Chapter 80

 

Ming Xi had known the guest list for today’s industry party in advance. Coincidentally, that same list now lay on Liang Jiancheng’s desk as well.

Nominally, this was a Christmas-themed party. In reality, it was a celebration organized by industry leaders to promote collective growth.

It was spearheaded by the local government and organized by the Foreign Trade Association. All attendees had been verified and vetted; their identities included numerous heads of foreign trade companies, specially invited agents, procurement officers from internationally renowned companies. Even senior officials from the customs department had been formally invited, along with several highly regarded administrative officers.

Among the customs staff, there was one person Liang Jiancheng knew quite well—

His former assistant: Maggie Jiang Meiqian.

Liang Jiancheng had no personal feelings for Jiang Meiqian, and naturally, no special emotions. After leaving Xinghai, Miss Jiang quickly joined the customs office, which was a decent career move.

As early as last week, she had sent him a private message asking whether he would attend the Christmas party. He had seen the message but never replied. He rarely ignored people deliberately, especially women, but with Maggie, he genuinely worried that even a polite response might trigger unnecessary misunderstandings.

And trouble.

Thinking back to their final conversation when she resigned, Liang Jiancheng couldn’t help feeling awkward. If possible, as someone in foreign trade, he also didn’t want to offend a customs officer — especially when emotions were involved.

If Ming Xi hadn’t received an invitation to this industry party, Liang Jiancheng probably wouldn’t have attended.

Not because he wanted to avoid Maggie.

Purely from a business standpoint, given Xinghai’s current scale and order volume, gatherings like this no longer held much practical value. Even if he attended, it would mostly be out of courtesy to the official association.

As for the obligatory “contribution fee,” he was never stingy — but every boss had a different style. Some enjoyed showcasing charm and wealth at social events, while others found meaningless networking exhausting.

However…

Liang Jiancheng knew very well that while this party meant little to him, it carried enormous symbolic importance for Ming Xi. It not only signified her official entry into Haigang’s foreign trade circle, but also presented a great opportunity to showcase her new company.

Her Mingzhou Foreign Trade Agency had already made a name for itself in the industry over the past six months. At today’s Christmas party, which was officially important, well-connected, and attended by numerous international partners, it was indeed time for a high-profile appearance.

Knowing Ming Xi as he did, he was certain she would give it her all.

And that was precisely why she wanted him there — to “give her face,” to back her up. Otherwise, why would she suddenly request a meeting with someone she met online?

Wasn’t the friendship between “Little Brother Ximen” and “Brother Jiangliu” her trump card?

Why did Boss Ming play this card today, and specifically request a meeting after the party? Her intentions were crystal clear. The only thing she hadn’t done was say it outright:

“Liang Jiancheng, whether you want to attend this party or not, you have to come to see me.”

In short, her subtext was: he had to back her up!

It sounded polite and courteous, but in essence, it was domineering.

And yet she had judged him perfectly — knowing he would never let her down.

Liang Jiancheng stood up to change clothes. While choosing a tie, his eyes immediately landed on the dark blue striped one he had worn the first time he met Ming Xi at a drinking banquet. If ties had once been nothing more than accessories to match different suits, then since that night last year, this one had become his favorite.

Anything in this world, once it carries emotional value beyond its original worth, becomes something else entirely.

Indeed, China had joined the WTO… he should dress more formally.

For the suit, Liang Jiancheng made an unusually bold choice: black velvet. Unlike wool suits, velvet reflected light with a subtle, flowing sheen. Under indoor lighting, it gave off a soft, refined glow. This suit had been a New Year’s gift from Gu Shuangyang last year. Back then, Liang Jiancheng had found it too flashy and never wore it.

But today, Liang Jiancheng didn’t mind wearing it;

Boss Ming was going to make a dazzling appearance, and he, the “backdrop,” couldn’t be too outdone. When Liang Jiancheng stepped out of his office in the black velvet suit, his assistant Mark’s gaze followed him all the way to the door.

Indeed, there’s no limit to handsomeness. Who would have thought that a boss who was already good-looking could level up even further with proper styling?

Last night, Liang Jiancheng had asked Ming Xi if she wanted to ride with him, but she declined.

