Chapter 51
This gathering was hosted by the Zhao family, with many business celebrities present, making it incredibly grand. Qiao Xi wore a starry blue long dress, carefully groomed from head to toe, entering with Qiao Jianliang.
She didn’t know most of the people there. If it were before, she would disdain socializing with these people. This was the only exception, navigating the crowd with Qiao Jianliang, exchanging pleasantries with those so-called successful people.
The representatives of the Zhou family were Zhou Qun and Zhou Meihe. Due to previous events, Zhou Qun was relatively cold to Qiao Jianliang, almost nodding and leaving upon meeting. Zhou Meihe greeted Qiao Jianliang but deliberately ignored Qiao Xi. Qiao Xi didn’t want to pay attention to her either, continuing to socialize in the crowd with Qiao Jianliang, chatting with others.
As the host, Zhao Shihuan was greeting guests on the other side. She was slightly surprised to see Qiao Xi there. Finding an opportunity, she came over. Approaching, she greeted Qiao Jianliang first, then others around, and finally turned to Qiao Xi, smiling, “Qiao Qiao.”
Qiao Xi also smiled. “Sister Huan.”
Zhao Shihuan wore a suit again today, her hair all pinned up, capable and simple. Wherever she went, a crowd surrounded her. While calmly dealing with these people, she chatted quietly with Qiao Xi and casually picked up a cocktail to hand to her.
Qiao Xi didn’t handle alcohol well and didn’t really want to drink, but she was too embarrassed not to accept it. Taking it, she said, “Thank you.”
Seeing the two getting along well, Qiao Jianliang thought their relationship was still as close as in childhood, so he interjected a few sentences. People around also chimed in occasionally to give face, saying some flattering words. Qiao Xi dealt with them one by one. Zhao Shihuan didn’t help, thinking this was for her own good; chatting a bit could familiarize faces and count as making connections.
The host had great influence. Once Zhao Shihuan arrived, many people flocked here, trying to get close to Qiao Xi as well. Qiao Jianliang was so happy his eyes disappeared in his smile, cheerfully introducing and chatting. Qiao Xi spent most of the night toasting and talking, shaking hands when necessary. Socializing was tiring. Standing in high heels for a long time made her calves ache, and wearing a gown required constant attention to posture and demeanor; her back was stiff by the end.
Zhao Shihuan was tactful, handling people and things cleverly and thoughtfully. While talking to the person next to her, she finally noticed Qiao Xi’s stiff posture. Leaning close, she whispered, “Tired? Want to rest? You can go sit in the room upstairs for a while.”
“It’s okay.” Qiao Xi wasn’t used to being so close to others, feeling their breath. She subtly retreated a bit. “Not very tired, just stood too long.”
A smile played on Zhao Shihuan’s lips. She led her for a casual walk around the venue, heading outside. However, just as they were about to exit, a waiter came head-on and almost bumped into Qiao Xi. Fortunately, Zhao Shihuan pulled her away.
Actually, Qiao Xi was alert and intended to dodge herself, but she wasn’t fast enough. By the time she stood firm, she was already pressed into Zhao Shihuan’s arms, the other’s hand resting on her waist.
It wasn’t like they hadn’t hugged before as children, or even sat on laps when seats were scarce. But now, for no reason, Qiao Xi subconsciously wanted to avoid it, unwilling to be too intimate. Before she could move, Zhao Shihuan let go first, advancing and retreating appropriately, tactfully keeping distance to avoid causing disgust. The strange feeling in Qiao Xi’s heart was suppressed in that instant; instead, she felt she overreacted.
The waiter was also startled, apologizing profusely.
“It’s okay, go busy yourself.” Zhao Shihuan said gently, thoughtfully bending down to tidy Qiao Xi’s skirt. The whole process was gentle and natural, not making bystanders or Qiao Xi feel uncomfortable.
Qiao Xi felt weird inside but couldn’t pinpoint where. Zhao Shihuan was meticulous and thorough. While Qiao Xi was thinking, she suddenly whispered, “You’re beautiful tonight; the dress suits you very well.”
Before figuring out the reason, Qiao Xi’s attention was diverted again. Praised unexpectedly, she didn’t know how to respond, her red lips parting dryly: “Custom-made mid-year, just received it a few days ago. Gained weight; doesn’t fit too well.”
The long skirt was loose at the bottom but tight at the top, perfectly outlining her curvaceous figure, light mature yet generous, full of mature charm. Qiao Xi had good proportions, an impressive bust, a thin waist, fair skin, and long legs—a walking clothes hanger. Usually lazy and not dressing up much, a little effort made her look the part. Just now inside, some people’s eyes never left her. She had no thoughts about it, not only failing to notice but not even giving those people a glance.
