Chapter 35 Chapter 35 “I’m almost single again…
Song's house.
Chu Chaoyan withdrew from the game played by the ladies and returned to the old house at 5 p.m. He had planned to go straight to his bedroom to take a shower, rest, and have dinner, but he didn't see Song Qiming along the way, and he couldn't help but frown.
Turning to look at Wu Wei beside him, he whispered, "Go and ask if the master has returned today."
Although she was the legitimate wife of Song, she had no way of knowing her husband's whereabouts, let alone his intentions. On the contrary, her every move was under Song Qiming's watchful eyes, so she had to make sure she wouldn't anger him before doing anything.
That night he suddenly gave Xu Zhixi some jewelry. Although she had sent a set of jewelry to Xu Zhixi in time, which allowed her to avoid the strange looks from the outside world, she still received some private ridicule.
From the day she chose to marry into a wealthy family, she hadn't expected anything from him. But before she could secure her position as Mrs. Song, another woman appeared, which really made her panic. She couldn't get any information from Xu Zhixi, but she was certain that not only did Song Qiming value Xu Zhixi, but even Song Jing seemed to care about her particularly.
Is it true as rumored outside that Song Qiming intends to make Xu Zhixi his daughter-in-law?
There were more than a dozen servants cleaning the old house inside and out every day. Wu Wei got the answer in a few minutes and returned.
"Madam, the master came back very early today. He is now discussing something with Master Song Jing in the study."
Chu Chaoyan couldn't help but be surprised: "Song Jing is back?" She had always known that Song Jing seldom returned to the old house, but since she had moved in a month ago, she had known that he had returned two or three times.
Wu Wei said, "Yes, just a few minutes before you came back."
Song Qiming and Song Jing were talking, so Chu Chaoyan didn't plan to disturb them. She was thinking about going back to rest when a message suddenly came in on her phone. She looked down and saw that it was Xu Zhixi, which surprised her.
The two of them added each other on WeChat when they were in college, but they didn't have much contact, and gradually she forgot that she even had Xu Zhixi's WeChat.
Xu Zhixi: [No reward without merit. When Mrs. Song is free, I will return the jewelry to you.]
Returning the jewelry is fake, other intentions are real.
Chu Chaoyan didn't reply immediately, but curled her lips and continued walking. When she reached the bedroom, she untied her hair, changed into her home clothes, and finally sat on the sofa. She replied: "If you're really embarrassed about the jewelry I gave you, you can certainly return it. But it's my husband's, and you understand. I can't control him."
Because it was a weekday, Chu Chaoyan did not reply in time, and Xu Zhixi was also busy, so it took him a few minutes to reply.
Xu Zhixi: [Thank you for your help.]
Seeing that she was about to end the topic, Chu Chaoyan couldn't help but frown.
Is it true that she is overthinking it?
Xu Zhixi had no covetousness towards the Song family. Whether it was Song Qiming or Song Jing, was it just a coincidence?
Beating around the bush didn't seem to solve the problem, so Chu Chaoyan spoke frankly for the first time in his life: "I've always forgotten to ask you, when did you and my husband meet?"
The answer surprised her. Xu Zhixi replied, "I don't know him."
How is this possible?
No matter how wealthy the Song family is, they would not give things to strangers casually, let alone such precious jewelry.
As if afraid Chu Chaoyan wouldn't believe him, Xu Zhixi added a few words: "But Mr. Song seems to know me. That day at Zhangcheng No. 1 Middle School, Mr. Song and my dad talked a lot. I always thought it was just a friendship from that day."
Chu Chaoyan lowered his eyes to look at the message, and naturally remembered the high school that Song Qiming suddenly said he wanted to invest in. At that time, he was just wondering why he chose this school, but now he seemed to understand a little.
After thinking for a few minutes, she said, "Are you free tonight?"
Xu Zhixi: [I'm free. Should I send it to you tonight?]
Chu Chaoyan: [There's a party tonight. If you don't mind, please bring the jewelry with you.]
After hesitating for a few minutes, the other party replied "OK". Chu Chaoyan put down his phone and said to Wu Wei beside him, "Tell Mrs. Ren that I'll come over tonight."
Wu Wei was stunned, clearly confused. "Madam, it's obvious that Mrs. Ren asked you to go because of her own company. She wants you to speak well of her husband. If you go, how will you explain this to her husband?"
Mr. Song has already made it clear that he will never interfere in the affairs of the Ren family. By doing this now, wouldn’t that be going against Mr. Song?
Chu Chaoyan smiled slightly: "Don't worry, I understand everything. It's just that there are some things in my heart that I can't feel at ease until I resolve them."
If Song Qiming only intended to make Xu Zhixi his daughter-in-law, she could reluctantly accept it. If not, then her role as Mrs. Song was truly unbecoming.
No matter what, she would not put herself in a passive situation.
