Chapter 46 The Young Lady in the Wheelchair: Sleeping is a Verb

Shangguan Yin didn't have to wait long before Cheng Zhishu, who had taken the initiative to keep the appointment, arrived.

The two still didn't get to eat snail rice noodles. For several days in a row, they ate wherever they went. When they got tired of walking around, they would just go into a shop. The word "guide" was completely foreign to them.

They've always been like this, with a carefree and unconventional temperament.

Surprisingly, after all these years, nothing has changed.

Cheng Zhishu grew up enduring hardship, so eating barbecue at a street stall and eating steak while listening to a violinist in a Western restaurant were not much different to her; they were essentially just meals.

"This is what the shop used to be called. My junior sister told me that their brown sugar glutinous rice cakes are good. Let's order one."

Cheng Zhishu readily agreed: "Let's order one."

She looked at the menu, moved her fingers to order, added a few dishes, and suddenly the two of them stopped and looked up at each other.

Shangguan Yin spoke first: "Whoever ordered it should eat it if they can't finish it."

Cheng Zhishu: "..."

He lowered his head and silently reduced the menu items.

While unpacking chopsticks in the private room, Shangguan Yin asked, "How come you have so much free time lately? Have you finished taking care of things at home?"

What surprised her even more was that Xi Congshuang was not with her.

It was a long time since Shangguan Yin had eaten together with just the two of them, and she felt a little uncomfortable. She had only experienced this kind of treatment back in high school.

Since Cheng Zhishu returned to China, wherever she appears, a Xi Congshuang will inevitably appear nearby.

To this day, Shangguan Yin still can't figure out what's going on between the two of them. Back in school, Cheng Zhishu was clingy and kept calling her "sister" all the time, which made Shangguan Yin's ears ache.

Finally, she grew up and matured, and was no longer a clingy little orange candy.

Xi Congshuang has begun.

Is it the law of conservation of energy that makes it sticky?

Is it inevitable that one of these two will be clingy?

"No, not really. There's something I need to tell you," Cheng Zhishu said apologetically to the person opposite her. "I'm going home in a few days."

Shangguan Yin was taken aback for a moment, then quickly waved her hand: "It's alright, it's alright, we'll meet again anywhere in life."

“We’ve been out of contact for over four years and we still managed to meet up. Now I know where you are. If I want to find you, it’s just a matter of getting a plane ticket.”

Cheng Zhishu laughed: "You're right, it's just a matter of a plane ticket. I'll come back when I have time."

Parting and reunion are normal occurrences. Shangguan Yin only felt regret for a moment before quickly adjusting her mood.

"Then I'll wait for you."

"Yes, I will come back."

After finishing her meal, Shangguan Yin thought that she should see her friend off as she went abroad and returned home, so she asked her when she was leaving.

Having obtained the exact time, Shangguan Yin finally remembered that there was something she had forgotten. She asked, "You're going back to China in a few days. How could Xi Congshuang be willing to let you go out with me for several days?"

As she spoke, Shangguan Yin looked around warily, wondering where Xi Congshuang might appear.

Cheng Zhishu: "..." Sometimes she was really curious about what Xi Congshuang was like in everyone's eyes.

Why do people become wary and subconsciously on guard when they hear her name, including Xi Hanran, the executive officer?

Cheng Zhishu said, "Because she also wants to go home with me."

"..."

Shangguan Yin thought to herself, "They've come after all!" and clenched her fists as she carried the packaged brown sugar glutinous rice cakes: "I knew it!"

Xi Congshuang hasn't come these past few days; turns out she's been waiting here!

Absolutely despicable!

*

Three days later at noon, Shangguan Yin went to the airport to see her off.

Unexpectedly, Xi Hanran, the CEO of Xi's Group, was also present. She was saying something to Xi Congshuang, who was standing to the side, and her expression was excited.

Looking from afar, it was indeed as the rumors had said.

— Xi Congshuang, who gave up her status as heir to choose to side with Xi Hanran, regretted it after the operation and became enemies with the current CEO of Xi's Group, often clashing with him.

