Chapter 20

“Yi Siling was thrown off balance by the greeting card, feeling a bit abnormal and dizzy. Despite receiving flowers from the other party, there was not a single message, not even a query if they had been received. It was as if they were feigning ignorance, so she decided to reciprocate in kind.

She instructed Aunt Li to dismantle the large pile of space-consuming flowers and arrange them in vases. As they were unpacked, the servants counted them one by one: there were a total of nine hundred and ninety-nine flowers, spread across more than sixty vases placed throughout the Yi residence.”

“Each servant also received a share, placing flowers back in their rooms, on bedside tables and windowsills, enhancing the otherwise ordinary life with a touch of romance.

For a while, the entire Yi residence became a sea of crimson roses. After lunch, Yi Siling received a call from Chen Weiqi, who reminded her again not to be late for dinner that evening.

Chen Weiqi: ‘If you dare to be late, I’ll come to the Yi residence to drag you out.’

Yi Siling played with the roses, feeling very cheerful. Instead of arguing back, she coquettishly replied, ‘I know, I know. Don’t worry, darling. I will definitely be on time. I wouldn’t want to keep you waiting.'”

“Chen Weiqi was covered in goosebumps, teasing her, ‘It’s broad daylight, why are you so excited, like you’re in heat before getting married?’

Yi Siling murmured softly, ‘I wonder who couldn’t sleep from excitement before their wedding, chatting away in the group until two in the morning.’

Before waiting for a retort, she quickly added, ‘I’m hanging up now, let’s talk tonight. Bye, darling.’

Chen Weiqi didn’t manage to say the sentence on her mind before the call was abruptly ended. This infuriated her, and she slapped her husband beside her.

Zhuang Shaozhou frowned and asked, ‘What’s wrong?'”

“Chen Weiqi: ‘Honey, dress up nicely tonight and accompany me. When we’re with Yi Siling later, you have to listen to me, okay?’

Zhuang Shaozhou: ‘Do you two ever get tired of comparing yourselves? Whenever you meet her, it’s like you’ve had a shot of adrenaline.’

‘Not at all, I’m full of energy!’

One isn’t afraid of having rivals; it’s having none that’s frightening. Especially for people like them, born for competition. Without rivals, life would be monotonous and utterly boring.”

“Yi Siling was her ‘little pet’ carefully nurtured over the years.

When she had nothing to do, she would tease Yi Siling, provoke her, and watch her get angry, finding it amusing.

Without Yi Siling, half the joy would be gone from her life.

Chen Weiqi didn’t reply, simply headed to the dressing room to pick out her clothes.”

“Dinner was booked at a two-Michelin-star restaurant near Victoria Harbour. Yi Siling arrived to find seven or eight people already there, seated around a long table, all dressed to impress.

They were seated on the restaurant terrace, the only party there. The temperature had dropped pleasantly after sunset, with a gentle sea breeze occasionally brushing their cheeks. It was delightful to enjoy dinner on the terrace while admiring Victoria Harbour’s neon lights.

“Yi Siling! You finally made it!”

“”Darling, darling, sit here quickly, it’s the main seat, Tanya specifically reserved it for you and said no one else is allowed to snatch it. Today, you’re the VIP!”

“Only half a month apart, Yi Siling, you’ve become even more beautiful…”

“… “

As soon as Yi Siling appeared, everyone’s gaze couldn’t move away from her.

She was still a walking banknote today, wearing a French-style embroidered strap dress, with a loose-fitting suit jacket on top, walking steadily and securely in high heels.”

“Gracefully, her South Sea golden pearl earrings traced a dazzling arc through the air. In the bright lights of the night, she appeared excessively glamorous.

No one could effortlessly wear haute couture and high-end jewelry like her, as naturally as drinking water.

Even Chen Weiqi had to admit that Yi Siling was indeed very beautiful. This kind of beauty didn’t need any depth to accompany it. Of course, Yi Siling had no depth at all.

She was just a pretty airhead who only knew how to spend money like a lazy salted fish! Daring to marry into the Xie family in the capital—her brain must be filled with water to blossom into such extravagance.

A beautiful fool. And lazy. Utterly lazy.”

“So Chen Weiqi’s gaze towards Yi Siling grew even softer and more accommodating. ‘Come, darling, I’ve ordered your favorite aged A5 steak, medium-rare, with blueberry sauce. Sound good?’

