Chapter 37 Everything is under control
"you……"
Xie Ling's perception of Lian Yi's direct attitude was always refreshed just when she thought she had gotten used to it.
He only opened his mouth to utter one word, and under Lian Yi's smiling gaze, he closed his mouth, his eyes slightly closed with a hint of helplessness, and his voice was slightly cold, "Lian Yi, I've said it before, I don't have any extra time or energy to waste on this kind of thing."
"But you also said that as long as I solve the problem, you would promise me something within your ability."
Lian Yi leaned back on the sofa, tilted her head slightly, and laughed, "I don't want you to be with me. It's just a date, what time could it possibly waste?"
"Or are you actually afraid that the more you get to know me, the more you'll fall in love with me?"
She spoke without the slightest embarrassment, her smile bright and confident.
This contrasted sharply with Xie Ling's indifferent reaction.
Xie Ling lowered her eyes and said, "After the final exams, I will be doing part-time work and tutoring you, so I really won't have time."
"Why do you need to do part-time work? If you need money, I can give it to you," Lian Yi said indifferently.
She knew that because of Xie Ling's father's illness, this already impoverished family was burdened with multiple debts, which was why Xie Ling did not choose to be recommended for admission or apply for the gifted youth program.
I took the college entrance exam and received a bonus.
During this process, he also wanted to do his best to solve the family's difficulties.
For him, the future within reach may be wonderful, full of opportunities.
However, he lacks the ability to foresee the future and can only make the most suitable choices in the present.
What a tenacious and unyielding flower on a high mountain! Lian Yi narrowed her eyes, concealing the gleam of interest in them, feeling somewhat regretful that the other party was ultimately a fishpond for a true heiress, not to be touched.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have resorted to such roundabout and unnecessary tricks.
There are many ways to make Xie Ling face reality.
When Xie Ling heard her casually say those words, her eyes turned icy cold, as if all warmth had vanished. "Lian Yi, your money only comes from your parents. I hope you can use it for something more meaningful, instead of squandering it carelessly."
“I am very grateful for your help. Without you, my father might not be alive today. This is a kindness I will never forget.”
"But if you think that money can buy everything, I think that doesn't apply to me, at least not."
Lian Yi was not angry at all at his cold words.
Just like a tyrannical emperor facing a cold and aloof beauty sent from beyond the Great Wall for a marriage alliance, she only admired Xie Ling's appearance and qualities. As for whether he was unwilling or resentful, these were merely a matter of amusement for her.
No matter how direct the words are or how cold the attitude is, it doesn't matter.
Looking at that face, it's always forgivable, isn't it?
She was only interested in Xie Ling's good looks during his youth, not in spending her life with him, so she didn't care what he thought or what his temper was like.
"I just want you to have a better life." Lian Yi feigned surprise, her smile slowly fading.
There was a hint of helplessness on her delicate features, and even the arrogance in her eyes seemed to have wilted.
"Besides, when you like someone, don't you want to be with them all the time? If you don't like it, then I won't say it again." Lian Yi said softly, "Don't be angry, okay?"
After she finished speaking in her clear voice, a long silence fell over the small space.
Xie Ling looked at Lian Yi's slightly disappointed expression, and the bright smile that was still vivid in her mind overlapped with her current pouty and downcast look.
"……Feel sorry."
He paused for a moment, then said, "I'm being too sensitive."
Perhaps in Lianyi's world, getting anything is easy; it seems that everything can be measured and bought with money.
Her actions and behavior have consistently proven this point.
Xie Ling couldn't explain why he felt cold just now, but Lian Yi's reaction brought him back to his senses.
From beginning to end, Lian Yi provided him with tremendous help. Despite her seemingly stubborn and domineering demands, she never made things difficult for him or made him feel unbearable.
But he knew even more clearly that he and she were from two different worlds. Even though Lian Yi was constantly chasing after him, one day she would return to her beautiful world.
not to mention.
Xie Ling thought calmly at this moment that he had never been moved by Lian Yi in the slightest.
There isn't one now, and there won't be one in the future.
