Xie Group Headquarters Building.
In the office, Xie Lianqing, dressed in a tailored suit, was holding a textbook, meticulously helping his girlfriend highlight key points.
There was no other way. Xu Qingqing had to take a make-up exam after the semester started. Given that she believed her failing grade was because "he cheated in her dream," he could only fervently hope now that she would pass this exam quickly.
Otherwise, this issue would keep coming up.
Fortunately, Xu Qingqing was somewhat sensible. While he was organizing review notes for her, she stayed quietly nearby playing on her phone, instead of running off to sleep or play games by herself. She even knew to pour him some juice. Although the juice was something she took a sip of, found too sour, and then pushed over to him.
From this, it could be seen that Xie Lianqing's expectations for Xu Qingqing were practically bottomless.
The subject Xu Qingqing had failed this semester was Business Foreign Language. A score of 58 was utterly heartbreaking. Xie Lianqing had high IELTS scores and had studied abroad for several years, so he was naturally proficient in foreign languages. Even though it wasn't his major, he could still tutor her.
After the semester started, exam papers could be reviewed. Xu Qingqing had already gotten her exam paper from Teacher Shen. Xie Lianqing carefully looked over the paper and realized that Xu Qingqing's teacher for this course was really quite generous. Even her nonsensical foreign language essay had managed to score over ten points.
There were also many translation questions that Xu Qingqing hadn't answered correctly, but the teacher had still given her an encouragement point of one mark each.
Yet, even with the teacher trying so hard, the score could only be scraped together to a 58.
After reviewing the paper, Xie Lianqing gained an unprecedented understanding of Xu Qingqing's foreign language level. He slowly folded the exam paper, looked at his girlfriend, and asked softly, "Have you signed up for the IELTS test yet?"
Xu Qingqing was playing on her phone and replied, "Not yet. Registration hasn't started."
Xie Lianqing nodded, patted her little head, and said in a gentle voice, "If you don't want to take it, forget about it."
No wonder Xu Qingqing had stubbornly refused to go abroad back then. With this level of foreign language, her family would have to prepare a translator for her if she went overseas.
Xie Lianqing let out a light sigh and then continued dutifully highlighting key texts for Xu Qingqing. He then began to ponder what to do about Xu Qingqing's future.
After graduation, Xu Qingqing would most likely go abroad for further studies. In their social circle, this was pretty much the norm—studying abroad for a few years to gild one's resume and build connections.
Xie Lianqing wasn't opposed to this practice; he just didn't really want to be separated from Xu Qingqing for such a long time. But now he wasn't too worried, because with Xu Qingqing's foreign language level, it would probably be quite difficult for her to get a qualifying IELTS score. So, he could worry about that later.
After a busy afternoon, Xie Lianqing also used his personal connections to obtain notes and textbooks for this course from alumni of other grades at A University, and compiled review materials for Xu Qingqing by cross-referencing them.
Actually, it didn't need to be this troublesome. With her aunt's connection, it would be more reliable for Xu Qingqing to ask Teacher Shen Shushui directly for the key points. But Aunt Xu seemed to have a new boyfriend recently, which made Xu Qingqing avoid Teacher Shen Shushui lately, lest he remember her relationship with her aunt.
After her afternoon nap, as soon as Xu Qingqing got up, she saw the stack of handwritten notes placed on the table. Still groggy, she rubbed her eyes and flipped through the notes—over a dozen pages, filled on both sides.
Xu Qingqing instantly woke up and said angrily, "Me and foreign language are mortal enemies!"
Xie Lianqing...
He handed Xu Qingqing a glass of milk, his voice very gentle, "Drink more." Who knew if milk helped with brain power.
Although Xu Qingqing had just unilaterally declared war on foreign language, she still had to study the materials.
As everyone knows, having a top student highlight key points before finals is the ultimate secret to not failing. And Xie Lianqing was a god among top students. Looking at the substantial stack of materials in her hand, Xu Qingqing felt her make-up exam was in the bag.
