VBNWDW - Chapter 28
Chapter 28
It was billed as a small get-together, so naturally, it wouldn't be as lavish or formal as the events of the past few days. They simply found a vacant villa belonging to one of them and hired a professional team to handle the food and drinks before gathering everyone together.
The only thing that matched a commoner’s imagination was the security, which had been multiplied several times over, enveloping the villa in an extremely tight watch.
Night gradually shrouded the world, and the distant mountains blurred, leaving only the bright, towering buildings visible.
The moment the door opened, just as Luo Yueqing was about to push Xi Zhoulu forward, someone strode up to greet them, teasing in a familiar tone, “I thought you’d be early today, but I see you’re late as usual.”
The man laughed again. “You don’t have the excuse of working overtime this time. The whole circle is talking about it—the workaholic CEO Xi suddenly took a two-day leave…”
He winked, his tone shifting. “Could it be that you always found us annoying and deliberately came late?”
Xi Zhoulu seemed more relaxed than usual. Her features were smooth, a faint smile gracing her lips as she said, “I’m on my marriage leave. You should be glad I came at all, and you’re complaining I’m late?”
The man chuckled. “Then I suppose I have to thank Sister-in-law for sharing a night of CEO Xi’s precious marriage leave with us.”
Xi Zhoulu waved her hand dismissively, then turned her head to introduce him to Luo Yueqing. “His name is Qin Yuan.”
Qin Yuan nodded at Luo Yueqing and explained with a smile, “I was on a business trip to Country A a couple of days ago, so I couldn’t attend the banquet and meet you, Sister-in-law. I’ve heard nothing but praise for you from Qingxi and the others these past two days. Now that I finally see you, you’re just as beautiful as they said.”
Whatever these people were truly thinking, their current behavior was impeccable. There was no hint of disdain; in fact, they seemed to be subtly flattering Luo Yueqing.
Luo Yueqing responded with a smile. At the same time, the rarely-seen System finally made itself useful, dutifully reciting the man’s background.
He was the heir to the Qin Family, which controlled forty percent of the world’s mining development. The family’s accumulated wealth was staggering, second only to the Xi family among those present.
“I told you Sister-in-law was good-looking, but you wouldn’t believe me. Had to see for yourself, huh?” a boisterous voice called out as a female Alpha stood up and walked toward them.
Luo Yueqing had met this person before. Her name was Xu Qingxi. Despite the elegant name, she had the rough air of a soldier, dressed simply in a black short-sleeved shirt and camouflage pants. Her short hair barely touched her shoulders, and her features were sharp and clear, giving her a very capable look.
Her status was also extraordinary. She came from a military family and had enlisted at a young age. Now, at only twenty-five, she was already a major general with a limitless future. Most importantly, she had once caught Old Master Xi’s eye, and he had suggested that Xi Zhoulu should “give it a try” with her.
However, judging by her words today, she likely had no interest in Xi Zhoulu. Her deliberate comment was probably meant to dispel any concerns Luo Yueqing might have.
Luo Yueqing offered her a smile in return.
The woman first nodded in greeting, then said, “Why are you keeping Zhoulu and Sister-in-law standing here like fools? Come on in.”
Her tone was quite blunt.
Qin Yuan treated her just the same, immediately retorting, “If you hadn’t come over, we would’ve gone in already.”
Xi Zhoulu didn’t join the banter, simply patting Luo Yueqing’s hand and gesturing for her to head inside.
Looking in, the lighting wasn’t overly bright. The living room was large but sparsely furnished. The most striking feature was an electronic fireplace simulating a real fire. Beside it stood a grand piano, and someone sat nearby strumming a guitar. Other instruments lay around, currently ignored. Farther off was a pool table.
The long table in front of the fireplace was laden with drinks. A few people were scattered across a sofa large enough for twenty. Some preferred the carpet, sitting brazenly on the floor. Hearing the commotion, they all turned to look.