"Let's change the request," Xie Ling said calmly. "You said you could refuse my advances, and you know very well what the definition of a date is. I don't want agreeing to this request to cause you any unnecessary misunderstandings."
This is really difficult to deal with.
Lian Yi was a little dissatisfied, but then she thought about it and was secretly delighted. This meant that Xie Ling still disliked her, judging from her meticulous and unyielding manner.
If I hadn't spent the money back then, I probably wouldn't even have had the chance to speak to him now.
Thinking of this, Lian Yi was immediately satisfied and excited about the reliability of the retirement plan. Her tone became much more cheerful, "Okay, okay, let's put it another way: you and I will go out for a trip together sometime."
Before Xie Ling could frown and speak, she added, "It's not just the two of us, my friends will be there too. Don't worry, I won't do anything like confessing my feelings in public to force you to say yes."
"Is it okay?"
"good."
Faced with her retreat and seeing the feigned ease and expectation on her face, Xie Ling couldn't bring herself to refuse.
I just accompanied her on one trip, that's all.
"Yay!"
Lian Yi's happy smile, which crinkled her eyes, lasted only a moment before Xie Ling, with an indifferent expression, pulled the test paper in front of her. "Next, let's talk about this question..."
Teacher Xie is truly dedicated.
…
on Monday.
For every high school student, this was just another boring day of doing endless practice problems.
After asking for leave from school, Meng Er boarded a plane to fly abroad.
Lian Yi, who rarely gets up early, calmly enjoys the care of more than a dozen servants and finishes her breakfast, despite Xu Qingyao's shocked yet suddenly enlightened expression.
She wanted to take advantage of these two days to further fuel Xie Ling's dislike for 'Fragrant Concubine' and gradually wear down Xie Ling's patience with her.
If she hadn't remembered that she was a student and couldn't even get into the school, Lian Yi would have actually considered having someone send 999 roses to Xie Ling. Unfortunately, due to various limitations, this beautiful idea couldn't be carried out.
As Lian Yi leisurely enjoyed her breakfast, she caught a glimpse of Xu Qingyao waiting beside her, pouring her water and handing her things from time to time.
It seems that Xu Qingyao has been very interested in the glass greenhouse project these past few days.
He looked much thinner, with faint dark circles under his eyes, but his eyes were very bright, and he looked very energetic.
However, this is quite normal. Anyone who is suddenly assigned to be in charge of a project worth 200 million would be under enough pressure to keep them up at night, let alone be busy.
Lian Yi lowered her eyes, wiped her mouth, and asked Xu Qingyao, who was standing to the side lost in thought, to sit down. She then instructed the housekeeper to serve her breakfast as well.
"You've worked hard these past few days. Keep up the good work and think about everything you'll get once the project succeeds!" Lian Yi patted the somewhat bewildered Xu Qingyao and casually made a promise.
“It wasn’t hard work. I feel like I learned a lot.” Xu Qingyao’s eyes were bright as she spoke softly, “Many things seem the same in case studies, but in practice, they are full of uncertainties.”
"But Miss Lianyi, don't worry, I will definitely overcome all difficulties!"
"oh……"
Seeing the determination and excitement on her delicate face, Lian Yi paused, feeling a rare pang of guilt.
“If you really can’t keep going, just tell me. It’s not like you have to shoulder this burden all by yourself.”
Xu Qingyao paused for a moment, then hesitated before saying, "If Miss Lianyi wants to arrange for someone else to work with me on this project... I have no objection."
When Xu Qingyao said this, she actually felt a little bitter.
She knew that she still had many shortcomings, so it was normal for Lian Yi to distrust her. However, she couldn't help feeling disappointed and frustrated with her own lack of ambition.
"That's not what I meant." Lian Yi was also a little confused. She leaned on the back of the chair and thought for a moment before saying, "Of course, if you don't feel too much pressure, it would be better for you to be in charge of this matter alone. Remember, I only trust you."
Many people were genuinely worried that something unexpected might happen, like the saying "three heads are better than one." It was rare for her to have such a change of heart, but Xu Qingyao clearly didn't appreciate it.
