Chapter 84

 

“What kind of scene is this supposed to be?”

“Don’t tell me this is some new trick?”

Professor Liang was being hugged so tightly that his mouth protested even as his body stayed perfectly still. It took him a long while before he finally sighed and spoke helplessly. “If that Boss Liang bullied you, just tell me…”

Ming Xi said, “He didn’t bully me. I bullied him.”

Well then—

Professor Liang shook his head and sighed, utterly disgusted: “Then don’t say anything, just go!”

Ming Xi rubbed her face lightly against the professor’s coat again, still completely unwilling to let go, clinging to him no matter what. Growing up, she had never experienced much affection from elders. Even the occasional concern shown by Cai Ni’s parents had once deeply moved her. But the kindness Cai Ni’s parents gave her was different from the kindness Professor Liang showed her. Cai Ni’s parents were kind to her largely because she was good to Cai Ni.

But the professor was kind to her purely because she was who she was, and it had nothing to do with anyone else.

It even had nothing to do with Liang Jiancheng.

This kind of kindness felt like, across the vast, smoky stretch of human life, there was finally a single lamp lit for her.

Despite having no blood relation to the professor, she felt an almost familial connection.

Wuwu… an impulse surged in Ming Xi’s heart—she almost wanted to call him Dad.

Not far away, Liang Jiancheng, standing outside the door, suddenly coughed. He understood Ming Xi’s feelings for his father—but could she perhaps consider the feelings of her “secret admirer.”

Right—what could this old man’s embrace possibly compare to Boss Liang’s broad, solid chest?

Professor Liang’s awkward, stiff gaze swept over Boss Liang, who stood at the door with a relaxed, pleased expression, patiently waiting. Only then did the professor secretly let out a breath of relief. Otherwise, he might really have started wondering whether his good intentions had backfired. It was supposed to be a nice holiday gathering—even if things weren’t perfectly harmonious, the last thing he wanted was to drive a wedge between the two of them.

In truth, he did have ulterior motives; he intended to help his son. Mainly because three years ago, he was the one who told Liang Jiancheng not to rush things, to wait until Ming Xi’s career was stable.

This year, Ming Xi’s “little universe” had developed quite well. She’d settled down in Haigang, and even invited him to attend the company’s annual banquet. He didn’t like that sort of lively scene, so he hadn’t gone. But after the banquet, Liang Jiancheng had sent him a video of Ming Xi giving a speech to her employees.

Wearing his reading glasses, he watched it repeatedly. Especially when he heard the line, “A very good and very important friend once told me…”—everything suddenly became clear. That “friend” was none other than Boss Liang from his own family.

He had also thought carefully before choosing to reveal his son’s private matter at the dinner table today. Just like back then, when he’d told Ming Xi about his son’s improper behavior—then, it had been intentional obstruction; today, it was intentional matchmaking.

But he really didn’t intend to bully this child, Ming Xi…

What she’d said earlier really didn’t sit well with him. Had he known Ming Xi also liked Liang Jiancheng, he would never have meddled. His sudden interference now felt as though he and his son were forcing her to accept this relationship.

Yes—forcing her into it.

No wonder she cried in front of them…

Ming Xi did feel a bit wronged deep down, but not nearly as much as she had made it seem earlier.

“Professor… I put your New Year’s gift on the coffee table. Remember to open it and see!” Ming Xi released Professor Liang and carefully reminded him.

“What did you buy this time?”

“If I tell you, it won’t be fun anymore. It’s a surprise—just open it and you’ll see.” She smiled brightly as she spoke.

Professor Liang looked at Ming Xi. This child was intelligent, optimistic, and proactive—those simplest of qualities were vividly embodied in her. And yet, despite being so outstanding, she had still been constrained by her family background.

But this promising sapling had now grown into the capable Boss Ming.

This sense of satisfaction felt even stronger than when Liang Jiancheng himself had first become independent.