Yi Siling felt uneasy, unsure why this woman was being so gentle. She glanced at her suspiciously, then noticed Zhuang Shaozhou sitting beside her.

Zhuang Shaozhou wore an exquisite light khaki suit that complemented his elegant and charming demeanor perfectly. Amidst a group of women, he stood out conspicuously—a splash of green in a garden of flowers.”

“Yi Siling withdrew her gaze. ‘Isn’t this a girls’ gathering? Why did you bring your Mr. Zhuang along?’

Chen Weiqi replied, ‘My husband insisted on coming with me. Can’t help it, please understand.’

Zhuang Shaozhou remained silent.

Yi Siling chuckled nervously. ‘I didn’t expect, Mr. Zhuang, that you’d be so clingy.’

Zhuang Shaozhou lowered his head to cut his steak. ‘My apologies.’

Chen Weiqi brushed aside a stray strand of hair from her forehead, the large pink diamond on her middle finger dazzling. She smiled, ‘Actually, Yi Siling, I envy you a lot.'”

“The waiter set the tableware and brought out the main course, a medium-rare steak, tender and pink inside, drizzled with blueberry sauce, emitting a unique aroma from dry-aged preparation, incredibly tempting.

Yi Siling spread the napkin over her lap. ‘’Envy me for what? Envy my intelligence and beauty?’’

Chen Weiqi wanted to slam the table but restrained herself, maintaining her smile. ‘Of course, I envy how your fiancé isn’t clingy, independent and mature. Such mature men are the most charming.'”

“Yi Siling: ‘…’

That Xie Xunzhi is just too independent, mature, and stable! He disappears for twenty-two and a half hours, sends flowers with a cheesy message, and then goes silent. She’s even started to doubt if the flowers were really from him!

‘Not really. Actually, he can be quite clingy, you just haven’t seen it.’ Yi Siling smiled softly.

Upon hearing this, curiosity sparked among the people at the table.

After all, the Xie family in the capital has always been low-key and mysterious, like a dragon from Western legends. The public isn’t familiar with the Xie family, but they are well acquainted with some of the companies and brands controlled by this family.”

“The Xie family, for certain reasons, places a strong emphasis on privacy and rarely appears in public media. Unlike the wealthy families on Hong Kong Island whose family histories are thoroughly exposed by the media, the Xie family doesn’t even disclose specific family members.

When news broke about Yi Siling’s engagement to the crown prince of the Xie family, it caused a sensation throughout the entire wealthy circle of Hong Kong Island.

Chen Weiqi was so shocked at the time that she jumped straight out of bed, silently cursing Yi Siling for being able to keep things so well hidden!”

“‘Is it true that Mr. Xie is also clingy? I heard he’s a very serious and disciplined person,’ the wealthy girl asked.

Yi Siling replied, ‘He is very serious at work, but in private with me…’ She gave a mischievous smile, emphasizing each word slowly, ‘You know.’

Everyone: ‘…’

‘After the news of your engagement came out, I was so curious that I went online to search. I couldn’t find a single photo. I’m dying to know what he’s really like in person!'”

“Yi Siling: ‘He’s super handsome, stylish, and has a great physique! He’s got that official’s demeanor! Even more handsome than a celebrity!’

Everyone: ‘…’

Comparing him to a celebrity without any leaked photos? Around the table, few were convinced.

Yi Siling casually took off her jacket and asked the waiter to hang it up. Finally, the battle of today was over. She picked up her knife and fork and began to cut into her steak.”

“Chen Weiqi: ‘But I heard you two haven’t even met yet. How can he be clingy?’

The small knife cutting through the steak suddenly scratched the porcelain plate, making a sharp sound.

The lie was exposed on the spot.

Yi Siling froze. She had been careless.

No one had heard that Xie Xunzhi had come to Hong Kong Island to find her. The prince’s schedule was public and transparent. He had visited Hong Kong Island last month, but it was strictly business with a packed daily schedule.”

“If she admitted they had met, it would be impossible to conceal her trip to the capital. Rushing to find him in Beijing would be a major embarrassment if it leaked out.

She gripped her knife and fork rigidly, staring fiercely at Chen Weiqi without blinking. But instead of backing down, Chen Weiqi shrugged feigning innocence, her eyes suggesting, ‘Who told you to pretend?’

