Reborn Aristocrat: Return of the Vicious Heiress

461 - 492

Reborn Aristocrat: Return of the Vicious Heiress - Chapter 461

Chapter 461: You’re Not Even Worthy to Be a Concubine

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Not only did Old Mr. Wen agree to let her stay over at the Mo Family home, he even agreed to send her there personally. After all, the fact that she was moving to stay with the Mo Family right after Xia Ruya moved in would easily arouse suspicions.

Ever since she returned to the Wen Family home after her homecoming party, Ning Yuya was sent overseas and Wen Haowen and Ning Shuqian moved out of the Wen Family home. Ning Shuqian wanted to blame all of those occurrences on her and make her seem like a haughty tyrant. Although she did not get a chance at succeeding, outsiders would definitely have a bad impression of Wen Xinya. If they were to know about her moving to the Mo Family home right after Xia Ruya moved in, she’d definitely be labeled as petty for being intolerant towards Xia Ruya, the adoptive daughter of the Wen Family. It would cause her reputation to be tarnished too.

Besides, outsiders would also think that the Wen Family cared more about their adoptive child than their own flesh and blood. After all, Xia Ruya had lived with them for twelve years and no one could replace her place in their hearts. Meanwhile, Xia Ruya was extremely outstanding as well, and nowhere inferior to Wen Xinya who had led a wandering life for fifteen years.

Since Old Mr. Wen was an elder of the Wen Family, no one would dare to insult Wen Xinya once he made a stand. He had only made the decision to do so after taking her feelings and reputation into consideration.

It was a good thing that Grandpa takes my feelings into consideration and spares a thought for me. That’s the only way to stop Xia Ruya from achieving her goals easily.

Xia Ruya put her close relationship with the Wen Family to use while Wen Xinya used her blood ties which could not be cut off. The scores were even for now.

Wen Xinya exited from the study and returned to her own room. Just as she was about to enter, she discovered that the door was left ajar.

She remembered that the servants would always close the door and lock it after cleaning up her room. Hence, she sensed that something was amiss, though she did not think much of it since it was normal for the servants to be forgetful at times.

She pushed the door open and entered, only to discover that there was something unusual about it. Although the duvet and sheets were neatly arranged, they were not as tidy as usual and the duvet was slightly creased. She scanned her surroundings and suddenly realized that the jewelry on the dressing table was placed in an unusual arrangement.

Someone had entered her room.

A sullen expression formed on Wen Xinya’s face and the first person who came to her mind was Xia Ruya. Reason being, it was the first time that something like that happened. Not to mention, it occurred right after Xia Ruya moved in. She could not think of anyone else.

What is Xia Ruya getting up to?

An icy cold stare formed in her eyes and she stared at the door beside the dressing table, only to see that it was left ajar too.

Wen Xinya’s pupils constricted and she dashed forward to open the door.

“It turns out the servants of the Wen Family have done such a good job at tidying that little bitch Wen Xinya’s room. I’ve searched the entire place but couldn’t find a single speck of dust at all, let alone her hair. Well, I can only take one of Wen Xinya’s undergarments,” Ning Shuqian murmured while opening the closet.

“Aunt Ning, why are you behaving stealthily in my room?” Wen Xinya asked, standing quietly by the door of the dressing room. A cold expression formed on her face, making her look extremely menacing.

Ning Shuqian shrieked in anxiety, perhaps feeling a little guilty for being caught in the act. Her heart began pounding continuously and her mind went blank. She could not even hear what the mysterious man was saying. She hurriedly turned around and her eyes widened in shock the moment she saw Wen Xinya. Staring at her in disbelief, Ning Shuqian asked, “You… why are you here? Shouldn’t you be at the Mo Family home at this time?”

Wen Xinya glared at Ning Shuqian and sneered. “I should be asking you this, Aunt Ning. You sneaked into my room stealthily. Just what are you trying to do?”

Ning Shuqian was at a complete loss for words, for she had been caught red-handed.

Wen Xinya walked towards Ning Shuqian with a menacing aura. “Aunt Ning, you’ve already moved out of the Wen Family home. You’re not here to visit Grandpa and Grandma. You’re just here to sneak into my room and rummage through my belongings. Do you even care that I’m the heiress of the Wen Family?”

Ning Shuqian was no longer as smug and haughty as she used to be. She took a few steps back and said, “I’m your stepmother. Why aren’t I allowed to go inside your room?”

Wen Xinya strode forward and stopped in front of Ning Shuqian. She snickered and quipped. “Stepmother? Who said so? Did Grandpa acknowledge you? Or did Grandma do so? Or did I acknowledge you?”

Wen Xinya’s words were like daggers to Ning Shuqian’s heart and she felt a sudden stinging pain in her abdomen which was extremely excruciating. She stared at Wen Xinya, wishing she could rip her lips apart.

Wen Xinya glared at her coldly and chastised. “Ning Shuqian, don’t hold yourself so high. If this were in the ancient times, you’d be nothing but a lowly concubine… Oh! I made a mistake. Even concubines have to gain the approval of the elders. You’re not even worthy enough to be a concubine. In the olden days, you’d have to be locked in a cage and drowned to death.”

“Shut your trap!” Ning Shuqian barked, gritting her teeth in anger and staring at Wen Xinya with overflowing resentment. The look in her eyes were much deadlier than that of a snake’s venom.

Wen Xinya sneered and said, “We may no longer be in the ancient times, but lots of wealthy families still adhere to the customs and traditions of the olden days. Otherwise, why do you think that everyone in the circle despises you? Even your daughter can’t hold her head high and has to feel ashamed, despite being the adoptive daughter of the Wen Family. That’s because… in their eyes, you’re inferior and shameful! A clear conscience is the most important. Women who don’t have a clear conscience will be frowned upon. Otherwise, why do you think Xia Ruya values her innocence more than her reputation?”

“Little bitch. I’m going to tear your mouth apart!” Ning Shuqian screeched, glaring at her in exasperation. Her face twisted into a grimace and she dashed forward in a bid to hit Wen Xinya.

Wen Xinya had long prepared herself for the impending attack. She grabbed her hand and pushed her onto the ground.

Ning Shuqian fell onto the ground and an excruciating pain filled her, making her grimace in extreme discomfort. The doll had fallen out of her pocket as well, revealing words written in blood.

Chapter 462: Just Making the Last Effort

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Wen Xinya stared at the doll on the ground which had words scribbled on it in blood. However, she could tell that they were her birth characters. There was a needle stuck in the middle, which looked extremely terrifying. “It’s witchcraft!”

Pangs of panic engulfed Ning Shuqian the moment she discovered that the doll had fallen onto the ground. She could not be bothered about the pain her hip and instead proceeded to grab the doll and clutched it tightly in her hand. The doll was her only hope, she could not afford to lose it.

Wen Xinya walked towards her slowly in an intimidating manner. She squatted down beside Ning Shuqian, who was grabbing tightly onto the hand of the doll. She then pulled Ning Shuqian’s fingers away, one by one.

“What are you trying to do? Wen Xinya, let go of me!” Ning Shuqian yelled, grabbing the doll tightly and refusing to let go of it. Her every movement carried great strength, so much that her fingers were about to break. She felt an excruciating pain in them.

Wen Xinya pulled her fingers away from the doll and snatched it away from her. Due to how forceful her actions were, the needle on the doll’s back brushed past Ning Shuqian’s hand, all the way from her thumb to her pinkie.

“Ah, it hurts…” Ning Shuqian murmured, staring at the long and broad cut on her palm which was soon covered in blood that flowed non-stop out of her wound. It was indeed a horrifying sight. The blood continued to trickle down her palm and onto the ground, causing her to grimace.

Wen Xinya grabbed the doll and scrutinized it before staring at Ning Shuqian with a look of contempt. “You sneaked into my room with the purpose of taking my hair and garment. Turns out you’re planning to use them for a ritual. You’ll then use the needle to poke my birth characters every single day. You’re planning to deal with me using black magic!”

Knowing that she had lost her last resort, Ning Shuqian panicked and grew flustered. How absurd of Ning Shuqian to be using witchcraft against me, Wen Xinya thought to herself.

“Master was right. You are a demon and an evil being. You’re here to seek revenge on me,” Ning Shuqian said, glaring wide-eyed at her. She thought, If Wen Xinya isn’t a demon, how could she possibly know what I’m planning to do next?

“You’re right, my goal is to take revenge on you,” Wen Xinya said, staring at Ning Shuqian in a terrifying manner. It was the very first time that she had ever shown her blatant resentment towards Ning Shuqian.

Ning Shuqian was instantly dumbstruck. It was as if her soul was being tormented. She instinctively curled up into a ball and recalled the master’s words. He said to her, “She’s a demon from your previous lifetime, and she’s here to take revenge on you…”

If Wen Xinya is not an enemy, why would the little bitch resent me this much?

Wen Xinya threw the doll at Ning Shuqian’s face and hollered with a sullen expression. “But, Ning Shuqian! Did you really think that you’d be able to harm me with just a doll…” She smirked coldly and continued, “Have you gone to the extreme of believing in witchcraft because you know that you’ve lost your greatest backer and that you’re helpless?”

Upon hearing her words, Ning Shuqian’s eyes widened and she stared at her in disbelief. “You… what do you mean?”

Does the little bitch Wen Xinya know about that man’s existence? Does his sudden disappearance have something to do with her?

Wen Xinya sneered. “Aunt Ning, you don’t know about the wipeout of Black Sunday, do you? It seems you don’t. The person who helped you to deal with me is this person from Black Sunday. However… Black Sunday no longer exists and no one will help you to deal with me anymore.”

“Not real, it’s not real!” Ning Shuqian barked, glowering at Wen Xinya with a menacing gaze in her eyes.

She refused to believe Wen Xinya’s words, though she could not convince herself that it wasn’t true. The bodyguards and the mysterious man had indeed gone missing during the wipeout of Black Sunday, and that was also the same time that she lost contact with that person. It couldn’t be a coincidence.

“You’re lying to me. Bitch, you’re just lying to me.” Ning Shuqian retorted, glaring at her in exasperation, her eyes as dark as a black hole. It was as if all of her anger, resentment, and insanity had accumulated in her eyes, making her look extremely terrifying.

“It doesn’t matter whether you believe me or not. What’s important is that… it’s a piece of cake for me to deal with you,” Wen Xinya said in a cold and harsh voice. She then opened her palm slowly and clenched her fists again.

Ning Shuqian’s body turned weak and she stared at Wen Xinya, who seemed like she could devour her anytime. Even her breathing had become irregular due to her immense fear. She panicked and spluttered. “No… you can’t hurt me… I’m your father’s wife. Your father won’t let you hurt me. So long as your father is around, you’ll never dare to hurt me…”

Ning Shuqian’s words had hit the nail on its head. Even if Grandpa is disappointed in Wen Haowen, Grandma is still on his side and he’s still my biological father at the end of the day. Due to Wen Haowen’s presence, there’s indeed nothing I can do to Ning Shuqian. Besides… Black Sunday’s boss really hasn’t surfaced yet and Ning Shuqian is still exploitable.

Her silence made Ning Shuqian break into hysterics and she guffawed in a menacing manner. Smiling smugly, she gibed. “Hahaha… so what if the Wen Family doesn’t acknowledge me? What matters is that your father does. If you dare to hurt me, I’ll let your father make your grandfather his worst enemy and make you bear the blame for causing their fallout.”

Wen Xinya stared at the maniacal expression on her face, clenching her wrists and quivering uncontrollably. She felt a strong urge to rush forward and beat her up into a pulp.

Ning Shuqian began to get more and more brazen. She continued, “You’re well aware that I have the ability to do that. Otherwise, why would your father ruin his image as a filial son and cause your grandfather to be hospitalized? You’ve made your father detest you shortly after you returned to the Wen Family. Hahaha… I deserve credit for that…”

Wen Xinya unclenched her fists and stared at her composedly. “That’s just a final struggle,” she retorted.

She spilled the beans about Black Sunday because she wanted to ruin all of Ning Shuqian’s hopes and kill her drive. She wanted to make Ning Shuqian become hopeless and helpless. Her goal had already been achieved.

Chapter 463: All the Meticulous Plans Have Gone in Vain

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Wen Xinya ignored Ning Shuqian, who scrambled out of her room frantically as if there was an intimidating monster chasing her.

Wen Xinya sneered and thought to herself, Ning Shuqian should learn her lesson this time!

Wen Xinya packed all her belongings and left the room with her luggage. To her surprise, she ran into Xia Ruya in the backyard. Xia Ruya was sitting below the rose pergola. It was wintertime and the stems of the roses were growing outwards and intertwining themselves around the pergola. It was still pretty and full of life, complementing Xia Ruya’s beauty.

She had grown visibly thinner, perhaps because of the huge blow that she had suffered from the virginity test report. However, her slender figure was still as beautiful as before.

“Xinya, where are you going with that luggage?” Xia Ruya asked with widened and watery eyes which seemed to glisten in the light.

She previously ran into Ning Shuqian, who was disheveled and in the midst of running out of the Wen Family home. However, Ning Shuqian did not respond to any of her calls. Hence, she deduced that Wen Xinya definitely had something to do with her behavior and decided to wait outside for her to appear. To her surprise, Wen Xinya was leaving the Wen Family home with her luggage.

Wen Xinya stared at her composedly and said, “I’m planning to go stay at my Grampy’s place during the time that you’re here. I’m not interested in living under the same roof as someone whom I detest.”

Shock was written all over Xia Ruya’s face. She thought to herself, Isn’t she afraid that tongues will wag about this? Isn’t she afraid that she’d be labeled as an overbearing and arrogant person?

Xia Ruya stared at Wen Xinya, who had a calm yet derisive look on her face.

Xia Ruya was trying to kill two birds with one stone. She thought to herself, I’m going to take the chance to get into the good books of Grandpa Wen. I grew up beside him and I know his habits, character, and temperament very well. Of course I’d know how to please him. I must let Wen Xinya know that her status as Miss Wen is of no use at all. She can never replace my place in Grandpa’s and Grandma’s hearts, especially since I’ve lived with them for twelve years. Anyone would feel jealous, angry, indignant and upset to see their grandparents being overly chummy with someone else’s child.

Those feelings of resentment will invade her and manifest within her before eroding her rationality. That way, she’d act rashly and make mistakes. I can then exploit her flaws and let Grandpa Wen know that I’m the real outstanding one.

That was the only way she could return to the Wen Family.

Xia Ruya clenched her fists tightly, causing her sharp nails to sink into the flesh of her palms. Although she should be glad about Wen Xinya moving to stay with the Mo Family for a short while, she could not help but feel worried. After all, she was the rightful heiress of the Wen Family and Old Mr. Wen would definitely take her feelings into consideration. Now that she was blatantly expressing her displeasure about living under the same roof as Xia Ruya, Old Mr. Wen would definitely think twice before getting too close to her.

What a ruthless move from Wen Xinya. She’d rather lose her reputation than let me achieve my goals.

Wen Xinya walked towards her and sneered. “What’s the matter? Are you very shocked? Shouldn’t you be happy about me leaving? Once I leave, you’d be able to resort to your scheming tricks and win Grandma and Grandpa over. You’d be able to achieve your goals without a worry.”

Shaking her head anxiously, Xia Ruya said, “Xinya, I don’t know what you’re talking about. If I’m not welcome here, I can move out…”

Wen Xinya answered calmly, “Don’t, don’t! I’m not chasing you out. I don’t have any objections if you don’t mind staying under someone else’s roof. After all… we have lots of guest rooms in the house. You may stay for as long as you like.”

Xia Ruya stared at Wen Xinya with tears in her eyes. She suddenly realized that she was embarrassing herself by moving in with the Wen Family for a short stay. She initially thought that Wen Xinya would be concerned about her reputation and continue staying with the Wen Family even though she detested her. To Xia Ruya’s surprise, Wen Xinya actually expressed her opinion blatantly.

Wen Xinya sneered. “No matter how long you’re staying here for and how formidable you may be, it’d be hard for you to achieve your goals. All your efforts would be in vain. If I were you… I’d be smarter and refrain from harboring designs on things I shouldn’t be thinking about.”

Xia Ruya let go of her fists slowly and her lips curled into a smile, her face as pale as a sheet. She looked just like a tender and pretty flower. “Wen Xinya, you’re just jealous of me! That’s why you’re picking on me and insulting me!”

“I’m jealous of you?” Wen Xinya scoffed as if she had just heard the greatest joke on earth. She had an alluring yet cool and indifferent smirk on her lips, unlike Xia Ruya.

“Yes, you’re jealous of me,” Xia Ruya said smilingly, her lips rosy and red. She continued, “Wen Xinya, just admit that you’re jealous of me. You’re jealous that I’ve lived with the Wen Family for twelve years and share a close relationship with them. You’re jealous because you can’t replace me. Neither can you erase the fact that I’m close to them.

“You’re jealous that I used to enjoy everything that belongs to you, including the kinship with your family members.

“You’re jealous that I could gain the approval of the Wen Family because you haven’t been able to gain their approval despite all your efforts.

“You’re jealous of me because you were living a wandering life and making ends meet via underhanded means while I was enjoying a life of luxury. You were subjected to the harshest living conditions.”

Wen Xinya remained silent, for Xia Ruya was indeed right about some of the things that she had mentioned. In her previous lifetime, she was indeed extremely jealous of Xia Ruya, and her jealousy had compelled her into committing lots of mistakes. At last, she led herself onto a path of no return. However, in this lifetime… she would not commit anything foolish again.

She remained silent and watched Xia Ruya’s smile widen like a vibrant bunch of flowers. Xia Ruya continued, “So, you’re only moving to the Mo Family for a short stay because you’re afraid of seeing me behaving affectionately with Grandpa and Grandma Wen… You’re just trying to avoid me…”

A round of applause sounded as soon as Xia Ruya finished speaking. Wen Xinya smirked and said coldly, “Very interesting logic you’ve got. What a shame, none of it makes sense at all. You’re just an illegitimate daughter. What’s there for me to be jealous of? The final outcome isn’t out yet and we still don’t know which one of us has won. But of course… you and Grandpa are close, and I might never be that close to him. However, he’s been feeling guilty towards me because of the fact that I had to fend for myself for fifteen years. My shortcoming is actually also my advantage. Most importantly, Grandpa allowed me to move to the Mo Family temporarily, and he also said… that he’d send me to the Mo Family home personally!”

Xia Ruya staggered backward like a withering flower. Now that Old Mr. Wen had given his approval, her plans would be foiled.

Chapter 464: Over My Dead Body, Will I Let You Return to the Wen Family

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

“Xinya, are you done packing yet?” Old Mr. Wen asked.

“I’m done!” Wen Xinya hurriedly answered. She glanced at Old Mr. Wen to see that he was standing at the entrance of the backyard and staring at her with a complicated look.

Xia Ruya hurriedly looked down and hid her emotions.

Wen Xinya walked past Xia Ruya with her luggage in hand. She then stopped in her tracks and said to her softly and menacingly, “It’s not impossible for you to return to the Wen Family…” She smirked and continued, “You may do so, over my dead body!”

Her words were like daggers to Xia Ruya’s heart, causing her to shudder in excruciating pain. However, she kept her back straight and taut like a tightly-pulled string. She refused to show her vulnerable side.

Wen Xinya walked past Xia Ruya and brushed her shoulder against hers.

Xia Ruya staggered backward, almost falling onto the ground. She instantly appeared much weaker and submissive.

Wen Xinya smirked coldly and walked away.

Old Mr. Wen sent her to the Mo Family home and left after sitting around for a short while.

…

Old Mr. Mo stared at her, seemingly deep in thought.

Wen Xinya looked down and stared at her heel, feeling a little nervous and jittery. She thought to herself, Grampy didn’t ever look as stern as he does now, even when he found out about my relationship with Si Yiyan. Did I do something wrong?

Wen Xinya was ill at ease and her imagination began to run wild.

Old Mr. Mo finally looked away and said, “Xia Ruya definitely has a motive for moving into the Wen Family home again, especially since she has gone through a scandal. She’s giving you a warning and declaring war. By moving in with me, you’re only going to seem like you’re trying to escape her because you think she’s tougher than you are.”

“People always say that the same trick won’t work too many times. Xia Ruya is full of schemes and devious thoughts. I’m tackling her by retreating.”

“You know that you can guilt trip Old Wen by emotionally blackmailing him with the fact that you’ve led a wandering life for fifteen years. He’ll take pity on you and be sympathetic. That’s a good move too.”

“I know what to do and how to put my status as the flesh and blood of the Wen Family to good use. No matter how scheming she may be, I’m confident that I won’t be harmed!”

“Xinya, you’ve done a great job this time. You must remember that you should never harm yourself for the better of others. Once you show your weakness, others will take the chance to attack you further when you’re at your vantage point.”

“Got it, Grampy.” Wen Xinya felt much more enlightened. If she didn’t allow others to trample all over her, she wouldn’t have ended up in such a sorry plight in her previous lifetime.

Old Mr. Mo nodded and said, “You must be very careful of Xia Ruya. I found her to be extremely scheming ever since she visited our home previously. You will never know what she’s thinking. She never does or says anything extra and she shows others that she knows her place. On the surface, she seems like a sensible and understanding person who’s almost flawless. However, the very fact that she puts on just a front just goes to show that she has insatiable desires.”

“That’s why she subconsciously makes an effort to keep up with her image,” said Wen Xinya, who could not help but admit that her grandfather had good judgment of others. Xia Ruya may deceive anyone but him.

Grampy’s status in the literary world could bring Xia Ruya much more benefits than the Wen Family’s wealth. Hence, she subconsciously wanted to curry Grampy’s favor. Little did she know, he had seen through her.

Old Mr. Mo said, “You’re right. I’ve completely seen through her after this scandal and the virginity test.”

Although Wen Xinya knew quite a fair bit about Xia Ruya, she could not be sure about what kind of person she really was.

Old Mr. Mo said, “Xia Ruya grew up in an orphanage until she was three. Although she was only three years old, she had already been through harsh treatment and seen through the cruelty of humanity. Being brought home to the Wen Family was like a transcendence from Hell to Heaven. It was a chance for Xia Ruya, whose eyes had been jaded, to get a new lease on life and hence, she had to grasp it with everything she had. Thus, she knew that she had to build a good image for herself in the upper-class society and impress the Wen Family. The older she got, the more desires she had and the more scheming she got. So, she’s very conniving and sly.”

Wen Xinya was slightly stunned by her grandfather’s words and she felt that his analysis of Xia Ruya was extremely on point. She could not fathom just how Xia Ruya could be so scheming when she was only fifteen.

Old Mr. Mo glanced at Wen Xinya and said profoundly, “She possesses grit, tenacity, gentleness, endurance, the ability to swallow her pride and stay humble. She uses all of these qualities to create a facade for herself and hide her wit, intelligence, pride, ambitions, greed and ruthlessness. She hides the fact that she’d resort to any means to achieve her goals beneath that pretentious front.”

Wen Xinya took a deep breath and thought to herself, I was just wondering where Xia Ruya’s boundaries lie and yet, Grampy has already seen through her. Every remark of his makes her sound intimidating.

Old Mr. Mo quickly changed the subject and said, “Your Grandpa Zhong called a few days ago asking about your progress in calligraphy. Go and write me a few words.”

Wen Xinya suddenly realized that it had been long since she practiced calligraphy, due to the various events that had been happening recently. She frantically walked towards the table and dipped the brush in ink before writing the words “Tian Dao Chou Qin” on the piece of paper.

Old Mr. Mo stared at the words that she had written and realized that they were rather well written. He gave a nod of approval and said, “That’s a great improvement, but you have to practice more.”

Even Old Mr. Mo could not help but be astonished at the tremendous progress that she had made.

