ã€ŠCome To My Sideã€‹


 CH 1

    Today is the wedding ceremony, it was held indoors, with fluttering gauze veils and pink roses that could be seen everywhere you laid your eyes on.

    The hall was crowded with guests, everyone was waiting for the bride and groom to appear.

    While in one particular dressing room, a huddle of people were busy rushing to do the final preparation for that appearance.

    "Guanxi, Guanxi? What do you think? Hey, I''m asking you, how do I look?"In front of the vanity mirror, a woman dressed in a wedding dress turned her head.

    Guan Xi broke out of her trance, she moved her eyes towards the mirror in front of her, her mind was somewhat cluttered, so it took her a while before saying,"Looks good, I chose them, is it possible to not look good?"

    "Right."The woman who was caught up in the joy of getting married touched the valuable necklace around her neck,"I''m glad I brought you along with me that day, you really have a good eye."

    The corners of Guanxi''s mouth curved slightly, "Of course I am."

    "Is the bride ready? You may go now." A staff member pushed the dressing room door open and came in.

    "Okay, got it."

    One by one, the people in the dressing room got going, Guanxi stepped aside and watched as the crowd helped the bride, Zhong Lingfan, go out. Zhong Lingfan was a close friend she had known since childhood, today is her wedding day and she is one of her six bridesmaids.

    "Let''s go, what are you waiting for?" Lang Ningyi, another close friend and bridesmaid, tugged her hand.

    Guan Xi nodded her head.

    Lang Ningyi pulled her hand to go  outside together, when no one was watching, she leaned closer and said in a low voice, "Lingfan still has no idea about that matter of yours, right?"

    Guan Xi''s expression changed a little,"You''re the only person I told, you should never let it slip."

    "Don''t worry, how could I just randomly talk about such a big matter."Lang Ningyi concernedly said,"But what are you planning to do next? Have your parents decided to bring their daughter that was stranded outside back?"

    Guan Xi''s footsteps paused, her taut expression loosened a bit,"Not yet, my dad said he''s letting me recover from the shock first."

    "Recover from the shock, haven''t you been trying to recover for the whole month.....Who can recover from this?"

    Guan Xi''s eyes dimmed faintly,"Let''s put off this discussion until after the wedding."

    "I''ll go to find you then."

    "Sure."

    The two walked towards the bridesmaid''s table and sat down. Lang Ningyi secretly seized Guan Xi up.

    Actually, she only found out about this matter yesterday, and after she found out about it she was having difficulty to sleep. Putting herself in Guan Xi shoes, she thought if one day someone told her that she was brought home from an orphanage while her parents also have a real biological daughter, she definitely would fall apart.

    However, the princess of the Guan family who tragically encountered such a cheap melodrama storyline herself, was still able to participate in her best friend''s wedding with a normal expression in spite of everything.

    Sure enough, she''s still Guan Xi, ah¡­..

    Lang Ningyi couldn''t help but take another glance at her, she has to admit even after being friends with Guan Xi for so many years she would still get fascinated by the sight of this woman.

    All the bridesmaids on this table wore dresses of the same colour, even so, Guanxi could easily stand out. She has very delicate features, her skin was really smooth, she was an impeccable beauty that made people unable to take their eyes off her.

    Although she was merely sitting down, every now and then, guests from the other table would shift their gaze towards her.

    She still gave the impression of a phoenix dazzling with brilliance high up in the sky¡­..

    The wedding ceremony progressed without a hitch, once all the itinerary was finished, the groom and bride had to do a very conventional course of event which was proposing a toast. During this time, the bridesmaids were required to follow along the newlywed.

    When the bride and groom toasted from table to table, they arrived at the groom, Jin Kaicheng, friend''s table.

    "Jin Kaicheng''s friend is so handsome, did you see that man, he''s beautiful!"

    "You''re right!"

    "Yes, just go up to him, aren''t you Lingfan cousin? Ask your brother-in-law to introduce you."

    "Hehe, I have to inquire about it later. Ah, I''ll be in charge of his wine, don''t snatch it from me."

    ____

    The groom and bride have to toast all the relatives and friends but their capacity of liquor is limited, besides, it''s also not a good idea for them to get drunk on this day. Therefore, mainly the best man and bridesmaids will share the responsibility. Guan Xi heard the two bridesmaids muttering in a low voice and followed their line of sight, she soon saw the man they talked about on the opposite table.

    That man was wearing a relatively casual suit, sitting still and silently in his seat. He put on a pair of silver-colored thin frame glasses, the cool tone blue lights from the stage would from time to time slide past and constantly sweep a flash of light to his lens.

    He''s very good-looking, clear and handsome with a hint of coldness.

    Guanxi took a glance at the tableware in front of him, the bowl and chopsticks  were completely untouched, his glass of red wine was faultless and had no trace of drinking.

    She didn''t see him when she first came in, so he must have just arrived and stepped on that spot. This man has always been like this, his time management was so severe that it seemed like arriving one minute earlier would exasperate himself.

    Not sure if he sensed her gawking, but the man''s eyes looked over.

    Guan Xi nimbly averted her eyes as their gaze collided into each other in the air. On the contrary, the man on the opposite side paused his eyes for a moment at the evening gown she was wearing before moving it away.

    There wasn''t much interaction, it was as if they didn''t recognize each other.

    In the meantime, the bride and groom started drinking with the people from that table.

    Before Guan Xi even got any chance to say anything, she already saw the bridesmaid who did the passionate discussion just now run towards the opposite table. She reached that man''s side to receive his wine.

    Seeing someone coming over, that man politely raised up his body. He naturally fastened the button on his abdomen as he got up and slightly nodded his head towards the bridesmaids.

    Guan Xi was too far away to hear what they were saying, she could only see that little lady had to facing upward to talk to him, and because the surrounding was too noisy, that man was listening earnestly while leaning his head slightly to match their height.

    He had an air of self-satisfaction and unflustered as he saw the young woman''s face frantically blushing.

    It looked like a scene with a pink atmosphere.

    Seeing that man''s courteous appearance, Guan Xi wanted to roll her eyes a little.

    "That bridesmaid is Lingfan''s cousin, right?" Lang Ningyi glanced across the table.

    Guanxi: "Seems to be."

    "Lingfan told me her cousin especially came to Imperial City because of her wedding. She usually didn''t live here. No wonder¡­. she didn''t know that the grass she''s hitting on already has an owner."

    "If the grass didn''t mention anything, how would others know he already has an owner?"Guan Xi laughed indifferently, "In the end, it''s the grass that''s too debauched."

    Lang Ningyi touched her chin, "Only you can put the word debauched on Jiang Suizhou."

    Guan Xi snorted softly, she was simply being practical and realistic.

    Others might not know, but she was clear that this man is obviously so lewd in private.

    However, she couldn''t be bothered to deal with that scene not far away, anyway, this kind of thing happened so often, she was already inured to such sight.

    As soon as the newlywed finished toasting, she turned around and walked away.

    The wedding lasted for quite a long time, once all the series of stuff they needed to do were completed, the sky outside was already dark. The guests leave one after another after witnessing the wedding ceremony.

    Inside the dressing room, the bridesmaids, who had been busy for the whole day, were finally able to sit down and rest while organising their belongings.

    Tuk Tuk--

    There was a knock on the door.

    Lang Ningyi went to open the door as she was close by. Once the door opened, she saw a man standing outside, he nodded his head at her,"Getting ready to leave?"

    "Yes."Lang Ningyi was aware of who Jiang Suizhou was looking for, after nodding her head, she glanced towards Guan Xi who was currently sitting on a sofa not far away and said meaningfully, "He''s looking for someone."

    The dressing room is filled with bridesmaids and Lang Ningyi words didn''t mention any names, as a result, some people were bound to get the wrong idea.

    The moment Zhong Lingfan''s little cousin looked over, she found that it was the man she asked for his WeChat a moment ago, her eyes lit up and she immediately came forward.

    "Mr.Jiang."Under the gaze of the people inside the room, the little cousin''s eyes were shining with excitement and expectation, she also felt a little bit of pride.

    A short while ago, she told him she would contact him later, so she wasn''t expecting this man to surprisingly come looking for her this soon.

    She forced herself to act reserved and asked in a small voice,"You wanted to see me?"

    The eyes behind the man''s glasses in front of her were tranquil,"Excuse me, could you please ask Guan Xi to come out for a moment."

    The little cousin''s expression turned a little rigid, was he not looking for her?

    She slowly turned her head around and saw the woman whose name is Guan Xi, lazily glancing towards their side, that woman then picked up the bag next to her and a small box of bridesmaid souvenirs before getting up to come over.

    Although the little cousin doesn''t live in the imperial capital, she nonetheless still knew about Guanxi. Because she often heard her cousin Zhong Lingfan describing Guanxi as a goddess from her mouth.

    The little cousin is quite a beauty herself, she previously used to more or less scorn at her cousin''s description about Guan Xi. But when she saw Guan Xi before the wedding today,  she instantly realized that her cousin was not kidding.

    Not only was she a goddess, but she is also a goddess that''s gilded with gold from head to toe.

    When she had some break today, she was even sending a message to her group of little sisters in WeChat, talking about her cousin''s friend in the imperial capital, Guan Xi. They were discussing her skin, her hair, also the range of the bag that she carried over and just left casually on the dressing room floor. But because she was a little busy, the conversation still has not gotten into which man belongs to this woman.

    "What do you want?" Guanxi walked up to Jiang Suizhou.

    Jiang Suizhou: "I''ll take you home."

    Guan Xi said ''oh'', passing on the bag and the souvenir box in her hand,"It''s too heavy."

    Without saying anything, Jiang Suizhou took it very naturally.

    The little cousin watched them fixedly and felt her face a little burning.

    Soon after, those two people walked away one after the other.

    The little cousin regained her senses, "They are¡­"

    Lang Ningyi skillfully explained, "Couple."

    ____

    Guan Xi got into Jiang Suizhou''s car, and after closing the door, the driver in front started the car. The car was moving along the empty road, the streetlights outside the window flickering faintly.

    "You didn''t come looking for me for a whole month, what are you up to?"

    "Delete that girl''s WeChat."

    The two spoke at the same time.

    Jiang Suizhou glanced at her, "Who?"

    Guanxi: "The bridesmaid you were drinking with a moment ago."

    Jiang Suizhou seemed to remember and opened his WeChat, clicked at the new person that appeared on the chat page and deleted it with a few clicks.

    Once he finished deleting it, he asked, "Your friend?"

    "Lingfan cousin, If I let her suffer a heartbreak from you, I can''t afford to explain myself."

    Jiang Suizhou did not say anything, in the first place it made no difference whether it was deleted or not. But since Guanxi has mentioned it, he had better move his hands to avoid any trouble.

    "What have you been doing this month?" Jiang Suizhou asked again.

    Guan Xi looked out the window and paused slightly.

    This month was the most terrible month for her, she knew the truth about her birth and locked herself in seclusion.

    Even so, she would never let Jiang Suizhou know that she had practically spent this whole month crying to the point of wanting to throw up in her room.

    Because this matter is too humiliating for her, moreover, she felt that if Jiang Suizhou found out the truth about herself, there''s a high probability he will immediately rummage through the lunar calendar and search for when is the best date to break up their engagement.

    "This whole month I''ve been accompanying Lingfan to choose this and that for her wedding. It''s awfully cumbersome." Said her.

    Jiang Suizhou didn''t express any opinion and accepted this answer.

    Of course, he would believe whatever she said, anyway, it didn''t really matter to him.

    "This seems to be the way to your house, aren''t you going to send me home?" Guan Xi asked.

    "We haven''t seen each other for a month." Jiang Suizhou said indifferently.

    Guan Xi turned her head to look at him.

    Jiang Suizhou also took a look at her, he could see it more clearly now as they sat this close. Her bridesmaid evening gown was not that revealing, however at the center of her collarbone, her cleavage was inadvertently exposed a little, just a little, and it''s probably only visible because of her current sitting position.

    He knew she was presumably being benevolent and trying to stay low-key during her best friend''s wedding.

    "I see, I have not seen you for a month......but I don''t want to get laid today."As he retracted his eyes, he heard Guan Xi say.

 CH 2

    Their car was still moving steadily along the road. The driver in the front seat didn''t even bat an eye at the conversation of people behind him, obviously already accustomed to it.

    Jiang Suizhou hummed, said,"Then, I''ll send you home?"

    If they can''t do it, he immediately wanted to send her home, this dog man!

    She was pissed off, stretched out her leg and kicked him in the calf. Feeling that kicking him once is not enough to vent her anger, she tried to kick for a second time, but in the end her ankle was caught by him.

    Jiang Suizhou lowered his eyes and asked, "What''s the matter?"

    Guan Xi irritatedly said,"Go to your place, I''m in a bad mood, don''t want to go home."

    In a bad mood, wanted to go to his place, but didn''t want to get laid.

    Once he connected these few points, Jiang Suizhou asked, "Period?"

    Guan Xi wanted to roll her eyes, but on second thought, this excuse could work too. She really has no desire to return home.

    "Yeah."

    "Your period is all messed up." Jiang Suizhou thought for a moment, "Are you feeling unwell?"

    Sure enough, this darling boyfriend of hers, who can''t remember everything else, would remember her menstruation period so clearly.

    "It''s probably because I''ve been too busy lately."Guan Xi directly draped her leg on his thigh, "I''ve been standing all day today, it''s extremely sore. I must be insane if I ever agree to be a bridesmaid again."

    Jiang Suizhou released her ankle, "Put your leg down, sit properly."