Because today, she had also booked a driver. When it came to maintaining a boss’s presence and dignity, she had long mastered the art.

Originally, Liang Jiancheng’s departure time aligned perfectly with Ming Xi’s schedule.

But life was rarely so cooperative. Before he even reached the elevator, a familiar supplier, looking hurried and carrying a briefcase, quickly blocked his way—

“Mr. Liang, there’s something important I need to discuss with you regarding this month’s production and delivery.”

Liang Jiancheng was thus delayed.

…

On Ming Xi’s side, her driver had already dropped her off at the entrance of the Scully Hotel.

The driver opened the door and politely handed her a briefcase. This year’s December 25th was colder than last year. Ming Xi wasn’t wearing much, and the moment the door opened, icy wind rushed in, raising goosebumps all over her skin. Fortunately, her spirit was burning with excitement. She took the briefcase and stepped out into the wind.

“Miss Ming, please call me when you’re done. I’ll be waiting nearby,” the driver said politely.

“Alright, thank you.” Ming Xi thanked him politely in return.

She walked inside. After just a few steps into the hotel lobby, warm air enveloped her body like an invisible blanket, gently wrapping around the exposed skin.

She wore a blazer over a green velvet slip dress. Wearing a spaghetti-strap dress in winter was admittedly bold, but with the white blazer covering it, it still looked reasonably proper.

Holding her invitation card, Ming Xi entered the hotel’s top-floor banquet hall.

She had initially worried that her attire was too “light and flashy”… but to her surprise, everyone tonight had taken their appearance very seriously.

She arrived neither early nor late — about half the guests were already present. The men were all in formal suits, and the women wore fitted evening gowns. Compared to them, wearing a blazer over a dress almost made her look restrained.

Clothes make the statement, jewelry enhances the presence. Ming Xi easily found her seat and sat down. Before leaving home today, she had given herself one rule: no matter what, she must not be intimidated.

The confidence and poise she displayed today not only represented her current situation but also her future trajectory. She hadn’t backed down during her first six months going solo, and today she absolutely wouldn’t either.

Every move she made tonight would shape how the industry viewed her company.

She, Ming Xi, was the face of “Mingzhou.”

And then—

She had one small personal goal tonight.

She wanted to attract someone’s attention.

She had studied the guest list and noticed a familiar but not-close acquaintance: Maggie Jiang Meiqian.

Their first encounter was two years ago when she went to Xinghai for a job interview. When they met again, Maggie had already left Xinghai and now worked in the Comprehensive Statistics Department of Haigang Customs. Although just an ordinary employee, she controlled the statistical data of all Haigang’s annual export goods.

What did that mean?

It meant that Maggie held in her hands a vast, real, and highly valuable database of overseas client information. Even if Ming Xi couldn’t poach most of those clients, obtaining even a small piece of useful intelligence from Maggie would drastically reduce the time she needed to conduct background research.

That was precisely why Maggie was the brightest star of the night — surrounded by admirers and encircled by crowds, the undeniable center of attention.

So… what now?

Her first and even second encounters with Maggie hadn’t gone well. They had never built any rapport. If she rushed over like everyone else, she would probably earn nothing more than an eye roll.

The difficulties were staring her in the face, but Ming Xi didn’t panic. Instead, she calmly analyzed Maggie’s personality: strong self-worth, even stronger superiority complex.

Undoubtedly, Maggie was a proud beauty. But what was the underlying need behind someone’s seemingly pointless display of confidence?

Ming Xi turned the question over in her mind, while her expression grew more relaxed and detached.

During the event, she glanced at Maggie more than once. Maggie, too, noticed her. Their eyes met briefly several times.

Still, Ming Xi held back and didn’t approach.

There were plenty of small agents like herself swarming toward Maggie to make themselves visible. With so many people crowding around, she had no intention of joining the chaos.

Even if she forced her way in, all she would get were perfunctory replies — meaningless and shallow.

So, how could she attract the attention of the beautiful Maggie? Did she possess something that Maggie would find interesting?