The atmosphere was much more harmonious and relaxed than expected, like a gathering of wealthy second-generation kids who had casually found a place to hang out, sing, and chat.
But Luo Yueqing didn’t relax in the slightest. She knew that few people here were truly docile. When Xi Zhoulu had turned villainous and sought to destroy the world, these scions had cheerfully helped her.
It truly proved the old saying: birds of a feather flock together.
But one shouldn’t assume they were all that harmonious now. After all, their interests were deeply intertwined. Until the final moment came, this group still had to play their parts as proper heirs.
As the wheelchair reached the sofa, Xi Zhoulu, for once, didn’t ask for help. She used her cane to support herself and sat down in the very center.
Looking at the others’ expressions, none of them showed any surprise, as if this was completely normal.
Luo Yueqing lowered her gaze, schooling her expression as she sat down next to Xi Zhoulu and naturally took her arm. Xi Zhoulu didn’t resist, even shifting slightly to make it easier for her to lean on.
Seeing this, Xu Qingxi and Qin Yuan exchanged a look, their expressions complicated, but it quickly vanished.
Then, both of them naturally sat down beside Xi Zhoulu. Before they could speak, a gentle female voice came from across the room. “Qingxi, we had an agreement. Whoever’s late today has to perform. Don’t think you can get out of it just by sitting next to Zhoulu.”
Xu Qingxi was instantly displeased, retorting loudly, “I wasn’t trying to escape! Wasn’t it Huo Laosan’s turn to sing first? Is he already done?”
The man who had been holding the guitar chuckled. “A pity I played for so long, and no one was even listening.”
So, they weren’t the only ones who had been late.
Seeing the situation, Qin Yuan leaned over and explained to Xi Zhoulu in a low voice, “Qingxi and Huo Laosan ran into some trouble on the way and were over ten minutes late, so the others are teasing them about a forfeit.”
Hearing this, Xi Zhoulu suddenly smiled.
Everyone in their group was a qualified heir, cultivated with a massive concentration of family resources and effort. When it came to music theory, while they might not be masters, basic singing and playing were well within their capabilities.
But Xu Qingxi was an exception. She seemed to be naturally tone-deaf.
Even though the Xu family had hired numerous tutors for her, they couldn’t correct her tendency to go off-key the moment she opened her mouth. Playing an instrument was even stranger. Even with the sheet music right in front of her, the notes she produced, though technically correct, sounded bizarre.
After a while, the Xu family completely gave up on this aspect of her education.
So, while the current punishment seemed simple, it was incredibly difficult for Xu Qingxi. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been dragging her feet and pretending to forget.
Hearing the voices beside her, Xu Qingxi’s eyes darted over, and an idea struck her. “We weren’t the only two who were late,” she declared. “Zhoulu and Sister-in-law were too! Why are you only rushing me and not them?”
She was certain that if she dragged Xi Zhoulu into it, they wouldn’t dare to press the issue.
But for some reason, the woman across from them suddenly became aggressive, immediately retorting, “Those are the rules for today. Whoever is late gets a penalty. After you perform, it’s their turn. No one gets a pass.”
Xu Qingxi was stunned, a look of astonishment on her face. She thought to herself, Did Shen Xianyun eat gunpowder today?
The others found it strange as well.
Luo Yueqing, however, understood perfectly. This woman had been secretly in love with Xi Zhoulu for a long time but never dared to confess or pursue her. Now that Xi Zhoulu was married, she was naturally bottling up her anger.
The original Luo Yueqing had suffered no small amount of her subtle malice.
She discreetly scanned the room again and easily identified four or five rivals.
This wasn't surprising. Although Xi Zhoulu had a leg disability, her looks and abilities were the most outstanding in the group. Her personality was indeed cold and aloof, but she had no bad habits. Even without her family background, her status as an S-Class Omega alone would attract a crowd of admirers.
