Knowing that Meng Xiyue was coming down, Xia Yuan started to hurry people along.
“Go ahead and leave, come back to pick me up tomorrow.”
Zhong Le didn’t expect the president of N.S and Xia Yuan to be so close.
It seemed that going for hotpot was a done deal, so he could only say, “Sister Xia, eat less later, don’t eat too spicy, it might cause acne.”
Having been around Xia Yuan for a while, Zhong Le felt like he was turning into an old mother hen.
Lin Qi stood to the side, hesitating, wanting to say something, seeing that Xia Yuan clearly didn’t want to bother with them.
In the end, she said nothing.
Before leaving, she thought, it seems that today she wouldn’t be able to complete the task her cousin had given her to probe for information.
However, Lin Qi felt that her cousin was worrying too much; Sister Xia wouldn’t mind at all.
Now at the end of autumn, Xia Yuan was wearing a tender yellow knee-length skirt, her long curly hair draped behind her, holding the latest best-selling handbag.
She was beautiful and had a great figure.
The office workers at N.S, who had been working overtime for several days, saw Xia Yuan as soon as they got off work, their eyes nearly glued to her, unable to look away.
Who doesn’t like a beautiful lady?
However, Xia Yuan felt somewhat uncomfortable; just during this time, the wind had blown several times, cold enough to give her goosebumps.
She suppressed the thought of rubbing her skin to generate heat; in front of so many people, it was really too embarrassing.
Unless there was no one around.
Growing impatient while waiting, she thought about going to the N.S building, then saw the glass door open, a tall figure emerged.
As always, elegantly cool and aloof, wearing a cold-toned suit with wide-legged pants and black high heels.
Her eyes and brows were cool, set off by flesh-colored red lips, even more exquisite and clear.
Xia Yuan stared blankly for a few seconds.
“Meng Xiyue, you’re so slow.”
Coming back to her senses, she started complaining.
Meng Xiyue’s gaze imperceptibly fell on the exposed skin of the other, up close, he could see the faint goosebumps.
Lowering her gaze, her eyelashes veiled those cold eyes, making her seem somewhat flustered: “Sorry.”
Xia Yuan paused, then quickly spoke up: “I haven’t been waiting long.”
By now, the security had driven the car over, and Meng Xiyue opened the car door, her clear, ink-dark eyes looking towards Xia Yuan: “Let’s go.”
Xia Yuan didn’t play coy and graciously accepted Meng Xiyue’s thoughtfulness.
Meng Xiyue closed the car door and entered the driver’s seat from the other side.
After the car drove away, the employees of N.S began to gossip.
“Indeed, beautiful ladies only hang out with the beautiful.”
“My goodness, the president was so gentlemanly and considerate just now. What’s their relationship, are they friends of the president? Why haven’t we seen her before?”
“Hey, I know her, that’s Xia Yuan, the heiress of the Xia family, the one the president personally invited to shoot the promotional video.”
“Oh, her, I know, didn’t expect her to be so pretty in person.”
“Is this what friendship among the wealthy looks like? I want a friend like that too.”
As Secretary Gao and Assistant Li left the company building, various rumors reached their ears, clearly, they had also witnessed the scene between Meng Xiyue and Xia Yuan.
Assistant Li was also fond of gossip, especially since he was on the front line, privy to more scoops than anyone else, he whispered to Secretary Gao: “At the charity event yesterday, the president spent six million on a necklace and gave it to Miss Xia without even blinking.”
Secretary Gao pushed up his glasses, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, generously sharing the gossip he had: “The president planned to work overtime tonight.”
Assistant Li caught on immediately: “You mean, as soon as Miss Xia arrives, the workaholic president immediately drops her work to meet Miss Xia?”
Secretary Gao glanced at him, pushing his glasses up again: “I didn’t say that.”
Assistant Li pretended not to hear, sighing: “The president really values Miss Xia as a friend.”
In Assistant Li’s view, although Meng Xiyue was aloof, she was a good person.
Having worked closely with Meng Xiyue for so long, he understood just how terrifying Meng Xiyue’s self-discipline was.
It could be described as dull.
Apart from work, there were hardly any recreational activities, practically no social circle, even though the president was only 24 years old this year.
