Chapter 69

 

Ming Xi realized something today: last night, she had acted impulsively.

Not in rejecting Liang Jiancheng—but in using Ji Runze as an excuse to fend him off.

A lie could never stay hidden forever. Sooner or later, Liang Jiancheng would realize she had deceived him.

Of course, she had no intention of hiding it for long. Perhaps he already knew yesterday that her words were nothing more than a makeshift excuse.

Last night, Liang Jiancheng himself had probably been acting on impulse as well.

Later, when he deliberately joked with her and teased her into laughter, it was nothing more than an attempt to ease her worries and soften the atmosphere.

While showering last night, hot water cascading down from the showerhead, Ming Xi thought for a long time. She stood under the warmth until she had sorted out both her own feelings and Liang Jiancheng’s attitude.

As she finished, she covered her face with both hands, wiping away the water clinging to her skin. Warm water slowly slipping through her fingers and down her cheeks.

Steam filled the bathroom, wrapping her whole body in heat. Fine droplets clung to her lashes, dissolving into mist at the slightest touch.

She trembled faintly and exhaled deeply, arriving at a clear conclusion—

Liang Jiancheng was far too intelligent not to see through her. He could definitely be able to guess the real reason she had rejected him.

Rushing into a relationship based on a flicker of attraction alone—especially one where status and position were unequal—she, in her lower position, might seem to have gained an advantage. But in reality, she could easily become nothing more than a brief embellishment in his life.

Were there any benefits to a romantic relationship? Of course, there were, such as the freedom to kiss, sleep together, and spend time together.

But both she and Liang Jiancheng were so busy; regular companionship was out of the question. They would even have to carve out even more time from work just to maintain the relationship and please one another—all for the sake of fleeting pleasure.

And if she were to get pregnant by accident, she would have to face the possibility of an abortion.

The process of dating between men and women was largely the same; she hadn’t experienced it, yet it wasn’t unfamiliar. Several girls in her old TV University had ruined their lives because of this. Those who were lucky married and had children; those who weren’t wasted away alone.

She wasn’t judging others—everyone had their own choices. It was just that most people decide the course of their lives in a moment of impulsiveness.

She was only in her early twenties, with a bright future ahead. She truly couldn’t bear to gamble her life away.

Sister CC had said something similar to her recently: most of men’s sweet words and subservience were just for deception—either to secure a practical wife or to obtain a woman’s body.

Liang Jiancheng’s previous relationship with that Miss Zhang was probably about finding a wife.

With her?

A lover?

She turned off the shower and stood naked before the sink, carefully drying her hair, shoulders, underarms, back, and legs with a long towel.

If Liang Jiancheng’s intention in proposing a relationship was that, then she needed even more to take control of the situation.

Because an equal relationship—like a good business deal—required genuine commitment from both sides to be sustained long-term. Liang Jiancheng could easily offer sincerity; a single gesture from him could be an expensive gemstone necklace. But what could she offer him in return?

Youth and a body?

As a sales representative, Ming Xi never focused on how many orders a client could give her. She focused on what value she could offer the client. It was this proactive way of thinking that earned her clients’ trust and their orders.

Therefore, she couldn’t afford to put herself in a passive position.

That night, Ming Xi placed the necklace that had been resting on her pillow back into its black velvet jewelry box, then tucked it deep inside another box at the very back of her wardrobe.

The emerald necklace was undeniably beautiful—exquisite, radiant, and luxurious.

But even the most expensive, finest things became a burden once they were unusable. Not only did they require careful safeguarding, they could also bring unnecessary trouble.

…

The elevator reached the floor where Haiou Company was located. Ming Xi waved cheerfully at a few familiar employees from Xinghai Company, greeting them.

Then her gaze briefly swept over Liang Jiancheng. She nodded lightly to him as well.

Liang Jiancheng—like an underground ally who understood her perfectly—acted as if what happened last night never occurred. He blinked at her with meaning and returned her greeting handsomely.

Ming Xi walked forward with light, relaxed steps.

The elevator doors slowly closed, then stopped again one floor above.