But unfortunately, Xi Zhoulu was a Xi. As much as they liked her, they didn’t dare to pursue her actively. They all knew the price of marrying Xi Zhoulu—they would have to give up their status as heirs, marry into the Xi family, and their children could only bear the Xi surname.
For these proud heirs, this was undoubtedly a huge sacrifice. So they could only hide their feelings, secretly hoping Old Master Xi would choose them, yet also fearing he actually would.
Luo Yueqing lowered her eyes and, as if casually, took Xi Zhoulu’s hand. Her slender fingers slid across her palm before slipping between her fingers, easily lacing them together.
Xi Zhoulu didn’t stop her, not even turning to ask. She silently accepted Luo Yueqing’s mischief.
And Luo Yueqing, ever the rogue, leaned against her shoulder and idly played with her hand.
One moment, she would curl her fingers, gripping Xi Zhoulu’s hand tightly; the next, she would cup both their hands together, hiding Xi Zhoulu’s in her own palms.
The gazes from across the room were sharp enough to feel like daggers.
Meanwhile, Xu Qingxi, the supposed main character of this scene, saw her expression shift several times before she finally squeezed out, “What am I supposed to perform? A set of military drills for you all?”
“You use that to get out of it every time. You have to do something new this time,” Shen Xianyun insisted, refusing to back down.
Xu Qingxi was already getting annoyed. “I’d love to do something new, but I’m more afraid I’ll sing you all into the ENT department for an ear check-up!”
She waved her hand, finally conceding. “How about I take three drinks as a penalty?”
Outside of this circle, these people were all scions who were constantly flattered and fawned over. Forget being ten minutes late—even if they canceled at the last minute, others would have to smile and say they picked a bad time. A three-drink penalty was unheard of. Xu Qingxi was already making a huge concession.
Shen Xianyun looked completely opposed. Just as she was about to speak, she saw Xi Zhoulu lean toward the table. With her free hand, she picked up a bottle, opened it with one hand, and poured a drink into an empty glass.
The room suddenly fell silent, the only sound being the liquid pouring into the glass.
Xi Zhoulu’s expression was normal, her delicate features as noble and cold as ever. She tilted her head back slightly and downed the glass in one go.
The glass hit the table with a crisp clink.
Xu Qingxi suddenly grinned mischievously. She quickly grabbed the bottle and downed three glasses before stopping.
Xi Zhoulu’s meaning was clear: I was late, and I’m willing to take a drink as a penalty, but this matter ends here.
No one was dissatisfied. It was common knowledge that Xi Zhoulu’s health was frail and she disliked drinking. The fact that she penalized herself with one drink was a sign of a good mood and a willing concession. To press her further would be going too far.
And since Xu Qingxi had benefited from her grace today, the matter was dropped for her as well.
Everyone suddenly broke into laughter. Just as they were about to start teasing, Shen Xianyun from across the room suddenly piped up again, “Isn’t someone still missing?”
Everyone’s gaze immediately shifted over, landing on the person beside Xi Zhoulu.
Xi Zhoulu raised her eyes, her pale gray-blue irises fixed on Shen Xianyun.
The fire in the electronic fireplace burned on, simulating the crackle and pop of jumping sparks, yet it never ignited the carpet before it.
Someone unintentionally plucked a string on an instrument, letting out a pleasant note.
Luo Yueqing, who had been silent until now, finally gave up playing with Xi Zhoulu’s hand. She stood up, picked up the bottle, and casually poured a drink into the glass Xi Zhoulu had just used.
The amber liquid swirled in the glass, but everyone’s eyes remained on her. The looks hidden in their gazes were probing, amusedly assessing, or secretly hostile. A complex mix of emotions converged, yet they all carried the same question.
On what grounds?
At first, they had all thought Luo Yueqing was just a tool Xi Zhoulu was using to placate Old Master Xi. The scene at the banquet was seen as Xi Zhoulu’s way of angering Xi Zhoukang; after all, everyone knew how much Xi Zhoulu despised her half-brother.
