Xie Ruchen looked Su Xingnuo over from head to toe. His gaze was like a winter lake—calm, yet icy cold.
Su Xingnuo stepped forward, her pace unsteady.
Sharing the Xie surname and being related to Xie Ran meant he was probably not someone to be trusted—but a pity, considering his breathtaking looks.
She pretended not to recognize him and brushed past.
She needed to investigate this man; as Xie Ran’s uncle, he could easily become a barrier if she and Xie Ran ever divorced.
Xie Ruchen returned to his private room, Qin Yue standing beside him.
“Mr. Xie, the gifts for the Liu family proposal are ready. Tomorrow happens to be an auspicious day—perfect for marriage or a proposal. We can visit the Liu family then.”
Xie Ruchen nodded slightly. The private room door opened, and Pei Tianyou stepped in with a light stride.
“What proposal?” Pei Tianyou asked Qin Yue. “Qin Yue, are you getting married?”
Qin Yue: …Obviously not him.
Xie Ruchen patted the seat beside him.
“Did you bring the medicine?”
“I brought it.”
Pei Tianyou sat down, presenting two small bottles from his pocket like a gift.
“Third Brother, why do you want me to bring this special scar-removal medicine? Did you get hurt?”
He reached to check Xie Ruchen, genuine concern on his face.
Xie Ruchen showed no irritation. Being eight years older than Pei Tianyou, he had watched him grow up. His tone softened slightly.
“No need. It’s for someone else.”
“Oh?”
Pei Tianyou’s eyes widened. “Who?”
Qin Yue remained silent, curious but discreet.
Ignoring Pei Tianyou, Xie Ruchen asked Qin Yue,
“The gift list?”
Qin Yue handed over his phone. Xie Ruchen flipped through several pages.
“Add a few bottles of Han Emperor Maotai. Also, the blue-and-white porcelain we got from the capital last month—include that too.”
“Understood, Mr. Xie.”
Pei Tianyou’s curiosity was killing him. “Third Brother, what I just heard—is it true? You’re really going to propose? Which young lady is it?”
Having known him for years, Pei Tianyou had never seen a woman at his side. Clearly, Third Brother had someone he liked.
And he acted decisively, going straight to propose.
“Tomorrow, Fourth Brother, come with me to the Liu family,” Xie Ruchen said.
“Alright.”
Pei Tianyou nodded.
Su Xingnuo pushed open the private room door. Three men were already seated inside.
Upon seeing her, their faces lit up instantly.
Li Taiyi, seated in the center, spoke first.
“Xiaonuo, why did you suddenly call the three of us here?”
Su Xingnuo sat down, placing her bag on her lap, speaking plainly.
“Uncle Li, Uncle Han, Uncle Zhao, over the past three years, you’ve all helped the Ruitu gang a lot. I know it’s because of my father.”
Li Taiyi interrupted.
“Xiaonuo, we care for you too. After Old Su left, you’ve been alone. We’re just doing a little out of concern. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to tell Uncle Li.”
Zhao Huazhang and Han Xinheng chimed in.
“And us too, Xiaonuo. If it’s money or effort, we’re happy to help.”
Three years ago, their friend’s daughter had married an unknown man, Xie Ran. They felt protective.
But over three years, Xie Ran’s company had grown, gaining recognition in Gangcheng. They were genuinely happy for Xiaonuo.
Su Xingnuo said,
“I’m here today because I don’t want to trouble you uncles anymore. I trust Xie Ran can grow the company bigger. He’s a man with pride—you three understand, right?”
“Of course. We’ll follow your lead.”
Li Taiyi understood her meaning but didn’t question her further.
After some casual conversation, he finally asked,
“Xiaonuo, have you had conflicts with Xie Ran?”
Su Xingnuo smiled faintly.
“Some conflicts, being handled.”
Li Taiyi immediately understood. He placed his hand on his lap, speaking seriously.
“No matter what happens, your uncles will always stand with you.”
Su Xingnuo flicked her curls and rose, bowing to them.
“Thank you, uncles. I’ll go now. I’ve handled today’s orders for you.”
She left the private room and received a call from Zhou Yichen.
Zhou Yichen was her childhood friend. He hadn’t been in the country when the Su family crisis happened three years ago.
The last time she had a car accident, he had been at the racetrack, rushing to the hospital without even changing clothes, and stayed to care for her for seven days.
“Xingnuo, I’ve figured out Xie Ran’s assets. He controls most of the group, but the cash flows don’t match on several accounts—it must be him.”
Su Xingnuo laughed silently. Whether or not Xie Ran did it, she wasn’t interested now.
“Then leave the company to him.”
Having the shares in hand could be worthless next second. True value is in solid assets.
“You’re really letting the Xie family have it? The company is about to go public. Are you sure?”
Zhou Yichen felt it was unfair.
Su Xingnuo smiled. A company about to go public? Not yet. She still didn’t care.
“Going against shareholders close to Xie Ran? I’d rather start a new company and save myself the trouble.”
“Ah? I support that. Whatever you do, I’ve got your back. By the way, last time I told you, Xie Ran has property at Xingchui Imperial Mansion. Don’t you find that odd?”
Xie Ran’s wealth was limited, yet buying property at Xingchui Imperial Mansion required verification of billions.
“Maybe someone helped him verify,” Su Xingnuo said calmly, not wanting to dwell.
“How long until I get what I want?”
“Two more days. You’ll have it before your birthday,” Zhou Yichen promised.
Su Xingnuo walked toward a corridor corner, phone in hand.
Though Zhou Yichen had a questionable reputation, she trusted his work.
“Thanks.”
She paused, lifting her gaze. Her eyes fell on a man ahead.
It was him.
Hanging up, her voice was cold and distant, clearly pushing him away.
“Do you need something?”
Xie Ruchen, under her icy stare, radiated overwhelming presence, unaffected by her distance.
He opened his palm, revealing the two small bottles.
“Miss Su, these are scar-removal ointments. They might help you.”
Su Xingnuo tensed.
No good deed is without ulterior motives.
“Sorry, I can’t accept them. The doctor has already prescribed medicine. I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Xie.”
She brushed past him, shoulder grazing his as she left.
“Miss Su, regarding your divorce from Xie Ran, I might be able to help a little.”
Su Xingnuo frowned. This man was watching her.
He even knew about her leg injury.
What did he mean by that?
A threat?