…
After confirming the location and time of the dinner, Xu Zhixi put away his phone and dealt with his work as quickly as possible, switching between Weibo and Douyin. In one afternoon, he posted almost a hundred comments.
Fortunately, she was already familiar with this job, so it only tired her eyes and mind a little, but she didn't get tendonitis from typing on the keyboard.
Liao Keke was stunned by how hard she worked. "What? Do you have a party tonight?"
Xu Zhixi was discussing details with a client in the group chat. Without even looking up, he said, "Yes, there is a plan."
"What game?" Liao Keke was very excited. "Xiaoxi, you're not going to be single anymore, are you?"
Xu Zhixi actually looked up at her at this moment, and his smile was inexplicably creepy: "It's almost time to go back to being single."
Liao Keke couldn't help but feel a chill down her spine. After realizing what she meant, she froze in silence: "Huh?"
Hasn’t Xiaoxi always been single? Doesn’t she know when she got rid of it?
After understanding the client's requirements, Xu Zhixi put down his phone and asked, "By the way, Gene is currently busy with the smart bracelet project. Do you know when their team will be able to finish it?"
Liao Keke hadn't figured out what Xu Zhixi said before when the topic suddenly jumped here. She almost didn't react and said subconsciously, "I don't know about that, but their team has been very busy, so our Gene has been running around all day. I'm afraid I won't see him again today."
Xu Zhixi sneered in his heart, it would be strange if he could see it.
This man is not from Hertz at all, and no one knows what he is doing here.
Xu Zhixi stood up from his chair and picked up a document: "I'm going to the client department."
Liao Keke watched her walk away before she began to realize something.
Xu Zhixi is not single!
After going to the client department to coordinate the project, Xu Zhixi returned to the department at 7:30. She slumped in her seat, looking at the office where there were few people. She lowered her head to rub her ankle which was not yet fully healed, and sent a message to Gao Yue.
Xu Zhixi: [You don’t have to wait for me. I might be back later.]
Gao Yue replied almost instantly: "I know! You're going to do something big! I'll wait for you no matter how late it gets!"
Xu Zhixi: “…”
After the excitement wore off, Gao Yue became worried again: "Does this count as taking advantage of Chu Chaoyan? If she finds out later, she won't hate you, right?"
Xu Zhixi pursed her lips: [Aren't we just using each other?]
At first, she really didn't understand Chu Chaoyan's intention, but she could vaguely sense her temptation and vigilance. Now she understood.
Ever since Chu Chaoyan gave her the jewelry, she has been the focus of his attention. His visit to the company to visit old classmates was fake, and his real purpose was to test her relationship with Mr. Song Qiming.
Even the reason I asked her to go this time was probably for this matter.
But none of this matters anymore. She just wants to confirm Song Jing's identity.
Gao Yue trembled, feeling that Xu Zhixi was particularly terrifying now, having dared to single-handedly break into the capitalist's lair to uncover the truth. She swallowed and said, "Then stay safe. I'll send you messages from time to time to make sure you're still alive."
Xu Zhixi: [He won’t let anything happen to me.]
Gao Yue: “…” Even though she was so angry, she still had confidence in this man.
But it was also true that a man who could make Chu Chaoyan polite wouldn't be unable to protect a little girl. Moreover, in Chu Chaoyan's eyes, they were now girls that even Mr. Song looked at them differently. Since she had made the appointment personally, she would naturally ensure their safety.
…
The dinner was still held at the Yunmu Hotel, but this time it was on the top floor. It was not as grand and luxurious as last time, but it was also fresh and elegant. Soothing music was playing, and looking down at the city's lights and bustling life from a high place was quite a scene.
Xu Zhixi changed into the most expensive fishtail dress in her wardrobe, put on makeup, and curled the ends of her hair with a curling iron. Her originally delicate facial features became even more refined and bright.
Arrived at the hotel at nine o'clock in the evening.
Although tonight's banquet wasn't as grand as last time, the number of attendees wasn't less; in fact, there were more. A gentle breeze blew from the top floor. The April breeze was warm and slightly cool, and it felt a little cold on my arms.
Xu Zhixi felt a little better after she put on a shawl.
Chu Chaoyan had already ordered people to meet outside. When Miss PR saw Xu Zhixi, she immediately and enthusiastically wanted to take her over, but an elegant and noble figure was the first to stop the person.
"Miss Xu?" Mrs. Ren's delicately made-up face was filled with surprise. "I was worried a few days ago because I didn't have your contact information. Otherwise, I would have personally invited you to come."
Xu Zhixi didn't know the other person, so he could only smile politely and said, "You're too polite. It's my fault for not being considerate. Please don't blame me for coming here uninvited."
"How could that be? I wish Miss Xu could come and honor us." Mrs. Ren held Xu Zhixi's hands familiarly, and led her forward in an especially intimate manner, signaling with her eyes that she could leave.
Xu Zhixi kept smiling.
