still need to think about it? Young Miss is already being gracious in paving a road for you. Be happy that the Young Miss likes you." Xiong Cai wanted to let his daughter take this opportunity to get closer to Xiong Zhi.

Xiong Zhi ignored her uncle and continued to stare at Xiong Gaiyu. In her mind, her impression on Xiong Gaiyu increased favorably. The latter did not jump greedily on the offer, even though she was already desperate. That was good, it showed that Xiong Gaiyu was not brainless and would not simply enter a situation she was unsure of and allow others to exploit her. A person worth investing. Unfortunately, the other party was Xiong Zhi.

Nevertheless, Xiong Zhi approved of her decision. She was also sure that Xiao Mei would like Xiong Gaiyu.

"It's alright. Take your time. I am available for you anytime if you want to talk to me."

The people around them looked at their exchange.

Xiong Hio looked at their clasped hands.

"How about me? I want to enter modeling as well."

Xiong Zhi looked at her and said directly.

"Try studying first."

She had no use for this girl who took the money from her family and ran away. She had no news of her since then. Since the girl planned to run away anyways, then it was better for her to study some skills so she could survive in the future no matter where she went.

Xiong Hio pouted.

"How rude."

Xiong Cai glared at his daughter and apologized to Xiong Zhi.

Xiong Zhi simply returned a fake smile.

It was now Xiong De's turn to greet her.

"Zhi'er."

Xiong Zhi restrained herself from glaring at him.

"Happy seventeenth birthday. I am happy I witnessed how you've grown up. I will surely assist you in managing the empire well in the future." Xiong De's voice was gentle, as if he was talking to his own daughter.

This made Xiong Zhi feel nauseous. So disgusting!

She looked calmly at him. After meeting Gao Huan a few times, Xiong Zhi's control of her emotions had significantly improved.

"Thank you, third uncle. I really appreciate that. I will really need your help for the bright future of the Xiong Empire," Xiong Zhi spoke the words slowly, emphasizing each word. It was ironic; what she was saying was in total contrast of what she was thinking.

Xiong Zhi looked behind Xiong De.

"Third uncle, I made sure that I sent an invitation to my cousin Wuyu'er. Did she not want to celebrate my birthday with me?" Xiong Zhi somehow knew what kind of situation Xiong Wuyue was in right now. Their birthdays were just two days apart. Xiong Wuyue would surely do everything to make her birthday appear more glamorous than Xiong Zhi's. 

Xiong Wuyue's presence here would surely give a headache to Xiong De. Xiong De must have stopped Xiong Wuyue from attending her birthday party.

Xiong Cai heard them and got the hint. He interrupted their conversation.

"Aiya, brother De, why did you allow your spoiled daughter to disrespect our Young Miss? You should have prioritized our Young Miss first before your own daughter. You should tell Wuyue to not act so willfully like a spoiled brat anymore."

Xiong De threw a cold look at Xiong Cai. Then, he smiled awkwardly at Xiong Zhi.

"Your cousin really wanted to come here. Sigh, it's just that, she is feeling unwell. She's afraid that she might pass that sickness to you." He sounded troubled and sincere.

Xiong Zhi went along with his acting.

"Is that so? I can't imagine how bad it could be. Of course, my cousin's health must be given more importance. Now, I'm worried about my cousin's health. I would like to visit her later."

Xiong De observed Xiong Zhi for a while. A baleful light flashed in his eyes before it disappeared and turned to gratefulness.

"Young Miss is truly kind. I really appreciate your care for my daughter. We are really honored. But Young Miss, my daughter's good intentions of not coming here would be in vain if you go there and catch her illness. That's why, Young Miss, just take care of your health. Your thoughts are more than enough for us." Xiong De's answer was so smooth. In the eyes of the public, he looked like a loving uncle who was concerned about her niece's well-being.

Xiong Zhi stared at Xiong De's eyes. She could see the coldness and mockery behind his facade.

"Is that so? Then, I will do as uncle said. I will make sure that on my cousin's birthday, I will be there. I'll prepare a wonderful gift for her. It is to repay for her kind thoughts," Xiong Zhi said meaningfully.

Xiong De and Xiong Zhi gently beamed at each other. Both have deep thoughts and was quietly observing the other.

In the distance, a pair of eyes were observing their exchange. That man's hand then went into his pocket. A fancy rectangular box was in his hands. Then, he looked at the child in Xiong Nuen Zai's side. He placed his hopes on that child. 

"Sir, your father is looking for you." A butler came to him and whispered those words.

The man looked at the direction the butler was pointing at.

Butler Zhou Min stood in the distance, giving him a warning glare.

"Father." Linfeng walked up to him.

Butler Zhou Min sighed.

"I told you to stay low for a few more months..." 

"I did. I've stayed far away from the capital for two months," Linfeng answered. His eyes could not help but get drawn to that direction again. Xiong Zhi was still smiling at the Xiong family members from the second branch. It appeared they were almost done with the greetings.

"Linfeng, Master Xiong is suspicious of you," Butler Zhou Min said as he looked at Master Xiong who was calmly watching everything, sometimes bickering with the heads of the other families.