It was only after meeting Miss Xia that her eyes seemed to sparkle with more vitality.
Secretary Gao couldn’t deny the ‘importance’ that Assistant Li emphasized, but as for friendship, that remained unspoken.
…
As soon as Xia Yuan got into the car, she spontaneously mentioned the name of a hotpot restaurant, “This place serves great hotpot, though it’s a bit out of the way. Their spicy pot is truly exceptional.”
“Meng Xiyue, can you handle spicy food?”
Looking at Meng Xiyue’s cool and quiet demeanor, she seemed like someone who couldn’t handle spicy food.
Xia Yuan did enjoy spicy food, but her stomach couldn’t bear it; eating too much would cause her pain.
Meng Xiyue responded, “Hmm.”
Xia Yuan’s gaze fell on the slender, fair fingers resting on the steering wheel.
She was skeptical of her affirmation about handling spicy food.
Her gaze then shifted outside the car window, where the strong wind was shaking the branches wildly, reminding her of something.
It seemed that since getting into the car, she hadn’t felt cold.
Clearly, the air conditioning was on.
Her eyes then fell on Meng Xiyue’s suit jacket.
With that jacket, this temperature wouldn’t bother Meng Xiyue at all.
Naturally, the air conditioning was turned on for her.
She hadn’t even mentioned it, yet the other party was already so considerate.
Xia Yuan couldn’t hide her smile, coughed once, and felt somewhat proud.
Meng Xiyue liked to show her affection in subtle ways.
Considering Meng Xiyue’s personality, she decided not to point it out.
While waiting for the green light, Meng Xiyue glanced at the darkening sky, then her eyes landed on Xia Yuan, who hadn’t stopped smiling since she got into the car.
Gone were her flamboyant days, replaced by a touch of docility.
Xia Yuan felt Meng Xiyue sneaking glances at her.
When she turned to look, Meng Xiyue’s deep, ink-like eyes were fixed on the traffic light timer outside the window, calm and indifferent, both abstinent and aloof.
Her serious demeanor made an overthinking Xia Yuan’s face heat up, and she quickly dismissed the uncomfortable thought.
They passed several traffic lights along the way and finally arrived at their destination.
By now, it was completely dark, and the streetlights were on.
“What is this for?”
Before getting out of the car, Xia Yuan looked at the clothes Meng Xiyue handed her.
It was a spare coat Meng Xiyue kept in the car.
Her gaze fell on the blindingly white arm under the car light: “It’s windy.”
Xia Yuan leaned against the car door, her whole body resisting the coat: “I don’t want it, it doesn’t match my dress at all.”
Meng Xiyue quietly looked up, her voice cool: “Miss Xia.”
Reluctantly pouting, Xia Yuan took the coat and obediently put it on.
Really, it’s not like she wasn’t wearing it.
Why the fierceness?
After putting it on, she ignored Meng Xiyue, pushed the door open, and got out of the car, visibly upset.
Meng Xiyue lowered her gaze, leisurely unbuckling her seatbelt before getting out of the car.
Seeing the car door open, Xia Yuan quickly put her small mirror back in her bag, huffed softly, and with her high heels clacking loudly against the ground, walked ahead of Meng Xiyue.
Meng Xiyue, with her tranquil, moon-like eyes, followed her calmly.
Xia Yuan, walking ahead, glanced down and saw Meng Xiyue’s shadow.
Following her step by step.
The sound of Xia Yuan’s clacking shoes began to soften, and the suit jacket she wore, now warmed by her body heat, felt warm and no longer cold with the breeze.
Especially when compared to the girls around her dressed lightly, shivering and clinging to their boyfriends, almost as if they wanted to merge into one.
Xia Yuan touched the cuff of her suit, its cold texture similar to Meng Xiyue’s temperament.
Her strides began to slow down.
She thought about the image she had just seen in the mirror.
Actually, the coat paired with her dress wasn’t that bad looking.
While hesitating, Meng Xiyue had already reached Xia Yuan’s side, even slightly surpassing her in height.
The hotpot restaurant Xia Yuan recommended was designed like an ancient inn.
Located in a secluded area, but with a quiet environment and distinctive decor, plus a good reputation, it was expensive yet still crowded.
