“Yuan’er, long time no see. Are you free tonight?”
In Li Ting’s view, he had already lowered his stance enough. He could overlook all the offensive things Xia Yuan had said to him in the past.
The Xia Yuan in his sight seemed even more beautiful than before. Her snow-white skin was as translucent as the morning light, her features were exquisite and radiant. Her brows and eyes no longer held the love he once despised. Her tea-colored eyes were clear, large and round, with long, dense eyelashes. She looked at him with upturned eyes, no longer overbearing, but with a cat-like pride.
A completely different Xia Yuan.
Instinctively, a trace of warmth appeared in Li Ting’s eyes.
Xia Yuan could now look at Li Ting calmly. Even so, she still didn’t want to have any interaction with him. Besides, she now had a girlfriend. If she had any contact with Li Ting, who knows how jealous Meng Xiyue would get. If the roles were reversed and Meng Xiyue met with an ex behind her back, Xia Yuan would not only tear that ex apart but also give Meng Xiyue a good lesson.
At the very least, a kiss wouldn’t be enough to resolve it.
However, knowing Meng Xiyue’s personality, she wouldn’t hide something this big from her.
Because Meng Xiyue only liked her.
Xia Yuan refused bluntly, “I’m not free tonight.”
Li Ting froze for a second. Looking into her calm eyes, he suddenly remembered how he used to reject Xia Yuan in the same way, not even bothering to be perfunctory. “Yuan’er, do we really have to be like this?”
In Li Ting’s view, the woman Ding Yaoyao, who had disappeared without a trace, was no longer an obstacle between them. After so long, Xia Yuan’s resentment should have dissipated.
After chasing him for so long, he didn’t believe Xia Yuan would give up so easily. Letting go so decisively was simply impossible.
Scenes of Xia Yuan’s madness for him replayed in his mind like a video.
Xia Yuan stared at Li Ting and suddenly smiled lightly, “Sorry, I should actually apologize to you. I was being unreasonable back then.”
Li Ting was stunned, then heard her say:
“Sorry for causing you so much trouble.”
She was serious. Li Ting realized this very clearly. She was sincerely apologizing for her past irrational behavior.
“But,” Xia Yuan continued, looking at Li Ting, “I have a partner now.” At this, a gentle, almost girlish softness appeared on her face. “I don’t want her to be unhappy, so let’s just be acquaintances.”
She had indeed caused Li Ting trouble, but Xia Yuan didn’t think she owed him anything. Li Ting had also gained a lot from her, especially when he first took over Tianyu. The Xia family had helped a lot. Later, because of her, Tian Yuan and the Xia family had always been on good terms, thanks to her brother’s preferential treatment.
When she talked about someone else, the deep affection in her eyes was unmistakable. Her words were filled with the kind of love that only someone who truly cares for another would have, always thinking about their partner.
Xia Yuan had completely removed him from her life.
Xia Yuan didn’t chat much with Li Ting and went inside.
Through the half-open door, Li Ting saw Xia Ke at the desk. Their eyes met, and Li Ting clenched his fists and left.
He didn’t need them to succeed. Today, he came to discuss a big project with Xia Ke, but Xia Ke rejected him for being too aggressive and didn’t mention any new collaborations.
To Li Ting, that collaboration was just charity, but thinking about the company’s recent difficulties, he eventually signed it.
He felt a deep resentment, and when he saw Xia Yuan, his thoughts became active again, only to be harshly slapped in the face once more.
At the same time, he felt a sense of anger as if something that belonged to him had been taken away.
He wanted to see who Xia Yuan had her eyes on.
As soon as Li Ting left the Xia Corporation building, his assistant saw his dark expression and didn’t dare to ask much. However, some news had to be reported: “Mr. Li, that playboy from the Zhang family secretly ruined another of our projects,” seeing Li Ting’s face darken further, the assistant found it difficult to continue. He didn’t understand why Li Ting had offended so many people. Since the new company opened, they had been suppressed everywhere. “Several other companies have also refused to cooperate with us.”
In the assistant’s view, if these troubles weren’t resolved, the company would have a hard time developing.
Li Ting’s face was grim. He wouldn’t let any of these people off.
…
Xia Yuan wandered over to her brother’s desk. “Brother, I have something to tell you.”
Xia Ke stopped what he was doing. Seeing Xia Yuan’s expression, he knew she had caused some trouble. “Hmm?”
Xia Yuan coughed. “I want to go public with Meng Xiyue.”
Xia Ke paused. “Have you been hiding it?”
“That’s true.” Xia Yuan said frankly, “I mean going public on the entire internet.”
Xia Ke became serious. “Have you thought it through?” He knew what going public on the internet meant, and he believed Xia Yuan understood as well.
Xia Yuan pouted. “Someone took a video of me and Meng Xiyue.”
“However, after thinking it over, why should Meng Xiyue and I be forced to reveal our relationship passively? There’s nothing shameful about us being together. If we’re going to be together, it should be out in the open. I don’t want to give the media any more heat.”
Xia Yuan believed that after getting together with Meng Xiyue, she had become much more restrained, but she had never lost her pride. She wouldn’t let just anyone act recklessly in front of her.
The first part of her statement made Xia Ke a bit worried. His sister being secretly photographed could be a big deal. But before he could ask, the latter part of her statement made him pause, then laugh.
Such openness, unreserved and passionate love—he, as her brother, almost felt burned by it. How could he not support her?