She stood up and hugged Xie Lianqing, deeply moved, saying, "Thank you, bro!"
Xie Lianqing raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Why so polite all of a sudden?" She actually knew to say thank you.
He completely ignored the "bro" part. Anyway, Xu Qingqing was both mischievous and high-maintenance; he generally didn't want to provoke her.
With the review materials written by her genius boyfriend in hand, Xu Qingqing felt she possessed a precious martial arts manual, her chest filled with courage.
She was very confident in herself, affirming, "I think after studying your materials, I can definitely pass this exam!"
Actually, it was mainly the relationship between Shen Shushui and her aunt that gave her immense courage.
Xie Lianqing twitched the corner of his eye and couldn't help saying, "Actually, not necessarily. The review materials might not cover everything. You'd better also—"
Xu Qingqing stared at him, threatening, "If I don't pass this time, I'm breaking up with you." Anyway, the exam would be over by then, and Xie Lianqing, as a useful resource, would have served his purpose.
Xie Lianqing silently swallowed his unfinished words and gently changed his tone, saying, "Mmm, you can definitely do it, baby."
Xu Qingqing had to do it! If she didn't pass this make-up exam, she would have to retake the course next semester with lower-grade students.
As a narcissistic, proud, and high-maintenance person, Xu Qingqing couldn't bear that kind of embarrassment.
So she immediately plunged into the ocean of knowledge, clutching the review materials and memorizing them day and night, even staying up all night before the exam cramming vocabulary.
The last time she had worked this hard, burning the midnight oil, was during her final year of high school for the college entrance exams.
Xu Qingqing's grades were average. Her other subjects were okay, but her foreign language score alone could drag down her entire average.
She had managed to get into A University entirely relying on the team of over a dozen elite tutors who coached her back then, as well as Xie Lianqing's one-on-one guidance on predicting exam questions. Xie Lianqing was the top scorer in the college entrance exams a few years back. After he predicted the topics, Xu Qingqing went to take the exam and found that most of them were exactly the types of questions Xie Lianqing had forced her to memorize.
Plus, she had applied for an arts-related major and had regional advantages, which allowed her to barely scrape by the admission line.
On the day of the exam, Xu Qingqing went to take the test with dark circles under her eyes. Right up until the teacher entered the classroom, she was still clutching that stack of review materials, looking them over again and again.
You never appreciate books until you need them. Only then did she start regretting why she had slept those extra five minutes in the morning—she could have memorized a few more words!
In contrast, Le Jiaojiao was much calmer. Not only did she have exquisite makeup on, but she also hadn't brought a single book. In the exam room, instead of reviewing, she just watched Xu Qingqing memorize vocabulary, occasionally letting out merciless laughter.
Le Jiaojiao had a Chinese face but was half-foreign. Having lived abroad for many years, foreign language was practically her second native tongue, so of course she wasn't worried about a Business Foreign Language exam. If she hadn't run off too quickly last semester and forgotten to take the exam, she could have passed just by scribbling anything.
While Xu Qingqing was spelling out words letter by letter, Le Jiaojiao deliberately tried to confuse her nearby: "Ma Dongmei?"
"Dong Mamei?"
So mean. If fighting in the exam room wouldn't get her kicked out, and if she weren't sure she could win, Xu Qingqing would have started a fight with this awful woman right then and there.
The tense and thrilling exam ended. Xu Qingqing checked the answers she was unsure about, calculated her score, and found she should be able to pass.
Passing is enough! Long live passing!
Seeing Xu Qingqing's delighted appearance, Le Jiaojiao tossed her hair and rolled her eyes in a coquettish manner. "If you're like this during exams now, what will you do about the IELTS?"
In families like theirs, going abroad for further studies and gilding one's resume was practically a given. She had already picked out the schools she wanted to apply to. Only Xu Qingqing remained unhurried and unworried all day long; who knew what was going on in that little head of hers.
Besides, if Xu Qingqing didn't go, how much fun would her own life lose?
Xu Qingqing smiled without speaking, looking thoroughly confident.
