Chapter 21 The Noble Academy Substitute (21) Let's try a different female companion...
Chapter Twenty-One
Xia Zhi held her breath, though she didn't know how they knew they were there. But through their shadows, she could confirm it was the three of them.
Xie Ningyu looked at Xia Zhi and raised an eyebrow slightly: "You're here."
Xia Zhi felt her heart beating faster and faster until she finally saw the expressions on the three people's faces.
Xie Yi didn't look at Xia Zhi, but instead looked at Xie Ningyu: "Uncle, you really are at this beach."
Xie Ningyu slowly asked, "How did you know we were here?"
Xie Yi sneered: "Based on the approximate time and the speed at which you arrived at the seaside, this is the only sea area this close by."
Xie Ningyu looked at Xia Zhi beside him and said slowly, "Xiao Yi, don't be willful. Zhizhi doesn't want to be your personal assistant, and she doesn't want to live in your villa either."
Xie Yi frowned impatiently: "If you want to tell my parents, then hurry up and do it. I can't wait for them to know what my future wife looks like."
Xia Zhi was speechless upon hearing this. She looked at Xie Yi, whose expression remained unchanged, seemingly unfazed by Xie Ningyu's words.
Xie Ningyu said, "Think it through yourself, do you really think your parents will accept Zhizhi?"
Xie Yi said, "Whether I accept it or not is my business, it's none of your concern."
Xie Ningyu subconsciously used his hands to prop himself up and stood up: "Whatever, I'll tell your parents anyway."
Xu Yu looked Xie Ningyu up and down, then suddenly laughed: "Ningyu, you really did have ulterior motives last time at the villa."
Xie Ningyu and Xu Yu are good brothers, and their daily interactions are generally harmonious. However, no one expected that their reunion would be so tense.
Xie Ningyu looked at Xu Yu and asked in return, "If you can do it, why can't I?"
The atmosphere gradually became tense, and Xie Yi suddenly spoke up: "Xia Zhi, come on, come with me. You have to go to work tomorrow, be good, don't make a fuss."
Xia Zhi looked at Xie Ningyu and suddenly said, "I'd rather go with Xie Ningyu than go back with you!"
Xie Yi's eyes darkened upon hearing this, and he suddenly said, "Xie Ningyu can't help you much; he's in trouble himself."
Xie Ningyu raised an eyebrow slightly, knowing that he was referring to the fact that his father simply could not accept him.
Xie Yi added, "Are you willing to live in such a cramped place with him? Come back with me, and we can do whatever we want."
Xie Ningyu laughed in exasperation upon hearing this: "Are you exaggerating that much?"
Xia Zhi glanced at Xie Ningyu, signaling him to speak.
Xie Ningyu coughed and said, "Xiaoyi, don't make things difficult for others. They don't want to go back with you."
Xie Yi coldly replied, "Don't call me Xiao Yi anymore. You're not worthy of it."
Xie Ningyu's face darkened upon hearing this; he hadn't expected Xie Yi to give him such a cold shoulder. Although he didn't have much power, he was still older than Xie Yi and was his elder.
Xie Yi easily saw through his act: "If you're trying to use your age to intimidate me, don't even think about it. I'm not falling for that."
Xie Ningyu suddenly licked his lips: "Really? What if I said I almost succeeded just now?"
Xie Yi looked into Xie Ningyu's provocative eyes and subconsciously clenched her fists.
Without saying a word, he rushed straight to Xia Zhi, his expression cold and stern, and suddenly wiped Xia Zhi's lips forcefully with one hand.
Xia Zhi was startled. She felt an unbearable pain in her lips and couldn't help but gasp.
Xie Yi no longer showed any mercy, but instead vigorously wiped away Xia Zhi's lipstick until it was completely removed.
Xia Zhi couldn't help but say, "Xie Yi, what are you doing?"
Xie Yi looked at her with a half-smile: "Did you kiss Xie Ningyu?"
Xia Zhi felt her face burning; in front of four men, she felt an unprecedented sense of shame.
So she said coldly, "No, you're overthinking it."
Xie Yi leaned down gently and whispered in her ear, "I'll ask you when we get back."
Xie Yi was about to leave when he turned back to look at Xia Zhi and threatened, "Xia Zhi, don't forget your internship status. You are still working for the Xie family company."
