Chapter 29

Ten minutes later, sitting in the seafood restaurant, Tang Xiao learned that Xu Shijia was Lin Shu’s subordinate and owed her quite a bit of money. After an initial look of disbelief, only disdain remained on her face.

“Sister, I suddenly feel like he’s just average-looking,” Tang Xiao’s attitude did a complete 180. “He’s so broke that he has to borrow money to pay for his utilities, yet he drives that luxury car. I can’t stand men who pretend to be rich and put on a show! That luxury car is probably rented; he’s just using it to package himself as a wealthy, handsome guy to trick women and scam money!”

Lin Shu tried to explain Xu Shijia, saying, “That’s not entirely true; he actually is—”

Unfortunately, Tang Xiao wasn’t listening anymore. She interrupted Lin Shu, saying, “You’re right; you shouldn’t judge a man solely by his looks. The more I think about it, the more I feel this guy isn’t anything special. He looks quite restless and seems like he’d easily fool around. He doesn’t strike me as someone serious…”

This surprised Lin Shu. “I thought you’d want me to introduce you to him.”

“Not at all,” Tang Xiao replied firmly, waving her hand repeatedly. “I suddenly realized that no matter how handsome a man is, once he’s poor, he becomes utterly repulsive.”

“Thinking back, what I fell in love with might have been that multi-million luxury car. My infatuation was really just an affection for the perks that came with it. After all, as a bonus of owning a luxury car, he was acceptable, but on his own, he’s flashy but hollow and has no market competitiveness.”

“He fell in love with my employee discount, and I, too, fell for his Porsche, didn’t I?”

Tang Xiao seemed enlightened. “Looks like I’m not just a face person; I’m a money person!”

After saying this, she decisively added Xu Shijia’s number, which she had saved earlier, to her blacklist, muttering to herself, “Get lost, you poor guy!”

“…”

Unfortunately, even though Tang Xiao wanted to avoid the “poor guy” Xu Shijia, fate had him reappear in front of her.

Lin Shu was about to clarify Xu Shijia’s identity when he pushed open the seafood restaurant’s door and walked in with a serious expression.

Since they had run into a colleague, Lin Shu couldn’t just ignore him. She stood up and waved at Xu Shijia. “Xu Shijia, over here. Let’s eat together.”

However, Xu Shijia, faced with his superior’s warm invitation, didn’t appreciate it at all. Instead, he directly sat down at an empty table next to Lin Shu.

He handed the king crab he had just bought at half price to the restaurant staff for processing and unhesitatingly rejected Lin Shu’s offer, saying, “No, thanks.”

Lin Shu was taken aback. “Are you planning to take the seafood home after it’s processed?”

“No, I’m dining in. How could I take seafood home? If it cools down, it’ll smell fishy and won’t be edible.”

Xu Shijia smiled slightly, surprisingly self-involved even at this point. “I understand your desire to sit with me; after all, with my looks, I do make people hungrier.”

With a smug expression, he explained, “But this restaurant is running a promotion: every table gets a free soup and sautéed vegetables, and there’s a 20% discount on orders. If we sit separately, we can each get two servings of free soup and sautéed vegetables and enjoy our discounts.”

Xu Shijia added matter-of-factly, “So it’s not personal; it’s just more economical. Just try to look at me a little less while eating, since I’ll still be at work tomorrow.”

“…”

Money can make the world go round, while lack of it can bring someone to their knees.

Just look at how poverty had transformed Xu Shijia.

Not long ago, Lin Shu remembered how he had arrogantly claimed he would never eat anything free or discounted. And now, just a short time later, he had accepted his poor identity without shame, quickly adapting to a life of poverty, and had developed survival tactics for the poor, looking for every opportunity to snag free and discounted items, full of confidence and swagger.

After the awkward incident of asking for his number, Tang Xiao was already annoyed, and seeing Xu Shijia’s attitude only made her expression one of silent disdain.

She couldn’t help but lower her voice to quietly complain, “This guy is so self-absorbed! Sister, what kind of hidden talents does your law firm have?”