Several Xinghai employees gathered around Liang Jiancheng. Among them, the boldest and thick-skinned Lin Han enthusiastically asked for perks from the boss: “Mr. Liang, are we doing anything for Christmas this year?”

Most foreign trade companies dealt with overseas clients, who took long holidays during Christmas. As a result, several foreign trade firms in Haigang joined in the festivities each year. Last year, Xinghai had organized karaoke and dinner. At the time, the boss wasn’t quite a “boss” yet, and under the staff’s enthusiastic urging, he had sung an English song. It must be said, the boss’s singing was incredibly charming; even Maggie, who was still at the company at the time, couldn’t take her eyes off Liang Jiancheng.

This year, would there be another surprise? Xinghai’s performance had doubled compared to last year. Surely there would be something.

Liang Jiancheng looked at Lin Han and suddenly said, “Brother Han, why don’t you come up with an event plan?”

Being called “Brother Han” by the boss startled Lin Han. Could it be… that his boss also knew about that chat group?

The hottest topic in that chat group recently was still being discussed heatedly…

The topic of discussion was—

Whether Mr. Liang had a new girlfriend.

If the carefree Lin Han hadn’t noticed that the boss was in an off mood today and still pressed him for Christmas benefits, Mark—who knew the boss better and was far more perceptive—was practically itching to send Lin Han off to hang ornaments on the Christmas tree.

The lobby of Zhongjin Tower had already been decorated with a beautiful Christmas tree. The festive atmosphere had arrived early, and for most office workers, the holidays were a time to relax and enjoy the day.

After Christmas came New Year’s Day, and after New Year’s Day came the Spring Festival…

In the blink of an eye, the millennium would become a thing of the past.

Mark, having been pulled into the chat group by Lin Han, lurked there for a while and noticed a member named “A Smile Worth a Thousand Gold.”

Suddenly, a crucial clue snapped into place—

Mark remembered the couple IDs he’d seen on Boss Liang’s OICQ: “Smiling Without Talking” and “A Smile Worth a Thousand Gold.”

Everything suddenly made sense!

So the person his boss had been “internet dating” for so long wasn’t anyone else—it was Miss Ming.

And the “A Smile Worth a Thousand Gold” who had been lurking in the gossip group was also Miss Ming!

After discovering this secret, Mark, as the person who knew the most about his boss’s love life, suddenly felt a responsibility—a responsibility for the development of his boss’s romantic relationships.

If Miss Ming was indeed in that Zhongjin chat group, she would naturally have seen the recent gossip and rumors about the boss. Mark believed that a normal, attractive woman who had no shortage of admirers—even if she knew those rumors were likely fabricated—couldn’t possibly be completely unaffected, especially at such a critical stage when his boss was pursuing her.

In the morning, after arranging his work, Mark saw the boss working at his desk as usual. He hesitated for a moment, then not only didn’t leave but also locked the office door.

Liang Jiancheng raised an eyebrow and shot him a questioning look.

Mark smiled, walked over with a concerned expression, and stood across from the desk. “Boss, how are things progressing between you and Miss Ming lately?”

He asked this mainly to find a starting point. After all, it would be far too abrupt to ask outright whether the boss had successfully won her over.

Liang Jiancheng had just experienced a failed confession; he didn’t expect to be asked about it at work.

He set down his ballpoint pen. His cool, handsome face showed no obvious emotion as he replied in English, “Doing alright, thanks for asking!”

It was a little-known habit of Liang Jiancheng to resort to English when he was too embarrassed to express himself in Chinese.

Hearing his boss’s response, Mark was relieved. It seemed Miss Ming hadn’t been affected by the baseless rumors circulating in the group chat.

“That’s good, that’s good…” Mark nodded with a smile.

Liang Jiancheng keenly sensed something was wrong and asked, “Did you originally think there would be any problems between Ming Xi and me?”

In this world, people who speak and act bluntly are either brainless—or overly intelligent and assertive. Clearly, Liang Jiancheng belonged to the latter.

Mark didn’t hide anything. He had come precisely to remind his boss, so he directly brought up the recent gossip in the Zhongjin chat group. …

Liang Jiancheng’s brows furrowed more and more as he listened, until he leaned back in his chair, looking calm and thoughtful, and asked, “How much influence does this chat group have?”

