“Yuqi, goodbye.”
Ning Che spoke softly, unsure if Xie Yuqi had even heard her.
Out of habit, she lifted her hand in a slight wave.
Outside the window, Xie Yuqi still stood with her arms crossed, offering no response whatsoever.
Ning Che’s arm slowly fell back down.
The sedan started up, speeding along the quiet road.
Ning Che kept her eyes fixed on the rearview mirror.
Xie Yuqi turned around, stepped onto her electric somatosensory scooter, and glided back toward the residential complex.
The distance between them grew wider and wider.
Until she completely vanished from sight.
Ning Che continued to stare out the car window as the streetscape flashed backward through her field of vision at a rapid pace.
The road was empty, and Ning Che’s heart felt just as hollow, a strange sensation she couldn’t quite put into words.
Soon, the car entered a bustling commercial street.
The night was at its peak. The streets were crowded with people, the shops were all open, the lights were dazzling, and shadows flickered everywhere. She watched as the same bus she had taken to get here brushed past the sedan.
A couple was leaning close together by the bus window.
The female Alpha held onto the handrail with one hand while her other arm encircled the female Omega’s waist. The Omega leaned against her with a face full of bliss, excitedly pointing at something outside the window.
The female Alpha had a faint smile on her lips, following the direction of her finger.
A sudden, overwhelming wave of distress hit Ning Che. She hastily averted her gaze, her eyes falling upon the bouquet of flowers still resting on her lap.
The stems and petals were slightly disheveled.
The sapphire blue tote bag had also tipped over.
Ning Che hurriedly set it upright and looked inside the bag.
The bowl holding the sweet soup was very well-sealed, wrapped with several layers of sealing tape, so not a single drop had spilled.
As she stared at it, scenes from just moments ago involuntarily replayed in her mind.
The sight of Xie Yuqi gliding toward her on the scooter, moving from far to near, that process had been the very moment her long-accumulated joy had broken through her restraint and burst forth.
Yet, the person she had anticipated for so long network hadn’t greeted her, hadn’t hugged her, and hadn’t even uttered a single word of concern.
She wouldn’t even accept the flowers sent to her, straight up ordering her to throw them away.
“Miss Ning, we have arrived at the apartment.”
Ning Che snapped back to reality, realizing the car had already parked in the underground garage.
She let out a soft “oh,” clutching the flowers and lifting the bag as she scrambled out of the car in a flurry.
The driver held the door open for her and asked politely, “Miss Ning, do you need me to help you carry those upstairs?”
“No need.”
Ning Che hurried into the elevator with a trace of panic.
Only after the elevator doors closed did she let out a long sigh of relief.
The driver must have witnessed everything that happened just now.
Ning Che lifted her head, looking at her reflection in the elevator mirror.
Her hair was getting a bit long, her bangs hanging down to cover the corners of her eyes. Her face was slightly pale, her expression heavy, and her brow was unconsciously furrowed.
She looked utterly despondent.
Even Ning Che herself didn’t want to see her reflection like this.
Stepping out of the elevator, she looked at the flowers in her arms and paused hesitantly.
Should I throw them away?
Her heart twinged with pain again.
In the end, she couldn’t bring herself to do it and carried the flowers inside.
Downstairs, the nanny noticed she had returned and came in to ask if she wanted some supper, but Ning Che politely declined.
After the nanny left, she turned off all the lights, letting the room plunge into darkness.
She leaned against the sofa, sitting there in a daze.
After a while, she got up, switched on the living room lights, and found a relatively large gift box. Untying the bouquet, she began to pluck the lily petals one by one.
As she plucked the petals, she silently processed her emotions.
Her thoughts drifted, sometimes scattered and sometimes focused. She would flip through the sweet memories of their past, then think of everything that happened tonight, recalling Xie Yuqi’s cold and detached demeanor when they parted.
People in love are always sensitive, she was afraid of displeasing her, and equally terrified of being given the cold shoulder.
“Yuqi has always been quite cold and aloof. She only acts spoiled and proactively hugs me when we are occasionally alone together.”
“That’s just her personality, right?”
“Before I left, she specifically called out to me and had the driver send me back. She must have been worried that it was too late for me to find a ride.”
“She still cares about me.”
Ning Che’s mind ran wild with random thoughts.
By the time she plucked the very last petal, her mood had improved considerably.
Her intentions were pure and good, so she shouldn’t just throw them away like that. However, she had indeed been a bit too abrupt, she shouldn’t have rashly showed up at her house.
Thinking of this, she suddenly realized she hadn’t sent Xie Yuqi a message to let her know she had arrived safely. She quickly picked up her phone to type.
“Yuqi, I’m home. Sleep early, goodnight.”
After sending it, she put her phone down, no longer expecting an immediate reply like she used to.
It was as if she had already grown accustomed to not receiving a response.
Ding-dong.
A cheerful notification tone rang out.
To Ning Che’s surprise, the screen lit up, and a message popped up.
“Got it, goodnight.”