Upon hearing this, Xu Qingyao immediately realized that she had misunderstood Lian Yi's meaning. She lowered her head somewhat embarrassed, but quickly looked up at her again with an extremely serious expression.
"Ms. Lianyi, please rest assured. Any pressure will only motivate me to work harder and do things better. I will face my shortcomings squarely, remain rational, make bold decisions, and will not let you down!"
She originally had various thoughts of insecurity, but she kept telling herself that Lian Yi must have her reasons for choosing her to do this, which helped her stay calm.
But after feeling Lian Yi's concern, Xu Qingyao was both touched and ashamed.
So Miss Lianyi trusted her so much and was so confident in her abilities.
What Lianyi cared about was whether she would be overwhelmed by the pressure.
Xu Qingyao sniffed, her emotions welling up, and her misty eyes filled with moisture.
"...Let's have breakfast. I was just saying a few words to you, why are you crying?" Lian Yi looked at her rich emotional changes and felt even more that the future was bright.
Young, emotionally unstable, and lacking maturity and composure—with such a capable person, how can we not suffer losses?
With a sense of relief and satisfaction, Lian Yi patted Xu Qingyao on the shoulder once again, "Although you have to work on the project, don't neglect your studies. Prioritize your studies, and take breaks when you need to. I will arrange for someone to supervise you."
With sufficient sleep and study time, see how much time and energy you can still spare for your project.
Lian Yi left with a satisfied smile.
Xu Qingyao was left in the restaurant with her face down. Even though the maid had already placed the cut asparagus and scallops on the table in front of her, she seemed unable to come back to her senses for a long time.
A moment later, a clear, translucent teardrop fell onto the delicate, white rim of the plate.
Xu Qingyao hurriedly raised her hand to wipe away her tears, her eyes, which appeared sorrowful and fragile, held an incredibly complex expression.
Miss Lianyi really...
Fortunately, Xu Qingyao sniffed, picked up her knife and fork, and her rather tragically beautiful face showed a hint of confidence.
In the past two days, through the alumni association, she has contacted many senior students who graduated from Wanghai. Many of these people were prominent figures in the school back then, and now some are still on campus, some are about to graduate, and some have already entered the workforce.
However, based on targeted screening, Xu Qingyao contacted many people who were very interested in the glass greenhouse project.
She had no fear or hesitation about interviewing the older students who were more experienced and had better resumes than her.
Xu Qingyao gradually calmed down. She wanted to live up to Lian Yi's trust and prove that Lian Yi's choice was not wrong.
Lian Yi appeared when she was at her most desperate and helpless, saved her, and punished those people. Others may not understand, nor do they need to understand, but she will let Lian Yi know about the little girl who once only dared to cower in a corner, trembling with fear—
I won't let her down.
-
After making promises to Xu Qingyao, Lian Yi did not go to school immediately, but instead headed to the flower hall where guests were received.
After returning from the Lian family's old house, she did not go back to the place where her parents usually lived. The two of them did not react to this, but would occasionally send some things over, which was probably a kind of expression of their opinion.
Lian Yi didn't sense Xu Han's anger at the loss of his son-in-law at all.
To her surprise, when she woke up, the housekeeper told her that her eldest sister, Lian Suning, had come to visit.
To be honest, when she made a ruckus back then, Lian Yi never intended to develop any sisterly relationship with Lian Suning. Her older sister was good in every way, except that she was always a little too gentle and naive.
There's no need to put Lian Suning in a difficult position between her and the real heiress when her identity is revealed.
It was assumed that Lian Su-ning would return home with her uncle, but on the very day that Qian Jingrui's sex scandal was all over the news, Lian Xu-han had already flown back to Hong Kong to handle matters.
Lian Yi changed her mind because of her curiosity about this matter, even though she had originally planned not to see him.
Almost an hour has passed since Lian Yi learned of her elder sister's visit and arrived unhurriedly, yet she shows no embarrassment whatsoever.
Everyone in the Lian family knows that she always sleeps until she naturally wakes up and rarely opens her eyes before ten o'clock. The fact that she specifically chooses to come over at seven or eight in the morning is just asking for trouble.