Mark replied, “It’s just a private chat group, mainly followed by the young men and women in this building. Everyone knows it’s gossip—it’s just for fun. You have a good image, Mr. Liang, so people like to talk about you… but if Miss Ming found out, it would still make her uncomfortable.”

Mark spoke cautiously, still not directly saying that Ming Xi was in the group.

“And why do you think Ming Xi knows about this?” Liang Jiancheng asked. As expected, his logic was sharp—he immediately caught the key point in Mark’s careful wording.

Mark steeled himself and confessed, “Because Miss Ming is probably in that group. Her username is ‘A Smile Worth a Thousand Gold,’ right? If so, then while your rumors were flying everywhere, she was in the group the whole time.”

Liang Jiancheng: “…”

Mark licked his lips and quickly added, “However, Miss Ming is so smart, and you, Mr. Liang, are such a reliable person. I believe Miss Ming won’t misunderstand. Besides, you just said everything between you is normal.”

Liang Jiancheng smiled, but his expression showed no sign of pleasure at being praised. Even so, he politely thanked Mark for reminding him.

If Mark hadn’t said anything, even if he understood why Ming Xi rejected him, that subtle sense of unwillingness would still have lingered in his heart.

Now, he finally understood completely!

How could a girl as cautious, intelligent, and capable of seizing opportunities as Ming Xi easily accept the advances of a “playboy”?

She probably thought that yesterday—bringing her jewelry and trying to change their relationship—were just his ploy to sleep with her.

He really had messed things up yesterday.

No wonder she made up something about Ji Runze to brush him off…

Liang Jiancheng tapped his temples, then pressed his entire palm against his forehead. Having figured everything out, Liang Jiancheng could only be thankful that he had maintained his composure even after his confession was rejected—at least that was some small mercy in misfortune.

Just as Mark had said, it wasn’t too late to do damage control regarding the chat-group rumors.

Liang Jiancheng looked up and said to Mark in a frank and clear tone, “Mark, thank you very much for the reminder. But in the future, if you encounter such nonsense, you don’t need to flatter me—just tell me directly. Also, as my assistant, I hope you can help me maintain a good image, thank you.”

Mark received clear instructions and nodded smartly, saying, “Boss, I studied public relations in college, I won’t let you down.”

Lowering his head to resume work, Liang Jiancheng said in a slightly improved mood, “Thanks. I’ll make a note to give you an extra bonus this year.”

Mark secretly cheered in his heart. Sure enough, there were many ways to please the boss, but helping the boss solve thorny problems was the best.

If possible, he hoped to continue being Boss Liang’s assistant.

Ever since learning that his boss had his eye on Miss Ming downstairs, Mark had developed a bit of career anxiety of his own. He worried that if he didn’t do his job well and the boss got angry, Miss Ming downstairs might come up and replace him…

A few months earlier, Boss Huang had withdrawn from Haiou Company. He even divorced his wife and, for reasons unknown, went to Taiwan to develop his career, provoking Mrs. Huang to take resources and start her own foreign-trade company…

Now, Haiou was solely managed by He Yuan. After Boss Huang withdrew his shares, the company’s business volume hadn’t dropped too drastically, which was already a blessing—but its assets had shrunk significantly, and its strength was naturally far inferior to before.

A wise bird chooses a good tree to perch on. If Haiou’s prospects worsened, Mark didn’t believe someone as smart as Miss Ming would stay. And if she left Haiou, where would she most likely go?

Most likely, Xinghai Company!

And if Miss Ming joined Xinghai, what position would she take? Mark’s mind was sharp, but after entering the workforce, he had also absorbed some rather worldly—and not entirely wholesome—ideas.

—

Ming Xi sneezed several times today.

She had a sort of metaphysical intuition: whenever she sneezed, generally it was not a good thing. At best, she’d catch a cold.

The chat group was buzzing today. Unexpectedly, Liang Jiancheng’s assistant, Mark, posted a statement clarifying that all the rumors circulating in the group were fabricated and that Liang Jiancheng was not currently dating anyone…

Ming Xi was drinking water when she saw Mark’s post and almost spat it onto her computer screen.

