Grab The Heroine and Run Away Ch. 106 (Xu Jiamu x Cheng Siying)
In Xu Jiamu’s eyes, Ji Yichen appeared polite, reserved, and self-possessed, but in reality, he was deeply cunning and had sinister methods. What was even more infuriating was that he wanted to use Xu Heran and had once tried to get close to Xin Nuo.
As long as he utilized Xu Heran, Xu Jiamu couldn’t tolerate him. As long as she occupied the position of the CEO at Universal, there was absolutely no possibility of cooperation between Universal and Peak, even if Peak had the best materials available today.
During a meeting with the company’s top executives, she had emphasized that for the mature artificial intelligence service robots and other high-tech products in the possession of Universal, the most important and core aspect was still their chips and technology. As long as these things were intact, even if the chosen materials weren’t the best, they could still maintain a strong position in the market.
Xu Jiamu had never feared challenges and threats, and what’s more, she had found a better way now.
“If there’s nothing else, Miss Cheng and I have some matters to discuss,” Xu Jiamu said to the crowd.
The people gathered around Cheng Siying were all figures from the business world. How could they not recognize Xu Jiamu? They quickly smiled and said, “Please go ahead.”
“Thank you.”
Xu Jiamu nodded at the crowd, especially at Ji Yichen, and then she linked arms with Cheng Siying, leading her in the direction behind Ji Yichen. The two of them brushed past each other, and Ji Yichen suddenly called out, “Siying.”
“Your belongings are still at the company. Should I send them to your home or the company?” His voice was unhurried, sounding quite intimate to Cheng Siying.
Cheng Siying turned her head, sweeping her gaze over Xu Jiamu’s snow-white skin again. She had originally intended to look at Ji Yichen, but her gaze suddenly halted at the center of Xu Jiamu’s forehead. Among the loose strands of her hair, Xu Jiamu’s equally fair ear was adorned with an exquisite piece of jewelry—a black pearl and diamond combination earring. But in Cheng Siying’s mind, only four words came to mind: Sesame Tangyuan (a type of dessert).
“No need,” she said slowly, maintaining a posture of observing Xu Jiamu’s profile. “It’s not something important. Ji Yichen can have it taken care of.”
After she finished speaking, she suddenly noticed a satisfied expression on Xu Jiamu’s face.
Xu Jiamu: Very good, it seems that Professor Cheng’s feelings for Ji Yichen are not as deep as before.
Cheng Siying: Xu Jiamu is a beautiful woman, but she’s not easy to understand.
Two different thoughts suddenly converged.
Perhaps with more interaction, they might even become friends.
Walking side by side, the thoughts of the two drew closer.
Behind them, Ji Yichen’s expression grew increasingly subdued, his eyes deepening.
“Everyone,” he addressed the others, “The strength of Universal is undeniable. With Universal and Lushi’s cooperation on the horizon and the establishment of the Science and Technology Park, it’s indeed a huge threat to us.”
The businessmen exchanged glances, and someone whispered, “I think, perhaps it’s an opportunity? If we can settle in the new Science and Technology Park and engage in more exchanges with the two leading tech companies, maybe it’ll improve our company’s technology.”
Ji Yichen shook his head, “You’re thinking too simplistically.”
“Lushi and Universal’s technology has placed them in their current positions. How could they be so generous with their resources?” Ji Yichen whispered, “The conditions for entering the new Science and Technology Park are not clear yet. When the two conglomerates join forces, for companies like us in the tech sector, it’s either a blessing or a curse… and if it’s a curse, it’s catastrophic.”
The expressions of the crowd hesitated. Among them, one man exchanged a glance with Ji Yichen and said, “From what I’ve heard, the number of companies that can enter the Science and Technology Park through cooperation with Lushi and Universal is limited. The admission ticket is the most cutting-edge technology of the company. Just think about it, can the average person accept these conditions?”
“And once you’re inside the park, it’ll be difficult to get out. By then, being manipulated by the two conglomerates, not having control… ” another person frowned, “It’s a blow to the companies that don’t make it into the Science and Technology Park as well.”
“In the end, it’s Lushi and Universal who benefit the most, continuously surpassing the current technological levels, while we keep getting hit.”
The first person who spoke said, “These are all speculations. I still hold onto my previous opinion. Lushi and Universal already have a large market share. From a technical perspective… I don’t know what’s there to be coveted.”
“You’ve immersed yourself in the business world for many years. How come your thoughts are still so simplistic?”
“Hahaha, well then, what do you suggest? We’re just guessing here. Can we really prevent the two conglomerates from uniting?”
Ji Yichen had been waiting for this moment. He smiled slightly, “We haven’t said we can’t stop them.”