From the parking lot to the hotpot restaurant, there was a path paved with bluestone bricks, the fine cracks carrying a unique sense of the past.
But for girls who love to wear high heels and don’t watch their steps, it was quite unfriendly.
Xia Yuan was still figuring out how to start a conversation.
Unwary, her high heel got caught in a crack, she twisted her foot, and as she was about to fall, an arm, slightly warm, supported her, easing the embarrassment of the fall.
A familiar light fragrance wafted over, and Xia Yuan looked up in a daze.
The other person stood gracefully, eyes slightly downcast, and in a flash, the warmth on her arm was gone as the serene voice of the other person sounded.
“Watch the path.”
Xia Yuan quickly stood up straight and looked ahead, hurrying to catch up.
The other person had saved her so timely, surely she had been watching her all along, so she decided not to hold a grudge.
“Meng Xiyue, I forgive you for being harsh on me just now.”
Xia Yuan, carrying her small bag, moved closer to Meng Xiyue, pretending to casually brush her hair, but actually sneaking glances at Meng Xiyue’s reaction.
Meng Xiyue saw all her little movements clearly.
She knew that if she pointed them out now, given Xia Yuan’s personality, it might lead to another fuss.
Her gaze fell on the two red lanterns hanging on the door ahead and she responded with a simple, “Hmm.”
Xia Yuan knew this matter was now behind them, smugly raised her eyebrows, and then awkwardly said, “The clothes are very warm, thank you.”
Meng Xiyue’s gaze fell on Xia Yuan’s restless hands fiddling with her hair, her eyes warm and her voice soft and moist, adding warmth to the night, vaguely gentle:
“You’re welcome.”
Xia Yuan booked a private room; although dining with just two people lacked the usual bustling atmosphere of a hotpot restaurant, it had the comfort of privacy.
They ordered a yin-yang hotpot.
This way, both of their taste preferences were catered to.
The table was set with over a dozen dishes, and the steaming heat filled the air, though the room was air-conditioned.
It was getting a bit warm with a jacket on, so Xia Yuan glanced at Meng Xiyue, who was placing dishes on the table, and asked, “It’s a bit warm, may I take off this jacket?”
Meng Xiyue’s eyes shimmered beautifully through the steam, “It’s your choice, Miss Xia.”
Xia Yuan pouted.
She had been so insistent when he asked her to wear it earlier though…
She quickly took off the jacket, then noticed Meng Xiyue scooping up a leaf of baby bok choy and hurriedly said, “I don’t like that.”
Meng Xiyue, who hadn’t intended to serve it to Xia Yuan, didn’t say much and simply placed it in her own bowl.
Xia Yuan happily swished a slice of lamb in the spicy broth, blew on it, and popped it into her mouth.
Instantly, her mouth was ablaze with spice.
After swallowing, she quickly drank some water to soothe the fiery taste.
She loved spicy food but always found it overwhelming.
Compared to Xia Yuan, Meng Xiyue ate methodically, sticking to the clear broth as she disliked greasy food.
In contrast to Xia Yuan’s flushed face, her complexion was only faintly rosy, her delicate features softly melting under the steam.
Remembering that she had said she could handle spicy food, Xia Yuan picked up a piece of beef that had been cooked in the spicy broth and placed it on her plate.
Meng Xiyue lowered her eyes to the newly added item on her plate, then her gaze shifted to Xia Yuan’s chopsticks, which hadn’t yet been withdrawn.
Unaware, Xia Yuan picked up another piece of tripe and naturally popped it into her mouth.
Once again, the spice had her gulping down water furiously.
Xia Yuan noticed Meng Xiyue’s gaze and saw that she hadn’t moved.
Setting down her cup, she said proudly, “I knew you were tricking me, you clearly can’t handle spicy food.”
“Really, if you don’t like it, just say so.”
After speaking, she picked up her chopsticks, intending to retrieve the piece of beef, but Meng Xiyue beat her to it and popped it into her mouth.
With a slight flutter of her eyelashes, Meng Xiyue swallowed and said nonchalantly, “I can eat it.”
Meng Xiyue could indeed handle spicy food; she just didn’t like greasy dishes.
Seeing that Meng Xiyue really wasn’t reacting, she sincerely praised, “You’re amazing. I can’t do it. I need to eat it with water.”