Wen Xinya’s eyes lit up and she said smugly, “Grandpa, I’ve been practicing very diligently and I make it a point to write a thousand words a day. I haven’t been slacking at all. Grandpa Zhong even made me practice with my arm away from the desk. He says that that’d make the words sharper and the ink thicker.”

Although the Liu calligraphy style was nice, it was not suitable for women and was in fact, rather strange for women to practice them. Women should be practicing calligraphy styles which had gentler and prettier strokes.

However, after giving it some thought, Old Mr. Mo felt that the Liu calligraphy style was too sharp and not refined enough. If she were to practice it with her arm in the air, the strokes would be more defined. After all, Xinya has only been practicing calligraphy for a short while and does not have as much experience as those who have started learning since they were young. Practicing with her arm in the air could greatly make up for her shortcomings. Seems like Old Zhong is very serious about teaching Xinya.

“You ought to take some time out to visit your Grandpa Zhong,” Old Mr. Mo said with a sullen expression on his face.

“I was too busy previously. Now that I’m free, I’ll go visit Grandpa Zhong in another two days,” said Wen Xinya.

Chapter 465: A Sudden Call From Xu Zhenyu

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Wen Xinya chatted with Old Mr. Mo for a while before returning to her own room. Mother He had already packed her luggage for her. She walked towards the bookshelf beside the dressing table and took out one of the novels written by Meng Yao. She began flipping through the pages and felt extremely at peace all of a sudden!

Ever since her rebirth, she seemed to have become much more composed and cool-headed. However, no one knew that she was like a taut string which had no end. No one knew when she would snap.

Ning Shuqian consistently laid traps for her and caused her to fall deep into a pit.

Ning Yuya wished that Wen Xinya would suffer a tremendous defeat and never make a comeback.

Xia Ruya was just like a venomous snake in a cave, who’d attack her when she was not noticing and cause the deadly venom to infiltrate her insides.

The Wen Family’s selfish nature reminded her that she ought to be careful with every she took and that she could not make a single mistake, lest she get abandoned.

Fortunately, she had made it thus far. She took a deep breath and got a grip on her emotions. Even her breathing had become much more regular.

Si Yiyan had attacked Black Sunday ruthlessly and alarmed everyone. He had also given Ning Shuqian’s accomplices a warning. Hence, Ning Shuqian was left to fend for herself and Wen Xinya wondered what she would come up with.

Xia Ruya was greatly shaken by the scandal. Although the virginity test report had already proved her innocence and restored some of her reputation, she had already reduced the damaged done. However, her plans to return to the Wen Family had already been foiled. Hence, the most important thing for her to do now was to save her own reputation instead of wasting time to deal with her.

The more Old Mr. Wen trusted her, the more disappointed he would be in Wen Haowen. Moreover, Old Mrs. Wen did not have much power either. Hence, Wen Xinya need not worry about being abandoned by the Wen Family.

Wen Xinya grazed her finger against one of the pages, on which Si Yiyan had annotated a footnote in his beautiful handwriting.

Her greatest gain was Si Yiyan.

There was no way she could forget the harm, hurt and pain that Chu Jingnan had caused her in her previous lifetime. He had caused her to lose the ability and bravery to love.

She was greatly surprised by Si Yiyan’s sudden appearance in her life. He had seen through her and he knew that what she needed was greater strength, not love. Hence, he did not pester her nor forced his love upon her, for that would only anger and irritate her. He did not force her either, for it would only push her further and further away from him. He did not drown her in sweet nothings because she would reject him and keep her guard up against him. He did not shower her with endless care and concern because it would make her feel pressurized and overwhelmed.

Hence, he slowly entered her life in a gentle and relaxing manner, thus allowing her to let her walls down around him. He had been trying to find a balance and a suitable way to interact with her. He made himself irresistible and won her heart gradually without her realization. Finally, he got her to fall in love with him.

In order to win her heart, he went through painstaking means to make the right plans and find the right balance. Yet, he had never once hurt her. He was indeed worth her while!

As Wen Xinya smiled, her mobile phone rang all of a sudden. She hurriedly grabbed her mobile phone to see that it was a call from a random number. Just as she was about to answer, the caller ended the call.

Wen Xinya rubbed her fingers against her mobile phone casually. It was a gift to her from Xu Zhenyu. It was golden in color and she still remembered the words that he had said to her back then: “You’re the heiress of a wealthy family. Gold is a classy color that suits you.”

Back then, she was so angry that she kicked Xu Zhenyu.

Zhou Tianyu and the rest of her friends made fun of her continuously because of the mobile phone.

Just as she was about to put her mobile phone away, it began to ring again. She looked at the caller display to see that it was from the same number. “Hello, I’m Wen Xinya!”

The caller remained silent.

“Hello, hello… speak up!” Wen Xinya said with a frown, preparing herself to end the senseless call.

“It’s me!” a hoarse voice answered. It was Xu Zhenyu, who no longer sounded like a shrilling chicken. His voice had already broken and he sounded manly and sexy.

“Xu-er!” Wen Xinya exclaimed in shock, tightening her grip on her mobile phone. It was the first time that he had ever contacted her since he left for the military. Thus, she did not expect that he would call her.

“Wen Xinya, how are you doing lately?” Xu Zhenyu asked, no longer prideful and arrogant.

“I’m alright. How about you?” Wen Xinya asked, her heart pounding rapidly. She had long heard about the discipling that the military exacted on the army recruits. However, she felt as if his voice was foreign and unfamiliar. She hurriedly answered, “I heard from Han Mofeng that you’ve joined the special ops in the army and that the discipline there is very strict. The training is arduous too. Are you alright!?! Why haven’t you been contacting me…”

Xu Zhenyu listened to her voice that was still as clear and crisp as before. He instantly felt a great sense of comfort and grinned widely, unable to contain his joy.

“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Wen Xinya suddenly realized that she had been rattling on while Xu Zhenyu remained silent.

“I’m listening to you,” Xu Zhenyu answered softly.

Wen Xinya fell silent, as if all of her words were stuck in her throat.

Xu Zhenyu lowered his voice and answered, “I’m alright. Training is tough, but I’m living each day to the fullest. I’m very passionate about it too. Previously, I had been confused and lost. I only realized that the military is where I truly belong after I joined it.”

Wen Xinya felt as if a boulder had been lifted off her chest. “That’s great!”

Although his voice was hoarse and he sounded lethargic, she could still tell how passionate he was about the army.

After a long silence, Xu Zhenyu finally said, “Wen Xinya, I’ll be back in at most three years.”

He continued in his head, So, you must wait for me! Wait for me to be back!

He sounded a little strange yet resolute. It was as if he was hinting at something else. “I know!” she answered.

“In… that case, I’ll hang up now. Gotta go,” Xu Zhenyu said, gripping his mobile phone tightly. After ending the call, he realized that his palm had become red. However… he did not have the courage to finish his sentence.

Upon hearing the beeping tones of the call ending, Wen Xinya heaved a sigh of relief.

Chapter 466: My Girl, Has Finally Grown Up

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Si Yiyan was dressed in a dark green silk pajamas that had a silver-thread embroidery on it which glistened under the light. The embroidery was intertwined. He walked towards the window, beside which was a royal chair. The armrest of the chair formed a smooth line with the chair, creating a smooth and seamless silhouette.

He placed one hand on the armrest of the chair, then lowered his chin and glanced at Wen Xinya.

There seemed to be no changes to her beautiful features. However, her features did seem to have matured. Her beautiful brows had become a little more arched and her eyes formed a mesmerizing curve. Her dark eyes were just like pure black gemstones, vibrant and sparkling. However, her eyes were clear and translucent.

Si Yiyan shifted his gaze down onto her jade-like nose which had a beautiful curvature and her thin, rosy lips, which resembled cherry blossoms. Her neck was pretty and sexy and exuded her decolletage…

A gloomy look formed in Si Yiyan’s eyes, which glistened all of a sudden when he stared at the twin peaks on her chest. It was only a matter of time before she grew from a 34B to a 34D.

His little girl had finally grown up after two years!

“Why do you keep looking at me like that?” she questioned, glaring daggers at him. Wen Xinya was no longer in the mood to continue reading her documents. Instead, she began walking towards him slowly.

Within just two years, he had grown more mature and charming. His eyes were enchanting and vibrant like dark pools of ink which seemed to be able to encapsulate all of the brightness of the world.

“I’m looking at my girl. She’s all grown up now,” Si Yiyan said with gleaming eyes.

In another few months, she would be turning eighteen. By then, she would truly become his girl.

Wen Xinya blushed shyly and stared at the look of passion and eagerness in his eyes which threatened to consume her. Having understood what he was hinting at, she glowered at him and chided. “Shameless lecher!”

Si Yiyan rubbed his lips across her ear gently and whispered into her ear in an alluring voice, “Xinya, your eighteenth birthday bash is happening soon. When are you planning to let me hold a crowning ceremony?”

He stressed the last two words of his sentence. Although they were just simple words, he managed to make them sound flirtatious and suggestive.

His warm breath lingered on her face, causing it to warm up. She cocked her head towards the side and unknowingly rubbed her soft lips against the side of his face. She felt Si Yiyan’s body quiver and his ears turned red. Suddenly amused by Si Yiyan, she stuck her pink tongue out and licked his ear gently.

“Mischievous little imp!” Si Yiyan remarked in a deep and husky voice, panting slightly. All of a sudden, he sucked on Wen Xinya’s ear and nibbled it a little.

An electrifying shock filled her entire body. Wen Xinya hurriedly looked away and dodged. “Si Yiyan, I was wrong. Don’t bite me… don’t bite!”

Si Yiyan sucked on her ear gently and breathed into it. “You’re begging me now, huh? It’s too late!”

His warm breath filled her ear and she giggled coquettishly. “Hehehehe… it’s so itchy. Si Yiyan… stop it. It’s really so itchy…”

He simply could not get enough of her. However, he held back his urges. Even though he had yet to confirm his relationship with Wen Xinya, he did not wish to let her go through something that she should not be experiencing at such an age.

Panting heavily, he stared at Wen Xinya with burning passion in his eyes. Wen Xinya could not help but feel a little guilty for getting him aroused even though she was still young and could not give him anything. “Si Yiyan, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

Si Yiyan kissed her sideburn and said teasingly in a hoarse voice, “Silly! Have you started learning how to take pity on your man?”

Wen Xinya kissed his ear gently and said comfortingly, “Yes, my heart aches!” She then whispered into his ear, “If your hormones are really raging, I can help you…”

Si Yiyan held her hand and kissed it. “You shouldn’t be doing those things with your hands at such a young age. Be good. I know you’re worried about me. I’m glad to see that.”

I’ve already waited three long years for her. I can afford to wait a little longer.

Wen Xinya was extremely touched to see how concerned Si Yiyan was about her. He pampered her and doted on her greatly, and would even hold his urges back. He would stop kissing her above the chest and would only touch her waist and calves. Despite his raging hormones, he would do whatever it took to resist them.

Si Yiyan said softly, “Do you have a tight schedule for the next days? Or do you have anything important to do?”

Wen Xinya answered, “I’ve been contemplating if I should start expanding Lanxin into the health supplements industry. I’m in the midst of preparing a proposal, but I haven’t decided when to start. Although I’m a little busy, there’s nothing too important for me to do. Even if there’s something to attend to, Yan Shaoqing will take care of it.”

Si Yiyan looked at her and said smilingly, “The health supplements industry is the actual start of your career. What’s the delay about?”

Wen Xinya answered with raised brows, “There are lots of health supplements being launched in the local market each year, but none of the health supplement brands have been able to withstand the ups and downs of the local market. Take NBJ of Z Nation as an example. It’s only occupied less than 25% of the market and has been taking a plunge lately. Lanxin Cosmetics has only been established a while ago and it’s lacking in experience. Others will turn this against us easily.”

Well aware that she was worried, Si Yiyan kissed her lips and said, “You shouldn’t be thinking about these now. Instead, you should be contemplating if what you have now can allow you to launch your own health supplements brand at this juncture.”

She had analyzed the situation together with Yan Shaoqing before, and they had also discussed the pros and cons. Feeling a major ache in her head, she looked at Si Yiyan, waiting eagerly to hear his opinion.

Chapter 467: Building My Own Business Empire

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Si Yiyan said calmly, “According to what I know, the tonic soups that Lanxin Cosmetics are selling to customers are very popular and the results when combined with our skincare products are great. There are even some customers who are willing to purchase them at a hefty price. After two years of refining and making amendments to the recipes, we’ve almost perfected it.

“One of the Traditional Chinese Medicine skincare products under Lanxin Cosmetics has become extremely popular overseas and Du Ruo has also gained fame and recognition, though she still lacks far behind Old Mr. Du and her father. However, everyone’s saying that they’re a family of renowned physicians and that Du Ruo will become an expert in Traditional Chinese Medicine skincare sooner or later.

“You’ve been making preparations to expand into the health supplements industry for the past two years. You’ve also established a long term partnership with lots of herbal cultivation farms. You’ve even flown to Germany to visit the renowned machinery company VTS and done your research. I reckon VTS has already begun manufacturing the ideal devices that you want. You’ve also hired technicians who specialize in the health supplements industry and secretly arranged for elite staff training.

“The Lanxin Investments has already become the most influential investment company in the country and there have been lots of overseas tycoons who have set their sights on Z Nation’s investment market. There have been lots of new clients who registered with your company, right?”

Wen Xinya nodded and said, “You’re right. Ever since Lanxin Cosmetics was established, I’ve begun preparing for the expansion to the health supplements industry together with Yan Shaoqing. Seems like I can’t hide anything from you.”

Si Yiyan smiled and said, “The most important things to prepare before the establishment of a brand, are the recipes of products, influence, machinery supervision, as well as funding. You’ve got everything ready. In that case, what’s there to be worried about? Besides, you still have an important trump card.”

Wen Xinya took a deep breath and said, “You’re right. I was just too worried about nothing. Although I’ve already made preparations in advance, it still takes time to dive into the health supplements industry. The details are important as well, and it’s just the right time to start preparing now!”

Si Yiyan gave his nod of approval and said, “It’s indeed the right time to start preparing for the management of health products now. The time will be ripe once the product can be launched in the market.”

Upon hearing his words, Wen Xinya heaved a sigh of relief and stared at Si Yiyan with gratitude in her eyes. “Fortunately, I have you to give me advice and pointers. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have made it to where I am today in such a short amount of time.”

Although she had memories of both lifetimes, she was completely inexperienced in managing businesses. Throughout the two years of her entrepreneurship, Si Yiyan had given her lots of advice and eyeopeners.

If Si Yiyan wasn’t around to give me guidance, I would still be able to become stronger. However, it’d be a far-fetched idea for me to be on the top of the pyramid. The Wen Corporation had already restricted her perspectives and she had already hit a saturation point where she could not achieve anything greater. However, Si Yiyan seemed to be giving her endless eyeopeners and constantly reminded her of her goals.

Si Yiyan said, “I actually didn’t really help you much. You’ve achieved all of these through your own hard work. I’m proud of you.”

“Don’t flatter me. My goal is to build my own business empire where I call the shots. I want to work side by side with you. I’m still very far off from that goal and there’s still a long way ahead for me.” Although Si Yiyan had never given her any help on the surface, he had in fact, supported her in many other ways. The reason that Lanxin Cosmetics could achieve tremendous progress within such a short period of time was that he had invested a large sum of money. He had also given her help and got rid of her obstacles when she was building Lanxin Cosmetics.

Si Yiyan smiled, his eyes glowing like a vibrant color. “I believe that that day will come. I’ll be waiting for you at the peak.”

“I won’t make you wait for long.”

Filled with sweetness, Si Yiyan kissed her brow affectionately and said, “I’m willing to wait, regardless of how long it may take.”

Wen Xinya kissed Si Yiyan on the lips gently and said joyously, “That’s what you said!”

Si Yiyan chuckled and said, “Yes!”

“By the way, Si Yiyan, is there something on? Why did you ask if I had any plans for the next few days?” asked Wen Xinya, who knew that he would never ask such a question for no reason.

Si Yiyan answered, “I was initially planning to take you out on a beach vacation. However, the cooperation with the government has just begun and I reckon I won’t have much time. It’s rare that you get a winter break. You shouldn’t waste it feeling all flustered and busy. That’s why I wanted to take the chance to bring you to Nan Tong for some fun.”

During the winter break two years ago, Zhou Tianyu and the rest of her friends went on a beach vacation to Hainan, which was very much to her envy. He had been thinking about taking her on another vacation, though he had yet to find the chance to.

“Work is more important. We’ll have plenty of chances to go on a vacation in the future,” said Wen Xinya, who was incredibly touched about how concerned he was about her despite his busy schedule. He even made compromises to arrange a vacation for her.

She again recalled one of their trips to Nan Tong for Valentine’s Day where Si Yiyan helped her groom her hair and do her makeup. The Fengxiang instrument which he had made himself, was his gift to her. It was a wonderful trip. She was looking forward to the next one.

Si Yiyan said, “We’re not going there just for fun. There’s a private auction there, which means a lot to the Xiasi Group. I’d like to take the chance to take you out and see the world!”

He had gradually begun blending into her world and she had now stepped onto the path that she belonged to—the path towards success.

The more ties they had with each other, the lesser the chances of her escaping his side.

“Si Yiyan, you don’t actually have to go along with my ideas all the time. I’m not an insensible girl and I don’t need your company all the time!” Apart from the time that he had spent working, he spent almost all his free time with her. In fact, he could even cast work aside and spend time with her sometimes. She could not help but feel a little vexed because she felt that she did not put in enough effort for him.

Si Yiyan smiled and said, “You’re not an insensible girl, but I’m an insensible lad. I want to stay by your side all the time. I’m just adhering to my own wishes.”

Wen Xinya was still a little troubled.

“Enough, stop overthinking! You’re so young, why do you have so much to worry about? You can always repay me with your body in the future!” Si Yiyan interjected, stressing on the word “body” with a sheepish grin.

Wen Xinya glared at him and chided. “Hooligan!”

Chapter 468: The Floral Language of Cornflower Is Meeting Happiness

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Less than two days later, Wen Xinya and Si Yiyan boarded a helicopter to Nan Tong. Si Yiyan had been frequenting Italy and Russia because of his discussions with the government. Meanwhile, she had also been involved in the management of Lanxin Cosmetics as well as the shop front. Thus, it was their first vacation in two years.

Si Yiyan again brought Wen Xinya to the alley in Nan Tong which was aged and seemed to be secluded from the rest of the world, leaving nothing except a quiet and tranquil hut.

Wen Xinya’s lips curled into a smile at the thought of the first time that Si Yiyan brought her there. It was the exact same place where he had captured her heart and made her lower her guard around him.

Wan Niang was dressed in a light purple Qipao dress and a maroon cardigan, coupled with some pearl jewelry. She looked ravishing and gorgeous as if she had transcended through time.

Wen Xinya found Wan Niang to be perfectly elegant and classy, like her Aunt Zhou.

“Aunt Wan, we haven’t met in two years but you’re still as graceful and elegant as before,” said Wen Xinya, who felt great about the classy and refined woman. Although they had only met once, lots of her clothes were from Wan Niang and she would talk to her over the phone occasionally. The two of them were considered to be friends.

Wan Niang stared at Wen Xinya and smiled at her sincerely. “It’s been two years and you’ve grown taller and prettier. Seems like I have to alter the clothes that I had made for you.” She then glanced at Si Yiyan before looking at Wen Xinya again. “Ninth Young Master has really great taste. I could tell that you’d grow into a ravishing beauty. He won your heart so soon.”

Wen Xinya turned red, surprised to see that Wan Niang had an amusing side too. “I’m the one who has a great taste to be in love with such a godly man. Of course I’d have to do all I can to win his heart.”

Wan Niang could not help but burst into laughter.

Si Yiyan stared at the girl beside him who was shy and slightly embarrassed. He said softly, “You’re making it sound like such a tough feat.”

Wen Xinya hurriedly shunned and scurried towards Wan Niang’s side. She grabbed her arm and grinned widely like a flower.

Wan Niang grinned and remembered clearly that there was a romantic tension between them. However, she could also tell that Wen Xinya was slightly wary and cautious against Si Yiyan.

She thought to herself, Two years have passed and she’s become much prettier. Her smile is so beautiful and she’s full of sincerity. Ninth Young Master should probably be leading a more blissful life than his father now that he has fallen in love with such a girl.

Si Yiyan brought Wen Xinya to the room that Wan Niang had prepared for her.

There was a blue wedding gown on the spacious bed that looked like it came straight out of a fairytale. It was as blue as the ocean and as elegant as the most beautiful cornflower in the world.

“It’s beautiful!” Wen Xinya exclaimed in shock. It was a woman’s dream to own beautiful dresses, and Wen Xinya was no exception.

Si Yiyan smiled and said, “Put it on and see if it fits.”

About a little more than ten minutes later, Wen Xinya exited slowly in the stunning dress which looked much more posh and elegant on her. It was an off-shoulder dress that was wrapped tightly around her well-endowed dress. It had a bandeau neckline and a cinch waist which showed off her assets and accentuated her curves. The belt around her waist was embellished with beautiful gems that glistened under the light, forming a cornflower shape. The inner lining draped downwards and creased to form a blue and beautiful fold. Realistic-looking cornflowers were there too, embroidered on the dress. It was as if flowers had blossomed by the lake.

“Beautiful!” Si Yiyan remarked as he walked towards her and held her hand. He then stared at her in awe.

“What’s beautiful? Me or the dress?” Wen Xinya asked teasingly.

“The dress is beautiful, but not as beautiful as the person wearing it,” Si Yiyan said in a hoarse voice. He could not take his eyes off the gorgeous Wen Xinya at all.

Wen Xinya began laughing softly.

“Wen Xinya, the floral language of cornflower is meeting happiness,” Si Yiyan said in a low, raspy voice. He then whispered into her ear, “Have you met your happiness yet?”

Wen Xinya looked at him and said, “Aren’t you my happiness?”

Meeting Si Yiyan was akin to meeting her happiness. Si Yiyan had completely changed her destiny and given her the happiness she yearned for in this lifetime.

“I’m your only happiness,” Si Yiyan said with a smile which was as gentle and delicate as a feather. He leaned forward and kissed her on her forehead.

Wen Xinya stared at the look of affection on Si Yiyan’s face from his reflection in the mirror. Her heart melted instantly.

“Do you know what a kiss on the forehead means?” Si Yiyan asked with tender affection in his eyes.

“What does it mean?” Wen Xinya asked softly, though she knew exactly what the common gesture meant. She merely wanted to hear it from him.

Si Yiyan looked at her and said softly, “It means I want to pamper you, shower you with love and protect you!”

Wen Xinya grinned widely and leaped into his embrace.

He would never tell her straight that he loved her. However, he could always come up with more affectionate actions. It was his version of sweet nothings.

Si Yiyan hugged her for a while before pulling her away gently. He then slid his hands down her shoulder and held her hand tenderly before leading her to the dressing table.

Wen Xinya was suddenly reminded of the scenario of him grooming her two years ago. Two years later, it seemed to have already become a habit. However, she would still find it romantic and sweet.

Chapter 469: The Auction on the Cruise Ship

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Si Yiyan grabbed the wooden comb and used it to help her tidy her hair. He brushed his nimble fingers through her hair and soon tied her hair back into an elegant hairdo.

He then opened an accessory box on the dressing table which contained a plethora of accessories. There seemed to be about four or five sets. Si Yiyan picked out a piece of bright, emerald jade that was shaped like a flower. It glowed under the light and looked extremely fine and exquisite. The color was particularly bright and clear, and the two stalks of flowers on the accessory were wrapped tightly around the petals.