Xia Zhi looked at Xie Ningyu, who was narrowing his eyes and looking at Xie Yi's back, clearly unable to do anything about him.
After all that, Xia Zhi was a little tired.
So she looked at Xie Ningyu and said, word by word, "Xie Ningyu, you must remember your words."
Xie Ningyu hummed in agreement: "Don't worry."
Xie Yi watched the interaction between the two with a hint of sarcasm, and suddenly said leisurely, "Uncle, if I remember correctly, Grandpa and your father do not accept your existence, do they?"
When her painful memories were brought up again, Xie Ningyu could no longer bear it: "Xie Yi, you don't need to keep provoking me."
Xie Yi looked down at him condescendingly: "Xie Ningyu, I'm calling you 'uncle' out of respect. Actually, you're not a member of the Xie family at all; you're just a defeated opponent of mine. Remember, don't touch my people casually in the future."
Xie Ningyu didn't speak, but his eyes were a little deep.
After a long silence, he spoke: "Have you broken down? Yes, Zhizhi smells so good."
Xie Yi subconsciously clenched her fist again, just as she was about to turn around and rush towards Xie Ningyu...
Meng Ziyue suddenly stopped Xie Yi: "Don't be impulsive, he's deliberately provoking you."
Xie Yi paused for a moment upon hearing this, then coldly glanced at Xia Zhi before repeating, "I said, come back with me now."
Xia Zhi glanced at Meng Ziyue and Xu Yu, then suddenly deliberately sowed discord: "Can't I go back with them?"
Meng Ziyue and Xu Yu were both taken aback.
The atmosphere was a little awkward. Xie Yi looked at the two of them and suddenly said, "She's deliberately trying to sow discord. Let her go back and rest. She's a little tired."
Xu Yu looked at Xia Zhi: "Zhi Zhi, you go back with him first, I'll come pick you up in a few days."
Xie Yi glanced at Xu Yu, and unusually did not refute him.
Seeing the three of them standing in the same line, Xia Zhi felt a little helpless. Finally, she yawned, which could be considered a temporary compromise: "Okay, I'm a little sleepy."
Xia Zhi followed Xie Yi for a while, then turned to look at Xie Ningyu. His expression was somewhat dangerous and gloomy. He had been staring at Xie Yi's back, clearly provoked by Xie Yi earlier.
Xia Zhi added, "Xie Ningyu, don't forget what you said."
Xie Ningyu did not reply, and Xia Zhi followed Xie Yi into his car.
She was tired of resisting and didn't want to think anymore. She decided to take a different approach, outwardly compromising for the time being, but secretly looking for an opportunity to push them away.
Xia Zhi got into the car. She originally wanted to sit in the back, but Xie Yi insisted that she sit in the front.
Having no other choice, Xia Zhi opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat.
The train car was heated, but it was still a bit chilly at the beach in summer. Xia Zhi sighed subconsciously and exclaimed, "It's so warm."
Xie Yi said calmly, "So why do you insist on spending the night on the beach with that good-for-nothing?"
waste?
Xia Zhi recalled Xie Ningyu's expression when he said those words; he was clearly very concerned about the Xie family's comments.
She frowned slightly, looking a little uncomfortable: "Who are you calling trash?"
Xie Yi, who was casually preparing to drive, turned to look at Xia Zhi upon hearing this, her eyes slightly probing: "Xie Ningyu, what's wrong?"
Xia Zhi subconsciously said, "He's not a good-for-nothing, don't talk nonsense."
Xie Yi observed her silently for a long time before finally speaking: "Xia Zhi, you'd better not make me angry."
Xia Zhi said calmly, "His identity is not something he can decide for himself. What you're doing makes me feel no different from being scoundrels."
Xie Yi narrowed her eyes slightly: "What did he tell you?"
Xia Zhi shook her head: "I didn't say anything. You drive, I want to sleep."
Xie Yi stared at her for a long time before finally looking away and driving off.
The car moved slowly along the road. Xia Zhi was so tired; she had never been this exhausted before. She thought to herself, no matter what, she would sleep for a while and deal with everything tomorrow.
So she slowly closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, feeling a little drowsy.
In her dream, she dreamt that she was imprisoned by the three of them in turns, and they even did something far worse...