Meng Xiyue glanced at the nearly half-empty glass of water, remained silent, and under Xia Yuan’s puzzled look, poured three cups of hot water.
She rinsed a piece of lamb in the spicy soup, which Meng Xiyue had picked up frequently.
After it was cooked, she rinsed it sequentially in the three cups of hot water and placed it in Xia Yuan’s bowl: “Eat up.”
This way, it had a hint of spiciness, but the taste was within Xia Yuan’s tolerance.
Xia Yuan stared blankly as Meng Xiyue repeated the process several times, changing the three cups of water several times until her bowl was overflowing.
Judging by the contents, they were all items Xia Yuan had just picked up, her favorites.
A tingling, itchy sensation mixed with slight agitation surged through Xia Yuan’s heart.
Apart from her parents who had passed away early and her brother who was busy with work, no one had ever taken such meticulous care of her.
Meng Xiyue slightly lowered her eyes to sip her tea, the steam tinting her cool eyes.
She only moved her chopsticks a few times.
When two people ate hotpot, it was easy to tell which dishes were being consumed quickly.
Meng Xiyue didn’t think she was wrong in her judgment.
Before Xia Yuan could ponder further, her hand involuntarily began to move, eating the dishes Meng Xiyue had specially prepared for her.
Delicious.
Indeed, when it’s cold, one should eat hotpot.
After the meal, which lasted over forty minutes, Xia Yuan felt very satisfied and slumped ungracefully in her seat, looking at Meng Xiyue who also appeared content.
Even her usually cool demeanor seemed to carry a hint of warmth.
Suddenly, she remembered the return gift she had in her bag for Meng Xiyue.
She quickly took it out, moved her stool closer to Meng Xiyue, and placed the gift box in front of her: “This is for you.”
Meng Xiyue’s gaze swept over the other’s reddened eyes and gently opened the box.
A ladies’ watch.
A simple, cold white color.
She smiled faintly, her usual aloof demeanor slightly softened, her eyes warm: “Thank you, I really like it.”
Xia Yuan rarely saw her smile, was momentarily dazzled, and quickly looked away, feeling her heart start to beat strangely again.
After sitting for a while, the two got up to leave, this time, Xia Yuan consciously wearing Meng Xiyue’s coat.
Just as they left the private room, they ran into acquaintances coming out of another.
Ding Yaoyao and an unknown man.
Xia Yuan glanced at her stomach, flat and smooth, showing no signs of carrying anything.
She snorted and was about to leave.
Ding Yaoyao saw Xia Yuan, her face momentarily unnatural, but her expression brightened upon seeing Meng Xiyue.
“Miss Meng, what a coincidence.”
Meng Xiyue nodded: “Indeed a coincidence, Miss Ding.”
Ding Yaoyao’s face had recently become rounder, glowing with a healthy pink, clearly in good spirits: “Just call me Yaoyao.”
Ding Yaoyao had a very good impression of Meng Xiyue, or rather, she had always admired her.
Previously, when she learned that Li Ting was secretly targeting Meng Xiyue’s company, she was worried and even pleaded with Li Ting, but it never went well.
As soon as she spoke up, Li Ting would always lead her to the bed.
Thinking of this, Ding Yaoyao’s face began to heat up.
She hadn’t expected Meng Xiyue to withstand the pressure from Li Ting’s company, and moreover, her company seemed to be doing even better than before, causing Li Ting’s company to lose tens of millions.
It was reckless, but it certainly caused headaches.
Ding Yaoyao didn’t really understand these matters, not to mention, she had already resigned.
Every time she thought about working, Li Ting would stop her, and she only heard about these things through others.
Xia Yuan didn’t want to deal with Ding Yaoyao in the first place, but the latter came up acting all familiar, even asking Meng Xiyue to call her Yaoyao.
Xia Yuan exploded, stepping in front of Meng Xiyue with a look of disdain: “Ha, are we familiar with you? Calling you Yaoyao, don’t be disgusting.”
Ding Yaoyao pursed her lips unhappily, her hands clenched into fists, her expression stubborn, with a defiant attitude: “Miss Xia, I was talking to Miss Meng, please do not interrupt.”
“If you are targeting me because of Li Ting, then I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong.”
