Cang Xuehe was in no hurry; she had all the time in the world.
After a long silence, the man finally spoke.
“We met a few years ago…”
Xu Biao began to recount events from years past. He had met Xiao Youyi when she was still in high school. At that time, Xu Biao had made a bit of money in business and had the idea of keeping a “student girl” as a plaything. Xiao Youyi was a smooth talker who knew exactly how to charm him; she constantly came up with various excuses to ask for money. Xu Biao, deeply immersed in the satisfaction of being a “gold daddy,” basically fulfilled every demand she made for cash.
Before long, Xu Biao’s business took a hit. A friend advised him that since he had spent so much on Xiao Youyi, she would likely run off with someone else now that he was broke—he should “claim” her properly so as not to lose out. Xu Biao thought his friend made perfect sense and planned to do exactly that.
But to his surprise, Xiao Youyi suddenly vanished into thin air. When Xu Biao went to her school to find her, he was told she had dropped out. When he went to her home, he discovered the address she had given him was fake.
Xu Biao had harbored a grudge ever since. He hated that he had spent so much money on Xiao Youyi without getting a single benefit. This was why, upon seeing her again, his impulse had overridden his reason, leading him to get physical with her.
“So, what you’re saying is that during your time together, Xiao Youyi was constantly asking for money, spending it like water—a total ‘gold digger’?”
“Exactly!” Xu Biao snapped. He pulled out his phone. “I still have the old photos. Taking her to buy clothes, bags, eating out… Dammit, I spent so much on her, and she just upped and left.”
Cang Xuehe took the phone to look at the photos and unconsciously made a face like the “confused old man on the subway” meme.
In the photos, Xiao Youyi’s smile was incredibly bright and expressive. Her style was very typical for a young girl back then—preferring sweet, girly dresses and casually flaunting designer logos.
Was this the same person as the woman in her house? The one who preferred mature-style dresses, possessed a tranquil smile, and exuded a calm, steady demeanor far beyond her years?
Furthermore, the “gold digger” Xu Biao described was a far cry from the Xiao Youyi in Cang Xuehe’s memory. Even when Xiao Youyi had tried to hook Ding Hongyuan previously, her methods weren’t that low-level. It felt less like she was after profit and more like she was after something else entirely.
“Hey.” Seeing her silence for so long, Xu Biao couldn’t sit still. “I’ve said everything. When are you paying me back?”
“Oh.” Cang Xuehe pulled out a bank card and tossed it to him. “There’s enough in here to cover it. Once you take this money, act as if you never knew Xiao Youyi. If you ever harm her again…”
Cang Xuehe didn’t finish the sentence, but a sinister smile filled in the blanks.
“…Under-understood.” Xu Biao grabbed the card and scrambled away.
Sitting in the milk tea shop, Cang Xuehe pondered the truth of Xu Biao’s words. If the timeline was correct, this was only two or three years ago. While the face in the photos was identical to Xiao Youyi’s, the vibe was poles apart.
Besides, if Xiao Youyi really were a gold digger, she should have launched a fierce pursuit today after Cang Xuehe told her to “woo her” yesterday. The Cang Group was worth far more than Ding Hongyuan; why would she act like nothing had happened?
But then, how to explain her claim that she didn’t know Xu Biao?
Could it be…
Before Cang Xuehe could reach a conclusion, the phone beside her hand rang. She raised an eyebrow at the caller ID—it was actually Cang the Third (her third brother).
Speaking of which, she hadn’t seen him since the family banquet. He was a busy man; she wondered what this call was about.
“Sister! I heard from Big Brother you’re starting a company!? Congratulations, congratulations!”
As soon as he mentioned the company, Cang Xuehe remembered she had an appointment this afternoon to look at an office through Zhao Yi’s friend. She nearly forgot; she jolted upright.
While humoring her brother, she quickly switched to her chat with Xiao Youyi, messaging her to get ready so she could pick her up to see the office.
“I’m heading into the mountains to film in two days. You won’t see me for the next two months. To celebrate my sister’s new business, Big Brother is treating you to dinner.” She heard someone calling him on the other end—likely his manager—and then heard him say hurriedly: “Can’t talk more, I’ll send you the time and address later. Be there.”
The line went dead. Cang Xuehe pursed her lips speechlessly. Truly a busy man, yet he still remembered to check on his sister.
