PB - Chapter 59

Chapter 59

The Jin family hosted a banquet, and the related Qi family attended in full force. Old Master Jin’s intentions were clear, and the Qi family wasn’t foolish; they knew which way the wind was blowing and adjusted their sails accordingly. Qi San, who had never liked Qiao Qi, personally presented her with jewelry in his capacity as her brother. Especially now, with internal divisions at Guangming Group signaling impending turmoil, clinging to Ruifeng was all benefit and no harm.

Guangming Group and Yuanhang Company had a complex relationship. Yuanhang was once a subsidiary of Guangming Group, but after being cast off for poor performance, it became independent and was once on the verge of bankruptcy. That was why Qi San had been relieved when Qi Sitian went there. He never expected that Yuanhang would be revived under Qi Sitian’s leadership and even begin to compete with Guangming.

Both Yuanhang and Qi Sitian had once belonged to Guangming. The board of directors was the first to be displeased that they had now become competitors. Thus, voices within the board began calling for Yuanhang’s acquisition. If Yuanhang were acquired, Guangming’s market value would increase, but the equity structure would also be reset—an outcome Qi San wanted to avoid at all costs. Therefore, he was doing everything in his power to suppress Yuanhang and prevent this from happening.

Qiao Qi accepted the gift, her expression neutral as she offered a faint thank you, betraying no emotion. On the surface, her reason for leaving the company back then had been triggered by Qi Er, so her coolness was understandable. She was aware of the current situation at Guangming. If Qi San knew that she had been the driving force behind Yuanhang’s rapid development over the past few years, she wondered if he would still have the heart to give her such an expensive gift.

Qi San was profit-driven, and since he’d never had a direct conflict with Qiao Qi, his change of heart came easily. But Qi Er was different. He was convinced that Qiao Qi had schemed to kick him out of Ruifeng and that his current downfall was entirely her doing. He wouldn’t dare tell Qi San that Qi Sitian’s move to Yuanhang had also been arranged by Qiao Qi as part of their deal back then. All in all, he believed Qiao Qi was the source of all his misfortune.

Qi San was still making small talk with Qiao Qi. He waved a hand and called out, “Siyao, Siyue, come over here.” Qi Siyao and Qi Siyue feigned obedience. He then chided them with a laugh, “What are you standing there for? Greet your aunt.”

It wasn’t the first time Qi San’s two children had seen Qiao Qi, but they were used to trailing after Jin Zhilan and had always ignored her, let alone called her “aunt.” But times had changed. Since Qi San wanted to curry favor with Qiao Qi, they had to put on a show. “Aunt, happy birthday.”

Qiao Qi remained distant and cool. She nodded and said, “Mr. Qi, I have other matters to attend to. Please excuse me.”

As soon as she left, the expressions of the remaining three were each telling. Qi Siyao and Qi Siyue quickly fled from their father’s side. The sharp-eyed Qi Siyue spotted Jin Zhilan and walked over. As expected, Qi Simiao was by Jin Zhilan’s side. Qi Simiao’s gaze was fixed on Gu Jianchu, and even Qi Siyue could see something was up, exchanging a suggestive look with Jin Zhilan.

Qi Siyue said, “The eldest Miss Gu is truly beautiful. Aside from our aunt, everyone else here is outshone by her.”

Jin Zhilan was quite pleased by the compliment. “Jianchu’s outfit looks like she’s here to steal the show. Her relationship with Qiao Qi is really unclear.”

This sentence caught Qi Siyue’s attention. Her mouth fell open. “Her and Qiao Qi?” She looked at Qi Simiao as if for confirmation, only to see the other woman’s face darken. “No way. What’s wrong with the eldest Miss Gu’s taste?”

Qi Simiao was gripping her wine glass so tightly it looked like it might shatter. Qi Siyue saw this and snickered secretly. Still, Gu Jianchu’s beauty was universally acknowledged, and she genuinely felt Qiao Qi wasn’t worthy of her. Qi Siyue’s curiosity was piqued. She noticed that Gu Jianchu’s gaze was always directed toward Qiao Qi, and to her greater surprise, she easily recognized the matching couple’s watches on their wrists.

The eldest Miss Gu, who never showed her true feelings, had actually fallen for someone? Shocked, Qi Siyue asked, “Could it be that the eldest Miss Gu has really fallen in love this time?”

