Chapter 231: Drive Her Nuts

A sophisticated ambiance filled the room in the revolving restaurant on the highest floor of the building.

Fu Qingye was the first person Li Jingran saw when she stepped into the restaurant. It was hard to ignore the man’s brilliant and charismatic presence, no matter in looks or bearing.

The casual clothes he wore today made him less aloof, friendlier, and inviting. His white turtleneck could hardly conceal his naturally poised neck, exuding an aura of delicate asceticism.

With a smile plastered on her face, Li Jingran made sure she was prim and proper as she strutted towards the man. However, she had not had a chance to call out to him.

Gong Zhi caught up and let out a provocative grin at Li Jingran before starting off with a greeting. “Ms. Li, what a coincidence.”

Just like that, Li Jingran’s plan was disrupted. Holding back her anger, she nodded. “Hello, Ms. Gong.”

Gong Zhi cheerfully asked her, “Are you alone, Ms. Li?”

Li Jingran glanced at the man sitting by the window. The latter seemed to have taken notice of them and was looking at them. Li Jingran hummed in reply. “Ms. Gong, you too?”

She and Gong Zhi, the b*tch, were always destined to be enemies.

If her guess were right, Gong Zhi was after the same thing as her, which was to pretend to stumble upon Fu Qingye and befriend him.

Li Jingran had just asked the question.

Fu Qingye stood up. The tenderness shrouding over his cold eyes brought out the affluence in him. Curling his lips into a faint smile, he opened his mouth. “Xixi, over here.”

Li Jingran followed his gaze to Shen Xi entering the restaurant, together with Gong Zhi’s manager, Chen Nan who was following behind. She was hopping mad.

Gong Zhi’s provocative smile grew brighter as she grandly showed off that she was not alone.

With anger through the roof, Li Jingran’s eyes turned grimacing and she was furious beyond words.

Gong Zhi made her way towards Shen Xi and affectionately held her arm before smiling at Li Jingran. “Ms. Li, I’m with Xixi. We’re heading over there now. I hope you enjoy your meal.”

Li Jingran felt as though her chest was caught on fire. By the looks of them approaching Fu Qingye, Li Jingran knew that her plan had fallen through.

She wanted to tear Gong Zhi apart when the latter took a seat and threw her a provocative grin.

Afraid that Li Jingran would fly off the handle, Li He the manager tugged on her. “Jingran, our seats are over on that side.”

Ignoring what he said, Li Jingran moved towards the trio across the room and greeted Fu Qingye. “Mr. Fu, what a coincidence!”

It gave Li He quite the shock, but his mind was soon put at ease since she seemed to have her emotions under control. He went and joined her.

Fu Qingye returned a nod. “Ms. Li.”

“I was wondering where is your stylist, Ms. Cai Ni right now? I have something to discuss with Ms. Cai Ni,” Li Jingran enquired.

Looking as beautiful as a sculpture, Fu Qingye smiled faintly and indifferently. “Ms. Cai Ni is in the middle of something and unable to meet with guests.”

Although Li Jingran knew that she would hit a wall, she simply could not give it up. Li Jingran had gone mad, completely out of her mind just to apprehend Cai Ni. “I see. Enjoy your meal. I shall excuse myself then.”

She kept a blank face on. After over twenty years in showbiz, Li Jingran was able to keep her emotions in check.

However, she was raging internally. Anger and dissent overtook every inch of her body, driving her insane.

Chapter 232: Look Great Together

It should not be like that.

Things should not end up as such.

Shen Xi, that brat was her flesh and blood.

Li Jingran should be the one in Gong Zhi’s place and having dinner with Mr. Fu!

Li He wiped away the cold sweat once they were at the door and he waited until they were in the lift before whispering to Li Jingran. “Jingran, it’s not my place to say this but you should accept Shen Xi back into the family.”

Pulling a sour face, Li Jingran buried her sharp nails into the flesh of her palms hanging by her sides. She spoke in hushed but spooky tones. “Do you think I’m in the wrong too?”

Li He took a deep breath. “You know it best, don’t you? She’s your daughter after all and blood is thicker than water. She doesn’t seem like a bad child. She will forgive you if you approach her and admit you’re wrong.”