"By the way, I've also invited Mr. Song tonight." Mrs. Ren smiled helplessly and patted the back of Xu Zhixi's hand. "It's a pity that Mr. Song seems to be very busy these days and has no time to come."
Xu Zhixi knew which Mr. Song she was talking about, but she still asked deliberately, "Are you talking about Mr. Song Jing?"
Mrs. Ren was stunned for a moment. "Miss Xu is also familiar with Young Master Song?" Thinking of how Song Qiming treated Xu Zhixi that night, she couldn't help laughing again. "Look at me, what a stupid question. If Miss Xu is familiar with Mr. Song, she must be even more familiar with Young Master Song, who is the same age as her."
Xu Zhixi felt even colder as he kept calling him "Young Master Song". He admitted that he was familiar with this "Young Master Song" and said calmly, "Young Master Song has been a bit busy lately."
Originally, Xu Zhixi wanted to confirm Song Jing's identity through Chu Chaoyan, but she didn't expect Chu Chaoyan to directly invite her to the dinner party, which gave her an opportunity.
Among the crowd of wealthy families, there is always someone who knows Song Jing.
As expected, as soon as she arrived at the banquet, someone came to her door.
So, it wasn't that she couldn't discover Song Jing's identity in the past, but that in the circle she was in, no one had the chance to know a man of his identity.
It would be better if he changed his circle, where they would be upper-class people who knew him.
Not far away were Chu Chaoyan and his group. Xu Zhixi shrank her fingertips slightly, thinking about how to get more information out of Song Jing and thoroughly understand his identity. Mrs. Ren held her arm affectionately, thinking that since she couldn't win over Chu Chaoyan, she could only try the person next to her.
"It's nothing now." Mrs. Ren whispered, "When Young Master Song inherits the family business completely, he will be even busier."
Xu Zhixi frowned slightly.
Family business?
What family business?
Are you talking about Mr. Song Qiming's family business?
Xu Zhixi wanted to ask further, but her eyes met Chu Chaoyan's indifferent gaze. She had no choice but to change the words that were squeezed in her throat and said politely, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Song. I was a little busy with work just now, so I'm late."
Before Chu Chaoyan could speak, the person next to her smiled and said, "Don't beauties always arrive late? Miss Xu is so polite."
Song Qiming's grand display that night was clearly a show of support for Xu Zhixi, and word quickly spread within the social circle, with some even sharing photos of her. Even those who had never seen Xu Zhixi in person had memorized her face, figuring that even if they couldn't curry favor with her, they couldn't afford to offend her in the future.
Xu Zhixi just smiled at the other person.
Chu Chaoyan raised his hand, and immediately a waiter came over with a tray and handed the champagne glass respectfully to Xu Zhixi, very politely and considerately.
Xu Zhixi took the wine glass and saw Chu Chaoyan stand up from his seat. He said to her with a gentle smile, "Miss Xu, can we chat?"
Xu Zhixi did not refuse. She turned around and greeted Mrs. Ren beside her, then went to a quieter place with Chu Chaoyan.
A gentle breeze blew, ruffling their hair. Chu Chaoyan raised his hand and tucked some loose hair behind his ear. He looked at Xu Zhixi's exceptionally beautiful face and smiled faintly. "I didn't surprise you by showing up at Hertz that day. I didn't get a chance to chat properly. I hope we can make up for it tonight."
Xu Zhixi only wanted to clarify Song Jing's identity and didn't want to beat around the bush. She pursed her lips and said frankly, "Mrs. Song, Mr. Song Qiming and I don't know each other, but he might know me. To be honest, I've never met him in person. So, you don't have to be so wary of me."
Chu Chaoyan smiled and looked at the night scene not far away. His voice was emotionless. "So, you came here tonight just to return my jewelry?"
"no."
"Oh?" Chu Chaoyan turned to look at her, "That's..."
Xu Zhixi: "You know Song Jing, right?"
Chu Chaoyan was slightly stunned, obviously not expecting her to ask such a question. No matter what, in name only, she was Song Jing's stepmother, so how could she not know him?
Seeing that she didn't speak, Xu Zhixi thought that she had been bribed by Song Jing, so he didn't intend to make things difficult for her. He just said, "It's okay if Mrs. Song doesn't want to talk about it. I guess there must be someone here who knows him."
Chu Chaoyan lowered her eyes, and the look she gave Xu Zhixi changed. So, her purpose for coming here was Song Jing.
We met at Hertz that day and thought we knew each other. But it seems there's more to it than meets the eye.
She thought for a moment and said, "If you really want to know Song Jing's identity, no matter who you ask, you'll probably get a lie. It's better to verify it yourself."
Xu Zhixi met Chu Chaoyan's gaze and quickly understood what she meant.
Chu Chaoyan said, "Let him come over."
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The author has something to say: Good night, babies~
[狗头] Tomorrow I will be completely exposed
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