Everyone’s gaze fell on his face.
“The two conglomerates can unite to build the Science and Technology Park, and we can also unite to establish the park before them, or…” Ji Yichen’s smile deepened, his words fading at the corner of his mouth.
“Do you want to dance?”
Xu Jiamu asked Cheng Siying seriously.
Cheng Siying: “I don’t know how to dance.”
“Mhm.”
“Feeling hot?” Xu Jiamu asked again.
Cheng Siying handed her coat to Xu Jiamu’s secretary. She was wearing a sweater and pants inside, standing out among the crowd of people dressed in suits and leather shoes.
“It’s okay,” Cheng Siying replied.
“Alright.” Xu Jiamu picked up a glass of champagne and said softly, “I’ll introduce you to a few people, then we’ll leave.”
The people Xu Jiamu introduced Cheng Siying to, except for the organizer of the party, were all powerful figures in the field of research with achievements and capabilities.
“I remember specifically instructing my secretary to send you an invitation letter. I thought you wouldn’t come, but now that I see you, I’m very happy,” a spirited old man with white hair smiled and said to Cheng Siying. “Your research must continue. Many of us are waiting for your new achievements. You must inherit your father’s legacy and bring better materials to this world.”
“I will,” Cheng Siying said respectfully.
“Miss Xu, thank you for your support to our research,” the old man smiled at Xu Jiamu and continued, “I noticed you came with Miss Cheng. Cheng BioTech is worth your attention. I, along with everyone else, am waiting for the establishment of the new Science and Technology Park.”
“Mhm.”
Xu Jiamu raised his glass in a toast with the others.
Cheng Siying watched as Xu Jiamu drank with the others, seemingly unfazed. When she first met Xu Jiamu, there was an lingering scent of alcohol on her. As one of the most important figures at the party, Cheng Siying wondered how much she had already consumed.
“Let’s go back,” Cheng Siying whispered to Xu Jiamu.
“Sure.” Xu Jiamu’s expression remained unchanged. Three seconds later, she asked, “Where to?”
Cheng Siying: “…”
“Back.”
Xu Jiamu: “Alright.”
Hope she isn’t getting drunk.
Cheng Siying thought to herself. She turned around to look for Xu Jiamu’s secretary. The secretary who was a few steps behind them immediately approached.
“Ms. Xu’s room is on the top floor.”
The three of them navigated through the mingling crowd. The secretary greeted others with a beaming smile and prevented those who wanted to approach Xu Jiamu from getting too close. Soon, they entered the elevator.
Xu Jiamu stood upright, pressing her forehead.
Seeing her in this state, Cheng Siying’s “I’ll head back first” hung in her mouth.
“Are you okay?”
“Fine,” Xu Jiamu responded.
Cheng Siying pondered if the slightly tipsy Xu Jiamu would only answer with one-word responses.
Guided by the principle of seeking knowledge, she said, “I think you should reconsider supporting Cheng BioTech.”
Xu Jiamu didn’t say anything. She lowered her head and raised an eyebrow at Cheng Siying, her expression as if asking, “Why?”
Cheng Siying: “…”
Alright.
The top floor was quiet. Upon entering, Cheng Siying saw her clothes hanging on the rack by the door. She quickly reached into her pocket, found the black card, and sighed in relief.
“I’ll take a shower, wait for me a moment,” Xu Jiamu said.
Cheng Siying nodded. She watched Xu Jiamu walk into the bedroom. After she entered, the secretary suddenly caught Cheng Siying’s attention.
“Miss Cheng, could you please watch over Ms. Xu for a while? I need to go back to the party,” the secretary smiled at Cheng Siying.
Huh?
Cheng Siying blinked.
Watch over Xu Jiamu?
She cautiously stepped into the slightly ajar bedroom. She heard the sound of running water.
The bedroom was tidy, bearing traces of habitation as large as Cheng Siying’s entire home. Standing there awkwardly, Cheng Siying pondered how to “watch over” Xu Jiamu. Suddenly, from the bathroom, she heard a cool voice say, “Anna, please bring me my pajamas.”
Pajamas.
Cheng Siying quickly searched and opened the closet, looking at the multitude of clothes inside. She hesitated for a moment before pulling out a black lace robe.
“Come in.”
Cheng Siying entered the bathroom and saw the woman soaking in the bathtub, her skin slightly reddened from alcohol. As Cheng Siying blushed, her face turned red too.
“Hmm?” Xu Jiamu opened her eyes, looking puzzled. “Miss Cheng?”
“Uh… Anna has something to do,” Cheng Siying hung up the robe for Xu Jiamu, avoiding looking at her snowy white skin.
“Ms. Xu, do you plan to soak for a long time?” Cheng Siying whispered, “Otherwise, I’ll head back first.”
