Conflicted.. she was really conflicted right now.
Xia Yuan lay on her bed, unable to sleep at the thought of Meng Xiyue liking her.
She was facing a dilemma.
Should she pretend she didn’t know about Meng Xiyue’s feelings, or should she confront it directly?
She turned over, puffing out her cheeks and exhaling.
Oh dear, Meng Xiyue liked her.
Thinking about it, a silly smile appeared on her beautiful face.
When she finally drifted off to sleep, she had a dream.
In the dream.
In a room interwoven with black and white, she was forced to lie on a simple and tidy bed, a slender, fair finger gently touching her.
Under the incandescent light, that exquisite and beautiful face, usually calm and serene, was now replaced with unbearable restraint and hidden desire. Those usually indifferent eyes were filled with deep, tender longing, calling her softly:
“Yuan’er”
In an instant, Xia Yuan woke up, the sensations from the dream still lingering on her body.
She glanced at her phone.
03:26.
With a flushed face, Xia Yuan went to take a shower. Her body felt too sticky, her heart was racing physiologically, and an uncontrollable heat made her restless. She took a warm shower for half an hour to calm down, but when she came out, she was no longer sleepy.
She then took out her computer, her palms sweating as she began to search. In the dark, her face reflected by the computer screen, she looked at the messages that appeared one after another.
Xia Yuan’s cheeks turned even redder.
She had feelings for Meng Xiyue too…
＊
The major crisis at Tianyu has the entire industry watching closely. As the former leader of City S, will they turn the tide or face a complete collapse? Regardless, everyone seemed eager to take a piece of Tianyu.
NS Building.
Ever since Tianyu’s troubles began, the atmosphere at NS has been jubilant. After all, Tianyu had been suppressing NS for so long. If it weren’t for their president holding the line, they might all be unemployed by now.
Not to mention, their salaries have increased several times over.
A few days ago, Tianyu announced a marriage alliance with the Xia family. They thought Tianyu might make a comeback and wondered if Miss Xia had lost her mind to jump into such a mess. But then the Xia family came out with a public relations statement , denying the marriage alliance without any courtesy.
While they breathed a sigh of relief, they also felt a sense of schadenfreude at Tianyu’s misfortune.
NS has a partnership with the Xia family, and their president is good friends with Miss Xia. There’s no way the Xia family would help Tianyu clean up their mess.
These days, even when working overtime, NS employees are more than willing, full of fighting spirit, just waiting to see Tianyu’s downfall.
President’s Office.
Assistant Li handed the report to Meng Xiyue: “Currently, we’ve acquired 10% of Tianyu’s shares. We’ve also found out that several companies are secretly buying shares, including Huashi’s president, who has acquired 8%.”
“President, should we continue acquiring shares?”
Meng Xiyue closed the report: “Continue the acquisition and get in touch with Huashi’s president for me.”
“Understood.” Assistant Li hesitated but then added, “The Xia family hasn’t made any moves yet.”
Meng Xiyue nodded, her expression cold: “I know.”
Xia Ke, the head of the Xia family, hasn’t made a move yet. Meng Xiyue knew he was still holding onto their childhood friendship. In the original storyline, Tianyu’s situation wasn’t as dire as it is now. Surrounded by wolves, Tianyu almost couldn’t recover. If it weren’t for the malicious supporting character Xia Yuan stepping in to marry Tianyu, they wouldn’t have bounced back so quickly.
Meng Xiyue instinctively glanced at her watch.
9:16.
She lowered her eyes, her slender fingers reaching for her phone before pulling back. At this time, the other party was probably still asleep.
The item Xia Yuan lost, she would return it to her later.
Assistant Li saw Meng Xiyue deep in thought and assumed she was worried about whether the Xia family would ultimately step in to help Tianyu. Although the Xia family had already denied the rumors of an arranged marriage, the two heirs of Tianyu and the Xia family had always had a good relationship. Moreover, it was no secret that Miss Xia seemed to be infatuated with Tianyu’s president. Assistant Li had once had the privilege of witnessing this firsthand.
If Miss Xia were to be swayed by Tianyu’s heir at this time, it would be troublesome.
“President, do you think Miss Xia will agree to the arranged marriage?”
Meng Xiyue, sitting in the chair, replied coolly, “No.”
Assistant Li never doubted Meng Xiyue’s judgment. Feeling relieved, he left the office with a light heart.
As soon as he stepped out, he ran into Secretary Gao, who was coming to report on work. He greeted him cheerfully and happily informed him that Tianyu was truly finished this time, as the arranged marriage route was no longer viable.