Everyone knew the engagement between the Xie and Yi families was hastily arranged, from proposal to marriage in one fell swoop. Yi Siling had been staying on Hong Kong Island recently, hardly venturing out, while Xie Xunzhi was busy with work every day, leaving little time for them to develop any relationship.

Most crucially, Yi Siling had only broken up with Zheng Qijun two months ago.”

“The timeline speaks for itself; it’s clear who’s lying.

‘He clings to me on his phone. Sends me messages twenty-four hours a day,’ Yi Siling smiled.” That’s not allowed?’

Chen Weiqi burst into laughter, pouring Yi Siling a glass of 14th generation sake herself. ‘Don’t be mad, darling. I was just asking casually. As your sister, I have to say, mutual understanding before marriage is important. Time is needed to develop feelings. Zhuang Shaozhou and I dated for almost half a year after meeting before we got married.'”

Yi Siling held onto her glass, took a sip, and smiled flawlessly. “Thank you for the reminder, darling.”

The invisible battle finally came to an end, and the conversation returned to its original course. Everyone began discussing which guests to invite to tomorrow night’s party and which opening song to use. Chen Weiqi spared no expense and invited a popular young actor from Hong Kong Island to perform.

Yi Siling’s mind wasn’t on the party at all. She felt frustrated by Chen Weiqi’s maneuvering and vented her frustration on her independent, mature, and stable fiancé through text messages on her phone.

“Not for him, she wouldn’t swallow the insult silently.

Yi Siling: [Xie Xunzhi, I hate you.]

…

When Xie Xunzhi received Yi Siling’s message, the car had already left Hong Kong International Airport, heading towards their villa in Shek O for a brief rest. The Xie family had invested in properties on Hong Kong Island three years ago, specifically purchasing a house on the Shek O Peninsula. At the time, it was recommended by Xia Wanqiu as having good air quality, comfort, and investment potential, so each of the two close friends bought a house there.”

“There were four cars in the convoy. Xie Wenning and Xie Xunzhi shared one car, Uncle Mei and Xie Zhiqi were in another, accompanied by assistants and bodyguards in separate cars for luggage and childcare.

Xie Wenning rarely left home and was unusually excited. He rolled down all the windows, letting in neon lights and evening breezes that dispersed the interior fragrance, filling it with a different atmosphere from the autumn of Beijing.

It was warm and moist.

Xie Xunzhi, however, paid no attention to the scenery. When he saw the words ‘I hate you,’ he froze for a moment.

Was it about that greeting card?”

Xie Xunzhi: [Why?]

Yi Siling: [You made me lose face in front of the Plastic Sisters. I’ve never been so embarrassed!]

[Where are you?]

Amidst a noisy background, Yi Siling typed: [What’s up?]

After some thought, Xie Xunzhi decided to shoulder this inexplicable blame: [Sending flowers as an apology for embarrassing you in front of your friends. Are you free now?]

Yi Siling’s eyes lit up. Alright, alright, it’s fine if there are no flowers. At least she could salvage something. Without hesitation, she sent her location to Xie Xunzhi and said: [Yes! Go to Secrets Flower Shop in Central! I want Freud Hurry, hurry!]

Xie Xunzhi replied with a simple “okay,” then reluctantly turned off his screen. He instructed the driver, “Take me to Secrets Flower Shop in Central. I’ll get off there.”

Xie Wenning asked, “Brother, aren’t you going to the villa?”

“I’ll come after I send a bouquet to Yi Siling. Don’t worry about me.” Xie Xunzhi checked the distance between the flower shop and the restaurant on Google Maps, relieved that it wasn’t far, just a five-minute walk.

Xie Wenning chuckled happily, “So, big brother is thinking of his sister-in-law. Can’t wait even for a minute.”

“Ningning,” Xie Xunzhi’s gentle tone carried a hint of seriousness.

Xie Wenning replied nervously, “…I know, I know.” She glanced at her elder brother discreetly.

He sat with his eyes closed, relaxed yet not lazy, exuding a warm and composed aura. He wasn’t strict or intimidating, yet he commanded respect.

They say an elder brother is like a father figure, and for her, her elder brother was exactly that. She loved him, admired him, and also felt a bit of fear, but she kept this to herself, afraid that expressing it might hurt her brother.