Behind her, the sound of water fluctuated. Xu Jiamu leaned against the edge of the white wall pool and smiled.
“Professor Cheng, it seems you forgot to bring me my underwear.”
Cheng Siying: “…”
But you didn’t mention it.
“Professor Cheng, it’s already late. Rest here tonight, and I’ll take you back tomorrow,” Xu Jiamu gently closed her eyes, extending an invitation, “The water temperature is just right. Professor Cheng, care to join me?”
Cheng Siying’s limbs stiffened, and she quickly left the bathroom, as if escaping.
Xu Jiamu lifted her eyelashes slightly, watching Cheng Siying’s retreating figure, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes.
Cheng Siying woke up from her dream and looked at the unfamiliar room, blinking her eyes.
There was a pleasant scent in the air. Slowly, Cheng Siying got up and glanced at the woman sleeping beside her.
Last night, she didn’t know what she was thinking. She hadn’t declined Xu Jiamu’s invitation and ended up staying at the hotel. After freshening up, they had talked about philosophy, economics, technology… chatting until one of them fell asleep, though neither remembered who.
Cheng Siying thought, in that case, they might be considered friends now.
As very good friends, accepting Ms Xu—Jiamu’s support seemed like a good idea.
Thinking leisurely, she got out of bed, draped on some clothes, opened the door, and went to the dining room to find some water to drink.
Outside the window, the sky was turning dark. Winter nights were long. Cheng Siying looked at the Beijing cityscape in the morning light and suddenly heard a knock on the door.
Perhaps it was Xu Jiamu’s secretary.
She walked over to open the door. As the door swung open, she first saw the pattern on the person’s chest. Subconsciously, she raised her head and met a pair of beautiful blue-purple eyes.
“Huh?”
Xu Heran glanced at the woman standing in place, her delicate appearance and clean temperament. Then, she looked behind her. The bedroom door where Xu Jiamu slept was slightly ajar, while the door across the hall was firmly shut, seemingly unused.
The small pearl-like blue-purple eyes burst with fireworks.
Wow.
Wow!
Wow—
Xu Heran snapped her fingers, and a lightbulb appeared over her head.
“Got it.”
“Hello, Sister-in-law!”
Xu Heran exclaimed loudly, without hesitation, she approached and put her arm around Cheng Siying’s shoulder, leading her inside. “You woke up early. I brought breakfast for you… But why didn’t Xu Jiamu tell me about this!”
Cheng Siying: “…No.”
“Please have a seat, Sister-in-law.” Xu Heran pulled out a chair, actively and warmly inviting Cheng Siying to sit down. She placed the breakfast boxes from the hotel restaurant on the table. The breakfast was meant for two people; Xu Heran had planned to have breakfast with Xu Jiamu, but this surprise addition changed things.
In a hurry, Xu Heran picked up the coffee pot hanging from her waist and poured coffee for Cheng Siying.
“My sister isn’t used to hotel coffee. This is what I made in my dorm. Sister-in-law, please try it.”
“I’m not—”
“Snap.”
The sound of the door interrupted Cheng Siying’s words once again. Her pale face turned slightly red, and she blinked, watching Xu Jiamu approach with a calm aura. Xu Jiamu was wearing the black lace robe, her beautiful face expressionless. The black rose from last night seemed even more untouchable in the faint morning light. Her lowered eyelashes carried a hint of impatience.
“Xu Jiamu!” Xu Heran sneered, lifted her hand, and unabashedly poked the woman’s shoulder as she walked past her. “You’re quite something.”
“What?” Xu Jiamu asked in a foreign language, her voice slightly hoarse. Her hand went towards the coffee cup on the table as she spoke. However, Xu Heran slapped her hand away before her fingers could touch the cup. Her own sister picked up the coffee and placed it respectfully in front of Cheng Siying.
“What would you like to drink? This is for Sister-in-law.”
They conversed in a foreign language, and Cheng Siying’s body tensed as she understood every word clearly.
Xu Jiamu’s fingers paused in mid-air, her gaze slowly falling onto Cheng Siying. She raised an eyebrow, memories of last night flooding her mind. Xu Jiamu retracted her fingers, pinched her forehead, and apologized to Cheng Siying.
“I’m sorry. I’ll have the driver take you back shortly.”
“It’s alright,” Cheng Siying said.
Xu Heran rolled her eyes and let out a mocking “hehe” towards Xu Jiamu.
“What do you mean?” Xu Jiamu looked puzzled. “I don’t understand.”
She sat by the small table near the window, with Xu Heran on her left and Cheng Siying on her right. Xu Jiamu leaned back in the spacious chair, her slender fingers holding the white-rimmed coffee cup.