Mark’s announcement immediately livened up the group, and Ming Xi even saw Sister CC join in to stir things up.

[Mark, does this mean your Boss Liang is open to anyone pursuing him now?] Sister CC asked.

Mark replied: [Challenges welcome—but our boss already has someone in his heart. He asked me to post this announcement to avoid misunderstandings.]

Seeing these two lines, Ming Xi couldn’t help but feel a slight stir in her heart.

Just then, Sister CC, sitting opposite her, tilted her head and said, “Oh my god, who on earth is this woman who made Boss Liang go to such lengths? Could she be in our group chat? Otherwise why announce it here?”

Ming Xi lowered her eyes, took another sip of water, and after a moment’s thought, replied to Sister CC, “Because the rumors came from this group chat, isn’t it natural to clarify things in the group?”

Sister CC thought about it and found that made sense.

She suddenly looked inexplicably excited, her eyes gleaming with a suggestive sparkle. Women’s views of men aren’t all that different from men’s views of women—when it comes to good looks, double standards come easily.

“Honestly, whether something counts as workplace sexual harassment really depends on the boss’s face. If it’s someone like Boss Liang, then it doesn’t count…” Sister CC said as she gathered some documents to take to He Yuan for signing. Before leaving, she leaned close to Ming Xi’s ear and sighed dramatically.

Ming Xi nodded noncommittally.

Since Boss Huang withdrew his shares and Zhao Yang resigned, Sister CC and Ming Xi had naturally become closer. Many times, Ming Xi felt that some of Sister CC’s remarks were intentional reminders—especially regarding Boss He.

That morning, Mr, He held the end-of-month meeting and announced next spring’s plans, declaring that Haiou had successfully secured exhibition slots in both the U.S. and South Korea.

As soon as he said this, everyone in the room—including Ming Xi—felt energized.

He Yuan himself was brimming with ambition, radiating confidence and determination about landing major deals next year.

Now that Haiou was entirely under his control, he had decided to go all out. In his view, Haiou lagged behind Xinghai largely because it had been too frugal with exhibition investments. Relying solely on existing client resources was no longer enough.

In contrast, Boss Liang of Xinghai had always been generous, never hesitant to spend money.

Since Haiou had secured spots at both the U.S. and South Korean exhibitions—and He Yuan had personally promised her—Ming Xi began calculating which one she might attend.

Most likely… the US.

Because she was in charge of the small appliance business, and the US exhibition happened to be an innovative home-electronics and furnishings exhibition.

The South Korean exhibition was merely an import and export trade fair under the premise of friendly trade. Currently, the foreign trade situation between China and South Korea was still in its initial stage and there was a trade deficit. China’s exports to South Korea, apart from metals and energy products, mainly consisted of large quantities of textile raw materials and fabrics.

Haiou’s core business was fabric exports; small-appliance OEM work was a newly developed line. Last winter, she had met Boss Huang at the Yicheng Textile Conference—he had gone there precisely to seek new suppliers, since Yicheng was famous nationwide as a textile hub.

The announcement of their participation in the exhibition boosted Haiou’s morale.

He Yuan seized the opportunity to announce Christmas benefits; he would prepare a Christmas gift for every employee.

Cheers erupted in the conference room once again.

Ming Xi sat with Sister CC and asked, “Does Mr. He gave employees Christmas gifts every year?”

Sister CC turned back and said, “Don’t expect too much; last year I received an apple.”

Ming Xi nodded, understanding.

An apple…

Well, that’s fine.

Christmas arrived in the blink of an eye. Today was Christmas Eve, and He Yuan really did give every employee an apple. It just so happened that Christmas Eve fell on Friday, and with the workday nearing its end, the company was filled with a festive atmosphere. Since the company had no special events planned, everyone was simply hoping to leave work early.

Compared to Xinghai’s Christmas benefits upstairs, things were fine as long as no comparison was made—but once compared, the bitterness in Haiou employees’ hearts was even sharper than the apples in their hands.

Xinghai was treating all employees to a group dinner that evening, followed by karaoke, with all expenses covered by the boss.

And on top of that, Xinghai’s boss had also given out apples—one whole box per person.