Xi Hanran is no ordinary person either, and she always tries to resist Xi Congshuang's invisible hand, but in the end, Xi Hanran's side is always unsatisfactory.

The evidence is that she found fault with Xi Congshuang the moment she saw her.

As she got closer, Shangguan Yin finally heard what Xi Hanran was saying: "Promise me you won't bring three things back to China: the latest model of hang glider, the hang glider made with the latest technology, and the best-reputed hang glider instructor, okay?"

I don't need your attentiveness; please lavish it all on Cheng Zhishu, okay?

Xi Congshuang frowned: "I didn't intend to bring these either."

Xi Hanran, still shaken, said, "You'd better be!"

Four years, even after four years, she will never forget that this person still remembers threatening Xi Congshuang before entering the operating room that he would send her cat to work in a cat cafe for the rest of its life.

Who knew that the person who couldn't wake up for four days after the surgery didn't remember any of the other words, but remembered this one.

As soon as she could walk, a new hang glider was delivered to her. She was also provided with as many coaches as a football team. After supporting the coaches for three months, Xi Hanran secretly disbanded the group when Xi Congshuang wasn't paying attention.

He had probably cursed Xi Congshuang for being petty countless times in his heart.

The problem is that she's afraid of heights, she really is afraid of heights. Whether these things are useful or not is secondary; just looking at them is upsetting.

And I don’t know who spread the word, but now Xi Hanran is a famous entrepreneur who loves extreme sports. Even her business partners are giving her paragliders and recommending suitable places to visit.

Every time Xi Hanran tried to refute her claims and clarify that she was genuinely afraid of heights, she would receive a similar response: "Haha, Executive Xi is just joking."

Xi Hanran: "..."

No joke! It's true!

She used to desperately want to hide her fear of heights, but now she wants to publish it in the newspaper to tell the world.

Today, the culprit is about to leave the country, and she came to personally give him some instructions because she was worried about him.

Xi Hanran was still worried: "Why don't you swear that you won't bring those three things back to China?"

Xi Congshuang: "".

Xi Hanran felt a few years younger: "Why did you turn your head? Say something!"

Shangguan Yin thought she was going to hear some secrets of a wealthy family, but she was just speechless.

Secrets of a wealthy family: betrayal and bitter enmity.

That's it?

Xi Hanran turned to seek help: "Ms. Cheng, could you please try to persuade her while you're abroad?"

Although she didn't know what had happened, Cheng Zhishu said, "I'll try my best?"

Xi Hanran was deeply moved, tears welling up in her eyes. She reached out to shake hands with Cheng Zhishu, saying, "You are a good person."

The outstretched hand was intercepted by another hand, which grabbed Cheng Zhishu's wrist and pulled her back. Xi Congshuang leaned close to her ear and whispered a few words.

Cheng Zhishu solemnly said, "I'm sorry, Executive Xi, I may not be able to influence other people's thoughts."

Xi Hanran: "…………"

I said long ago that these two people had some health issues, and years later they were still quite ill.

She couldn't help herself and pointed at them, saying, "You lot are all in cahoots, colluding and working together from the inside and outside."

Her assistant, standing behind her, looked up at the sky, unable to bear watching any longer.

This was probably the umpteenth time she had comforted herself, telling herself that it was normal for her boss to have shortcomings in some areas, and that at other times she was an outstanding, shrewd, and decisive boss.

It's nothing to worry about; just sweep the floor a few times and it will disappear. It's normal.

After a long wait, the flight landed at the airport, where Flora, who had returned home a few days earlier, sent someone to pick them up.

Upon landing, the two boarded a car through the VIP lane and left.

Before getting on the bus, Flora specifically reminded everyone that the manor was not close and it would take some time to reach the destination.

The rear partition rose up, blocking the view from the front. Flora sat in the passenger seat, while her bodyguards were in the car behind.

During the journey, Xi Congshuang looked at the person beside her, a smile involuntarily appearing in her eyes, and reached out to tidy up her messy hair.