He gently placed the jewelry piece behind her head and stuck it into her hair. It complemented her and added to her gracefulness.

It was extraordinarily beautiful.

Si Yiyan lowered his head and kissed the strands of hair on her head and picked out a matching pair of earrings for her. The earrings were shaped like flower buds which looked extremely classy and mesmerizing.

After picking out the accessories, Si Yiyan used an expensive brow brush to help her draw her brows.

Staring at herself in the mirror, Wen Xinya felt that the makeup she had on now was much more exquisite than usual. Her rosy cheeks were enough to give her a beautiful and radiant glow. Hence, she did not even need to use any blush.

At about half-past six, Si Yiyan took her to a private harbor near the beach of Nantong, after which they boarded a mini yacht. Half an hour later, they caught sight of a large cruise ship on the surface of the sea which seemed majestic and breathtaking beneath the shining lights. They admired it from afar and it seemed just like a building on sea.

“Will the auction be held on the sea?” asked Wen Xinya who had never seen such a large and luxurious cruise ship before, despite having lived through two lifetimes. Si Yiyan’s world never failed to surprise her.

Si Yiyan kissed her sideburn gently and answered softly, “There’ll be lots of prohibited activities taking place during the auction, so it won’t be convenient to hold it on land.”

Wen Xinya acknowledged with a nod. The nobilities standing on the very top of the pyramid stuck closely to the rules of survival. The more powerful and prestigious they were, the more precious their lives would be. Hence, they would never allow others to have evidence against them, lest they get attacked because of it.

The yacht pulled over beside an unknown island. Si Yiyan carried her onto the island and stepped over the wooden plank to board the cruise ship. There were two rows of men who were dressed in black, standing by both sides of the cruise.

The men on the ship had eyes that were sharp like daggers and were standing with their backs as straight as rulers. It was as if nothing could bend them at all. They exuded a formidable aura.

Wen Xinya could tell at one glance that they were retired military personnel from the special forces. Wen Xinya was initially rather composed and nonchalant. However, she could not help but become a little more solemn after seeing how intimidating they were. “What auction is this? Why is there such a big shot?”

Si Yiyan explained, “The organizer of this auction is the Xu Family. You should know that Xu Family is in close contact with the Z Nation National Security Department. They’ve already risen to an extraordinary position in the upper-class society.”

“Turns out it’s the Xu Family. Seems like this won’t be a simple auction,” said a shocked Wen Xinya, though she knew quite a lot about the Xu Family because of her friendship with Xu Tongxuan.

Si Yiyan nodded and said, “The Xu Family holds the right to develop several regions, and I’m here this time because of Hainan Island which is currently handled by the Xu Family. This group of islands was found three years ago, and the National Security Department has been holding the authority over them. The Xu Family is secretly the spokespeople for the National Security Department.”

Wen Xinya said in astonishment, “I’ve always thought that the Xu Family was merely in close contact with the National Security Department. However, I never knew that Old Mr. Xu used to be the former Head of the National Security Department. I didn’t expect that the Xu Family are related to the National Security Department in such a way.”

Si Yiyan answered, “The structure of leadership in the National Security Department is very complex and it involves lots of other nations. I can’t tell you much, but you’ll understand slowly once you start coming into contact with this.”

Wen Xinya understood that she had yet to reach that level and that it might not be a good thing for her to know too much about it. She asked curiously, “What kind of islands are those? You’re so tempted by them.”

As humans dove deeper and explored the labyrinths of the oceans, more and more ocean regions and islands were discovered. Most of the islands were dilapidated and of no constructive use.

Si Yiyan explained with a smile, “There are a total of twenty smaller islands which make up this archipelago. The largest one is only slightly smaller than Harbor City. It has a fertile land that is suitable for the agriculture of yellow rosewood as well as other precious woods. What’s special is that there’s an underwater ancient city that is perfectly preserved and spectacular.”

Wen Xinya took a deep breath. Due to urbanization and the advancement of technology, the air had become heavily polluted and unsuitable for the growth of lots of rare wood. Hence, woods like rosewood and ebony wood had become extremely rare. Aged and high-quality ones had almost become non-existent.

However, whenever these woods became available on the market, tycoons from all over the world would vie with each other for a piece of the precious woods which were worth more than 100 million apiece. Yellow rosewood was the most expensive, for they took a long period of time to grow. Wen Xinya knew that optimal conditions would catalyze the growth of rosewood. Hence, it was truly a huge temptation. Not to mention, there was even an underwater ancient city.

Noticing the look of astonishment in her eyes, Si Yiyan said, “Although the conditions on the islands are optimal for the growth of precious woods, it would take at least ten years before they can be harvested. The amount of manpower, money, and resources put into the process is unimaginable.”

However, the benefits to be reaped would be greater than the effort put in. Wen Xinya got a grip on her emotions before asking, “So you have other plans in mind?”

Si Yiyan smiled and explained, “Xiasi Group has found a way to develop a simulated environment that has living conditions that are suitable for the growth of precious woods. However, it’s not perfect or well equipped enough yet. Besides… Xiasi Group is currently in the midst of research for a type of genetic modification agent that will accelerate the growth of plants while still keeping the quality unaffected. The temperature and soil on the islands are going to aid Xiasi Group greatly.”

Wen Xinya was flabbergasted after hearing his words, for they were probably the core secrets of Xiasi Group. “That’s not all, is it?”

“Indeed, I can’t hide anything from you. Actually, I’m also planning to build a casino on the island that’s bigger and better than that of Macau’s. It’ll become a city on the sea which is perfect for tourism, shopping, and delicacies. ”

Wen Xinya was beyond astounded. Indeed, Si Yiyan was one to seize benefits and opportunities when he saw them. The casino industry was a lucrative one and he’d definitely reap profits. The economy of Las Vegas stood 20% of the nation’s economy.

The next thing she knew, Si Yiyan had already led her into the banquet hall.

Chapter 470: The Leader of the Xu Family, Xu Qingqiu

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

It was dead silent in the banquet hall when Si Yiyan led Wen Xinya inside.

The banquet hall was bright and well furnished with the incredible opulence of vintage European decor. The walls were covered with mosaic tiles which were made up of small pieces of colored glass. There were also stone-carved murals on the walls which had been polished to perfection and looked extremely posh and extravagant. The murals illustrated iconic stories from the Bible, which were popular in Europe. They also added a religious touch to the banquet hall.

The banquet hall was beautiful, extravagant and refreshing. Everyone indulged in the beauty of the decor.

Wen Xinya and Si Yiyan were both wearing masks. Si Yiyan was wearing a silver, crocheted dragon mask which symbolized his status as the leader of Xiasi Group, whereas Wen Xinya was wearing a matching crocheted Phoenix mask.

Si Yiyan was dressed in a snow-white shirt underneath a gray suit and a tie that matched the color of her gown. He had a lavalier on his chest which matched her jade jewelry. The two of them entered arm in arm, just like a loving married couple.

Everyone was extremely curious about who Wen Xinya was and all eyes were on her the moment she stepped foot into the hall.

Sensing her displeasure, Si Yiyan glared at the people around him and scanned his surroundings before saying to her softly, “Just ignore them. I don’t ever bring a female date with me to events. That’s why they’re curious about you.”

Having already guessed the reason, Wen Xinya chuckled and said, “They must be wondering which lucky girl has managed to capture the heart of the Xiasi Group’s leader, and thinking that I’m incredibly blessed.”

Si Yiyan jested. “Do you want me to tell them that I’m actually the lucky one who won your heart?”

Wen Xinya burst into laughter and looked up at Si Yiyan’s eyes’ clear glow that was brighter than crystal.

Si Yiyan felt a strong urge to remove the mask on her face and take a look at her pretty face. However, the mask hindered others from ogling at her beauty, though he could not admire her either.

At this moment, a middle-aged man walked towards them smilingly.

Wen Xinya guessed that he was the leader of the Xu Family, who was also Xu Tongxuan’s father. Xu Qingqiu was in his forties and was dressed in a traditional Chinese attire which made him look like a learned man from ancient times. He did not seem like an authoritative leader at all. Although he had a warm smile on his face, it seemed like a pretentious facade.

Wen Xinya could tell with one glance that he was a sly old fox.

Xu Qingqiu guffawed and said, “Rex, everyone’s waiting for you.”

Wen Xinya was shocked to hear him being addressed as Rex, which almost meant “emperor”. Was this man addressing him by his English name or using an honorific?

Si Yiyan held onto Wen Xinya’s waist and said, “I was tied up with something that caused the delay. I’m not late, am I?”

Xu Qingqiu smiled and said, “No, you made it just in time. The activities have just commenced.” He shifted his gaze onto Wen Xinya and asked, “This is?”

The two of them were dressed in matching outfits and accessories. Even the blind could tell that they were more than just friends. Hence, he did not ignore Wen Xinya’s presence. Instead, he asked about her to show that he had noticed her.

Si Yiyan shifted his gaze onto Wen Xinya and said, “She’s my date for tonight!”

His simple answer caused Xu Qingqiu to stop asking.

“Haha, Miss, welcome to our auction,” said Xu Qingqiu, who could tell that she was not just his simple date. Everyone in the circle knew that Si Yiyan refrained from dating women. Hence, he deduced that Wen Xinya was Si Yiyan’s girlfriend.

There would be plenty of women waiting to throw themselves at him, especially since he was rich and powerful. Yet, he was loyal and devoted to Wen Xinya. It was no secret that every successor of the Xiasi Group was a hopeless romantic.

Si Yiyan whispered into her ear, “Xinya, this is the current leader of the Xu Family, Xu Qingqiu. You may address him as ‘Uncle Xu’.”

Wen Xinya snapped out of her reverie and greeted in a puerile voice. “Hello, Uncle Xu! I heard from Si… about you, and I didn’t expect that I’d have the chance to meet you! You may address me as ‘Xinxin’!”

Wen Xinya found Xu Qingqiu a little more personable because of Xu Tongxuan.

A sullen expression formed on Si Yiyan’s face.

Xu Qingqiu shuddered, suddenly realizing that Si Yiyan disliked it when others called out the name of his female partner. How possessive!

“Miss Xin, you’re too formal. It’s my honor to be addressed as ‘Uncle Xu’ by you.” He then shifted his gaze to Wen Xinya’s clear and sparkling eyes, her rosy and soft lips and her barely 1.6m stature. Standing next to the tall Si Yiyan, she seemed rather petite. Although they were a little incompatible in terms of height, her grace and elegance matched his completely.

She was extremely slim yet well-endowed. She could carry clothes well and her bone structure made her look rather beautiful and graceful. She stood quietly like a vibrant viburnum flower.

What a pretty girl! No wonder the leader of the Xiasi Group fancies her, he thought.

Pleased with Xu Qingqiu’s answer, Si Yiyan said, “Xinya is a junior. It’s only right that she addresses you as ‘Uncle Xu’.”

After a formal exchange of greetings, Xu Qingqiu said to Si Yiyan smilingly, “Rex! I’ve prepared a private room for you guys. It’s on the third floor of the cruise ship. I’ll take you guys there.”

“Sure!” Si Yiyan answered calmly while holding Wen Xinya’s arm. When they approached the staircase, he pulled Wen Xinya into his embrace, shifting her weight onto him. “You’re wearing stilettos. Be careful not to fall.”

Wen Xinya lied in his arms obediently while he brought her upstairs.

As soon as they reached the third floor, the cruise ship swayed and Wen Xinya staggered forwards, after which Si Yiyan pulled her into his embrace again. “It’s alright, the cruise has just set off.”

Needless to say, Xu Qingqiu had seen everything and glanced at Wen Xinya before wondering to himself, Just what charms does this girl possess to make the leader of the Xiasi Group pamper her so much.

Chapter 471: Lucifer, Monarch, Xiasi Group

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Xu Qingqiu walked them to the private room on the third floor before leaving them alone.

Wen Xinya stared at the rosewood sign on the door of the room. The words, “LuciferRex9 Xiasi Group!” were engraved on it. Wen Xinya guessed that the sign was specially meant for Si Yiyan. “Lucifer” referred to the power behind him and “Rex9” was his code name in the circle.

Wen Xinya could not help but let out a long sigh. It was the very first time that she realized how prestigious Si Yiyan was. She finally saw how outstanding her man was.

Having understood what the look in her eyes meant, Si Yiyan kissed her ear gently.

The door was secured with a biometric lock. Si Yiyan scanned his fingerprint and brought Wen Xinya into the room.

The room was well decorated and pleasant-looking. The glass windows were polished and offered a bird’s eye view of the shopping mall below.

As soon as they entered the room, Si Yiyan grabbed her waist and whispered into her ear, “Xinya!”

“Yes?”

“Xin’er.”

“Yup!”

“Xin’er.”

“What’s the matter?”

“See, you’ve already responded to the way I addressed you. Shouldn’t you be calling me Si instead?” Si Yiyan said in a charming manner.

Wen Xinya finally recovered from her shock. Si Yiyan had changed the way he addressed her. She was too preoccupied with admiring the decor of the house, so much that she answered him without realizing it. “You’d better call me Xinya. It’s less strange that way. It’s easier for me to accept it too.”

Si Yiyan raised her chin gently and bent forward to move his face closer towards her. He stared at her and said, “See, I’ve been addressing you as Xinya but you’ve been addressing me by my full name. Isn’t that unfair?”

His breath was warm and spread all over her face, causing her skin to become warm as well. His pleasant and unique scent wafted up to her nose and her heart skipped a beat. Finding his words to have made sense, she said, “Should I call you Yiyan from now on then?”

Si Yiyan moved his face closer towards hers, the tip of his nose almost touching her. “No, call me Si!”

Wen Xinya instinctively leaned backward and began recalling the deep and passionate kiss that they shared. She frantically said, “Alright… then! Si, could you let go of me first? My back hurts.”

Si Yiyan chuckled and said, “Call me again!”

Feeling a strong discomfort in her back, Wen Xinya had no choice but to say, “Si!”

“Again!”

“Si!” Wen Xinya had already given up on retaliating. There’s no point in putting herself through torment. Anyway, I’ve already called him Si several times before. A few more times won’t matter. I’ll get used to it anyway, won’t I?

Si Yiyan smiled charmingly and said, “Yes, address me that way from now on!”

“Okay, can you move away now?” Wen Xinya pleaded, her back turning stiff from being in the same position.

“Haha!” Si Yiyan burst into laughter and leaned towards Wen Xinya. He then pulled her into his embrace and slid his hands below her armpit.

“Hehe, haha! Si Yiyan, what are you doing? It’s so ticklish!” Wen Xinya giggled incessantly while twitching uncontrollably in a bid to push him away.

“What did you call me?” Si Yiyan questioned, gently pressing his fingers against her waist.

“Haha, I was wrong. Si, Si! Will that do? Let go of me. Hurry! It’s so ticklish!” Wen Xinya could not help but punch his chest teasingly.

Si Yiyan finally let go of her. However, he kept his hand on her waist and began rubbing it gently.

Although Wen Xinya found it itchy at first, she gradually felt a chill down her spine which was so satisfying that she almost wanted to moan in pleasure. “Si… you’ve got great massage skills. Go higher… Yes, here… be gentler…”

She felt extremely relaxed and comfortable. Hence, she did not know how coquettish and gentle she sounded.

Si Yiyan’s eyes began to glass over and he turned red like a tomato, alluring and tugging at her heartstrings. He suddenly reached out and pulled Wen Xinya into his arms. “Xin’er, there’s still more than two months to go…”

“What do you mean?” Wen Xinya asked resignedly. She suddenly remembered that she would be turning eighteen in a little more than two months. She turned red after realizing what Si Yiyan meant. She pushed him away and frantically tried to change the subject. “When does the auction begin?”

“The climax of the auction will happen at midnight, so we’ll be staying here for a night,” said Si Yiyan, who did not continue teasing her. Instead, he brought her to the coffee table.

There were some hot tea and tools for brewing tea placed on the coffee table. Just like Old Mr. Mo, Si Yiyan particularly fancied pottery. “Si Yi… Si, why did Xu Qingqiu call you Rex?”

“You may take it that they’re addressing me by my English name, or that it’s a special way of addressing me,” Si Yiyan said while placing the brewed tea in front of her.

Si Yiyan’s tea-brewing skills were almost comparable to Old Mr. Mo and he never failed to get the right temperature and amount of water required, all of which would affect the taste of the tea.

Staring at her while she enjoyed the tea that he had brewed, Si Yiyan smiled wider and asked, “Xin’er, do you know why I wanted to take you here?”

Shaking her head, Wen Xinya answered, “You’ve always been mysterious. Who knows what you’re thinking?”

“I’d like you to become immersed in my world and understand it bit by bit,” said Si Yiyan, who sounded rather calm and composed.

Wen Xinya shivered, for his words meant that he understood and valued her. Her heart raced and she understood what he meant.

Chapter 472: The Unspoken Rules of the Casino on the Yacht

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

After sitting in the room for a while, Wen Xinya began to feel a little bored. Si Yiyan held her hand and said, “I’ll take you downstairs for a walk. The activities are interesting.”

It was Wen Xinya’s first time attending a yacht auction. Hence, she felt a sense of novelty and headed downstairs curiously together with Si Yiyan.

After making several turns, Wen Xinya heard a sudden wailing, after which she saw the colorful bead curtains. She was greeted with the sight of a new world.

“This is the casino,” Si Yiyan said while leading Wen Xinya towards the casino.

Although it was not exactly spacious, it was extremely opulent and filled with several gambling tables. The suave waiters and pretty waitresses were all weaving through the crowd and serving drinks.

Almost every gambling table was filled with guests, including several prestigious and influential nobilities who were usually mysterious and kept a low profile. They all had female companions, some of whom were whispering gently and smiling beautifully while others were gambling. Wen Xinya truly had an eyeopener.

Si Yiyan stared at her glistening eyes and said with a smile, “Would you like to give it a try?”

Wen Xinya’s eyes lit up and she said, “I’ll take the profits and you’ll bear the losses.”

“Alright! Go ahead and gamble however you’d like,” Si Yiyan said while kissing her affectionately. He then summoned a waitress who was in her twenties and gave her some instructions before saying to Wen Xinya, “Go ahead and have some fun. I have something to attend to. I’ll go look for you later.”

Wen Xinya nodded and followed the waitress to a room that was partitioned by the pearl curtain.

Staring at the blue and white porcelain plate on the table, Wen Xinya decided to play a game of dice since it was the only thing she knew.

The banker was a sultry woman who looked feisty and had a killer figure. She gently tapped on the porcelain goblet, her slender fingers appearing tender and soft. She shook the goblet in her hands with finesse. Although it was a tacky action, she made it seem alluring and effortless.

Wen Xinya listened to the crisp sounds of the dice moving in the goblet and knocking against each other, only to realize that it was impossible to tell the numbers on the dices just by listening to the sounds of the dice, unlike what was portrayed in the movies.

Finally, the banker placed the goblet upside down on the table and said, “Place your bets!”

Before Wen Xinya could even answer, a voice sounded from behind her. “Small!”

Greatly taken aback, Wen Xinya turned around to see that there was a man who appeared to be in his twenties behind her. His hair was unkempt and he was dressed in a purple shirt with his tie messy and untidy. He looked extremely forlorn yet sexy and charming.

The man lit up a cigarette and took a puff gently. He then placed his hand on the chair that she was sitting on. It was an extremely flirtatious action.

Wen Xinya frowned slightly and cocked her head towards the side to dodge the fumes of smoke. She did not want to get into trouble, for Si Yiyan was not by her side at the time. She kept her eyes fixed on the banker and exclaimed, “Big!”

The banker opened the goblet and yelled, “One, two, four, small!”

Wen Xinya felt a little dejected.

The man beside her gloated and said, “See, you would have won if you took my advice and bet on small.”

Wen Xinya frowned and began racking her brains for a solution to make the man leave. A pair of slender and jade-like hands pushed all the chips in front of her towards the banker. A cold voice sounded beside her, “We’re betting on big this time!”

Si Yiyan!

Wen Xinya’s lips curled into a smile.

She turned around and stared at the charming and suave Si Yiyan.

“What are you looking at?” Si Yiyan asked in a voice that was as cold as snow. Si Yiyan then picked her up in his arms and placed her on his lap while holding her in his embrace.

Wen Xinya stared at Si Yiyan, who pressed his thin lips together with a sullen expression. Knowing that he was infuriated, she said in exasperation, “I was trying to see if a man who was here just now had left yet. If he hasn’t, I’ll give him a tight slap.”

Si Yiyan smiled and teased. “You little seductress.”

“You’re not angry? You green-eyed monster!” Wen Xinya teased, batting her eyelids at him.

Si Yiyan had no choice but to say, “There aren’t any laws or morals here. That man just now had set his sights on you and he was intentionally trying to provoke you. He’ll then take the chance to invite you for a gamble. Then, you’ll definitely agree because you want to chase him away. Once you agree and lose, he’d be able to make you agree to his requests which would definitely be within your means. You won’t be able to turn down any of his requests. This is an unspoken rule of the industry. Even I can’t break this rule.”

Wen Xinya finally realized that every little action was full of schemes and tricks. Although she wanted to stay away from trouble, she did not understand the rules at all. Had that man invited her to a gamble, she would have definitely agreed.

“I was wrong. I shouldn’t have let you stay here alone,” Si Yiyan said while kissing her sideburns and her lips gently.

“I’ll be careful from now on,” said Wen Xinya, who felt a little uncomfortable to be behaving intimately with him in public. She scanned her surroundings to see that there were lots of people staring at them.

Si Yiyan whispered into her ear, “I’ll accompany you from now on.” After planting a kiss on her lips, he said, “Don’t be shy. You’re wearing a mask anyway. Others can’t recognize you.”

Wen Xinya felt much calmer after hearing his words. She scanned her surroundings again to see that there were lots of men behaving intimately with their female partners too. Hence, she and Si Yiyan were behaving normally. She reckoned that they were staring at her because of Si Yiyan.

The banker opened the goblet and exclaimed, “One, two, three, small!”

“Ah, it’s small again!” Wen Xinya exclaimed in dismay.

Although her expression was concealed beneath her mask, Si Yiyan could still tell from her eyes that she was extremely dejected. He said, “I’ll give you a lucky kiss and let you win!”

“Really?” Wen Xinya asked apprehensively, knowing that gambling required more luck than technique.

Pretending to be serious, Si Yiyan said, “Of course it’s real. Gambling is all about luck.”

Everyone wanted to win in gambling and Wen Xinya was no exception. Hence, she leaned towards Si Yiyan and planted a kiss on his lips.

Si Yiyan actually began his winning streak, as if Lady Luck was smiling at him.

Staring at the chips which were piling up in front of her, Wen Xinya began counting them like a money-grubber would.

Chapter 473: The Seductive Si Yiyan

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Noticing how miserly Wen Xinya was behaving, the banker stared at her in disdain. She thought to herself, Not only is she short, she did a bad job during puberty. It’s just a small amount of chips and she’s already so thrilled. I really wonder what Ninth Young Master Si sees in her.

“Miss, can you open up now?” Wen Xinya questioned, staring at the banker with a sullen expression.

“Mister, four, five, six, big!” the banker said coquettishly in a sexy voice while bending forward and pushing the chips towards Si Yiyan. While she did so, her fair breasts almost fell out of her dress. She was gazing at Si Yiyan sultrily in an alluring and flirtatious manner.

However, Si Yiyan completely disregarded her presence and pushed the chips towards Wen Xinya affectionately.

Wen Xinya suddenly lost the mood to gamble after seeing the banker brazenly seduce her man. She threw a fit and pushed the chips away in a moment of pique before hollering. “I don’t want to play anymore! I don’t want to play!”