Since Xu Shijia was sitting right next to Lin Shu, she couldn’t continue explaining his identity in front of him. Fortunately, Tang Xiao had no intention of discussing Xu Shijia anymore. She quickly changed the subject and started talking about her colleagues.

“Hey! Now that work’s over, I don’t even have anyone to go shopping with. My best friend, Lily, got into a relationship three months ago and is busy being in love with her boyfriend. I can’t just be an awkward third wheel.”

“Little Feng also ended her long-distance relationship and has officially moved in with her boyfriend. They’re busy planning their wedding.”

Tang Xiao grew more agitated as she talked. “Even Alang, the intern who started a month ago, got a partner yesterday! Now I’m the only single woman left in the whole department! I go out alone at night to shop or watch movies; it’s so lonely!”

The restaurant’s dishes were indeed quite good, and soon, the meals for both Lin Shu’s table and Xu Shijia’s table began to arrive, looking delectable and aromatic. Especially the king crab at the neighboring table, which was so visually appealing it was hard not to feel hungry.

However, Xu Shijia didn’t touch his chopsticks. Lin Shu watched as he frowned slightly and pressed his lips together, carefully lifting his phone to start adjusting the angle and taking pictures of the dishes on the table.

Xu Shijia hadn’t had this habit of photographing food before.

In the past, regardless of how upscale the restaurant or how expensive and exquisite the dishes, he had always seemed indifferent and unconcerned. For him, gourmet food was just part of everyday life, easily within reach, so he never bothered to take pictures to commemorate any dish.

While Tang Xiao was still lamenting about her lack of company, Lin Shu consoled her, saying, “Well, you can always look for me.”

“Look for you? Your place is far from mine, and you’re so busy with work. Getting you to hang out even once every few months is a big deal!”

Tang Xiao thought for a moment, then said, “Forget it, I won’t rely on anyone else. I need to work hard to find a boyfriend so I can have someone to have fun with and avoid being nagged by my mom to go on blind dates.”

This got her excited. “Sister, are there any quality single young men in your firm? Good resources shouldn’t be wasted on outsiders! Introduce me to one! In return, I can set you up with a business elite from our adjacent department! He’s pushing for a promotion at the end of the year, and his income is pretty good! Too bad I don’t feel any chemistry with him.”

“He might still be working overtime, but should I call him over right now?”

Tang Xiao was a woman of action. As soon as she finished speaking, she took out her phone to call him. However, before she could make the call, Xu Shijia, who had suddenly stood up and walked over, interrupted her—

“I’ll take a couple of photos of your dishes,” Xu Shijia said, glancing at Lin Shu. Although it was his request for Lin Shu and Tang Xiao to cooperate, he still had a serious face and spoke in a cold tone. “There are a few signature dishes I didn’t order, and you just happened to order them.”

Tang Xiao was taken aback and immediately forgot what she was doing.

She stared at Xu Shijia, her eyes filled with disbelief.

Although Tang Xiao didn’t say anything, Lin Shu understood her well enough to read between the lines of her expression— 

“Is this guy really that vain? Does he want to take pictures to pretend he ordered them himself?”

Xu Shijia clearly sensed Tang Xiao’s gaze but ignored her. After finishing the photos, he turned back to Lin Shu, stiffly explaining, “Oh, mainly I’m taking them for my brother. I want to take a couple of pictures to show him that I’m doing well.”

No wonder he came all the way to the supermarket and restaurant near Xinhe after work; it turned out to be to create a “chance encounter” with his family, proving that even after being cut off, he could still live well.

This childlike mentality was both immature and a bit laughable.

Tang Xiao had originally looked down on Xu Shijia for taking photos of food, but upon hearing his words, she seemed to misunderstand. Her expression now radiated sympathy for a hardworking person from afar who reported good news rather than worries to their family. “Then take a few more pictures! I’ll help you arrange the plating so it looks more upscale.”