Ding Yaoyao used to think she owed Xia Yuan an apology, as she initially claimed she had nothing to do with Li Ting.
Despite restraining herself, Li Ting was too dominant, and she eventually fell in love with him.
Thinking of this, Ding Yaoyao gently touched her belly with a tender expression.
Li Ting had told her not to be afraid of Xia Yuan, that Xia Yuan’s feelings were unrequited, and he had no relationship with Xia Yuan except for some youthful affection.
Xia Yuan was furious.
To her, Ding Yaoyao’s words were utterly hypocritical.
She disliked Ding Yaoyao; what did Li Ting have to do with it?
Initially, it was indeed because of Li Ting, but later it was purely because she disliked her.
At first, she adamantly claimed she had nothing to do with Li Ting, but then the kiss marks on her were discovered, and she even claimed she was forced.
Tsk, she had never seen someone forced into bed, yet willingly continue to work for the other party without any resentment.
Every time she saw her, she put on a stubborn air, as if her defiance was just because she had some money.
Disgusting.
Xia Yuan looked disdainful: “Stop joking, don’t think just because you’ve climbed up to Li Ting that you can stand up to me. Have you thought about it? Being by Li Ting’s side without any official status, you’re just a little plaything to please him. Do you think, with your status, you could ever marry into the Li family?”
Indeed, status was a sore point for Ding Yaoyao.
Being with Li Ting, he never mentioned his family matters, let alone taking her home to meet his parents.
Even though she was pregnant, she had to wait for the right time, like Li Ting’s birthday, to tell him.
“Miss Xia, don’t go too far.”
Xia Yuan lifted her chin, looking at Ding Yaoyao’s protector: “And who are you?”
“I’m Yaoyao’s friend, Miss Xia. From the moment we met until now, Yaoyao hasn’t provoked you at all. Why are you being so aggressive?”
Xia Yuan crossed her arms and scoffed: “I just don’t like her. What, you want to stand up for her? Protecting her as if she’s something special, calling yourself a friend, who would believe that?”
Meng Xiyue watched Xia Yuan, who was acting like a typical villainess.
As the conversation grew more intense, she frowned and grabbed Xia Yuan’s arm.
Xia Yuan met Meng Xiyue’s calm gaze, and her villainous aura faded instantly.
She reluctantly hummed and placed her hands obediently by her sides.
Meng Xiyue looked at Ding Yaoyao and said, “I’m sorry, Miss Ding.”
Xia Yuan was displeased, “Meng Xiyue, why are you apologizing? I…”
She trailed off after seeing the quiet gaze of the other party and stopped talking.
Ding Yaoyao was somewhat surprised by Meng Xiyue’s apology and quickly responded, “Miss Meng, you did nothing wrong, there’s no need to apologize.”
Implicitly, she had no intention of forgiving Xia Yuan.
However, Meng Xiyue didn’t mind.
This was a personal grudge between the two of them, and as an outsider, she wasn’t in a position to judge their reasons or force them to get along.
Her apology wasn’t for Xia Yuan, but for herself, because she hadn’t managed to stop her companion in time, which led to her companion treating the person who had greeted her kindly even worse.
Meng Xiyue said, “Then we’ll be leaving first, Miss Ding, goodbye.”
Ding Yaoyao quickly replied, “Miss Meng, goodbye.”
She felt a bit disappointed that the other party didn’t call her Yaoyao.
“Su Yan, thank you just now.”
Su Yan gently said, “We don’t need to be so formal with each other.”
Ding Yaoyao watched Meng Xiyue’s retreating figure, puzzled.
Miss Meng was such a nice person, how could she be so close to Xia Yuan, who had the temperament of a spoiled young lady?
Su Yan.
The loyal male supporting character in the book.
The heroine’s childhood friend.
Having just taken a few steps and hearing this name, Meng Xiyue felt a sense of inevitability.
Once they left the inn and sat in the car, Xia Yuan, who had been silent since they came out, felt a tightness in her chest.
She was actually ignoring her because of Ding Yaoyao.
Even though she had made it clear that she didn’t like Ding Yaoyao.
Hmph, she didn’t want to bother with Meng Xiyue either.
Let there be a cold war.
The two of them remained silent all the way until Meng Xiyue dropped Xia Yuan off at the entrance of the Xia residence and saw that the other party didn’t move.