Xia Zhi was startled awake. Her eyes widened instinctively, and she gasped for breath. This world felt like a dead end; no matter when or where she was, they could always find her. She had considered leaving for another place, but she knew it was futile. As long as she remained in this world, she would never be able to truly break free from the shackles they had placed upon her.
Upon realizing that it was just a nightmare, she subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief, and then found herself at Xie Yi's villa.
There was no sign of Xie Yi inside the carriage, so Xia Zhi subconsciously looked through the window.
Xie Yi was leaning against the railing, a cigarette dangling from his hand. As he inhaled the swirling smoke, he exuded a faint sense of loneliness.
Xia Zhi thought to herself, "She's asleep, why isn't Xie Yi calling her?"
Just as she was about to call out to Xie Yi, Xie Yi suddenly stubbed out his cigarette and threw it into the trash can. He slowly walked over and found that Xia Zhi had woken up.
He couldn't help but turn his head and chuckle softly, "You're awake. Can you walk by yourself? Or do you need me to carry you back to your room?"
Xia Zhi was a little embarrassed: "I have my own legs..."
She instinctively opened the car door and stepped out. She glanced around and noticed that neither Xu Yu nor Meng Ziyue were there.
She was a little puzzled, but then she heard Xie Yi say calmly, "They've left."
Xia Zhi's eyes widened. She hadn't expected that they, who had just been at odds, would give up so easily.
Xie Yi admired her expression: "Isn't your job to sow discord? Sorry, we won't fall for it for now."
Xia Zhi choked. She walked towards Xie Yi's villa and turned slightly: "Aren't you going to open the door? I'm a little sleepy."
Xie Yi said half-jokingly, "You really treat this place like your home."
Xia Zhi coldly replied, "I can go live somewhere else."
Xie Yi then smiled and begged for mercy: "Ancestor, I was just joking. You can do whatever you want here. Everything here belongs to you, everything inside."
Xia Zhi ignored his glib talk and stood aside waiting for Xie Yi to open the door.
Xie Yi opened the door, and Xia Zhi walked in, saying without any politeness, "Where is my room? I'm tired, I want to wash up and go to sleep."
Xie Yi pointed upstairs: "The first room on the left on the second floor, your things have been put in there, and there is a bathroom in the room."
Xia Zhi said, "...Okay."
Xie Yi looked Xia Zhi up and down. He noticed that Xia Zhi looked very tired, so he didn't bother to bother her. He simply said, "Get some rest."
Xia Zhi went upstairs and entered the first room. Sure enough, all her things in the dormitory were neatly arranged.
She belatedly realized, where did Xie Yi get the key from?
She couldn't help but gasp; it seemed this was a premeditated scheme spanning many years.
Anyway, let's rest first.
Xia Zhi quickly went into the bathroom, took a shower, and then lay down on the bed. She locked the door and then drifted off to sleep.
That night, Xia Zhi did not sleep well.
When I woke up the next day, sunlight streamed through the glass window, casting dappled shadows on the floor.
Her eyes widened as everything from last night flashed before her eyes like scenes from a movie.
She glanced down at the time—oh no! She had overslept!
Xia Zhi hurriedly left the room and saw Xie Yi on the sofa on the first floor. The dining table was piled high with food, which was obviously made that morning and was very fresh.
Xia Zhi looked at Xie Yi: "You...don't you have to go to work today?"
Xie Yi hummed in agreement: "You were too tired last night, so I asked for leave for you."
Xia Zhi:
Knowing that resistance was futile, she walked to the dining table and sat down gently: "Can I eat?"
Xie Yi raised her eyes slightly: "Baby, this is for you."
After a night of torment, Xia Zhi was indeed hungry and tired, so she started eating without any hesitation.
She had to admit that Xie Yi's cooking was quite delicious.
As Xia Zhi was eating, she suddenly felt a burning gaze on her from time to time.
Xia Zhi subconsciously looked up and met Xie Yi's smiling peach blossom eyes.
He was secretly watching her, and Xia Zhi felt a little flustered.
Xie Yi said slowly, "You should rest well today. There is a study, a swimming pool, and a karaoke room in the basement where you can watch movies. You can do whatever you want."
Xia Zhi took a deep breath: "I want to go out."
Xie Yi raised an eyebrow slightly: "Where to?"
Xia Zhi choked, then suddenly said, "Xie Yi, aren't you afraid your uncle will tell your parents?"
Xie Yi laughed: "When I gave you that gold bracelet, I knew there was no turning back."