The full message was displayed right on the lock screen, but she immediately tapped into the chat box to read it over again.
It felt like the very first time she had received such a timely reply.
Her heart instantly felt a bit lighter, and the wild thoughts from earlier dissipated into thin air.
She couldn’t resist tapping on Xie Yuqi’s profile picture to check her Moments.
It was still set to only show the last three days of activity, with no new updates.
She navigated back to the chat box, took a screenshot, and saved it.
The fresh lily petals filled the entire box. She carried them out to the balcony, planning to air-dry them so she could make a dried flower photo frame later.
Passing through the living room, she saw the bag containing the sweet soup on the table.
After a moment of thought, Ning Che decided it shouldn’t go to waste.
Opening the lid, it was still lukewarm. She sat beside the coffee table and finished it spoon by spoon.
It truly was as delicious as the rumors claimed.
What a pity Yuqi didn’t get to taste it.
The next morning around 10:00 AM, a gift was delivered to the Xie residence.
Because it was so extraordinary, it drew a crowd of onlookers including the Xie family’s nannies, cleaners, drivers, and security guards.
A specially modified black box truck, escorted by two off-road vehicles, slowly drove into the backyard of the Xie family villa.
Two trainers were the first to alight from the off-road vehicles, using a remote control to open the rear doors of the box truck.
A tall, robust black stallion instantly appeared before everyone’s eyes.
Next, a sweet-smiling secretary walked to the front of the crowd and looked up at the beautiful figure standing by the railing on the third floor of the villa.
The eldest miss of the Xie family. Xie Yuqi, looked down at the crowd below with a faint, neutral expression.
The secretary conveyed her purpose with humility. “Miss Xie, this is Lightning, the most outstanding racehorse from the Xia family stables, and a cherished mount raised personally by our CEO Xia. President Xia mentioned that the lack of proper hospitality last time caused Miss Xie to return empty-handed, which was a grave discourtesy on her part. To express her deepest apologies, President Xia has specially sent Lightning to Miss Xie, hoping Miss Xie will graciously accept him.”
“Accompanying the horse are three handlers who have cared for Lightning since he was young, as well as two trainers. If Miss Xie is willing, the five of them will remain at the Xie residence until Lightning completely adapts.”
Xie Yuqi had already anticipated that Xia Li would make some sort of gesture, so she didn’t appear overly surprised.
They all belonged to the same social circle and shared alumni ties. Now that the gift had been delivered straight to her house, it was only right and proper for her to accept it.
Xie Yuqi accepted the peace offering with impeccable courtesy.
Shortly after the secretary led her people away, Xia Li’s phone call followed right on their heels.
“Did Xiao Qi receive my apology?”
“I have received the gift. Senior Xia is being far too polite.”
“Speaking of which, it was our very first outing together, and I never expected to cause you displeasure. It was entirely my fault. I sincerely apologize to you, and I hope Xiao Qi can forgive me.”
“Senior Xia is being too modest. I really wasn’t angry with you.”
“Since Xiao Qi says so, I’ll take your word for it?” Xia Li chuckled jokingly.
Her laughter was very pleasant to the ear, rich and magnetic, just like her speaking voice.
Xie Yuqi felt slightly uncomfortable, but she quickly replied, “Does Senior Xia fear I would deceive you?”
“Of course.” To Xie Yuqi’s surprise, Xia Li’s response was decisive, causing her to blink in astonishment. Xia Li immediately followed up: “I have been abroad for many years, so I don’t have many friends in the country. Xiao Qi counts as one.”
Xie Yuqi remained silent.
Acutely sensing that she didn’t wish to pick up on that thread, Xia Li skillfully shifted the topic. After a few more minutes of pleasantries, she politely ended the call.
Xie Yuqi let out a sigh of relief.
She realized that whenever she engaged in interactions with Alphas that leaned towards a closer relationship, things would feel somewhat strained.
But why didn’t she feel this way in front of Ning Che?
Ning Che made her feel incredibly relaxed, at ease, and one could even say she could do completely as she pleased.
Was it because she was a disabled Alpha?
Xie Yuqi couldn’t help but ponder this question, and she casually opened her chat box with Ning Che.
This morning, Ning Che had sent her a greeting message just like any other day.
Xie Yuqi glanced at it and closed the chat box.
In her calculations, Xia Li would definitely make amends; this was the basic social etiquette expected of children from wealthy families.
Today proved her right, though the peace offering was a bit too extravagant.
Instinctively, Xie Yuqi felt a sense of resistance. Receiving a reward without rendering any services was a major taboo. It either meant owing a favor, or the other party had an ulterior motive. She almost immediately suspected that Xia Li wanted to use this apology as a stepping stone to invite her out again.
To her surprise, she hadn’t.
After a moment of deliberation, Xie Yuqi called her assistant, instructing them to thoroughly investigate the backgrounds of the Xia family and the Shen family, as well as all the families connected to the historical marriage alliances between the two.