Leaning back in her chair, Ming Xi tilted her head slightly. Seeing how other women boldly wore evening gowns, she loosened her white blazer and draped it casually over the chair back. Then she took out a pure black shawl from her briefcase and wrapped it around her fully exposed shoulders and chest.

Her green velvet slip dress was too eye-catching. Elegant as it was, standing in front of Maggie like this might risk stealing the spotlight. She needed to appear restrained, steady — to highlight sincerity and grace.

Who said a woman’s allure had to be for men?

Before Liang Jiancheng arrived, Ming Xi had no desire whatsoever to display feminine charm to any man in this room.

Yet now, she lightly brushed back her hair, raised her brows subtly, nodded with soft smiles, and occasionally flashed a charming expression while chatting with people nearby. She did this not to attract attention from men, but to attract the attention of Maggie, who was already watching her from a distance.

Ming Xi was confident in her appearance tonight, and she carried herself effortlessly. But when it came to stimulating Maggie’s competitive instinct, she gently tightened the black shawl around her chest.

She didn’t actively approach, but she didn’t avoid confrontation either.

When Maggie finally focused her gaze fully on her, Ming Xi naturally returned it with warmth and openness — a gentle, friendly smile, sparkling eyes, as if silently greeting her: Darling, who would’ve thought we’d meet here?

Maggie was always the proactive type.

As a customs officer, she had seen the guest list for tonight’s Christmas party last week. When she spotted Ming Xi’s name, she had been genuinely surprised. Was it the Ming Xi she knew? And indeed, it was.

Before the party, Maggie had already gathered a rough understanding of Ming Xi’s past two years: from a clerk at Longmao to a sales associate at Longmao, then becoming Haiou’s most aggressive rising star — and now striking out on her own to establish a foreign trade agency named “Mingzhou.”

Such rapid role transitions, such explosive growth. It not only amazed Maggie, a graduate of Haigang Economic and Trade Institute, but even seasoned veterans who had been in the industry for many years felt that Miss Ming’s development over the past two years was simply miraculous.

Many industry insiders secretly speculated that Ming Xi must have powerful backing. The implication was simply that she had latched onto a man. However, as a woman equally outstanding in every way, Maggie had a different perspective on Ming Xi. Even if Ming Xi did have someone helping her, her own abilities were absolutely formidable to have reached this point.

Otherwise, as the outsiders joked, “Stand on the wind’s direction and even pigs can fly.” If pigs really flew that easily, then all the men gathered here tonight might as well go home and drink milk.

These exaggerated comments were mostly out of envy. If success were truly that simple, it would only prove how severely those arrogant yet mediocre men underestimated the competence and professionalism of an outstanding female business agent.

Because of this, Maggie was actually more eager to meet Ming Xi tonight than her former boss Liang Jiancheng — the “hypocritical gentleman” who had hurt her without hesitation and without emotional attachment.

However, after waiting for a long time, Ming Xi remained seated firmly, showing no intention of approaching her. Occasionally their eyes met, and unlike other men and women, Ming Xi didn’t show any fawning — only calm appreciation, light amusement, subtle invitation.

Such a gaze was truly irresistible.

Maggie finally couldn’t hold back any longer. Holding a champagne flute elegantly, radiating confidence, she walked over and greeted Ming Xi first. “Hi, Miss Ming, I’m Jiang Meiqian from the Comprehensive Statistics Department of Customs. Do you remember me?”

Finally…

Ming Xi stood up gracefully, also picking up her champagne glass. Genuine warmth filled her clear eyes — the kind that could melt even Maggie’s pride.

“Of course I remember! Miss Jiang was the first great beauty I met in Haigang,” Ming Xi said with a flattering smile.

Maggie slightly pursed her lips, instinctively showing disdain, yet her eyes couldn’t hide her pleasure.

Ming Xi raised her glass, gesturing for a toast with Maggie.

Maggie hesitated, then reluctantly nodded.

Since Maggie had reintroduced herself, courtesy demanded reciprocity.

“Let’s get to know each other again. My name is Ming Xi — Ming as in ‘speak plainly,’ Xi as in the ocean tide. I’m no longer affiliated with any foreign trade company. I now run a small agency of my own. I hope Miss Jiang will look after me in the future.”