“Fits quite well,” Zhao Shihuan said. “Very suitable for you, looks good.”
After speaking, she offered her arm to Qiao Xi, presumably for her to hold. Qiao Xi hesitated for a moment, finding it hard to refuse directly, and took her arm.
Zhao Shihuan took her outside to stand for a while, getting some fresh air and chatting casually about recent events. It was cold outside, with occasional cool breezes. Qiao Xi was dressed too lightly and covered her arms.
When going back in, she was still holding Zhao Shihuan’s arm. Probably feeling cold from the wind outside, Qiao Xi involuntarily leaned closer to Zhao Shihuan. From a distance, it looked like she was hugging the other’s arm tightly, appearing too intimate, lacking the proper distance. She didn’t mind much, just thinking holding a gathering in this weather was suffering. Fortunately, it was indoors; outside would be freezing.
There were many people inside, coming and going. Zhao Shihuan protected her considerately, chatting with her while walking. She also leaned very close when speaking, sometimes almost whispering in Qiao Xi’s ear. However, Zhao Shihuan appeared very calm and composed, showing no clues, and her other behaviors were very polite, not making people feel offended.
Qiao Xi was distracted, constantly searching for Qi Bingrui in the crowd while chatting, and also paying attention to Zhou Qun and Liang Jincheng.
Qi Bingrui was nowhere to be found. Zhou Qun and Liang Jincheng stood on the other side chatting and laughing, talking very happily. Zhou Qun’s attitude towards Liang Jincheng was familiar and respectful, looking like like-minded old friends. In reality, their relationship used to be average, almost becoming enemies because Liang Jincheng was once close to Zhou Meihe’s ex-husband. Now they were as thick as thieves.
Watching from afar, Qiao Xi couldn’t help frowning, unable to understand if their relationship was good or not. If good, it seemed too fake, like acting on occasion. Probably just business dealings or involved interests.
Thinking of this, she remembered returning to the Qiao family a few days ago and hearing Zhou Meihe say Zhou Qun’s company matters were resolved. Funds in place, turned around and managed, estimated to relaunch after rectification in a while.
Without help from the Zhou family or Qiao Jianliang, Qiao Xi wondered how it was resolved. Seeing this scene now, she guessed it mostly relied on Liang Jincheng.
But why Liang Jincheng would kindly help Zhou Qun was hard to figure out.
Qiao Xi couldn’t help but look over there a few more times, scrutinizing doubtfully.
Perhaps sensing someone watching him, Liang Jincheng suddenly turned his head and looked over, keenly catching Qiao Xi. In an instant, the expression on Liang Jincheng’s face became intriguing, as if seeing through her thoughts.
Zhou Qun noticed Liang Jincheng’s change, puzzled, and followed his gaze. By then, Qiao Xi had already looked away subtly.
“What’s wrong?” he asked Liang Jincheng.
Liang Jincheng withdrew his gaze, his face calm and breezy, drinking wine with unchanged emotions, concealing perfectly. “Nothing, just saw a lot of people there.”
When saying this, his tone had no fluctuation, playing with the glass in his hand, turning it.
Knowing she was discovered, Qiao Xi didn’t peek over there again. Zhao Shihuan noticed she was distracted and asked in a voice only the two could hear, “What are you thinking about so seriously?”
Hearing this, Qiao Xi turned her head slightly, gathering her thoughts. “Nothing, just a bit tired.”
Zhao Shihuan raised the corner of her lips. “Just now you said not tired.”
Qiao Xi didn’t defend herself. Searching half the crowd, she still didn’t see Qi Bingrui. She could ask Zhao Shihuan, but after weighing it in her mind, she decided against it to avoid suspicion. Zhao Shihuan took her to meet a bank general manager. It was at this time that she glimpsed Fu Bei and Zhuang Qiyang not far away.
Usually, people brought male or female companions to such gatherings. Fu Bei didn’t know she was coming, so she teamed up with Zhuang Qiyang. The two were talented and good-looking, but their styles were very different, not looking like a match. Fu Bei’s outfit was too eye-catching, completely overshadowing Zhuang Qiyang.
This person wore a black deep-V long dress, the hem touching the ground, the V-neck opening almost to the waist, half-revealing inside. Her skin was cool white; wearing this showed long legs and accentuated her waist. Shoulder-length hair, prominent collarbones—her cold, ascetic face made her look extremely beautiful and sexy. Clearly a revealing dress, yet she wore it with cold, glamorous elegance.