Xia Zhi subconsciously touched the bracelet on her wrist; it was made of golden thorns and was made of a very expensive material.
She took a deep breath: "If I'm not working today, I'd like to go to the mall for a stroll."
She was making excuses; in reality, she just wanted to avoid spending time with Xie Yi.
Xie Yi replied, "Sure."
Xia Zhi looked at him in confusion, and Xie Yi spoke again, "I'll go with you."
Natsumi: ...
She said awkwardly, "I can do it myself."
Xie Yi laughed and said, "Just treat me like your ATM. You take care of the lookout, and I'll pay the bill."
Xia Zhi was a little annoyed: "What do you mean by that?"
Xie Yi blinked innocently: "I didn't mean anything by it."
Xia Zhi coldly replied, "Sure, but I can buy a lot of things!"
Thanks: "Buy whatever you like."
Xia Zhi understood his unspoken meaning: he was not short of money.
She suddenly felt a little frustrated. If it weren't for the mission, she really wouldn't have gone out of her way to provoke such an obsessive male lead.
All she could say was, "I'll go back and change my clothes first."
Xia Zhi went upstairs and suddenly noticed a photo on the bedside table.
Xia Zhi glanced at it curiously, her whole body stiffening slightly.
If I remember correctly, this photo is from when they first met. It was right after the opening ceremony, and I never expected Xie Yi to secretly take a picture of her then.
Xia Zhi felt a little conflicted, and she looked down at her phone again.
Xie Ningyu sent a text message: Xia Zhi, I have told Xie Yi's parents, but I don't know what they think yet.
Xia Zhi could only reply: Okay, thank you.
Take Xie Yi's reaction yesterday as an example. Even if his parents disagree, he will definitely fight to the bitter end.
Xia Zhi had a bit of a headache, and then asked System Xiao Qi, "How long until my death escape plot is over?"
[Host! It will probably be a while longer! I'll remind you when it's time!]
Xia Zhi nodded: "Okay."
Xia Zhi quickly changed her clothes and then went downstairs. When she came down, Xie Yi had already changed his clothes. He was dressed very casually today, unlike his suit and tie yesterday.
Xia Zhi stared at him blankly, somewhat dazed, as if she had returned to the first day of school when she saw Xie Yi.
Xie Yi noticed that she was lost in thought, so he smiled and asked, "What's wrong?"
Xia Zhi shook her head: "It's nothing."
Since Xie Yi had offered, Xia Zhi wouldn't stand on ceremony with him. After the two arrived at a nearby shopping mall, Xia Zhi bought a bunch of things she didn't need without even looking at the prices.
Xie Yi wasn't angry; instead, she patiently helped her pay.
Xia Zhi was wandering aimlessly when she suddenly spotted a clothing store. She stopped in her tracks, clearly eyeing the clothes on the mannequins.
This dress... is so pretty.
Xie Yi noticed that she had stopped: "Want to give it a try?"
Xia Zhi was about to refuse, but then she thought about it again, nodded, and went into the clothing store.
As soon as she stepped inside, she heard the salesperson's footsteps: "Miss, would you like to try it?"
Xia Zhi glanced at Xie Yi, who was looking at her with a smile.
Xia Zhi could only reply, "...Okay."
The salesperson took the clothes down and handed them to Xia Zhi, praising her, "Beautiful lady, you're so pretty, you'll definitely look great in this!"
Xia Zhi smiled, then took the dress and went to the fitting room.
While she was changing clothes, she heard the salesperson's voice outside again: "Handsome, your girlfriend is really beautiful."
Xie Yi's voice tinged with laughter: "Really?"
Xia Zhi changed her clothes and walked out expressionlessly, looking at the salesperson: "He's not my boyfriend at all."
The saleswoman was a little embarrassed upon hearing this, but her professional ethics made her say, "That means he's pursuing you! You're really lucky, beautiful lady!"
After all, Xie Yi, a handsome, rich, and successful man, is a top-tier resource.
Xia Zhi choked, then walked to the mirror. She looked at herself in the mirror and was slightly taken aback.
The light purple dress she wore perfectly accentuated her graceful figure, revealing her fair arms and upper thighs. She wasn't wearing makeup, yet she exuded an air of elegance. She blinked, and then heard the salesperson laugh, "Beautiful lady, this dress is practically tailor-made for you!"
