Chapter 103
When Nie Xingzhou was caught slacking off, just about to be punished with a sour orange, she was saved by the arrival of guests.
She rushed downstairs with unparalleled enthusiasm to entertain the guests and found that there were quite a few guests today.
There was Aunt’s good friend Xi Zihua, and also the Xia Sisters.
Nie Xingzhou wasn’t familiar with Xia Zhang, but she often hung out with Xia Lei at banquet corners. She approached Xia Lei, who looked exceptionally beautiful today, and asked her, “Sister Xia Lei, you’re here too?”
Her tone was somewhat surprised. Despite her young age, Nie Xingzhou already understood her aunt’s way of handling social situations. Her aunt wouldn’t invite people over for dinner without reason, especially to their home. Those attending today’s gathering were not ordinary people.
So what was the shopaholic Xia Lei here for? Nie Xingzhou was extremely curious.
When nobody seemed to notice her, Xia Lei stealthily whispered to Nie Xingzhou, “I’m here to pick up girls.”
Nie Xingzhou widened her eyes. “What are you talking about?”
Xia Lei, maturely, said, “Oh, you’re still young, you wouldn’t understand adult matters—”
“No, look at the people here, my Aunt, Teacher Pianxian, and Big Sister Xi, each one has their own agenda. So who’s the little brother and who’s the little sister?”
“?”
Nie Xingzhou said sweetly, “Sister Xia Lei, you wouldn’t prey on us kids, would you? You’re so naughty—”
“You better keep your mouth shut.” Xia Lei whispered back.
Feeling aggrieved by the high school student’s bullying, Xia Lei wanted to say something more to Nie Xingzhou when a voice came from behind them:
“Ms. Xia, we meet again.”
The voice was warm and elegant, soothing to the ears, as if from an old friend. Xia Lei turned around and saw—
It was her fiancé’s ex-girlfriend, once a pure and innocent girl, now the apple of the Song Family’s eye, Song Pianxian.
As Song Pianxian approached, Xia Zhang, her Big Sister who was talking to Nie Lingbo, also looked over at her, staring.
Before coming here, Xia Zhang had instructed Xia Lei to apologize properly to Song Pianxian and not to let past grievances affect the future relationship between the two families.
Now seeing the main character, Xia Lei immediately followed Xia Zhang’s earnest advice and respectfully said:
“Ms. Song, hello, I am Xia Lei. I have offended you before. Please forgive me, considering I also dislike Xi Heng.”
“What kind of words are these?” Xia Zhang rubbed her forehead, feeling helpless, so she had to step in personally and approach Song Pianxian, saying:
“Xia Lei has been spoiled by our family. Ms. Song, please don’t mind.”
“In the past, when she threw a tantrum over Xi Heng, it was her being willful. You can deal with her however you like.”
Song Pianxian pursed her lips and smiled, “Ms. Xia is straightforward, which is good. Today, everyone is here to dine at cousin’s house, so there’s no need to be so serious.”
Xia Zhang felt relieved and said with a smile, “That’s just perfect.”
Achieving the first goal of her visit, Xia Zhang dared to let Song Pianxian handle her Little Sister as she pleased, confident in Song Pianxian’s forgiving nature and knowing that, out of consideration for Nie Lingbo, Song Pianxian wouldn’t erupt in anger.
But offering an attitude was always the right move, Xia Zhang understood this well, and she was also grateful that there was the relationship with Nie Lingbo; otherwise, her family and the Song Family would have nothing in common.
At this moment, Xia Zhang was unaware that if it weren’t for Song Pianxian’s approval, the bridge of friendship she saw in Nie Lingbo’s eyes wouldn’t even allow her to enter the Nie Family’s door.
Xi Zihua looked at the commotion over there and took the opportunity while there were only two people to say to Nie Lingbo:
“Xia Zhang brought Xia Lei to apologize today? Not bad, the attitude is quite grand.”
Nie Lingbo glanced at her, her eyes showing rare interest and playfulness.
To be honest, Nie Lingbo’s face was too beautiful. With her long and thick eyelashes, it was as if a dark-colored butterfly was fluttering its wings, revealing the shimmering eyes underneath, which made Xi Zihua want to hug Big Sister’s arm and squeal while rubbing against her.
But this person is Nie Lingbo. Xi Zihua instantly snapped out of her infatuation, alertly asking:
“What about Fei Si?”
Nie Lingbo withdrew her gaze, continuing to focus on the person not far away, her voice lazy:
“Xia Zhang will tell you.”
“Hmm?” Xi Zihua lowered her head in thought, suddenly excited, “Is the Xia Family’s factory going to give me an order? I’ve been worried about finding a good subcontractor. Look at me, my brain is so wide, I’m worried about going bald.”
