But he still felt intimidated; what if he really was an impressive figure?
After asking around, not a single person at the banquet knew who he was, what his name was, or where he came from.
In city A, despite its size and the many wealthy families, the upper class circle isn’t particularly large.
A person that no one recognized after making inquiries probably came out of nowhere, including Gu Xiaowu, whom no one knew.
He could only ask Qiao Xia, after all, she was the last person he took away.
If there was no reason, why would he help Qiao Xia and reveal so many scandals of the Qiao family?
“I don’t know him,” Qiao Xia said indifferently, her bright smile appearing especially mischievous in the sunlight, “Even if I did know, why would I tell you?”
Li Hui was too callous.
No matter the reason, or how much she once lingered, she could not harbor even the slightest illusion about Li Hui anymore.
“You really don’t know?”
“Li Hui, the years I loved you were when I was blind,” Qiao Xia said.
“As the saying goes, how can a young woman recognize the good in others if she hasn’t loved a few scumbags?
You’re the worst scumbag I’ve ever met, and I have no desire to be entangled with you any longer.”
“If that’s too long for you to understand, let me put it simply,” Qiao Xia enunciated every word, “Stay away from me!”
“Xiao Xia!” Li Hui grabbed her hand, his expression turning dark, “I know I’ve hurt you, but my family will not agree to us being together.
In fact, I’ve always liked you.
I was planning to talk to you properly, but who knew you were so strong-willed, and then you caught me with Qiao Lan.
Qiao Lan is proud and didn’t want to lose face.
It was all an accident, not my intention.”
“Don’t you think it’s hypocritical to say this now?” Qiao Xia looked as if she was really seeing Li Hui for the first time.
For Qiao Lan’s sake, he even hit her.
“The ‘like’ you speak of really makes me sick.
I would feel better liked by a dog than by you,” Qiao Xia mocked mercilessly.
Qiao Xia looked up, it was now late autumn, the plane tree leaves gradually yellowing.
The sunlight filtered down unevenly, and Qiao Xia’s fair skin was flawless.
Her features were radiant.
The Qiao family girls were all born beautiful, with Qiao Dong once known as the belle in the area.
Qiao Xia was no less striking, with her charm accentuated by her bright demeanour.
Neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin, she seemed like a masterpiece from heaven.
Those bright eyes of hers no longer held any affection for him, only disappointment and disdain.
“Qiao Xia!” Li Hui, seething with anger, took a deep breath to suppress his temper, “The Qiao Xia I know is a gentle girl, not a body full of thorns that no one would like.”
Qiao Xia responded with a rage-induced laugh, “Whether I’m gentle or full of thorns, what does that have to do with you?
You like Qiao Lan, take a right turn out the door and head to Desheng Street, and stop bothering me.”
“You really don’t know that man?
Didn’t you spend the night with him?
Stop pretending you don’t know.
I don’t believe it.”
Qiao Xia’s face turned red, “He is a gentleman.
Don’t think everyone is as filthy as you.
Li Hui, you’re marrying Qiao Lan just to get a share of Qiao Corporation, aren’t you?
My uncle said, when Qiao Lan gets married, 10% of Qiao Corporation’s shares will be her dowry.
What if those shares weren’t available?”
“What do you mean?” Li Hui asked.
A surge of satisfaction welled up inside Qiao Xia.
Before last night, she hadn’t planned to be so ruthless.
After last night, she realized that yielding doesn’t necessarily win appreciation.
If that’s the case, she might as well go all out.
“No one from the Qiao family probably told you, but the shares of Qiao Corporation, my uncle is just holding them in trust for me.
When I marry, the shares will be returned to me, including the house they are living in now, which was left to me by my grandfather and father.
As long as I sort things out, my property will be returned to my name.
Li Hui, since your true love is Qiao Lan, then cherish your true love.
Don’t find yourself without Qiao Corporation and then switch to another ‘true love’.”
She paused, “Actually, your ‘true love’ is worthless.”