Ming Xi put the red apple in her handbag. She had plans to have dinner with Cai Ni, Dezi, and Junjun today, and she planned to bring the apple, dividing it into four portions for them to try.

Ming Xi was about to leave work when He Yuan unexpectedly called her to his office. She guessed he might be going over specific exhibition arrangements with her, so she looked at him with anticipation.

Instead, He Yuan handed her a folder of materials.

“Ming Xi, during this period, you’ll need to spend more time studying the fabric manufacturers and product categories that Haiou represents. Next spring, you’ll be going to South Korea for the exhibition.”

Ming Xi was surprised by this arrangement. She was in charge of the small appliance business; why South Korea instead of the United States?

“If I’m being given an exhibition opportunity, why not let me continue with my original business and go to the U.S.? Why arrange for me to go to South Korea instead?” she asked directly.

He Yuan tilted his head back and rolled his neck, then slowly stood up and walked toward her, speaking earnestly. “Ming Xi, I feel I’ve already taken great care of you, but you can’t be too hasty. Everything has to be done step by step, understand? If you can demonstrate your abilities at this exhibition in South Korea, I can give everyone in the company a satisfactory explanation, and I can entrust you with more important positions in the future with greater confidence.”

As he finished speaking, he lightly placed his hand on her shoulder—an intimate, almost overly familiar gesture. He Yuan’s features were unremarkable, but his most striking trait was his pair of peach-blossom eyes. Whenever he looked at someone closely, there was always something hard to read in his gaze.

Ming Xi avoided eye contact and said, “But I’ve always been responsible for the appliance business. I can’t just hand those products over to someone else.”

“Not to someone else, but me. Those accounts were originally assigned to you by me, weren’t they? Lamia, I’m the boss. Ultimately, all of your performance belongs to me, not to your colleagues or competitors,” He Yuan explained earnestly.

It was Christmas Eve, and Ming Xi had received a piece of news she didn’t particularly like. Still, the decision had already been made, and there was nothing she could do to change it.

“Thank you for your appreciation, Mr. He,” she said politely.

“By the way, I’ve prepared an extra Christmas gift for you.” He Yuan took a small box from the cabinet and handed it to her. “A West Lake silk scarf. Silk scarves are perfect for a beautiful woman.”

He Yuan was adept at using small favors like this to win people over. If she were a newcomer to the workplace, she probably would have been genuinely moved.

“Thank you, Mr. He.”

It was just a small silk scarf, and Ming Xi accepted it readily. Then, carrying her folder of materials, she left the office, inwardly mocking He Yuan, this master of empty promises, to the heavens!

She wondered if all bosses were like this. Would Liang Jiancheng be the same?

Probably not. At the very least, he wouldn’t be this stingy with gifts.

Back at her desk, Ming Xi unwrapped the scarf. It was a gaudy pink silk scarf—she wasn’t in the habit of wearing scarves, and holding it now, it seemed rather useless. When Sister CC saw it, her eyes widened, and she mouthed silently: Did He Yuan give that to you?

Ming Xi: Yes.

Sister CC couldn’t help but laugh and mouthed back: I have an identical one at home…

So He Yuan bought silk scarves in bulk as “benefits” for female employees.

After a moment’s thought, Ming Xi tied the scarf onto her pure black tote bag. Unexpectedly, the once-tacky pink scarf instantly looked much brighter against the black background.

“Pretty!” Sister CC praised decisively.

Of course it was. Ever since leaving Longmao, Ming Xi had become a frequent shopper there. After buying plenty of quality items, her taste and aesthetic had improved significantly.

…When she first arrived in Haigang, she still had that bit of a country bumpkin vibe. Now she was undeniably very fashionable!

Undoubtedly, only after becoming financially secure could one elevate their taste.

She was doing better and better—and so were her Yicheng friends.

That evening, Han Junjun and Dezi actually came to pick her up in a brand-new car.

Cai Ni, who had only worked a half-day, stepped out of a sedan and came running toward her excitedly.

Not far away, Dezi and Han Junjun got out of the passenger seat and driver’s seat respectively. Both of them had their hair styled today, especially Dezi, who had his hair slicked back and looked incredibly handsome.