"all."
The flower hall, managed by Xu Qingyao, was still beautifully decorated today, with fresh flower arrangements arranged in an orderly fashion. In accordance with Lian Yi's tacky tastes, a large bouquet of fresh flowers, still glistening with dew, surrounded a single sofa.
Lian Suning stood in front of the French windows, admiring the view outside the stained glass. When she heard the maid's whispered greeting as Lian Yi entered, she turned around and called her by her nickname in a gentle voice.
"Big sister, why did you come to see me so early?" Lian Yi walked to her reserved seat and sat down, completely unconcerned about her image, and nestled into the sofa.
She tilted her head slightly to look at the other person. Lian Suning's appearance and temperament had a classical beauty, like a beauty who had walked out of a traditional Chinese ink painting of Jiangnan, carrying the unique charm of the old days.
But the beauty's face showed signs of fatigue, and her warm and affectionate eyes stared steadily at Lian Yi.
A moment later, she walked over apologetically, "I was a bit too hasty. Did I disturb your rest?"
"No, not yet." After leisurely eating breakfast, Lian Yi, curious about the other party's purpose, simply got straight to the point, "Big sister, what brings you here?"
"Um……"
Lian Suning hesitated for a moment, but seeing Lian Yi's expression quickly change to one of impatience, she sighed helplessly, "Yi Yi, after the Qian Jingrui incident, my father and I had some disagreements."
"..."
"oh?"
Lian Yi immediately became interested, originally thinking that her eldest sister's tacit approval that time was the most 'rebellious' decision she could make.
Unexpectedly, there was more to the story. Lian Yi was genuinely curious about how this usually docile older sister could disagree with Lian Xuhan.
"Tell me in detail!" Her reaction was practically as if she were about to open a bag of potato chips and a bottle of cola.
Lian Suning felt helpless about Lian Yi's behavior, but the heaviness and confusion she had felt over the past two days seemed to ease a little with Lian Yi's reaction.
"My father's idea of arranging a marriage for me hasn't changed because of Qian Jingrui." She said this with some difficulty, her voice very soft.
Lian Yi gave a noncommittal "hmm".
Of course it won't change. It doesn't matter who we cooperate with. The Qian family doesn't only have Qian Jingrui. Besides, even if it's not the Qian family, we can always find a suitable marriage alliance with the Zhao, Qian, Sun, or Li families.
Marriage itself brings no value; the significance lies in the alliance and covenant it embodies. The two parties involved in the marriage are like two seals stamped on a contract, announcing to the world that they have reached a cooperation agreement.
What the seal itself was meant by is not important.
It's probably because once you start, it becomes less difficult to say anything more.
Lian Suning sat gracefully and said softly, "Yiyi, perhaps I have failed my father's upbringing and expectations, but I don't want to marry a stranger in such an ambiguous way and then live a life of mutual respect and formality."
"Big sister, do you have someone you like?" Lian Yi suddenly asked.
Lian Suning paused for a moment, then chuckled and shook her head. "No, does one have to have someone they like, or hold other hopes for love, before wanting to rebel?"
“I just feel… breathless from this arrangement.” Her voice trailed off.
Lian Yi nodded and said, "That's true."
“Then, Dad got very angry.” Lian Suning pursed her lips and lowered her face. “He wanted me to go back to Hong Kong with him, but I refused.”
"What did Grandpa and Grandma say?" Lian Yi asked calmly.
“They respected my decision, so Dad didn’t force me to go back with him. He just suspended my credit card and took back the operating rights of all the businesses under my name.” Lian Suning smiled lightly, her reluctance visibly obvious.
"And those companies I co-founded with others have all been subject to restrictions in the past few days..."
“I know what my father meant by doing this. He wanted me to know that everything I have is given to me by him, and that I can only continue to be a carefree heiress by being obedient.”
Lian Yi listened to her gentle voice speaking softly and nodded lazily, "So what? Anyway, Grandpa and Grandma respect your decision, so why don't you just stay in Yunhai? The family won't lack you for food or clothing."