Li Jingran’s eyes were terrifyingly dark, and she could explode with her emotions running high. She kept to herself, finding it hard to breathe as the earlier incident came into mind.

Li He continued. “Just think about what I said.”

Shen Xi was the finest in looks, talents, and social skills. It was with great pride and luck to have such a daughter. In this circumstance, she must learn to give and take.

Li Jingran pondered for a long time and finally spoke up when they were out of the lift. “She won’t come back to the family.”

These words seemed to carry a deep resentment and remorse all at once. She appeared to be talking to herself while at the same time answering his question.

Watching her receding figure, Li Hi sighed to himself. Well, there was no point crying over spilled milk now!

He wanted to tell her to make it up to Shen Xi since they really broke her heart. Perhaps it was a great decision to send Su Ruowan back to her own home.

Everyone had their own ego trip. It was every child’s wish to have their parents’ undivided attention and love all to themselves, especially daughters who desire their family’s love.

However, because Jingran’s family did not raise Shen Xi, they favored Su Ruowan and snubbed Shen Xi, causing the latter a heartbreak and despair which obviously led to the current tension.

However, based on his recent observation and recent happenings, Shen Xi was not completely without a heart. This was evident by how she treated her adoptive parents. Things may turn for the better if Jingran and family sat down and had a good talk.

Meanwhile, in the revolving restaurant, Gong Zhi was quite the talker despite only meeting Fu Qingye once. She lamented over the man of commanding and outstanding presence.

Should she be younger by twenty years, Gong Zhi would do whatever it took to woo him. A good man like him was hard to come by.

It was a pity that he could be her son at his age. It was rather inappropriate, and she should not have illicit thoughts about him.

Lifting her chin, she observed the youngsters sitting opposite her.

Fu Qingye creased his brows as he focused on peeling the prawns and placing the meat on Shen Xi’s plate. He smiled tenderly. “Try this. This is a dish recommended by the chef.”

Shen Xi frowned at the fish and prawns piled on her plate and mumbled under her breath. “I haven’t finished.”

Letting out a doting grin, Fu Qingye placed the plate on his plate and gently said, “Take your time.”

Gong Zhi was alive again. She might not be able to pursue Fu Qingye, but she could be front and center, shipping the sweet couple here. Xixi and Mr. Fu really looked great together.

Chapter 233: Beau

They were two peas in a pod, both with their looks and how they mirror each other’s smallest gestures. Crown Prince Charming and a beautiful Lolita. Oh, Gong Zhi was totally shipping these two.

Shen Xi noticed that Gong Zhi was looking at her all funnily. The motherly yet suggestive type of look gave Shen Xi goosebumps. “Ms. Gong, have some more.”

Gong Zhi pushed the prawns to Fu Qingye. Having made her mind to ship those two, she replied with a smile, “I don’t want any. Dig in, you guys. Mr. Fu, peel the prawns. Xixi’s plate is almost empty.”

Fu Qingye had noticed the weird look on Gong Zhi’s face as well. He nodded at her. “Thank you, Ms. Gong.”

Gong Zhi was going overboard with her motherly love through her smile. “No need to thank me. Please enjoy your meal. I need to control myself since I have to walk the red carpet in the afternoon.”

Otherwise, she would not look good with a bulging tummy in her gown.

To seal the deal between them both, Gong Zhi brought up the First Snow Hotel. “Who knew such a lovestruck and devoted man still exists in the world? I always thought this sort of romance only existed in storybooks.”

Having lived most of her life, Gong Zhi never came across such a fairytale romance.

Fu Qingye shared the same sentiment. “I know the owner of the First Snow Hotel. He has been looking for his lover over the years. I wonder if he found her yet.”

Hearing these words, Shen Xi froze and almost choked on the piece of meat she just swallowed. Could this be what she thought?

Fu Qingye was gazing forlornly. “I ran into him when I was searching for my little sister. I guess fate brought us together.”

Shen Xi cleared her throat as affection washed over her eyes. Filled with joy and sweetness, her voice turned soft and mellow. “He will find her.”

As it turned out, the owner of this hotel was Brother.

The vacant space in the hotel was left for her.

Fu Qingye tilted his head and looked at the girl. What was in her mind for her to give that honeyed look?