Xia Zhi smiled and said, "Really?"
"I wouldn't lie! Why don't you let this handsome guy take a look for you?"
Xia Zhi subconsciously looked at Xie Yi, who was staring intently at her.
“It’s beautiful.” His voice was clear and bright.
Xia Zhi was used to his unserious behavior, so she felt a little uncomfortable with this.
Just as Xie Yi was about to continue speaking, she suddenly felt her phone ring.
He glanced down and realized it was his mother calling.
Xia Zhi saw Xie Yi answer the phone and held her breath. Could it be a call from Xie Yi's parents?
Xie Yi's voice was calm: "Mom, what's wrong?"
Since Xia Zhi couldn't hear what the other person was saying, she could only look longingly at Xie Yi.
Xie Yi was amused by Xia Zhi's nervous expression.
Then, he suppressed his smile and said calmly, "Okay, Mom, I understand."
Xie Yi hung up the phone and then looked at the salesperson: "Where do I pay? I need to pay now."
Upon hearing that there was a sales target, the salesperson quickly said, "Pay at the front desk."
Xie Yi glanced at Xia Zhi: "I'll take you somewhere later, you can wear this dress."
Xia Zhi was a little puzzled: "Where?"
Xie Yi said slowly, "You'll know when you get there."
After Xie Yi paid the bill, the salesperson got excited and quickly took out scissors to cut off the tag from Xia Zhi's dress. Then, she said with a fawning smile, "Beautiful lady, you look absolutely stunning in this dress! Everyone who sees you will adore you!"
Xie Yi chuckled and said, "She doesn't need anyone else's approval, she only needs my approval."
The salesperson choked for a moment, then said, "That's right! Take your time, and come again next time~"
Xia Zhi followed behind Xie Yi, a little annoyed: "Where are we going?"
Xie Yi said, "It's nearby."
Xia Zhi followed him into a restaurant. As soon as she entered, it dawned on her. Considering Xie Yi's phone call earlier, was it possible that Xie Yi was taking her to meet his parents?
Xia Zhi suddenly felt a little excited. What if she confessed to them...?
The two walked into a luxurious private room. As soon as Xia Zhi entered, she felt everyone staring at her without any attempt to hide it.
Xia Zhi felt a little embarrassed; she hadn't expected the room to be so full.
"Xiaoyi, is this your girlfriend?" a middle-aged man asked.
Xie Yi smiled and said, "I haven't won her over yet."
Everyone looked at Xia Zhi in surprise upon hearing this, wondering if there was someone Xie Yi hadn't managed to win over.
Xie Yi had been pampered since childhood, spoiled by his relatives and parents. Because the woman in front of him was the one Xie Yi liked, everyone couldn't help but give him a way out.
"How could you not catch up? I think you'll be here soon!"
"Young people, that's normal!"
Xia Zhi glanced at Xie Yi, who gestured for her to sit down.
Unfortunately, Xia Zhi was never so obedient. She stood still, carefully observed the surroundings, and then saw Xia Zhi's parents.
Xia Zhi recognized him at a glance because Xie Yi looked a lot like his parents.
"Auntie, Uncle, you forced me to express my gratitude."
Everyone looked at Xia Zhi in surprise upon hearing this. Xia Zhi mustered her courage and looked at Xie Yi's parents: "I don't like Xie Yi at all. I hope you can make Xie Yi let me go."
After Xia Zhi finished speaking, she glanced at Xie Yi, who subconsciously stood up: "Xia Zhi, do you really have to do this?"
Xia Zhi ignored him and instead looked at Xie Yi's parents.
Xie Yi's mother was very thin and pale. She was observing Xia Zhi silently, and after a long while, she sighed: "Xie Yi, you have to solve your own problems."
Xia Zhi looked at Xie Yi's parents in disbelief upon hearing this, intending to repeat herself.
Xie Yi simply hummed in agreement: "Sorry, Mom."
Xia Zhi turned her gaze to Xie Yi's father: "Uncle, I..."
Xia Zhi's father suddenly said seriously, "Xie Yi, what exactly are you doing? Are you just messing around?"
Xia Zhi was just about to breathe a sigh of relief when she heard Xie Yi say, "Dad, I..."
"Hey! Isn't this a bracelet?!"
"It really is!"
Xia Zhi noticed that everyone was curiously looking at the bracelet on her wrist.