Standing together outside the revolving doors of the Zhongjin Tower, they cut a striking scene—a far cry from the comical sight of her picking them up at the train station.

In high spirits, Ming Xi was about to stride forward.

Just then, Liang Jiancheng and a group of employees from Xinghai Company came out of the revolving door as well, all looking spirited and cheerful.

Since they bumped into each other, they naturally had to greet each other. Ming Xi wasn’t referring to herself, but to Dezi.

Dezi had already walked up to Liang Jiancheng, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then turned back, nodding repeatedly as if he had agreed to something.

Ming Xi glanced at Liang Jiancheng, pursed her lips slightly, then turned and followed Cai Ni into the back seat.

This was Han Junjun’s newly purchased car. Though the brand wasn’t high-end, it was still a sedan.

Ming Xi and Cai Ni sat in the back, unable to resist touching and looking at everything.

The car was filled with a distinct smell, somewhere between rubber and leather. After getting in, Dezi proudly explained, “This is the new-car smell! You two should enjoy it while it lasts—after driving it for a while, this exciting scent of success will be gone.”

Cai Ni rolled her eyes.

Ming Xi tilted her head slightly and, through the rearview mirror, saw Liang Jiancheng crossing the street. It was Christmas Eve—Xinghai’s event looked like it would be fun.

Did she regret it? If she had chosen Xinghai Company back then, would her career have developed better?

Now that she had made her choice, although she considered the possibilities of the two different options, she didn’t feel regret or wistfulness.

Yang Yumei used to say she was heartless. In truth, Ming Xi wasn’t heartless—she simply knew to put herself first and always prioritize her own well-being.

He Yuan had given her a difficult problem today, and she felt a little resentful as she left the office. But after adjusting her mindset, she realized that going to South Korea wasn’t a bad thing. Dezi and Junjun were in the clothing business—if she could gain access to more fabric suppliers and connect with overseas apparel companies, it would be a huge advantage for them as well.

However, Ming Xi didn’t want to tell Dezi about this yet.

Being too excited about something that wasn’t even certain would disrupt their current pace.

The four of them went to that French teppanyaki restaurant again today. Coincidentally, the same waiter who had served them before had arranged their table. He probably still remembered how they had swaggered out last time without ordering, and he kept smiling at them—friendly, and faintly surprised.

Dezi was treating today, and he ordered expensive Wagyu beef and several popular seafood dishes.

When considering whether to add Australian lobster, Cai Ni immediately stopped him. “I’m not eating it! If you absolutely have to order it, then convert my portion into cash!”

“Useless,” Dezi scoffed at her openly, then casually asked for their next plan. “Want to go sing KTV later? Mr. Liang’s company is doing team building tonight. He just told me he’s reserved several private rooms and can spare one for us.”

“With Mr. Liang?” Cai Ni asked the crucial question.

Dezi: “I already said—it’s just a room he’s lending us.”

“Of course we’ll go, I haven’t sung in ages.” Cai Ni agreed, then looked at Ming Xi.

Ming Xi: “I’m fine with anything…”

Han Junjun coughed and said to Dezi, “I’ll pay for the room.”

“It’s just a small amount, we can pay for it, no problem.” Dezi nodded, leaning back comfortably. He’d only been successful for a few months, but his tone and demeanor already carried the air of a small-time boss.

Some people were simply born to make money—clear on how to earn it, sharp with calculations. They keep their eyes on the big gains without overlooking the small ones, shrewd and worldly, skilled at social etiquette and weighing interests.

Ming Xi studied Dezi quietly. Dezi, in turn, looked at her with emotion, then said solemnly and loyally, “Ming Xi, I’ll say it again, my company will always reserve a share for you. If you’re unhappy at work, you’re always welcome to join.”

Becoming a formal business partner with Ming Xi had always been Dezi’s wish. He valued the present and understood the long term. In his view, even if Ming Xi joined empty-handed, her intelligence and existing resources alone would make her a bonus to the company—not someone coming to grab a slice of the pie.

Ming Xi didn’t respond right away. She lightly lifted her fruit wine and gently clinked glasses with Dezi.

“Count me in too!” Cai Ni said excitedly, raising her glass.