“Then thank you, Boss Ming.” Professor Liang was in a good mood and addressed Ming Xi as Boss Ming, mimicking his son’s way of addressing her.

Ming Xi felt a little embarrassed but also overjoyed, saying, “You’re welcome. Professor, you’re so good to me. I’ll treat you like my own father.”

Cough!

This time, it wasn’t Liang Jiancheng coughing, but Professor Liang. No, no, no—where was he supposed to find a big red envelope on such short notice?!

“Boss Ming, let’s go.” Liang Jiancheng, standing outside the door in a gray overcoat, was tall and imposing, exuding a mature and elegant air.

Then, in front of his father, he extended his hand to Ming Xi.

His hand was long, beautiful, and clean.

Ming Xi raised her hand and gracefully placed it in Liang Jiancheng’s.

Liang Jiancheng closed his fingers around hers, holding her gently in his palm, then tightening his grip just a little.

There was about a 25-centimeter height difference between them. Ming Xi grew 3 centimeters in her first year in Haigang, and then her height remained permanently at 163.6 centimeters. When she wore high heels to work and meet clients, her height was barely acceptable. But today, after playing tennis with Liang Jiancheng, she was wearing flat sneakers, and standing next to him, the height difference was particularly noticeable.

Standing one behind the other in front of the professor, Ming Xi felt as though the top of her head barely reached Liang Jiancheng’s jaw.

…Was someone really this eager to show off already? Professor Liang’s eyes widened at the sight.

Yes—standing there in front of Old Liang, Liang Jiancheng felt a very real surge of pride, as though he had finally endured his way to the end. If restraint over the past three years hadn’t already become second nature, he might have pulled Ming Xi straight into his arms right there in front of his father.

…

Three years ago, he had been the one to approach Old Liang first, openly saying that he wanted to be with Ming Xi. Not only because Ming Xi was Old Liang’s student, but also because in Haigang, Old Liang was the elder Ming Xi respected and cared about the most.

Just as he’d expected, Old Liang had shot back bluntly, “Sure. If you want to be together, go propose to her and see if she’s willing to marry you.”

How could that be possible? Three years ago, Miss Ming was fully immersed in starting her business. Even though their closeness far exceeded that of ordinary friends, how could she have married him at that time? Especially after the incident with Boss He’s courtship—Ming Xi’s dedication to her career and independence became even more resolute.

So, in front of Old Liang, he had honestly laid out their dilemma: “Forget Ming Xi marrying me—I don’t even have the time to think about marriage myself right now.”

“Oh… Then why are you looking for Ming Xi—just to have a relationship to relieve some stress?”

These were Old Liang’s exact words. The tone was heavy enough to make his heart tighten.

What struck even deeper were Old Liang’s next words—words that went straight to his soul.

Back then, just like today, father and son had sat facing each other at the dinner table. Old Liang put down his chopsticks and clearly took Ming Xi’s side. “Some time ago, Ming Xi told me about Boss He. She decided to start her own business because of that man’s pursuit. That shows she’s a girl with her own ideas, someone who wants to rely on herself. You pursuing her when her career has just begun—how is that fundamentally any different from what that Boss He did? The only difference is that you’re more handsome, younger, and richer. Yes, those are your assets—but they aren’t hers. I support you liking Ming Xi. But I hope you can wait. Wait until your feelings are firmer and clearer, and until Ming Xi has built her own capital—then let her make that choice.

“There are plenty of fleeting loves, and Boss Liang has many options right now. Choosing Ming Xi at this moment isn’t anything special. What’s impressive is if you can wait until Ming Xi makes her choice and she still chooses you.”

These were Professor Liang’s words to his son years ago.

However, at the time, Professor Liang was merely stating his opinion; he couldn’t control Liang Jiancheng’s actions. Nevertheless, Liang Jiancheng’s performance over the past three years had truly impressed Professor Liang.