Next, she called Xu Ziwen, asking her to privately find someone to investigate the detailed experiences of Xia Li and Shen Xingyao over the past few years, including their respective networks of relationships.
Xu Ziwen teased, “What’s this? Does Goddess Xia truly possess such immense charm that even our Eldest Miss Xie is captivated?”
Xie Yuqi: “Be serious.”
Xu Ziwen: “When have I ever been unserious about your matters? Right, should we tell Shengsheng?”
Xie Yuqi thought for a moment and said, “Let’s hold off for now. We’ll talk when we have some concrete leads.”
Her cousin, Lu Niansheng, was protected a bit too well, so involving her too much wouldn’t be appropriate. However, her aunt, Lu Ruilin, was a formidable figure.
If she could secure Lu Ruilin’s backing regarding the marriage alliance, then her own father would be forced to make concessions to a certain extent.
But what counters did she have to speak with her?
She was an adult now, she couldn’t just act spoiled or throw tantrums like she did when she was a child. She needed leverage and confidence to negotiate, otherwise she would merely be viewed as making a reckless scene.
The very next day, an unexpected event completely shattered Xie Yuqi’s rhythm.
Ye Lingyi drove an open top sports car filled to the brim with roses, publicly confessing her love to her at the entrance of the Xie Corporate Group building.
“Xie Yuqi, the moment I saw you, I fell in love at first sight! Please be my girlfriend!”
That very day, the trending searches exploded.
#Eldest Miss of the Xie Family Publicly and Grandly Confessed to by the Ye Family Heir, Rumors Fly of an Impending Marriage Alliance between the Two Families.
When Xie Yuqi saw the prominent headline popping up on her phone screen, she almost exploded with rage.
Unable to endure it any longer, she stormed into Xie Xuan’s office.
“Dad, did you see the news? May I ask if this was done with your authorization?”
Xie Xuan hadn’t noticed his daughter’s face flushed with anger. He glanced at the news and said with a smile, “This is a matter between you young people, how could your father interfere?”
Xie Yuqi: “Dad, I am your only daughter and the heir to the Xie family. If I am confessed to in such a disrespectful and flippant manner, how do you think outsiders will view the Xie family?”
The smile on Xie Xuan’s face froze, and he re-examined the news article.
Xie Yuqi continued, “Dad, you are a man of grand vision and vast experience. Whether Ye Lingyi’s actions stem from sincerity or a desire to humiliate me, I believe you can tell at a single glance.”
These words caused Xie Xuan to furrow his brow. He immediately summoned his assistant to listen to a detailed report, and the more he heard, the tighter his brow became.
Shortly after, he spoke. “Xiao Qi, Dad will handle this matter.”
Two hours later, the trending searches were scrubbed, and all related keywords vanished completely.
Xie Yuqi breathed a sigh of relief.
However, the situation quickly took an unexpected turn.
Xie Xuan called Xie Yuqi back into his office and said to her with a beaming smile, “Xiao Qi, Dad has already spoken over the phone with your Uncle Ye. He severely reprimanded Ye Lingyi and gave assurances that Ye Lingyi is absolutely sincere about wanting to make friends with you. To demonstrate the Ye family’s sincerity, our Xie and Ye families will hold a joint press conference in seven days to sign a cooperative project worth three billion yuan.”
“Don’t overthink this matter. Ye Lingyi is young and capable, it’s only natural for her to act a bit flashy. You can try interacting with her more. Once you get to know each other, your relationship will naturally improve.”
Xie Yuqi stared at Xie Xuan in utter disbelief: “Dad, have you forgotten what Ye Lingyi did when I was in middle school?”
Xie Xuan’s expression shifted slightly, but he quickly softened his tone. “Xiao Qi, you were both so young back then. Who hasn’t done foolish things in their youth? It wasn’t a matter of principle…”
The more Xie Yuqi listened, the deeper her disappointment grew. The words spilled out of her. “Dad, it might not be a matter of principle to you, but it caused permanent damage to me! I will never forgive her!”
She slammed the door and stormed out.
During dinner, her mother, Lu Ruixuan, came in to comfort her.
Xie Yuqi threw herself into her mother’s arms, weeping bitterly.
Lu Ruixuan stroked her fine hair, asking with heartache, “Xiao Qi, do you really detest Ye Lingyi that much?”
Xie Yuqi lifted her tear-stained face: “Yes.”
Lu Ruixuan spoke slowly, “Xiao Qi, there is no room for love in wealthy families.”
Xie Yuqi: “I have never extravagantly hoped for love, but I will absolutely never marry someone I despise.”
Lu Ruixuan: “What if Mom tells you that Ye Lingyi was meticulously selected by your father and me?”
Xie Yuqi fell into silence.
Lu Ruixuan continued, “Your marriage alliance is for the sake of the family. In private, your father and I don’t care who you choose to be with, alright?”
Hearing this, Xie Yuqi felt her heart turn half-cold. She had known long ago that most marriages in wealthy families existed in name only, but she had never expected to hear it spoken so bluntly from her own mother’s mouth.