“What’s wrong? Have you gotten sick of this game? I’ll take you to play something else,” said Si Yiyan, who wondered, She was clearly smug and thrilled while counting the number of chips. Why has she suddenly decided to stop?

“It’s so stuffy in here. I wonder where that smell of perfume is coming from. It’s so tacky and overwhelming. It’s so revolting I feel like vomiting.” Wen Xinya threw her arms around Si Yiyan’s neck and spoke to him coquettishly while lamenting and staring at the banker.

A sullen expression formed on the banker’s face the moment she heard her words. She thought to herself, I’m wearing Chanel No.5, the most classic perfume in the world which is the favorite of most heiresses and socialites. Yet, she actually said it’s tacky… just a bitch who has never seen the world.

Si Yiyan took a whiff of the air which smelled like alcohol and Wen Xinya’s unique scent. There wasn’t any revolting odor like she had described. However, Si Yiyan was thrilled to see how adorable she was acting. “I’ll take you elsewhere.”

Wen Xinya finally broke into a smile and stared at the banker. She gracefully picked up a yellow chip and stuffed it into the banker’s cleavage. “You’ve served us well. Here’s a tip for you.”

She then held her head high and strutted away in her ten-inch stilettos.

Si Yiyan finally realized that she had gotten jealous.

He frantically scurried towards her and pulled her into his embrace. he looked down at her and held her intense gaze. “Are you jealous?”

Wen Xinya answered with pouted lips, “That woman was staring at you so intently. It was as if she was wishing to strip you naked and bed you. She’s so coquettish and slutty it’s annoying. Most importantly, she’s a 34D.”

Si Yiyan did not expect that she would be so adorable when she was jealous. He asked in surprise, “34D? She probably got a boob job! She has a petite stature. She’s at most a 34A naturally.”

Wen Xinya snorted with laughter and instantly felt much better.

The banker, who had turned pale, took out the chip from her cleavage to see that it was the cheapest chip of all, which was only worth a thousand yuan.

Wen Xinya lamented. “It’s such a pity that I wasted a thousand yuan on her. She tried to seduce my man and yet I still gave her a tip. How silly of me. I should have given her a tight slap and called her shameless.”

Upon hearing her derisive remark, Si Yiyan grinned widely and said, “Don’t get angry. I’ll win more chips for you later.”

Wen Xinya’s eyes lit up and she asked, “Really?”

Si Yiyan said, “Of course. Since when have I ever lied to you?”

Wen Xinya shifted her gaze to the charming, sexy and sultry banker. She pouted her lips and said, “Forget it! I don’t want you to attract any more women, lest I have to handle the trouble for you. I’ll just take it that I used a thousand yuan to solve the problem.”

Si Yiyan burst into laughter and said, “Don’t you know that you can request for a specific service staff?”

Wen Xinya’s eyes widened and she glared at Si Yiyan. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? You must have enjoyed every bit of that woman’s advances and seductive moves. You must have been greatly enticed by her well-endowed bosom!”

“Did that woman seduce me?” asked Si Yiyan, who feigned ignorance and pretended to be innocent. Women are indeed unreasonable when they’re jealous. He did not even get to take a close look at the banker’s face. Staring at Wen Xinya who was smiling foolishly at the pile of chips in front of her, he began thinking about how he should earn more chips to make her smile.

Wen Xinya instantly smiled and pretended to be angry. “You’re not allowed to attract other women anymore.”

“Goddamn it. No wonder those tycoons scurry here whenever they can. Even the waitresses here are from wealthy families. Did you see that banker just now? She’s the heiress of the Zhao Corporation, the real estate magnate.”

Wen Xinya swallowed her words of anger and looked at Si Yiyan. “Is what they said real?”

The Zhao Corporation was a real estate giant in the nation and was not inferior to the Wen Corporation. Wen Xinya was surprised that the heiress would become a banker at the yacht.

Staring at how adorable she was, Si Yiyan burst into laughter and said, “Although this is a private auction, the National Security Department is keeping close tabs and only an approved list of guests are granted entry. Some wealthy families tend to send their daughters here to give them an eye-opener and establish powerful connections that would aid them in their businesses.”

“I can’t imagine it at all!” Wen Xinya had gained a lot of insights from the auction that was more than met the eye. The ostentatious figures in her eyes actually had to swallow their pride and serve those who were truly influential and prestigious. Had she not come to the cruise, she would have never known how far she was from becoming stronger.

“Are you hungry? The steak here smells heavenly. Would you like to give it a try?” Si Yiyan asked softly, holding her hand.

Wen Xinya began to feel a little famished after hearing his words. “Sure! Let’s go and try.”

Chapter 474: Flirting with Si Yiyan in the Restaurant of the Cruise

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Wen Xinya and Si Yiyan finally arrived at the restaurant after making several turns here and there. The interior of the restaurant boasted of an Italian decor and it looked both romantic and extravagant.

At this moment, there were only a few people in the restaurant and it was extremely quiet.

Si Yiyan brought Wen Xinya to a table by the window and asked, “Steak goes well with 1995 Duck Muck Shiraz. Would you like to give it a try?”

Wen Xinya agreed with a nod. “Sure!”

Si Yiyan ordered some wine and steak, and soon after, a chef dressed in a kitchen uniform and a tall chef’s hat exited from the kitchen with a trolley.

There was a bouquet of red roses which were crimson like blood on the trolley. It looked extremely beautiful and captivating.

Si Yiyan picked up the bouquet of roses and handed it to Wen Xinya. “I don’t remember ever giving you flowers. These are a new breed of roses that are bright and red like blood. They represent passionate love that runs continuously like blood. It also symbolizes eternal love.”

“I heard that flowers have the ability to stimulate one’s senses. Hence… lots of restaurants often prepare fresh and pretty flowers for their customers, which appeals to the visual and olfactory senses. They add to the romantic and graceful vibes of the ambiance. You’re just making use of their services, aren’t you?” Wen Xinya asked, blushing red with shyness, just like the blood-red roses. Si Yiyan was extremely romantic and she was just like Eve to his Adam, completely irresistible.

Si Yiyan remained calm and composed despite having been exposed by her. He asked, “Must you really be such a wet blanket?”

Seeing how serious he was, Wen Xinya burst into laughter.

In fact, Si Yiyan suddenly felt that he was not a good boyfriend because he realized that he had never given her flowers before. Hence, he decided to take the chance to do so when he saw the roses in the trolley.

Soon, the chef came with another trolley, on top of which were lots of marinated raw beef, as well as a plethora of sauces that were different from the ones that she usually had with her steak.

Wen Xinya looked at Si Yiyan and asked, “Are you planning to cook me some steak?”

Wen Xinya was appalled. She had never expected that a refined gentleman like Si Yiyan would actually make her some steak. She suddenly recalled the great wipeout of Black Sunday which occurred two years ago, after which Si Yiyan made her some sweet porridge. She suddenly felt that it was only his duty. However, she did not get to witness the process back then.

Seemingly having sensed her astonishment, Si Yiyan said smilingly, “My culinary skills are superb. You’re in for a treat today.”

“I’d be glad if you don’t mess up the sugar and salt.” Wen Xinya jested while watching him melt some butter in the pan with much finesse. After the butter melted completely, Si Yiyan placed the marinated beef into the pan and allowed it to simmer.

“How would you like your steak?” Si Yiyan asked softly.

“Medium well!” Wen Xinya answered, watching him flip the steak in the pan while adding some sauce that she had never seen before. A tempting fragrance wafted up to her nose and she asked, “What sauce is this? It looks very special.”

All steaks tasted similar, and there were barely any new or innovative ways of preparation. The final taste would be determined by the sauces. Hence, Wen Xinya was extremely curious.

Si Yiyan grabbed the spatula and flipped the piece of steak before continuing to pan fry it. “This is a special kind of sauce that allows the beef to become tender and delicious. It suits the Asian taste buds too.”

“This is Asian steak, isn’t it?” Wen Xinya asked, chuckling. People of Z Nation had always placed emphasis on food. Food had always been a profound study ever since history. There were lots of different types of culinary styles and tastes. Hence, it was no surprise that the people of Z Nation could come up with ways to improve steak recipes, even though it was considered to be a foreign dish.

After frying the steak in no time, Si Yiyan drizzled some sauce onto the steak and meticulously sliced it into pieces. He then placed the plate in front of her and said, “Try it and tell me what you think of my culinary skills.”

Wen Xinya picked up a piece of steak with a fork and placed it inside her mouth, only to sense that it was tender and soft. It tasted decadent and slightly charred. Si Yiyan was indeed a perfectionist who would do his best all the time.

“How is it? Does it taste great?” Si Yiyan asked smilingly.

Wen Xinya raised her thumb up while eating the steak and then answered, “Wonderful! If the Xiasi Group bellies up one day, you won’t starve since you have such a skill.”

“You’re right. If the Xiasi Group really goes bust, I can become your private chef, Miss Wen,” Si Yiyan said with a grin while frying another portion of steak.

Wen Xinya chuckled and said, “You want to be my private chef? You can’t move me just by being a great cook.”

Si Yiyan suddenly leaned closer towards her and said softly in a flirtatious manner, “In that case… shall I add in a warm bed?”

Wen Xinya blushed red with shyness. She pretended to be composed and scanned him from head to toe. She raised his chin and said, “Not bad, you’re handsome, tall, talented and great in bed… I shall show mercy and spare you then.”

Si Yiyan supported himself against the table and retorted. “Spare me, huh?”

Wen Xinya’s heart dropped and she spluttered. “I’ll know the details after an examination.”

She almost felt like biting her own tongue off as soon as she heard herself. There must be a tyrant living within Wen Xinya! It was a result of how much Si Yiyan doted on her!

Si Yiyan smirked and asked, “How are you going to examine me? Do you want me to strip down to nothing? Or…” He paused in his speech and abruptly grabbed her chin.

Due to the fact that they had masks on, it was a little hard for them to kiss. Absence makes the heart fonder. The stiffness of the mask often reminded him to know when to stop.

However, he felt indignant about leaving without putting up a fight after flirting with her.

After kissing her and being lovey-dovey with her for a long while, Si Yiyan let go of her and licked his own lips in satisfaction. “Are you happy now?”

As red as a tomato, Wen Xinya nodded. If she were to shake her head, Si Yiyan would definitely continue to kiss her until she said that she was satisfied. The ancient saying went: he who understands the times is a wise man.

Chapter 475: Young Master Anatoli

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

After having their meal, Si Yiyan accompanied Wen Xinya for a while. Feeling a little tired, Wen Xinya decided to return to her room to get some sleep. It was already eleven o’clock by the time she woke up again. Realizing that Si Yiyan was no longer in the room, she reckoned that he was probably at the auction hall.

Wen Xinya changed into her outfit and dolled herself up before leaving.

Wen Xinya began walking around and she soon discovered that she was lost. Upon hearing the sounds outside, she looked into the distance, only to be greeted with an astonishing sight!

This must be the real-life version of a hub of vices!

The strong aroma of alcohol and barbecued meat filled the air, and she caught sight of a young man and woman flirting with each other in the pool while a few waiters and waitresses were barbecuing some meat. There was a plethora of fruits placed by the side of the pool, as well as some exquisite-looking snacks. There were dozens of types of delicacies…

At this moment, the man in the pool seemed to have discovered Wen Xinya’s presence. He looked at her and asked, “Hey pretty girl, would you like to join us for some fun?”

Wen Xinya had never seen such a refined and pretty man before. His eyes were clear like gemstones and had a vibrant hue. He looked posh and esteemed. His bright and psychedelic eyes made him look like a proud Persian cat. His thin and rosy lips were curled into a smile and he looked rather haughty and arrogant.

Wen Xinya thought to herself, He should be Eurasian. Eurasians are usually very good-looking. That seems like it.

“Pretty girl, why are you gawking at me?” the man said while he pulled a gorgeous woman into his embrace and began caressing her face with his long and slender fingers.

The woman moved closer towards him and snuggled up in his embrace.

Wen Xinya frowned slightly. She did not expect to feel so repulsed by such a luxurious and extravagant place. She almost instinctively turned around and left.

“Pretty girl, how old are you this year? You look underage! Since when have they started holding activities for underage teenagers? However, you do seem a little interesting. Why don’t you remove your mask and show me your face? If I’m pleased, I’ll keep you!” the man said with an adorable grin.

Only the top tycoons of the world were allowed to attend such exclusive auctions. Hence, he did not think that an underage teenager like Wen Xinya would be able to become one of the invited guests.

Wen Xinya touched her face, feeling thankful to be wearing a mask. A sullen expression formed on her face and she glared at him menacingly.

“What do you know? What talents do you have? Are you great at pleasing men?” The man hugged the woman beside him and began flirting with her as if there was no one beside them at all.

Wen Xinya smiled widely and said, “Do you really want me to serve you?”

“Haha, why wouldn’t I be able to afford you? Well, unless you’re a big shot, there’s nothing too difficult about it,” the man said with a arrogant smile. Although he was still teasing and flirting with the woman, his train of thought was still undisrupted.

Wen Xinya smiled and remained silent.

The man smacked the woman on her butt and said smilingly, “Tell her who I am. Let’s see if I can afford her!”

The woman looked extremely sultry and she said with an alluring and seductive look in her eyes, “Young Master Anatoli, are we not serving you well enough? You’re even enticed by an underage girl.”

Racial discrimination!

Wen Xinya was shocked to hear his name. Anatoli was a Russian name that was very prestigious and posh. He was of Russian and Chinese descent.

Her mind was filled with information about the powers in Russia as well as the nobilities who were the top tycoons of the world. The most wealthy and prestigious family in Russia was the Ivanov family which became close affiliates with the new mayor ten years ago. They constantly attacked Lucifer and caused Si Yiyan to be exiled from Russia for three years.

No wonder this man is so arrogant!

“Little green-eyed monster!” The man bit her earlobe and caused her to shriek in pain. “Young Master Anatoli, you’re so evil!”

After placating the feelings of his jealous beau, Anatoli looked at Wen Xinya again and asked, “What’s your name?”

Although she was wearing a mask, she exuded a youthful and puerile vibe. She could pique the curiosity of others easily.

Wen Xinya sneered and asked, “Should we play something exciting? Are you up for it?”

Anatoli groped his female beau’s chest and guffawed loudly. “There’s nothing that I wouldn’t dare to do in this world.”

Wen Xinya smiled and gave some instructions to the waiter, after which the waiter turned around and left.

About ten minutes later, the waiter returned with a tray, on which was a piece of red cloth. Wen Xinya grabbed the tray and walked towards the pool.

“What’s that?” Anatoli asked curiously.

Wen Xinya lifted the red cloth and Anatoli took a deep breath the moment he saw what was on the tray. He shuddered and stared at Wen Xinya in apprehension while swallowing some saliva.

He stared at the handcuffs, chains, rings, candles, whips and many other sex toys on the tray. Wen Xinya picked up a pair of handcuffs and swung it in front of Anatoli. She gibed. “Do you know what these are for? Are you game enough?”

Anatoli suddenly discovered that Wen Xinya was extremely devilish. Although he was lecherous, he was not a pervert. Neither did he have any unique fetishes.

“Are you up for this too?” Wen Xinya asked with a smirk.

Anatoli was tonguetied.

“Don’t tell me, you’re not game enough?” Wen Xinya taunted.

Anatoli stared at Wen Xinya who was sneering at him derisively. All of a sudden, he felt extremely enraged.

Wen Xinya kicked the tray into the pool and gibed. “You’re so incompetent and yet, you still want me to serve you. You’re not competent yet!”

Wen Xinya then bent over and removed her shoes before throwing them into the pool.

She then grabbed a piece of tissue paper and began wiping her long and slender fingers. They resembled fine and exquisite jade beneath the light.

After she was done, she threw the rubbish onto the ground and walked away.

Wen Xinya allowed her actions to speak louder than her words when she mocked the lecherous scum Anatoli.

Chapter 476: The Ivanov Family

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Wen Xinya left quickly, for fear that Anatoli would chase after her. She could not help but find the place extremely dangerous, for she did not have Si Yiyan by her side.

Not long after, Wen Xinya realized that she was getting a little lost. She frantically grabbed her mobile phone and called Si Yiyan.

Si Yiyan asked around for Wen Xinya’s whereabouts. By the time Wen Xinya said that she was at the pool, Si Yiyan was already beside her.

He was no longer as calm and composed as he used to be and instead sounded much more panicky and was breathing irregularly. The frown on his forehead only eased up the moment he saw her.

Staring at her bare feet, Si Yiyan zoomed towards her and grabbed her by the waist to pick her up in his arms. “Didn’t I tell you to call me once you wake up and not to wander around on your own?”

Placing her hands on his shoulders, Wen Xinya said, “I’ve always had a good sense of direction, but this place is built just like a maze. I clearly remember the way, here but I can’t find my way back.”

Staring at her with a bright and clear gaze in his eyes which resembled ivory, Si Yiyan asked, “Why are you wandering around barefooted? What if you hurt your feet?”

Feeling a little disgruntled at the thought of her shoes, Wen Xinya said, “I was wearing them just now, but they got dirty, so I threw them away.”

Si Yiyan could not help but feel a little nervous. Did something happen when she called me just now? he wondered. He asked, “What’s the matter? You don’t look too good.”

Wen Xinya answered, “Do you know who Anatoli is?”

Wen Xinya could not help but feel a little threatened at the thought of the youth who was obsessed with alcohol and lust.

A sullen expression formed on Si Yiyan’s face and he asked, “You ran into him? Did he do something to you?”

Sensing his displeasure, she felt that he looked extremely menacing and devilish. She frantically rubbed her face affectionately against his chest and explained, “No, no, I just saw him flirting with some women and behaving intimately with them by the pool. He didn’t do anything to me.”

“Is that all?” Si Yiyan questioned apprehensively, clearly not believing her words. He glared at her coldly with gloomy eyes.

Wen Xinya had no choice but to say, “Don’t worry, he didn’t take advantage of me.”

After hearing her words, Si Yiyan felt a sudden wave of joy. He looked at her and said, “You’re really brazen. There’s nothing you wouldn’t dare to do. Anatoli is the young master of the Ivanov family, and he’s very sly and cunning. Everyone knows that he’s an ill-bred Eurasian in Russia. Yet, he’s greatly favored by the Ivanov Family. Lucifer had always had a great feud with the Ivanov Family. It’d be difficult for you to get out of trouble if he finds out that you’re mine.”

Fortunately, Anatoli had always been extremely gracious towards women who did not pose a threat to his interests. Hence, it was easy for Wen Xinya to stay out of trouble.

“Indeed, he’s a member of the Ivanov Family.” Wen Xinya had already guessed that Anatoli was part of the Ivanov Family and only acted rashly because she wanted to get back at him for the feud that Lucifer had with them.

Si Yiyan smacked her butt gently and chided. “Why did you still have the audacity to do that then!?!”

“He’s just a lecher who has no morals!” Wen Xinya exclaimed with pouted lips. However, she could not help but feel a little afraid, though she did not regret her actions.

Si Yiyan kissed her sideburns gently and said, “Anatoli may be lecherous, but he’s not a simple man. He’s cunning, relentless and cruel. He currently holds 40% of the Ivanov Family’s business.”

Wen Xinya took a deep breath, shocked to hear that such a pretty man would actually turn out to be as formidable as Si Yiyan.

Si Yiyan said calmly, “I’m sure you know that the proportions of genders are imbalanced in Russia. The rich and powerful in Russia are allowed to marry several wives, and the patriarch of the Ivanov Family has a total of seven wives and thirty-odd children. Children who are born into such families are undoubtedly tempted by power, desires and wealth. The competition within the family is intense as well. There are only three remaining descendants of the Ivanov Family. In order to be one of the very few survivors, he must possess wit and strong capabilities to aid him in winning the intense battle. Not to mention, he even outshone the rest and earned the recognition and respect of the Ivanov Family.”

Familial power struggles were common in the circle. However, the one within the Ivanov Family was far more violent and full of bloodshed. “Is that how the Ivanov Family picks their successor?”

“Yes, they’re a large family of gangsters, and one must be scheming and cunning enough to survive in such family. The violence and brutal selection is indeed a way to train one’s grit. Those who remain are the most outstanding. Every successor has something to do with the other authorities. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to survive.”

Wen Xinya asked with a slight frown, “Will Anatoli be the next successor of the Ivanov Family?”

She found the Ivanov Family to be extremely dysfunctional, for they would resort to killing each other for the sake of power, despite being blood kin. They have no consideration for kinship at all. So what if he’s outstanding and capable? He’s nowhere better than a beast, she thought.

Si Yiyan answered, “The outcome isn’t decided yet, but he has the most hope of becoming the successor.”

“You seem to be rather afraid of him,” said Wen Xinya, who knew Si Yiyan too well. She understood that Si Yiyan was extremely prideful and never found anyone to be a threat, let alone Anatoli. Lucifer was far more powerful than the Ivanov Family.

Si Yiyan said, “I’ve battled him a few times before!”

Wen Xinya asked curiously, “Who won?”

“I did, but…” Si Yiyan pointed at his forehead and continued, “There’s something wrong with him here. He’s very extreme and likes resorting to underhanded means regardless of the consequences. He wouldn’t mind taking a major loss either. He’s a little neurotic and sees me as his greatest opponent.”

Anatoli was indeed a real piece of work, and Si Yiyan was probably worried because of her. “You’re wary of him because you’re afraid that my identity would be exposed, and he’ll start harming me.”

Si Yiyan nodded and said, “I didn’t expect him to be here at this auction either. Given his character, he’d never be bothered by the possibility of his personal feud implicating his innocent family members. He’d resort to anything.”

Wen Xinya rubbed her face against his chest and said, “I’ll stay in the dining room obediently then. I won’t go anywhere else later.”

Si Yiyan smiled and said, “Have you learned your lesson?”

Wen Xinya remained silent while rubbing her face against his chest.

Chapter 477: The Consideration of Wisdom When Devising a Scheme

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

The auction officially commenced at twelve o’clock. Wen Xinya changed into a red gown which ended at her knees. It was a bright and fiery color which made her exceptionally eye-catching. The roses on her shoulders accentuated her beauty.

She changed into a maroon mask, on which there was a red spider lily which was bright and vibrant, and added to her elegance. She looked rather mysterious.

Wen Xinya held Si Yiyan’s arm and looked at herself. “I doubt Anatoli will recognize me now that I’m dressed in this!”

Si Yiyan stared at her with burning passion in his eyes. She would usually only dress herself in a demure and conservative style. Her sudden change of style for the night made her appear mysterious, sultry and alluring. It suited her to a T, and it was as if she was a natural at exuding such an elegance.

He felt a sudden urge to keep her inside his pocket, keeping her away from others just so they could not ogle at her. “You look really beautiful. He won’t recognize you.”

He wouldn’t have thought that she could carry such a vibe if he had not seen it with his own eyes.

Wen Xinya felt a huge sense of relief and headed downstairs together with Si Yiyan.

The auction hall was decorated like an ancient imperial guest hall. There was a jade table in the middle of the hall, as well as several ongoing performances. There were also some fruits, snacks, alcohol, and delicacies on display on both sides of the table.

All eyes were on Si Yiyan and Wen Xinya the moment they stepped foot inside the hall.

Anatoli was seated right opposite them, with two gorgeous women by his side. One was a Russian beauty who looked extremely coquettish and stunning, while the other was a Chinese babe dressed in a traditional Qipao dress. He was flirting with them and giggling incessantly.

Upon sight of Si Yiyan, his gemlike eyes lit up and he said, “Long time no see, Rex. I didn’t expect to meet you here. What a small world.”

Si Yiyan smirked and said, “Yeah! Long time no see.”