Xie Yi's parents' expressions softened somewhat.
Xie Yi's father said softly, "It's normal for young people to throw tantrums."
Upon hearing this, Xia Zhi instinctively explained, "Uncle, I..."
Xie Yi's father interrupted sharply, "You should know what this bracelet means, right?"
Xia Zhi nodded silently; she had heard Xie Yi mention it before.
Xie Yi's father said coldly, "Since you've put it on, don't say things like that and cause misunderstandings."
Xia Zhi stared wide-eyed in disbelief: "But..."
Xie Yi suddenly grabbed Xia Zhi's hand; Xie Yi's hand was a little cold.
He said slowly, "I'm sorry, Mom and Dad, we have to go now."
Xie Yi's mother said softly, "Solve this yourself, and don't let me hear about you from anyone else."
Xie Yi nodded, then forcibly pulled Xia Zhi away.
Xia Zhi hadn't expected Xie Yi's parents to have such an indifferent attitude, or even to such an extent of indulgence. They were spoiling Xie Yi far too much!
Xia Zhi felt a slight pain in her hand from being squeezed, so she instinctively said, "Ouch! Xie Yi, what are you doing!"
Xie Yi pursed his lips and led her to the car with a blank expression, then locked the car door.
Xia Zhi tried to open the car door, but found it was locked tight and couldn't be opened at all.
She looked at Xie Yi: "What do you want to do?"
Xie Yi started the car, then said casually, "Although I expected this, I didn't expect you to be so bold."
Xia Zhi belatedly realized that he was probably referring to what she had said to his parents...
She said calmly, "Am I wrong? You forced me in the first place."
Xie Yi gritted her teeth; "I forced you? I'll show you right now what real coercion is."
The car sped along the road, and Xia Zhi asked, a little confused, "Where are we going now?"
Xie Yi smiled faintly: "You'll find out soon enough."
That same phrase again left Xia Zhi speechless.
Soon the car stopped at the golf course. Xia Zhi peeked out and saw a group of men in suits walking in. They were all accompanied by female companions, and the women were wearing very little clothing.
The car came to a smooth stop in the parking lot, and Xie Yi said indifferently, "Get out of the car."
Xia Zhi gave him a strange look, then got out of the car.
Xie Yi grabbed Xia Zhi's hand tightly with one hand and then forced her to go inside. As soon as they entered, they heard the teasing voices of the crowd.
Xia Zhi noticed that the female companions of the group of men were very close to them, and the men were even lewdly touching them.
Xia Zhi suppressed the urge to vomit and looked at Xie Yi: "Let go first..."
Xie Yi quickly let go of her hand and then walked to the front desk: "Reserve a seat."
The receptionist naturally recognized Xie Yi, as he was a regular customer. However, this was the first time she had seen Xie Yi bring a female companion in, so she couldn't help but glance at him a few more times.
"...Yes, sir."
The receptionist quickly took care of it and then smiled and said, "Sir, Madam, would you like to go to the lounge and rest for a while?"
Xia Zhi stood there, puzzled as to the meaning behind Xie Yi's words.
She suddenly heard the man next to her say with a hint of surprise, "Mr. Xie? What are you doing here?"
Xia Zhi held her breath and subconsciously looked at the person who spoke.
He was a middle-aged man with a large belly and greasy hair. He looked at Xie Yi and smiled, "I didn't expect Mr. Xie to come here."
Xie Yi nodded: "How many of you are there?"
The man was somewhat flattered: "There are three of us."
There were three men, not counting their female companions.
Xie Yi glanced at the man and said meaningfully, "Do you mind if I come with you?"
The middle-aged man quickly shook his head: "How could that be! Let's come together!"
Xie Yi walked over, and the middle-aged man saw Xia Zhi looking flustered, so he asked curiously, "Mr. Xie, am I your female companion?"
Xia Zhi's gaze fell on the women around the men, and she suddenly felt a little panicked. Was she supposed to be compared to them?
It wasn't that she looked down on them, but their overly proactive attitude made Xia Zhi a little intimidated.
Xie Yi smiled and said, "Fine, let's go together."
Should I count?
Xia Zhi felt a little wronged and subconsciously looked at Xie Yi, only to find that Xie Yi had been looking at her with a thoughtful expression.
The middle-aged man nodded: "Okay, okay."