Even if Xi Zhoulu’s actions had been a bit excessive, they were interpreted as her not being averse to Luo Yueqing, but not truly taking her to heart.
But Xi Zhoulu had actually taken leave for her, brought her into their inner circle, indulged her hand-holding and mischief, and even uncharacteristically accepted a penalty drink to shield her, worried they would pick on Luo Yueqing.
If they weren’t certain their memories were intact, they would have suspected they were mistaken—that Xi Zhoulu wasn’t actually a cold, aloof, and unfeeling person.
But they all clearly remembered a time when someone in their circle couldn’t contain their feelings any longer. Willing to abandon their inheritance and dignity, they confessed to Xi Zhoulu while drunk.
But Xi Zhoulu, sitting in her wheelchair, had simply looked down at the person kneeling before her with calm, emotionless eyes and said, “Don’t touch me.”
There was no shock, no pleasure, no disgust—just a flat “don’t touch me.”
Even though this person had been her closest friend in the group, someone who had always looked out for her and solved many problems for her, Xi Zhoulu remained just as indifferent, as if she were dealing with a stranger.
And so, that person could only leave in despair, avoiding all occasions where Xi Zhoulu was present.
This might not seem cruel, but one mustn’t forget that the Xi family was currently the leader, with the other families following. Even in their small circle, Xi Zhoulu was unequivocally the center.
Since that person had to avoid Xi Zhoulu, it meant they were distancing themselves from the upper echelons of the Imperial Star’s society. Even if some still remembered their childhood friendship and met privately on occasion, it was never the same. That person was completely exiled to the fringes of their circle, and their family gradually declined along with them.
It was from that time on that they started calling Xi Zhoulu a tyrant in private.
A tyrant who appeared noble and distant but was in fact cold-blooded and harsh, turning on people without mercy at the slightest displeasure.
The liquor quickly filled the glass, the swirling liquid nearly spilling over the rim. It looked like a very sincere self-imposed penalty.
But in the next second, Xi Zhoulu reached for the glass before the other could, intending to drink this one for Luo Yueqing.
Luo Yueqing, however, wouldn’t have it. She reached over Xi Zhoulu’s hand and grasped the glass.
The perfectly chilled liquor sent a slight coolness through the glass, while Luo Yueqing’s warmth came from the other side. Caught in the middle, Xi Zhoulu heard the Alpha’s drawn-out, wheedling tone in her ear.
“I’m thirsty.”
Xi Zhoulu pressed her lips together. Her grip on the glass couldn’t help but loosen slightly as she said in a low voice, “There’s juice over there.”
Luo Yueqing said directly, “I don’t want to drink that.”
“Milk?”
“No.”
Xi Zhoulu turned to look at her, her pale gray-blue eyes deep and heavy. After a moment, she finally released her hand. “Don’t finish it. If you get drunk, no one will carry you home.”
Anyone with eyes could see her indulgence, but Luo Yueqing wasn’t one to quit while she was ahead. Instead, she said with a beaming smile, “I can hold my liquor just fine.”
She was wearing a black hip-hugging dress today, the form-fitting fabric outlining her fine curves. The shirt she wore as a jacket was thin, offering a faint glimpse of her fair shoulders and neck underneath. The ends of her hair were slightly curled, cascading freely, and sapphire earrings swayed with her movements.
She wasn’t deliberately trying to be seductive, yet every part of her exuded a flirtatious charm.
Xi Zhoulu turned her head away and said only, “Suit yourself.”
She had conceded yet again.
The glass returned to Luo Yueqing’s hand, and with a single lift, it was empty.
The surrounding crowd seemed to awaken from a dream. Qin Yuan quickly laughed, “Sister-in-law can really drink.”
The others chimed in, and the previously tense atmosphere instantly became lively.