Looking at the couple before him, if Liang Jiancheng had married Miss Zhang back when he was twenty-five, the ending might not even have been as good as what he’d had with Shuangyang—after all, he and Shuangyang had been together for over a decade.

People who aren’t right for each other will never truly walk together. Even if fate pushes them side by side, they’ll eventually go their separate ways. But people who are right—just standing together is already a beautiful sight.

But… why show off their affection in front of this old man?

Old Liang didn’t want to watch any longer. Before they had even left, he shut the door directly and walked back inside.

Ming Xi and Liang Jiancheng exchanged bewildered glances.

Liang Jiancheng watched with amusement as Ming Xi tilted her head up at him. Unable to resist, he lowered his head and brushed his lips against hers again.

Ming Xi covered her mouth and shot him an accusatory look, speaking bluntly. “Liang Jiancheng, you practically kissed me until my lips swelled just now…”

Turning around, she went downstairs first.

Before the professor came back, she and Liang Jiancheng had deliberately sat apart out of sheer guilt—because before that…

Ming Xi practically skipped down the stairs, her mood inexplicably light and overflowing with happiness. When she’d gone upstairs, they were still “good friends.” Now that she was coming down, what exactly was she and Liang Jiancheng? Good friends who could casually kiss and have physical intimacy?

The two walked one after the other to the black car, one tall and striking, the other sharp and nimble. After getting into the car, Ming Xi tilted her head and asked her first question straightaway: “Liang Jiancheng, were you and the professor in cahoots today?”

Absolutely not… he could swear on his character.

Liang Jiancheng was also surprised by Old Liang’s actions today—so much so that they completely disrupted his original plan. Having gained the advantage yet still playing innocent, Liang Jiancheng explained himself: “If I had a choice, I wouldn’t have wanted to bring you to Old Liang’s place today at all.”

“Why? Aren’t you happy now?” Ming Xi asked, her eyes narrowing.

“Happy—of course I’m happy! Just being able to spend half a day more with you makes me happy. It’s just that—” Liang Jiancheng tilted his head as well, not in a hurry to start the car, and confessed something upfront. “I originally planned to try again tonight.”

Try again? Try what again?

“To confess to you—one more time.” There was a smile in his eyes, his tone relaxed but sincere. “No matter what, Ming Xi, I’m really happy. But I’m also sorry. Deciding to be together should’ve been a joyful thing. I didn’t want to make you cry.”

Oh. So Liang Jiancheng had such a plan. It would have been better if he had said so earlier. She wouldn’t have had to go to his house last night; she thought he would remain inactive.

“When I saw you cry just now, my heart really hurt,” Liang Jiancheng added, reaching for her hand.

“It’s fine. Actually… I was half fake-crying.” Ming Xi pulled her hand back, blinked a couple of times, then crossed her arms and shamelessly admitted her little scheme. “I wasn’t crying entirely because I felt wronged. I was more scared—scared the professor would blame me.”

“…Is that so?” Liang Jiancheng was slightly surprised, raising an eyebrow, “Then Miss Ming, your acting skills are pretty impressive!”

“Of course. Boss Ming has plenty of tricks up her sleeve. If Boss Liang doesn’t like it, please feel free to send me home. That way Boss Ming can even save on cab fare.” Ming Xi spoke lazily.

Liang Jiancheng smiled, started the engine and drove off.

The midday sun in winter was the brightest, streaming sharply through the windshield. Ming Xi opened the sunglasses storage box in Liang Jiancheng’s car, took out his sunglasses, and put them on.

After what Ming Xi had just said, Liang Jiancheng felt much more at ease—and even more convinced of Boss Ming’s formidable nature.

His Ming Xi was always intelligent and decisive, always knowing how to advance and retreat appropriately. Her complaining about her hardships to Old Liang was a clever tactic of feigning weakness to gain the upper hand—a truly skillful display of beauty and strategy.