After a period of foreign language study, she had come to a realization: nothing in the world is difficult for one who has given up.
So what if she failed the CET-4? Why waste her glorious youth wrestling with this exam? At worst, she just wouldn't take it.
And so, without Xie Lianqing, Grandpa Xu, or anyone else knowing, Xu Qingqing unilaterally declared: I'm not taking it!
After making this grand decision, she dashingly threw away her vocabulary notebook.
Half an hour later, she was back, searching the entire classroom for her study materials.
Because she suddenly remembered, even if she wasn't taking the IELTS, she still had to pass the CET-4.
After the exams ended, Xu Qingqing, who had studied hard for a long time, happily planned to relax for a few days.
But then, some fool leaked the news of her going to the racetrack. Not only did Xie Lianqing catch her because of it, but the news also made its way around until it eventually reached Xu Qingqing's family.
That very night, Xu Qingqing received a call from her grandparents who were recuperating abroad. Even her aunt made a special trip home to criticize her.
Everyone took turns lecturing the troublemaking child, the main point being how could she privately engage in such a dangerous activity without professional supervision.
They completely overlooked Zhou Chenyu.
Xu Qingqing was lectured for over an hour straight and was completely deflated. In her grandparents' eyes, the vast majority of entertainment activities were dangerous.
After scolding Xu Qingqing, Grandpa Xu and the others couldn't bear to keep berating their granddaughter. In their anger, they called and gave Xu Changshan an earful.
On the other end of the line, Grandpa Xu was full of vigor, his voice growing louder and louder. "Like father, like son! You, the father, act as if you're dead all day long! You have time to look after someone else's daughter, but no time to manage your own child?!"
The Xu family unanimously believed Xu Changshan was out of his mind, doting on an outsider's child instead of his own daughter. They thought Xu Qingqing's belated rebellious phase might very well be influenced by Xu Changshan.
Didn't they say that one's family of origin could affect a child's entire life?
Xu Changshan: What does this have to do with me?
Xu Qingqing was under the care of the Chairman and his wife; it had nothing to do with him. He rarely even saw this daughter, and every meeting raised his blood pressure.
But Xu Changshan wouldn't voice his true thoughts. He went along with his parents, saying, "You're right, Mom and Dad. Xu Qingqing is truly outrageous! I'll call and scold her right now!"
Chairman Xu suddenly raised his voice, shouting, "How dare you, you little bastard!"
Xu Changshan: "..."
Grandma Xu took the phone and scolded, "You're no good yourself, and you dare to scold my granddaughter?!"
Xu Changshan was berated until he was dizzy, yet he didn't dare hang up. After all, if he angered the old man, he might just tell him not to come to work and to go home and reflect until he understood things properly before returning to the company.
The old man had done such things before. After Xu Changshan was stripped of power by the board, his sister, fresh out of university, successfully took over. With a few project decisions, she won over the company's old fox executives. He, the failure, was exiled, kicked out of the headquarters to become a manager at a subsidiary under the group—the difference was immense.
Back then, Xu Changshan wallowed in self-pity for a while, causing serious internal strife in the companies he managed. Originally profitable companies began to decline. The observing old man grew increasingly disappointed with him and never again mentioned transferring him back to headquarters.
Xu Changshan didn't have many feelings about this. He was, after all, a son of the Xu family. No matter how angry the Chairman and his wife were with him, they wouldn't kick him out to fend for himself.
It wasn't until recent years, when Bai Youlan entered the entertainment industry and needed financial backing. Although there was the Xu Group, various expenses still required real money.
His younger son, Xu Tianbao, was also growing up and would surely enter the company in the future. Awakened by Bai Yaxiu's reminder that neither of his children had company shares, he suddenly sobered up and wanted to return to the center of power within the company.
After all, he wasn't like the old man who favored his daughter. Xu Youyue was child-free by choice, so the family business should rightfully be inherited by Tianbao. He needed to return to the company early to prepare and secure power for his son's future.
As for Xu Qingqing, Xu Changshan simply forgot about her.