…

After Xu Shijia took his photos and returned to his table, he cleared his throat and looked at Tang Xiao, as if kindly reminding her, “You shouldn’t call your colleague anymore. It’s almost seven o’clock now, and Xinhe reimburses dinner and taxi expenses for those who work overtime after seven. Besides, promotions also depend on how much employees contribute to the company; isn’t he just working hard for a promotion at the end of the year? You shouldn’t disturb a young person with dreams.”

He probably shouldn’t have said anything, but his reminder triggered Tang Xiao’s memory: “You’re right. Let’s plan to get together next weekend.”

She then looked at him suspiciously. “But how do you know so much about Xinhe’s rules and regulations?”

Lin Shu saw this as a chance to introduce Xu Shijia, but before she could say anything, Tang Xiao burst out laughing. “Of course! Sister, your team has Xinhe’s ‘prince,’ right? It’s normal for him to know the company’s internal rules and gossip!”

At this point, Tang Xiao seemed to have an epiphany. She slapped her thigh and exclaimed, “Sister, you should introduce me to your Xinhe prince! Didn’t you say he’s still single?”

Xu Shijia, who had just settled back at his table and was quietly enjoying the king crab he bought at half price, choked upon hearing Tang Xiao’s words.

Many opportunities, once missed, can never be reclaimed. This was undoubtedly true; now, Lin Shu couldn’t introduce Xu Shijia’s identity on the spot.

She sent Tang Xiao a message, pointing out Xu Shijia’s identity: “Tang Xiao, check your phone.”

Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. Tang Xiao shrugged and said, “Sister, my phone is out of battery. Plus, I don’t want to receive work messages during my off hours; it’s just not worth it to ruin my mood.”

Lin Shu felt quite bad about this.

She glanced at Xu Shijia at the next table, feeling that the situation was becoming increasingly awkward.

It would be better to change the subject.

Sadly, Tang Xiao didn’t pick up on Lin Shu’s hint in her eyes and didn’t follow her lead on a new topic. Instead, she remained fixated on the Xinhe prince: “Sister, didn’t you praise him for being easygoing and kind, hardworking and proactive, not treating himself as special, approachable, very perceptive, and completely different from the rumors?”

When Xu Shijia first heard Tang Xiao boldly name the “prince,” his expression stiffened for a moment, but now, with her words, he began to relax.

Lin Shu noticed he put down his chopsticks and looked up at her, wearing a slight smile that suggested pride, as if to say, “So you really admire me in private.”

Lin Shu awkwardly lowered her head under that gaze.

But it was clear that Xu Shijia wasn’t about to let this go. Before long, Lin Shu received a message from him— 

“Are you still embarrassed to avoid other people’s gazes?”

“So you do think I’m great in private.”

“No need to feel shy; I’m truly exceptional, so it’s normal to be praised like this.”

“However, while I do have many strengths, just a little praise is enough. If you go all out praising someone like this, any ordinary person would get carried away; luckily, I’m the type who keeps my feet on the ground.”

…

Xu Shijia, sitting at the table, had long since composed himself, appearing calm and steady, maintaining an image of serenity. He typed on his phone with a serious expression, but the words in the chat were bursting with pride, as if he wanted to announce it to the whole universe. If Lin Shu didn’t know what he was sending, she might have genuinely thought he was an employee handling work.

Just as the “typing” indicator flashed on Xu Shijia’s screen, Tang Xiao’s voice shattered his blissful illusion— 

“Sister, just introduce Wang Tie Niu to me.”

Xu Shijia was taken aback.

Tang Xiao, not understanding, continued to persuade her, “Even though I agree that our prince’s name is a bit rustic compared to his brother Wang Yizhou, I don’t mind his name being Wang Tie Niu. I’m willing to look beyond that name to understand his shining soul…”

At that moment, Xu Shijia finally understood.

Back then, Lin Shu had mistakenly thought Wang Tie Niu was referring to him.

Lin Shu was praising Wang Tie Niu, not him.

The implication was clear—Xu Shijia couldn’t laugh it off now.