In reality, her elder brother was gentler than anyone else.

However, the Xie family and the Lan Yao Group didn’t need an heir who was charming and affable; they needed a steady and powerful leader who could inspire confidence.

His dignified demeanor was all because he had no choice.

Xie Wenning decided to use up her birthday wish this year, hoping that her beautiful sister-in-law would discover how good her brother was!

And then, fall in love with him.

The flower shop was located at a bustling intersection, next to Landmark Plaza. The Bentley came to a gentle stop, and before Xie Xunzhi got out of the car, Xie Wenning called after him, giving him a thumbs-up gesture.

“Go get ’em, big brother!”

Xie Xunzhi chuckled softly. There was actually no need for any encouragement, but he didn’t say much. He closed the car door, turned, and walked towards the crowded sidewalk. His tall figure was draped in a finely textured black overcoat, exuding an imposing presence.

The flower shop specified by Yi Siling is very large and luxurious. There are seven or eight staff members alone, and the decor is styled in a forest theme, creating a strong atmosphere. Colorful fresh flowers fill every corner, even the ceiling is adorned with various decorative flowers and green leaves, making it a very high-end flower shop.

Amidst the colorful display, Xie Xunzhi immediately spotted the figure of Freud. The vivid and stunning flowers, displayed in the flower shop, still stood out prominently.

He walked over and paused.

“Sir, are you interested in the Freud? They were imported fresh from Ecuador yesterday. They can last for half a month after purchase, with a long flowering period,” the staff member approached.

“I’ll take a bouquet. Make sure it’s nicely wrapped,” Xie Xunzhireplied.

Upon seeing Xie Xunzhi, the staff member deduced he was here to pick flowers for his girlfriend and enthusiastically recommended, “How many would you like? Eleven, nineteen, or twenty-two have good meanings! Holding them for a photo would look beautiful.”

“Ninety-nine,” he said decisively.

Xie Xunzhi didn’t understand the other symbolic meanings well, except for 99 and 520—one representing longevity and the other phonetically meaning “I love you.” But whether love existed between him and Yi Siling at this point was too early to tell; longevity seemed more practical.

The staff member apologized, “Sorry, we only have these left of our Freud today. How about fifty-two flowers? It means ‘I adore you,’ which isn’t much different from ninety-nine.”

After a few moments of contemplation, Xie Xunzhi nodded in agreement.

The staff member happily began wrapping the flowers with nimble hands, almost finishing quickly. “Sir, would you like to write a card? We provide cards for free, please choose one.”

Xie Xunzhi walked over to the front desk, where a wooden box displayed over a dozen different styles of cards—some intricate, some simple, some embossed with gold. If it were up to him, he would choose the plain white one, but clearly, Yi Siling wouldn’t appreciate that.

Instead, he picked a fancy one with a gold-embossed rose pattern, among the most ornate available.

“The pen is right here,” the staff member gestured towards a pen holder nearby.

Xie Xunzhi didn’t take the offered pen but instead pulled out a pen from the inner pocket of his overcoat. He had the habit of carrying a pen with him at all times, as his work often required it.

It was a discreet black Montblanc Meisterstück 149, not extravagant but practical and easy to use. Gripped in his fingers, cool as jade, it brought a quiet calmness amidst the vibrant flower shop. His dark eyes half-lidded, his expression composed, the clear pen tip glided across the card, writing strong and graceful characters.

The staff member wrapping the flowers occasionally glanced at Xie Xunzhi from the corner of her eye. It was her first time encountering someone of such remarkable grace and demeanor in her daily life, as if he descended from the pinnacle of a pyramid. Such figures seldom appeared in their world, and if they did, they vanished just as quickly.

She wondered about the woman who would receive this bouquet of flowers.

She couldn’t imagine it; this was beyond the realm of a simple working girl like her. All she could do was wish this handsome couple a long and happy life together.

“It’s wrapped up, sir. Take a look and see if you like it,” the staff member said cheerfully.

Xie Xunzhi glanced at the bouquet, thanked her warmly, inserted the greeting card into the metal clip, paid for it, and then with his long arms, cradled the flowers to his chest.

The man in black stepped into the night, the vibrant Freud blossoming brightly in his embrace.

