Chapter 30
Divide

In the third month after Xie Qing’s arrival, Xie Yun registered a clothing company and rented a floor in Xie Xun’s office building.

Xie Xun runs an advertising business that primarily deals with government departments. His company is quite large and well-known in Anhai City, owning a five-story office building in a prime location near Friendship Mall.

The company officially opened on November 1st, which coincidentally is also the birthday of Xie Yun and Xie Qing. To celebrate both the opening and their birthday, Xie Xun arranged a grand event at the largest banquet hall in the Marriott Hotel. He informed Xie Qing five days in advance, asking her to make time to attend and make an appearance.

Xie Qing didn’t enjoy such occasions and wanted to find an excuse to decline, but Xie Xun insisted that showing up would prevent people from making fun of the family. After all, many people knew Xie Xun had twin daughters, and it would be odd if only one daughter, the one who started the company, showed up for the birthday celebration.

This could easily lead to misunderstandings.

Xie Qing decided to attend, considering it an opportunity to see the world. She bought a beige suit, had the pants tailored to be cropped, and wore dark brown ankle boots. After parking her car and putting on a long brown cashmere coat, she saw Guan Yangzhi getting out of a Mercedes.

“Xie Qing?” Guan Yangzhi called her name without hesitation.

Xie Qing wasn’t surprised. Guan Yangzhi, who was pursuing Xie Yun, had thoroughly researched the Xie family and would easily recognize her. She pretended to be confused, “Hello, do you know me?”

Guan Yangzhi replied, “I’m Guan Yangzhi, a friend of your sister. Happy birthday.”

“Hello,” Xie Qing slightly bowed, “Thank you, Mr. Guan.”

Guan Yangzhi said, “Yun Yun’s sister is like my sister. No need to be so formal.”

As they walked towards the hotel entrance, they saw Tan Yi’s car arriving.

Xie Qing quickly said, “My boss is here. I’ll wait for him. Mr. Guan, please go ahead.”

Guan Yangzhi also stopped and asked, “Who’s your boss, Huang Zhenyi?”

Xie Qing replied, “Huang Zhenyi is our deputy chief. The one coming today is our Captain Tan.”

Tan Yi and Chai Yu got out of the car together.

Xie Qing greeted them, “Hello, Brother Chai. Hello, Captain Tan.”

Guan Yangzhi quickly approached, “So it’s Secretary Chai. Nice to meet you.”

Chai Yu waved at Xie Qing and said to Guan Yangzhi, “Hello, Mr. Guan. Let’s walk and talk.” He didn’t seem to introduce Tan Yi.

Guan Yangzhi extended his hand, “This must be Qing Qing’s boss, Captain Tan.” He called her “Qing Qing” quite familiarly.

Tan Yi subtly sized him up, lightly shook his hand, and said, “Hello, I’m Tan Yi.”

Guan Yangzhi handed over a business card, “I’m Guan Yangzhi. My family owns a brewery. If you need anything, just let me know. We have plenty of our special brew.”

Xie Qing thought to herself that Chai Yu’s arrival with a criminal investigation team captain indicated a close relationship. Someone like Guan Yangzhi, who was adept at networking, would quickly sense this and proactively make connections, potentially turning them into resources in the future. No wonder Xie Yun couldn’t shake him off.

Tan Yi replied, “Sure, I’ll reach out if I need anything.”

The four of them chatted casually as they walked to the banquet hall.

Xie Chen and Xie Yun had already arrived and were greeting guests at the door.

Xie Chen wore Xie Qing’s custom-made navy blue suit from 2022, with less padding on the shoulders, making it more refined and elegant compared to the purely European-style wide suits of the time.

Xie Yun looked even more stunning, practically glowing. She wore light makeup and a fitted white long dress. Her waist-length black hair was adorned with a high-quality jade hairpin, matching her earrings, necklace, and bracelet—all made from the same material. Her company was called Junyu Fashion Co., Ltd., and her clothing brand was “Green,” so her jewelry had a fitting name, crafted by Chen Yuehua.

Xie Qing received a luxury watch from Xie Xun and a high-end necklace from Xie Chen.

Guan Yangzhi and Chai Yu were stunned.

Tan Yi glanced disdainfully at Chai Yu, shook hands with Xie Chen, wished Xie Yun a happy birthday, and went inside.

Xie Qing congratulated Xie Yun, winked at Xie Chen, and entered the hall without hesitation.

They arrived late, and many guests were already there, including Xie Xun, Chen Yuehua, and the Chen family.

Out of politeness, Xie Qing played the obedient daughter for a while, met a few elders, and then quietly slipped away.

The dinner was quite trendy, with a buffet style.

Xie Qing went to the food station, got a steak, a salad, a lobster, and foie gras, and slipped into a small side room to eat while watching the lively scene outside.

Tan Yi wasn’t as unsociable as she had imagined. He mingled effortlessly with Chai Yu, Gu Ling, Guan Yangzhi, and others, drinking and chatting, not at all like a police officer.

The book mentioned that he had a notable background, but the author didn’t go into specifics, only highlighting his exceptional skills in solving cases. Xie Qing observed for a while and felt that Tan Yi’s family must have a business background; otherwise, he wouldn’t be so at ease.

Eating alone was always enjoyable.

Xie Qing quickly finished her plate, still hungry, and returned to get some abalone.

Xie Xun’s buffet was high-end, with sea cucumbers and salmon, so she got a portion of each. Just as she finished, Chai Yu and Tan Yi arrived.

Chai Yu didn’t see Xie Qing and looked a bit upset, his attention on Xie Yun not far away.