Linfeng turned to him.

"Father, I've found a way."

Butler Zhou Min turned to him in shock. He knew just what kind of 'way' Linfeng was trying to find all these years.

"What..."

"It would take time. But I am sure of it. I know there was something there. I am not wrong. It is possible," Linfeng said solemnly.

"…" Butler Zhou Min was speechless.

"You just need to wait, father."

Butler Zhou Min stared at him, stupefied and paralyzed in place. He could not say anything because of the degree of shock he received. How could this be possible? A three hundred year old treaty of master and vassal… Could it truly be possibly broken?

Butler Zhou Min gazed at his son who was looking elsewhere.

Those eyes of his son were surprisingly gentle and unprecedentedly determined while looking at a certain figure.

***

"Zhi'er, you are so beautiful today." Xiong Mai hugged Xiong Zhi.

Xiong Zhi, who could finally smile sincerely, became happy.

"Auntie. I am so happy you came here." Xiong Zhi warmly hugged her back.

"Of course, my dear niece sent me an invitation. I would surely come."

Xiong Zhi let go of her aunt's embrace and looked confusedly at her.

"You received an invitation?" From what Xiong Zhi recalled, she was not really looking forward to her birthday. She only intended to invite her school friends. She totally forgot to invite her Aunt Xiong Mai and Uncle Nuen, because for her, her birthday was not worthy of sincere celebration. She just needed to go with the motions. There was no need to bother these two cherished people just for this day.

"Um. Your uncle also received one too." Xiong Mai looked back at her, puzzled.

"Oh. Maybe Butler Zhou invited you. But whatever, I am very happy that you are here. It made my day livelier."

Aunt Mei snorted at her.

"Hmph. So you don't really have plans to invite us at all?" Aunt Mei acted like she was hurt.

Xiong Zhi was fl.u.s.tered.

"No, I am really happy you came here! Really!"

"Alright, alright. I was just kidding," Aunt Mei laughed. It was rare to see this kind of expression from her niece.

"Sigh. You don't have to worry about us. Even if you don't invite us, we will still come," Uncle Nuen Zai joined their discussion.

"Uncle." Xiong Zhi lovingly kissed him on the cheeks.

"Ayia. I'm being kissed by a beautiful maiden. My son is getting jealous. He wants a kiss too," Uncle Nuen teased and pushed a cute little boy in front of her.

Xiong Zhi crouched down. Aunt Mei stopped her but she insisted to be on the same eye level with little Ryu.

"Hi." Xiong Zhi was nervous to meet him, thus an awkward smile on her face.

Little Ryu stared at her.

"Uhm. I am Xiong Zhi. Your cousin."

"..." Little Ryu just kept silent while studying her with his large eyes. He was not shy nor was he impolite. But he was bold in staring at her.

Xiong Zhi glanced at Uncle Nuen for help. Her uncle just laughed and did not do anything.

"What is your name?" Xiong Zhi asked.

Little Ryu blinked his eyes. His fringe was smooth and fluffy. He looked like a lovely doll.

"Mon nom est Ryu." A cute, waxy voice of a child answered her.

(Translation: My name is Ryu)

Xiong Zhi paused. This little guy knew how to speak French fluently, but since he answered her question, he should know mandarin as well. 

Xiong Zhi just smiled warmly and answered in French as well.

"Ravi de vous rencontrer, Ryu." Xiong Zhi was home-schooled since she was a child. As a titled young miss, she was tutored to study different languages by elite teachers, including French. With her excellent memory, she still remembered some of the greetings in the foreign language.

(Translation: Nice to meet you, Ryu.)

Ryu's large eyes sparkled.

"Nice to meet you too." This time the young child answered in fluent English.

Xiong Zhi smile gently. It seemed the smart little treasure had a bit of temper and wanted to play with her.

"You can call me big sis," Xiong Zhi spoke using American accent.

Ryu happily smiled and nodded.

"Hmm! Big sis!" Seeing those cute dimples, Xiong Zhi could not help but cuddle the child. But his next words made Xiong Zhi's heart skipped a beat.

"Big bro said you're smart. He told me this, 'at the night when the clock starts to run, I will meet you once more," Little Ryu spoke in mandarin and whispered these words to her ears, so only she could hear it.

Xiong Zhi looked at the child. What does he mean?

"Who's big bro?" 

Little Ryu shook his head. He had sparkling eyes that eagerly waited for the mystery to be solved.

"Big bro said you're smart and that you will understand."

Xiong Zhi stared at this child who seemed curious about her and his big bro. She patted his head.

"Alright, big sis will think about it."

"What are you two talking about? Is he giving you mind games? Ryu really likes to play like that." Uncle Nuen sounded apologetic but his eyes were proud. He was truly proud of his smart and cute son.

Xiong Zhi laughed.

"No, it's alright. Little Ryu is a smart boy. We really get along well."

While Xiong Zhi spoke, she kept thinking about the mysterious words from little Ryu.

'At the night when clock starts to run, I will meet you once more'

Xiong Zhi's eyes had excitement and longing in them.