The person who had just comforted her and told her not to be nervous had already fallen asleep. She still couldn't break her habit of getting sleepy as soon as she got on the bus and could sleep all the way to her destination.

Cheng Zhishu lay flat on the back seat, holding a thin blanket in one hand and pulling Xi Congshuang's hand over to cover the back of her own hand with the other.

This is a habit she has developed during this period.

Xi Congshuang watched, noticing the fingers gripping the thin blanket. She took them and played with them in her hand for a while before putting them back.

As they drew closer to their destination, Cheng Zhishu seemed to have radar installed in her body, waking up just before the vehicle entered the manor gate and adjusting her seat.

A few minutes later, the vehicle finally arrived at its destination.

The maid waiting at the door jogged forward to open it and asked the people inside to get out of the car.

As soon as Cheng Zhishu landed, she quickly walked to Xi Congshuang's side, tugged at her sleeve, and whispered, "Don't be afraid, Mom is very gentle."

Even though she was the one comforting Xi Congshuang, Cheng Zhishu seemed much more nervous than Xi Congshuang.

Xi Congshuang grasped her hand in return, squeezed it, and quickly released it: "Mm."

The people at the door didn't linger for long, following the servants' directions as they went inside.

There are not many records about this place in the materials. After analyzing them, Xi Congshuang tends to believe that Wen Lingwang died not long after finding Cheng Zhishu.

Otherwise, given Wen Lingwang's abilities, she wouldn't have allowed the child she had painstakingly found to end up like that, and the Xi family wouldn't have had to wait for Cheng Zhishu to take action herself.

Of course, even if Wen Lingwang were to take action personally, he might not be able to shake the Xi family.

She didn't support Xi Hanran for so many years for nothing.

As the light and shadow shifted along the way, Xi Congshuang listened intently to Cheng Zhishu's introduction of her home, while catching a glimpse of a blonde figure walking ahead out of the corner of her eye.

If Wen Lingwang were to pass away, leaving behind only his trusted confidante Flora, it would indirectly push Cheng Zhishu toward the ending recorded in history.

In essence, Flora is only loyal to Wen Lingwang.

This would allow her to naturally indulge Cheng Zhishu from the perspective of the old guard, and she wouldn't care even if Cheng Zhishu was used as a weapon. Her only understanding was to do everything she could for the people Wen Lingwang had left behind.

Instead, the female protagonist keeps Flora out of the picture; she will use Flora, but she won't implicate her.

Perhaps at that time, no one could enter her heart, and she had no attachments, so she became even more unrestrained.

Report back with great fanfare, then let go without any lingering attachments.

But Xi Congshuang has now received news that Wen Lingwang is still alive.

Many things are still different.

The two people walking side by side are so close that their hands often touch, and they quietly hold hands before letting go.

Like students secretly dating in class but afraid of being caught by the teacher, they only dare to hold hands briefly under the desk and then quickly let go.

Even though it was a short time, it felt sweet.

The further they went in, the fewer people there were. Before the servants could even push open the tall doors, they could hear people talking.

"I wonder if Xiao Shu's friends will like it..."

Someone nearby answered her, "Don't worry, Master. They're about the same age, so their tastes shouldn't be too different."

"Really? But I always felt she was mature and cautious..."

There was a knock on the door, and a few seconds later, the maid pushed it open, revealing the scene inside the hall.

The double-height design features a brightly lit crystal chandelier hanging high, resembling a dazzling sun, while the exquisite curtains are drawn back, revealing a splendid spring garden scene.

In the center of the hall stood a black piano. A woman stood beside the piano, looking hesitantly at something on the table. She was thin, and her brown hair was tied up at the back of her head.

Her profile is exquisite, combining classical Eastern beauty with Western depth.

Anyone could tell at first glance that she was a mixed-race beauty.

The woman with a shawl draped over her shoulders turned around at the sound, her eyes, which resembled Cheng Zhishu's, lighting up.

Wen Lingwang stepped forward happily: "Welcome home."