Luo Yueqing offered a few casual replies, then glanced to the other side. Shen Xianyun’s face was full of unwillingness, and she looked like she wanted to say something more but was held back by the person next to her.
With a few words, the previous topic was brushed aside, and they moved on to business matters that Luo Yueqing found dull and uninteresting.
She decided to look across the room instead. Although Shen Xianyun had no more excuses to cause trouble, she still kept glancing over, as if looking for an opportunity.
Luo Yueqing raised an eyebrow. The alcohol lingered on her tongue. She hadn’t noticed it before, but now she realized the drink was quite strong. A slight kick surged up her spine, spreading a strange warmth.
She turned her head to look at Xi Zhoulu, but the other woman misunderstood, thinking she was about to cause more trouble. She patted Luo Yueqing’s hand reassuringly.
The people beside them noticed but didn’t mention it, continuing their conversation with natural expressions.
Xi Zhoulu was multitasking without the slightest error.
Luo Yueqing wasn’t one to take a loss. Annoyed that Xi Zhoulu had patted her, she grabbed her hand in retaliation, squeezing it tightly in her palm as a small warning.
Xi Zhoulu didn’t get angry. She let Luo Yueqing lean on her shoulder, leaving her hand for her to play with as she pleased.
In the vast living room, a dozen or so people were scattered about, sitting and standing. Some played music, some drank, while others gathered in small groups of two or three, chatting casually. There was no need for everyone to form a circle to emphasize some sort of group dynamic.
The fire in the hearth burned steadily, and the atmosphere was warm and relaxed.
Luo Yueqing grew tired of the hand-holding game and started fiddling with Xi Zhoulu’s watch. She didn’t know the brand, but it was certainly a rare limited edition.
This was a conclusion Luo Yueqing had reached after long observation.
Xi Zhoulu wasn’t particularly concerned with what she wore, but she abhorred having the exact same things as others. Therefore, her clothes and jewelry were basically custom-made, and items like watches and cars had to be rare limited editions.
“You like it?”
Her wandering thoughts were pulled back. Xi Zhoulu had turned to her at some point and asked in a low voice.
Luo Yueqing’s reaction was a bit slow. Before she could speak, she saw Xi Zhoulu unfasten the watch and put it on her wrist.
Something worth millions was given away as easily as if it were a toy.
Luo Yueqing subconsciously glanced across the room. Shen Xianyun seemed even more furious, clutching her friend’s hand so tightly she forgot to hide her expression.
Luo Yueqing found this amusing, her eyes narrowing slightly.
On a normal day, she might find Shen Xianyun annoying, but at an utterly boring party, teasing her was another way to pass the time.
Xi Zhoulu naturally noticed her gaze. She looked over, then quickly looked away. The warmth in her eyes dissipated, but her tone remained the same. “Do you want something to eat?”
She offered a rich selection. “Fruit or snacks? There’s cake over there.”
Luo Yueqing thought about it seriously but chose something else. “I want another drink.”
Xi Zhoulu’s lips tightened. Her lowered, pale gray-blue eyes reflected the other’s figure. After a moment, she relented. “I’ll open a new bottle of fruit wine for you. The one just now was too strong.”
“No,” Luo Yueqing replied with firm resolve.
She emphasized her words. “I want to drink this one. This one tastes good.”
Xi Zhoulu frowned, unable to help but guess, “Are you drunk?”
It was just one glass. Could she get drunk that easily?
Xi Zhoulu was a little skeptical.
But Luo Yueqing reacted as if she’d been insulted, immediately declaring loudly, “I am not! I can hold my liquor! Even if I finish this whole bottle, I won’t get drunk.”
Xi Zhoulu thought that made sense. She was an S-Class Alpha, after all. She shouldn’t be taken down by a single glass of wine, right?
“I want to drink this!” Luo Yueqing demanded again, hugging Xi Zhoulu’s arm. The soft curves of her body pressed against the trench coat, whether intentionally or not.