The men went to the golf course, and Xia Zhi could only sit quietly to the side.
"What's wrong with you?" A woman walked over. "You look so wronged."
Xia Zhi looked at the woman who had spoken, and the woman was looking at her curiously.
Xia Zhi didn't know how to explain, so she shook her head.
"I've met Mr. Xie a few times, but this is the first time I've seen him bring a woman."
Xia Zhi said indifferently, "Who cares?"
Several women looked Xia Zhi up and down, and one of them smiled and said, "That dress you're wearing must be very expensive, but it suits you very well."
Xia Zhi nodded somewhat awkwardly.
To be honest, this was her first time attending such an event. In the past, Xie Yi and the others would only tell her to go to the bookstore and quietly read for a while.
She glanced at Xie Yi, who was clearly not a first-timer here; he seemed remarkably at ease.
Xia Zhi felt that the gratitude she felt now was completely unfamiliar.
"Does he like you?" one of the women whispered. "I'm very good at judging men."
Xia Zhi shook her head in confusion.
“There are a lot of people here, but most of them are rich kids,” the woman said softly. “Anyway, none of them are good people.”
Xia Zhi nodded, without asking them any further questions.
Xie Yi quickly finished his game. He walked over, his eyes indifferent.
Xia Zhi watched him walk over, but then heard a middle-aged man next to her laugh and say, "Mr. Xie, is this your female companion? Should we try having a different companion?"
Everyone held their breath and looked at Xia Zhi, silently mourning for this man.
He was probably the only one who couldn't see that Xie Yi really liked her.
As soon as she entered, everyone noticed the gold chain on her wrist, and some even recognized it as a family heirloom of the Xie family.
Such high quality, including the way Xie Yi looked at her...
Who wouldn't see it? Maybe only this unlucky guy wouldn't.
Xia Zhi's face turned deathly pale when she heard the middle-aged man mention changing female companions. She subconsciously looked at Xie Yi, who seemed to be looking at her as well, his gaze complex and unreadable.
To avoid falling into someone else's hands, Xia Zhi looked at the middle-aged man and said slowly, "Xie Yi and I are not what you imagine."
The middle-aged man glanced cautiously at Xie Yi, and when he found that Xie Yi didn't react, he boldly asked, "Do you have the right to speak here?"
Upon hearing this, Xia Zhi flew into a rage and turned to leave.
She hadn't walked far when she heard Xie Yi speak softly from behind: "Apologize."
Xia Zhi subconsciously turned around and looked at Xie Yi.
The middle-aged man couldn't help but feel a little smug: "Did you hear that? I told you to apologize!"
Xie Yi looked at the middle-aged man with a cold and disdainful gaze: "I'm talking about you."
The middle-aged man was a little embarrassed upon hearing this, still daydreaming: "What is Mr. Xie saying..."
Seeing that he was trying to get away with it by playing dumb, the woman next to him said, "I'll make you apologize! You greasy man!"
The middle-aged man cursed upon hearing this, then looked at Xie Yi: "President Xie, this..."
Xie Yi pointed to the gold necklace on Xia Zhi's hand: "Didn't you notice?"
The middle-aged man was initially a little doubtful, but upon closer inspection, he realized he knew his stuff and could tell it was priceless. He belatedly realized that the woman before him showed a very special kind of gratitude.
But it would be too embarrassing for him to apologize to these little brats.
He hesitated, but then Xie Yi slowly said, "I heard your company has a few projects recently..."
The middle-aged man looked at Xie Yi, never expecting her to threaten him with the opportunity for cooperation. "Fine," he thought, "I guess I'll have to be flexible." He looked at Xia Zhi and said humiliatingly, "Sorry, beautiful lady."
Seeing that neither of them reacted, the middle-aged man continued, "I didn't realize you two were a couple..."
Xia Zhi frowned in disgust and denied it outright: "He and I are not a couple."
Middle-aged man: ...? Are young people these days doing things this elaborately?
Although he was very confused, the middle-aged man could only smile and try to appease him, saying, "Okay, okay, I'm glad you forgive me."
The woman next to her felt a sense of satisfaction looking at the disheveled state of the middle-aged man who had groped her earlier.
Xie Yi looked at Xia Zhi: "Are you calmed down?"