He realized that Lin Shu’s earlier avoidance of his gaze stemmed from this misunderstanding.

The smile that Xu Shijia had been reveling in froze on his face. His previously upturned lips turned into a slight downward line, his eyes seemed ready to shoot fire, and his expression grew sullen as he put down his phone and stared intently at Lin Shu.

At this point, as long as I’m not embarrassed, the one who should be embarrassed is the other person.

Lin Shu raised her head defiantly, resolutely ignoring Xu Shijia’s piercing gaze, and tried once more to change the subject— 

“Forget it, forget it. Let’s not talk about this anymore. There’s a big gap between the Xinhe prince and ordinary people. There may be many contradictions in our views and spending habits. We still have plenty of young talents; let me introduce you to someone more suitable.”

Unfortunately, Tang Xiao seemed determined today. “Sister, even though I secretly admire Wang Yizhou the most and think he represents the epitome of a mature, handsome, and charming man, when I see him, I feel inferior, like he’s the moon in the sky.”

“Wang Yizhou is like the domineering CEO in novels, and I’m just the housekeeper of that domineering CEO’s family!”

At that moment, Xu Shijia, who had been silent until now, finally couldn’t hold back any longer. “What are you talking about? You think of yourself as Wang Yizhou’s housekeeper, and then you want Lin Shu to introduce you to his brother, thinking that he’s a perfect match for you?”

Xu Shijia replied angrily, “What do you think his brother is? A security guard for a housekeeper?”

Tang Xiao had originally just said this casually, but Xu Shijia’s reaction ignited her competitive spirit. While she had no feelings for the unknown young master of Xinhe, she greatly admired Wang Yizhou and immediately defended him.

“It’s common knowledge that Wang Yizhou’s brother isn’t as outstanding as he is! Besides, the future heir of Xinhe is Wang Yizhou, not his brother!”

Tang Xiao shot Xu Shijia a glare. “I know Wang Tie Niu is your colleague and you might have a good relationship with him, but we should acknowledge the objective facts…”

Tang Xiao called out and shot a glare at Lin Shu: “Sister, why do you keep kicking me?!”

Stop kicking you to make you shut up! Lin Shu felt like she had blinked so much that her eyelids were about to cramp.

Unfortunately, Tang Xiao didn’t see Lin Shu’s hints at all and continued to immerse herself in her own world— 

“Besides, I didn’t say anything bad about the Xinhe prince. I just said he’s not as good as his brother. I haven’t denied him; on the contrary, I admire him! After all, he doesn’t have any of the typical prince’s airs, which makes him quite unique. I think he must be a wise person who can see through the surface and value what’s underneath. He probably doesn’t care how beautiful someone is or how wealthy their family is. He might even like someone as lively and straightforward as me! I…”

Tang Xiao’s words were interrupted by Xu Shijia— 

“First, he wouldn’t like someone like you.”

“Second, who do you think is more handsome, me or Wang Yizhou?”

Tang Xiao instinctively replied, “If we’re just talking about looks, you are indeed better, but…”

“Then that’s settled. You only need to know that Wang Yizhou is nowhere near as handsome and charming as his brother.”

Xu Shijia looked at Lin Shu with a deadpan expression. “Third, although he’s handsome and charming, he certainly doesn’t possess the great wisdom you mentioned. If he did, he wouldn’t have been fooled by the same woman who talks nonsense so many times without learning his lesson.”

…

After Xu Shijia angrily finished speaking, he coldly stood up and left.

Only Tang Xiao was left confused. “Sister, what’s up with that guy? What does he have to do with the Xinhe prince I want to know? His attitude is so ugly, and he belittles Wang Yizhou—who does he think he is?”

When Tang Xiao brought up the Xinhe prince, her expression brightened again. “Sister, even though I’m joking, do you think someone like me has any hope with the Xinhe prince? If there’s really hope, I’m willing to make an effort as a money lover. If I marry into a wealthy family in the future, I’ll definitely work hard to bring business to you…”

Lin Shu rubbed her temples in exasperation. “Don’t even think about marrying the Xinhe prince.”