Gong Zhi had a weird feeling about the sweet smile on Shen Xi’s face. Could the person who had Xixi’s heart be someone else instead of Mr. Fu?

Shen Xi had no idea what Gong Zhi was going on about. Most importantly, she could say with a clear conscience that Fu Qingye was a brother to her.

Fu Qingye was smart and quick to catch on to the meaning behind Gong Zhi’s actions at dinner. He waited until Shen Xi went to her room before solemnly turning to Gong Zhi. “Ms. Gong, Xixi and I are siblings. I’m her brother.”

Gong Zhi was taken aback. Did she make it that obvious? Having been discovered, Gong Zhi had to admit that Mr. Fu had a good eye. She replied with a smile, “Mr. Fu, don’t you worry. I got it.”

Brother?

Sure, he was a brother now.

There was still a possibility he would be a beau in the future!

With his eyes turning cold, Fu Qingye curled his lips and gave her warning. “I can tell that you’re only saying that you got it.”

Scared stiff, Gong Zhi pulled her mind out of the gutter and put on a straight face. She respectfully gazed at the man before her. “My mind got the message as well.”

Perhaps Mr. Fu had been too nice, polite, gentleman-like, and humble, giving her the impression that he was good-natured and approachable. It had slipped her mind that he was the son of the Fu family, an aristocrat among the most privileged.

Mr. Fu was only gentle and approachable in front of Xixi. Gong Zhi was out of line.

Had it not been for Xixi, Gong Zhi would probably never meet him, much less share a meal and a conversation.

Chapter 234: Crushing Blow

Pleased, Fu Qingye nodded and smiled at Gong Zhi. His relationship with Xixi was purely a family bond and he was not going to allow anyone to doubt this relationship.

As both Fu Qingye and Gong Zhi’s stylist and fashion designer, Shen Xi created a look for them before changing into a gown herself.

Gong Zhi was more than happy with Shen Xi’s styling prowess. Gazing at herself in the mirror, Gong Zhi’s mind was blown by her own beauty.

Since taking the anti-aging beauty pills, her skin gradually returned to its prime in over ten days. The effects were even better when she paired the oral medication with the external cosmeceutical given by Shen Xi.

Her skin was firmer and had a glow to it. Gong Zhi was in the pink of health and appeared to be radiating with the rosy glow on her skin.

Fu Qingye did not take the anti-aging beauty pills immediately after receiving them from Shen Xi. However, he was forced to take them under her watch and since realized its great results. He now took the pills every day.

The anti-aging beauty pill was the latest product launched by the Situ family who was China’s No. 1 in pharmaceuticals. Through word of mouths and the proven effectiveness of the pill, the product is gaining popularity worldwide.

Mom and Aunt had urged him to post the pill several times while commenting on its wonderful effects and how their girlfriends and best friends were fighting over them.

Since this was only the initial stage, the Situ family had not mass-produced the anti-aging beauty pills to launch globally. People outside the country had to rely on personal shoppers to get their hands on the pills.

However, ordinary personal shoppers had no access to the pills while those who had access were not short of cash to work as personal shoppers.

Qingxuan was beyond thrilled once he broke down the components of the pills. He had been chasing after the person behind the creation of the pills to personally come to China and meet this genius researcher.

Nevertheless, he asked around only to be given a reply by the Situ family that it took thousands of researchers and twenty years of effort to launch this miraculous anti-aging beauty pill.

Qingli told him to liaise with the Situ family to see if the Fu family could acquire the right to sole distribution abroad of their anti-aging beauty pill and future cosmeceutical products.

Qingxuan’s eldest brother, Qingli was optimistic about the Situ family’s latest release of cosmeceuticals as well as health and beauty supplements as the potential and market for such products were huge.

Shen Xi walked out in an evening gown.

Gong Zhi was gawping.

The girl in front of her was blessed with good looks.

The alluring red flowy evening dress exuded the glamor of her beauty. This level of sophistication and elegance could turn heads and strike the hearts of many.

Gorgeous. She was absolutely stunning!

Thinking that Shen Xi would now be the belle of the ball, Gong Zhi felt dejected.

Gong Zhi would be frustrated and unconvinced if someone else was prettier than her.

However, Gong Zhi was willing to admit defeat if it was this girl before her. She bore admiration instead of envy for this girl.