“Xu Peier,” she said in a measured tone.
Xu Heran raised an eyebrow, poured her coffee, and as the cup approached Xu Jiamu’s lips, a mischievous smile played on Xu Heran’s lips.
“Sis, when did you find a sister-in-law for me? You didn’t even tell me. Are you planning to bring her home this year? Mom must be delighted, and Grandma will be thrilled.”
“Pfft.”
A bubble emerged from the black coffee.
Next to them, a certain fearless and unyielding pearl laughed cheerfully, “How could you send her home after just one night’s sleep? The weather is nice today. I suggest you both go out for some shopping spree.”
Xu Jiamu stood up and placed the coffee cup on the table with a soft thud. Before her hand could reach it, Cheng Siying spoke up in time, preventing a disastrous showdown between the two sisters.
“I am Xu… Jiamu’s business partner.”
Xu Heran leaned to the side, propping her right ankle on her left leg and swaying her foot.
Oh~
From the bed?
Her sister actually did such a thing!
Calling her Xu Jiamu? Calling her beloved?
Xu Jiamu, who had taken care of Xu Heran since childhood, could easily tell that her mischievous sister was up to no good. She warned, “Put away your weird thoughts.”
“But I was just…”
Xu Heran’s enthusiasm waned, and she let out a disappointed sigh. She slumped in her chair, gazing at Cheng Siying through the hazy steam.
This sister appeared quite young. She was of average height, with soft black hair. Her complexion was somewhat pale, but her lips were a rosy shade of red, and her eyelashes were dark.
Suddenly, a line of poetry came to her mind, “A lone boat under a straw raincoat, alone fishing in the cold river snow.”
When she was a child, her grandfather used to hold her and tell her stories. In a poetry book, black characters were imprinted on a blank sheet of ink, amidst the vast world, only a single leaf boat sailed in the silence of the white water.
Xu Heran felt that this sister was like the blank space in a painting—clean, distant, and imbued with tranquil coolness.
Quite a match for her big icy sister.
Xu Pearl raised her index finger and scratched her cheek.
Xu Jiamu peeled off the eggshell, placed it on Xu Heran’s plate, and said coldly, “Eat.”
Finish eating and leave quickly.
Xu Heran lazily sat up, wanting to ask her why she didn’t give the other sister an egg first, but she quickly saw Xu Jiamu place another peeled egg in the woman’s plate across from her.
Cheng Siying blinked and softly said, “Thank you.”
Oh~
Okay.
Xu Heran happily stuffed a whole egg into her mouth, pushed the coffee pot towards Xu Jiamu, and patted her shoulder.
“Where are you going?” Xu Jiamu asked her.
Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm.
Xu Heran pointed to the door and gestured to Cheng Siying, “Mmm mmm mmm!”
Xu Jiamu: “…”
Cheng Siying: “Goodbye.”
“Bye-bye~” Xu Heran waved enthusiastically.
As a very understanding and rational little sister, it was the most basic thing to give time and space to the two individuals who wanted to be alone.
Xu Jiamu, don’t thank me.
Just double the gift next year.
Xu Jiamu turned her head, saw Xu Heran leaving without looking back, and pondered for a moment. She picked up her phone.
“Xu Heran, if you dare to talk nonsense to Mom, I’ll give your gift for next year to Xu Junran.”
Xu Heran, who had just secretly told Xin Nuo that her sister seemed to be falling in love, immediately exclaimed, “How could I? I’m not that kind of person!”
Yes, you are.
Xu Jiamu sneered.
Beside her, Cheng Siying whispered, “Sorry.”
“Hmm?” Xu Jiamu looked at her in confusion, then said, “My younger sister, Xu Heran, has a carefree personality. Please don’t mind.”
Xu Jiamu explained, “She left just now because she’s headed to the airport. She has work today. My younger sister is a celebrity.”
Her tone carried a hint of pride, and the deep blue iceberg suddenly came to life.
Cheng Siying’s eyes revealed a smile, and she said in a gentle voice, “I really wanted to meet your younger sister before. Her eyes are very beautiful.”
Xu Jiamu responded with an “Hmm,” slightly tilting her head and lifting her eyelashes, quietly gazing at Cheng Siying.
Cheng Siying pursed her lips and shifted her gaze.
“Your eyes are equally beautiful.”
Xu Jiamu smiled slightly, lifted her coffee cup, and clinked it with Cheng Siying’s cup.
“Thank you.”
Outside the window, the air was calm and comfortable. The two women exchanged a glance and smiled simultaneously.
Author’s Note:
(Journey in Both Directions)
Can the precious one understand the language of pearls?
Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Sinensis
Proofreader: Ruu
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