Jin Zhilan said, “No way. Jianchu is just playing around at most. If anyone’s fallen, it can only be Qiao Qi.” She then sought confirmation from Qi Simiao. “Right, Simiao?”

“How would I know? I’m not her.”

Qi Siyue pouted but didn’t dare provoke her further. Just then, Qi Sitian’s appearance immediately gave her a new target. She had heard about the turmoil Yuanhang was causing within Guangming, and seeing the fawning expression Qi Sitian had worn with Qiao Qi earlier, her anger flared. “That Qi Sitian thinks she can return to Guangming just by latching onto Qiao Qi. She’s dreaming.”

Jin Zhilan had also heard Jin Zhihuan mention Yuanhang a few times, but she didn’t know the details. “What do you mean, return to Guangming?”

“Some people on the board want to acquire Yuanhang under the pretext of expanding our market value,” Qi Simiao answered. Suddenly, she laughed. “I always wondered how she could possibly gain a firm foothold at Yuanhang, let alone revive it, when she was all alone and powerless. Now I see it clearly. The person behind her is Qiao Qi. Nothing else explains it.”

Jin Zhilan also had a moment of realization. This made Qi Siyue even more furious. At that moment, Qi Sitian was conversing with some business associates, her demeanor composed and her speech elegant. She looked every bit the capable head of a company who could hold her own. She had long since shed her former weakness and timidity. These changes were undeniable, whether the Qi family admitted it or not.

This was Jin Zhilan’s home. The two Qi sisters knew to restrain themselves, but she didn’t have to. The affectionate way Jin Zhiyu had called Qi Sitian “sister” and Qiao Qi “aunt” earlier had already irritated her. Although her grandfather was hosting the banquet, he didn’t intend to publicly announce Qiao Qi’s identity, yet those two acted as if they were afraid people didn’t know. Hearing Qi Simiao’s analysis on top of that, how could she possibly remain calm?

“President Qi, now that you have an aunt with the surname Qiao, have you forgotten about me, your real aunt?” Of course, she didn’t make a scene in a crowded area. Spotting Qi Sitian alone, the group cornered her. “Being the president of Yuanhang really changes a person. You’re not like you used to be.”

Qi Siyue chimed in, “She’s climbed a high branch now. How could she possibly still see us?” Qi Simiao, her face full of disdain, remained silent.

Qi Sitian deflected their ridicule with masterful ease. “My apologies, Aunt Zhilan, I hadn’t seen you until now.” After giving her a way out, she added, “Aunt Zhilan, I have other matters to attend to. Please excuse me.”

Qi Sitian’s attitude was like punching cotton—it left them feeling awkward, with their anger stuck in their throats. Jin Zhilan threw a tantrum. “Stop. Did I say you could leave?”

Qi Sitian’s brow furrowed, but she suppressed her temper. “Is there something you need, Aunt Zhilan? You only have to ask.”

Qi Simiao let out a cold laugh. “You really have changed. Did Qiao Qi teach you this too?” Her words hit a sore spot. “That’s right, who can compare to her?” Her gaze toward Qiao Qi was malicious, and her words were nasty. “She acts all pure and desireless on the surface, but at night, doesn’t she just climb into the eldest Miss Gu’s bed?”

Qi Sitian said sharply, “Qi Simiao, show some respect when you speak.”

“Well, well, you’re certainly putting on airs now, aren’t you? Daring to be so insolent in front of me.”

“Sitian.” A voice broke the tense stalemate. It was Shen Shoucheng, who had noticed the standoff and walked over. “I’ve been looking all over for you. So this is where you were.” She came over and took Qi Sitian’s arm, then greeted the others graciously. “Miss Jin, Miss Qi.”

With a Miss Shen coincidentally coming to the rescue, Jin Zhilan, as the host, had to show some grace. She smiled. “Since Miss Shen has business with Sitian, we won’t disturb you.”

Qi Siyue had to swallow the anger she hadn’t yet vented. As she turned, she tripped on something and stumbled, spilling the champagne in her hand all over Shen Shoucheng’s dress. The large wet patch was particularly noticeable on the dark fabric, and you could even see rivulets of liquid snaking down to the hem. Both Qi Siyue and Shen Shoucheng cried out in surprise at the accident, drawing attention.