    Guan Xi simply ignored him, she even lifted and put across yet another leg, comfortably leaning against the backseat while stretching out her long leg.

    Jiang Suizhou opened his mouth and was about to say something, but when he thought of this eldest lady''s temper,  always doing everything as she pleased and didn''t have any fear, he was soon disinclined to speak.

    About half an hour later, their car drove into Jia Lin Garden.

    This real estate was located at the busiest area in the city center, Jiang Suizhou has been living alone at this place for most of the time. Apart from Guan Xi, there''s hardly ever any guests turned up here.

    After entering the door, Guan Xi walked towards the cloakroom with a sense of familiarity.

    Jiang Suizhou has a very spacious cloakroom, those inconspicuous yet expensive clothes of his were arranged to a nicety. Once she found the pair of sleepwear she used to leave here, she got ready to take a bath and get some sleep.

    The moment she''s inside the bathroom, she locked the door and stared at herself in the mirror.

    Today was indeed a really busy day, so busy that she was able to momentarily put her worries out of her mind. But now that she was unoccupied, being alone in a private space like bathroom, her face that has been steely for a whole day, changed in a split second.

    There''s no one here, you don''t have to pretend anymore.

    Taking a deep breath, Guan Xi stifled the overwhelming sourness that swarming up. She took off her clothes and walked into the shower, then turned on the showerhead, letting the water pour heavily on her body.

    A month has passed, but she still has yet to properly process it.

    Actually, things are not so bad.

    Her father, Guan Xinghao, still very much doted on her, even after knowing she had overheard their conversation and learned the truth. He told her he always saw her as his own daughter who he loves dearly, and that she will always be his beloved daughter with or without the appearance of that real daughter.

    He would never change.

    She believed him, really believed him.

    However, it nevertheless still bothered her, she couldn''t stop thinking of the starry-eyed look on her mother''s face when she talked about finding that daughter the other day.

    That look instantly made Guan Xi, who had been prideful for half of her life, feel defeated.

    _____

    After taking a shower, Guan Xi came out in her sleepwear. She had just been crying secretly for a short while, only for a short while, as she was afraid Jiang Suizhou would find out if her eyes became swollen.

    She couldn''t bear the thought of other people discovering how unlucky and tragic her current situation is.

    Jiang Suizhou was already finished showering in another room, he simply has no patience to wait for Guan Xi who''s taking too long in the bathroom.

    It''s still pretty early now, he changed into homewear and sat on the sofa while reading work on his Ipad. At the sound of footsteps, he looked up and paused for a moment when his eyes fell on the sleepwear on Guan Xi''s body.

    A shoulder-strap dress with a silk fabric that''s especially close-fitting, showing her exquisite curves vividly.

    Jiang Suizhou withdrew his gaze, sounding restrained as he said, "Aren''t you on your period?"

    With a somewhat scattered mind, Guan Xi walked over and sat down next to the sofa,"What?"

    "Put on pants."

    "....what for?"

    Jiang Suizhou said in a light voice,"You''re wearing this is no different than wearing nothing. Don''t stain the bed sheets."

    Guan Xi looked straight at him,"How is it no different than wearing nothing? You just feel like you want to take it off me when you see me dressed in this, don''t you?"

    Jiang Suizhou finger that was scrolling on the screen stopped,"Even if I''m not taking it off, if you sleep wearing this, this dress will end up all sliding up either way."

    Guan Xi choked, he knew too well about her sleeping posture.

    Even so, she would never let Jiang Suizhou prevail in an argument, she cunningly said,"It''s not like you''ll be the one who wash the bed sheets if it gets dirty, you''re such a pain in the ass."

    "......"

    At this point, Jiang Suizhou chose not to continue arguing with her, he could foretell if this were to drag on, Guan Xi would come up with all sorts of new phrases to shut him, and he was far too busy to entertain her.

    He soon proceeded to scroll his iPad screen again.

    But seeing such a familiar sight of Jiang Suizhou not bothering to argue with her has strangely relaxed Guan Xi.

    Staying at this place, stifling this immoral and despicable person in front of her, seemed to make her feel like nothing has changed.

    Guan Xi stole a few glances at him, then grabbed a remote and pressed to watch the TV.

    She found some old movies, but barely watched much of it. Halfway through the movie, she stretched out her leg to tap the back of the man who''s been staring down at his tablet,"Jiang Suizhou."

    "Um."

    "Still working?"

    "Yeah."

    "You stop for a moment."

    "What''s wrong?" He didn''t stop and was still staring at his tablet.

    Guan Xi once again stretched out her leg and slightly nudged him,"Can''t you just stop for a second, I''m a little annoyed."

    "You want to buy something?"

    "......"

    "I''ve already bought the watch that you mentioned last month, it''s inside the second drawer in the cloakroom."

    "That''s not what I''m talking about¡­..huh? That watch has arrived? When? Why didn''t you tell me earlier?"

    The corners of Jiang Suizhou''s mouth raised very faintly, he put aside the tablet and turned around to grab her calf, pulling her towards the sofa in one fell swoop.

    "Aah¡ª"

    Guan Xi''s nightgown was particularly short, so when she was pulled like this, the fabric rubbed against the sofa and rolled up a large part of it.

    So much that you can vaguely see there''s no sanitary pad inside.

    Jiang Suizhou paused, realizing he had been fooled by her. He took her straight into his lap, his voice turned deep,"You didn''t ask either."

    During this period of time, her mind has been running wild thinking about how she might lose her parents and everything she has, so how could she possibly remember the watch that she had previously pestered him for.

    But be that as it may, the watch was already purchased, she regardless still wanted it, after all, it''s a limited-edition with only one hundred of them worldwide.

    "Let me see it."Guan Xi''s mood finally improved, trying to come down from his lap.

    Jiang Suizhou immediately carried her in his arms and headed upstairs, not letting her go down, "See it later."

    "Hey----"

    Without giving her any chance for refusal, he brought her straight towards the bedroom.

    As Guan Xi was thrown into the bed by him, she angrily pinched him,"Are you planning to fight me bloodily?"

    "You''re not on period, what are you lying to me for?"

    "I, I am!"

    Jiang Suizhou looked down, grasping the edge of the white lace with his slender fingers and gently pulled it up, saying faintly, "Where?"

    "......"

    Seeing through her lies, he directly lowered his head down and bit her lips.

    "Mm¡ª"

    They''ve been dating for nearly three years, though they''re nothing like a couple during those years, more often separated than together, and once they get together it would be followed by going to bed.

    They actually already knew each other for a long time.

    Since their school days, both of their parents have said they wanted them to tie the knot, form a strong alliance and that they were well suited for each other. That''s why in the presence of their parents they will pretend things are going well between them. Jiang Suizhou would also act as though he was taking care and favoring her in front of outsiders.

    But in reality, neither of them were actually attracted to the other back then.

    Guan Xi despised Jiang Suizhou because she thought this man is too pretentious, always put on airs, he obviously has a trait to brazenly seduce people, yet still tried to pretend all high and mighty, acting like he was some Buddha of compassion.

    Whereas Jiang Suizhou thought Guan Xi is too arrogant and willful, she regards everyone else as beneath herself, and appeared as the sort of young lady who needs to be flattered and pampered by other people, as well as very picky about what to eat. He was young and impetuous, had no time nor intention to coax people.

    When Guanxi was nineteen years old, she went to study in the United States. And at that time, Jiang Suizhou who was two years older than Guanxi had already been studying abroad for two years.

    She also enrolled in the same school as his then, of course, not because he was there, but because it was a great school and she believed it''ll be worthy for her.

    However, in their parents'' eyes, they were a ''husband-sing-wife-accompany'' sort of happy couple. Their parents would never have imagined that the two people did not even meet each other once during those two years they spent at the same school.

    The two of them didn''t even try to pretend as no one was watching when they were abroad.

    The real relationship between them only established after Guan Xi returned back to China, on her twenty-third birthday.

    They had drunk some alcohol that day, and as her fiance-to-be, it was his duty to send her back to her hotel room. As a result, with a perfect ambience, alcohol influence, locked eyes and emotion that surged up, adults did something that was meant to be done only by adults.

    After that, they decided to be together.

    Their thoughts were alike, they had to be together sooner or later anyway, now that they''ve done that, they will just once and for all move it forward.

    But after getting along for some time, they found another significant factor that pulled the two people closer.

    Which is, they were captivated by each other''s bodies.

    Jiang Suizhou opened the meat**, tried the taste, and has been working hard tirelessly since.

    (**something along having sex)

    Guan Xi expressed that Jiang Suizhou looked really seductive in bed when he ditched his ''Buddha of compassion'' guise, honestly speaking, she can''t resist his dog appearance in bed. She acknowledge the fact that even if they''re incompatible in every other aspects, both of them were extremely harmonious regarding sex life.

    For an adult, satisfaction is very important in this area.

    "What are you annoyed about just now?"With a sweat dripping down, Jiang Suizhou leaned over her ear and asked.

    Guan Xi''s breath was disheveled, there was a layer of tears under her eyes, "...... what?"

    "You said you''re annoyed back in the living room."

    When she remembered it, Guan Xi hesitated for a moment before tossing the scenario of her most dreadful situation at him,"It''s nothing important, um¡­..just¡­.Jiang Suizhou, what are you gonna do if you turned into a pauper one day?"

    Jiang Suizhou gave her a ''you worry too much'' look,"That''s impossible."

    She looked towards him and wrapped herself on top of him,"I said what if."

    Her actions are wreaking havoc on him, he slowly answered without much thought,"In that case¡­. don''t I still have you?"

    "Me?"

    Because he was pounded with desire, he no longer can think things through and joked,"I''ll sell all those bags and watches I gave you, I need the money back."

    Guan Xi was in real shock, she opened her eyes wide and scolded,"......In your dream!"

 CH 3

    Though she said that it was an impractible idea, when she gave it a second thought, this idea is actually quite feasible.

    Guan Xi had a particular dream that night. She dreamed about being driven out of the house penniless when that real daughter returned.

    To survive, she rushed to Jiang Suizhou''s house to sell all the haute couture and various branded items she gave him during their relationship in exchange for a huge sum of money.

    Inside her dream, she gleefully took that money to find happiness. But after woken up, as she stared at the ceiling, a horrible thing suddenly came to her mind.

    That is, she almost never bought anything for Jiang Suizhou!!!

    Damn?! Is she that stingy?! How come she never spent any money on this dog-man!

    Guan Xi seriously tried to recollect her memory.

    No, no, she seemed to have given him a cufflink once in the past, but as a result, the first sentence he said after opening it that time, is making her nearly faint with rage.

    That''s right! She started to stop giving him anything from then on, since she figured that he despised her taste anyway.

    So yeah, you can''t blame her for this!

    At noon past ten, Jiang Suizhou had already left the room.

    Guan Xi climbed out of bed and went to the bathroom to wash up. The moment she came out, her phone on the bedside table rang as her best friend Lang Ningyi called.

    Guan Xi answered the phone while heading out of the room, "Morning."

    "Morning my ass.....It''s way past noon."

    "I see."

    Lang Ningyi: "You slept in Jiang Suizhou house yesterday?"

    "Otherwise."

    "Well."Lang Ningyi lowered her voice,"Then are you next to him now?"

    "No, he left at dawn, I think I heard he''s going on a business trip today, he probably is on a plane at this moment."

    Lang Ningyi calmed down,"I''ll go to your place then, let''s talk."

    Guan Xi sat down on the sofa,"Don''t, choose somewhere else, it''s just in time to go grab lunch."

    Jiang Suizhou, this man, hated messiness, he wouldn''t be happy if she brought other people to his house.

    Lang Ningyi: "Sure, I''ll text you the address."

    After hanging up the call, Guan Xi made her way to the cloakroom to choose an outfit and meticulously applied makeup. Then she got down to the parking garage and drove away Jiang Suizhou''s car that was placed at this place.

    Lang Ningyi picked a restaurant where they frequently go, she''s already there when Guan Xi arrived. Seeing Guan Xi coming over, she pulled and rushed her to take a seat,"Are you going to tell Jiang Suizhou about that matter?"

    Guan Xi shot a flabbergasted glance at her,"Why would I."

    Lang Ningyi: "That''s great, all I''m saying is you must never let him know."

    "Relax, I''m still not yet insane."

    The reason why she and Jiang Suizhou were tied together in the first place is their family''s well-matched social status and interconnected interests. So if the Jiang Family side found out about the fact that she''s not the real Guan Family eldest daughter, then¡­.no one can predict how things will pan out.

    "Regardless of whether that girl returns or not, in the eyes of outsiders you''re still the same Guan Xi, you just merely changed from being an only daughter to having a sister."

    "I know, I''m just¡­"

    "Just scared you''ll slowly lose your position."Lang Ningyi said.

    As Guan Xi turned her eyes towards her, Lang Ningyi continued,"You think I''m not aware about that terrible temper of yours after knowing you for so many years, ah? You always tear apart anyone who dared to grab things for you before. Now someone is grabbing your parents, grabbing the family property, but it happens that you don''t have the slightest chance to win."

    Guan Xi''s complexion gradually darkened,"Can you say words that normal people could listen to?"

    "You should heed my advice now!" Lang Ningyi said,"I''m telling you, if you want to establish your position and not to be ignored by your parents someday, it''s actually quite simple, you just need to never let go of Jiang Suizhou. Ah right, on top of never letting him go, you should also properly draw him to your side."

    "Then?"

    "Then if him being your boyfriend is not enough, why don''t you just go get a certificate with him?"

    At once Guan Xi said,"That''s out of the question, we agreed we won''t get married until I turned twenty-eight."