Among all the family members, only Lian Yi could talk about living off her parents so frankly and matter-of-factly.
Lian Suning's lips, which were heavy with sadness, couldn't lift because of her nonsensical words, but she couldn't help but smile slightly.
She looked at Lian Yi with gentle eyes and said, "My family doesn't understand why I'm doing this."
More than one person has approached Lian Suning. In their eyes, she has always been gentle, obedient, and sensible, and has never done anything out of line, let alone talk back to her parents.
Even worse, some people blamed all the problems on Lian Yi.
They were convinced that she had been corrupted by Lian Yi, which was why she thought and acted this way.
Everyone seems to think that Lian Suning should be someone who considers the big picture, but what kind of person is she, and what kind of life does she want? Even she herself is confused about this.
The decision to visit Lian Yi was made on short notice after sitting in silence all night.
For some reason, the only impression Lian Suning had of her younger sister was that she was mischievous and willful.
Only in front of Lian Yi could she feel at ease and relaxed at this moment, as if she could be her true self, instead of the gentle, sensible, and intelligent Lian Suning that others saw her as.
“They all told me what I should do, what I shouldn’t do, and what the advantages and disadvantages of doing or not doing it are.” Lian Su Ning quietly watched her languidly nestled on the sofa, and then her voice sounded like a sigh.
"But only you, Yiyi, ask me what I want—"
A faint, almost sad smile appeared on her face, as pleasing as a white lotus in full bloom.
"Or perhaps I don't want to."
"..."
Lian Yi opened her mouth, then hissed inwardly, and quickly sat up straight with a slightly serious expression. This was not right.
Something's really not right.
Surprisingly, her older sister didn't blame her for making things get out of control, nor did she complain about her being the culprit who shirked responsibility and didn't care about anything that happened afterward, since she herself had to face everything that remained unchanged.
This...this isn't right, is it?
"So, what brings you here, eldest sister...?" Lian Yi inquired.
Lian Suning smiled slightly, looking at her with a serious expression in her gentle eyes.
"Yiyi, I know that the project you are working on is short-staffed. Although I haven't been involved in any company decision-making and don't have much experience, I am a graduate of a prestigious university."
She said in a slightly embarrassed voice, "If you're willing, I'd like to help you, or rather, I'd like to ask you for help so that I can have something to do."
She knew that her family and Lian Yi had never been close, and she herself didn't have much of a sisterly bond with Lian Yi.
But she could sense that it was because she had too many stereotypes about Lian Yi that the relationship between the sisters had become distant.
Whether it's wanting to help or having a selfish motive to prove her abilities, Lian Suning doesn't want to remain in this confused state of mind and waste time on meaningless internal conflicts. At the same time, she also hopes to get closer to Lian Yi.
"no……"
Lian Yi was a little confused. At this moment, she even missed the way her older sister used to gently try to stop her from doing something, only to be frustrated and helpless.
"I know," Lian Suning said apologetically. "I used to always try to control you, but now that I think about it, why did I always think I was right?"
"Wait a minute..." The more she said that, the less Lian Yi could process it.
"Yi-yi, don't feel pressured. My decision isn't about rebelling or proving anything. I just feel that I need to try a different life and find a goal that I truly want to live for."
"You're telling me not to feel pressured, right?"
“Hmm…” Lian Suning raised her eyes slightly and nodded, “It’s okay if you refuse. I just came to ask for your opinion.”
"But how can there be no pressure, eldest sister?" Lian Yi let out a soft breath, her mood gradually calming down, and her usual smile naturally appeared on her face.
She curled the corners of her lips into a sneer and said, "Let's not even talk about whether you're looking for a temporary place to stay or trying to divert attention from your rebellion to me."
"Didn't you really consider what Xu Han would think, believe, and do after he found out about this?"
“Everyone will think that I instigated you to do this, and your presence in my project will only make them more convinced, and even think that I am provoking them, thinking that I have grown some wings and have the determination to challenge them.”
"By then, do you really think they won't do something to me to curb my arrogance?"
"Big sister, have you really not thought about it, or have you thought about it but it doesn't matter as long as you're not the one who has to bear these burdens?"
