Сhаpter 25: Тhе Реrsistеnt Su Manjing
Li Bеiхiao’s сold, bloоdshоt еуеs hеld a mоmеntаrу flicker оf confusion. What wаs shе trying tо dо nоw?
“I’m nоt аs idle аs Мiss Su. I dоn’t have timе tо plаy games with уou.” Li Вeixiaо’s noblе gazе wаs icy еnough to freеzе.
“Rеаlly? But уоu wеrеn’t like this just now, Мr. Li. Your wоrds don’t matсh your hеart—it’s not vеry endeаring.” Su Nuаnnuаn wraррed her arms аround Li Веixiaо’s neck, stubbоrnly rеfusing tо bаck dоwn. Her еars werе flushеd rеd—did she think he hadn’t noticed?
“Miss Su, do уоu act this way with еvеry man?”
Li Bеiхiao’s sharp eyes bore into her coldly, yet Su Nuannuan could sense the hidden intensity beneath his gaze—because he was trembling.
“Mr. Li, the way you say that, one might think you have feelings for me.”
Liu Tezhu choked on his words upon hearing this. Of course our boss likes you! If it were anyone else sitting on his lap like this, they’d be lucky to escape with their life intact.
“Isn’t Miss Su always clinging to her fiancé? Aren’t you afraid he’ll find out?” Li Beixiao’s deep eyes fixed intently on her.
Su Nuannuan’s lips twitched. Was this never going to end? “He’s busy. He doesn’t have time to keep an eye on me.”
“Is that so? Then you’re not doing a very good job.” A flicker of something dark passed through Li Beixiao’s eyes. It took immense restraint to hold back the words threatening to spill from his heart.
“I think so too, so I’m considering a change.” Su Nuannuan lowered her watery eyes, a hint of amusement gleaming in their depths.
Li Beixiao’s pupils contracted, and the hand resting on her waist tightened instantly. What did she mean? Had she figured something out?
“Change, you absolutely should change! Miss Su, what do you think of our Mr. Li? Handsome, wealthy, 187 centimeters tall, overflowing with a sense of security.” Seeing such a perfect opportunity slip by, Liu Tezhu couldn’t help but intervene. If the boss didn’t seize this chance, when would another come along?
…
Su Nuannuan was startled by Liu Tezhu’s enthusiastic outburst. Glancing at the awkward position she and Li Beixiao were in, she cleared her throat and obediently moved to sit beside him.
She must have been out of her mind earlier. Su Nuannuan rubbed her cheeks—they felt so warm. The bolder she had been moments ago, the more awkward she felt now.
“Get out. Who told you to speak out of turn?” Li Beixiao’s fingertips still carried the lingering scent of her.
Liu Tezhu’s lips twitched. Wasn’t I just trying to help you?
“Mr. Li.”
Liu Tezhu gestured for Li Beixiao to probe Su Nuannuan further. Li Beixiao glanced down at him briefly before looking away. Liu Tezhu sighed inwardly. Keep playing it cool, boss. When you’ve had enough of that, you’ll just end up drinking alone again.
Li Beixiao composed himself. “Miss Su is going to Beijing to see Master Shen?”
“Yes. I didn’t expect to run into you here, Mr. Li.” Su Nuannuan rubbed her neck—Li Beixiao’s grip had been surprisingly strong.
Noticing the faint redness on her neck, Li Beixiao frowned slightly. He had almost choked her earlier. He looked down at his own hand, feeling a pang of guilt.
“Why did you come over?” Li Beixiao’s brow furrowed deeply. She had always been afraid of him, but ever since that incident when she fell into the water, she seemed to have changed.
“Is this a psychological issue? Why haven’t you sought help?” Su Nuannuan chose her words carefully.
“Miss Su is overstepping.” Li Beixiao’s hand stilled. Did she also think he was a monster?If it were anyone else, with that kind of temper, she would have turned and walked away without hesitation. But this person was different—he was the only one besides her family who cherished her to the bone.