In the end, Xi Zhoulu couldn’t win against her. She could only pour her another glass, stressing, “This is the last one. No more after this.”
The woman naturally agreed. Too lazy to even lift her own hand, she drank directly from the glass Xi Zhoulu was holding.
Looking across the room again, Shen Xianyun took two deep breaths, but her face was still dark and ugly.
Luo Yueqing couldn’t help but let out a snort of laughter. She found it quite amusing to see someone so frustrated.
But she didn’t notice Xi Zhoulu’s expression suddenly darken. “Who are you looking at?” she asked abruptly.
The alcohol was getting to her head, and Luo Yueqing answered without thinking, “The one in the white dress over there. She’s kind of fun to tease.”
Tease?
The word was exquisitely chosen.
Xi Zhoulu thought she was indulging a kitten, only to find the kitten was busy teasing another stray cat—and seemed very interested, too, having glanced over several times in just a few minutes.
Her eyes grew dark and obscure as she asked again, “Is she good-looking?”
This time, Luo Yueqing didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she studied her carefully before giving an affirmative reply. “She’s quite nice.”
Children born into privilege were mostly good-looking. After all, the previous generation had integrated many excellent genes, and with subsequent cultivation and attention, even the least attractive person in the room would be considered quite handsome and refined outside, far surpassing the average person’s looks.
Shen Xianyun was no exception. Her skin was fair, her features elegant and gentle, and her every move was graceful and proper. Even with a hint of hostility, Luo Yueqing couldn’t find any fault with her appearance.
But this fair assessment did not win Xi Zhoulu’s approval.
Her expression was grim, a chill gathering in her eyes. In a departure from her usual self, she explained, “Her name is Shen Xianyun. She’s the only A-Class Omega of this generation in the Shen Family, which controls most of the shipping lines. She’s also the family’s sole heir at present.”
Luo Yueqing’s attention was caught by the word “Omega” at the end. Her eyebrows shot up, and the interest in her eyes deepened.
The System hadn’t mentioned that she was an Omega when it provided her background.
No wonder she had been in love with Xi Zhoulu for so many years but had always restrained herself, never letting a single word slip.
So she was an Omega!
Double Alpha or double Omega relationships weren’t rare in modern society. There had even been parades about it recently, demanding that all unions, regardless of gender, have the same rights.
But how could that old traditionalist from the Xi family, who valued descendants so much, possibly agree?
Xi Zhoulu was his chosen heir. Just a few days ago, he was rushing her to get married and have children. If Shen Xianyun dared to pursue Xi Zhoulu as an Omega, Old Master Xi would probably suppress her family directly without even needing Xi Zhoulu to reject her.
Luo Yueqing clicked her tongue a few times, feeling that the woman was actually quite pitiful. No matter how much she liked her, she could only suppress her feelings, with no possibility of ever pursuing Xi Zhoulu.
The hand under the trench coat had clenched into a fist. Xi Zhoulu’s eyes were cold. Before she could speak, she heard Luo Yueqing say, “I’m going to the restroom.”
The words she was about to say were swallowed back. Xi Zhoulu nodded slightly, her voice tight as she instructed, “Go this way, it’s the first left.”
Luo Yueqing nodded in agreement. Still worried, Xi Zhoulu was about to ask someone to accompany her when her peripheral vision caught Shen Xianyun standing up as well, seemingly also heading to the restroom.
Her clenched fist left crescent marks on her palm. Xi Zhoulu took a deep breath and said only, “Go on.”
The person beside her was still oblivious. After getting her bearings, she walked away with slightly unsteady steps.
And Shen Xianyun, who had intended to follow her, also broke away from the crowd and walked straight toward Luo Yueqing.
The night deepened. The fire in the hearth inexplicably blazed brighter, its light casting shadows across the living room, outlining everyone’s features and adding an unexpected sharpness to the air.
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