Eyes fixated on Shen Xi, Fu Qingye realized she bore a lot of resemblance to his mother when dressed up. However, she was like a thorny wild rose with a sharp air of detachment around her, which was unlike his mother.

His mom was a gentle soul and she would not be able to command such a blow that took people’s breath away.

“Xixi, isn’t this the ‘Feathered Prism Illusion Dress’?” Gong Zhi caught wind that the gown was lent to Mr. Fu.

Shen Xi nodded and smiled mysteriously. “Surely, I’d wear my work when I walk the red carpet.”

Echoing the same thoughts, Gong Zhi got the message. That was right! What was more fun than giving Li Jingran the bolt from the blue during a grand festival?

Chapter 235: No Room For Error

Gong Zhi had no idea what the beef between the girl and Li Jingran was, nor was she the kind to poke around. However, Gong Zhi was in favor of the act of delivering a crushing blow to the enemy.

Shen Xi looked at Fu Qingye with soft and expectant eyes sans the aggression, seeking to be praised. Fu Qingye cheerfully answered, “You look good.”

He loved it when she acted cute, coy, and cheeky with him. He enjoyed her sharing all her joys and sorrows with him.

So, this was what it felt like to have a sister. Fu Qingye wanted to give her all the best things in the world and allow her to do whatever her heart desired.

Shen Xi broke into a smile and her eyes sparkled like stars. Flattery was a two-way street. “Qingye, you’re the most handsome guy and I’m sure no one can beat you on the red carpet.”

“It’s all thanks to Ms. Cai Ni.” Fu Qingye smiled dotingly.

“You’re too polite, Mr. Fu. As the Adonis that you are, you’re the showstopper even if you have a sack over you. I merely put icing on the cake.” Shen Xi grinned.

Gong Zhi concurred. Anything a real looker wore looked good and this was an irrefutable truth.

She looked at the pair with delight and following the warning by Fu Qingye, she changed her attitude and no longer had her mind in the gutter when staring at them both.

Between the pair before her, one was a hunk while the other was a knockout. Good-looking people shared certain similarities and had their own strong points that were simply easy on the eye.

Gong Zhi was ashamed as the pair looked at each other with pure and clean eyes that showed no hint of coquetry. What was she thinking to ship them as a couple when what they had was strictly siblinghood?

“Feathered Prism Illusion Dress” was borrowed by Fu Qingye a week ago, and was air-transported back overnight since last night and arrived an hour ago.

Since Shen Xi did not take the cold kindly, she added an oversized down jacket on top of her gown before taking off together with Fu Qingye and Gong Zhi.

Li Jingran was one step behind and reached the hotel entrance when their cars left one after another. With somber eyes, she enquired Li He in hushed tones. “Did you find out what I asked of you?”

Wanwan called her and informed her that Shen Xi had taken off from school to walk the red carpet. She also asked whether the organizer had invited Shen Xi.

What right did Shen Xi, the d*mn brat, had to walk the red carpet? Was she famous or had work under her belt? Surely, she only said it to get on Wanwan’s nerves.

“Don’t worry. I got someone on the inside to get the red carpet list. She’s not on the list.” Li He consoled Li Jingran. “She’s probably going around with Mr. Fu and Gong Zhi to ask for the celebrities’ autographs.”

There were many girls who, being avid fans, would ask for a picture and autograph from celebrities. It was something to boast about and gain respect from fellow peers.

Despite all the assurance, Li Jingran had an uneasy feeling. She asked further, “Are you sure about the gown?”

There could not be any room for error for her red carpet moment tonight.

Looking sullen, Li He nodded. “The person who borrowed the gown is wearing the “Feathered Prism Illusion Dress” at the royal banquet as we speak.”

Li Jingran frowned. “What about Jiang Yin and her student?”

Li He grinned. “Jiang Yin and her student are on the list but Jiang Yin and Cai Ni are occupied in Milan. There’s a fashion show for the spring collection there and that’s only going to end tomorrow.”

Feeling at ease, Li Jingran got into the car. As long as Jiang Yin and Cai Ni were not around, no one would know the “Feathered Prism Illusion Dress” was the real deal or a counterfeit. Everything remained in her control.