Cang Xuehe had been an only child in her past life and hadn’t experienced the perks of a multi-child family. This time, she suddenly had three brothers.
Xiao Youyi arrived in less than twenty minutes. Cang Xuehe was still sitting in the shop, chin resting on her hand, staring blankly at the flow of people outside.
“President Cang.” Xiao Youyi stopped in front of her, phone in hand, her breathing slightly ragged. She really had “rushed” over.
Cang Xuehe snapped out of it and looked up. “Here so soon? No need to be in such a hurry; we still have an hour.”
She waved over a server and asked Xiao Youyi, “What would you like to drink?”
Xiao Youyi declined. “No thanks, I’m not thirsty.”
Cang Xuehe tilted her head, a clear smirk playing on her lips. “Taro Bobo Milk Tea?”
“…” Xiao Youyi pursed her lips. “Oolong tea.”
For some reason, seeing Xiao Youyi at a loss for words felt very satisfying to Cang Xuehe.
The two sat in the shop for a while until the real estate agent called to remind them it was time.
Cang Xuehe stood at the mall entrance waiting for Xiao Youyi to bring the car around. After about five minutes, the sedan appeared.
She watched the car from a distance. It was a vehicle she had told the butler to pick out randomly—inexpensive, around a few hundred thousand. At the time, she thought there was no need for a luxury car if a driver was using it.
Now, she briefly imagined Xiao Youyi driving a sports car. It seemed like it would be quite stylish.
“Let’s change the car.”
That was Cang Xuehe’s first line after getting in.
“?” Xiao Youyi was confused by the sudden thought. “I have no objection.”
“Once the office is settled, come home with me and pick one out,” Cang Xuehe said. She wanted Xiao Youyi to see exactly how rich her family was, so she wouldn’t have any thoughts of straying. No one was richer than her!
The office was just as Zhao Yi had described: very close to the subway, fully equipped with office furniture, and featured top-tier decor. Cang Xuehe liked it at first sight and signed the contract with the agent immediately.
The agent left promptly after the signing, leaving the two of them in the office to discuss the layout.
Cang Xuehe leaned against the edge of a desk. Opposite her was a floor-to-ceiling glass door leading to a small, attached courtyard. The yard was currently bare, and she wanted to decorate it.
“For that courtyard, let’s get two sets of tables and chairs. Maybe a parasol. The employees can rest there during their lunch break.”
Xiao Youyi just glanced at it and said calmly, “I don’t think that’s strictly necessary. The company’s current priority is development and profitability. Employee benefits are something to consider after the company is profitable.”
For a moment, Cang Xuehe was reminded of the managers at her old company who obsessed over KPIs. Xiao Youyi’s stance was exactly like theirs.
“But, if employees have a comfortable environment, they’ll be happier at work!”
“An environment that is too comfortable makes people lose their drive. Pressure creates motivation. From an employee’s perspective, you’d want comfort; but in your current position as their leader, you must think about how to grow the company, not things outside of that.”
Cang Xuehe thought about it; it did make some sense. She was no longer the office worker who only cared about finishing her own tasks and nothing else.
That was her plan, but Cang Xuehe privately harbored the desire to have a place where she could enjoy afternoon tea and look at the scenery when she was idle.
She inadvertently blurted out, “But I still want to buy them.”
Xiao Youyi replied quite readily, “Then buy them.” To her, the eldest miss starting a company was just a dilettante’s whim anyway.
Of course, she kept that buzzkill of a thought to herself.
After planning the layout of the first floor, Cang Xuehe dragged Xiao Youyi upstairs. “I mainly want to change the second floor; this wooden furniture is way too ugly.”
“That depends on your preference, President Cang. You can change it however you like.” Assistant Xiao was extremely cooperative, even preparing to open her phone’s memo app to take notes.
“What’s your opinion?” Cang Xuehe asked. “I plan to turn the second floor into my office and a large conference room. Where do you want your workstation?”
Xiao Youyi spoke objectively: “I am just an assistant. My opinion isn’t important. I’ll sit wherever you arrange for me.”
Oh, so now she knows she’s an assistant?
Cang Xuehe wanted to roll her eyes. She countered with, “Then if I told you to sit on my lap, would you do that too?”