She pursed her lips and reminded, “Miss Xia, we’ve arrived.”
Xia Yuan looked up at Meng Xiyue, her eyes reddening, “Meng Xiyue, you’re biased, you favor Ding Yaoyao more.”
Meng Xiyue, accused of favoring Ding Yaoyao for no reason, was speechless.
“If I hadn’t stopped you today, would you have called her ‘Yaoyao’? You’ve never called me that intimately, why is that?”
Meng Xiyue looked at the other’s aggrieved, reddening eyes and thought to herself.
No, she hadn’t intended to call her that; she was planning to refuse.
However, before she could speak, Xia Yuan interrupted her.
Seeing that Meng Xiyue offered no explanation, Xia Yuan huffed, pushed open the car door, and was about to leave.
As she was getting out of the car, someone grabbed her wrist.
“Yuan’er.”
A soft, warm voice filled the car, carrying a distinct tenderness.
Just that one word.
Xia Yuan felt the warmth from her wrist travel to her tingling ears and then to her burning cheeks.
It was unbearably ticklish.
So strange.
Fortunately, the other person quickly let go of her.
“But… if it comes to it, I… I won’t bother Ding Yaoyao anymore, unless she provokes me first. We agreed, you can’t be close with Ding Yaoyao, I… I’m going back first.”
After saying that, without daring to look at Meng Xiyue’s face, she pushed the car door open, jumped out, and hurried away.
Meng Xiyue watched her retreat, which could only be described as a flight, her eyes soft and gentle under the light.
Such a childish statement.
Is this a child speaking?
*
The results of Xia Yuan’s audition for the younger sister role were out.
As expected, she wasn’t selected.
Zhong Le and Lin Qi were upset for a long time, but Xia Yuan didn’t really mind.
She wasn’t relying on acting to make money, nor was she looking to become famous.
Previously, she had said it was to win an award for her brother.
That was too difficult.
The lead actress’s lines were one script after another, and she didn’t even have the patience to read them all.
Let alone memorize them.
Now, she was picking out new scripts, but couldn’t find any she liked.
She decided to take the day off, grabbed her bag, and was ready to leave.
Zhong Le and Lin Qi stopped her.
“Sister Xia, where are you going?”
Xia Yuan, with her bag on her back, looked at their shocked faces and couldn’t help but roll her eyes: “I’m giving you a day off. Come back to work tomorrow.”
Zhong Le said with a strained smile: “Sister Xia, Sister Lin asked you to wait for her, she’ll be here soon.”
Her agent?
Xia Yuan finally decided to be patient, sat on the sofa, and waited.
Lin Qi hurriedly sent a message to Lin Xin.
Lin Xin was in the car, almost there, and she was anxious too.
She had planned to arrive at the company early, but on the way, Yu Jiajia had some issues during her MV shoot, and she had to go solve them.
After much persuasion, she managed to convince the director not to replace her.
Lin Xin couldn’t understand why Yu Jiajia was being so troublesome now, even saying that the director was giving her a hard time because of Xia Yuan’s instigation.
Having just resolved the issue with Yu Jiajia, Xia Yuan was now causing trouble, insisting on quitting.
Being her agent was truly worrisome.
She rushed to the company as soon as she got out of the car.
Xia Yuan was growing impatient when Lin Xin finally arrived.
“Xia Yuan, are you dissatisfied with all these scripts? How about I ask the company to allocate some better resources for you?”
Lin Xin entered with a smile, speaking gently and softly.
Gone was the temper she had in the car.
Xia Yuan thought for a moment, “Alright, find me a supporting role with few lines but looks pretty.”
Xia Yuan’s request wasn’t too much.
If she had asked for better resources, the higher-ups definitely wouldn’t be pleased, considering Xia Yuan was just there for fun, and giving her good resources would be a waste.
But they would definitely be willing to give her such a role.
“Okay, I’ll look for a script right away.”
After pacifying Xia Yuan, Lin Xin cautiously asked, “Xia Yuan, what do you think about Yu Jiajia?”
Yu Jiajia?
Xia Yuan thought for a moment, “Who is she?”