Flora said, "I heard you were coming back with friends today, so the head of the household ended his afternoon nap early. Luckily, you made it in time."

"Yes, I'm back." Cheng Zhishu also took a few steps forward.

She was held by Wen Lingwang's hands and looked at carefully. Only when there was no change did she feel relieved.

Did you have fun when you got back?

"I'm happy." Cheng Zhishu nodded, a hint of embarrassment in her smile.

"As long as you're happy, going home is fine too."

Then Wen Lingwang looked at Xi Congshuang to the side, his smile unchanged: "This must be Miss Xi who helped our Xiao Shu, right? I never expected to have the opportunity to meet you. I've always wanted to express my gratitude to you in person."

Although Cheng Zhishu was in a bad mood when she was found, she was otherwise in good condition, a hundred times better than Wen Lingwang had expected.

She sincerely thanked everyone who had helped her lost child.

Then, by the time the other party arrived, they had already investigated everything, including Xi Congshuang.

As for the rest, she had already taken care of them years ago, so there was no need to worry about them anymore.

However, she kept hearing the name Xi Congshuang while cooking. At first, she thought that the other party was a good person who liked to punish evil behind the scenes and a fairy godmother who did not like to mention her own achievements in front of her daughter.

I also felt sorry for the other person's illness, and lamented why such a kind person could not have a good ending.

After that, Wen Lingwang heard this name not through her daughter, but through another channel.

Even though she is now in poor health and has less energy than before, she can still be certain that Xi Congshuang was responsible for the expansion of the Xi family to its current size after Xi Hanran took over.

However, in this respect, she is somewhat similar to him, as she has to step back from the spotlight due to poor health.

"..."

The two exchanged a glance and, in that instant, made a judgment, concluding that the other was no good person.

“Yes, Mom, this is my… friend, Xi Congshuang.” Cheng Zhishu’s tone was a little disappointed, but she forced a smile. “I brought my friend home to play this time.”

Xi Congshuang smiled politely and said, "Hello, Aunt Wen."

Before returning, Cheng Zhishu mentioned her mother's health condition to Xi Congshuang. After discussing it, the two agreed to wait a while before revealing the truth. Xi Congshuang repeatedly stated that she did not care.

Cheng Zhishu still regretted not being able to tell her mother the truth immediately, as she didn't want to wrong her lover.

Xi Congshuang remained calm. She felt that if Wen Lingwang stayed near them for another five minutes, he would be able to see through their relationship. It would be better to say it sooner rather than later.

There was no other reason, nor was there any need to hire a private investigator; it was simply that Cheng Zhishu's gaze was too direct.

What she couldn't understand was why Flora and Cheng Zhishu both regarded Wen Lingwang as a fragile, sickly beauty.

Wen Lingwang, who has held the Ander Group firmly in his hands for decades, has absolutely no connection to the word "fragile".

At the same time, Wen Lingwang thought the same thing.

She didn't understand why Flora and Cheng Zhishu were so tolerant of Xi Congshuang, as if they were treating a patient who had just recovered from a serious illness.

She is clearly more ferocious than a tiger or wolf.

The two glass figures stared at each other across the round table, neither of them understanding.

Although both were aware of each other's true nature, they subconsciously maintained the most friendly attitude in front of Cheng Zhishu, their voices so gentle they seemed to melt.

Cheng Zhishu was completely unaware that she felt like a kitten caught in the middle, always worried that her mother had seen through something and fainted from the shock, or that she had overlooked something that would upset the sensitive young lady.

The afternoon tea kept her extremely busy.

Little did she know that the gazes directed at her from both sides of the round table were becoming increasingly gentle, almost as if they were about to reach out and rub her head.

Wen Lingwang comforted her, "You don't need to be so busy, we're all doing fine."

Because they still needed to adjust to the time difference, the three of them didn't chat for long and soon left to rest.

The maid walked ahead, and Cheng Zhishu tugged at her hand from behind, whispering, "Don't worry, I've had someone arrange a room next to mine."

It's very close; you can walk there by simply knocking on the door.