Qiao Qi walked over. “Shoucheng, come upstairs with me and change.” She took Shen Shoucheng’s wrist and led her toward the stairs. Shen Shoucheng, who had been simmering with anger just a moment before, instantly calmed down.

Qi Sitian watched Qiao Qi lead the other woman away for a few steps, then turned and left with a cold expression, without a word of farewell. After spilling the drink, a displeased Qi Siyue turned to Qi Simiao and said, “Why did you trip me?”

Qi Simiao feigned innocence. “You stepped on me by accident. Don’t blame me just because you offended Miss Shen.”

Qi Siyue was left speechless, her stomach full of pent-up anger. Ignoring Qi Simiao’s pretense, she left to find other friends. Jin Zhilan glanced at Qi Simiao but said nothing. After a moment, she gestured with her chin toward the staircase. Qi Simiao followed her gaze and saw Gu Jianchu gracefully ascending the stairs to the second floor. The bit of good mood she’d had from teasing others instantly vanished, and her knuckles turned white as she gripped her wine glass.

---

In Qiao Qi’s bedroom, Shen Shoucheng was changing into the spare clothes she had brought. As she changed, her heart was still pounding chaotically. Even though she knew this wasn’t where Qiao Qi usually lived, anything related to Qiao Qi made her heart flutter. When she came out after changing, Qiao Qi was waiting for her on the sofa in the outer room.

She asked, “Are you done?”

Shen Shoucheng smiled sweetly. “All done.”

Qiao Qi was about to take her downstairs when a knock sounded at the door. Thinking it was someone sent by the Old Master, Qiao Qi said, “No need to rush us, we’re coming down now.”

A laugh seemed to come from outside the door, followed by Gu Jianchu’s pleasant voice. “I’d like to borrow Miss Qiao’s bedroom for a moment. I wonder if that would be convenient?”

Qiao Qi opened the door, and Gu Jianchu walked in, her dress swaying. She feigned surprise upon seeing Shen Shoucheng. “Oh, Miss Shen is here too.” Then she asked, “Are you all sorted out, Miss Shen?”

Only then did Shen Shoucheng see the watches on their wrists. Her heart instantly plummeted. She gritted her teeth and refused to back down. “Could I trouble Miss Gu to wait a moment? I have something I need to say to Sister Qiqi alone.”

Gu Jianchu’s eyes turned cool, her aura intimidating. “If I were Miss Shen, I would choose to say nothing at all.”

Shen Shoucheng understood her words but still didn’t back down. Qiao Qi, too, understood the riddle between them. She patted Shen Shoucheng’s shoulder to get her attention and said, “Thank you for helping Sitian out just now. But I also need to apologize to you for what happened.”

Shen Shoucheng looked at her. “Sister Qiqi.”

Qiao Qi raised a hand to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear and said, “Shoucheng, I’m sorry.” This apology was for what had just happened, and also for the feelings she could not return.

Shen Shoucheng understood. She lowered her gaze and said, “Sister Qiqi, I have something to do, so I’ll be leaving now.” She looked up again, forcing a smile, and repeated, “Happy birthday.”

“Alright. Be careful on your way.”

Qiao Qi moved to see her out, but Shen Shoucheng said, “There’s no need, Sister Qiqi. Miss Gu is still waiting.” With that, she turned and left.

The door closed again. Qiao Qi shot Gu Jianchu a reproachful look. Gu Jianchu moved closer and said, “You’re so nice to Shen Shoucheng, I’m going to get jealous.” Her lips curved up as she hugged her. “Of course, you’re even nicer to me.” Qiao Qi ignored her, so she leaned in and pecked her on the lips. “Isn’t this better? Letting her know it’s impossible between you two will help her move on sooner.”

Qiao Qi said, “I’m not saying it’s bad to make things clear with her.” She just felt that Gu Jianchu’s attitude had been poor and had embarrassed Shen Shoucheng. But it seemed she herself was the root cause of it all. Not wanting to dwell on the topic, she asked, “Why did you come up here?”

Gu Jianchu pressed her lips to Qiao Qi’s ear, her warm breath tickling its way inside. She said, “I missed you.” Qiao Qi had been busy all evening, accepting blessings and toasts from different people. Right now, her cheeks were slightly flushed, whether from the alcohol or from shyness, it was hard to tell.

Previous Table of Contents Next