She spoke with a smile, her words filled with malice and cold indifference.
Lian Suning's face grew paler and paler with each of these words.
She clutched the sofa's plush fabric helplessly, opening her mouth to explain that she clearly... clearly had never had such a thought.
Yes, she hadn't considered those things, but how could Lian Yi think like that? How could she treat her own sister like that...?
"Big sister, from childhood to adulthood, every time you tried to control me, stop me from doing things, and then got angry and cried," Lian Yi chuckled, "do you know what people in the family say about me?"
“They said I was lawless and that if I continued to be so arrogant and domineering, I would get into trouble sooner or later.”
"Because of your tears, they defined me as a certain kind of person without asking why, shook their heads in disappointment, and accused me of all sorts of faults."
"So, I'm just too lazy to argue, but what makes you think... we still have any sisterly affection left?"
Lian Yi looked at Lian Suning's pale, lifeless face, paused, and didn't continue.
Of course she could tell what kind of person Lian Suning was.
But with retirement plans looming, Lianyi sighed inwardly. She didn't want to upset her gentle older sister, so when faced with the choice, there was no need to create trouble for herself.
The atmosphere in the flower hall became stagnant due to the silence.
Lian Suning wanted to say something, but all her words seemed stuck in her throat, preventing her from uttering a single syllable.
She could swear she had never had such a thought, but so what?
What Lian Yi said were realities she could not deny.
Until this moment, Lian Suning suddenly felt like she was seeing Lian Yi in a new light. She had always regarded herself as the eldest sister and viewed Lian Yi's spoiled, unruly, and immature behavior as a slap in the face.
It left her speechless, her mind blank.
"sorry……"
"Yi-yi, I'm sorry..."
Even in the most difficult moments, Lian Suning had never cried so emotionally. She only had time to hurriedly raise her hand to cover her face, but the torrent of tears still overflowed from between her slender fingers.
"It's me, I'm sorry." She tried to stop herself from crying and to calm down.
But just thinking about it reminds me that even in the past, she viewed Lian Yi the same way those people thought Lian Yi was immature and reckless.
But I never thought about what Lian Yi had actually done.
She was even the culprit who unjustly stigmatized Lian Yi.
This realization shattered Lian Suning's psychological defenses. She had never truly been kind to Lian Yi, yet now she took it for granted that the other party should bear unnecessary pressure and infamy for her sake.
The dampness spread across her thin, delicate hands, and in the end, Lian Su Ning almost burst into tears.
"..."
Lian Yi's bright amber eyes, which shone in the sunlight, gradually became dull.
Why? This plot isn't right!
At this moment, Lian Yi even wished she could move Lian Suning away and replace her with Lian Suhe. Not only would Lian Suhe not cry, but she would also angrily blame everything on her.
Lian Suning cried until she was almost silent. Suddenly, she turned to the side, quickly grabbed a few tissues from the table, and turned to Lian Yi to wipe the tears from her face and hands.
After tidying up, she turned around. Her eyes were red and swollen like little peaches, but the beauty of a woman crying was still very pretty. The sadness of being broken and fragile could not be dispelled from her eyes.
"Yi-yi, I'm sorry, I lost my temper." She said with a nasal tone, "What you said is something I never thought about, it's my fault."
"..."
"Big sister knows that there's no point in saying these things now, and I'm afraid you don't need my compensation."
Lian Suning's smile seemed forced as she fought back tears, looking at the girl in front of her with heartache. "But please believe me, I really never intended to use you. Today, just pretend I was never here, okay?"
"From now on, I will never again do anything that makes you unhappy."
She picked up her bag and stood up, wanting to say that she would make amends and take on the responsibility of being an older sister, but when she met Lian Yi's emotionless eyes, she couldn't say a word.
Ultimately, she realized it too late. The most ridiculous thing is that she only knows these things now, and Lian Yi has to tell her these things herself.
Lian Suning knew that she didn't even have the right to make a promise to make amends.
"I'm leaving now." She gave a slight, heavy smile, her voice and movements both hurried.
"etc."
"..."