Fu Bei didn’t hold Zhuang Qiyang’s arm from start to finish, always walking side by side, her aura strong. Facing anyone calmly, even Elder Zhao, she wouldn’t be in a passive position, neither humble nor arrogant.
Staying here for so long, Qiao Xi really forgot she would come. Probably not having the heart, so she didn’t discover her presence for most of the night.
Unknown if Fu Bei discovered her; anyway, she didn’t come over.
“Want to go over?” Zhao Shihuan asked, seeing through it at a glance.
Qiao Xi came back to her senses, shaking her head. “No.” Seeing Elder Zhao there, “You go over; I’ll rest here.”
However, Zhao Shihuan didn’t leave, staying to accompany her. Until Fu Bei and Zhuang Qiyang went elsewhere and Elder Zhao looked for her, she left. It was then that Qiao Xi discovered Qi Bingrui. After searching everywhere, it turned out he was with Grandpa Fu. The two had just come down from upstairs with other Zhao family members and were walking out.
Qiao Xi hesitated for a moment, debating whether to follow, afraid of being discovered. But seeing no one else following behind, she pursed her red lips and sneaked after them, trying to avoid everyone’s sight.
The dress and high heels seemed particularly cumbersome at this time. Walking too fast made noise and risked discovery; walking slowly meant not keeping up. The large skirt hem wasn’t easy to hide. Fortunately, Qi Bingrui and Grandpa Fu didn’t walk far. There was a shielding wall nearby, just with dim light.
Qiao Xi hid behind the wall, eavesdropping on their conversation, but it was all irrelevant words.
Qi Bingrui was respectful and polite to Grandpa Fu, treating him like a teacher. As the chairman of a listed internet company, he didn’t need to be like this, given his status. But considering his bonds with the Fu family, he must be a person who values affection and righteousness. Even in a high position and successful, he didn’t forget the kindness of the past.
Grandpa Fu asked about Qi Bingrui’s recent situation and chatted about Zhihe Company. Qi Bingrui answered truthfully one by one, also asking politely about the Fu family, even asking about Fu Bei.
“Teaching at Jiang University,” Grandpa Fu said, his tone emotional. “Sticking to the school every day, not coming home. I had to call twice for her to come this time.”
Qi Bingrui said, “I went to Jiang University a while ago…”
…
All family chitchat, without any substantive content. Thinking about it, important matters wouldn’t be discussed here with many ears and eyes; what if news leaked?
Qiao Xi pondered for a long time. Thinking about it, she decided to go back. However, she didn’t return the way she came but detoured from the side door. She had been to the Zhao house many times and knew the structure well. Unexpectedly, just walking to the corner, she almost bumped into Zhou Qun and Liang Jincheng.
She could have walked past directly, but as if possessed, she paused, hesitating whether to go or avoid.
Just then, Liang Jincheng looked over, almost discovering her.
Fu Bei embraced her, pulling her aside to avoid them.
Qiao Xi’s heart tightened. She didn’t know when she started following her, or if she discovered her eavesdropping on Qi Bingrui and Grandpa Fu just now. With lingering fear, she grabbed Fu Bei’s forearm tightly, letting this person hold her, thinking about what to say.
Unexpectedly, Fu Bei spoke first, leaning into her ear and asking in a suppressed voice, “What are you doing out here?”
The meaning of this sentence was deep. The most direct meaning was not knowing where Qiao Xi came from just now, meaning she didn’t discover Qiao Xi tracking Qi Bingrui. Maybe this person just came out and happened to meet.
Thinking of this, Qiao Xi’s heart landed. With a flash of inspiration, her face calm, she said unhurriedly, “Getting some fresh air in the front yard; too stuffy inside. You?”
She was quite eloquent now, her brain turning fast. Regardless of whether the other party believed it or not, throwing the question back first to divert attention.
Fu Bei seemed to have really just come out from inside, appearing to believe this explanation. Glancing at the two in the distance, she pulled Qiao Xi closer, whispering, “Something came up…”
If she said she also came out for air, Qiao Xi definitely wouldn’t believe it. This place was dim and not open; how could it be a place for fresh air and walking? If not to avoid others, Qiao Xi wouldn’t have chosen to walk here. Fu Bei’s words had high credibility, so Qiao Xi had no doubts, even dismissing the previous thought. As for what matter, presumably related to the two over there.
Qiao Xi lifted her eyelids, staring at this person in the dimness, asking softly, “You’re tracking them?”
Fu Bei didn’t answer.
“Is something wrong?” Qiao Xi asked again, deliberately diverting attention.
Lowering her long narrow eyes, Fu Bei still didn’t make a sound, only tidying her slightly messy hair. After a long while, she said, “Not important; just followed to have a look.”
Clearly perfunctory.