Guan Yangzhi, holding a glass of red wine, pretended to be casual but also observed Xie Yun and Gu Ling.

Tan Yi said to Xie Qing, “Every time I see you, you’re eating.”

Xie Qing grabbed a plate and gave Tan Yi a piece of salmon, “Love can make people sad, but eating makes people happy. Why not?”

“Very true, thank you.” Tan Yi took it, grabbed two sets of cutlery from the food station, and handed one to Chai Yu.

Chai Yu snapped out of his daze and said, “Looks like I have no chance.”

Xie Qing said, “If you’re willing to be a backup, you can keep trying.”

Chai Yu almost spat out his salmon, “Backup?”

Tan Yi looked at him warily and moved his plate to the other side, “That’s a good term, just as classic as ‘middle-aged greasy man.'”

“Hahaha…” Chai Yu laughed, “So it’s one of Qing Qing’s witty remarks.”

Xie Qing said, “Brother Chai, unlike our Captain Tan, grease is the lubricant of the officialdom. Without it, you, as the secretary, wouldn’t be able to function.”

Chai Yu gave a thumbs up, “Well said!”

Xie Qing noticed Xie Yun and Gu Ling walking towards them and quickly said, “I’m hungry. I’ll go eat over there. You two enjoy.”

Tan Yi said, “Let’s go together.” He quickly followed Xie Qing.

Chai Yu, facing Xie Yun and Gu Ling, hesitated for a moment and then turned to get more food.

Xie Yun hesitated but eventually went towards Xie Qing. She said, “Happy birthday, Qing Qing.”

Xie Qing replied, “Same to you.” They had agreed not to exchange gifts on their birthday, understanding each other well enough not to play games.

“Oh, why is everyone hiding here?” Xie Chen arrived with Guan Yangzhi by his side.

Xie Qing focused more on her food. But Guan Yangzhi wouldn’t let her off, “Qing Qing, where did your brother get his suit made?”

Xie Qing was about to speak when Xie Yun suddenly interrupted, “My dad and brother’s clothes are the latest samples from our company.”

Xie Qing was stunned for a moment, then saw Xie Chen give her a look.

Alright, let’s hear what they have to say.

Guan Yang said, “Although it’s not trendy, it looks really good. When Yun Yun’s clothes hit the market, I’ll definitely buy ten sets first.”

Xie Yun smiled slightly, “Thank you, Mr. Guan, for your support.”

Xie Chen instructed the waiter to serve the wine and dishes and then sat down next to Xie Qing.

Everyone started talking about fashion, France, and even England and Italy.

With his deep scheming, Chai Yu chatted and laughed as usual, showing no signs of his previous emo state.

Xie Qing focused on eating, not saying a word.

About twenty minutes later, everyone left the small side hall and went about their own business.

Xie Qing glanced at her watch, and when the hands pointed to 7:30, she got up, put the mobile phone to her ear, pretended to say a few words, and then bid farewell to Xie Xun and others. Before leaving the banquet hall, she went to the bathroom, and just after washing her hands, she received a call from Xie Chen.

“Qing Qing, Yun Yun just saw the clothes you sent for me and Dad. Yun Yun said they look great. She wants the copyright for both sets of clothes and asked if you want a share of the profits or a one-time buyout.”

“I want a share of the profits.”

“Okay, that’s what I thought too. Yun Yun also said that if you have other good designs, you can prioritize her. She will offer you a price not lower than the market price.”

These words were just told to him by Yun Yun. Xie Qing heard Yun Yun’s voice, which meant that Xie Chen could have waited until the banquet was over to say this, but he said it now, probably because Yun Yun was afraid she might misunderstand.

Yun Yun’s fashion company is doing well. According to the novel’s description, she made the company the strongest in the country, and her designers even participated in Paris Fashion Week. This is also why she chose to share the profits—although the designs were copied, the Chinese did not originally invent suits, and if she didn’t take the money, it would all be earned by Yun Yun.

She wasn’t that selfless.

“Okay,” Xie Qing agreed. “If I have good inspiration, I’ll contact her first.”

“Alright, be careful on your way.” Xie Chen hung up the phone.

Xie Qing put the phone back in her bag, looked in the mirror, and walked out of the bathroom. “Uh… Captain Tan, Brother Chai.”

Tan Yi and Chai Yu, like lingering spirits, were in the corridor.

Chai Yu said, “We’re leaving too, let’s go together.”

What else could Xie Qing say? She could only follow them out. In early November, the weather was very cool, and Xie Qing wrapped her coat tightly as she went out the door.

Chai Yu and Tan Yi were only wearing suits and were so cold that they quickly ran to the car.

Xie Qing walked leisurely, unhurriedly saying goodbye as she passed by. She got into her car and just started the engine when she saw Tan Yi coming over with a big bag.

Xie Qing rolled down the window, “Captain Tan, is there something else?”

Tan Yi opened the back door and put the bag inside, “Happy birthday.”

Chai Yu leaned on the window and loudly grumbled, “You didn’t tell me you were giving a gift.” At the Xie family’s unified banquet, he gave a cash gift, which was collected by the Xie family.

Tan Yi said, “Xiao Xie, don’t mind him. It’s just a small gift. I bought two, thought you could use one, so I brought an extra.”

Xie Qing said, “Thank you, Captain Tan.”

Tan Yi responded with a “hmm” and turned to leave.

Curious, Xie Qing reached over, took the bag, and opened it—inside was a dark brown leather shoulder bag, good quality, simple design, very similar to the handmade men’s crossbody bag she had before she came here. It was a bit manly, like something a utility worker would carry, but she had to admit, it was a very thoughtful birthday gift.