“Maggie once told me that when she resigned, you said something to her—that her beauty was suited to being used as a weapon,” Ming Xi said calmly, the corners of her lips lifting. Then, smiling with a touch of smugness, she added, “Boss Liang, let me tell you something too. Sometimes, a woman’s tears can be a weapon as well.”

Liang Jiancheng nodded in agreement.

“A very powerful weapon, like a barrage of pear blossom needles attacking me,” Liang Jiancheng said, skillfully responding to Ming Xi’s playful remark while driving.

Ming Xi’s eyes were still a little red. She pulled down the visor mirror and examined her tear-stained eyes. The mirror only showed half her face, and she studied her reflection with focused attention.

Emotions can sometimes be deceiving, more so than the heart. In the right setting, they can easily create feelings of grievance or fragility. Accepting everything openly—more than being honest with others, Ming Xi prioritized being honest with herself.

She had to admit that only half of what she’d poured out to the professor had been genuine grievance. The other half was pure fear of being scolded.

It was a childish tactic—one she never had the chance to use as a child, yet somehow used now. Afraid of being harshly reprimanded for doing something wrong, she spoke of her grievance first, turning the tables.

Because she truly didn’t know how to explain herself… She had known for three years that Liang Jiancheng liked her, yet pretended not to know. When the professor said Liang Jiancheng had been secretly in love with her for three years, instead of feeling moved, she felt a crushing sense of guilt.

She was incredibly nervous, fearing that the parents of someone she had bullied was knocking on her door.

And then…

She cried!

Ming Xi felt fortunate to have escaped unscathed.

Then Liang Jiancheng said, “Your professor probably doesn’t know that I already confessed to you once.”

Ming Xi: …

So, Liang Jiancheng meant that the professor didn’t know she already knew his feelings.

Oh my god. Ming Xi pursed her lips and leaned back lightly against the passenger seat, confessing something mortifyingly honest: “If I’d known that, I wouldn’t have cried—and I definitely wouldn’t have come clean so quickly.”

Oh—now he understood!

So if Old Liang hadn’t stepped in today, Miss Ming might not have admitted that she liked him too? If that were the case, he really would’ve been heartbroken. In the end, was it only thanks to his father that he’d won her affection?

Boss Liang didn’t need to doubt his own charm; rather, she should reflect on herself. Why was it that after she’d lain on his bed last night, someone still deliberately took out an extra quilt?

Was it a “gentleman’s quilt,” deliberately drawing a boundary line of platonic friendship between man and woman?

If Ming Xi were to throw that question at him now, Liang Jiancheng wouldn’t be able to clear his name even if he drove straight into the Huangpu River. But wasn’t the reason obvious?

She’d been on her period last night. If he’d lost control and done anything, he truly would’ve been no better than a beast.

Three years of restraint had already been difficult enough. Testing him under the same quilt would’ve been nothing short of a hermit-crab torture.

Earlier, Ming Xi had shared a “woman’s way” with him—that tears could be a weapon. She wasn’t wrong. Her tears were indeed an extremely effective weapon against him.

Then he also wanted to tell her a “man’s way”: tears are a woman’s weapon, and violence and selfishness are also a man’s.

His restraint—beyond Old Liang’s careful intentions—stemmed from his spiritual longing for her. And if he were ever to release his desire, it would come from that same longing.

If he hadn’t taken out that extra quilt last night, the only way Liang Jiancheng could describe what might have happened was with a line from a forbidden book he’d read years ago:

“The rose blooms among thorns. Should he tear open the fence woven of moonlight, he deserves to be nailed to the dawn mist, stripped of human form. If his fingertips were to shatter even half a petal, he should be dragged away by wolves under the full moon, his spine claimed as their prize…”

The car slowly entered the underground parking garage of Tianxi No. 2. Ming Xi owned two parking spaces. Liang Jiancheng parked beside her car—also a Mercedes.

Had Liang Jiancheng noticed? When it came to becoming wealthy, she had always been imitating him.