Meeting Lian Suning's apologetic and sad, moist eyes, Lian Yi remained unmoved, haughtily raising her chin and pointing to the sofa in a commanding tone, "Sit back down."
"Okay." Lian Suning didn't think too much about it, assuming that Lian Yi was still angry and didn't want her to leave so easily.
She understands and is willing to accept it.
Sitting back on the sofa, Lian Suning didn't say a word. She just sat there quietly with her face slightly lowered, letting Lian Yi look down at her.
The words I just said to Lian Suning actually made Lian Yi's thoughts clearer in the end.
In an instant, a brilliant plan to kill two birds with one stone popped into my mind.
"Hmm... if you want to make amends, I'm not against it." Lian Yi narrowed her eyes, pondering how to say it.
Lian Suning looked up in surprise, not expecting her to say that, but quickly shook her head in disappointment, "Yiyi, I know you're soft-hearted, but what you just said is right, my father will definitely put all the blame on you."
"Others would probably think the same way. I can't be so selfish as to drag you down any longer. Besides, with the support of Grandpa and Grandma, I can actually find other things to do."
She felt a pang of sadness as she thought about the misunderstandings and prejudices people had against Lian Yi, and felt even more regretful and saddened that she had realized it too late.
Soft-hearted?
When Lian Yi heard this word, she almost couldn't laugh.
Who exactly is spreading rumors and maliciously sabotaging her retirement plans?
"Shut up!" she said irritably. "Am I the one talking or are you the one doing the talking? If you don't want to listen, then forget it!"
Her attitude was terrible, lacking any of the politeness a younger sister should have when speaking to her older sister. However, Lian Suning looked at her with guilty eyes and said softly, "Okay, I won't say anything more."
Lian Yi felt a bit powerless, like punching cotton, but then she thought of the sudden inspiration that had come to her mind, and felt relieved.
“I don’t care about what other people think. Don’t tell me you can’t help but care. If that’s the case, then you should buy a plane ticket and go back to Hong Kong to get married right now.”
She snorted coldly, "Seeing that your attitude in admitting your mistake is somewhat sincere, I'll tentatively believe that you genuinely recognize your error."
When Lian Suning heard this, her expression softened even more, but her gaze towards her was complicated, mixed with sadness and heartache. However, she remained quietly listening without interrupting.
"...As you should know, this project of mine is not a small one."
Lian Yi got to the point, "Right now, there's only one person I've entrusted with full responsibility, but with a project worth 200 million, if there's no one of our own keeping an eye on it, as you should know, it's easy for me to be misled."
"So you are a very suitable candidate."
"Don't tell me about your concerns. Just tell me, are you going to do it or not?" Lian Yi saw Lian Suning open her mouth and knew what she was going to say, so she impatiently cut her off beforehand.
She was worried that those people wouldn't take their anger out on her and retaliate.
However, the main purpose of bringing Lian Suning into the project was not this.
Give her time to consider, and finally, after a few minutes, Lian Suning nodded slightly.
Lian Yi smiled, not giving her a chance to speak, and leaned closer with her eyes crinkling, as if the previous contemptuous sneer was just Lian Suning's illusion.
"Elder sister, you should know that among all the people in the Lian family, the only one I trust the most is you—"
Lian Suning was stunned for a moment, then a touching expression appeared on her face.
Her voice was soft and gentle, yet very earnest.
"Yiyi, thank you for giving your older sister this opportunity." Whether it's to make amends or to give her the chance to build her own career.
"Hey, we're all family, it's too formal to say such things."
Lian Yi narrowed her eyes slightly, her smile innocent and naive. "Big sister, I will arrange for you to meet with that person in charge tonight. After that, the project will be handled by the two of you. However, I have already promised beforehand that her position as the leader will not change."
“Yes, I understand.” Lian Suning nodded. In fact, she had never thought of becoming the person in charge at first, even if she was just assigned to do some trivial things.
“But I really trust your abilities, eldest sister.” Lian Yi simply sat down on the table and pushed the large bouquet of flowers back.
"Besides, you joined this project for my sake and for your own, so you should make the most of your knowledge and abilities, right?"