Nearby Monta Restaurant, the atmosphere was also lively. The head chef personally brought a dessert for Chen Weiqi. It was a chocolate ball about the size of an ostrich egg. When lit, it produced a crackling blue flame. Zhaung Shaozhou somehow produced a thin rod from somewhere, lit it on fire, and as the chocolate melted, he extinguished the flame with a flick, magically transforming the rod into a rose. Simultaneously, the flame went out, revealing a rose-shaped cake inside the melted chocolate.

Zhaung Shaozhou presented the rose to Chen Weiqi. She hadn’t expected such a surprise and was extremely pleased with her husband’s creative gesture.

！

“Ah… Ah!! So amazing!”

“It’s too romantic, I can’t handle it!”

“Chen Weiqi, your husband is so talented!”

Meanwhile, Yi Siling felt neglected, coldly watching a group of women screaming and cheering for this romantic display. She drank sake expressionlessly, one sip after another, unaffected even when it started to get to her head.

These women are overdoing it with their public display of affection!

During school days, it was about who had better grades, who was more popular, comparing skills in horseback riding, piano, rugby, swimming—everything against everything. After leaving school, it shifted to comparing beauty, jewelry, haute couture, whose taste was better, whose connections were stronger in high society. Now that she’s married, it’s about showcasing affection, isn’t it?

The things we compare have become increasingly tasteless. What’s the point of comparing husbands? He’s just an accessory to her fashionable life, embellishing it.

Childish.

Alright, she admits it. In this game, she’s lost to the dust. Xie Xunzhi is not a qualified accessory, nor can he ever be one, willing to indulge in these childish antics to please her.

When it came to performing magic and sending roses publicly, she dismissed the thought.

Pressed down by Chen Weiqi, she couldn’t argue back even if she wanted to.

The blues music mixed with insincere praises from the women. Chen Weiqi raised an eyebrow at Yi Siling while holding the fake rose.

Yi Siling responded with a forced smile, casually sipping her wine.

No one knew the turmoil in her heart:

Where’s the tool’s flower? Still not delivered. Did he not rush the courier? If the flowers arrived after dinner, she wouldn’t let him off. Tonight in Beijing, he would sleep poorly. She would throw a tantrum and make Xie Xunzhi…

“OMG… who is he? Quick, look, he’s really handsome…”

She didn’t even know who she was looking at.

This man’s demeanor was too noble, yet naturally dignified, effortlessly cutting through the bustling and flashy world of flowers.

But how could he cut through when he was holding a bunch of ostentatious and gaudy earthly riches in his arms?

Chen Weiqi also turned to look.

She didn’t know who she was looking at.

This man’s demeanor was too noble, naturally dignified, effortlessly cutting through the extravagant and flashy world of flowers.

But how could he cut through when he was holding a bouquet so ostentatiously gaudy and earthly rich in his arms?

Chen Weiqi also turned to look, her eyes flashing with admiration. One had to admit, with his appearance, every woman around instantly became a foil.

Yi Siling was completely stunned, her mind swirling with the effects of sake and the surge of emotions from deep within.

Xie Xunzhi? Wasn’t he supposed to be in Beijing?

She closed her eyes briefly, then opened them again to find him still there, approaching closer and closer until she could smell the fragrance of the flowers.

Xie Xunzhi hadn’t expected Yi Siling to be dining with a large group of friends. He wasn’t the showy type and disliked attracting attention in public, especially not to himself. Standing out was not his preference.

But since he was already here, leaving now would risk Yi Siling reconsidering the engagement.

So he walked straight up to Yi Siling, handed her the flowers, his voice deep and steady, speaking standard Mandarin with a tone completely different from the Cantonese spoken in Hong Kong.

“It’s my fault. Don’t be angry,” Xie Xunzhi said.

Yi Siling remained silent, with all eyes suddenly fixed on her.

She looked up at Xie Xunzhi, then at the bouquet of flowers, unsure of what to say. She felt calm and slightly intoxicated, a comfortable intoxication that seemed to lift her spirits.

She loved this feeling of being noticed.

The sea breeze fluttered Xie Xunzhi’s coat tails, his figure tall and handsome against the night, like an awakened Adonis in the darkness.

“He’s so rugged and old-fashioned, but damn, he’s handsome.”

She felt embarrassed by her own thoughts.

Yi Siling was momentarily captivated by his serious, unsmiling face, feeling dazed and her gaze swaying.