    Lang Ningyi: "Wait, then since you two have planned to get married anyway, why not just let it take place earlier? You also know how much your parents like Jiang Suizhou, don''t you want to not be totally ignored by them? If things come to light one day, you don''t want those women who ingratiate themselves upon the rich and powerful to comment on your background. Look, let''s say someday you''re out of luck and lose the Guan Family young lady title, if you married Jiang Suizhou, you''ll still be Jiang Family daughter-in-law, no one will be able to look down on you."

    Being in this kind of family and social status for years, she has learned that everything is intertwined with interest, those who have power will rule the world.

    Guan Xi propped her chin and remained silent for a long time,"Is it?"

    "Get rid of your hesitation." Lang Ningyi said,"Your parents are both more of a businessman than you might ever think they are. Following the relationship between you and Jiang Suizhou, the two families have cooperated in various things, which gained them a great deal of profit from it. So as long as you''re with Jiang Suizhou, you are their cash cow. Have you seen anyone giving a cold-shoulder to their cash cow?"

    Glaring at Lang Ningyi, Guan Xi was about to forthwith say that her parents are treating her well and are always doted on her, how could they see her as nothing more than a cash cow?

    But the moment she opened her mouth, her mother''s eyes when she talked about that real daughter were showing up in her mind.

    Guan Xi once again went silent.

    At least a cash cow can bring money.

    Without the advantage of blood ties, will she still be able to keep on living in the Guan family free from all worries? Will there be any spot for her in the company in the future? If that biological daughter doesn''t like her, will she be treated as insignificant by her parents?

    Guan Xi got goosebumps, at the thought of how she might have to miserably bow and nod** towards that girl someday in the future.

    (**Metaphor of false respect or overly polite.)

    "So you''re telling me¡­."Guan Xi drank a mouthful of red wine from the glass,"Now I should build a good relationship with Jiang Suizhou, right, build a good relationship. I have to make my mom and dad feel that I''m really important, that leaving me will cause enormous losses!"

    "Right, don''t worry. Even though you''re taking a female supporting character in this play at the moment. This sister will have your back!"

    Guan Xi choked stiffly,"What?"

    Lang Ningyi: "Yes, female supporting character, I''ve read a lot of such scenarios like yours inside a novel. A plot where after the poor female lead returns to her place, the female supporting character will play all kinds of tricks to persevere her position. But I assure you surely won''t end up as tragic as that supporting character!"

    "....."

    With an ashen face, Guan Xi finished eating and left the room. She was going to call a designated driver as she had been drinking alcohol. However, someone was calling her name, when she tried to open the app.

    She turned her head and saw a group of young women and men coming from another side of the hallway. She recognized two people among those who led the way, Wei Xiuyang and Wei Zihan, her uncle''s son and daughter.

    Seeing Wei Zihan, Guan Xi felt animosity. The same also goes for Wei Zihan, who didn''t even bat an eye at her and directly went out of the door.

    The two of them have been at odds ever since they were young, their grudges have accumulated for years, so much that they couldn''t stand the sight of each other.

    However, she got along pretty well with Wei Xiuyang, she always wondered how they came from the same womb, yet this older sister and younger brother liking towards her is poles apart.

    The person who called her just now was Wei Xiuyang, he walked up and asked, "You''re eating at this place again today?"

    Fiddling with the phone in her hand, Guan Xi let out an ''Um'' with lowered eyes.

    Wei Xiuyang took a look at the screen, "Calling a designated driver? You''ve been drinking?"

    "Yeah."

    "Rather than calling them, let me just send you home."

    Guan Xi turned her eyes towards Wei Zihan in the distance,"Don''t you have to send your sister back?"

    "No, she brought her own car here."Wei Xiuyang cast a glance at her,"Besides, aren''t you also my sister?"

    Guan Xi''s hand that was scrolling the screen paused, she didn''t think much of it before, but at this moment, remembering that she has zero blood ties with this brother, has unexpectedly made her feel a little dejected.

    ____

    A few minutes later, Guan Xi was inside Wei Xiuyang''s car.

    "Send me to Jia Lin Garden."

    Wei Xiuyang reached for his seat belt, "You''re going to meet Jiang Suizhou?"

    Guan Xi: "He''s not home today."

    "Then why are you going to his place instead of going home?"

    Guan Xi stared ahead while propping her head,"You''re too nosy."

    With a slight frown, Wei Xiuyang glanced at her.

    She seemed to have drunk a little too much and looked tipsy, there was a tinge of drunkenness inside her eyes. At this moment, she was sluggishly tilting her head sideways, causing the sleeve on the hand she used to support her head sliding down, her delicate wrist were dazzlingly white against the light that passed through the car.

    Wei Xiuyang looked away then began to drive,"How are you still not breaking up with him?"

    Guan Xi: "Why should I break up with him?"

    "You guys have done enough of this for years, and it doesn''t look like he has any feelings for you."

    Guan Xi glared at him,"Wei Xiuyang, believe it or not, I can beat you up right now."

    Wei Xiuyang: "I''m simply telling the truth. You are aunt and uncle''s only daughter, they won''t force you to marry anyone if you don''t want to. You don''t need to marry Jiang Suizhou for the sake of those messed up business interests."

    Guan Xi''s hand trembled lightly, only daughter......

    She''s no longer one now.

    "Do you hear me?"

    Feeling somewhat exasperated, Guan Xi turned her head away, "You know nothing."

    She cannot live without Jiang Suizhou now.

    It takes a thousand days to keep an army, and a moment to use it**. The time has come for Jiang Suizhou, this dog-man, to be useful.

    (**Extensive preparation eventually pays off.)

    Break up? To hell with that! Even if Mars were to hit Earth, she''s going to march into the new era hand-in-hand with Jiang Suizhou!

    Guan Xi and Wei Xiuyang parted on bad terms afterwards, but she was already accustomed to Wei Xiuyang getting angry like this.

    This cousin of hers is actually the same age as her, he was only a few months younger and she has been keeping him under her wings. They were classmates during junior and high school. Wei Xiuyang has hated Jiang Suizhou guts for a long time now, but this happened partly because of her.

    When they were young, she always spoke ill about Jiang Suizhou in front of Wei Xiuyang, and influenced by what he constantly saw and heard, he was eventually led astray by her. However, after hating Jiang Suizhou to that point, she of all people ended up dating Jiang Suizhou.

    So she couldn''t blame anyone for this.

    _____

    Guan Xi woke up early the next day.

    After pondering for the whole night yesterday, she decided to overlook the bad memory about Jiang Suizhou''s disdain for her gift. As a five-star good girlfriend, who is caring and attentive, she''s going to give him a proper surprise and gift once he come back from a business trip. She will make him feel touched and deepen their relationship that seemed to be getting nowhere over the past three years.

    And if luck would have it, she hopes he can happily return home to take out his household register in the near future. She can''t wait to go to the civil affairs bureau together with him.

    Of course, this matter is extremely difficult to attain, so she wasn''t too hopeful about it.

    Since Jiang Suizhou''s plane landed at six, then he will be home at around seven tonight.

    In the meantime, Guan Xi asked a couple of people to come and help her to do a massive ''beautification'' on the living room as well as the path towards it with flower petals, balloons, and candles, not one can be left behind.

    On top of that, she also has prepared twenty-eight presents and let someone wrap them up then stack them into a small mountain next to the side table.

    Under the effects of alcohol, she looked around the house and was feeling all touched by herself.

    Huhuhu, what a fucking dream girlfriend, if she were a man, she definitely will marry herself!!!!!!!!

    Guan Xi has told Jiang Suizhou that she will wait for him at home before he boards the plane, so he came back on time. At seven past ten, she heard the sound of the door opening.

    Putting down her wine glass, she hastily got up.

    Jiang Suizhou was in the middle of call when he pressed the passcode, he was not expecting that as soon as he opened the door he would meet with such a spectacle.

    There were flower petals on the floor that arranged into a path and spread all the way to the living room. The flower petals path was lit up with two rows of small candles neatly lined on the side, and at the end of the path, balloons were floating about, gift boxes were piling up, and Guan Xi was smiling gently at him.

    Jiang Suizhou''s eyes slightly stalled, he told the person on the other side of the phone ''let''s talk in the company tomorrow'' then hung up the call.

    He stood in the same place for two seconds, and was caught a little off guard,"You¡ª"

    "Are you surprised? You don''t expect this, do you?!" Guan Xi stood still, her face was beaming with happiness,"Today is our anniversary, I realized that you always been the one who give me present before, so this time I want to show my love for you~"

    Jiang Suizhou displayed a hard to come by confusion,"What anniversary?"

    Guan Xi stuck her fingers out, and counted for a little while,"Today is our eight hundred eighty french kiss anniversary, you don''t remember?"

    "......."

    What an auspicious occasion.

    "It''s okay if you don''t remember, what matters is my heart." Guan Xi break into a smile and hiccuped, she said sweetly regardless of conscience,"Jiang Suizhou, I love you~ I love you so much that I can''t live without you~"

    This woman is talking nonsense after drinking.

    Raising his eyebrows, Jiang Suizhou eyes were filled with a little smile,"Guan Xi, which limited-edition bag did you fancy this time?"

 CH 4

    4

    It''s not that Guan Xi has never done this sort of perfunctory confession before. She did it the first time when her company''s tourism project required his subsidiary company ''U-Road Travel'' to carry out a huge publicity on their homepage.

    The second time was when her favourite brand released a super limited-edition product and she needed him to go reach out to the brand side. Of course, the key point is to pay using his money.

    The third time was when she got wasted after drinking and insisted on painting his nails.

    The fourth time was when she was interested in one car but her Dad didn''t allow her to buy it because he felt it was unsafe. The fifth time was¡­. anyway, she has done it for many many times. She always acts coy and tells him she loves him whenever she''s in a good mood or wants something.

    However, everything was just all talk and no action, today is the first time for her to make an actual effort like this.

    Nevertheless, Jiang Lianzhou stared at the stuff in front of him and would rather have her do what she normally does, acting all well-behaved and coquettish at one moment then return to happily minding her own business the second she succeeded in getting her way.

    Because looking at all this stuff honestly made his eyes hurt.

    "Limited edition bag? What''s that? Baby, can you not be so realistic?" Guan Xi walked towards him,"Come, I''ve prepared lots of presents for you, open and see them."

    They were currently inside the house, but Guan Xi actually put on a glorious black short dress.

    Click clack click¡ª¡ªthe sound of her delicate high heel was approaching him.

    Jiang Suizhou''s swept his gaze past her back and felt that his eyes had been soothed for a little. With that, he loosened up slightly, letting her do as she pleased, he was pulled by her to sit down on the sofa.

    "Know why there''s twenty-eight gifts?" Guan Xi asked in high spirits.

    Following her rhythm, Jiang Suizhou tossed a question,"Why?"

    "Because you''re turning twenty-eight this year, ah. Every single gift in here represents each of your past birthdays. It''s such a shame that I can''t be part of your past, that''s why I''m planning to make it up for you now."

    The ingenuity, the affection, each word were brimming with a strong air of avant-garde**.

    (**new and unusual or experimental ideas.)

    Once again, Guan Xi found that she was almost feeling deeply moved by herself.

    Jiang Suizhou dully looked at her, then got his hand on one of the nearest boxes.

    The box was marked with ''Twelfth Birthday'', a birthday present that was meant for twelve-years-old him.

    He thought about it before saying,"You''ve got poor memories, don''t you? You participated in this birthday."

    Guan Xi''s smile turned rigid,"Did I?"

    "Yeah, you also knocked over my cake that year."

    "......?"

    Jiang Suizhou put it aside and reached out to take another gift box that''s marked with ''Fifteenth Birthday'',"You take part in this birthday as well. You gave me a box with a dead spider inside, but persisted in saying that it was a specimen."

    "......"

    He then pulled the eighteenth birthday present box,"This year''s birthday, you still participated in it, you eat and drink to your heart''s content then. You also scratched my first car after becoming an adult in the parking lot when you went home. Oh! You didn''t pay for damages either."

    "..........."

    He continued further,"On this year¡ª¡ª"

    "Hold on."

    Jiang Suizhou stopped and turned to look at her. The smile on Guan Xi''s face was almost gone, she said through her gritted teeth,"You remember all those things about me very well."

    Jiang Suizhou let out a faint laugh,"It''s nothing, I simply have a good memory."

    Guan Xi wanted to roll her eyes at him.

    When Jiang Suizhou saw that she didn''t say anything, he bowed his head and tore open the gift box while saying, "Guan Xi, is something the matter?"

    Cold, stoic, heartless!

    Jiang Suizhou is still Jiang Suizhou, it''s pointless to try to make him feel touched.

    Curbing her smile, Guan Xi played dumb,"What? Nothing, I''m fine."

    He opened the gift box for his twenty-two birthday. There was a fountain pen inside that was meticulously engraved with J on its body. Jiang Suizhou took a look at it, he didn''t seem to be particularly surprised nor satisfied, his face merely showed two words in capital letters: ''SO-SO''.

    "So what makes you so happy?" He asked.

    "Right, of course I''m happy because you''re back."

    Jiang Suizhou paused for a moment,"One day not seeing you and you suddenly know how to talk**."

    (**It figuratively means saying words that please others. It often means that one is able to say words that make others happy in various situations.)

    "You won''t understand, this is my true feeling."

    Jiang Suizhou put down the fountain pen in his hand, "It''s enough if you''re happy that I came back, there''s no need to do all this messy stuff."

    "What messy stuff? I personally set everything, I''ve spent great effort on it!"Guan Xi said this without a slight trace of guilt, as if all those people she asked for help a moment ago were nothing but air.