As she spoke, her red lips curved into a captivating smile. The moment her words ended, the business card she had prepared in advance was already extended toward Maggie.

Maggie could only marvel; Ming Xi was truly irresistible. From childhood, Maggie had seen too many hypocritical and sycophantic people, which shaped her fiercely self-centered personality and deep dislike for false politeness. Yet even knowing that Ming Xi carried traces of calculated flattery, Maggie felt inexplicably comfortable — even eager to spar with her properly.

“Alright. I’ll remember you. When there’s time, let’s have afternoon tea together.” Maggie accepted Ming Xi’s business card and put it in her clutch.

During their close conversation, Maggie’s gaze kept falling on the emerald necklace around Ming Xi’s neck — an extravagant piece, a classic design from a top luxury brand.

Such jewelry naturally captivated someone like Maggie, who valued material refinement and had high aesthetic standards. Mixed emotions surged inside her: admiration, envy, and honest jealousy.

How did this person suddenly rise so fast!

Ming Xi knew perfectly well that the necklace around her neck had played a significant role in attracting Maggie’s attention. Silently, she offered thanks to Boss Liang — who was conspicuously absent at this critical moment.

Maggie soon had to move on to socialize with others. Ming Xi raised her wrist to check her watch. It was already this late, and Liang Jiancheng still hadn’t arrived!

Was he not coming?

Ming Xi sat back down. Since he wasn’t coming, there was no point in waiting foolishly. It wasn’t easy for her to get a chance to show her face at an industry event like this—she hadn’t come here to be a decorative vase for people to admire.

She picked up her champagne glass and began taking the initiative, greeting and socializing with those around her. Networking had to be done step by step. She started with the rising stars in the same industry, then moved on to foreign clients and overseas purchasing managers. Finally, she headed toward the organizer of today’s event—the head of the Foreign Trade Association, Director Du.

Standing beside Director Du was He Yuan, who had been accompanying him the entire time.

Holding her glass, Ming Xi politely greeted Director Du, and of course did not ignore her former boss, He Yuan.

At an occasion like this, even though they were fierce rivals in private and usually met with thinly veiled hostility, they were all smiles now, raising their glasses in mutual courtesy.

When Director Du saw her, he half-jokingly complained, “Ming Xi, we’ve been waiting for you for quite a while.”

Ming Xi put on a slightly troubled expression and said frankly, “Director Du, you can’t blame me. I was waiting for Mr. He to step away first, but he never did, so I only dared to come over now.”

What?! Of course Director Du knew Ming Xi had already left He Yuan’s company—something common in the industry. But saying it this way made it sound as though she had left because she and He Yuan were on bad terms.

Director Du glanced at He Yuan, then at the quick-witted Ming Xi, and tried to smooth things over. “Ming Xi, you shouldn’t say that. I know Mr. He well—he’s not the petty type.”

Exactly! He Yuan put on a helpless expression, as if he too were the wronged party.

Ming Xi smiled, looking calmly at both of them, deliberately leaving them in suspense. “Director Du, you’ve misunderstood me. I wasn’t afraid Mr. He would target me. Although I’ve gone independent, everyone knows Mr. He once recognized my talent and gave me opportunities. I’m just ashamed of myself. My business has only just started, and my results are so-so. In the past six months I’ve seen only a little improvement. I feel both embarrassed and regretful—afraid Mr. He might laugh at me.”

“Haha…” Director Du burst out laughing. He knew it—Ming Xi would never directly badmouth her former employer. Yet what she said just now was also a subtle show of strength. ‘So-so’ and ‘only a little improvement’—women like her were always good at playing with words when dealing with men like them.

“Ming Xi, are you doubting my judgment? If it’s really like you say, afraid Mr. He will laugh at you, then you can rest assured. As long as I’m here today, Mr. He won’t dare laugh at you or look down on you.”

“Thank you, Director Du!” Ming Xi beamed, immediately clinking glasses with him. Then, with equal courtesy, she raised her glass toward He Yuan, offering him an open and generous toast.