“Who’s that gorgeous chick beside you? Why do you both enjoy hiding your faces?” Anatoli quipped while scanning Wen Xinya from head to toe. He stared at her sensually, barely concealing his emotions.

Upon sight of the masked Wen Xinya, he could not help but be reminded of the girl he met at the pool, for she exuded the same kind of elegance and arrogance. For the first time, he actually met a woman who turned down his advances. Hence, he felt a strong sense of novelty and searched the entire cruise ship for her but to no avail. It seemed as if she had vanished into thin air.

He instinctively compared Wen Xinya to the women beside him, only to find that they differed greatly in terms of class and elegance, although they were of about the same stature.

Wen Xinya frowned slightly at the way Anatoli was staring at her, for she felt a little humiliated. It was the first time that she felt insulted and repulsed by how he was objectifying her.

A sullen expression formed on Si Yiyan’s face, and the loud and crisp sounds of the goblet in his hand shattering into bits filled the air.

Greatly taken aback, Wen Xinya looked at Si Yiyan and heaved a sigh of relief after seeing that he was unharmed.

“Ah!” A deafening shriek sounded.

Wen Xinya instinctively looked up to see that Anatoli was glowering at Si Yiyan menacingly with a cut on his face. Fresh blood was flowing out of the wound on his snowy and porcelain skin, making him look extremely terrifying.

Wen Xinya glanced at Si Yiyan while the waiters cleaned up the broken glass shards. Si Yiyan picked up the goblet and swirled it gracefully, the red wine swirling like ruby gemstones. He then glared at Anatoli and downed the wine with a sinister smirk on his lips.

“Seems like it’s just a rumor that Rex abstains from women,” Anatoli remarked while guffawing loudly all of a sudden. He grabbed a handkerchief and wiped the blood off of his face before continuing to flirt with the women beside him.

All Anatoli did was take a few more glances at his woman, Wen Xinya, and yet, he had already gotten so riled up.

What seemed like a simple move was, in fact, a premeditated one that had been planned precisely with much wit and deviousness. Clearly, Si Yiyan had won this time.

Wen Xinya heaved a sigh of relief and picked up a grape which she skinned before feeding it to Si Yiyan.

Si Yiyan sucked on it and licked her finger gently before remarking, “It’s so sweet!”

Wen Xinya turned red, unsure if he was referring to her finger or the grape.

Si Yiyan grabbed a snack and fed it to her. “Here’s one for you!”

Wen Xinya burst into laughter and took a bite out of the snack, chewing it slowly. “It tastes great!”

“Is that so? I’ll give it a try too!” She then ate the rest of the snack.

Wen Xinya peeled another orange and gave it to Si Yiyan.

Satisfaction was written all over Si Yiyan’s face while he enjoyed the tender care and affection that Wen Xinya was showering him with.

“Such private auctions are rare and hard to come by. If you’re interested in something, you may just name your price.”

Staring at Anatoli who was seated opposite them, she had a feeling that the auction wouldn’t proceed smoothly. “Do you think Anatoli will wreak havoc later?”

Si Yiyan smile and said, “He’ll never let the opportunity to defeat me slip.”

Wen Xinya frowned and asked, “Are you confident of acquiring the archipelago?”

Si Yiyan pinched the tip of her nose gently and said, “The archipelago is a joint cooperation between me and the government. It’s a gift from the government. However, the auction is just a formality and a facade in order to avoid unnecessary trouble. Once the auction is over, the title deed of the archipelago will be transferred to me.”

Wen Xinya heaved a sigh of relief.

Si Yiyan smiled and continued, “Besides, the archipelago was found by the Chinese. It won’t land in the hands of a foreigner, so you don’t have to worry about Anatoli vying with me for it.”

Wen Xinya suddenly realized that she was being worried for no reason.

Si Yiyan kissed her sideburns gently and said, “The grapes were really sweet!”

Wen Xinya soon snapped out of her trance. Realizing that he was playing cute and asking to be fed, she chuckled in amusement and peeled a grape before placing it in his mouth.

Si Yiyan licked her finger again and sucked the grape juices on her finger.

Wen Xinya glared at him and thought to herself, He’s just using the grapes as an excuse to flirt with me!

Chapter 478: Who’d Vie with Me?

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

The auction started soon after while Wen Xinya was in a moment of shock. The antiques and ornaments which were to be auctioned were displayed all over the table like vegetables in the market. It was as if they meant nothing to the tycoons at all.

Anatoli even spent five million yuan on a diamond necklace which he then gave to one of his female companions.

In such circumstances, money seemed to have lost its significance.

Sensing the astonishment which overwhelmed Wen Xinya, Si Yiyan held her hand gently and said, “These are just the appetizers. A good show awaits.”

Wen Xinya took a deep breath and thought to herself, If these are just the tip of the iceberg, I wonder what the climax has to offer!

Having lived through two lifetimes, she had been put through all sorts of loneliness, humiliation, and shame. However, she got an eyeopener this time.

Si Yiyan had allowed her to step into his world. However, she knew that simply entering his world was not enough, and she had to become stronger in order to complement him.

At this moment, a precious set of essential tools needed for calligraphy, also known as the Four Treasures of the Study, were up for auction. The auctioneer said enthusiastically, “Known to all, the Four Treasures of the Study consist of the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. This set that’s up for auction today is worth 10 million yuan!”

Wen Xinya took another deep breath. The Four Treasures of the Study symbolized the inheritance of culture and it was the most valuable collectible, which was highly coveted by many. Not to mention, the set that was up for auction dated all the way back to the Tang Dynasty where it was used for imperial calligraphy and writings. It had already surpassed the value of ordinary antiques.

Soon, the highest bid for the Four Treasures of the Study went up to 50 million yuan. Yet, there were still guests calling for higher bids! They were reluctant to let the opportunity slip.

Si Yiyan fed her a grape and said, “You’ve been practicing calligraphy for such a long time and yet you still don’t have a decent set of brushes and tools. This set of Four Treasures of the Study looks great. What do you think?”

“It’s too expensive. I’ve only been practicing calligraphy for three years, I don’t need such an exquisite set yet. Forget it!” Wen Xinya refuted, leaning in Si Yiyan’s embrace and indulging in the deliciousness of grape juice that was lingering in her mouth.

“It’s just a set of Four Treasures of the Study. I’ll bid for it so long as you like it,” Si Yiyan said while feeding her another snack.

Just as Wen Xinya was about to protest, Si Yiyan shoved another snack into her mouth. Before she could even react, Si Yiyan had already named his price!

“100 million yuan!” Si Yiyan exclaimed in a loud voice that was prominent despite the ruckus.

All of the guests fell silent and stared at Si Yiyan, overwhelmed with a mix of emotions, including disgruntlement, respect and perplexity.

It was Wen Xinya’s first time witnessing how formidable Rex was. Who’d dare to vie with him!?!

“200 million yuan!” a voice exclaimed derisively.

Wen Xinya looked over to see that Anatoli was still flirting with his female companions. She too, overheard the conversations between other guests who were gossiping.

“Who’s that person? How brazen of him to vie with Rex! Is he tired of living!?!”

“You’re the one who’s tired of living! That’s the future successor of the Ivanov Family. Rex has always been at odds with the Ivanov Family. If you get implicated, don’t blame me for failing to remind you.”

Anatoli smirked arrogantly and he looked at Si Yiyan. “I shouldn’t be interfering with Rex’s plan to present his female companion with a gift. However, I heard that it’s a rare collection and I’d like to try getting my hands on it too.”

“The items showcased during an auction always go to the offeror who offers the highest bid.” Si Yiyan glanced at Anatoli and exclaimed, “300 million yuan!”

“400 million yuan!” Anatoli exclaimed, staring at Si Yiyan with raised brows in a taunting manner. He was nowhere as wealthy as Si Yiyan was and he was merely trying to provoke him.

At this moment, Wen Xinya tugged at Si Yiyan’s sleeve and said coquettishly, “Si, hurry and place your bid. Everyone is lusting over that set of Four Treasures of the Study. I happen to be practicing Liao calligraphy lately too. I don’t have a decent set of Four Treasures of the Study yet.”

She sounded charming and sexy, yet coquettish and tender like a flower bud.

Everyone turned to stare at them.

Anatoli glanced at Wen Xinya.

“500 million!” Si Yiyan exclaimed obstinately while kissing her sideburns tenderly before planting a kiss on her lips. He continued to do so for a long while before letting go of her.

“600 million!” Anatoli was still rather nonchalant and bent on provoking Si Yiyan previously. However, after hearing Wen Xinya’s words, he began showing his determination to getting his hands on the item.

“800 million!” Wen Xinya exclaimed, glaring at Anatoli.

Anatoli hesitated and shifted his gaze onto Si Yiyan, only to realize that he was not at all bothered by the auction. Instead, he was busy holding Wen Xinya in his embrace and kissing her affectionately while peeling grapes with his long and slender fingers before feeding it to her.

Meanwhile, Wen Xinya was enjoying the grapes and kissing Si Yiyan. She was staring at Anatoli in a provoking manner as well.

“One billion!” Anatoli yelled. He thought to himself, The successors of Lucifer have always been hopeless romantics. In fact, it’s a fact known to all. Moreover, Rex has always abstained from women and remained unfazed despite there being countless women throwing themselves at him. Yet, he actually brought a date with him to the auction. Clearly, she means a lot to him.

Given how in love Si Yiyan was with Wen Xinya, one billion yuan was peanuts to Si Yiyan.

A deafening silence filled the air. Although the Four Treasures of the Study was a rare gem, the current bid was way too high.

Most of the guests had already broken out into cold sweat and were wiping the perspiration off their foreheads with a handkerchief. Although they were the top tycoons of the world, one billion yuan was not a small sum.

Wen Xinya burst into laughter and giggled coquettishly, sounding extremely loud in the silent hall.

Si Yiyan kissed her and chided. “Mischievous!”

Everyone was puzzled by their exchange.

Chapter 479: He Was Cunning and Ruthless While She Was Bent on Seeking Revenge

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Si Yiyan smirked at Anatolia and said, “I didn’t expect that Young Master Anatoli would be so interested in Chinese culture.”

Anatoli was overwhelmed with an ominous feeling. Si Yiyan had yet to place another bid even after a long while.

“Young Master Anatoli has placed a bid of one billion yuan. Would anyone like to place a higher bid?” asked the auctioneer, who was shocked that the set of Four Treasures of the Study could warrant such a high bid. He was so excited and agitated that his voice began to quiver.

Anatoli finally realized that he had fallen into Si Yiyan’s trap.

“One billion, calling once!”

“One billion, calling twice!”

“One billion, calling thrice! Sold!”

The sound of the hammer being knocked against the wood struck Anatoli, and he felt as if the hammer was being slammed onto his heart instead, causing him immense and excruciating pain. His puerile and exquisite face contorted into a grimace and he thought to himself, God damn it… I was actually pranked by a woman!

Wen Xinya stared at Anatoli and sneered. “Congratulations, Young Master Anatoli! You’ve just spent a billion yuan on a set of Four Treasures of the Study which is only worth 500 million. You’re really wealthy!”

The crowd broke into a commotion as soon as she finished her words.

Si Yiyan gazed at her affectionately, finding it a pity to have missed the opportunity to buy Wen Xinya the set of Four Treasures of the Study.

Gritting his teeth in anger, Anatoli glared at Wen Xinya and sneered. “Thank you. No amount of money can buy happiness. It’s just a billion yuan. It means nothing to me.”

Wen Xinya smiled at Anatoli, who was grimacing in dismay. She quipped. “Young Master Anatoli, you’re the heir of the Ivanov Family. One billion yuan is definitely not going to mean much to you.”

Anatoli grabbed his Chinese beau by her hair, causing her to shriek in pain. However, she had no choice but to follow his motions. Anatoli leaned towards her and planted a kiss on her lips fiercely before turning to glance at Wen Xinya, chuckling smugly.

A sullen and austere expression formed on Si Yiyan’s face.

Wen Xinya pressed his hand down, in a bid to stop him from acting rashly. She was not at all bothered by Anatoli’s derisive actions. She stared at Anatoli and continued, “However, the Four Treasures of the Study is an inherited culture that belongs uniquely to our nation. I wonder if you know the significance behind it, especially since you’re born and bred in Russia. I wonder if you can put the Four Treasures of the Study to good use and allow its value to be exhibited.”

Si Yiyan did not have to intervene yet.

Anatoli exclaimed, “Great! Terrific! Rex, you’ve got some guts!” Wen Xinya was indirectly trying to say that Anatoli had spent a billion yuan on a set of items that would be worthless to him. Anatoli turned as pale as a sheet, and the veins on his face could be seen clearly.

Wen Xinya again snorted with laughter and stared at Si Yiyan. “Si, do you think Young Master Anatoli is spluttering nonsense because of how overjoyed he is? How could he know if you’ve got guts or not? I’m the one who knows best,” Wen Xinya said while kissing Si Yiyan’s lips gently.

“Yes! Only you know best,” Si Yiyan said in a low and alluring voice. He then kissed her gently on her sideburns before whispering into her ear, “I’ve pinned all my desires and hopes on you!”

The demure and conservative Wen Xinya had suddenly transformed into a seductive hussy. It was a test of his emotional tenacity and his ability to control his urges.

Anatoli rose from his seat and kicked the table over. Glowering at Wen Xinya, he stormed off in a huff.

Wen Xinya’s pupils constricted and she suddenly got the chills, which gave her goosebumps. The menacing and intense gaze in his eyes made her shudder in fear.

“It’s alright! I’m here!” Si Yiyan said, pinching her hand.

Wen Xinya finally felt much more relieved. “I’m no longer as afraid of Anatoli as I used to be. He may be capable, but he’s still immature. I managed to provoke him easily just by playing some tricks on him. He actually bought a set of Four Treasures of the Study at such an exorbitant price. He’s nowhere as scheming, intelligent or ruthless as you are. He’ll never be able to defeat you, though he might be able to trump others.”

Si Yiyan said with a smile, “Turns out you were just trying to test his level of intelligence.”

Wen Xinya pouted her lips and said, “Well, I’ve offended him, nonetheless. He definitely won’t let me off if he finds out who I am. I might as well take the chance to find out more about him. Should anything happen in the future, we’d be able to prevent against his attacks to a certain extent. It’s better than sitting back and doing nothing.”

Si Yiyan kissed her and said, “You’re right.”

She had always had her own ideas and decisions. She was neither indecisive nor arrogant. She possessed great tenacity, grit, and ambitions, and could withstand all pressure and problems she faced. Those were her most attractive qualities.

Wen Xinya chuckled proudly and said, “It may be hard to deal with him, but we can defeat him so long as he has flaws.”

The slight hiccup did not affect the auction at all.

Si Yiyan placed his bid and won the auction for a blood-jade piece that was sculpted into a flower. It was clear and bright, mesmerizing and beautiful.

Si Yiyan immediately ordered for the jade flower to be sent to their table. Si Yiyan picked up the maroon jade piece and stuck it into the hair beside her sideburns. Although she was wearing a mask, Si Yiyan could tell how gorgeous she looked.

As soon as Anatoli entered again, he was greeted with the sight of Si Yiyan and Wen Xinya behaving intimately. Resentment grew within him again, though he tried his best to suppress it.

The auction was about to end.

Wen Xinya finally understood what Si Yiyan meant by the climax was at the end.

Wen Xinya was shocked out of her senses when lands and mines were put up and auctioned off at exorbitant prices. Those were the items that were truly tempting and valuable.

Whenever Anatoli placed his bids, Wen Xinya would often raise a counter-offer and call a higher bid willfully in a bid to provoke Anatoli. However, she would often stop whenever Anatoli was at his breaking point, leaving him filled with anger.

She was actually trying to tell Anatoli that she would pay him back in his own coin.

Once Anatoli saw her as a threat, he would be more cautious of her… only then would she be able to reduce the chances of her identity being exposed.

Anatoli could not hold a candle to Wen Xinya at all, in terms of wit and strategies.

Chapter 480: Lust Is Empty

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

As the auction drew to a close, a melodious song began to play in the background and a few girls dressed in Indian costumes, which consisted of bandeau tops and skirts, danced their way into the auction hall, barefooted and enticing. They exhibited their alluring move and danced to the music.

The ambiance was intense.

Everyone gradually began to ease up and unwind after having a few drinks.

“I heard that Anatoli is here at the auction with the intention of purchasing a birthday gift for his grandfather, the present leader of the Ivanov Family. It’s said that the gift that he has his eyes on concerns a portion of the Ivanov Family’s business. Whoever manages to please the leader of the Ivanov Family will be the successor of that portion of the business.”

“The Ivanov Family mainly deals in JH. If that’s the case, the person who gets to manage the JH businesses will very likely be the successor of the Ivanov Family.”

“The leader of the Ivanov Family is a devout Buddhist. No wonder Anatoli was willing to bear with the high price and bought the divine bead necklace that was put up for auction just now, even though Rex’s beau had intentionally raised the bid to 1.2 billion yuan. That red agate necklace has a total of fifty-four beads and there are verses from Buddhist scriptures carved on every bead. Together, the beads form an entire volume of the Tibetan Buddhism Sutra.”

“Oh goodness. The Tibetan Buddhism Sutra is about clearing sins and being regretful. I hate those evil and menacing scumbags who pretend to be religious even after harming the lives of many. How hypocritical.”

Wen Xinya was entirely amused by the conversation. At this moment, a woman began dancing erotically in front of Si Yiyan.

She gently removed the scarf which concealed her face and her chest, after which the scarf landed on the ground gently, revealing her red bandeau and bright-red skirt. Her fair and supple bosom was exposed and there were sweat droplets on her body because of the vigorous dance moves. She moved sensually and looked extremely nimble and flexible. She swayed her hips and moved her slender waist rhythmically while occasionally revealing her lengthy and silky-smooth legs…

All of the male guests were greatly enticed by the seductive dancer, keeping their eyes fixed on her. They stared at her intently while she continued to dance sensually.

Lust filled the stuffy air in the hall.

Wen Xinya had recognized the dancer to be the woman who was the banker at the casino earlier on. She thought to herself, She actually still insists on seducing Si Yiyan.

Seemingly having noticed that Wen Xinya was staring at her, the dancer glanced at Wen Xinya with raised brows in a taunting manner.

Wen Xinya sneered at her and snuggled up into Si Yiyan’s embrace. “Is the dance great to look at?”

“Yes!” Si Yiyan shifted all of his attention onto his lover and gazed at her to, only to see the fury in her eyes. He said, “But… you’re much better!”

Wen Xinya beamed with joy and gently nibbled on the grape in Si Yiyan’s hand. The juicy grape burst in her mouth and its juices flowed down from her lips to her chin, making her look extremely sultry and enticing.

Si Yiyan’s breath began to quicken and he eagerly leaned forward to kiss her grape-stained lips. The sweetness of the grape juice and her lips were almost mesmerizing.

Her rosy lips were like the vibrant petals of blooming flowers mixed with morning dew, making her look extremely enchanting. “Is it sweet?”

“Yes!” Si Yiyan hurriedly planted another kiss on her lips.

Wen Xinya smiled and moved away from him teasingly. She exclaimed coquettishly, “Ninth Young Master, see no evil!”

“I’m only looking at you!” Si Yiyan began kissing her neck, which tasted like a pleasant combination of grape juice and her unique scent.

“Lust is empty and all beauties are nothing but elusive vixens.” Feeling slightly ticklish, Wen Xinya giggled coquettishly with a smug smirk on her face.

Feeling extremely enticed, Si Yiyan said in a raspy voice, “No… ”

“No?” Wen Xinya asked.

“Other beauties are vixens, but you’re not!” Si Yiyan exclaimed. Panting, he pulled her into his embrace and began kissing her earlobes and sideburns.

“That’s more like it!” Wen Xinya said, kissing Si Yiyan in a bid to reward him.

Si Yiyan and Wen Xinya were flirting with each other as if there weren’t anyone else around, whereas the dancer felt awkward and embarrassed. She gritted her teeth and showed her disgruntlement… She was unsure if she should retreat or not.

“You’re a great dancer, but everything would be perfect if your breasts weren’t saggy and if you’d fairer skin and thinner legs,” Wen Xinya remarked while watching the dance and reaching a hand out to get some grapes. However, she accidentally tipped over the basket of grapes, causing them to fall onto the ground and roll around like marbles.

Meanwhile, the dancer flew into a rage after hearing Wen Xinya’s words and became too exasperated to mind her step. Hence, she accidentally stepped onto a grape…

“Ah!” Wen Xinya shrieked and closed her eyes, seemingly unable to tolerate the sight of the dancer falling.

“Ouch… it hurts!” The dancer slipped and fell onto the ground. Her piercing shriek filled the air.

The guests looked at each other in shock and dismay, speculating if Wen Xinya had done it on purpose or not.

“It’s such a pity…” Wen Xinya stared at the dancer who was moaning in pain and rubbing her back. She continued with a look of sympathy, “The grapes have gone to waste.”

She was obviously gloating.

Si Yiyan gazed at her affectionately and said, “If you fancy them, I’ll order someone to serve more grapes.”

Wen Xinya rubbed her belly, seemingly too full to continue eating. She answered, “Forget it! I can’t sleep well if I’m too full.”

Seeing how sluggish she was, Si Yiyan asked gently, “Are you tired? Would you like to go back to the room to get some rest?”

Wen Xinya shook her head and shifted her gaze onto the dancer. “No, what if another brazen hussy tries to seduce you shamelessly again when I’m away?”

“Ah!” The dancer shrieked. Before she could even balance herself, she was again angered by Wen Xinya and hence, accidentally moved her hand away from the person who was helping her up. As a result, she fell onto the ground again.

Everyone could not help but burst into laughter.

Si Yiyan kissed her forehead gently and said, “Every beauty is a vixen, except you.”

Chapter 481: Trying to Toy with My Woman…

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

The administrative procedures for the handover of the archipelago had mostly been settled and Si Yiyan had officially been granted ownership of the archipelago. Extremely fatigued, Wen Xinya laid sluggishly in Si Yiyan’s arms like a boneless creature and dozed off soon after.

However, the night was still young for the auction.

The tycoons and nobilities at the auction continued to have a whale of a time.

Si Yiyan carried Wen Xinya in his arms, in a bid to return to their room.

“Rex, care to have a gamble?” Anatoli suggested, holding a gorgeous woman in his arms. He walked towards Si Yiyan, his eyes red from the alcohol and his porcelain skin all flushed. However, he seemed extremely sober.

“I’m not interested.” Si Yiyan declined calmly. To him, taking Wen Xinya back to the room so she could get some rest was far more important than anything else. Hence, he did not hold back and showed all feelings of displeasure towards Anatoli.

Shocked to see that Si Yiyan outrightly rejected him, Anatoli frowned and said, “I heard that your beau really fancies that set of Four Treasures of the Study that I bought during the auction.”

Holding Wen Xinya in his arms, Si Yiyan stopped in his tracks the moment he heard Anatoli’s words. “Sounds interesting!”

Given how wealthy Si Yiyan was, it would be a piece of cake for him to find an excellent set of Four Treasures of the Study. However, it was rare for Wen Xinya to set her sights on a particular one. Hence, he was just racking his brains for a way to make Anatoli give up the Four Treasures of the Study. To his surprise, Anatoli actually offered to give it up.

Seeing that he seemed interested, Anatoli turned around and said to his gorgeous assistant, “Bring that set of Four Treasures of the Study here.”

The assistant frantically handed him the set that was packaged in an exquisite box.

Anatoli grabbed the box and handed it to Wen Xinya.

Wen Xinya instantly sobered up and thought to herself, This set of Four Treasures of the Study may be worthless to him, but he could have sold it to someone else. It should be easy to make three or four hundred million yuan just from the resale. This wastrel Anatoli actually decided to use a billion-yuan item to get Si Yiyan to gamble with him. His brains must be fried!