    Jiang Suizhou naturally was not convinced that this Salted Fish** would get everything done by herself. But he didn''t expose her, he simply let her go and extended his hand to loosen his necktie, "Alright, I''m going to take a shower."

    (**a metaphor for people who don''t want to move.)

    "Not opening the gifts?"

    "Help me do it, I''ll be back to take a look later."

    Guan Xi: "????"

    Jiang Suizhou walked away.

    Guan Xi stared at his back then looked at the mountain of gift boxes that took ages to arrange, her face turned green.

    Did he break his hand during his business trip! He wanted her to help open them for him?

    How could this person be such a dog to this level!

    Guan Xi stood there angrily for two minutes, once she calmed herself down, she took out her phone and made a call to Lang Ningyi.

    Seeing her call, Lang Ningyi was kind of surprised,"What''s going on? Jiang Suizhou hasn''t returned yet?"

    "He''s back."

    "Then how do you still have the time to give me a call?"

    Guan Xi answered in a low voice,"Don''t get me started on this, it makes me angry. Sister, I devoted so much time to it. Leaving the fact that he didn''t get touched by it, he actually went as far as only opening one gift! Pissing me off."

    Lang Ningyi: "I see¡­. I guess it''s too materialistic and has no appeal to our President Jiang."

    "Then I also said I love him!"

    "What happened next?"

    With indifferent expression, Guan Xi said,"He asked whether I wanted any bag."

    "Pfft hahaha¡ª" Lang Ningyi let out a laugh, but she afterwards felt that it was tactless of her and quickly suppressed it back,"Then, listen¡­don''t be discouraged, you have to keep on working hard."

    "Who''s discouraged? What''s so discouraging about this? I''m pissed off!"

    Guan Xi may not have many likeable traits, but she''s pretty headstrong and persistent. It''s either do the best or don''t do it. Now that she has set her goal on being a perfect girlfriend, she without doubt has the confidence to excel in it.

    Besides, which one weighs more between ''getting pissed off by Jiang Suizhou'' or ''her parents and inheritance''? It''s certainly the latter!

    Lang Ningyi: "Try to figure out whether he has any hobbies. You must prescribed the right medicine**, you have to make him deeply enchanted by you. So that it''s no longer an option for him to break up with you."

    (**A metaphor for deciding how to solve a problem for a specific situation.)

    "Hobby?" Guan Xi seriously thought about what Jiang Suizhou usually does when they''re together.

    After thinking for a long time, all her brain could come up with were just a bunch of those impure stuff.

    "............"

    However, you can barely consider that a hobby, right?

    Thus, she consequently hung up the call, put out all the candles in the room, then headed straight to the master bedroom.

    Jiang Suizhou was still showering inside the bathroom, aware of the fact that he never locked the door when he''s taking a bath at home, she directly went in.

    Misty fog spreads throughout the bathroom, Guan Xi has her eyes towards the shower glass. The man inside turned his head to look over, but owing to the water stain on the glass, the sight was blurred.

    She went over, pulled open the glass door, and stood outside of it with her high heeled shoes.

    Water was still falling from the shower, Jiang Suizhou stared at her, his gaze somewhat changed.

    Guan Xi swept past him up and down several times, then said meaningfully,"Did you go to the gym lately? You''ve become more muscular, ah."

    Tsk, this man is undoubtedly a dog, but he''s got a really good figure.

    Guan Xi lamented in her heart, she raised her eyes again and asked in a low voice, "Can I take a bath with you?"

    Jiang Suizhou''s eyes darkened, "Are you looking for trouble today?"

    "What? I can''t?" Guan Xi withdrew her hand and backed away a step, "Then I''ll come back later."

    Guan Xi was about to turn around, however, her hand was grabbed by Jiang Suizhou the moment she tried to do so.

    Guan Xi secretly smiled in triumph.

    The temperature inside the bathroom was high, engulfed with water mist, everything somewhat faded away.

    Halfway through it, she suddenly asked,".....Jiang Suizhou, um.....do you want to get married....."

    "What?" He stopped at once.

    "Lingfan said...her life after marriage is pretty good."

    "You want kids?"

    Guan Xi paused and immediately shook her head, "I don''t."

    When she finished saying that, she then had a realisation on why Jiang Suizhou would ask such a question.

    In the matter of marriage, Guan Xi was quite repulsive about it before. Because she understands the attitude of the elders of both families, when they aren''t married they will rush them to get married, and if they do get married, afterwards everyone will definitely urge them to have children.

    Hence she once said to Jiang Suizhou that she would never get married until she turned twenty-eight because she didn''t want to have a baby so early. She also jokingly told him that if she did get married before she turned twenty-eight, it''s probably because she suddenly lost her mind and wanted a child.

    He remembered that, so he thought she wanted a child.

    Jiang Suizhou: "Then you....."

    "I''m just asking, I don''t want kids!" Guan Xi''s face tensed up.

    Jiang Suizhou hooked her hair with his index finger, he said in a businesslike tone,"My schedule is already full this year, I don''t have the time. If you have this thought, let''s do it next year, I''ll set aside some time."

    "....Can''t it be sooner? Like in the next few days maybe?"

    "You think getting married is the same as going grocery shopping?"

    Oh, she can tell that he didn''t want to.

    But that''s to be expected, she can''t imagine the amount of things that have to be done for their extravagant wedding itinerary. For a person like Jiang Suizhou, his schedule must have been very carefully planned, he probably hated to throw his arrangements into disorder.

    Guan Xi gave it a thought,"Then you won''t hesitate, right? Are you sure you''ll definitely marry me in the future? You''re not going to back out, are you?"

    Jiang Suizhou had no time to chat about their future prospects, he was baffled and somewhat irritated at for asking such a question in this kind of situation.

    "Must you talk about this now¡­.be quiet."

    "No, I just.....Ah....."

    Jiang Shuzhou has plenty of ways to make her shut up.

    _____

    Guan Xi ended up lying down dead tired on the bed. It wasn''t time to go to bed yet, so Jiang Suizhou went to his study to get some work done.

    Guan Xi nestled under the quilt, holding her phone and sending a message to Lang Ningyi: [Marriage proposal rejected.]

    Lang Ningyi: [What? He''s unwilling?]

    Guan Xi: [No, he is willing but wants it next year, he''s busy this year.]

    Lang Ningyi: [Next year could also work¡­.so long as there''s no unpredictable twist.]

    Guan Xi inexplicably felt a little worried, however, come to think of it, there''s actually nothing worth worrying about.

    Just as she was about to send another reply to Lang Ningyi, she received a message on her phone, it was a voicemail sent to her by her father, Guan Xinghao.

    "Xixi, come home tomorrow. Yingying is returning early, Dad thought that it''ll be best for both of you to meet first."

    Yingying? Who?

    Putting down her phone, Guan Xi stared blankly towards the ceiling. A few seconds later, her eyes flashed, a realisation hit her.

    Oh¡­ it seems to be that girl''s name.

 CH 5

    5

    Since today is the weekend, both of them didn''t have to go to work.

    Guan Xi got up early and went to sit in the living room. The moment Jiang Suizhou saw her watching variety shows when he came out after washing up, he found it a bit unexpected, as previously she would immediately leave as soon as she woke up and won''t stay for long in his house.

    However, it was merely a momentary bafflement, the two of them have never interfered nor pry on each other''s affairs, so once he finished eating breakfast, he then went about his business.

    Guan Xi spent all morning sitting there, throughout the whole time, she left the call she received from Guan Xinghuai unanswered.

    At around noon, she drew a deep breath, got herself off the sofa, and walked inside the room to put on makeup.

    The housekeeping auntie is currently making lunches, when Jiang Suizhou come out after taking care of his work he only saw all those flashy stuff remnants from last night and nothing else.

    "Guan Xi left?"

    Auntie pointed her finger towards the cloakroom, "Miss Guan is doing her makeup inside."

    Jiang Suizhou let out an ''Oh'', then turned around walking to the cloakroom. He stopped at the door and saw Guan Xi is in the middle of applying lipstick.

    Dark red, coupled with her exceptionally fierce makeup today, she looked like she was going to kill someone

    "Not eating?" He asked.

    Putting her lipstick into her bag, Guan Xi got up and walked over, "My dad told me to go home."

    "Oh, want me to drop you off?"

    It was no more than a mere courtesy.

    And Guan Xi is well aware of it, but instead of throwing sarcastic or inappropriate remarks to make him choke like usual, she just shook her head and went straight out the door.

    This Salty Fish is in a bad mood, thought Jiang Suizhou.

    Seems like she has offended someone again, stirring up trouble for her family, and is about to get scolded at home.

    As far as she was concerned, this was the gravest reason for her to come home dark-faced that he could come up with.

    He didn''t think Guan Xi could possibly have any real difficulties in this lifetime.

    "Sir, what should I do with this stuff?" Auntie was alluding to the flashy scene in the living room.

    She was stunned at what she saw when she arrived today, but she dared not to clean it up as the house owner didn''t say anything.

    Jiang Suizhou didn''t answer immediately. He reached for a gift box with 1st Birthday written on top of it, unwrapped it and saw a pacifier, plated with gold.

    How unlucky is a baby to use this sort of pacifier.

    Jiang Suizhou smiled, telling the auntie,"Place all these gift boxes inside my study and clean up the rest."

    "Alright."

    _____

    Guan Xi''s entire body was tense throughout the way back to her house from Jiang Suizhou''s house.

    They promised to give her two months to adjust first, but only one month has passed and they''ve already brought her back. It just showed how much they miss her.

    She didn''t really want to return home, however, she was also aware she wouldn''t be able to run away from this matter.

    It grieves her, yet for the first time ever, she cannot lose her temper.

    Just like what Lang Ningyi said, she only held a supporting character position now, what qualifications did she have to get angry? If she see this matters through other people''s perspective, she''s just a sparrow that turned into a phoenix**.

    (**rags-to-riches)

    Guan Xi parked her car once she reached the gates.

    As she walked from the door to the main room, she didn''t see the usual housekeeping aunties, they''re likely not allowed to come these days to keep this matter confidential for the time being. The only one that still remains is Auntie Zhen, who''s been taking care of her since she was young. Auntie Zhen saw her and gently caressed her arm, saying, "Go in, they''re in the living room."

    Auntie Zhen raised her with affection, so she probably is feeling sorry for her at this moment.

    Guan Xi straightened her back, there''s nothing to feel sorry for!!!! She didn''t need any pity!!!!

    "Xixi, you''re here."When she arrived at the living room, she was greeted by the sight of three people sitting inside, her dad, mom and that girl.

    Seeing her coming in, Guan Xinghao hastily stood up, his expression was rather awkward, but he still retained his bright smile,"Xixi, this is Guan Ying, she will be your sister from now on."

    Guan Xi moved her gaze to the girl that was sitting beside her mother, this was the first time she saw her in person.

    Jeans, blouse, barefaced, timid smile, pretty good-looking.

    "Sister."She called her in a low voice.

    All at once, Guan Xi got goosebumps, reality hit her, she felt like she was thrown into some parallel universe where everything is unfamiliar to her. In a split second, all those, how to maintain her position, how to win her parents'' affection, how to outsmart this newly-arrived Guan young lady¡­..and so on, were shattered by one friendly and gracious ''sister'' from the other person.

    Damn it¡­..how should she move forward now?

    Perhaps seeing her awkwardness, Guan Xinghao tried to lighten the mood, asking everyone to eat lunch.

    The food was steaming hot, and there was an extra person at the table that was usually only used by three people.

    "You didn''t come home these past two days, what have you been doing?" Guan Xinghao started a topic.

    Realizing that this question was directed to her, Guan Xi answered,"Nothing much, just staying with Jiang Suizhou."

    Guan Xinghao: "Really? Why didn''t you bring Suizhou home for dinner then? It''s been quite a while since Dad last met him, how are you guys doing these days?"

    Guan Xi knew that Guan Xinghao was deliberately starting a topic to have a chat with her and that he was just trying to show that he was still paying attention to her and cared about her.

    Guan Xi understood everything, and precisely because she did understand it, she felt even sadder.

    "Pretty good."Guan Xi took a light breath, trying to play it cool as she said,"I''ll tell him to come over to have a meal at our house next time."

    Guan Xinghao: "That''s great."

    "Yingying, do you have a boyfriend?"Though she had been in contact with her biological daughter for a month, Wei Shaomin seemed to have missed this question.

    Guan Ying shook her head,"Not yet."

    "I see, then Mom will help you look for someone later on."

    Guan Ying was a little shy,"You don''t have to......"

    "What''s the matter? You''re a little older than Xixi." Wei Shaomin looked somewhat sad as she said,"After all these years¡­..Mom owes you a lot."

    While bowing her head to eat, Guan Xi listened to their conversation without saying a word.

    She had already been fully informed on the circumstances surrounding Guan Ying.

    Back then, two-month-old Guan Ying was taken away by a nanny with mental problems, the nanny threw herself into a river and died. At that time, they couldn''t find the baby''s body even after searching for a long time, they could only find the clothes worn by the baby at the river downstream, that''s why everyone thought that Guan Ying was dead.

    Never have anyone guessed, there''s still some rationality left in that nanny, she repented, didn''t bring the baby to die together with her and instead gave the baby to other people before she died. Afterwards, the baby was sold privately and ended up in a place far away from the Imperial Capital.

    The mother, Wei Shaomin, was already in poor health and unable to conceive again after her first child. She was extremely distraughted over the death of her child and went abroad to recuperate.