It was also for her own selfish reasons; having gotten used to sharing a bed, she didn't want to be too far away from Xi Congshuang.

Xi Congshuang grabbed her wrist, slid her hand down, and intertwined her fingers: "I remember in the past, in order to make it easier to take care of the employer, the maid would live in a small room partitioned off from the master bedroom. At night, all you had to do was call out and the maid would open the door and come over."

She figured Wen Lingwang already knew, so it didn't matter whether she held hands or not. She lowered her voice and asked, "Do you have a small room like this in your room?"

Cheng Zhishu, whose hand was being held, instinctively wanted to let go, but was unconsciously drawn in by her words and asked, "Yes, it does exist, but it's been converted into a walk-in closet. Why are you asking about that?"

"Why didn't you arrange for me to stay there?" Xi Congshuang asked seriously. "It's closer there, and you can put a small bed for me to sleep in. When I knock on the door at night, you can open it for me and let me in."

"..."

After a moment's thought, Cheng Zhishu said with a strange expression, "This seems like an affair."

Xi Congshuang asked in surprise, "Aren't we like this now?"

Cheng Zhishu: "..."

Is this the same thing?

And they even put a small bed for Xi Congshuang to sleep in...

The young lady doesn't sleep on the clean and soft Simmons mattress, but rather in a small bed in the walk-in closet, which is well hidden away.

If the owner knocks on the door at night, you have to get up obediently, walk with your long legs under your soft nightgown to the bedside where your employer is lying.

Forced by her master's threats, she had no choice but to lift the covers and lie down to warm the bed for him.

"..."

Cheng Zhishu hurriedly stopped thinking about it, lest she stumble upon the illegal part that couldn't be broadcast.

The maid, who was walking ahead, stopped and promptly reminded her, "Miss, we have arrived at the guest's room."

"Okay, thank you."

Xi Congshuang walked into the room, which had been opened by the maid, and glanced back at Cheng Zhishu, her eyes seeming to hold a hint of seduction.

A tingling current seemed to surge up Cheng Zhishu's spine, making her feel numb and her body heat up. She hurriedly walked towards her room.

"Miss?"

The maid, left behind, called out in confusion, but when she caught up, she could only see the door that her mistress had closed.

Cheng Zhishu's voice came from inside: "Don't come over, let me have some peace and quiet!"

"Okay." She was quite puzzled, but still turned and left.

I don't understand what happened; everything was fine just now.

Back in her room, Cheng Zhishu quickly took a shower, changed her clothes, and prepared to go to sleep.

She was indeed tired after traveling all that way.

Not long after lying down, there was another knock on the door. Cheng Zhishu got out of bed and went to answer it: "I don't need anything. Don't disturb me before I get up..."

The conversation abruptly ended there. Standing outside the door was not the family's maid, but Xi Congshuang, dressed in a pure white nightgown.

This is extremely similar to the maid's nightgown that Cheng Zhishu had just imagined. Both are pure white, and their figures are faintly visible in the dim light, making them even more suggestive.

"you……"

Shh, nobody can see me.

She pushed the door open and closed it behind her. When she turned her head to the side, the ends of her long, flowing hair were slightly damp.

After confirming that the door was locked, Xi Congshuang placed a kiss on her cheek.

"The bed next door is nice, but I've found that I'm not a good sleeper when it comes to beds. Could you sleep with me?"

Cheng Zhishu felt she should refuse, but she nodded, bewitched, and was led to lie down on the bed.

...

"Um……"

The loose neckline of her nightgown was pulled open even wider, and Cheng Zhishu pushed Xi Congshuang's shoulder impatiently, her forehead damp with sweat.

But she couldn't push him away; she could only be held down and endure it.

"Didn't we say we were going to sleep?"

Xi Congshuang wiped her damp lips with the back of her hand, leaned down and rested her face on Cheng Zhishu's side, licking her earlobe: "Isn't she sleeping?"

Cheng Zhishu was on the verge of tears, finally realizing that the word "sleep" in her mouth was a verb.

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