Si Yiyan smiled and said, “Since Young Master Anatoli is so sincere, just accept it!”

Since Si Yiyan had already given her the green light, there was no reason for her to decline. Hence, she grabbed the gift from Anatoli.

Wen Xinya then handed the box to another waiter beside her. She then said to Si Yiyan coquettishly, “When we’re back, you must use this set of Four Treasures of the Study to write me a verse of ‘Wei De Wu Xin’ in the Liao calligraphic style. I’m going to frame it up and hang it in my study!”

Si Yiyan had excellent Liao calligraphic skills.

Si Yiyan sneered. “So that you can be reminded of me all the time?”

Wen Xinya punched his chest playfully and said, “Nonsense. I just want to constantly remind myself to be virtuous and upright.”

Anatoli was extremely peeved by the sight of them acting all lovey-dovey in front of him. However, he was stuck in a dilemma and could not decide if he should interrupt them, though he was certain that they were humiliating him on purpose.

Si Yiyan shifted his gaze onto Anatoli and asked, “What would you like to gamble on?”

Anatoli glared at Wen Xinya sinisterly and said with a smirk, “Let’s use your beau as a stake. If I win, you’ll have to give her to me…”

Before Anatoli could even finish, Si Yiyan smashed the box onto his head repeatedly, causing Anatoli to take a few steps back.

Anatoli thought that he could escape Si Yiyan. To his astonishment, Si Yiyan kicked him and caused him to fall onto the ground.

He knocked into the table, causing the plates to fall onto the ground.

The commotion garnered the attention of all of the other guests who dared not approach them despite feeling extremely curious. Instead, they hurriedly moved away.

Even the organizer Xu Qingqiu had broken out into cold sweat and was too afraid to intervene. He regarded Wen Xinya with much more respect.

Si Yiyan dashed forward and continued to kick Anatoli. “Who do you think you are? How dare you bet on someone with me?”

Anatoli was not exactly in poor health. However, after the brutal attacks from Si Yiyan, he had no choice but to continue lying on the ground and suffering the abuse.

Si Yiyan stomped his foot down onto Anatoli’s neck and pressed his foot against it with extreme force. He berated. “Even Old Mr. Mo’s chauffeur has to treat me with respect. Who do you think you are? You’re actually thinking of toying with my woman… you can only do so if you’re alive.”

Anatoli grabbed Si Yiyan’s ankle with both his hands, his face flushed red. He was panting heavily with his mouth wide open. He had never had such a close shave with death.

“Do you believe that I’ll cripple you right now?” Si Yiyan kicked Anatoli away, causing the latter to be flung against the wall. His head began bleeding instantly.

Anatoli lied motionlessly in the pool of blood while twitching periodically. Yet, no one dared to save him.

Si Yiyan stared at the blood in front of him with much composure. Deep down, he was filled with exasperation and pique.

Wen Xinya had never seen such a violent and menacing side of Si Yiyan at all. His eyes were like dark pools of ink and he looked extremely cold and intimidating. Although he seemed calm on the surface, he was filled with displeasure and his face stiffened.

Si Yiyan tried to step forward again.

Wen Xinya hurriedly hugged him from behind to stop him. “Simmer down, it’s not worth getting angry with such a pervert.” She was extremely attached to him, and she pressed her face against his back in a bid to stop him from getting angry. She listened to his heartbeat as his heart ricocheted strongly against his chest.

Si Yiyan soon got a grip on his emotions. He turned around and pulled her into his arms. “I’m alright, don’t worry!”

Wen Xinya could not help but heave a sigh of relief. She felt that Si Yiyan was acting too dangerously just now. It was as if nothing could stop him at all.

Si Yiyan picked Wen Xinya up in his arms and said, “Let’s go back to the room!” In fact, he did not wish to let her see how violent this world could be.

The silence continued, and it seemed no one dared to break the silence that Rex had created.

Anatoli had long passed out while laying in the pool of blood.

Chapter 482: This Amazing Time, This Lifetime

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

It was already two in the morning by the time they returned to their room. Si Yiyan carried Wen Xinya onto the bed. However, Wen Xinya refused to move her arms away from his neck, leaving him with no choice but to hover above her.

Si Yiyan removed her mask to see that she was more ravishing than he had imagined, with the beautiful floral hairpin on her hair.

“Would you like to kiss me?” Wen Xinya asked seductively, gently tugging at his tie with her fair and slender fingers while gazing at him intently.

“Yes!” Si Yiyan answered without hesitation, staring at her rosy lips which he could not resist.

“In that case…” Wen Xinya extended her arm towards him and pulled him towards her, causing his lips to be pressed against the side of her lips. She teased coquettishly. “What are you waiting for?”

Si Yiyan rubbed his lips against her petal-like lips before kissing her passionately and brazenly, thoroughly enjoying the tenderness of her soft lips.

It was as if their lips were glued together and they were completely inseparable. Their tongues intertwined as their bodies moved closer and closer. Their breathing quickened and they soon began panting heavily.

What felt like a century later, their lips finally parted, and it was as if they had just had an intense battle. Their saliva connected their lips together and their passion lingered in the air. The temperatures were rising…

“Si…” she murmured in an alluring voice.

“Hmph… ” Si Yiyan’s chest moved up and down while his body temperature began to rise. However, he tried his best to curb his rationality.

“Si, are you still upset?” Wen Xinya asked, staring at Si Yiyan with her eyes glassed over. It was as if his mesmerizing gaze had caught her off guard and she felt like she sunk deeper and deeper the more she tried to struggle.

Si Yiyan knew that she was referring to the matter regarding Anatoli. He smirked and said, “Be good. I know what to do with Anatoli. You don’t have to worry about it.”

“What ideas have you got? Are you going to fight the Ivanov Family to the very end because of me?” Wen Xinya asked, staring at him calmly, thinking to herself that it was worth giving herself to him. He did not wish to let her get mistreated, and he was so protective of her that he actually cut Anatoli’s face just because the latter glanced at her in contempt. He tried to kill Anatoli just because the latter insulted her.

Si Yiyan said softly, “Don’t let your imagination run wild. Lucifer has long had a feud with the Ivanov Family. I’m not going against them simply because of you. In fact, you only suffered that humiliation because of me.”

Staring at Si Yiyan solemnly, Wen Xinya said, “Ever since I decided to get together with you, we’ve already become one, and we go through thick and thin together. We share weal and woe. There’s no such thing as implication.”

Si Yiyan was greatly moved by her and could not help but feel emotional. He hugged her and said, “I was wrong. I shouldn’t have said those things.”

“Si Yiyan, I’m alright. I really am!” Si Yiyan was the most outstanding man whom she had ever met. He was magnanimous yet scheming and shrewd.

However, when she saw the look of disappointment in Si Yiyan’s eyes when he lost all composure and control of his emotions and flew into an uncontrollable rage, she felt as if her eyes were playing tricks on her. She was not used to seeing him so exasperated and agitated.

“I know!” he answered calmly with a tender gaze in his eyes. It was as if all of his austerity had drastically turned into gentle affection which drowned all of the anger within him. He was suddenly overwhelmed with a complicated mix of emotions.

Wen Xinya tried to placate his emotions and said, “Si Yiyan, so what if Anatoli insulted and humiliated me? I know I mean the world to you, but don’t let irrelevant people affect your mood. If you do… I’ll be very upset.”

Si Yiyan let out a long sigh, at a complete loss for words.

Wen Xinya draped her arms around his neck and said, “Si Yiyan, promise me that you won’t stain your hands with blood because of me.”

Having gone through a rebirth, she believed in karma and wanted him to live in peace and happiness, especially since she knew that he believed in Buddhism. She did not want him to commit sins because of her.

Si Yiyan kissed her brow gently and looked into her clear eyes. “You’re right. Karma is the cause of everything. I shouldn’t make you sin because of my anger.”

Wen Xinya teared up and hugged his waist tightly. What a time to be alive.

“In the middle of lust, if one can recite the name of Buddha and Bodhisattva, or a classic verse of a Mahayana sutra…”

Wen Xinya kissed his neck gently, after which it began throbbing against her lips. Passion flowed through his veins. Tibetan Buddhism gets rid of sins and evil deeds.

He had committed a sin and accumulated evil karma because of her today.

She wanted to save him from sinning using Buddhism teachings. She felt that Buddha would find a way to save him and delve into hell for him. She wanted him to transcend sins and enjoy eternal bliss.

Her tender voice rang in Si Yiyan’s ears and his hormones began to rage as he continued to kiss her fiercely with intense passion.

“All beings can be saved with the power of Buddha. Buddha will always be by your side and will go through Hell for you so that you can enjoy eternal bliss.”

Wen Xinya’s breathing began to quicken and she gazed at him with lust. Every movement of her lips was extremely alluring.

“I didn’t expect that you’d read Buddhist scriptures!” Si Yiyan hugged her and panted heavily. He had never realized how much Wen Xinya cared about him, not until now. She even recited Buddhist scriptures for his sake.

“Like I said, if Buddha can’t save you, I’ll save you! I meant every word when I said that,” said Wen Xinya, who read through the Tibetan Buddhism sutra thoroughly.

“I told you before that I believed in Buddha before I was twenty, and after I’m twenty, I believe in you. I meant every word of that too.” Well, because… she was the only person who could bring him peace and joy.

He was destined to be with her in this lifetime. Even though he couldn’t attain Nirvana, he was destined to be saved by her!

Chapter 483: Pay for Your Debts with Your Body

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Although the auction had already ended, the activities on the cruise were still going on. It was as if no one had left the cruise at all.

Wen Xinya sat beside Si Yiyan at the gambling table for a game of dice. She played banker and lost everything that Si Yiyan had won for her the night before in just a few rounds.

“You already owe me a lot of chips. Are you sure you want to continue gambling?” Si Yiyan asked, staring at the indignant Wen Xinya.

Wen Xinya bit her lip and glared at the pile of chips in front of Si Yiyan. Feeling extremely disgruntled, she said, “Let’s go for another round. I already owe you a lot anyway. I’m going to pay everything back.”

However, Si Yiyan pushed the chips away and leaned back against the seat rest, seemingly extremely relaxed. “I don’t like letting others owe me money. Unless…”

Wen Xinya was well aware that Si Yiyan constantly had his guard up, especially since they were on a ship full of uncertainties. Pouting her lips, she asked, “Unless what?”

“Unless you pay for your debts with your money,” Si Yiyan said, staring at Wen Xinya lustfully. He drawled and said each word exceptionally slowly.

“Hooligan.” Wen Xinya chided while glaring at him. Feeling indignant to have lost the chips that belonged to her the night before. Puffing her cheeks, she said resignedly, “Fine, I already owe you a lot anyway.”

There was no way she could escape Si Yiyan.

“Well then, why don’t you owe me once?” he said flirtatiously, emphasizing on the word “once,” causing Wen Xinya to be at a loss for words for a rebuttal.

“I’ll bet on big this time!”

Wen Xinya opened the urn and said, “Four, five, six, big!”

Si Yiyan whipped out a piece of paper and pen and wrote a strike. “Keep it coming!”

Staring at him in puzzlement, Wen Xinya asked, “What are you doing?”

Si Yiyan said calmly, “I’m going to note down the number of times that you’ve lost and make you pay it back in the future.”

Blushing red with shyness, Wen Xinya said, “Ninth Young Master, you’ve always had a sharp memory, and you never fail to remember anything. Is there a need to write it down on paper?”

Si Yiyan looked at her and said, “It’s proof for you, lest you go back on your word.”

Wen Xinya chided him and glowered at him, wishing she could bear a hole in him using her eyes.

For the rest of the rounds, Si Yiyan focused all his attention on the game and instantly became much more serious. It was almost as if he was having a meeting with the Germans.

Wen Xinya lost most of the rounds.

Her initial anger and disgruntlement turned into disappointment and dejection. Staring at the numerous strokes on the piece of paper, she had no choice but to stare at Si Yiyan with puppy eyes, in hopes that he would show her mercy.

However, Si Yiyan ignored her and continued to scribble on the piece of white paper.

Wen Xinya was beyond furious and pushed the plates in front of her away. “I don’t want to play anymore. It’s not fun at all. I keep losing.”

Seeing that she was throwing a tantrum, Si Yiyan hurriedly tried to placate her feelings. “Why don’t I be the banker instead?”

Wen Xinya agreed without hesitation, for she felt that she would definitely not be on a losing streak even if she made wild guesses. Besides, she desperately wanted to win.

In the end, Wen Xinya won on her first try and was instantly filled with joy.

Luck was often more important than technique when it came to gambling. The truth proved that even though her destiny had changed after her rebirth, she was still as unlucky as she used to be. Staring at the score sheet, she shivered all of a sudden and could not help but feel terrified. There are so many… how am I supposed to pay him back?

All of a sudden, the curtains were drawn open and Xu Qingqiu entered with another elderly man who was dressed in a chestnut-colored Traditional Chinese attire.

After the auction ended, Si Yiyan and Wen Xinya continued to stay instead of leaving. Wen Xinya guessed that the conflict between Si Yiyan and Anatoli would not be resolved that easily.

As expected, the former Head of the National Security Department, Old Mr. Xu entered.

Wen Xinya stared at Si Yiyan to see that he was folding the piece of paper attentively before placing it inside his pocket. It was as if the piece of paper meant a great deal to him.

He was not nervous at all.

Seeing that they were having fun, Old Mr. Xu’s eyes lit up and he said, “I heard from Qingqiu that Ninth Young Master is displeased because of Anatoli from the Ivanov Family.”

Just as Si Yiyan was about to say something, Wen Xinya smiled and said, “Si was playing dice with me, but I was on a losing streak and ended up losing everything. I wonder if it’s something wrong with the dices.”

Xu Qingqiu began to see Wen Xinya in a different light. Previously, he thought that Wen Xinya was just a bimbo who knew nothing, and merely an accessory of Si Yiyan’s. He realized that she was extremely sharp and intelligent.

She was using the gambling example as a hint to tell them that Anatoli had been hurt by Si Yiyan after insulting her. Just like her losing during gambling, Anatoli had to pay the consequences for his actions. She was simply hinting them that the Xu Family had intervened too late.

At the same time, she was also trying to tell them that the feud between Si Yiyan and the Ivanov Family was just like a gamble and that it had nothing to do with the Xu Family. Hence, they need not worry about being implicated.

Old Mr. Xu guffawed and said, “A game of dice requires technique as well. If you only think of it as a casual game, you’re wrong, Miss Xin. There are rules to every game.”

“You’re right, Old Mr. Xu,” said Wen Xinya, who knew that Old Mr. Xu had found that Si Yiyan was acting too outrageously, for fighting was prohibited on the auction. Hence, he was indirectly saying that Si Yiyan was breaking the rules.

Old Mr. Xu’s impression of Wen Xinya had changed. He found that she could very likely become the matriarch of the Xiasi Group, for Si Yiyan had actually let her speak for him.

Si Yiyan said calmly, “Old Mr. Xu, please relay my message to the Ivanov Family and tell them that I’ve already taught Anatoli a lesson and he may discipline him. If this happens again… I’ll make sure he doesn’t have the chance to even discipline him.”

“I’ll definitely relay your exact words to him.” Old Mr. Xu agreed. There was nothing to be unsatisfied about since Si Yiyan was willing to bear all the responsibility.

Chapter 484: Untitled

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Wen Xinya heaved a sigh of relief since everything had been settled. Before they left, the Xu Family gifted them with a set of Four Treasures of the Study. Although Wen Xinya did not know much about antiques, she could tell from the look of surprise on Si Yiyan’s face that that set of Four Treasures of the Study was much more valuable than the one that was put up for auction.

“I heard that Miss Xin is currently learning calligraphy. This set of Four Treasures of the Study has been a prized collection of my father’s. It’s a gift that will complement Miss Xin.”

Everyone knew the hidden meaning in Xu Qingqiu’s words.

Although she was indirectly the cause of the brawl between Si Yiyan and Anatoli, the Xu Family, who were the organizers of the auction, had failed to stop the brawl. Si Yiyan was the one at fault, though the Xu Family was too, part to blame.

On the other hand, Anatoli was injured during the auction held by the Xu Family and hence, the Xu Family would definitely have to bear some of the responsibility. However, Si Yiyan had to shoulder all of the responsibility and hence, the Xu Family definitely had to express their gratitude towards him.

On top of that, the Xiasi Group was extremely powerful and wealthy, yet mysterious. Besides, it was the first time that Si Yiyan had ever shown up with a female partner whom he seemed to value greatly. After finding out that Anatoli had ruined Si Yiyan’s plan to buy the Four Treasures of the Study for Wen Xinya, the Xu Family decided to suck up to her and Si Yiyan by gifting her with another set.

The Xu Family had pulled a tactful move this time and left no stones unturned. Wen Xinya was indeed not as shrewd and cunning as those sly old foxes. Si Yiyan had opened up a new world for her and gave her an eyeopener. In fact, he wanted to train her for the dangerous world.

Pleased with the Xu Family’s way of handling the issue, Si Yiyan said, “This set of Four Treasures of the Study is an antique relic which was produced in the late Tang Dynasty. The Four Treasures of the Study evolved greatly during the Tang Dynasty. Hence, it reached its peak during the later period of the dynasty. The thickness of the brush, as well as the carvings on it, were all tailored for women. It’s more suitable for you, compared to the set that was auctioned.”

Thrilled to receive such a rare antique, Wen Xinya said, “Actually, I do have a suitable set of Four Treasures of the Study. Two years ago, Grandfather Zhong gave me a jade brush. However, I couldn’t bear to start using it, so I’ve been keeping it with me. I didn’t expect such a commotion to break out because of a set of Four Treasures of the Study.”

Wen Xinya’s spirits were immediately dampened at the thought of the brawl between Si Yiyan and Anatoli. If it weren’t because Si Yiyan wanted to gift her with a set of Four Treasures of the Study, he wouldn’t have gone toe to toe against Anatoli and ended up…

Si Yiyan held her hand and said, “But it’s not a gift from me.”

Even then, Wen Xinya was still extremely worried. She said, “Ever since the new mayor of the new city of Russia rose to position, the Ivanov Family has become more and more powerful. They’ve in fact already become one of the three Mafia families in Russia. Lucifer and the Ivanov Family have agreed to stop going against each other and step down from politics. However, now that you’ve hurt their precious heir, the Ivanov Family definitely wouldn’t sit back and do nothing. Will this affect Lucifer?”

That problem had been bugging her ever since yesterday. She did not wish for the Xiasi Group and Lucifer to be put in a disadvantageous position because of her.

Si Yiyan said, “There’ll definitely be some consequences. Lucifer and the Ivanov Family have been at peace for a total of ten years. All these years, the Ivanov Family has been coveting the power of the Du Family and trying to expand their territory. However, Lucifer’s existence poses a major threat to the Ivanov Family. Hence, it’s only a matter of time before Lucifer and the Ivanov Family get into another conflict. I’ve already made preparations when we made an agreement to stop the war. Hence, you don’t have to worry.”

Wen Xinya stared at Si Yiyan, knowing that Si Yiyan would never lie to her, though he would often downplay the matter. She said, “Si Yiyan, I thought I knew you well enough.”

Si Yiyan chuckled and said, “Did you realize that you don’t know me at all? Do you remember the time when I told you to recite the Buddhist scripture over the phone after you were kidnapped that night?”

Wen Xinya nodded and answered, “Yes!”

Si Yiyan stared at her and said, “Wen Xinya, it’s difficult for me to attain Nirvana in this lifetime! Well, because I’ve developed lust and desires and I’ve fallen in love. These emotions will develop into mindsets and become an invisible restriction. Once these ideas continue to develop, I’ll have the desire to act on them. In fact, ever since I fell in love with you, I had already given up pursuing Buddhism.” He smiled tenderly and continued, “Wen Xinya, at that moment, I unleashed my demons and decided that I would make whoever tries to encroach on my power pay the price.”

Wen Xinya’s kidnapping incident made him realize that he wanted to stay by her side openly and protect her at all costs. He felt that he had to become stronger in order to deal with those who tried to harm her. Hence, he gave up his beliefs in Buddhism, which he had been piously following for twenty years, for the sake of keeping her safe. Hence, he would forever be in Hell.

Wen Xinya’s heart wrenched, at a complete loss for words. Si Yiyan never failed to make her feel touched.

Si Yiyan held her cold and clammy hands. “I’ve rarely ever laid my hands on anyone. Anatoli has merely crossed the line.”

Si Yiyan would become a child and act recklessly whenever it came to incidents about her. He would often fail to consider the consequences.

She suddenly recalled the wipeout of the Black Sunday’s powers two years ago. Although it seemed like a rational decision, he was merely acting on impulse because of what Ning Shuqian had done to Wen Xinya. If Wen Xinya were in his shoes, she would definitely wait it out instead of alarming them. She would wait patiently for the mastermind to appear.

Yet, he had no patience at all and acted like a child who’d take revenge for everything that others had done to him, despite knowing that he may not necessarily win.

This side of Si Yiyan was completely different from the shrewd and scheming Si Yiyan she knew.

She could not help but be reminded of the time when Si Yiyan told her about his childhood. As a child, he was as timid as a mouse and cried all the time. Si Yiyan had shown her his vulnerable and impulsive side.

Hence, it was his very frailty which made him act recklessly, for fear that Wen Xinya would be harmed before he could even manage to retaliate. Hence, he had no choice but to intimidate them first.

It was the same case for the conflict with Anatoli this time. She held Si Yiyan’s hand and said, “This pair of hands are able to play the piano, pull out great chest moves, write beautiful calligraphy, and paint classic and refined paintings. How could you dirty them like that?”

Si Yiyan pulled her into his arms and kissed her head gently as a warm and fuzzy feeling filled his heart.

Chapter 485: How Ning Shuqian Had Changed Over Two Years

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Si Yiyan and Wen Xinya stayed in Nantong for five days before returning to the city.

As soon as she entered the Wen Family home, she was greeted with the sight of Wen Haowen and Ning Shuqian in the living room. However, she was not surprised at all. Wen Haowen would rarely show up at the Wen Family home ever since he moved out. However, ever since Old Mr. Wen passed out and got hospitalized because of him, he had been pretending to be filial and frequenting the Wen Family home with all of Old Mr. Wen’s favorite foods.

Wen Xinya shifted her gaze onto Ning Shuqian who was seated beside Wen Haowen, dressed in a dark brown skirt and a light gray cardigan coupled with a full set of pearly jewelry. She looked extremely classy and elegant, though she was not as glamorous as she used to be.

Ning Shuqian had stopped stirring any trouble within the Wen Family, perhaps because she had already lost her greatest backer. Instead, she had been actively going along with Old Mrs. Wen’s ideas of going through artificial insemination and getting ovulation jabs and taking oral medication. She had even started consuming Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal recipes. It seemed she no longer dared to offend anyone from the Wen Family ever since she lost her backer.

Hence, the Wen Family had had a peaceful two years and seemed to live harmoniously on the surface.

However, Wen Xinya knew that Ning Shuqian would not be Ning Shuqian if she had genuinely stopped getting up to her evil tricks. The very fact that she was laying low for now simply meant that she was getting more and more scheming and ambitious.

Ning Shuqian was an intelligent person. Due to the fact that she had given birth to Ning Yuya via a Cesarean section, she would have to wait three years before she could conceive and deliver again. By the time she could, the Wen Family had already found Xia Ruya and pampered her greatly. Hence, Ning Shuqian was too preoccupied with doting on her and trying her best to be a gracious stepmother, in a bid to gain affirmation from Xia Ruya. She wanted to become the rightful Mrs. Wen. Hence, Wen Xinya knew that Xia Ruya had something to do with Ning Shuqian’s decision to lay off giving birth.