Before getting out of the car, no matter how lightly she’d spoken earlier, Ming Xi still apologized for Liang Jiancheng’s years of “unrequited love.”

“Liang Jiancheng, I’m sorry—for making you wait so long,” she said, turning her head toward him.

After spending so much time together, Liang Jiancheng could easily tell when Ming Xi was joking and when she was being sincere.

Why should the one who was loved apologize?

If she apologized, wouldn’t his love become a burden?

“Ming Xi… I’m happy to accept it,” Liang Jiancheng said earnestly, his gaze shifting forcefully to the person beside him. “I’ve always been by your side, watching you establish yourself as a friend, watching your ‘little universe’ take shape. If I said I gained nothing, that would be absurd and unfair to you.

“Ming Xi… I’ve also gained a lot of spiritual fulfillment these past few years. Although it was hard being unable to hold you more intimately, to rightfully claim you, to take up your time. That part truly was difficult. But Ming Xi, my feelings for you may be a little more… possessive than you imagine.”

How possessive? Ming Xi was already half overwhelmed by him and genuinely wanted to hear what he would say next.

Liang Jiancheng looked so composed, refined to an almost austere elegance. The words that followed, however, he couldn’t bring himself to say in Chinese—so he switched to English.

Ming Xi: “…”

She translated the sentence in her mind, then slowly digested his distinctly Shakespearean confession. Heat crept from behind her ears all the way to her cheeks—and she couldn’t help cursing him.

The first time hearing a confession like this, she wasn’t moved. She just wanted to scold him.

Liang Jiancheng’s English translation meant—

I not only have reverence for your soul, but I also have a vivid imagination for your body.

For three years, he had possessed her through imagination alone.

“Pervert.”

Ming Xi immediately tried to get out of the car, but Liang Jiancheng hurriedly grabbed her hand.

“Ming Xi, if my love for you didn’t contain even a trace of ‘impropriety,’ would it feel real to you? Yesterday—your question—I answered the way I did only because I hoped that after the annual banquet, we could at least get a few hours of sleep. But the way you asked… that question of yours was groundless to the point of bullying. You knew that perfectly well—”

Liang Jiancheng took a deep breath, trying to make his tone more convincing.

Her hand was held tightly. She couldn’t pull free—just as she couldn’t stop him from saying things that made her heart race and her face burn.

“You knew that I was—consumed by desire’s fire.”

Ming Xi slapped her forehead, yanked her hand free, shoved the car door open, and bolted out. She had to get out before Liang Jiancheng’s “desire’s fire” ignited—otherwise she was honestly afraid it might set the car on fire.

Classic Boss Liang behavior: anything too hard to say in Chinese, he said in English instead. But no matter the language, it was terrifying coming from him.

A sudden, sharp pain shot through her lower abdomen, and then the seemingly refined but actually “scoundrel” Boss Liang caught up with her again.

“Why is Boss Liang following me?”

“I haven’t been here in a while,” he explained calmly. “Thought I’d come up and check whether your new place still smells like formaldehyde… If it does, maybe Boss Ming could come stay at my place instead?”

The elevator ascended. Her apartment was on the eighteenth floor.

People in Haigang were quite superstitious. When Tianxi No. 2 first went on sale, wealthy buyers rushed to snap up units—except for the sixth and eighteenth floors. Ming Xi bought one anyway. Someone on the nineteenth floor had sneered at her: “Eighteen level of hell. I’d never buy that.”

Ming Xi bought it anyway. If she didn’t go to hell, who would?

That rich young man’s surname was Chen; she’d run into him a few times in the elevator. His face alone was irritating.

Taking advantage of the bright sunshine, Liang Jiancheng opened the window to ventilate the apartment after he came in.

Ming Xi went to the open-plan kitchen to pour some water.

With the year drawing to a close, the apartment was piled with gifts—some from suppliers, some she hadn’t yet given away. Among them was one intended for Liang Jiancheng.