Lin Xin didn’t know whether to feel relieved or sad for Yu Jiajia, who had been restless these past few days, yet Xia Yuan didn’t remember her at all.
Lin Xin quickly adjusted her expression, “What I mean is, can I give these scripts to Yu Jiajia?”
Xia Yuan glanced at her, “Whatever.”
The scripts Xia Yuan disdained were definitely a godsend for a newcomer like Yu Jiajia who still had no fame.
“Then I’ll thank you on Jiajia’s behalf. By the way, Yu’an, are you interested in a variety show?”
Without a second thought, Xia Yuan refused, “No, I’m not doing variety shows.”
That was Xia Ke’s directive.
Xia Ke knew Xia Yuan’s temper well; if she went on a variety show, she would definitely get criticized.
Even if he could control the comments later, he didn’t want anyone maliciously slandering his sister.
In the entertainment industry, you can’t just casually appear on variety shows.
Lin Xin understood this and said, “Then I’ll turn it down. Xia Yuan, the premiere of ‘The Third Person’ is on the 25th.”
There were still five days left.
Before signing the contract, Lin Xin knew that the other party had acted in a low-budget suspense movie.
Low-budget films are hard to become popular.
Seeing the young lady’s happy expression, Lin Xin swallowed her words and prepared to arrange for some paid reviewers to control the comments.
“Alright, then I’ll be going first.”
She planned to meet up with a few girlfriends for shopping.
Lin Xin quickly stopped her: “Xia Yuan, there’s also a luxury brand store inviting you to shoot a print advertisement.”
Xia Yuan frowned: “Which brand?”
Lin Xin mentioned the brand name.
Xia Yuan suddenly remembered, this was one of the clothing brand companies under her brother’s management.
Since it was shooting for her own family’s brand, she agreed.
“Alright, arrange a time.”
After Lin Xin arranged everything, Xia Yuan left, planning to go and give her brother a hard time.
Next, she was going to work for her brother.
However, as soon as she arrived at the Xia Corporation headquarters, she saw Li Ting.
When she arrived, he was coming out of her brother’s office with a displeased expression.
Considering their many years of acquaintance, she greeted him indifferently.
Li Ting didn’t notice the coldness in her voice.
As soon as he saw Xia Yuan, he vented the frustration he had received from Xia Ke onto her.
“Xia Yuan, did you bother Yaoyao again yesterday? Can’t you behave yourself? I’ve made it very clear, I have nothing to do with you.”
This sudden scolding made Xia Yuan realize that he was trying to stand up for Ding Yaoyao.
Li Ting still thought Xia Yuan was the same Xia Yuan who used to have feelings for him.
If it were the old times, Xia Yuan would have just endured silently and then cautiously asked if he was facing any troubles.
By the time he apologizes and spoke softly, Xia Yuan would let it go.
Then, he can take the opportunity to discuss official matters and ask for Xia Yuan’s help.
Xia Ke will definitely soften up.
It always goes like this.
Li Ting came this time for the land in the west of the city.
In his view, in City S, only Xia’s Corporation could compete with Tianyu.
Although N.S has risen quickly, it naturally cannot compare with these established companies.
His purpose in coming here was to get Xia’s Corporation to give up on this auction, and of course, Tianyu would compensate Xia’s Corporation.
However, Xia Ke coldly refused.
His sarcasm, both overt and covert, infuriated Li Ting.
Actually, it was Li Ting’s own misconception.
Xia Ke had always been like that, and even though he was dissatisfied with Li Ting, he still considered him a friend.
Li Ting had always had things go his way, but ever since he met Meng Xiyue, nothing had gone smoothly for him, not at his company nor at home.
If he didn’t secure the land in the west of the city this time, the board might consider selecting a new CEO.
After venting his anger on Xia Yuan, he felt somewhat better.
He was just about to apologize and speak softly when Xia Yuan’s actions stunned him.
“Yeah, you treat me like a sister, I get it. But brother Li, no offense, you really need to choose your girlfriends better. Calling Ding Yaoyao ‘sister-in-law’ would be embarrassing for me.”
She sneered sarcastically, pushed the door open, and went in without giving Li Ting a second glance.
Li Ting watched the closed door, deep in thought.
Then he sneered.
Even playing hard to get should have its limits.
He would wait for the day Xia Yuan came to ask for his help.