Xia Zhi glanced at the middle-aged man. Although he wasn't a good person, she didn't want anyone to hold a grudge against her because of him. So she nodded, feigning indifference, and said, "Whatever. You can change your female companion, too."
Everyone held their breath, secretly thinking: "At this point, who's going to bother with you?"
Xie Yi narrowed her eyes slightly, then looked at everyone: "Should we go upstairs to the tea room to rest for a while?"
No one dared to refuse him. Although they were generally older than Xie Yi, Xie Yi's status was innate, and they couldn't refuse him.
So everyone nodded and agreed.
Xie Yi walked upstairs alone. After a few steps, seeing Xia Zhi still standing there, he turned slightly and asked, "Aren't you coming?"
Xia Zhi had no choice but to step forward. She was furious and couldn't understand why Xie Yi insisted on bringing her here.
So she looked at Xie Yi and said, "Pour me a glass of water."
Everyone: ...
Xie Yi glanced at Xia Zhi indifferently, then lowered her eyes slightly and began to pour water for Xia Zhi.
Xia Zhi took the water, but pretended to look at it with disgust: "It's so hot, how did you pour it?"
Xie Yi looked at Xia Zhi intently for a long time before finally saying, "Let me blow on it for you."
Xia Zhi nodded, ignoring the thanks.
Her gaze swept over the crowd, only to find that they were all looking at her with great admiration.
Xia Zhi sneered inwardly, wondering how long Xie Yi could keep up the act.
Because Xie Yi was present, no one dared to chat casually or make inappropriate jokes. So the conversation remained focused on work. Xie Yi, holding his teacup, seemed somewhat listless and uninterested in these topics.
Suddenly, a perceptive man looked at Xie Yi and asked, "Mr. Xie, how did you and this beautiful lady meet?"
The moment gossip was mentioned, everyone put down what they were doing and looked over curiously.
Xie Yi smiled and said, "We're from the same school."
The man nodded: "A fellow alumnus."
"What's this beautiful lady's name?" a man next to her asked.
Xie Yi said slowly, "I usually call her Zhizhi."
Xia Zhi looked at Xie Yi and said calmly, "You don't need to call me by my nickname. People who are familiar with me usually just call me Zhizhi."
Everyone gasped in surprise, not expecting that someone would actually speak to Xie Yi like that.
The men awkwardly changed the subject, and the conversation quickly turned back to work.
Xia Zhi glanced at Xie Yi and suddenly interrupted, "Is the tea ready?"
Xie Yi paused for a moment, then nodded: "You drink."
Xia Zhi took the teacup and, feeling quite thirsty, drank it down in large gulps. However, since there wasn't enough water in the cup, she said, "Pour me another cup."
Xie Yi casually took the teacup and poured her another cup of tea.
Xia Zhi felt annoyed looking at his unchanging expression. She was being forced to stay by his side, and although she couldn't leave, she was also terrified of him.
But now at least she can disgust him.
So she spoke again: "It's too hot! This cup can only hold so much water! I'd like to use a bigger cup!"
Anyone with eyes could see that Xia Zhi was deliberately making things difficult for Xie Yi.
Xie Yi stood up and said, "Okay, I'll go find you a bigger cup."
Everyone looked at Xie Yi in shock, then cast strange glances at Xia Zhi.
Soon, Xie Yi came in with a large glass. Just as he was about to fill it with water, Xia Zhi deliberately said, "I want the glass I had earlier!"
This time, Xie Yi didn't give in to her. Instead, he slightly raised his eyes and stared intently at Xia Zhi.
Xia Zhi felt a little uneasy under his gaze, and she shrank back: "No, is it not allowed?"
Xie Yi smiled: "Of course, darling."
...
After chatting briefly, seeing that Xie Yi wasn't very interested, everyone made excuses to leave.
For a moment, only Xia Zhi and Xie Yi remained in the tea room.
Xia Zhi glanced at the camera silently, thinking that this was a public place, and Xie Yi dared not do anything.
So she picked up the glass next to her and poured herself a cup of tea.
Just as she was about to drink, she heard Xie Yi chuckle and say, "Can't you pour your own tea?"
Xia Zhi was startled and almost choked. She subconsciously looked at Xie Yi: "You scared me."
Xie Yi looked at her for a long time before speaking in a deep voice, "You've been toying with me for so long, isn't it my turn now?"
-----------------------
Author's Note: Here it comes! [Lower-eared rabbit head]
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