    One year later, Guan Xinghao went to an orphanage and brought Guan Xi home to comfort Wei Shaomin.....they then lived abroad in the following years, Guan Xi had already turned eight-nine years old the moment they returned back to China.

    Time and years have become blurry, everyone has forgotten what happened in the past. Only a handful of people knew about Wei Shaomin''s inability to conceive again, so Guan Xinghao simply told people that they were fortunate to give birth to another daughter.

    No one ever doubted it.

    Apart from her paternal and maternal grandparents, no other person knew the truth of this matter.

    Guan Xi has no recollection on any of this, she even believed her mother was just of that nature every time she was treated rather coldly by her mother since childhood. On most days, she dared to make a scene in front of her father, but she would exercise restraint in the presence of her mother. She even goes as far as wanting to get her love and attention, always trying to please her be it explicitly or implicitly......

    But as it turned out, it was all useless.

    Not once did her Mom ever use such a tone to talk to her.

    Guan Xi''s brain is buzzing in echo, envious, jealous, but she was aware of the fact that she was the least qualified person to feel jealous.

    Once she''s done eating, Guan Xi went upstairs to her room.

    At night, Guan Xinghao knocked on her door. This was the first time where the two of them calmly faced each other since their last conversation.

    "Dad, do you have anything to say?" Guan Xi didn''t beat around the bush with him.

    Guan Xinghao hesitated for a little,"Previously Dad had promised that we would give you two months before bringing back Guan Ying, but now¡­."

    "Sooner or later, she will have to come back." Guan Xi added,"She is your own daughter, her return is sure to happen."

    "You''re my own daughter too." said Guan Xinghao, "Xixi, don''t overthink things."

    But this ''own'' is different from that ''own''.

    The rim of Guan Xi''s eyes become a little red, she really loves her parents, really really loves them.

    She hummed,"Got it."

    "Yingying has also suffered so much, we owe her a lot."

    "I understand."

    Guan Xinghao felt a load off of his back when he saw her nodding,"Seeing you able to accept this so quickly makes Dad very happy, from now on just think of this as yourself having an extra sister, get along well. There will be a lot of things she doesn''t understand, you should help to lead her."

    Guan Xi smiled at Guan Xinghao, "Alright."

    For the first time in her life, Guan Xi, who had been so willful to the point of making people''s blood boil since she was young, was able to ''restrain'' herself.

    ____

    According to Lang Ningyi, every heroine in the novel who just returned back to their place are all overcautious and a bit timid at first, feeling that they could not fit into such a splendid world.

    Guan Xi trusted Lang Ningyi years of experience with novels.

    Because Guan Ying is indeed like that, reserved, timid, soft-spoken. Guan Ying was so good-natured that she, the villainess who''s thinking about doing hundreds of tricks behind her back, decided to give up.

    Wei Shaomin and Guan Xinghao mostly stayed at home these days to accompany Guan Ying. To not make her parents feel awkward as well as to avoid all those drama about sisterly love between her and Guan Ying, except from returning home at night to dinner and sleep, she spent all day in the company.

    Her attendance rate and the amount of time she spent in the company these past few days has left all the clueless employees below in shock: Miss Guan is back in the light!

    After finishing work for today, Guan Xi is dilly-dallying her way back home.

    As soon as she entered the door, she heard a laughter coming from a distance. She went into the living room but saw no sign of them. When she traced the sound and walked towards the kitchen, she was surprised to see them gathered around wrapping dumplings.

    Mom loves cleanliness and never gets into the kitchen. Dad is very busy and doesn''t know how to cook.

    This was Guan Xi''s first time seeing both mom and dad in the kitchen. They were currently holding a dumplings clumsily next to Guan Ying, each time they were done wrapping one, they happily showed them off to Guan Ying, who would softly said that they were much better than the last one.

    Wrapping dumplings?

    What a thrilling parent-child activity.

    Subconsciously, Guan Xi took a step back without making a sound.

    How really warm¡­.. causing people to be disinclined to get inside the picture.

    She didn''t know what to do with herself, directly going upstairs would make herself appear obtrusive, joining them wrapping dumplings would make her feel awkward as she knew nothing about it. So before she even realised it, she was already back outside the door, driving her car to leave.

    As if she was running away.

 CH 6

    6

    If a month ago someone told Guan Xi there will come a day where she ''afraid of going home'' or ''have no home to go back to'', that person will surely get thrashed to the ground by her.

    Yet at this moment, she was driving around mindlessly and was actually scared to drive back home.

    After one hour of wandering aimlessly, she went to the bar she often frequented at, beckoned the bartender to give her something to drink.

    "It''s been a while since your last visit." The bartender recognized her, putting aside the fact that she and her group of friends frequently come and spend a high amount of money, her beauty is just hard to forget.

    Guan Xi rested her chin on one hand,"I suppose so."

    "Why are you coming by yourself today, where''s your friend?"

    Guan Xi gazed towards the liquor cabinet, lost in thought, friends? She could have called either Ling Fan or Lang Ningyi¡­..they certainly would come and keep her company if she asked.

    However, for a proud person like Guan Xi, there is absolutely no way she can tell them the reason why she looks this miserable.

    "I''m not in a good mood today, want to drink alone." Guan Xi tapped the table with her finger twice, slightly raising her eyebrows,"Why, I can''t?"

    Realizing he almost made a wrong mistake, the bartender smiled as he said,"No, of course you can, but best be careful, don''t drink too much."

    Two minutes later, Guan Xi took the drink he brought over for her.

    She drank it fast, gulping it down with ease,"One more glass."

    The bartender looked at her with eyes wide open,"This drink has a pretty high alcohol content."

    Guan Xi grew impatient,"I know, quick bring me another one."

    "Fine¡­."

    Even after knowing that, her drinking speed still remains the same.

    She didn''t feel anything at first, but this drink has a strong after-effect, the effects gradually sweep over her.

    Guan Xi leaned her head, feeling dizzy,"One more, get me another glass."

    The bartender who saw that she was already drunk didn''t comply with her,"Guan Xi, ask your friend to pick you up."

    Guan Xi waved her finger and was on the verge of falling down.

    Seeing that she''s really about to get wasted in this place, the bartender worried something would happen to her and hurriedly grabbed the phone she placed on the table.

    "Look here, unlock it." He held up the phone and shook it in front of her.

    Guan Xi raised her head to look towards the phone, taking her time to smile and making a V gesture,"Make sure to use the beauty filter¡ª"

    He successfully unlocked the screen with face recognition.

    Clicking into the contact list, the bartender was unable to hold back his laugh,"You''ll still look pretty even with original camera. Hey, see who should I call to pick you up? Dad¡­..how about your family?"

    "You dare!" Guan Xi''s expression changed in a split second,"Don''t you dare give them a call, watch out before I destroy your business."

    "Okay, fine, pick someone then, I''ll call them for you."

    Having no intention to leave, she simply ignored him.

    The bartender was left with no other option and ended up rummaging through her recent calls; out of the first three numbers he saw, only one was marked with a nickname.

    Jiang Ergou**

    (**Ergou literally means second dogs, it''s a teasing nickname addressed towards the second child in the family.)

    Such a nickname is typically used between very close friends, so without thinking twice the bartender pressed the call.

    While waiting, Guan Xi continue to urge him to bring her a drink, the bartender didn''t dare to give her another one and could only put on a business smile.

    "Pretty girl, you want to drink, eh? How about I buy you one?" Ten minutes ago, a man came to sit on the seat beside her. The man has been paying attention to Guan Xi for quite some time. When he noticed that she''s alone here, he could not resist coming over.

    Hearing the voice, Guan Xi took a glance at the stranger, a greasy-looking man, she then waved her hand,"No need."

    The man approached closer,"Don''t be like that, I''ll treat you to a drink."

    Guan Xi shifted away, disgusted by the striking and over-the-top smell he exudes,"Who?"

    "New friend, let''s get to know each other."

    Guan Xi was already irritated to begin with, she has no more patience left now,"I don''t want to get to know you, get out of my face."

    "How hot-tempered." The man smile weirdly,"What else can be the reason for someone to come alone at such a place like a bar other than looking for friends?"

    He Intentionally accentuated the word ''friend'', most likely alluding to a fuck buddy.

    Guan Xi scanned him up and down, letting on a smile weirder than that of his,"Then I still have to find that person attractive first, who the hell do you think you are!"

    The man was stupefied, his expression suddenly turned bad,"What are you saying, you!" As he said that, he tried to pull her wrist, but before he could even touch it, his hand was slapped away by someone.

    The man froze and turned to look at the person who had somehow appeared next to them. That person had a cold expression, staring at him blankly.

    The man wrinkled his eyebrows and was about to tell that person to get lost when he heard Guan Xi shout, "Erguo! Erguo, you came just right in time! Quick! Bite him!"

    "¡­."

    The light on the bar was dim, Guan Xi tugged on Jiang Suizhou''s sleeve and pointed her hand toward the man that tried to hit on her.

    The bartender let out a light cough, saying politely,"Are you Ergu¡­..I mean, Mr. Jiang? That, I was the one who called you just now."

    Jiang Suizhou held Guan Xi up from her seat and nodded at the bartender, "Thanks."

    "Don''t mention it."

    Jiang Suizhou then pulled Guan Xi to leave.

    The man who tried to hit on her was dumbfounded to see that she was going to be taken away,"Hey, you¡ª¡ª"

    "Fuck off."

    "......"

    The man was bursting in anger, but the other person didn''t even bat another eye at him and seemed to be certain that he wouldn''t dare to confront himself! Thus, under the influence of alcohol, the man instantly rushed forward.

    "Eh, eh, Sir!" The bartender launched over to grasp and pull his sleeve.

    The man turned around, casting him a furious look, "What are you doing!"

    "Calm down, don''t do anything rash. That''s Guan Xi, don''t be impulsive." Suggest the bartender.

    The man: "What Xi?"

    The bartender: "Consider this as friendly advice, you should never provoke that young lady just now, the same also applies to her friends, all of them are no ordinary people. Uh, if you still insist on stirring up problems, our bar shall not be responsible for the consequences."

    ____

    Guan Xi was still able to steady herself to some extent, she was half-dragged by Jiang Suizhou to get out of the bar.

    However, just right before they reached his car, she suddenly felt queasy and crouched down next to a flower garden, "I didn''t say I want to go home, where are you taking me?"

    Jiang Suizhou happened to be nearby with a few clients tonight, he was slightly surprised when he got a call from the bar. It''s nothing new for Guan Xi to indulge herself in all sorts of pleasure-seeking activities or going to the bar, he was simply surprised at the fact that she was all alone today.

    "You''re alone?" Asked Jiang Suizhou while standing in front of her.

    Guan Xi propped her head,"Yeah, I''m by myself¡­..why, can''t I drink alone? I can''t go to the bar alone? I still want to drink more, I want to go back¡­.."

    "You''re drunk, it''s not safe to be there by yourself."

    "Oh, then you accompany me to drink?"

    Jiang Suizhou: "No, I still have work to do."

    "You can just leave then."Guan Xi lowered her head, she was dizzy from the effects of alcohol, mumbled,"I don''t need anyone to take care of me¡­."

    Jiang Suizhou didn''t budge, only saying,"I''ll have someone to come pick you up, should I call Lang Ningyi? Or should I just call your Dad?"

    "No!" Guan Xi at once lifted her head and tugged at the hem of his shirt, "Don''t call them!"

    Jiang Suizhou has no patience to talk to a drunkard, so to ensure her safety he simply planned to let Guan Xinghao take care of her, while he proceeded with his own business. But the moment he looked down, he saw tears building up in the corner of Guan Xi''s eyes, on the verge of dropping.

    Jiang Suizhou froze, his finger that was pressing a number stopped.

    "Why are you crying? Not feeling well?" Jiang Suizhou squatted down in front of her, frowning.

    Guan Xi shook her head, "No."

    "Don''t want to go home?"

    "......em."

    "Then what do you want?"

    "I want to go back and drink."

    Jiang Suizhou coldly said no,"Not a chance."

    Still not letting go of his clothes in her grasp, Guan Xi said furiously,"Fine, if I can''t do that, then take me to your house or go to your office."

    Looking at her eyes that were brimming with tears, Jiang Suizhou unexpectedly became a little softhearted. He had never seen this side of her and found it hard to get used to it.

    "I have several clients waiting for me." He said.

    "Is your client more important or your girlfriend more important!" Guan Xi sniffled, glaring at him fiercely,"If worse comes to worst, I won''t ask you to buy me things and help you save money, will that do? It''s late at night, stop thinking about work."

    Take that back, sure enough, Guan Xi is Guan Xi, she has waltzed along the path of capriciousness and has sealed off the road tightly.

    Jiang Suizhou laughed, feeling helpless, "I got it, stop yelling."

    He turned around,"Hop on."

    Guan Xi looked at his back, and without the slightest hesitation, plopped right down on it.

    With her on his back, Jiang Suizhou got up and walked towards the direction of where his car was parked.

    "Had a quarrel with your dad?" He asked as he walked.

    "No."

    "With a friend?"

    "No."

    "Then who are you quarrelling with?"

    Anger flashed inside Guan Xi''s eyes,"Must I quarrel with someone?!"

    Jiang Suizhou went silent for a moment,"Otherwise?"

    Guan Xi leaned on his shoulder, counting on the fact that he couldn''t see her, tears flowing out uncontrollably.

    "I have nothing left to say to you." The drunkard sounds choked up in sobs.

    Jiang Suizhou paused in his tracks and glanced sideways. The person in his back had actually cried a whole lot of snot and tears, his shoulders were wet from tears, "Guan Xi, calm down."