“If you’ve made up your mind, then go for it. The Xia family will handle the PR.”
Xia Yuan smiled sweetly and clung to Xia Ke’s arm, acting spoiled, “Brother, you’re the best.”
Xia Ke affectionately ruffled Xia Yuan’s hair, “You little flatterer.” He felt a bit melancholic; his sister was slipping away.
After settling things with Xia Ke, Xia Yuan sat in the office for a while before leaving. She decided to find Ji Shi.
…
Meng Xiyue handed the reviewed documents to Secretary Gao, who took them and continued to report on work matters.
After listening, Meng Xiyue responded, “Alright, proceed with this plan.”
Secretary Gao nodded, “Understood.”
“And also…”
Secretary Gao stood ready, waiting for Meng Xiyue’s instructions.
“Help me investigate someone.”
Hmm?
Secretary Gao adjusted his glasses, maintaining his professional demeanor.
“The entertainment industry, Gu Yan.” Meng Xiyue looked up, her dark eyes cold and indifferent, “I want every detail.”
Secretary Gao was taken aback, “Understood.”
…
Ji Shi stretched lazily. Sitting in the office for too long made her back ache. She glanced at Xia Yuan, who was leisurely sipping coffee beside her. “What brings you here?”
Xia Yuan glanced at her and replied confidently, “Of course, I have something to discuss.”
Ji Shi smiled, her mood suddenly lifting. “So, what does our Miss Xia need?”
“I want to ask you to help me design a custom ring for me and Meng Xiyue.”
Ji Shi raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised. “Oh, planning to get married?”
Xia Yuan nodded. She thought about registering abroad with Meng Xiyue after the New Year.
Of course, she had to keep it a secret from Meng Xiyue to give her a surprise.
Ji Shi was delighted. “Congratulations! When are you planning to get married?” She was sure she would be the bridesmaid.
Xia Yuan replied, “After the New Year.”
Just over two months away.
A bit rushed.
Ji Shi nodded. “Alright, I can definitely design it within a month and a half at most.”
“A unique ring for you and Meng Xiyue.”
Xia Yuan was overjoyed. “I’ll be waiting for your good news.”
Ji Shi took Xia Yuan’s ring finger measurements and asked Meng Xiyue for hers. Meng Xiyue readily provided the data.
It was clear that Xia Yuan wanted to surprise Meng Xiyue, but Ji Shi didn’t expect her to be so well-prepared.
Xia Yuan smiled brightly and proudly. “I often hold Meng Xiyue’s hand, you know.”
Having worn so much jewelry, she had a good sense of Meng Xiyue’s size just by feeling her fingers.
Ji Shi silently swallowed this display of affection. “Got it, got it.” She was genuinely happy that her friend had found a good match.
Xia Yuan thought for a moment and then asked, “Are you free tomorrow?”
Ji Shi retorted, “Not spending the weekend with your President Meng?” Tomorrow is the weekend, even if President Meng is very busy, she has to rest.
Xia Yuan averted her gaze, “I want to learn cooking.”
Ji Shi was genuinely surprised this time, “Huh?”
Once she started, the rest was easy, “Meng Xiyue has a bad stomach and is always busy. I need to learn how to cook. I… I also want to take care of her.”
It seemed like Meng Xiyue was always accommodating her, and she wanted to help too.
Ji Shi smiled, with a hint of emotion in her expression, “Yuan’er, you’ve grown up.”
Xia Yuan was displeased, “Please note, we’re the same age.”
Ji Shi quickly begged for mercy, not wanting to upset the young lady, “Yes, yes.”
Then she got to the point, “I don’t have time tomorrow, the company is busy, I have to work overtime.”
Xia Yuan glanced at her spacious office, “Alright, what’s going on with your company? Are the people below not doing their jobs?”
Ji Shi smiled, her eyes glinting coldly, “They’re just trying to give this newcomer a hard time. I can handle it.”
Xia Yuan was reassured about this. After chatting for a while, Xia Yuan left.
After finishing this Republican-era drama, Xia Yuan refused to take any weekend gigs, and the company didn’t force her, letting her do as she pleased.
So, as soon as work ended, Xia Yuan drove to pick up Meng Xiyue from work.
Seeing President Meng leaving work on time, while the N.S employees were still working: “…” Something felt off.
As usual, they went to the supermarket to buy groceries. When they came out, it started snowing again. Meng Xiyue carried the groceries with one hand, took out an umbrella, opened it, and reminded, “The road is slippery.”
Xia Yuan also carried some groceries, exhaled warm breath, and lightly held onto Meng Xiyue’s arm that was holding the umbrella.
Meng Xiyue subtly lowered her arm holding the umbrella to make it easier for Xia Yuan to hold on. A cold wind blew, and the umbrella tilted slightly towards Xia Yuan, and their pace slowed down.
Wearing high heels, it wasn’t suitable to walk fast.
Suddenly, as if sensing something, Meng Xiyue’s gaze shifted to the right. A flash of light passed by, and she instinctively turned to shield Xia Yuan.
The other person obviously noticed that Meng Xiyue saw him, quickly put away the camera, and ran off.
Xia Yuan popped his head out from behind Meng Xiyue, glanced at the place she was staring at, and saw nothing. “What’s wrong?”
Meng Xiyue’s unpredictable eyes calmed down because of this question, and she smiled slightly, “It’s nothing, let’s go back.”
Xia Yuan put her arm around Meng Xiyue, “Okay.”