Su Nuannuan sized up Li Beixiao from head to toe. “My mom said people like you usually have a tough exterior.”
Li Beixiao frowned, momentarily unable to find a rebuttal.
“Li Beixiao, can we consider ourselves friends now?” Su Nuannuan propped her chin on her hand, gazing at him.
“What would you like to say, Miss Su?” Li Beixiao’s deep eyes fixed on her.
“I’m hungry. I rushed to catch the flight and haven’t eaten anything along the way. I’m starving.” Su Nuannuan looked pitifully at Li Beixiao, her misty eyes resembling those of a little white rabbit.
Li Beixiao sighed and gestured for Liu Tezhu to bring her some food. He had thought she genuinely regarded him as a friend, but it seemed he had overthought it.
Li Beixiao hadn’t rested for a long time. With her beside him, watching her eat until her cheeks were puffed out, he inexplicably felt drowsy.
Liu Tezhu looked at his sleeping boss. Indeed, Miss Su was his salvation. It was rare for Li Beixiao to sleep so soundly. Liu Tezhu tiptoed out, instructing the flight attendant to keep her voice down and ensure no one disturbed him.
But things often take unexpected turns. Just as Su Nuannuan was happily eating and Li Beixiao was sound asleep, Su Manjing’s voice suddenly rang in her ears. Su Nuannuan nearly choked—this woman was truly haunting her.
“What kind of attitude is this? There are so many business-class seats here, yet you insist there are none.”
Su Manjing’s voice was so abrupt that Su Nuannuan’s hand jerked, spilling juice onto Li Beixiao’s suit pants.
Su Nuannuan stared at the prominent wet spot. This is bad. Will Li Beixiao silence me to keep this a secret? If I say it wasn’t intentional, will he believe me?
She awkwardly glanced in Li Beixiao’s direction, silently praying he wouldn’t wake up now.
Li Beixiao furrowed his brows, deeply displeased at being awakened so soon after falling asleep.
Su Nuannuan looked innocently at Li Beixiao. As long as I act shamelessly enough, he won’t suspect me. Don’t see me, don’t see me.
Li Beixiao watched Su Nuannuan pretending not to notice, one eye open and the other closed. His anger had peaked, but seeing her “ostrich-like” act, he couldn’t help but smile. What a silly girl.
“Miss, I’m truly sorry, but you cannot enter here. This area has been reserved by a gentleman. Please don’t make a scene and return to your seat, okay?”
Outside, the sound of Su Manjing arguing with the flight attendant grew louder. Su Nuannuan frowned, glancing at the grim-faced Li Beixiao beside her. What a coincidence. What is Su Manjing doing in Beijing?
“Mr. Li, you’re awake. I apologize for the disturbance. Miss Su, your sister Su Manjing is outside. Would you like to see her?” Liu Tezhu turned his gaze to her.
Liu Tezhu was at a loss. Su Nuannuan alone was enough to give him a headache. The CEO liked her, so no matter how much she stirred up trouble, he wouldn’t get too angry.
But Su Manjing was a different story. He could have simply had her removed, but since she was Su Nuannuan’s sister, he wasn’t sure how to handle it.
“Does she know I’m here?” Su Nuannuan frowned. Could it really be such a coincidence?
Liu Tezhu paused for a moment before responding, “No, I never mentioned that you were here.””Handle it as it should be handled, and don’t tell her I’m here.” Su Nuannuan set down her juice. After being disturbed like this, her mood was completely ruined.
Li Beixiao signaled for Liu Tezhu to go out and deal with it immediately. Their hard-earned time alone had been disrupted by the sudden appearance of Su Manjing, leaving Li Beixiao in a very foul mood.
Liu Tezhu shook his head. If Su Manjing weren’t Su Nuannuan’s sister, given how angry the CEO was, he might have thrown her off the plane.