    "Huhuu......huaaaaa¡ª¡ª" The small sobs out of a sudden turned into loud howls.

    Jiang Suizhou took a deep breath and hurriedly quickened his pace towards the car.

    "Why aren''t you asking me why I''m crying, huhuhu¡ª¡ª"

    "You can tell me if you want to."

    Guan Xi slapped his arm fiercely, "Then can''t you ask!"

    Jiang Suizhou: "...... well, why are you crying?"

    The person behind him did not utter a word.

    When he arrived at the car door, Jiang Suizhou thought that she was probably just being unreasonable because she was too drunk and would not say anything more. But the moment he reached his hand to pull the car door, her low, aggravated voice came to his ears,"Jiang Suizhou, I''m scared......"

    _____

    Guan Xi was terrified out of her wits at her own self as soon as she woke up the next morning.

    She looked at herself in the mirror, smudged eye makeup, messy hair, the smell of alcohol all over her body, she tried so hard to hold back her screams.

    So this ghost is what she looked like when Jiang Suizhou brought her back yesterday?

    Oh, and on top of that, she even cried and made a fuss like a moron.

    Her expression increasingly became rigid, she felt that her gorgeous enchanting beauty image had significantly crumbled down.

    She wonders if Jiang Suizhou is flipping through the lunar calendar in search of a good day for their break up last night?!

    No no no, she gave him twenty-eight gifts the other day. He wouldn''t be so ungrateful.

    Guan Xi rushed to take a shower and came out of the room with an exquisite no-makeup look.

    Jiang Suizhou is currently eating his breakfast.

    "Good morning." Guan Xi sat down in the seat across from him, forcing herself to pretend like nothing had happened, and picked up her fork to eat her breakfast.

    Jiang Suizhou: "You''ve sobered up."

    Guan Xi paused slightly, "Sure I am."

    "Yesterday, you¡ª¡ª"

    "Nothing happened yesterday, I just drank too much, you also know how alcohol is something that messes with people''s minds, I usually didn''t behave that way!"

    The corner of Jiang Suizhou''s mouth twitched a little, "Um, that was the first time I ever heard you cry so loudly."

    "......"

    "So what was the last thing you wanted to say yesterday?"

    Guan Xi looked at him, "Did I say something?"

    Jiang Suizhou took a quick glance at her, she said she was scared yesterday but she stopped without explaining what she''s scared of.

    Jiang Suizhou remembered her expression at that time, in his opinion, that wasn''t the kind of expression Guan Xi should have.

    "Drunken nonsense, just forget about it." Guan Xi herself didn''t remember it, but she seemed to have a guilty conscience and felt that if she indeed did say anything, it must be something embarrassing.

    Jiang Suizhou said ''Oh'' then added, " I answered a call from your Dad yesterday."

    Guan Xi: "What did he say¡­"

    "Nothing much, just asking where you are. I told him you were with me and he was already reassured."

    "I see."

    The two began to resume eating their breakfast.

    Guan Xi still can''t take her mind from yesterday''s outburst, her eyes were glued to Jiang Suizhou during the whole meal, thinking about whether he was ridiculing herself like crazy last night.

    Her pair of eyes resemble that of a fox, each glance and stare naturally oozed with an amorous feeling, calmly seductive.

    Jiang Suizhou who was being stared at by her eventually couldn''t take it anymore and put down the knife and fork in his hand, said,"Something came up in the company this morning, I didn''t have the time to stay, so take your eyes off me."

    Guan Xi said ''Huh?'' not understanding what he meant. After a few seconds, a realisation hit her, the person right before her eyes was now talking about something indecent.

    She let out a laugh and might as well start acting according to the script in his head, "Is that so~ not even ten minutes, Mr. Jiang?"

    Jiang Suizhou grabbed a napkin and wiped his hands, "Will ten minutes be enough?

    Guan Xi thought that he had a point,"That''s right, how could Mr.Jiang possibly be limited to only ten minutes. Mr. Jiang is so imposing that he can conquer all directions of threat and firing eight canon at night¡ª¡ª"

    "Take your meds if you''re sick."Jiang Suizhou cut her off, gave her a glance then got up to leave the table.

    "Hahahahah¡ª¡ª"

    Guan Xi gazed at his back and laughed to her heart content.

    Jiang Suizhou couldn''t even bother to respond to all that fancy crap and began getting his things ready to go out.

    Guan Xi laughed for another while, and only after she slowly calmed down did she take a glimpse towards the living room.

    Jiang Suizhou has already left.

    She scoop up the toast on her plate, feeling sad but also somewhat grateful;

    Sad because she got drunk last night while trying to run away.

    Grateful because she still has Jiang Suizhou house to run to.

 CH 7

    7

    Guan Xi didn''t go to the office today, nor did she return back to her home.

    Having nowhere else to go, she later had her assistant, Yang Qing, bring her notebook over to Jiang Suizhou''s house and resumed writing the France travelogue that had been left unfinished previously. The travelogue she wrote is similar to a travel guide, but with far more practical details and cultural description.

    Guan Family is leading in many industries, as well as owning numerous business branches.

    Following grandfather, Guan Hong, retirement, the Guan is now being managed by his children and grandchildren.

    Guan Hong has three sons, the eldest has two sons, the youngest has a son and a daughter. While the middle child, Guan Xinghao, has one daughter, Guan Xi¡­..wait, it should be two now.

    Guan Xinghao expertise in the tourism industry and has taught Guan Xi plenty of stuff about it. Of course, though Guan Xi did learn it, she hardly ever took this work seriously, she was accustomed to getting pampered by her father and tend to become lazy on things she didn''t have interest in.

    However, despite her laziness, she''s actually pretty smart.

    For instance, previously when she was interested in travelling and liked to fly around the world, she easily turned herself into a well-known travel blogger just by playing around.

    When Jiang Suizhou''s company launched ''U-Road Travel'' a few years back, she was bored with nothing to do and registered an ''U-Road Travel'' guide account.

    The first post she issued was a travelogue about her trip to Turkey, there she gave details of her experience, made a complaints about hotels that are actively promoted by influencers, checked out the less-popular places, and recommended various ways that she found practical to enjoy their stay.

    At first, eldest lady Guan might appear to be too demanding and criticised everything.  But contrary to popular belief, her pointers are sharp, accurate, hard to refute and even made people relate to her. Thanks to that, her ID stands out in the sea of peaceful and calm bloggers.

    After doing it for some time, Guan Xi found it fun. She visited a few more countries one after another and passionately wrote a travelogue when she returned. At that time, she turned herself into the most popular blogger at ''U-Road'' trending section.

    But Guan Xi''s laziness got the best of her, once the novelty of writing a travelogue wore off, she lost interest and stopped posting as regularly anymore.

    This travelogue post she wrote today is for last month''s trip.

    In the middle of writing the travelogue, Auntie Zhen gave her a call.

    Auntie Zhen asked when will she return home while secretly informing her that Guan Ying personally cooked at home tonight, and among it was her mom''s favorite dish, potato beef brisket.

    There''s no way Guan Xi wouldn''t know that potato beef brisket is Wei Shaomin''s favorite homemade dish. In the past, she once specially took a two hours trip and waited at a private restaurant whose chef is known to make the best potato beef brisket.

    For Wei Shaomin, she carefully made sure the food stayed warm and drove another two hours trip back.

    Wei Shaomin was very happy back then, telling her it must''ve been quite a trouble and she has worked hard.

    She didn''t want to bother her, there''s no need for her to trouble herself, that her wishing for Mom''s happiness is already enough.

    But this time¡­.. Mom must be much happier, right?

    After all, it was personally cooked by that girl.

    Guan Xi hung up the call and thought she should probably go home to at least show her face, but her mind was suddenly filled with the image of them making dumplings together last night.

    Never mind, she won''t be coming home today.

    She can go home and strengthen her position next time, she can compete for their favor another time¡­¡­.Guan Ying just returned, letting her have a few days won''t mean much.

    Guan Xi tried to numb herself, once she managed to force herself to calm down, her face gradually drooped down again.

    "Potato beef brisket¡­..isn''t it just potato with beef, anyone can make such a simple thing."

    ****

    Jiang Suizhou was on his way to his subsidiary company, sitting in the car''s backseat while looking at the phone in his hand when he received a message from Guan Xi.

    [Baby, when are you coming back?]

    He stared at that eye-catching ''baby'' and called out his assistant''s name.

    The assistant on the passenger side, Zhou Hao, turned around, "Mr. Jiang, is something the matter?"

    Jiang Suizhou asked, "Has Guan Xi called you recently? Is there anything she wants to buy?"

    Zhou Hao thought about it and shook his head,"Miss Guan has not asked me to contact any brand or want to buy any special edition item for some time now."

    "Nothing of recents?"

    Zhou Hao nodded his head affirmatively.

    Jiang Suizhou stopped talking, bowing his head to send Guan Xi a reply.

    Acting clingy but didn''t buy anything, it''s definitely a build up for something big.

    Jiang Suizhou: [You''re still at home?]

    Guan Xi: [Yeah, I''m waiting for you, what time will you be back? ]

    Jiang Suizhou: [Around six o''clock.]

    Guan Xi : [Alright then~ I''ll wait for you to come home for dinner~]

    Jiang Suizhou: "......"

    Looks like it will be something really big.

    Jiang Suizhou has a good sense of time, if he said six o''clock, then it won''t be too far off.

    He arrived home at six past ten. The moment he opened the door, he was welcomed by a surge of burning smell. As he walked in following the smell, his eyes fell on the kitchen that was billowing in smoke. And surrounded within that miasma**, a woman''s back is currently bustling about, making a clattering noise from the pots and pans.

    (**a highly unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapor.)

    Jiang Suizhou was taken aback when recognized it to be Guan Xi''s silhouette, he immediately went in to pull her out, "What the hell are you doing, where''s Auntie?"

    Guan Xi: "I gave her the day off, I''ll cook tonight."

    In a split second, Jiang Suizhou''s expressions went rigid, "You know how to cook? Who are you planning to poison, me?"

    Guan Xi raised her index finger and shook it, "It won''t poison you, the only reason you''ll die is because of how delicious it tastes. Look, it''s done."

    Amidst all the smoke, Jiang Suizhou turned on the range hood. He lowered his eyes to look at the stuff on the plate, could not quite make out what it was,"What is this?"

    "Potato beef brisket." Guan Xi looked back at him and took off the thin silver-rimmed glasses he had on the bridge of his nose,"They''re all fogged up, you can see better this way."

    She sounded very satisfied with herself and seemed to be waiting for his compliments, but Jiang Suizhou obviously has no intention in doing so.

    Seeing that he didn''t say anything, Guan Xi carried the plate to the dining table outside. Then she came back to grab a pair of chopsticks and pulled Jiang Suizhou out.

    "Try it." She passed the chopsticks to Jiang Suizhou''s hand.

    Jiang Suizhou: "....give me a reason to move this chopstick."

    "For the first time in my life," Guan Xi pondered about it and said, "I cooked something by myself, isn''t it so impressive?"

    "I''m not moving my chopstick."

    Guan Xi let out a light sigh and sat down beside him.

    She murmured while fixing her gaze at the dish in front of her,"But I''ve worked really hard for this, if it doesn''t taste good this time, I will make it better next time."

    Jiang Suizhou took a quick look at her. After all the tossing and turning in the kitchen, she had some stains on her face. The Guan Xi in his memories has always had an appallingly elegant face, not once did he ever see her allowing herself to be oily and dirty like this.

    Subconsciously, he stretched out his hand to wipe her cheek.

    Guan Xi, whose mind is still focused on the dish, turned her head in confusion when her face was held. She was met with another hand following suit, Jiang Suizhou used one hand to hold her chin, while the other hand was wiping her face with his fingertip.

    "It''s not something you need to do, why are you trying so hard?" He asked gently.

    Guan Xi froze for a moment, "But everyone else does."

    "Who?"

    "Just¡­.some people."Guan Xi said,"If your dearest person personally cooks for you when you come home, don''t you think you will love her more?"

    Jiang Suizhou: "No, I''ll just think she has nothing better to do and is looking for trouble."

    "....."

    "Now go wash your face. "Said Jiang Suizhou.

    Guan Xi: "Are you sure you don''t want to eat this? I worked hard for the whole afternoon for this."

    "No."

    Guan Xi glared at him, "You have no idea what you''re missing out on."

    She turned around and walked out of the dining room to wash her face.

    Jiang Suizhou was left at the table staring at that strange plate of food in front of him, he was silent for a moment before picking up a small piece of meat with a chopstick.

    A whole afternoon worth of hard work¡­.

    And this was it?

    Jiang Suizhou knitted his eyebrows.

    He looked at it for a long time then put it in his mouth, but at the second chew, his face changed and he immediately got up to throw it up.

    She really plan to poison him!

    ****

    Jiang Suizhou ended up having someone deliver food for them, after eating, Guan Xi went to sit on the living room carpet and continued writing her travelogue.

    The sight of her being this focused was quite new for Jiang Suizhou.

    "What are you working on?"

    "A guide, I haven''t posted one in a long time."

    Jiang Suizhou was aware that Guan Xi had an account at ''U-Road Travel'', since her account was pretty well-known, his subordinate had once brought her account as an exemplar during a meeting before.

    However, if his memories serve him right, it''s been quite a while since she last posted.

    "Why the sudden interest in writing this again?"

    Guan Xi: "I suddenly want to work hard."

    Work hard, a word that didn''t suit a Salted Fish like her.