Secretary Gao gave Assistant Li a meaningful look.
The failure of the arranged marriage was something he had never doubted.
＊
When Xia Ke returned from a business banquet, it was almost ten at night.
As soon as he got home, he relaxed and pinched the bridge of his nose, only to hear Aunt Lin say that his sister hadn’t left the house all day.
Surprised, Xia Ke walked to Xia Yuan’s room on the second floor and gently knocked twice. “Yuan’er.”
After a moment, the door opened. His usually delicate and beautiful sister now had heavy dark circles under her eyes, was wearing pajamas, and her long, shiny black hair was disheveled with a few strands sticking out.
She looked like she had stayed up all night.
Xia Ke asked, “Yuan’er, what’s wrong with you?”
Though her appearance was off, Xia Yuan seemed in good spirits. “Brother, I just figured some things out.”
Xia Ke was curious. “What things?”
Xia Yuan coquettishly brushed her hair back. “I’ll tell you once I’ve sorted it out.”
Xia Ke didn’t press further, knowing his sister’s personality well. He simply reminded her, “Get some sleep early.”
Xia Yuan sniffed the air and caught a whiff of alcohol. “Brother, did you go out for socializing again? Didn’t I tell you not to drink at night? If you can avoid it, you should.”
Xia Ke appreciated Xia Yuan’s concern. “I know, but there was a business gathering tonight that I couldn’t skip.”
“Business gathering?”
Xia Yuan’s eyes flickered. “Did Meng Xiyue go too?”
“Funny you mention it, Miss Meng talked about you today as well,” Xia Ke chuckled. “It seems you two have become quite good friends.”
Xia Ke knew that Xia Yuan had invited Meng Xiyue out for meals a few times, but he hadn’t expected their private relationship to be this close. After all, with Meng Xiyue’s cold and aloof personality, it was hard to imagine her accommodating Xia Yuan. He knew his sister well; she had a bit of a spoiled temperament and could be quite willful at times.
Xia Ke was curious about how these two managed to get along so well.
Friends?
Xia Yuan blushed. Meng Xiyue didn’t see her as a friend; it was more than that.
After bidding Xia Ke goodnight, Xia Yuan walked to her bedside and turned off her still-lit computer.
The screen was still on a forum page.
#Discovered my friend secretly likes me, what should I do?#
…
Meng Xiyue glanced at her phone. She had made two calls, but there was still no response.
Pressing her lips together, she recalled what Summer Ke had said today,
“Yuan’er might be at a bar.”
Meng Xiyue pursed her lips again, got up, and drove to the bar Xia Yuan often visited, bringing along a certain box.
In the swaying crowd, Wang Yueyue immediately spotted the out-of-place Meng Xiyue.
Her cold and refined features stood out even more in the decadent environment.
She whispered something to her new fling beside her and walked over to Meng Xiyue. “President Meng, alone?”
Meng Xiyue had a great memory and knew she was a friend of Xia Yuan, a true friend in every sense.
She nodded, “I’m here to see Xia Yuan.”
Wang Yueyue raised an eyebrow, “What a pity, Yuan’er didn’t come today.”
“Thank you.” Meng Xiyue didn’t linger any longer, her tall figure quickly disappearing from Wang Yueyue’s sight.
Wang Yueyue’s new flame walked over, “Why didn’t you keep her? She’s a real catch.”
Wang Yueyue chuckled, taking a sip of her drink, “Don’t talk nonsense. She’s different from us.”
Although she had only met Meng Xiyue twice, Wang Yueyue knew that someone as cold and distant as her would only fall in love once in a lifetime, and that love would last forever.
Not someone to mess with.
Meng Xiyue got back into her car, the headlights off. In the dark car, Meng Xiyue made a phone call.
“President Xia…”
“Yuan’er is already asleep.”
“I understand, thank you.”
＊
Aunt Lin: “Yuan’er, there’s a Miss Ding here to see you.”
Xia Yuan, who was applying a face mask, asked, “What’s her name?” Not just anyone could see her.
Aunt Lin: “Ding Yaoyao.”
Xia Yuan peeled off the mask, the essence still glistening on her face.
Xia Yuan scoffed, “Tsk, not seeing her.” Who did she think she was, coming to see her?
After a while, Aunt Lin came back, “Yuan’er, that girl still hasn’t left.”
Xia Yuan tied up her hair, “Let her in.” She stood up, “Call Li Ting to come and pick her up.”
Before long, Ding Yaoyao came in.