However, Xu Changshan's plans were good, but unfortunately, he hadn't achieved much in recent years, his career remaining stagnant. Grandpa Xu was also very disappointed with his performance these years, rarely contacting him, and only ever because of matters related to Xu Qingqing.
The gist was always urging him to turn around and care more about his daughter, Xu Qingqing. Chairman Xu and his wife were decisive in business, but they still held the traditional belief that children should have their parents' companionship.
They had long decided to leave the company to Xu Qingqing, but they couldn't completely ignore Xu Changshan either. If he remained this muddled, and when Xu Qingqing eventually took charge, their relationship remained as adversarial as it was now, he would inevitably suffer greatly.
On the other end of the phone, Chairman Xu sighed, repeating the old tune. "Did you hear everything I said? I won't mention past absurdities. But Qingqing participating in such a dangerous activity as racing—shouldn't you, as her father, show some concern?"
Chairman Xu's intentions were good, but Xu Changshan simply treated it as nonsense.
After hanging up, he immediately called Xu Qingqing. As soon as the call connected, he put on his fatherly airs and loudly reprimanded her, "Look at the mess you've made recently! You've completely disgraced our Xu family!"
Xu Qingqing was lying on her bed, legs crossed, leisurely playing on her phone. Upon hearing Xu Changshan's voice, she immediately switched to battle mode.
Although she didn't know what he was referring to, it didn't stop her from performing. She said sarcastically, "Oh, it's nothing much. I learned from the best—you. In this regard, Dad, you are truly a unparalleled genius.
Whether it's having an affair known throughout the country, or being scammed in a business deal... Oh right, netizens are now saying you have an NTR fetish, enjoying raising other people's children."
Xu Qingqing mocked him from every angle, finally adding, "Someone like you doesn't even feel disgraced, so of course I won't either."
Xu Changshan was so infuriated by her taunts that blood rushed to his head, his teeth chattering. "Xu Qingqing! I am your father!"
"I know. It's not like I haven't been calling you 'Dad'," Xu Qingqing said casually—she still had manners.
She was also getting a bit tired and concluded listlessly, "Dad, if you're too idle, maybe you should find a proper job. Auntie says you don't have much to do at the company, only responsible for product operations at two subsidiaries, and even those report losses every year.
You can't even manage two such small companies properly. What else can you actually do? No wonder Grandpa had you removed."
"Alright, how about this? I recommend you go apply for a high-level position at a competitor company of the Xu family. With your skills, they'll go bankrupt within a month. Then you'll be a great hero for our Xu family!"
Xu Changshan gripped his phone tightly, his face flushed crimson, veins bulging on his forehead, his expression terrifying and twisted.
Having been lectured by his father not long ago, and now being pointed at and scolded by his daughter, with neither holding back their words... Although Xu Changshan wasn't very capable, due to his status as the only son of the Xu family, he was still respectfully addressed as 'President Xu' outside. No one would dare mention the rumors spreading online to his face.
But now, Xu Qingqing had ripped off that veil of decency, mocking him inside and out. Xu Changshan instantly felt as if his dignity and pride had been completely stripped away, leaving him so furious he felt dizzy and speechless.
He didn't even notice when the call had been disconnected. Yet, he lacked the power to teach Xu Qingqing a lesson and make her regret her actions.
In his rage, he couldn't help but recall what Bai Yaxiu had said the other day.
If he had real power and shares in the company, would Xu Qingqing dare treat him so arrogantly? Would Xie Lianqing dare to so directly humiliate him, refusing to even agree to meet?
Yaxiu was right. They were all children of the Xu family. If Xu Qingqing could have shares, why couldn't Tianbao and Youlan? As the only son of the Xu family, this was what he deserved.
Grandpa and the others would be returning home soon. Xu Changshan believed the plans he had in mind could now be put on the agenda.
Xu Qingqing had no way of knowing Xu Changshan's inner schemes. She was busy with classes, studying, and having fun. How could she spare so much time to care about other people's inner worlds?
Weekend.