“I’ll join as well,” Han Junjun added.

The four of them clinked glasses together.

Long live friendship, long live getting rich!

Whether she would eventually start a business with her friends or go solo, Ming Xi had always been someone who spoke graciously and thoroughly. She smiled and said, “I’m truly honored to be valued so highly by Boss De.”

Dezi was now completely at ease with polished remarks. “It’s me who should thank Boss Ming for taking care of me.”

Just then, Dezi answered a phone call. The opening words startled Cai Ni, who immediately looked at Ming Xi nervously.

“Brother Liu… you’re in Haigang… hahaha… alright, alright…”

Anyone who could make Dezi speak in that tone could only be Liu Xinjun—Ming Xi’s major creditor.

Like Cai Ni, Han Junjun also looked at Ming Xi with concern. However, only Dezi understood that Ming Xi was no longer wary of Liu Xinjun, her creditor, and her attitude towards him was no longer the same as before.

Sure enough, Ming Xi’s lips curled slightly, and she took the initiative to say, “What is it? Are you worried Brother Liu’s going to come arrest me or something?”

Long ago, Liu Xinjun had re-added her and explained the awkward typo incident from before. Though Ming Xi wasn’t particularly close to him, she knew he had extensive social connections and made money easily through those networks.

Back when she fled Yicheng, she truly hadn’t known better—mistaking the God of Wealth for a gang boss.

Seeing her relaxed reaction, Dezi grew bolder and asked deliberately, “How about inviting Brother Liu to sing with us tonight? Boss Ming, more friends mean more paths, right?”

That was true. Both she and Dezi had built themselves up from nothing. Social relationships were complex; indeed, the more friends you have, the wider your path became, and no one ever complains about having too many connections. Although she didn’t owe Liu Xinjun money—it was Ming Decheng who owed them—both morally and logically, she should apologize to Brother Liu.

“Sure… I don’t mind,” Ming Xi said with a smile.

If she could already treat Liang Jiancheng’s feelings for her as a resource, why would she miss the chance to befriend the God of Wealth? As a woman trying to make bold moves, she couldn’t afford to be shackled by romantic feelings.

She had merely lost one potential boyfriend.

But she might gain many valuable friends who could help her in the future—wasn’t that better?

She had never accepted everyone indiscriminately. She had always chosen carefully.

…

After finishing their teppanyaki, the attentive waiter handed each of them a small tin of solid perfume. It was Cai Ni’s first time seeing something like this, and she kept applying it to her wrists and behind her ears—then generously rubbing it onto Ming Xi as well.

Seeing this, Dezi cried out in distress, “Ladies, stop already! It’s washing away the leather scent of the new car!”

Cai Ni ignored Dezi and started touching up her makeup in the car. Ming Xi had already put on light makeup earlier; she borrowed Cai Ni’s lipstick to freshen up. After a full day at work, she let down the curled hair she’d tied up.

The KTV they were heading to was located along the bustling Minghuai River. The moment they stepped inside, they were wrapped in a warm, lively, cheerful atmosphere.

A staff member led them to their room.

It was a medium-sized private room, neither large nor small, with a large room next door. Ming Xi could already see several Xinghai employees coming in and out of the larger room. When Lin Han spotted her, his face lit up with surprise and delight.

“Ming Xi, you’re here to sing too?” Lin Han greeted her warmly.

“Yes, I’m here with friends,” Ming Xi replied, not mentioning that their room had been deliberately made available by Liang Jiancheng.

Lin Han, always enthusiastic and bold, invited her, “Want to come hang out in our Xinghai room later? Our Boss Liang will definitely sing tonight—and he’s really good.”

Ming Xi smiled shyly, “That might not be appropriate.”

“…True.” Lin Han scratched his head. “You’re from Haiou. I know your company is strict and doesn’t allow too much interaction with us. But it’s fine—our company doesn’t care about that. You can come in anytime; our boss will definitely welcome you.”

Ming Xi hummed in response.

She thought that she probably wouldn’t need to go to Xinghai’s large private room later; Liang Jiancheng would likely come to her room on his own.

After all, they were such good friends—it would be awkward if he didn’t at least come over to say hello.

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