At three months pregnant, her belly was already slightly showing. As soon as she saw Xia Yuan sitting in the living room, legs crossed and looking impatient, she bit her lip and softly said, “Miss Xia.”
Xia Yuan crossed her arms over her chest. “Speak up, what’s the matter? Don’t give me that look, like I’m bullying you.”
“Just looking at you makes me sick.”
Ding Yaoyao looked at Xia Yuan’s smooth, fair skin and lowered her head, hiding her own haggard and dry face.
Xia Yuan took a sip of her black tea and, seeing that Ding Yaoyao hadn’t spoken for a while, clicked her tongue. “What is it?”
Ding Yaoyao nervously fiddled with her fingers. “Miss Xia, is it because I’m pregnant that you didn’t agree to the marriage alliance?”
Xia Yuan looked Ding Yaoyao up and down with a domineering gaze. “Because of you? What do you have that could compare to my love for Li Ting?”
It was as if Ding Yaoyao didn’t hear Xia Yuan’s mockery. “Miss Xia, I won’t appear by his side anymore. The child… I’ll get rid of it.” With that, she started to cry.
Li Ting was very unhappy that she had kept the child, and as punishment, he had her entire family lose their jobs. Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse, and this was something Li Ting could still manage.
Although her stepmother treated her poorly, her father was still very loving. Just thinking about her middle-aged father losing his job and looking dejected made her heart ache.
Xia Yuan glared at her. “Why are you crying?” Her tone was fierce.
Ding Yaoyao’s sobs halted in fear. “Miss Xia, I won’t appear by Li Ting’s side anymore.” After saying that, she couldn’t help but feel miserable again.
Xia Yuan: “…So annoying. How many times do I have to say it? Whoever wants Li Ting can have him. Stop disgusting me. I wish you both a long and happy life together.”
Just as Li Ting walked in, he heard this and his face darkened. “Enough, Xia Yuan. You’ve caused enough trouble. There should be a limit to your willfulness.”
Xia Yuan stood up abruptly, her face cold. “Who do you think you are, coming to my house and throwing your weight around? Aunt Lin, get them out of here. They’re disgusting.”
Li Ting’s hawk-like eyes fixed on Xia Yuan. “Don’t regret this.”
Xia Yuan rolled her eyes. “Give me a break. Tianyu is about to collapse, and you’re all rushing to beg me. What makes you think I would regret it?”
These words hit Li Ting’s sore spot. He grabbed Ding Yaoyao and left, throwing the gift box he was holding heavily into the trash can.
He came over today intending to say a few kind words to Xia Yuan, but unexpectedly, Ding Yaoyao beat him to it. Then he heard Xia Yuan’s insulting words. Having endured too much humiliation these past few days, Li Ting suddenly exploded.
Aunt Lin watched Li Ting’s angry back with concern and said, “Yuan’er, what about this?”
Xia Yuan waved her hand, “Don’t worry, Aunt Lin. Has my package arrived?”
Aunt Lin replied, “Yes, it’s already in your room.”
Xia Yuan coughed, her face slightly flushed, “Aunt Lin, unless I call for you, please don’t come up.”
Aunt Lin said, “Okay.”
＊
“Ding dong.”
Meng Xiyue opened the door and saw Xia Yuan, dressed to the nines, every strand of hair exuding elegance and allure.
Her eyes showed a slight surprise.
“Meng Xiyue, I came to see you. Are you happy?” Xia Yuan, carrying a large bag, flirtatiously flicked her hair and swayed her hips as she walked in.
The air carried a faint fragrance. Meng Xiyue pursed her lips and closed the door.
Meng Xiyue poured a glass of water for Xia Yuan, “Why didn’t you answer my call yesterday?”
Her lowered eyelashes seemed to carry a hint of grievance.
Xia Yuan uncomfortably took a sip of water, “My phone ran out of battery.” Xia Yuan had only seen Meng Xiyue’s call this morning, but thinking about her plan, she didn’t call back.
Meng Xiyue responded, “Hmm.”
Xia Yuan put down the glass, her fingers tapping the large bag beside her. Seeing the other sitting there, dignified and elegant, she thought, no wonder, with that personality, if she wasn’t smart, the other might have kept it hidden forever.
Forget it, she would take the initiative.
Under Meng Xiyue’s gaze, Xia Yuan emptied the contents of the large bag.
Clearing her throat, her cheeks still couldn’t stop blushing: “Meng Xiyue, I already know, you like me.”
Meng Xiyue looked at the pile of indescribable toys on the sofa. Her usually calm eyes subtly wavered with the other’s words, shattering into countless fragments.