Xu Qingqing had originally planned to go shopping, but now she could only obediently stay in Xie Lianqing's office doing homework, holding that vocabulary book she had thrown away not long ago.
Not taking the exam was impossible. Absolutely impossible in this lifetime.
This whole situation stemmed from her failing a course last semester.
A few days ago, Grandpa Xu, risking a scolding from his wife, secretly called Xie Lianqing to ask him to tutor and supervise Xu Qingqing's studies.
He now had great trust in Xie Lianqing, even saying with a laugh over the phone, "When my wife and I return, let's arrange a time to have a meal with your father."
Xie Lianqing replied with a sincere smile, "Alright. At that time, my father and I will personally visit you."
Xu Qingqing had no idea what kind of coded conversation they were having. After the call ended, she curiously asked Xie Lianqing, "Why did Grandpa suddenly ask you to supervise my studying?"
Of course, she couldn't imagine that her grandfather now saw Xie Lianqing as a future grandson-in-law.
Xie Lianqing couldn't be bothered to explain. He simply said, "Go memorize your vocabulary." Xu Qingqing had also signed up for the CET-4 exam this semester. The exam was almost here, and she still wasn't anxious. No wonder she never passed. He wondered where she picked up such bad habits.
Xu Qingqing felt she was being brushed off. "I won't!" There were still two months until the exam. She thought it was still early; she could still slack off.
Xie Lianqing turned his gaze to her and said, "Finish memorizing this page, and I'll take you to the race track later."
He had figured it out. Rather than stopping Xu Qingqing, it was better to satisfy her curiosity, to prevent her from secretly engaging in such dangerous activities behind his back.
Ever since the incident at the race track, Xu Qingqing had been unable to forget that she hadn't actually driven on the track herself and wanted to go again. Unfortunately, she had signed a promise, and Zhou Chenyu, after being warned, also didn't dare take her to such places to mess around anymore.
So Xie Lianqing's offer was quite tempting to her.
Xu Qingqing hesitated for a second, then immediately said, "Deal!"
Fine, she'd memorize. Once she dealt with Lin Donghan and Xu Changshan, and ruined Bai Youlan and that system's plans, she'd break up with Xie Lianqing, this scumbag who was brushing her off!
Xie Lianqing listened to her muttering beside him, completely unaware of the convoluted thoughts running through her head. But even if he knew, he probably wouldn't take them to heart.
After all, she had already jumped into his arms. Of course, he wouldn't let her leave again.
Xu Qingqing lost interest in memorizing vocabulary after just over ten minutes. An English textbook lay on the coffee table, but she wasn't in the mood to look at it. She played with her phone for a while, fiddled with the sofa, then after a bit, held up her hand to admire her nails, very satisfied with her new manicure.
Xie Lianqing, sitting at his desk, glanced at her, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touching the corner of his mouth as he shook his head slightly. Then he settled down to continue his work.
Bored out of her mind, Xu Qingqing propped her chin on her hand and secretly watched Xie Lianqing work.
Xie Lianqing was very focused when working, his expression cool and detached, concentrating solely on the documents before him. He wore a wristwatch, his hair casually styled, yet his suit was immaculate.
It was only then that Xu Qingqing noticed the watch on his wrist was the one she had given him as a thank-you gift years ago. Back then, Xie Lianqing had tutored her day and night for the college entrance exams. Later, at her grandfather and aunt's suggestion, she bought him this watch as a token of gratitude.
To think he still kept it until now...
That watch was something Xu Qingqing had bought casually while shopping. She didn't even remember the style or brand anymore. From the time they met until now, Xie Lianqing had given her many things, but she hadn't given him many gifts in return.
The only watch was bought on a whim back then, not particularly expensive and without much thought put into it. Seeing how Xie Lianqing treasured it now made her feel inexplicably embarrassed.
Xu Qingqing rested her cheek on one hand, pursed her lips, and suddenly said, "Xie Lianqing, do you know what day it is today?"
Xie Lianqing thought for a moment and asked, "Saturday?"