He Yuan maintained his composure: “Lamia, if you had such concerns before, you’ve really wronged me. If you’re doing well, doesn’t that also mean you’re talent cultivated by Haiou? I should be happy for you ”

“Really, Mr. He?” Ming Xi’s face showed surprise and disbelief. Her happiness at this moment was genuine—watching He Yuan grit his teeth while still having to speak these hypocritical pleasantries gave her immense satisfaction. As for that look of disbelief, it was simply polite acting so she wouldn’t appear too triumphant.

“Of course—” If He Yuan had only been slightly annoyed before, he was now practically gritting his teeth.

Ming Xi smiled gently and even patched things up for herself. “I was being narrow-minded, judging a gentleman with a petty heart. Mr. He, please don’t hold it against me.”

He Yuan was almost speechless.

Ming Xi didn’t linger and moved on to mingle elsewhere, joining the lively crowd.

At gatherings like this, it had to be said—good looks were the most effective weapon.

Being beautiful, with a dazzling and charming smile, made it easy to attract attention from both acquaintances and strangers.

Ming Xi returned smiles to everyone and handed out her business cards.

After a full round of socializing, she gained quite a lot. Throughout the night, she switched smoothly between Chinese and English—speaking English with foreign clients and Chinese with industry peers—so busy her tongue almost tied itself in knots. The smile on her face never faded, as if her cheek muscles had developed memory.

Suddenly, applause erupted from nearby.

It turned out that Mr. He from Haiou was showcasing his artistic talents again, playing a saxophone piece on the spot. Ming Xi put down her glass and gave a couple of perfunctory, polite claps.

Then, a “shameless” person came up with a terrible idea, actually asking He Yuan to play another piece, while also calling on her to demonstrate her singing voice.

This shameless person was Director Du.

Before Ming Xi could think of a way to refuse, Maggie stepped in to save the situation. She went straight on stage and sang an English song, triggering even more enthusiastic applause.

In truth, Maggie only wanted to steal the spotlight—she hadn’t meant to help Ming Xi.

By sheer coincidence, Ming Xi was rescued. Grateful, she walked up to Maggie and warmly took her hand. “Maggie, I was completely captivated by you just now.”

Such direct praise made Maggie a little embarrassed. All her life, men had praised her, while women often mocked her. Being admired by another beauty gave her far more pride and satisfaction than any vulgar male compliment.

Finally, Ming Xi found her excuse and said to Director Du, “Miss Jiang has set an example for us women, so I won’t be shy anymore. Today is such a joyful occasion, with all our leaders present—I can’t dampen the mood. The reason I didn’t perform together with Mr. He earlier… is because the song I want to sing simply doesn’t match his saxophone style. Not only would it fail to complement him, it would ruin the elegance of his music.”

“Ming Xi, what song are you planning to sing? Now you’ve made me curious,” Director Du asked.

Ming Xi smiled and replied, “Director Du, you know my situation very well. I come from a small town and know nothing about musical instruments; I can only sing casually. With so many foreign friends here today, I’d like to promote Chinese culture a bit, is that alright? I’ll perform a classic opera piece, ‘The Female Prince Consort’”

Her words immediately drew everyone’s attention. When she announced the song, people nodded in understanding—indeed, Huangmei Opera and saxophone had nothing in common and were impossible to pair.

The banquet hall was on the top floor of the Scully Hotel, alongside the presidential suite. It was designed for high-end business events, with complete audiovisual and karaoke equipment.

Even so, Ming Xi practically sang a cappella. The Huangmei melody was short and classic—she could sing it with her eyes closed.

When socializing, especially with superiors, one must always be thoughtful. Ming Xi had originally wanted to attend with Liang Jiancheng so things would be easier. People might not respect the monk, but they would respect the Buddha. But since her “backer” hadn’t shown up, she had no choice but to hold the stage on her own.

Choosing this particular opera piece was deliberate. It wasn’t truly about showcasing traditional culture—it was about the meaning behind the lyrics.

“To save Young Master Li I left my home, who knew I’d top the imperial exam”—such triumphant ambition perfectly matched her current situation.

“I once attended the Qionglin Banquet, I once rode proudly through the imperial streets…” One had to learn how to self-promote in public, especially when she herself was the brand.