The newly minted President Cang then began to educate her seriously: “Let me tell you, we’re going to be facing each other day and night from now on. If you have any opinions or grievances, just say them. Don’t hide them. As long as it benefits the company’s development, it’s fine to be direct; we can discuss everything. When it comes to managing a company, I’m a novice, and you—” Cang Xuehe hesitated for a split second before continuing, “—are also a novice. we need to improve together!”
Cang Xuehe’s words actually made Xiao Youyi feel inexplicably gratified. But before she could speak, she heard the other woman’s next sentence: “So, where do you want to sit?”
Xiao Youyi: “…”
The two stayed at the company from sunset through twilight until it was dark before finally leaving. Cang Xuehe remembered her third brother’s dinner invitation and didn’t forget that Xiao Youyi had accompanied her all afternoon.
Cang Xuehe asked, “Have you thought about what you want for dinner?”
Xiao Youyi shook her head and asked her what she wanted instead.
“No cooking tonight!” Cang Xuehe waved her hand grandly. “I’m treating you to a feast!”
She figured her brother wouldn’t mind if she brought an extra person. She sent Cang Jie a message on the way; he didn’t object and said he had already arrived.
After arriving at the restaurant and getting out of the car, Cang Xuehe didn’t forget to remind Xiao Youyi: “This meal is on my third brother. Order whatever you want, don’t try to save money for me.”
“Third brother?”
Only then did Cang Xuehe realize she hadn’t introduced him properly. “My third brother, Cang Jie… he’s an actor. You’ve probably seen him on TV. This is mainly to celebrate my new company in advance. He has to go filming in two days, so today was his only free time. He’s very easygoing, so don’t be nervous. We’ll head back right after dinner.”
Upon hearing the person they were meeting was an actor, Xiao Youyi didn’t have a particularly large reaction, simply saying, “Okay.”
Cang Xuehe was puzzled by her calm. If it were her, she’d be excited for ages hearing she was meeting a celebrity, even one she didn’t know.
“This way, ladies.” The waiter led them to the innermost private room and politely opened the door. “Please, go in.”
Cang Jie was sitting at the head of the round table, looking down at his phone. Hearing the movement, he looked up and immediately flashed a sunny smile. “You’re here!”
Cang Jie had likely just finished a magazine shoot and hadn’t had time to change. His outfit was very stylish, and the hat he wore complemented his bright, handsome features, making Cang Xuehe stare blankly for a moment.
Of course, she didn’t miss the flash of stunned admiration in Cang Jie’s eyes when he saw Xiao Youyi.
Her radar went up instantly.
“Xuehe, is this a new friend? I don’t think I’ve seen her before.” Cang Jie took the initiative to bring the conversation to Xiao Youyi.
“Mhm.” Cang Xuehe smiled and gave a brief introduction: “My assistant, Xiao Youyi.”
“Oh~”
For the rest of the meal, Cang Jie didn’t pay excessive attention to Xiao Youyi, only occasionally tossing a topic her way when the conversation lulled.
The meal was pleasant enough.
“I…” Just as Cang Jie was about to speak, the door was suddenly thrown open. His manager stood there aggressively. “Cang Jie! You said one hour, and it’s been an hour and a half! Do you have any idea how much work you still have to finish?”
“Alright, alright, I get it!” Cang Jie scrambled up, ushering the manager out. He turned to say goodbye to the two of them. “I have to go! The bill is settled. Let’s eat again when I get back from filming!”
His final gaze lingered on Xiao Youyi, and he even gave her a little “bye-bye” hand gesture.
Cang Xuehe’s radar went up yet again.
Based on this trajectory, the single dog Cang Jie had likely taken a liking to Xiao Youyi. That wouldn’t do! She had to pinch this little flame of romance in the bud!
She looked at Xiao Youyi, her hands unconsciously clasping together, and asked nonchalantly, “So, what do you think of my third brother?”
Xiao Youyi: “…”
This question actually stumped Si Yao (the soul inhabiting Xiao Youyi).
She had seen plenty of “fresh meat” idols like Cang Jie and felt absolutely nothing. If she told the truth, would she be insulting Cang Xuehe’s brother?
[System]: Host, please note: Cang Xuehe is already suspicious of you. Please provide a reaction consistent with the character.
[Si Yao]: …
After a brief silence, Si Yao clasped her hands under her chin and looked up at the crystal chandelier with stars in her eyes, wearing a textbook “fan-girl” expression: “He is so handsome!”