As soon as Xia Yuan entered, she saw Xia Ke at the office desk, her eyes reddening: “Brother, I’ve been bullied.”
The room, made of special materials, was soundproof, and Xia Ke had no idea what had happened outside.
Seeing Xia Yuan’s aggrieved appearance, he asked, “Who bullied you?”
Xia Yuan quickly complained, “Li Ting, he just inexplicably scolded me.”
The usually gentle Xia Ke’s eyes darkened.
He knew why Li Ting had lost his temper at Xia Yuan.
After thinking for a moment, he asked, “Yuan’er, tell me honestly, what do you think of Li Ting?”
Before Li Ting left, his occasionally ruthless demeanor made Xia Ke wary.
Xia Yuan puffed her cheeks, speaking the truth: “I hate him.”
To be honest, Xia Yuan had given up on this one-sided affection long ago, but she couldn’t deny the years of friendship and still considered Li Ting as a brother in her heart.
Yet, time and again, he treated her this way.
Having been pampered since childhood, Xia Yuan couldn’t bear such grievances.
Seeing that Xia Yuan’s face lacked its usual nostalgia, Xia Ke reached out and ruffled her hair, “Our Yuan’er is so wonderful, there will be someone better who will cherish you in the future.”
Xia Yuan blushed slightly, a vague face flashed through her mind so quickly she couldn’t see it clearly.
“Brother, remember to watch the premiere of the movie I’m in a few days,” Xia Yuan didn’t expect her brother to accompany her, she would be content if he could spare the time to watch it.
Xia Ke replied, “I know.”
Xia Yuan asked for some pocket money before leaving the Xia family.
*
Meng Xiyue was dealing with documents at the moment.
The phone in the inner office rang.
Secretary: “President, Miss Xia wants to see you.”
Xia Yuan hadn’t made an appointment, and since the secretary had met Xia Yuan before, she could only refer her to Meng Xiyue.
Meng Xiyue checked her phone and saw that Xia Yuan had called her twice and sent several messages.
“Meng Xiyue, is it convenient? I’m here to return your clothes.”
“I’m downstairs at your company.”
“The reception won’t let me in…”
“…”
Meng Xiyue lowered her eyes, her serene voice transmitted through the phone to the secretary: “Let her in.”
“Okay, President.”
The secretary hung up the phone and then called the reception desk.
After receiving the call from the secretary, the receptionist greeted with a standard polite smile, “Miss Xia, the president is asking for you to come in.”
Xia Yuan, carrying a bag, glanced at the receptionist, “I’ve said it before, just let me in directly. Why make it so complicated?”
Taking the elevator, she quickly arrived at Meng Xiyue’s office floor, knocked on the door, and pushed it open.
Upon entering, she saw the cool and indifferent Meng Xiyue in the office.
Any awkwardness from yesterday had already dissipated for Xia Yuan, and she familiarly said, “Here, your coat is cleaned.”
Meng Xiyue gestured for her to put it down.
Xia Yuan casually placed it on the sofa, then feigned a cough and leisurely made her way to Meng Xiyue’s desk, casually sitting on it, “Meng Xiyue, in a few days, I’ll take you to a movie.”
Meng Xiyue glanced at her with a light gaze.
Xia Yuan obediently got off the desk and stood properly.
Her gaze inadvertently fell on the familiar ladies’ watch on Meng Xiyue’s wrist.
She chuckled lightly, then couldn’t help but add proudly, “Then it’s settled. We’ll go to the movies together. I’ll let you know the exact time.”
Meng Xiyue appeared indifferent, “I’m quite busy recently.”
Product launch, mobile phone pre-sales, land auction at the beginning of next month.
All squeezed together, she couldn’t spare any time.
Xia Yuan didn’t care, “Whenever you’re free is fine, I can ask the director for the original film.”
After all, she was an investor.
Meng Xiyue looked at Xia Yuan’s bright face, “The movie premiere?”
Xia Yuan was startled, her face smiling, “You knew? I wanted to surprise you.”
Meng Xiyue nodded, “I will make time.”
Xia Yuan’s heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushing, “No need to go out of your way, work is more important, this isn’t anything significant.”
Meng Xiyue still appeared cool and detached, “It’s okay.”