Ming Xi began to sing, steady and crisp. Her voice wasn’t loud, but it carried confidence.

Firm and passionate.

She was different from Maggie. She had no powerful family backing her, no easy growth path. Her confidence and self-worth were built piece by piece, accumulated through every hard-earned achievement.

So today, she wasn’t just showing confidence—she was projecting energy. Only then could she win others’ trust.

The song was short. Ming Xi finished quickly, yet the performance gave her tremendous presence. In the middle, she even threw a few flirtatious glances at Maggie. With two beauties interacting on stage, the effect was striking, drawing even more attention from the crowd.

Maggie enjoyed being the center of attention, and naturally felt more goodwill toward Ming Xi, who had brought her into this moment.

Meanwhile, after all Ming Xi’s effort to establish herself in today’s core social circle—

The sentimental “Young Master Li” wouldn’t appear, but “Young Master Liang” finally arrived after a long wait.

Just as Ming Xi and Maggie’s performance concluded amid thunderous applause, Liang Jiancheng pushed open the banquet hall doors.

Led by a waiter, Mr. Liang of Xinghai entered the room, tall and elegant, with an air of noble restraint.

Because both Ming Xi and Maggie turned their gazes toward him, the crowd followed their line of sight.

Unexpectedly, the last person to arrive became the instant center of attention.

With an apologetic nod to everyone, Liang Jiancheng expressed his regret for being late. Then, without hesitation, his gaze fell on Ming Xi at the front of the room and already seamlessly blending into the party crowd, his eyes captivating.

Sometimes, one had to admit that without him, this seemingly uninteresting “backdrop,” his Boss Ming was the most vibrant and memorable figure of the entire event.

“Byron, long time no see!”

Maggie greeted Liang Jiancheng as he approached. The beauty slightly pursed her red lips, her high eyebrows radiating pride and anticipation.

At this moment, Maggie wasn’t so much trying to seduce Liang Jiancheng as she was hoping to mock him. Few people here knew that Liang Jiancheng had once nearly gotten engaged—only for it to end hastily. Why? Because of poor judgment.

Back then, he had pointed at her and scolded her for being “blind and tasteless.” Today, Jiang Meiqian wanted nothing more than to throw those words back at his face.

However, Liang Jiancheng merely nodded to his former assistant and, for the first time in front of the crowd, displayed the poise and humor of a suitor. Smiling, he said, “Miss Ming’s song just now truly touched my heart. I almost wish I could transform myself into that Young Master Li she sang about.”

Everyone was stunned.

They all knew who Liang Jiancheng was, and they were well aware that Xinghai Foreign Trade now ranked among the top in the industry. For him to openly praise Miss Ming the moment he arrived was clearly elevating her status.

Moreover, anyone perceptive could see that Liang Jiancheng was dressed up today as if he and Miss Ming had coordinated their outfits.

People looked from Mr. Liang to Miss Ming.

Since Liang Jiancheng was giving her face, Ming Xi naturally had to reciprocate.

“Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Liang, but how could Young Master Li possibly possess your charm?” Ming Xi replied with a smile.

Liang Jiancheng smiled deeply and tenderly. When she praised him like this, he truly believed it.

…

Outside the Scully Banquet Hall, through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, one could almost overlook the entire Haigang. Night had fallen, and countless lights across the city had already been lit. The whole metropolis looked like scattered starlight spilled from the heavens—brilliant and mesmerizing.

After finishing all her social obligations, Ming Xi stood by the window, taking a short break.

Liang Jiancheng also walked to his beloved’s side, and the two silently gazed at the brilliant lights outside.

“Liang Jiancheng, look over there—” Ming Xi suddenly pointed in a direction, saying with interest, “There’s a small inn in that direction; I stayed there on my first night in Haigang.”

Liang Jiancheng paused slightly in thought.

Ming Xi raised her wine glass, then smiled. She wasn’t trying to sell misery; what she wanted to express was—she was standing here now!

How could she not feel a little smug?

Being too humble was pointless! Ming Xi gently raised her wine glass. Tonight, she had toasted many people, but the one beside her was the one she most deserved to offer a toast to.