Nie Lingbo reached out a finger and pointed it a bit away from her head, saying lightly, “Thick skin.”
But Nie Lingbo knew that Xi Zihua was speaking the truth.
Originally, she had been entrusted by Song Pianxian to set up this situation long ago because Xi Zihua had been traveling to factories outside the city and couldn’t get things done, which had delayed this for nearly half a month.
Nie Lingbo wouldn’t solve all her problems; too much is too much. But today…
“After dinner, have a good talk with Xia Zhang.” Nie Lingbo said meaningfully.
Xi Zihua nodded eagerly, saying, “Definitely, definitely. Sister, you’re looking out for me, I won’t waste this opportunity.”
For Xi Zihua, today’s situation started with Ms. Song passing on the message, wanting to invest in her or assist her in patents to deal with the Xi Heng Family, whom she loathed to the core.
With Xia Zhang, a high-quality manufacturer in the industry, present, it seemed like they could discuss cooperation right away. While Xi Zihua remained calm on the surface, she was ecstatic inside.
She deeply felt that Lingbo was her own fairy, protecting her all the way.
And she, herself, was the lucky winner of life, with her luck reaching the maximum. She was destined to be cared for by the beautiful Big Sister and the beautiful Little Sister, sailing smoothly through life.
Xi Zihua confidently finished her meal, even at the banquet, repeatedly making eye contact with Xia Zhang, her chosen partner, and smiling warmly.
This happiness persisted until she and Xia Zhang had a private conversation.
Xi Zihua suspected she had misheard and repeated in a tone of “you’re not trying to fool me,”
“What? Xia Lei and I…?”
She quickly sorted it out, “I have no objection to Xia Lei and Xi Heng breaking off their engagement, but to suggest something with me instead, isn’t it inappropriate?”
Steady as a rock, Xia Zhang replied, “Then, Ms. Xi, what do you find inappropriate?”
Xi Zihua’s first reaction was: how could I, as her Big Sister, do that to my brother’s wife?
But admitting that Xi Heng was her brother felt like scolding herself, especially in front of Xia Zhang, the serious person, so Xi Zihua didn’t say it.
After all, she and Xi Heng couldn’t really be called siblings, but when it came to such ethical topics, Xi Zihua was still a bit unsure.
But after the initial shock, Xi Zihua thought carefully and realized that apart from this point, there was nothing else inappropriate.
Xia Zhang wasn’t in a hurry to get results. She took out a business card and placed it on the table, pushing it towards Xi Zihua slowly, saying,
“Think it over and give me your answer.”
“I believe this is a cooperation that will make both parties happy.”
Turning a marriage into a cold business relationship, Xi Zihua didn’t like it. She instinctively said,
“I haven’t considered marriage, but this aspect isn’t something that just anyone—what I mean is, at least not mutually disliking each other. Otherwise, this cooperation may not make anyone very happy.”
“You’ve met Xia Lei before. If you haven’t taken her into account before, it’s not too late to take another look now.”
Xia Zhang gestured upstairs effortlessly. After dinner, everyone else had returned to their rooms to rest, and Xia Lei was also in the guest room prepared for her by the Nie Family.
“You have the right to choose.” Xia Zhang seemed very confident, even jokingly adding, “Choose whether to spend the money you’ve earned on Xia Lei.”
The conversation ended quickly, and without further discussion, they both headed upstairs, preparing to return to their respective rooms to rest.
Passing by a partially open door, familiar music prelude could be heard from inside.
Xi Zihua was a fan of this singer, so she glanced inside.
With just one glance, she saw Xia Lei sitting in front of the dressing table, doing skincare.
She was wearing the pink and white homewear prepared by the Nie Family, her hair tied up in a bun, sitting cross-legged on the stool.
Unlike usual with heavy makeup, Xia Lei’s face, without makeup, was clean and fair, with a natural smile on her lips, looking somewhat innocent and obedient.
The light filtered through the light yellow gauze curtains, casting a misty glow on her, giving her a natural soft light filter, making this scene look especially beautiful.
Xia Lei hummed along with the accompaniment, her voice sounding quite sweet.
Xia Zhang’s voice sounded in Xi Zihua’s ear, “Although Xia Lei is a bit lively, she’s still very obedient when she calms down—”
As Xia Zhang spoke, the prelude of the song finally ended, and Xia Lei swayed her body, singing along:
“Little friend, do you have many question marks? Why, at over twenty, is no one interested in you?”
“…”
“…”
Come join the Discord, where all the cool kids hang out!
Please support us on Ko-Fi. You can now read extra chapters by supporting.
Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu
What did you think of this chapter?
0 reactions
Discussion
0 comments
No comments yet.