Xu Qingqing slapped the table, her expression serious. "No! Today is the 113th-day anniversary of us being together!" Actually, she had no idea how many days it had been; she was just making it up with a straight face.
Xie Lianqing raised an eyebrow and smiled. "To be precise, it's 165 days."
Xu Qingqing was shocked. "You've learned to lie too!" How could anyone remember in such detail? So she thought Xie Lianqing, like her, was just making it up.
Xie Lianqing looked at her with an amused, knowing smile, not telling his silly girlfriend that there was such a thing as a relationship anniversary tracking app in this world.
Thus, Xu Qingqing confirmed her suspicion, believing she had seen through Xie Lianqing's lie. But that wasn't important. What mattered was her goal!
Xu Qingqing cleared her throat and said, "Anyway, today is a pretty good anniversary, so I've decided to give you a gift." She decided to give Xie Lianqing a new watch. This time, she definitely wouldn't be perfunctory; she'd choose carefully!
Xie Lianqing watched her, his gaze flickering as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he just said softly, "Okay."
Xu Qingqing's sudden, inexplicable fabrication of an anniversary was probably just to find a reason to give him a gift.
A secret flicker of warmth touched Xie Lianqing's heart.
If Xie Lianqing's secretary, Zhou Chenyu, or others were here and heard Xie Lianqing's thoughts, they would surely shake him by the shoulders, trying to snap him out of it.
Xie Lianqing, think about how many things you've given Xu Qingqing! Luxury cars worth tens of millions, public relations fees of several million spent without a second thought just to help her vent her anger, not to mention all sorts of expensive gifts like bags, jewelry, and diamonds!
And now, when Xu Qingqing says she'll give you a gift—you don't even know what it is yet—you're already moved?
Are you being... emotionally manipulated?
Xu Qingqing actually thought she was doing quite well. After finishing the conversation about gift-giving, she immediately went online with great enthusiasm to search for types of men's watches.
She was a woman of action. Since Xu Qingqing had decided to prepare a surprise for Xie Lianqing, she found an excuse to slip away half an hour later.
Xie Lianqing, who was usually strict about supervising her studies, was unexpectedly accommodating this time. He let her leave easily and even considerately promised not to tell on her to Grandpa Xu.
A few minutes later, in the office, Secretary Zhang came in to report on work.
Xie Lianqing held a pen in one hand, head bowed as he wrote something on a document. After Secretary Zhang finished reciting Xie Lianqing's schedule for the next day, he waited carefully for his boss's feedback on the work.
After a while, Xie Lianqing frowned slightly and looked up at Secretary Zhang. The latter's heart immediately sank, wondering if there was a problem with today's work.
Then he heard Xie Lianqing ask, "Has your girlfriend ever given you a gift?"
Secretary Zhang scratched his head and said, "Boss Xie, I don't have a girlfriend."
Xie Lianqing raised an eyebrow and asked, "Not even in the past?"
Secretary Zhang answered cautiously, "I have had one."
Xie Lianqing then asked, "Well, when your ex-girlfriend gave you gifts, were there any special surprises or preparations?"
Secretary Zhang fell into an awkward silence for a moment before saying, "Boss Xie, my ex-girlfriend never gave me any gifts either."
Xie Lianqing put down his pen and looked at him, his gaze sympathetic. Although he didn't say anything, both his gaze and expression conveyed the meaning of "you poor thing."
Secretary Zhang...
Out of a sense of dignity for his status as a single man, he immediately changed his tune, "Boss Xie, I remember now! Although I never received a gift from an ex-girlfriend, when I was in the first year of junior high, a girl gave me a pair of socks. She even specially wrapped them carefully in colorful paper!"
Xie Lianqing nodded, deep in thought. So, Xu Qingqing would probably prepare something like that today too?
When he snapped back to attention, he found Secretary Zhang still standing there waiting. Unwilling to share his romantic experiences with a subordinate, he casually brushed him off, saying, "Then you really should have said yes to her." Otherwise, you wouldn't still be single now.
If it weren't for the money, Secretary Zhang would have wanted to quit on the spot.