    Jiang Suizhou thought she was probably just doing it on a whim. But he suppose it was a good thing, her guide has attracted a lot of traffic for ''U-Road Travel'' thanks to her distinct style.

    "It''s Song Li''s birthday tomorrow, you''ll come with me, right?"Said Jiang Suizhou.

    Guan Xi: "It''s the thought that counts, help me send a gift for him, I won''t go."

    "Come with me."Jiang Suizhou repeated.

    Guan Xi looked back to glance at him,"Will there be a lot of people coming? Lots of girls?"

    "Probably."

    Guan Xi snorted,"Indeed, it''s Song Li. That guy never lacks beautiful girls around him."

    Jiang Suizhou: "That''s why you should come with me, save me from trouble."

    Guan Xi understood what Jiang Suizhou meant by trouble, those beautiful young lady love flesh of the monk Tang Seng** like him, he''ll have to deal with all of that if she doesn''t come.

    (**something highly attractive that every person wants a share of; something that is much coveted.)

    "What good would that do for me?"Guan Xi asked out of habit.

    Jiang Suizhou pulled her up from the carpet and sat her on his lap, "You''ve been building up for so long, what exactly is that you want?"

    Guan Xi raised her eyebrows slightly and was a bit confused at the moment. But then it quickly dawned on her that she''s been acting unusual lately. President Jiang must feel uneasy all over because he hasn''t been cheated out of money.

    What kind of weird masochism does Erguo have? She really have no intention to spend his money recently.

    "Well.....actually, I''ll still go even if I gain nothing from it. After all, you are my boyfriend."

    Jiang Suizhou cast a look at her,"Guan Xi, please act normal."

    Guan Xi: "¡­"

    "Zhou Hao will deliver the latest model of this year''s fashion show in your size to your place."

    Guan Xi''s eyes brightened up, "Chanel?"

    "Yeah."

    "Awesome!" Guan Xi felt her depressed mood was soothed today, she gave him a solid kiss on the cheek, "Baby you''re so nice, love you love you."

    Jiang Suizhou prefers Guan Xi who''ll dance to the scent of ''luxury goods'', he found the Guan Xi that cooks in the kitchen to be very frightening.

    He cupped Guan Xi''s i''s face and went in to kiss her, "Don''t cook again in the future."

    ".....why."

    "Lives are at stake."

 CH 8

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 CH 9

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 CH 10

    It''s late at night, the neon lights are illusory, and the lights are flashy.

    On the road, a car sped by on its way to its destination.

    Guan Xi didn''t know where she was right now. After staying in the car for a long time, she received a call from Guan Xinghao.

    "Dad."

    "Xixi, where are you right now?" Guan Xinghao''s voice was gentle, which she was very familiar with.

    Guan Xi''s nose got a little bit sore.

    Thinking about it, she is actually not unlucky. Even though the father she meets is not her own, he is very nice to her.

    "Today is Song Li''s birthday, and I went to celebrate it with him."

    "Well, then, you will come back tonight? If you will go home tonight, Dad will send someone to pick you up."

    Guan Xi lay on the steering wheel and lowered her voice: "No need , I''ll be staying outside today."

    Subconsciously, she didn''t want to go home.

    Guan Xinghao hummed: "Okay, then you have fun; let Suizhou take better care of you."

    "... Alright."

    After a while, Guan Xi knew that he had something to say, so she waited quietly.

    Guan Xinghao hesitated for a moment and said, "It''s been a long time since Yingying came home. Your mother and I haven''t told your grandparents that Yingying is still alive. Now we plan to tell everyone." Probably because the foreshadowing was long enough, Guan Xi felt very calm when she heard this.

    "I know, then when do you plan to announce it."

    "Tomorrow, go home and let''s have dinner together."

    "Okay," Guan Xi said.

    Guan Xinghao felt a little awkward after hearing her answer.

    He adores Guan Xi, but he recognizes that his daughter is spoiled and has a bad temper. Earlier, he was actually prepared for Guan Ying''s appearance to cause Guan Xi to make a fuss against him, and he thought that was normal.

    But to his surprise, she didn''t make a fuss.

    Guan Xinghao: "Xixi..."

    Guan Xi: "Where is the location?"

    The two spoke at the same time.

    Guan Xi was stunned for a moment. "What are you going to say?"

    Guan Xinghao calmed down and said, "It''s nothing... The location is at Grandpa''s house; it will be around lunch time."

    Guan Xi: "Got it."

    "Okay, then Dad won''t bother you, I''ll be hanging up."

    "Okay."

    After hanging up the phone, Guan Xi stared at the phone for a long time. It seems that during this time, it seems that it was her father who would constantly call her. For so long, her mother has never called her, not one.

    Guan Xi shook her head, shaking off the feeling of loss.

    Forget it... She just met her own daughter recently, so it''s not surprising that she is so focused on her.

    She must have just forgotten about her for a while.

    ** ** **

    Guan Xi also has properties under her name, but she has never lived in those houses, and she doesn''t know how much dust has already accumulated on them. So that night, she went directly to the Nanjue Hotel.

    Nanjue Hotel is owned by Guan''s family, her cousin Guan Yuanbai is handling everything about the hotel, so she feels more secure here.

    After opening the room, she took a shower, turned off her mobile phone, and fell asleep.

    It was already noon when she woke up the next day, and the phone was full of messages, including Jiang Suizhou''s.

    ¡¾Are you going to sleep in a hotel?¡¿

    ¡¾Let''s talk.¡¿

    What is there to talk about!

    Guan Xi was annoyed again when she remembered the conversation between the two of them yesterday.

    Wait...how did he know that she slept in the hotel?

    Did he place a chip to monitor her, or was she seen when she checked in last night.

    Guan Xi was puzzled for a while, and when she turned her head, she happened to see the car keys, bank cards, and other trivial things that she had left on the bedside table last night.

    She froze for a moment, then picked up the card that was used to pay for the room yesterday.

    Oh, this one seems to be a secondary card for Jiang Suizhou.

    "..."

    Guan Xi rolled her eyes and fell into her pillow.

    But talking about Jiang Suizhou, he never had a concept of money, so she doesn''t expect him to feel weaker when she uses his money, and that thought made her anger dissipate.

    Guan Xi picked up the phone, and was about to reply with a few sharp words to wake him up, but before she could send it, the doorbell rang.

    She put down her phone, got up and walked to the door, then glanced out through the peephole.

    Jiang Suizhou?

    This person came too fast.

    Guan Xi immediately took a step back, glanced at the full-length mirror by the door, and quickly straightened her messy hair.

    The doorbell rang again.

    Guan Xi knew that if she wouldn''t open the door, he had a hundred ways to open the door, so she didn''t bother and opened the door directly, standing behind the gap and looking at him.

    "What are you doing?" She spoke in a sharp tone.

    Jiang Suizhou is very used to her appearance. She used to be like this every time she got angry. She was arrogant, as if she wanted to tear people apart with her eyes.

    But she probably didn''t realize today that she wasn''t in top shape.

    a nightgown, slightly tousled hair, a makeup-free face, and not wearing any high heels.

    Jiang Suizhou looked at her with low eyes and said lightly, "Let me in first."

    Guan Xi didn''t move: "Just say what you have to say, why do you have to come in."

    Jiang Suizhou reached out and pressed on the door: "Do you want me to force myself in? "

    Guan Xi glared at him.

    Jiang Suizhou frowned: "Why were you so angry yesterday? You were so angry that you came directly to the hotel."

    Guan Xi felt that he was exerting force, and she could hardly hold the door.

    In order to avoid being pushed down by the embarrassment, she finally let go, turned around, and walked back: "I just want to come to the hotel suddenly; why would I be angry!"

    Jiang Suizhou walked in and closed the door behind him.

    Guan Xi sat by the bed and looked at him coldly: "Besides, you didn''t care about where I stayed before, why would you have any objections?"

    "It''s not that you have any objections to staying in a hotel," Jiang Suizhou said, "but I think you are angry with me about Xie Yan."

    "Why would I be angry because of Xie Yan¡ª"

    "You thought I was flirting with him yesterday?"

    Guan Xi choked; she was not angry about Xie Yan, but because of what he said about children who were adopted. However, she couldn''t say anything to him, or else he would wonder what she was angry about.

    Guan Xi was speechless for a moment.

    "Since you''re my fiancee, it wouldn''t be right for you to fight with me over another man."

    Guan Xi glanced over her head, ignoring him.

    Jiang Suizhou reached out to her face, forcing her to look at him: "Speak."

    Guan Xi turned her head again, intending to deny it: "I didn''t quarrel with you yesterday, I just have an opinion on what you said, and can''t express my opinion. You have something to say about the matter, and so do I. My emotion just got the better of me."

    Jiang Suizhou frowned.

    Guan Xi took her hand away and got up: "Jiang Suizhou, the status of an adopted son is indeed inferior to that of a biological one. You are right about that. However, being in that situation isn''t all that embarrassing!"

    Jiang Suizhou: "I... I didn''t say it was embarrassing."

    Guan Xi was stunned for a while, oh, it seems that he didn''t say anything?

    "Then don''t talk about it as if you know what really is going on!"

    Jiang Suizhou thought for a while, and he seemed to have said so at the time. But in fact, he had no objections to Xie Yan, and even admired his ability. He would say that at the time... It seemed that he was a little upset by the scene of Guan Xi accosting someone, and he didn''t mean to say it that way.

    Jiang Suizhou said: "Just say it casually."

    Guan Xi: "..."

    Just say it casually, It''s not what you think in your heart!

    "So you were just arguing with me last night?"

    Guan Xi: "Can''t I?"

    "Okay, since you''re just a little bad at agruing because you''re in a bad mood, then forget it." Jiang Suizhou said, "Since it''s not because of Xie Yan, that''s fine."

    "..."

    Jiang Suizhou seemed to have gotten a satisfactory answer, so his attitude changed quickly. He reached out his hand around her waist and gave her a slight push, saying, "Go wash up, lets go out to eat."

    Dog!

    Who wants to eat with you!!

    Wait...for lunch?

    Guan Xi was taken aback for a moment, and suddenly remembered an important thing: "I''m going to grandpa''s house today..."

    She quickly checked the time. It was eleven o''clock. It was already lunchtime at noon, so everyone should have arrived at Grandpa''s house by now.

    Guan Xi''s thoughts were occupied by the image of her relatives gossping about her since she is missing, and her scalp felt numb.

    Forget it, let''s go later.

    Guan Xi took his hand away: "I don''t want to go out to eat, I''ll just eat at the hotel."

    Jiang Suizhou had a meeting all morning today, and he still took a little time at noon to deal with Guan Xi.

    Waking up early, he was actually a little sleepy. Seeing that Guan Xi wanted to eat at the hotel, he also thought it was feasible, so he directly pulled her to lie down on the bed: "Okay, order one for me too."

    Guan Xi was suddenly hugged by the waist and laid down, caught off guard, her face dark. "Hello? If I don''t go out to eat, you can just go by yourself. What are you doing? Mr. Jiang, please let go first."

    Jiang Suizhou didn''t move, his hands were like iron walls.

    Guan Xi struggled for a while and had no choice but to give up.

    Jiang Suizhou then said quietly: "Call for Chinese food, I don''t want to eat Western food."

    "Call them yourself."

    Jiang Suizhou hummed: "Call them for me."

    She brought over his phone and pressed the button to order food. Jiang Suizhou took it and proficiently named several dishes.

    Listening to the voice behind her, Guan Xi remembered a time before.

    At that time, the two of them checked in here, and they ordered food at that time. After the meal came, Jiang Suizhou thought it was unpalatable, so he immediately called the general manager of the hotel, her cousin Guan Yuanbai.

    Nanjue''s food has always been touted in the industry, but Jiang Suizhou is picky, and his skill in picking bones is unmatched. His calm dislike made Guan Yuanbai so angry that he was half dead. Guan Yuanbai scolded him later, telling him to just eat it or not care, and warned him not to take his cousin to his hotel.

    He raised his voice during the call. Guan Xi burst out laughing when he saw him being speechless at the time.

    "What are you happy about?" Jiang Suizhou hung up the phone.

    Only then did Guan Xi realize that she was laughing out loud after thinking about it, and she immediately became serious: "No, but didn''t you say that the food here is unpalatable before, Why would you still want to eat here?"

    Jiang Suizhou: " Haven''t you heard that they have improved their menu?"

    "...What?"

    Jiang Suizhou: "Guan Yuanbai was furious at the time, but later he secretly made sure to  improve the dishes."

    "..."

    It was also like her cousin''s style.

    Jiang Suizhou adjusted his posture, closed his eyes, and asked again: "So why were you in a bad mood yesterday."

    She already anticipated that she had to tell him about it one way or another, so she turned around.

    He was hugging her from behind, they were very close, and when she turned around, her forehead almost touched his.

    Jiang Suizhou didn''t wear glasses today. In fact, he doesn''t wear glasses often. He has over 100 degrees of myopia, so he can wear them or not.

    When he is not wearing his glasses, she can clearly see his eyelashes, which are long and dense. She knew that if the eyelids were opened, she would be able to see a pair of beautiful eyes, clear and cold, deep and clear.

    She said a lot of bad things about him behind his back, but she never attacked him about his appearance.

    Otherwise, it will appear that she is blind.

    "You might have heard of it. Our family had a child who passed away a long time ago." Guan Xi said directly, she thought, anyway, he would know in a few days.

    What does he think about her adoption? Why would she be so concerned about something she will never know about?

    Now, thinking about her anger, it doesn''t make any sense. The two of them have always been honest and direct about what they need from each other, interests, desires, that''s all.