“Brother Jiangliu, cheers!” Ming Xi called Liang Jiancheng by the other identity they shared.

Liang Jiancheng’s lips curved slightly, and he lightly touched his glass to hers. The glasses clinked, producing a clear, pleasant sound.

“Is this really the only way we can meet?” Even in a good mood, Liang Jiancheng couldn’t hide the regret in his heart.

Ming Xi tilted her head and looked at him. “Oh? How would Brother Jiangliu like to meet me instead? I’m truly your ‘Little Brother Ximen.’ I can’t exactly conjure up another identity to meet you with.”

Liang Jiancheng lowered his gaze slightly, sincere and gentle as he made his request. “I want to meet you alone. Is that alright? A long-awaited meeting between kindred spirits shouldn’t be so casual.”

Alright. Ming Xi nodded lightly, a smile of genuine admiration at the corner of her lips. “I’ll follow Mr. Liang’s arrangements.”

Maggie, who had been watching for quite some time, couldn’t help squeezing herself between the two. She glanced at Ming Xi, then at Liang Jiancheng, her gaze loaded with meaning, and bluntly asked, “Are you two dating?”

Maggie had always been straightforward and bold, so this question wasn’t surprising.

Then, Liang Jiancheng, her former boss, personally clarified: “Miss Jiang, there’s no need for me to disclose private matters, but to avoid misunderstandings, I’ll clarify—we are not lovers at the moment.”

“Oh.”

“Oh?”

Ming Xi and Maggie made nearly identical sounds at the same time.

“I’m still pursuing Miss Ming,” Liang Jiancheng added calmly—and lethally.

Maggie: …

She’d been Liang Jiancheng’s assistant for so long, how come she hadn’t noticed that besides being pretentious, this man was also quite skilled at pleasing women?

Only, the object of his pleasing wasn’t her—but Ming Xi.

After years of workplace experience, Maggie had become very rational. Hearing Liang Jiancheng’s words, she mulled them over, and her gaze inevitably shifted from him to Ming Xi.

As a result, someone shrugged nonchalantly, with a helpless yet smug expression, and simply joked, “He’s been chasing me for a long time. I just haven’t agreed.”

Ha. Ha. Maggie couldn’t help snorting softly. Some drown in floods, while some die of drought. How could someone be so unappreciative…

The allure between beautiful women was no weaker than hormones between men and women. On the way to the restroom to touch up her makeup, Maggie almost blocked Ming Xi’s path. Her captivating eyes fixed tightly on this shameless woman as she demanded, “Is Liang Jiancheng really pursuing you?”

Some things couldn’t be hidden forever. Ming Xi wanted to befriend Maggie and couldn’t lie to her. With a mix of apology and natural honesty, she pointed at the emerald necklace on her neck. “Pretty, right? Your former boss gave it to me.”

Sure enough, a “pseudo-gentlemen” like Liang Jiancheng needed exactly this kind of woman who didn’t take them seriously. Someone who could both seduce them and stay cool at the same time.

She just hadn’t expected this person to be Ming Xi…

Maggie shook her head and took a while to digest the information. She grabbed Ming Xi’s slender but strong hand. The two beauties were almost pressed together. With a mix of unwillingness, jealousy, and excited curiosity, Maggie leaned close to Ming Xi’s ear and asked the question she cared about most: “You and him… have you slept together?”

Having received such an expensive gift, they must have slept together, right?

That was Maggie’s guess.

Ming Xi suddenly understood Maggie’s “interest.”

Or perhaps “sexual interest” would be a more accurate description.

Earlier, Maggie’s suggestion about having afternoon tea together had mostly been polite talk—something that would soon be forgotten, because Ming Xi hadn’t had anything Maggie wanted to dig into.

But now there was, because Maggie really wanted to know if she and Liang Jiancheng had slept together.

Since this topic had been handed to her on a silver platter, she naturally had to make good use of it.

Ming Xi turned slightly, her eyes meeting Maggie’s curious gaze. Then, a slight smile played on her lips as she offered the bait: “Oh, you’re curious about that? Sure, when you invite me for afternoon tea, I’ll tell you all about it.”

Maggie: …

Previous     TOC