She’d bought the professor a Burberry trench coat—and Liang Jiancheng one as well. Father-and-son matching styles.

In the past three years, since her finances had improved, Ming Xi had bought clothes for the professor several times and knew his size very well. She knew Liang Jiancheng’s size even better—she’d known it back when she was still a sales associate at Longmao Parkway. His physique had barely changed over the years.

Her company had only one male employee, Xiao Tian, whom everyone called “Little Tian.” When he first joined Mingzhou, he’d been a slim college kid. Two years in sales and he’d gained two full sizes—thicker neck, protruding belly.

Little Tian justified this by saying, “It’s because all the sisters treat me too well! They always give me snacks they can’t finish!”

It had to be said, Boss Liang was very disciplined.

When Liang Jiancheng put on the trench coat she’d bought, Ming Xi was very satisfied with her taste, tilting her head and looking him over repeatedly. Burberry trench coats were all similar—double-breasted, epaulets, the difference mostly in length. New or old, it was hard to tell.

Back when she was a sales associate, she’d already thought Liang Jiancheng looked especially handsome in a trench coat. Fair was fair—she’d been a good friend to him too. She was a simple person, not capable of Shakespearean love confessions like his.

She didn’t have many hobbies. Her way of expressing affection was straightforward: spending money on people she cared about—Cai Ni, Liang Jiancheng, the professor.

“Thank you…” Liang Jiancheng liked anything Ming Xi gave him, and naturally, he liked this New Year’s trench coat as well.

The first gift she’d ever given him was a tie and tie clip on their first Christmas together, when they met alone. His favorite used to be a navy striped tie, but over the years, for formal occasions or negotiations that required luck, he always wore the dark red patterned tie she’d given him.

Because he wore it so often, and because it was a striking dark red, his mother, Gu Shuangyang, once teased him, asking when he’d started believing in superstition.

Liang Jiancheng turned back to Ming Xi. “My gift for you—I’ll give it tonight.”

Ming Xi casually replied, “Oh.” She liked giving gifts more than receiving them anyway. One secret to her rapid success was simple: she’d gone from being a generous sales associate to a generous small-business owner.

Holiday gifts, seasonal greetings—she never skipped them. Mingzhou was small, but the gifts they sent were never inferior to those from big companies. Having worked at Haiou before, she knew how stingy He Yuan was, especially with clients he hadn’t worked with before, where he had strict requirements for every sample fee. Of course, every company had its own system—accounts still had to be kept clean.

Mingzhou was still just a ten-person company. Many things were ultimately up to her.

When Ming Xi came out of the bathroom, she found Liang Jiancheng had taken off his coat and was comfortably reclining on a rocking lounge chair next to her bed—a sleek, gently swaying Italian single-seater. Minimalist, elegant, and expensive. The only imported Italian designer piece in her home.

It wasn’t something she’d bought herself. It was a housewarming gift from Liang Jiancheng.

Now he was enjoying it thoroughly, legs crossed, head tilted slightly as he made a request: “Babe, could you come lie down with me? Just help fulfill the wish I had when I gave you this gift.”

Ming Xi: …

So some people gave gifts hoping they might use them someday!

In this regard, she was better than Boss Liang. At least she never had ulterior motives when she gave gifts.

As the two of them lay down together on the gently swaying Italian armchair, taking advantage of the absence of client calls, the perfect sunlight, and their shared understanding—Ming Xi suddenly looked up with inquisitive eyes, flipped over, and asked the economics expert beneath her, “Liang Jiancheng, do you think Mingzhou can further expand in scale?”

Liang Jiancheng absentmindedly replied, “No!”

Dear Boss Ming, please don’t use his value so thoroughly before he’s had the chance to exercise his rights.

But…

His hands were far less restrained than his mouth.

Ming Xi: “Liang Jiancheng, please tone it down. Right now, I still feel like we’re good friends. I can’t switch that fast. If you keep doing this, I’ll feel really embarrassed.”