    They used to need each other, use each other. That is still the case now, she needs him more than anything, and it is really irrational to be so emotional towards him.

    "I have." Jiang Suizhou said.

    Guan Xi: "She''s back."

    Jiang Suizhou opened his eyes: "What?"

    Guan Xi said: "Actually, she didn''t die. That nanny threw her to someone else and then secretly sold her. Now, she has found her biological parents."

    Jiang Suizhou was always calm, and he was not surprised when he heard this, he just asked, "How did they find out?"

    "Guan Ying looks very similar to her mother, oh, Guan Ying is that girl''s name. To some extent, she stood next to my mother, and she could tell at a glance that it was my mother. Not long ago, Guan Ying accidentally saw Mother on the news. It was the shopping mall opening, and her parents went to cut the ribbon."

    "Just because you think you look like someone in the news?"

    "Not exactly, she already knew since she was a child that she was not her mother''s biological daughter. So in this case, she has checked on the news of my family losing a child. Anyway, they got in touch later, tested the DNA, and confirmed it." Guan Xi laughed, "Is it amazing, Maybe this is fate."

    Jiang Suizhou was silent for a while, and said: "You''re not happy."

    not a question, but a statement.

    Guan Xi''s smile froze, and she said slowly: "My sister is alive, what''s there to be unhappy about, I''m very happy."

    Jiang Suizhou: "Aren''t you afraid that she will share favor with you? Divide property?"

    It was, indeed, Jiang Suizhou, with words that pierced her wounds...

    Guan Xi rolled her eyes at him, stretched out her hand to pinch him, and said, "I am not, shut up."

    Jiang Suizhou easily restrained her wrist: "Really, that''s not the Guan Xi I know. "

    "Jiang Suizhou, if you stop speaking, I won''t treat you as dumb¡ª"

    She was wearing a nightgown, and the skirt was messy after struggling twice, and her beautiful neckline was showing.

    Jiang Suizhou glanced at it, but he thought that this meeting would be short and not suitable for an intimate moment in the daytime. He had no choice but to press down on the thoughts that were easily hooked, stretch out his hand, and pull, covering up her plump curves.

    "Finally, I know what you mean by giving me twenty-eight gifts." After the action, he spoke suddenly.

    Guan Xi: "...?"

    "It turned out to be a way to strengthen our relationship so that we could establish a strong foundation."

    Guan Xi looked at him without blushing: "Why, no, we already had a relationship the day that you brought me home after dinner that day."

    "I didn''t say no to settling any old accounts." Jiang Suizhou continued to close his eyes and rest, and he said softly, "This is very good, it can be regarded as solving the case."

    "What is settling old accounts?"

    "At first, I thought that you had done something, and wanted something big. Now that I know the truth, you can rest assured."

    ------

    Yiyi has something to say: I intended to just read it privately but the story was really good so I''d like to share it with you all.

 CH 11

    Soon after, the hotel''s lunch was delivered, and Guan Xi was finally able to escape Jiang Suizhou''s unreasonable entanglement and get out of bed.

    Jiang Suizhou also sat down at the table slowly and picked up chopsticks to eat.

    Guan Xi ate a mouthful of food, and looked up at him. Just now, he said that he was sleepy, so he just hugged her and closed his eyes to rest for ten minutes. Probably because he had enough rest, he seems to be in a good mood now.

    Buzzing¡ª

    the phone vibrates.

    Guan Xi took a look and found that it was her dad''s WeChat message, and he asked her why she hadn''t arrived yet.

    Guan Xi picked up her mobile phone and sent a voice message: "I''m stuck on something, I''ll be late, you don''t have to wait for me."

    She didn''t want to face the tearful scene of a family reunion.

    After putting down the phone, Guan Xi continued to eat.

    Jiang Suizhou: "Let''s go to your grandpa''s house today for the announcement..."

    "Guan Ying."

    "Oh."

    Guan Xi said, "After the announcement, people outside will know about it one after another."

    "You want to go?"

    "Wouldn''t it be strange not to go at this time."

    Jiang Suizhou: "I''ll see you off, on the way."

    Guan Xi wanted to say that she drove the car going to the hotel and didn''t need him to take her off, but then thought that they hadn''t seen Jiang Suizhou for a long time. He could follow her to the house and shake out in front of the elders. And she seems to need him to make a face.

    But... he never really liked going to her house, so he took the initiative today?

    Jiang Suizhou seemed to see what she was thinking, and said, "I don''t need it, I thought you needed it."

    "I need it? Who said I needed it?"

    Jiang Suizhou lightly hooked his lips.

    Guan Xi pretended to be dizzy and slowly said: "I just have a headache and don''t want to drive. Since you insist on sending me off, then I will let you be a free driver."

    Jiang Suizhou ignored her pretentiousness and put down his chopsticks : "Then eat quickly and leave early, I have something to do in the afternoon."

    "Oh."

    On the way to Guan''s old house while driving, Guan Xi kept receiving WeChat messages on her mobile phone.

    A group of brothers and sisters of the same generation bombarded her with news, and it seemed that everyone was shocked by Guan Ying''s sudden appearance. Her youngest sister, Guan Zhiyi, even came to a set of voice arrays, 60 seconds long, which gave her a headache.

    Randomly click on a few.

    "...Why is there another sister? I haven''t heard of this... Sister, what is going on? Why didn''t you inform me... Why didn''t you come? I sent it to you secretly in the bathroom. You and her... look so much alike."

    Guan Xi replied to her: [It''s a long story]

    Guan Zhiyi sent her an embarrassing emoji.

    Guan Xi smiled, and sent a soft message: [Good boy, I''ll be right there]

    ** **

    Half an hour later, the car drove into the Guan family''s old house.

    Jiang Suizhou''s car stopped in the parking space, and he walked into the house with Guan Xi. There was a housemaid waiting at the door, and when they saw two people coming, they hurried in to inform the people inside.

    At this point in time, everyone had finished their meal, the highlight of the family reunion had just finished, and Guan Xi came at just the right time.

    Today, the Li, Guan, and Wei families got along very well in this house. Everyone is now sitting in the living room.

    "Sister, you''re here!" Guan Zhiyi ran over first when he saw the person coming, and when he got to Guan Xi''s side, he obediently said hello to Jiang Suizhou.

    With Guan Zhiyi coming over and the eyes of everyone in the room on him, Guan Xi greeted everyone as calmly as possible, and then said to Guan Zhiyi: "Zhiyi, you aren''t home; I thought you were here outside filming."

    Guan Zhiyi took her hand: "It''s filming, and it happened to be a two-day holiday."

    "That''s it."

    "Suizhou is here too." Grandpa Guan Hong looked at Guan Xi as if his eyes were full of thoughts. a lot. But he restrained himself quickly, and beckoned, "Come here and sit down. It''s been a long time."

    Jiang Suizhou nodded to everyone, and walked to Guan Hong''s side: "Grandpa."

    "How are you doing, The company is very busy. "

    "It''s fine; how have you been lately?"

    Guan Hong: "I''m fine."

    Jiang Suizhou was courteous to everyone, and Guan Xi was also pulled aside by Guan Zhiyi. At this time, besides Guan Ying, he was sitting beside the elders The other young people were seated on the opposite side.

    "Guan Xi, why haven''t you said anything about such a big event?" Guan Yuanbai spoke immediately when he saw Guan Xi approaching.

    Guan Zhiyi: "That is to say, why didn''t you tell us."

    Guan Xi spread her hands: "You already know now."

    Wei Xiuyang looked strange: "Other people would know about this as well."

    " What are you afraid of?" Guan Xi said with a relaxed expression, "Xiuyang, you have another sister."

    "You think I''ll be happy if you have one more?" Wei Xiuyang glanced at her and said, "With you, it''s troubling enough."

    "Tsk, can you talk?"

    ............

    It''s rare for the juniors to gather together, and it''s such a big event, so they quickly started discussing in low voices. Guan Xi was too lazy to listen and went to the kitchen to get some drinks.

    "You''re in a bad mood." While pouring juice, a familiar voice came from behind.

    Guan Xi knew without turning her head that it was Wei Xiuyang''s sister, that is, her cousin Wei Zihan, who was coming and talking to her. She''s used to it too, anyway, every time she meets her cousin, it''s either quarrelsome or tiresome, and she''s done such things as tearing her face since she was a child.

    Guan Xi turned to look at her: "Huh? How should I say it?"

    Wei Zihan chuckled lightly, "Just say that it''s strange that you can get along with people who threaten you."

    Guan Xi frowned slightly. : "You are worrying too much, my sister is not like you. She is not mean at all, she is easy to get along with."

    Wei Zihan snorted coldly, "It''s easy to get along with? You can''t even get along with me, someone you know everything about."

    Guan Xi would not let Wei Zihan gain the upper hand, so she took a sip of the juice, deliberately annoyed her: "Don''t be afraid, I can live easily with the things my family gave me, Well, after all, I still have Jiang Suizhou, it doesn¡¯t matter."

    Wei Zihan¡¯s face changed slightly, she had been compared to Guan Xi by her family since she was a child, so much so that she herself began to overtly and secretly compare herself with her.

    She refused to admit that she had lost, but when it came to her boyfriend, she never had the confidence to say that she had won.

    And about Jiang Suizhou... In high school, she was in his class and chased him, but was rejected.

    It was a thorn in her heart.

    "Why are you so blind? Do you really think Jiang Suizhou loves you so much. If you had nothing, would he be with you? It''s ridiculous."

    "Please don''t worry about it, we are doing well now, and happiness is better than anything else." Guan Xi was so happy that she showed a shy expression, "Oh, by the way, I heard that your boyfriend dumped you again? And seamlessly connected with an 18th-tier star? Hey, sister, look at you now. You have everything, but no one wants to be with you."

    "You!"

    "You''re worrying about me, take care of yourself first. After all, you''re my older sister, so I feel very distressed." After finishing speaking, Guan Xi put down the juice, and went straight out, regardless of Wei Zihan''s stinky face.

    But the smiling and arrogant face suddenly changed when it turned its back to Wei Zihan, as if it had been taken off suddenly.

    Guan Xi looked back with a cold face.

    really bad luck.

    On the other side, several elders were still sitting and chatting.

    The arrival of Jiang Suizhou broke the previous sticky meeting scene.The emotions of the two elderly members of the Wei family stabilized a lot, and they also chatted with Jiang Suizhou, asking him to greet the elders in the family.

    Guan Ying obediently sat next to the old man, her eyes fell on the young man in front of her.

    Compared with the restraint she unconsciously showed in this environment, the man in front of him still looked calm among so many elders.

    Polite but not eager, there is a sense of calmness and dignity in every gesture.

    After she came here, the brothers and sisters she met were all good, but Jiang Suizhou still easily attracted her attention.

    Not only because of his handsome and calm appearance and temperament, but also because the person who walked in with him was Guan Xi.

    This person turned out to be Jiang Suizhou, whom her parents had frequently mentioned these two days.

    "Suizhou, this is Guan Ying, Xixi has told you about our family affairs." Guan Hong introduced.

    Guan Xi saw that he was looking at her after hearing this, her eyes were indifferent.

    He nodded to her as a greeting.

    Guan Ying was taken aback for a moment, then nodded quickly.

    "I''ve said it, congratulations, grandpa." Jiang Suizhou was indifferent.

    Guan Hong smiled: "Yes, everyone is very happy."

    ******

    After chatting briefly, most of the elders got up and left. A group of juniors were not in a hurry to leave, chatting outside the garden in twos and threes.

    Guan Xinghao and Wei Shaomin hoped that Guan Ying could get acquainted with the brothers and sisters more, so they were not in a hurry to take her away.

    At this time, Guan Ying was being dragged by Wei Zihan to speak. She has just come here, and others are not familiar with her politeness, but Wei Zihan is very familiar and enthusiastic.

    "Suizhou, are you going back to your company?" Guan Yuanbai''s voice came from not far away.

    Jiang Suizhou: "Yeah."

    "Where is Guan Xi."

    Guan Xi: "I won''t be going out with him, oh, my car is parked in Nanjue, you can ask someone to move it for me later."

    .........

    Wei Zihan is right, and she suddenly found that Guan Ying''s gaze wandered to another place, she followed and looked over, and when she saw it was Guan Xi, she snorted softly: "It''s hard to get along with her, isn''t it?"

    Guan Ying turned to look at her: "What?"

    Wei Zihan: "Guan Xi, it''s hard to get along with her while you''re at home, right?"

    Guan Ying was silent for a while: "She''s not at home often during this time, and she hasn''t gotten along much..."

    Wei Zihan laughed strangely: "Then you are really lucky. Let me tell you, Guan Xi has been pampered by everyone since she was a child. She has a bad temper and never goes west. No one dares to stop her. Are you... really coming back like this all of a sudden? She must be unhappy, oh, don''t think that she will is happy because of another sister; she is very selfish, so she doesn''t want others to share favor with her."

    Guan Ying didn''t speak.

    Wei Zihan said: "I didn''t mean to slander her. It''s the same if you just ask anyone. Heh, it''s even worse because of being with Jiang Suizhou for the past two years. No one dares provoke her anyway."

    "Jiang Suizhou?"

    "That''s right, it''s just the guy next to her." Wei Zihan glanced at her and said suddenly, "If she were at home, you probably would not like it that much."

    Guan Ying: "..."

    Seeing that Guan Ying was in a daze, Wei Zihan hurriedly said, "Oh, I just wanna say this right off the bat. But, the Jiang family and your family got married because of commercial interests. Because of that, it doesn''t really matter whom Jiang Suizhou marries at the end."