Lian Suning didn't quite understand the meaning behind Lian Yi's words, but she nodded with some doubt. "Yes, don't worry, I'm in Hong Kong, so I have some knowledge about company operations."
"Of course, I believe you."
Lian Yi smiled and said, "So, although you are not the main person in charge, I hope you will not let this position limit your thinking. If you have good ideas, I want you to argue for them based on reason."
"No matter what, even if you have disagreements, it's all for the success of this project, isn't it?"
"You mean..."
"You'll understand after you meet with the key person in charge tonight."
Lian Yi didn't say anything more, but just smiled mysteriously.
She even managed to include unfavorable factors like 'family business' and 'decentralization'.
Lian Yi is becoming increasingly optimistic about the glass greenhouse project.
"Don't stay at the old house anymore, it's always inconvenient to get in and out there. Just stay here with me, there are plenty of rooms anyway." Lian Yi stood up and stretched.
He said lazily, "As for Lian Xuhan, as long as you're with me, he can't control you."
At worst, I can just go back and beg my grandparents for help.
"Okay." Even after such intense emotional fluctuations, Lian Su Ning maintained her elegant and composed demeanor.
…
"Little Xu—"
Inside the spacious Cullinan, Lian Yi, with her eyes closed, suddenly spoke in an inexplicably mature and official tone.
Xu Qingyao was still intently writing and drawing on her tablet when she heard this unfamiliar address, and she was a little taken aback at first.
"Huh?" she asked, startled. "Miss Lian Yi, what's wrong?"
"I've been thinking about this project, and I've decided to arrange for someone else to work with you." Lian Yi didn't open her eyes, afraid that her smile would be too obvious. "It's my eldest sister, you should have met her before."
"Well, the main concern is that you'll be working too hard. It's unrealistic for you to handle such a huge project all by yourself. My older sister happens to be free, so I asked her to come and help. Don't worry, you'll still be the main person in charge of the project, and that won't be changed."
"...Is it Miss Lian from Hong Kong?"
A few breaths later, Xu Qingyao's soft voice finally rang out from inside the car.
"Hmm." Lian Yi nodded slightly, showing no intention of explaining further.
Xu Qingyao lowered her eyes, feeling the excitement and exhilaration of a traveler in the desert suddenly finding an oasis, but in front of Lian Yi, she restrained this immature behavior and did not show it.
She knew Lian Suning; the Lian family in Hong Kong was considered a prominent family, and as the eldest daughter, Lian Suning would inevitably have connections with a group of socialites and heiresses.
really--
Xu Qingyao's eyes brightened slightly as she glanced at Lian Yi without making a sound.
She knew that Miss Lianyi had already arranged everything.
Xu Qingyao couldn't help but feel secretly relieved that her ideas had not disappointed Lian Yi's expectations and that she was carrying out her instructions.
So this is what Lian Yi meant when she said there was no need for publicity.
If you start by targeting socialites and heiresses and expand outwards, it will be far more effective than hiring celebrities or internet influencers, and will have the best impact on the early development of a brand.
With her biggest worry now resolved, Xu Qingyao's mind began to wander and ponder other issues.
The Cullinan stopped at an intersection near the school.
Lian Yi got out of the car and saw that Xu Qingyao was still in a daze. She found it amusing but also quite satisfied. She raised an eyebrow and said, "By the way, you don't have any objections to this last-minute arrangement, do you?"
"Um?"
Xu Qingyao snapped out of her tangle of thoughts, quickly shook her head, and smiled with relief, "Miss Lianyi, your arrangement really puts my mind at ease. How could I possibly have any objections?"
Really?
I don't believe it.
Seeing her clearly deep in thought, Lian Yi squinted at her for a moment, then smiled and turned to walk straight towards the school.
Now she could finally relax and be a hands-off manager of the glass conservatory.
She also kept scrolling through videos showing how much her family disliked and resented her.
Thinking of this, Lian Yi's lips curled up slightly in a pleased smile.
She can now feel at ease to act like a hooligan towards her "Fragrant Concubine".
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