After all, Xia Ruya had experienced the harshest treatment and seen the worst sides of humanity at a tender age. It was normal for children to feel jealous. At that time, she had just returned to the Wen Family and hence, did not wish for Ning Shuqian to give birth to another child who’d vie with her for the affection of the Wen Family. Ning Shuqian had neglected the need to give birth for she was still young back then.

By the time she wanted to conceive, she could no longer do so. Back then, society wasn’t as liberal, and even a simple visit to the gynecologist was deemed as shameful, let alone being infertile. Hence, being infertile was an extremely disgraceful thing and Ning Shuqian dared not go to the hospital for a checkup.

Wen Haowen had the same mindset as her. Hence, the two of them had been delaying treatment and refrained from visiting the hospital.

As a result, they missed the best opportunity for childbirth.

The older a woman was, the smaller the chances of conceiving.

Ning Shuqian had really gotten a clear idea of the situation and she knew that giving birth to a child for the Wen Family was the only way she could secure her footing in the Wen Family. Even if they didn’t acknowledge her, they would acknowledge their flesh and blood. Once she bore their offspring, it would be impossible for them to chase her out of the family. If she were to give birth to a boy, the Wen Family definitely wouldn’t hand the family business over to Wen Xinya. If she were to give birth to a girl, she’d still be entitled to a portion of the Wen Family’s shares. Hence, she had pinned all her hopes on bearing a child.

Wen Xinya knew that Ning Shuqian had gone through two years of artificial insemination, frequent ovulation injections, regular consumption of oral ovulation medication, as well as frequent intake of Traditional Chinese medicine. As a result, she had become haggard and her face had grown swollen. She was no longer as beautiful as she used to be when she first married into the family. Instead, she looked like she had aged ten years.

With her current appearance, could she still keep Wen Haowen interested in her?

Wen Xinya shifted her gaze onto Wen Haowen, who was sitting on the couch and occasionally glancing at Ning Shuqian. They were no longer inseparable and chummy.

Seemingly having sensed that Wen Xinya was staring at her, Ning Shuqian looked up at her. Her pupils constricted the moment she held Wen Xinya’s icy cold gaze, after which she pretended that everything was alright and looked away.

However, she pinched her handbag tightly, causing indents to appear in the soft leather. Everything that had happened throughout the past two years replayed in her head, and her rationality was soon diminished. Wen Xinya… you won’t be smug for too long, She thought to herself.

Wen Xinya walked towards them slowly and greeted Wen Haowen and Ning Shuqian before returning to her own room. She had already established a tacit understanding with Wen Haowen.

After reading for a while, she was called by Mother Wang, who informed her that dinner was ready.

Old Mr. Wen took the main seat while Old Mrs. Wen sat beside him. Wen Haowen sat on a seat on the left, beside Ning Shuqian.

Wen Xinya walked towards the table and sat down beside Old Mrs. Wen.

The ambiance was a little stale and Wen Xinya picked up her chopsticks to clasp a slice of fish which she then placed inside her grandfather’s bowl. She said, “Grandpa, the striped bass today looks great. In the Jia You book of medicinal recipes, it states that striped bass is great for nourishing the vital organs, joints, and digestive system. Try it and tell me how it tastes.”

Ever since Old Mr. Wen was discharged from the hospital after passing out two years ago, Wen Xinya had been in charge of his diet and she had been feeding him with lots of nourishing tonics. After two physical examinations, the doctor said that his body age was only fifty, though his physical one was sixty.

Old Mr. Wen’s face eased up and he picked up his chopsticks. “Have some food too.”

Wen Haowen was extremely disgruntled to see how chummy they were with each other. He could not help but regret his decision to move out of the Wen Family home, which had given them the chance to get close. Regardless of how hard he tried to be filial, Old Mr. Wen still gave him the cold shoulder. Wen Haowen rebuked. “Your grandpa doesn’t like eating fish. Don’t keep trying to help him to the food.” He then placed some bamboo shoots into his bowl and said, “Father, the bamboo shots look fresh. Have some.”

A sullen expression formed on Old Mr. Wen’s face.

Old Mrs. Wen quickly grabbed the bamboo shoots with her chopsticks and said, “Haowen, you only ever care about your father. You’ve never helped me to the dishes.”

Ning Shuqian stared at Wen Haowen and said, “Father doesn’t like bamboo shoots. He likes the meat in the dish. You were the one who told me that when I first married you. Why did you give Father some bamboo shoots?”

Wen Haowen snapped out of his trance and frantically placed some meat into Old Mr. Wen’s bowl. “Father, I picked up the wrong food. The meat is very fresh. Give it a try!”

Old Mr. Wen said calmly, “The doctor advised me against greasy food and meat. He has suggested that I eat more of bland fish and foods.”

Old Mr. Wen then moved the meat to the side.

Wen Haowen’s face grew sullen, though he dared not express his displeasure, for the doctor had indeed given such instructions. Old Mrs. Wen hurriedly picked up the piece of meat and placed it inside her own bowl. She wanted to explain on Wen Haowen’s behalf but did not know what to say.

Ning Shuqian kept her eyes fixed on Wen Xinya and thought to herself… Wen Xinya has completely replaced Ruya in Old Mr. Wen’s heart within just two years of reuniting with the Wen Family. She has even secured her position as the successor of the Wen Family.

Chapter 486: How Xia Ruya Had Changed Over Two Years
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The day after, Wen Xinya received a call from Aunt Zhou, who informed her to make a trip to the Zhishan Club.

Ever since Wen Xinya joined the Zhishan Club, she had been actively taking part in all the activities held by Zhishan Club. During the 6.5 magnitude-earthquake which took place in Yun Chuan last year, Wen Xinya took on the planning for disaster relief efforts with the guidance of Aunt Zhou. Although she had encountered lots of problems and difficulties, she still managed to achieve the agenda. Hence, she gained the recognition of Aunt Tang, who then granted her the privilege of becoming an official member of the club.

Her responsibilities had increased after since she became an official member.

Upon arriving at the Zhishan Club, Wen Xinya headed to her Aunt Tang’s office. She knocked on the door gently.

“Come in, the door isn’t locked,” said Aunt Tang. Wen Xinya then entered.

She was greeted with the sight of a cozy-looking Italian decor that was simple yet easy on the eyes. There was a large French window and a thin curtain that allowed the bright rays of the sun to enter the room, giving it a peaceful and tranquil vibe.

Tang Xiaowei and Zhou Huiyan sat on the couch with one leg crossed over the other, appearing extremely graceful. They seemed to be in the midst of a joyous conversation.

She could only see the back of the head of the person who was sitting opposite the couch.

“Xinya, hurry and take a seat here!” Zhou Huiyan said smilingly while waving at Wen Xinya.

Wen Xinya walked towards her with a grin. Upon sight of the person sitting opposite the couch, a sullen expression formed on her face.

Xia Ruya was extremely shocked as well, for she did not expect that Wen Xinya would be a member of the Zhishan Club as well. From the looks of it, she seems to be valued greatly by Teacher Zhou and Teacher Tang. It turns out… my plans are still foiled by Wen Xinya!

The abrupt discovery made her initial joy of joining the Zhishan Club vanish without a trace. She was filled with resentment towards Wen Xinya. She had gone through painstaking efforts and endured lots of hardship to hatch a plan to join the Zhishan Club and become a glorified member. To her astonishment… Wen Xinya managed to get this far so effortlessly.

She was exasperated, indignant, frustrated and disgruntled. What rights does Wen Xinya have to be ahead of me all the time? How am I in any way inferior to Wen Xinya who had led a wandering life for fifteen years? She’s nothing but a once gangster.

Xia Ruya smiled and greeted smilingly. “Xinya, long time no see! I didn’t expect that you’d be a member of the Zhishan Club.”

Her cheeks were rosy and time had clearly left its trace on her gaunt face, for her features had already developed and she was just like a lotus that had already bloomed. She looked much more beautiful and ravishing than she used to be.

She was dressed in a blue sweater and a cardigan, paired with a pair of bleached jeans that accentuated her lengthy legs. She looked extremely youthful and pretty, though less elegant.

Wen Xinya hid her emotions and nodded calmly. “It’s indeed been a long time since we met! I didn’t expect to see you here either.”

Ever since Xia Ruya’s scandal two years ago, Xia Ruya had been greatly affected, though she managed to win some sympathy and the understanding of the public. She had caught the attention of everyone and managed to save some of her reputation.

Even then, she had still suffered a great blow. Hence, she withdrew from school and went on a vacation for two years.

When Wen Xinya heard about her decisions, she could not help but find that Xia Ruya had made a smart move. She managed to get rid of society’s poor image of her and gained the understanding of the masses. By leaving the city, she would be staying away from all the news and giving the public some buffer time. As time passed, the matter began to blow over and people stopped talking about it.

Tang Xiaowei stood up and said smilingly, “Xinya, I shan’t introduce you to Ruya since you two already know each other. Ruya will become a member of Zhishan Club in the future too, just like you.”

Greatly taken aback, Wen Xinya stared at Xia Ruya and thought to herself, She actually became a member of Zhishan Club.

Noticing the look of surprise on her face, Zhou Huiyan could guess that she had a feud with Xia Ruya. She held her hand and said with a smile, “Ruya happened to be a music and art teacher at a slum in Yun Chuan when the earthquake happened last year. Due to her sharp senses, she managed to evacuate the students and brought them to a cave where they took shelter from the earthquake. She even actively participated in providing medical aid and took on the duty of counseling the massive number of victims. Even after the earthquake, she chose to stay behind and participated in the reconstruction works. We managed to carry out the disaster relief efforts successfully, all thanks to Ruya.”

“Oh, I see.” Wen Xinya held her breath and thought to herself, Xia Ruya is indeed very impressive. Turns out she had been visiting the slums in Yun Chuan and took on the role of a primary school teacher. Now that the news of her charitable acts had been broadcast, her reputation is going to be improved greatly.

She had also actively participated in the earthquake disaster relief efforts and did a huge part for the public. Everyone is just going to praise her for her kind deeds and forgo all of her past mistakes. Even the Zhishan Club has accepted her. Clearly… she’s extremely successful in restoring her reputation within two years and has made a place for herself in society.

Once she becomes a member of the Zhishan Club, she’ll gain recognition from society and no one will mention her past ever again. Even if they do, they will praise her for being resilient.

Xia Ruya stared at Wen Xinya and hid all her emotions beneath the tears in her eyes stealthily. “Teacher Zhou, I only did my duty. I’m actually starting to think that I could have done a better job.”

Staring at the look of bashfulness on Xia Ruya’s face, Wen Xinya realized that she no longer looked as pitiful or weak as she used to be. Instead, she even looked prettier and much more mature, especially after all that she had experienced in these two years.

Chapter 487: Xia Ruya’s Great Comeback
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Tang Xiaowei smiled and said, “Ruya had published her virginity test in order to prove her innocence. I truly admire her for her courage, and I’ve been keeping close tabs on her for the past two years. What she did in Yun Chuan was beyond my expectations. However, I was really touched by the help she provided for the children in the slums, and the efforts she put into educating them. She also came up with several strategies for helping the victims. This is exactly what the Zhishan Club needs right now. It’s also the reason why I wanted to let Ruya join the club.”

Wen Xinya answered smilingly, “I know that Zhishan Club has placed its focus on disabled children and providing aid to the people living in poverty in the slums. It’s a good thing that Ruya is joining us.”

Just like Si Yiyan had predicted, Xia Ruya’s decision to reveal her virginity test report had given her a new lease on life in society and even caught the attention of Tang Xiaowei. Compared to Wen Xinya who became a member of the club because of her family’s connections and the fact that her mother and maternal grandparents used to be members, Xia Ruya seemed more worthy of the place, for she had secured a footing for herself using her own capabilities.

Zhou Huiyan said smilingly, “You’re right. The large-scale charity auction that I held two years ago was the gateway to our next project.”

Wen Xinya’s pupils constricted and she thought to herself, So… Xia Ruya had long found out about the plans that Aunt Zhou had in mind for Zhishan Club. That’s why she withdrew from school and proceeded to teach in the slums, so as to experience life there. She wanted to use her own efforts to touch the people of Zhishan Club, and Aunt Tang has always valued people who put in their own efforts. Hence, Xia Ruya wouldn’t have succeeded without the occurrence of the earthquake.

She had belittled Xia Ruya. In fact, Xia Ruya had already found a way out to redeem herself ever since she published her virginity report. Once she became a member of the Zhishan Club, she would gain recognition from society and no one would dare to criticize her because of her past. All controversy about her would die down.

Surprised and flattered, Xia Ruya stared at Tang Xiaowei and said, “Thank you so much, Teacher Tang. I didn’t expect that you’d actually started taking notice of me at such an early stage. Fortunately, I didn’t disappoint you.”

Xia Ruya stared at Tang Xiaowei, her eyes full of sincerity.

Extremely satisfied with Xia Ruya, Tang Xiaowei said, “Ruya has stayed in the slums for a long time and understands the conditions of that place very well. So, I’d like to let Ruya join us in providing relief to the schools in the slums. We’ll let her be in charge of building schools in Yun Chuan.”

Wen Xinya’s fingers stiffened. She wondered, I’ve been in charge of building the schools in the mountain areas of Yun Chuan. Now that Xia Ruya has joined the club, she took over my assignment. Is… her strategy and policy really that great? Or has she just managed to move Aunt Tang?

Greatly taken aback, Xia Ruya said frantically, “Teacher Tang, I’ve only joined the Zhishan Club for a while and I don’t know much about the club yet. Besides, I’ve never done any work in this area before. I’m worried that I won’t be able to perform the duty well. I think we’d better stick to the original plan. I’ll just provide assistance. That way, I’d be able to understand the constitution and protocols that Zhishan Club follows in a shorter amount of time.”

Zhou Huiyan was not shocked at all. Instead, she smiled and said calmly, “The members of the Zhishan Club are all assigned to their respective duties and it won’t be appropriate to make any adjustments. The charity drives and auctions meant for raising funds for disabled children have been going on for two years. However, there hasn’t been much progress. Now that you’ve joined the club, you’ll better understand our problems. Don’t quit your job in Yun Chuan.”

Tang Xiaowei agreed. “Huiyan is right. Don’t quit your job. I’ll hand you the relevant information and documents regarding Zhishan Club. It’ll help you understand the situation better. I believe you can overcome all struggles and problems. You could pull through such great adversity. This won’t be an issue for you.”

Wen Xinya remained silent, though she was filled with dismay. Once Xia Ruya finds out about the protocols that Zhishan Club follows, she’d definitely become an official member.

Wen Xinya indeed did not become a member based on her own abilities. However, ever since she joined the club, she had been trying her best not to commit any mistakes and did everything she could to ensure that things ran smoothly. Why must I free up some space for Xia Ruya just because she’s here?

Is it only because Xia Ruya has become a member based on her own abilities? Is it only because Xia Ruya has adapted to life in Yun Chuan for twelve years and participated in disaster relief efforts? Is it only because she used to be a teacher in the slums?

“In that case, I shall concede. I hope Teacher Tang and Teacher Zhou will help me and guide me along in the future,” Xia Ruya said while glancing at Wen Xinya with raised brows and teary eyes. However, she looked rather smug.

Xia Ruya thought to herself, Wen Xinya, so what if you joined the Zhishan Club before I did? You’ve put in so much effort into the club and yet, you still have to hand your work over to me. She knew that the rules were strict in Zhishan Club, and a simple blunder could land her in serious trouble. She was just a member in name.

Zhou Huiyan and Tang Xiaowei nodded smilingly.

Zhou Huiyan stared at Tang Xiaowei calmly and said, “I’d like Xinya to follow me to manage and oversee the matters regarding the supervision and planning of the country’s charity activities. I’m sure you know that we’ve handed the Yun Chuan disaster relief project over to Xinya because the other members were too busy to make time. Xinya has an incredible talent for planning and management. Work has been hectic for me lately too and I’d like her to help me out.”

Tang Xiaowei smiled and said, “I share the exact same thoughts. Xinya has always been very competent, and she can adapt well to sudden and unexpected changes too. She’s very well suited for planning strategies. Since you’re busy, I was planning to let her become your assistant.”

Wen Xinya got a great shock, for that meant that she had truly become an elite member of the club.

Xia Ruya’s smile stiffened, causing her to look a little deadpan and strange. The sudden change caught her off guard. Wen Xinya had become an official member before she was even done being smug. Wen Xinya was now on a higher level than her.

At this moment, she realized that the smile that Wen Xinya had given her was full of derisiveness and was just like a huge slap to her face, causing it to sting and burn with excruciating pain.

Zhou Huiyan looked at Wen Xinya and asked smilingly, “Xinya, what’s your opinion?”

Wen Xinya recovered from the shock and hurriedly said, “Thank you for trusting me and having faith in me, Aunt Zhou and Aunt Tang. I definitely won’t disappoint you guys and perform my duties well.”

Chapter 488: An Utterly Shameless Person Will Have No Foe
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Everything was then settled. Wen Xinya headed to the member management department and registered her membership. After receiving her authorization, she left the Zhishan Club.

Wen Xinya headed to the underground garage to collect her car, a silver Maserati—a gift from Si Yiyan. It was a limited edition Maserati. There were only a total of fifty of them produced in the entire world. Sales were invitational, and only the wealthiest and most prestigious tycoons of the world were offered a chance to purchase the car. Si Yiyan had sent the Maserati to the Fiat Chrysler Headquarters for modification. It had also met the VR8 safety standards set by NATO.

This model was different from other Maserati models which were extravagant sports cars. Instead, it was elegant, posh, beautiful and majestic. It was the most classy model of all sports cars.

There were still a few months to go before Wen Xinya turned eighteen and she had already obtained her driver’s license with the help of the Wen Family. She also had begun driving around on her own a month ago.

At this moment, an elegant yet crisp sound filled the air in the silent underground car park.

Wen Xinya turned around slowly to see that Xia Ruya was walking towards her with a smile on her pretty face. “Xinya, I didn’t expect that we would both become members of the Zhishan Club. Do guide me along.”

Wen Xinya stared at Xia Ruya’s extended hand which was still as slender, fair and beautiful. Wen Xinya smiled and held the tips of her fingers. “Of course I will. After all, I’ve been in the club for a longer time than you. Hence, I know Zhishan Club better than you. Besides… thanks to you, I’ve already become an elite member of the club and I rank superior to you.”

As soon as Wen Xinya finished speaking, she took out her handkerchief and wiped her hands nonchalantly before dumping it into the rubbish bin nearby.

Xia Ruya’s face stiffened upon sight of her graceful actions. Although they were beautiful, they were derisive, and it was obvious that Wen Xinya was merely mocking her. She could sense the animosity even though Wen Xinya had a smile on her face and was rather polite with her words. It was unbearable.

Wen Xinya smirked and sneered. “You actually went to Yun Chuan two years ago. Tsk, tsk, tsk! I really can’t imagine such a spoiled crybaby like you undergoing all the hardship in Yun Chuan. I really take my hat off to you. You’d actually resort to all means to get what you want.”

Xia Ruya smiled slowly like a flower and said, “I didn’t think I’d be able to tolerate those harsh living conditions at all. Perhaps, it was that earthquake that changed me and made me realize how small everything else is. Even crying doesn’t help.”

Wen Xinya nodded and agreed. “You’re right, but… ” She scanned Xia Ruya from head to toe and said coldly with a smirk, “You do look much darker than you used to be, and your skin seems to have gotten much rougher.”

“I may have gotten more tanned, but I’ll become fair again soon enough,” said Xia Ruya, who had a slightly austere expression on her face. Indeed, she had realized that she had gotten tanner and her skin had become rougher too. She secretly spent two months taking care of her skin and undergoing beauty whitening treatments in order to return to her initial fairness. Yet, Wen Xinya actually embarrassed her openly.

Wen Xinya nodded and said, “You must have suffered a lot throughout these two years…” She then glared at Xia Ruya in disdain and continued, “However, it’s worth it since it gave you a place in the Zhishan Club. Don’t you think so?” Wen Xinya began chuckling sinisterly.

Her soft chuckle was derisive and condescending. It sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Xia Ruya, extremely piercing and unbearable. Xia Ruya said calmly, “You’re right, I didn’t think that I’d become a member of Zhishan Club in such a short amount of time. Clearly… it does pay to be kind.”

Wen Xinya stared at her in amusement, as if she had just heard the greatest joke on earth. “Xia Ruya, are you hearing yourself? You really have the audacity to run your mouth casually. You’ve indeed done some kind deeds, be it out of sheer goodwill or not. However, I know you too well, Xia Ruya. You have a hidden agenda and motive for everything you do, and you’ll resort to any means to achieve them.”

Xia Ruya smiled and said, “Xinya, you don’t actually have to say such mean things to me. Others are just going to think that you’re bitter and jealous of me. As the heiress of the Wen Family, you’re going to ruin your own reputation by making such comments.”

Wen Xinya smirked and gibed. “You actually have the cheek to say such words. How thick-skinned of you. You’re far more shameless than I had imagined. Why aren’t you pretending to be an innocent Saint now? Why are you chiding me?”

Xia Ruya remained calm and composed as if Wen Xinya’s words had no effect on her at all. “Xinya, you don’t have to try and spite or provoke me by saying such things. There are plenty of chances for us to work together in the future. If you don’t have the right mindset, it’d be a disadvantage to you as well.”

I took over Wen Xinya’s previous assignments. Someone so scheming like Wen Xinya definitely won’t let me take over smoothly. Hence, I must remind her on the spot, lest she gets up to any funny tricks.

Wen Xinya said with a sullen expression, “I don’t need you to remind me. I can separate work from personal issues. Instead of worrying about me getting in the way of you taking over the project, you should worry about yourself instead! You don’t even know clearly how things run in the Zhishan Club and yet you’ve accepted such a difficult task. Do you really think you can perform it well? If anything happens, don’t try and blame me for it.”

Xia Ruya looked at her, at a complete loss for words. Her tear-filled eyes were full of resentment.

Wen Xinya opened the car door, got inside the car, and started the engine before beginning to reverse it.

Xia Ruya hurriedly took a few steps back to prevent herself from being knocked down. However, she could not avoid the pungent odor of the gas coming out of the exhaust pipes.

She covered her nose and looked at the front to see that Wen Xinya’s car made a beautiful turn before vanishing out of sight. She was beyond exasperated.

Chapter 489: Treating Her as a Whetstone for Growth

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

The media published reports about Xia Ruya becoming a member of the Zhishan Club the following day, causing an uproar amongst citizens in the city, for it had been long since they heard her name.

The Zhishan Club was the central power of the city and lots of wealthy and influential nobilities yearned for a chance to climb the social ladder using its clout. Lots of tycoons wanted to use the Zhishan Club’s influence to their aid and expand their social network and connections so as to generate more wealth. The elites of society desperately wanted to use the influence of the Zhishan Club to bring them to the peak of success.

Becoming a member of the Zhishan Club would bring about fame and economic benefits.

However, everyone was astonished to hear that Xia Ruya had become a member of the club since they had not been recruiting any members in the past ten years.

The matter about Xia Ruya staying in Yun Chuan for two years had also been exposed together with photos of her teaching in the slums of the mountain areas in Yun Chuan. There were also photos of her covered in soil from head to toe while trying to save the victims who were trapped in the mud, as well as some of her following the rescue team and carrying boxes of medical kits on her shoulders and treating the injured. There were even photos of her giving children some counseling…

How many wealthy heiresses could swallow their pride like Xia Ruya did?

In no time, the entire Z Nation was touched by Xia Ruya.