“Me too… Ming Xi.”

He also felt embarrassed, but he just couldn’t stop…

Pervert

—

Mingzhou had already set its holiday to begin on the twenty-eighth day of the lunar calendar. What did that mean? It meant that this week they only needed to work two days before welcoming the Spring Festival mini-holiday.

So, when Ming Xi walked into the company on Monday with her bag, she could immediately tell that the employees weren’t really focused on their work. It was human nature, and the boss fully understood this.

Mingzhou had officially moved into an office building, and Ming Xi finally had an office of her own. The space was decent in size, with windows on two sides. Standing on the twenty-fourth floor, she could see Haigang’s harbor stretching out below.

Ferries and cargo ships moved constantly through the port, containers piled up like mountains. As the tides rose and fell, the cranes stacked containers one by one into forests of steel, cargo ships sounding their horns as they entered the harbor. In just a few short years, within Haigang’s foreign-trade industry, one wealth legend after another had been born—some she knew, some she didn’t.

Even though she believed she had seized every advantage of timing, location, connections, and even benefactors, the small “legend” she had created in the industry was still nothing more than a drop in the ocean.

Of course, her story was far from over. It had only just begun.

…

Xinyu wasn’t in the office today—she was visiting clients on Ming Xi’s behalf.

In the morning, Ming Xi stepped out of her office holding a mug of water and noticed several senior female sales colleagues chatting animatedly at their desks.

As long as work tasks were completed, Ming Xi preferred for her employees to feel relaxed at the office. She was just curious what could have them so excited.

Although she didn’t put on airs of a boss, she also couldn’t join in employees’ gossip without boundaries. This was advice Liang Jiancheng had specifically given her before she started her own company and hired staff: maintaining a certain distance helped establish authority.

Ming Xi took her water back into the office. Unexpectedly, Sister CC—the older pregnant woman—pushed open her office door, one hand supporting her belly, and said, “Ming Xi, do you want to hear something? It’s about Mr. He from Haiou.”

Ming Xi looked up. Every time Sister CC called her name, she knew it had nothing to do with work.

Her interactions with He Yuan, her former boss, were now limited to competition and business matters. Everything else about him had nothing to do with her anymore.

“He Yuan got married!” Wu Jingjing plopped down on the high stool opposite Ming Xi’s desk and delivered the industry gossip.

Ming Xi silently pursed her lips. She wanted to say that she had absolutely no interest in He Yuan’s private life. If she had to care at all, it would only be whether something happened to him so she could seize an opportunity in Haiou’s business.

“Am I supposed to give Mr. He a gift of money for his big celebration?” Is that the norm in Haigang business circle? Ming Xi frowned slightly, looking puzzled.

“How could that be, Miss Ming—” Wu Jingjing laughed mysteriously, then looked at her with a strange expression before continuing, “What I wanted to say is… He Yuan’s new wife also has the surname Ming…”

Ming Xi was in the middle of drinking water and nearly choked.

“Even though my surname isn’t very common, I don’t have any relatives in Haigang. It has nothing to do with me.” Ming Xi shrugged.

“Oh!” Sister CC nodded knowingly, but still mentioned the name of Mr. He’s second wife, “I think her name is Ming Yue. We were just talking about it and thought she might be your relative, Miss Ming.”

If Mingzhou and Haiou had become in-laws, that would truly be the biggest joke in the industry.

And yet, Ming Xi hadn’t expected that this joke had actually happened—right at the end of the year.

“Cough cough…”

Ming Xi broke into a violent coughing fit. She really should have waited for Sister CC to finish her last sentence before taking a second sip of water.

Ming Yue?!

In her lifetime, she never thought she would hear that name again—let alone in this way.

Three minutes later, Sister CC used her phone’s Bluetooth to send over a blurry photo.

Ming Xi opened her flip phone and clicked on the image Sister CC had sent.

Oh, damn it…

It really was the Ming Yue she knew.

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