“Why not?”

Lin Shu lamented, “Because he just said it himself.”

Tang Xiao: “…”

Lin Shu looked at Tang Xiao with sympathy. “Wang Tie Niu is not the Xinhe prince; I mistook him for the real one. The information you gave me before was correct; he really is just as the rumors say…”

Tang Xiao clearly couldn’t accept the sudden shattering of her dream of marrying into a wealthy family and protested, “But he’s so poor! Does the Xinhe prince really wait for the king crab to die?”

“I cut him off financially; he still owes me money now, so he can only obediently give me the cold shoulder while working for me.”

Lin Shu briefly explained the whole situation, leaving Tang Xiao stunned.

After she finished, Tang Xiao couldn’t help but exclaim, “Your approach is really too sinister and vicious! Impressive!”

Lin Shu: “…”

**

Xu Shijia returned home feeling aggrieved.

Lin Shu was a deceitful person.

She claimed from the beginning that the team favored him the most, yet behind his back, she sincerely praised Tie Niu in front of her sister. She said that the person she valued and wanted to cultivate the most was him, yet she went to great lengths for Liu Xuhui, not only taking on cases for him but even helping him research the best direction to pursue, paving the way for his future…

Also, this woman was the best at playing with people’s hearts.

How could he ever compete with her?

But Xu Shijia remembered the messages he had sent Lin Shu earlier and wished he could go back and stop himself.

Was he praising himself? No, he had been praising Wang Tie Niu!

This woman said one thing and did another; she claimed to think he was the most promising in the team, but when compared seriously, she cared the least about him!

Xu Shijia lay in bed, growing angrier the more he thought about it.

However, he couldn’t confront her since he still owed Lin Shu money.

After living for so many years, Xu Shijia finally realized how heartbreaking it was for a man to be broke; not only had his skin thickened rapidly, but he could no longer stand tall.

Xu Shijia had wandered near Xinhe on purpose today. He had hoped to run into his brother or father; if that happened, it would be perfect. He wanted to show them in absolutely high spirits that he, Xu Shijia, was capable of living well without relying on Xinhe.

Unfortunately, he didn’t run into them.

But that was okay.

He had plenty of ways to cope.

His brother and father treated him so coldly, freezing his trust fund and cutting off his cards, yet Xu Shijia wanted to show them that even without their protection, he could live well.

He took out his phone, arranged the dishes he had photographed earlier into a nine-grid collage, and posted it on his Moments.

If he couldn’t take Lin Shu down, could he at least get back at his brother?

Since he had included dishes from Lin Shu’s table, the nine-grid collage looked particularly abundant. The half-price king crab, which had suffered a sudden death, appeared fresh and succulent after preparation, showing no signs of problems, enough to demonstrate that even if he had been cut off, his quality of life was still quite good.

Xu Shijia thought for a moment and decided to add a caption— 

“A sumptuous dinner earned through hard work.”

Unlike Wang Yizhou, he relied solely on his own efforts! It was something to be proud of! He wanted to take a jab at them!

Unfortunately, not long after Xu Shijia posted it, he began to regret it.

He thought he should have tagged Wang Yizhou, just in case he hadn’t seen this post.

While Xu Shijia was hesitating whether to delete it and repost, he noticed a reminder in his Moments that someone had tagged him.

When he clicked to check, he found that he hadn’t tagged Wang Yizhou; instead, Wang Yizhou had tagged him.

It was the same nine-grid food collage.

Xu Shijia bit his lip and opened each image, only to realize that Wang Yizhou had posted a family feast that resembled a full banquet, along with the caption— 

“A sumptuous dinner arranged by a good dad.”

Xu Shijia stared at the text, and for a brief moment, he really wanted to curse out loud.

Lin Shu, his brother, and his father—none of them were good people!

The saying “a tiger falls in the plains and is bullied by dogs” was absolutely true!