Some people again brought up Xia Ruya’s scandal as well as her virginity report. However, the comments were soon drowned by those of netizens who stood up for Xia Ruya.

Xia Ruya finally cleared her name and restored her reputation using her wits and devious schemes. She had even brought herself some fame in society.

Wen Xinya continuously read the reports about Xia Ruya on the internet while her temples began to throb. “Xia Ruya never fails to surprise me,” she remarked.

Si Yiyan glanced at the reports and said, “These posts became viral overnight. I’m certain that Xia Ruya has something to do with that. She’s trying to use her status as a member of the Zhishan Club to clear her name, for she knows that they will definitely help her.”

Wen Xinya agreed with a nod. “At such a juncture, no one would think that she had done any manipulation to these posts. After all, she has garnered lots of attention after becoming a member of Zhishan Club, and it’s a matter of fact that the reporters are trying to scour for more news about it.”

Si Yiyan looked down at her with a sullen expression on his face. “Xia Ruya must have returned to the city prepared. Look, not only did she manage to clear her name, she even became a member of the Zhishan Club. She has also secured a footing in society. I’m afraid it might be difficult to deal with her from now on.”

A gloomy austerity loomed over Wen Xinya’s face and she said, “This is what I’m concerned about too. I saw Xia Ruya at Zhishan Club yesterday and she has changed a lot. She’s no longer as puerile and spoiled as she used to be. Two years in Yuan Chuan have changed her completely. Not only does she know how to put her merits to her advantage, she even knows when to stop and retreat. She’s no longer that Xia Ruya that resorted to playing the sympathy card all the time.”

She could not help but be reminded of the scenario yesterday when she met Xia Ruya. It was as if Xia Ruya had concealed all her emotions deep beneath her teary eyes and she exuded a massive confidence and elegance, as if no one could break her facade and pretentious front.

She saw the 28-year-old Xia Ruya from the previous lifetime in the current 18-year-old Xia Ruya.

Within just two short years, she seemed to have aged and matured ten years. Wen Xinya could not help but feel terrified.

Unlike Wen Xinya who had gone through a rebirth, Xia Ruya did not have the memories of two lifetimes and she had accumulated her experience from enduring hardship and struggling to survive. She had built her path towards success with her bare hands.

Xia Ruya was destined to be Wen Xinya’s jinx.

Si Yiyan smiled and said, “Adverse conditions can shape one into a better person. Xia Ruya would definitely grow and mature under those harsh conditions. However, you’ve also been progressing, so you don’t have to feel threatened because of her. Just take her as a whetstone for your growth.”

Wen Xinya looked up and said smilingly, “Si Yiyan, you’re really great at comforting others.”

It’s true! If it weren’t because of Xia Ruya’s compelling actions and scheming ways, Wen Xinya wouldn’t have grown so much in such a short period of time. It was indeed better to view things from an objective viewpoint.

Si Yiyan chuckled and said, “That’s just the truth. Xia Ruya has just joined Zhishan Club and regained her reputation. She’s definitely eagerly trying to build a strong foundation for everything she has now and she probably won’t have the time to deal with you for now. However… you ought to be wary of that stepmother of yours. Throughout the past two years, she has been keeping a suspiciously low profile. You’d better be cautious.”

“You’re right, the person I ought to be most careful about now is Ning Shuqian,” said Wen Xinya, who recalled meeting Ning Shuqian in the Wen Family home a few days ago. She realized that Ning Shuqian had been laying exceptionally low, and the way she stared at Wen Xinya was rather terrifying.

Si Yiyan stared at her developed features which were refined and exquisite. She had grown much more mature after two years and was just like a pearl which became brighter and glossier after being polished by time.

He was suddenly reminded of the time when he brought her out for a meal of seafood two years ago, during which they found a pearl in one of the oysters. She was still wearing the pearl.

After a moment of silence, Wen Xinya said, “Xia Ruya made a major comeback after lying low for two years and managed to clear her name and become a member of the Zhishan Club. Do you think the fire within Ning Shuqian is enough to rock the world?”

Shaking his head, Si Yiyan answered, “Ning Shuqian has only decided to keep a low profile for two years because she feels threatened. I’m guessing that she’s trying to secure her position in the Wen Family.”

Wen Xinya frowned slighly and said, “She wants to secure her footing and take it out on me. The Wen Corporation’s New Year Celebration is taking place soon, and it’s a major event that takes place annually. Not only are the overseas high-level executives going to be invited, but the business partners of the Wen Corporation are also going to be included in the guest list as well. Ning Shuqian will definitely make use of this if she’s trying to get up to any tricks.”

Ning Shuqian would only get the chance to take action during such major events.

Si Yiyan said composedly, “You must be prepared for the possible moves that Ning Shuqian might pull. She has lied low for two years and she definitely has made some preparations. Besides, now that Xia Ruya is back, she’s going to have another helper.”

Wen Xinya nodded with a sullen expression on her face. Xia Ruya was best at getting up to scheming tricks and it was almost impossible to guard against her. Two years ago, I fell out with Xia Ruya openly and ever since then, she has been brazen and atrocious when dealing with me. She’s definitely going to get worse, and Ning Shuqian is going to be a tool that she can make use of.

Chapter 490: Truth Or Dare

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Zhou Tianyu continued to browse through the posts on the internet in disbelief. Fuming with anger, she cursed. “What the hell? Xia Ruya is an unbeatable cockroach! Her reputation was so badly ruined and she was embroiled in such a controversial scandal which caused an uproar. Yet, she managed to make a comeback within just two years.”

Xu Tongxuan chimed in. “Look at those posts. Influential angel of kindness? The prettiest teacher who touched the hearts of Z Nation? What the hell… so many people have given up their lives in order to rescue the victims of the Yun Chuan earthquake. Who is Xia Ruya? They’re just making mountains out of molehills and she’s just making a big deal out of herself.”

Wen Xinya sighed softly and said, “Well, Xia Ruya has joined Zhishan Club. Everyone knows how influential Zhishan Club is. I shan’t talk about it any further. She’s just trying to use their power and build a name for herself in society.”

Gu Junling agreed. “If Xia Ruya builds a good reputation for herself, she’s going to aid the Xia Family in expanding their chain supermarket business. I heard that business had been thriving the past few days for the Xia Corporation. I reckon they’d be able to expand into luxurious malls very soon. They’d at most meet a few more obstacles without the help of the Wen Family.”

Wen Xinya’s heart sank. Despite having put in painstaking efforts, I still could not stop the Xia Family from making a comeback, and Xia Ruya’s status as a member of Zhishan Club is her trump card. By securing her place in society, she’s helping the Xia Corporation build a stable consumer group. Several merchants are going to invest in the supermarkets on Xia Ruya’s account too. Hence, it’s very likely that they will succeed in expanding.

Han Mofeng said, “This reminds me of something. A few days ago, I chanced upon Jiang Shaofeng and Old Mr. Xia, Xia Mingde exiting a hotel together. Jiang Ruoyina and Xia Ruya were there too. I wonder if they had a discussion about the expansion.”

“Seems like the Jiang Family and Xia Family have established a cooperation.” Han Mofeng’s words further proved Gu Junling’s speculations. The Jiang Family had suffered a major loss because the Xiao Corporation had failed in acquiring Ai Shang Group. “The four major families are only for show now. They’re no longer as wealthy as they used to be and they’re just trying to keep up their image and reputation. Well, a starving camel is still bigger than a horse. The cooperation with the Jiang family will do the Xia Family good.”

Ling Qingxuan said, “I heard that Xia Mingde brings Xia Ruya along with him wherever he goes. Xia Ruya has attained a high status in the Xia Family and even Madam Xia has moved back to her maiden home.”

Wen Xinya sneered and said in disdain, “The Xia Family has always enjoyed getting up to devious schemes, and Xia Ruya has now become a member of the Zhishan Club. If it weren’t because of Madam Xia’s family background, the Xia Family would resort to making her divorce Xia Ruya’s father in order to cozy up to Xia Ruya.”

In her previous lifetime, Xia Haolin and Chen Linfang had gotten a divorce as well, which caused an uproar amongst citizens in the city. Chen Linfang was instantly labeled as an evil wretch and the Chen Family fell out with the Xia Family as well. The Xia Family had even encroached on the Chen Family’s business.

Absolutely despising the Xia Family, Zhou Tianyu changed the subject and said, “What’s there to say about the Xia Family? Let’s talk about something else instead!”

They began chatting about something else.

“It’s so boring if we just talk and drink. Why don’t we play some interesting games?” Wen Xinya said while swirling the glass of wine in her hands. The maroon liquid glowed under the dim, yellow light like sparkling red rubies.

Zhou Tianyu chimed in. “It’s indeed very boring. What games shall we play?”

“Why don’t we play truth or dare?” Wen Xinya suggested, placing the glass of wine on the table.

Xu Tongxuan immediately objected. “Truth or dare? That’s so childish! What era are we in now? Why are we still playing such a corny game!?!”

Ling Qingxuan immediately agreed. “Xuanxuan is right. Why don’t we play something else? This game is outdated.”

Han Mofeng agreed with Wen Xinya’s suggestion. “Nah, I think it’s a great suggestion. Well, at least it’s better than just drinking and chatting!”

At last, Xu Tongxuan and Ling Qingxuan conceded after much persuasion by Zhou Tianyu and Gu Junling.

Han Mofeng was the banker, and it was Wen Xinya’s turn to make her choice. “Miss Wen, what’s your ideal type of guy?”

He wanted to ask that question on behalf of Xu Zhenyu, and it was the very purpose of his suggestion to play truth or dare.

Zhou Tianyu immediately urged. “Xinya, hurry and answer the question. I’d like to know just what your ideal boyfriend is like. Even an outstanding man like Senior Zhong Rufeng can’t win your heart.”

Finally seeing the fun in Truth or Dare, Xu Tongxuan said, “You must tell the truth. If you lie, you’ll have to drink as a forfeit and do a dare.”

Gu Junling gave Han Mofeng a thumbs up and said, “Brother, well done! You managed to get something juicy just in the first round.” He then looked at Ling Qingxuan and said, “Ling Qingxuan, put the alcohol away.”

“Alright!” Ling Qingxuan hurriedly grabbed all the bottles of wine.

Reminded of Si Yiyan, Wen Xinya said solemnly, “I don’t drink. Can I do the dare instead?”

“No!” they answered in unison.

After pretending to be deep in thought, Wen Xinya said, “My ideal type is the idol who went to Lan Feng two years ago!”

Back then, Si Yiyan had caused a major uproar in Lan Feng Institute and all of the female students went gaga over him. There were also lots of posts about him on the student forum. The post that was titled: “Turns out there’s really such an outstanding man in the world” was still kept in the classic archive folder of the student forum.

Everyone choked the instant they heard her words.

Si Yiyan was flawless.

Xu Tongxuan kicked Han Mofeng and rebuked. “Can you ask better questions? The one you just asked is so easy for Xinya to answer!”

Zhou Tianyu chimed in. “Exactly!”

Gu Junling grabbed a large glass and poured some wine into it. “Drink up and atone for your mistake!”

Ling Qingxuan raised his arm and applauded. “Drink up, drink up, drink up… ”

“I’ll drink, I’ll drink, will that do!?!” Han Mofeng exclaimed while chugging down the glass at one go.

After the first round ended, Wen Xinya asked Gu Junling, “Gu Junling, is there any girl whom you fancy?”

She was intentionally trying to put him in a spot. Zhou Tianyu had already turned eighteen and was attending university. Hence, she was at a suitable age for dating. If Gu Junling were to continue delaying his pursuit, Zhou Tianyu would end up with someone else, sooner or later.

Chapter 491: Are You Still a Virgin Or Not?

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

“Oh shit, Xinya is really shrewd. Answer it, answer it, answer…” said Han Mofeng, who could not stand how wishy-washy Gu Junling was.

“Answer, answer, answer…” Ling Qingxuan chimed in.

Gu Junling was drinking some red wine when he heard Wen Xinya point the arrow at him. He instantly stopped and choked on his wine.

Gu Junling coughed violently and turned beet red.

Zhou Tianyu handed him a glass of warm water and patted his back to help him ease up.

Gu Junling was extremely touched.

Zhou Tianyu kicked him and rebuked. “Don’t feign dead. Hurry and answer the question.”

Gu Junling’s heart shattered into bits and he glared at Wen Xinya. “Change the question, ask me another question. You guys are clearly asking the obvious.”

Wen Xinya guffawed loudly and said, “You must consider carefully. You only get one chance. If you don’t treasure it, it won’t come by again.”

Xu Tongxuan laughed and exclaimed, “Dear, you only get one chance!”

Han Mofeng kicked Gu Junling and said, “Seriously, don’t make me look down on you.”

Ling Qingxuan poured a glass of white wine and shoved it into Gu Junling’s hand. “Brother, have some white wine to give yourself courage.”

Gu Junling downed the entire glass at one go and burped before glancing at Zhou Tianyu. He said, “Can I say that I fancy Tianyu?”

Zhou Tianyu kicked him again and chided. “Goddamn it, stop using me as a shield. Drink up, drink up…”

Gu Junling’s face turned as red as a tomato and he grimaced. Although he was trying his best to laugh, he could not hide his embarrassment. A sudden awkwardness filled the air in the room.

Wen Xinya suddenly felt guilty and started blaming herself. I shouldn’t have suggested that we play Truth or Dare, and made Gu Junling confess to having feelings for Zhou Tianyu.

The few of them looked at each other in dismay while Zhou Tianyu stared on in puzzlement. Gu Junling then guffawed and said, “We’ve been childhood friends for so long. Who else am I supposed to use as a shield, if not you? How could you embarrass me like that? What a lousy friend!”

Although he tried to play it off as a joke, everyone was ill at ease.

Zhou Tianyu’s heart sank and she suddenly felt a little upset.

Gu Junling picked up the three glasses of wine and downed them all, one after another. Although it was just a simple action of drinking, it seemed he was drowning his sorrows.

Han Mofeng patted his shoulder and comforted him.

Ling Qingxuan had no idea what to say at all.

Wen Xinya and Xu Tongxuan looked at each other, feeling extremely helpless.

It was time for Gu Junling to ask the question. A little tipsy, he raised his voice and guffawed brazenly. He asked, “Ling Qingxuan, are you still a virgin or not?”

Exasperated, Ling Qingxuan kicked him for asking such a crude question. “Goddamn it, I’ll drink, will that do?”

Gu Junling snatched the wine bottle from his hand and said, “No, you must answer. You’re not allowed to lie either…”

Ling Qingxuan glowered at him and retorted. “Fine. You’re really something, eh? I lost my virginity on the day I turned eighteen, alright?”

Xu Tongxuan and Zhou Tianyu burst into laughter.

Wen Xinya stared at Gu Junling, suddenly feeling a sense of melancholy.

Xu Tongxuan was then made to spill the beans about her first love and her first kiss. Xu Tongxuan then kicked Ling Qingxuan, causing him to jump and run around the house. Finally, it was Xu Tongxuan’s turn to ask, and she asked Ling Qingxuan which sex position he was in when he lost his virginity.

Everyone was beyond astonished and Han Mofeng slipped and fell onto the ground, causing Zhou Tianyu to spurt her red wine out and splatter it all over Gu Junling’s face.

Ling Qingxuan turned red with embarrassment and began stammering.

Xu Tongxuan then pointed at Ling Qingxuan and laughed out loud before calling bluff on Ling Qingxuan’s claim about losing his virginity on the day of his eighteenth birthday. She even suggested that he do a pole dance as a forfeit.

The poor Ling Qingxuan had to drink a glass of red wine as a forfeit and he was even stripped down to his underwear by Han Mofeng and Gu Junling, after which he was forced to do a pole dance.

Everyone guffawed incessantly.

After a burst of long laughter, Wen Xinya discovered that Gu Junling had left his seat. She scanned her surroundings, only to see that he was hiding in the balcony and taking a smoke. The fumes of smoke were surrounding him and he looked extremely lonely.

“Tianyu is going to kick you again when she sees you smoking,” Wen Xinya said while walking towards him slowly. The overwhelming stench of the smoke made her throat feel ticklish and uncomfortable.

Gu Junling took a deep puff of his half-smoked cigarette and looked down at the cigarette bud in his hands. He then snubbed it with his finger, seemingly unbothered by the heat.

Wen Xinya said slowly, “You and Tianyu are both adults. There are some things you should and should not say. You have to make things clear somehow. Tianyu may seem bubbly and outgoing on the surface, but she’s the most meticulous one out of us all. She doesn’t understand how you feel about her because it’s already become a habit.”

In her previous lifetime, Zhou Tianyu became an outstanding foreign affairs minister, though Wen Xinya had no idea what happened to her and Gu Junling in the end. However, she knew that it would be impossible between her and Gu Junling once she became a foreign affairs minister.

Firstly, the Gu Family was involved in the mafia, and if Zhou Tianyu were to become a politician, she would definitely eradicate all illegal organizations and wouldn’t let anyone attack her using her background.

Moreover, the Gu Family were merchants and would have nothing to do with Zhou Tianyu if she were a politician. Regardless of how much they doted on Zhou Tianyu, the Zhou Family definitely wouldn’t allow her to marry a family of merchants.

Now that Zhou Tianyu had yet to mention any plans of becoming a politician, Wen Xinya decided that she should take the chance and make Gu Junling reveal his feelings towards Zhou Tianyu during the Truth or Dare game. Regardless of the outcome, they would at least know each other better.

Gu Junling’s thick lips curled into a smile and he said, “I was initially too worried about her being young and ignorant about love. Now that she’s grown up, I’m worried that I might scare her by confessing to her. She’s always treated me like a close friend. Hence, I lost the courage to confess, though I feel like I must make things clear even if it means that we can’t be friends anymore. You’re right, we’re adults and we ought to handle things properly.”

Wen Xinya suddenly recalled how she tried to avoid Si Yiyan and refused to open up to him despite enjoying the love and affection he showered her. She wondered if Si Yiyan felt the same about her as Gu Junling did about Zhou Tianyu.

However, she was much more vicious compared to Zhou Tianyu who had no idea that Gu Junling carried a torch for her.

Chapter 492: Wen Xinya Is Getting Proud

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

She was in no place to intervene in Gu Junling and Zhou Tianyu’s affairs. Although she was extremely worried, she did not wish to mess things up.

However, Gu Junling accepted her suggestion and begun considering confessing his feelings to Zhou Tianyu one day. Although he had yet to make up his mind, he found it a great idea. Wen Xinya was certain that he would confess sooner or later, given his penchant for thinking twice.

She was hoping that he would confess to Zhou Tianyu before she decided to become a foreign affairs minister.

A few days later, Wen Xinya arrived at the annual gala held by the Wen Corporation.

After discussing the preparations and decor of the venue with Tengfei PR company, Wen Xinya headed to Floral Lingo Pavilion in the afternoon for a beauty spa. She then headed to Lishan Mansion.

Wen Xinya opened the door of the dressing room which was extremely spacious and larger than the dressing rooms of the Mo Family home and Wen Family home combined. It was filled with the latest clothes that were in season, as well as a plethora of jewelry on the crystal cabinet which glowed under the light.

She was greatly captivated and soon got dizzy. No longer in the mood to pick out a gown, she asked Si Yiyan, “Si Yiyan, what gown do you think I should wear to the banquet tonight?”

Si Yiyan remembered every item that he gifted her.

Si Yiyan leaned against the door frame and answered sluggishly, “I remember you have a gray and silver gown. I think it’s in the second closet from the left.”

Wen Xinya walked towards the second closet and as soon as she opened it, she was greeted with the sight of that gray and silver gown that glistened under the light. There were flowers embroidered in white thread on the hem of the gown; it was indeed very suitable for the banquet tonight. “How about the accessories? Which ones should I wear?”

Si Yiyan answered, “I bought you a set of black agate jewelry from Covenant and you don’t seem to have worn it yet. Why don’t you wear that set tonight?”

Suddenly reminded of the jewelry set, Wen Xinya said, “Those are too expensive. Won’t I be a little too over the top if I wear them tonight?”

Due to the exorbitant price, she would usually keep a low profile and refrain from wearing the black agate jewelry.

Si Yiyan shook his head and said, “No, black agate is elegant and classy, yet not overly extravagant. It goes perfectly with that silver gown.”

Finding his words to have made sense, Wen Xinya nodded and said, “You’re right. I’ll put that on then!”

Si Yiyan’s smile widened and he walked into the dressing room slowly. He shifted his gaze onto the shoe cabinet and picked up a pair of stilettos. “Your outfit will be perfect with these shoes.”

Wen Xinya stared at the pair of white stilettos in his hands, which were embellished with enticing black crystals that made it look extremely posh. Wen Xinya could not help but exclaim, “You’ve got such great taste.”

Si Yiyan kissed her gently and said, “Are you discovering more and more of my merits?”

Wen Xinya could not help but chuckle and say, “Yes!”

Si Yiyan grinned widely from ear to ear.

Wen Xinya hugged Si Yiyan’s waist and pressed her face against his chest coquettishly and affectionately.

Si Yiyan held her waist and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Feeling upset at the thought of Gu Junling and Zhou Tianyu, Wen Xinya answered, “Nothing much.”

Si Yiyan let go of her gently and took a few steps back to gaze at her. “Is everything really alright?”

Knowing that she could not hide anything from him, Wen Xinya had no choice but to answer with pouted lips, “Si Yiyan, I’ve been refraining from opening up to you and ignoring your feelings for me while you were showering me with affection. I kept my walls up against you. Were you very sad back then?”

Wen Xinya was again reminded of Gu Junling and Zhou Tianyu’s relationship. Although Gu Junling rarely drank, he was knocked out of his senses that night. She could not help but feel an immense heartache whenever she thought about Si Yiyan.

Si Yiyan was not one to show his emotions. Even if he were to really reject her, he would not drown his sorrows in alcohol like Gu Junling did. Instead, he would hide his emotions and allow his sadness to erode him.

Si Yiyan gazed at Wen Xinya solemnly and said, “I wasn’t sad because you were still so young and I had already prepared myself for a long battle. Besides, I knew you would belong to me!”

Wen Xinya pouted and chided coquettishly. “Arrogant fellow! How were you so sure that I would be in love with you?”

She felt that she had belittled Si Yiyan’s emotional quotient and began finding herself a little silly for worrying about him for several days.

Si Yiyan’s narrow eyes broadened and he said, “Don’t you belong to me now?”

Ever since he knew Wen Xinya, he had been thinking of ways to enter her life while her guard was down. He thought twice before acting and devised a huge plan to lure her and make her fall in love with him and never escape his clutches. Although she was resistant at first, she ended up falling into his trap anyway.

Gritting her teeth, Wen Xinya glowered at Si Yiyan and wished she could dart forward to bite him. “I’m just like an arrow that can’t be retracted.”

Si Yiyan chuckled and said, “Yes. You’re like a delicious meat dumpling which has been taken away by a dog.”

Wen Xinya again rebuked. “You’re the meat dumpling. Your family is.”

“Haha…” Si Yiyan chuckled, greatly entertained by the sight of her gritting her teeth. He found it so adorable that he wished he could show her more attention.

“You’re not allowed to laugh…” Wen Xinya chided, glowering at him sternly with her eyes wide open, giving her eyes a beautiful shape as they were raised slightly.

“Yes, yes, I won’t laugh!” Si Yiyan exclaimed, gently kissing the corner of her eyes tenderly as a warm fuzzy feeling filled his heart. He had planned every move meticulously, not because he was confident, but rather because he was not. He was uncertain and afraid. Hence, he would consider and think twice before saying every word. He would consider the consequences and say the appropriate things after pondering carefully.

He was afraid that a single mistake would result in major, irreversible consequences!