After the incident, Lin Donghan initially tried to contact Xu Qingqing, even making a special trip to the Xu family to explain and ask for reasons. Although he felt deeply offended and humiliated by the comment Xu Qingqing's aunt had made about him, to the point of considering it an insult.
After all, he was one of the most favored younger generation members of the Lin family, held in considerable esteem at home. He had ventured out to start his own business precisely to prove himself and strengthen his claim to the inheritance. In their social circle, people always addressed him respectfully as "Young Master Lin." He had never experienced being publicly called a nobody before.
Thinking of what Xu Qingqing's aunt had said, Lin Donghan couldn't help but feel a surge of resentment. The Xu and Lin families had always been on good terms, and his father had collaborated with Xu Qingqing's aunt for years. Yet, she had turned hostile without warning, openly labeling him as a poor relative trying to climb the social ladder.
And Xu Qingqing was even more heartless. Despite being his cousin who grew up with him, she now showed no mercy. Recently, she had been obstructing and causing trouble for him and his company. He had let it slide for the sake of their families' relationship, but instead of backing off, Xu Qingqing had intensified her efforts.
He had only wanted to use the opportunity while she was sick to make up some resources for Bai Youlan. After all, Bai Youlan had been constantly targeted by Xu Qingqing lately, her acting roles dwindling. Just as she was about to make a comeback, she was hit by a scandal, leaving her acting career in shambles and her future uncertain.
Bai Youlan, anxious and restless over the recent scandal, had repeatedly begged for his help. Left with no choice, Lin Donghan had thought of that plan. Currently, half the reason many in the industry were unwilling to give Bai Youlan a chance was due to her scandal, and the other half was because of Xu Qingqing.
The eldest daughter of the Xu Group had openly expressed her displeasure with Bai Youlan, even going so far as to invest money to have her replaced in projects. She had even deployed the group's PR team specifically to dig up dirt on Bai Youlan, waiting for any slip-up to bring her down.
Under such circumstances, someone with a completely clean slate might have stood a chance. But Bai Youlan wasn't without her own past issues. So even if investors signed contracts with her, if Xu Qingqing's PR team swung into action afterward, the film and brand investors would likely suffer heavy losses.
Xu Qingqing had both money and resources, backed by a major domestic conglomerate. Investors were unwilling to risk losses and offend her. After all, there were plenty of beautiful actresses; why take such a huge risk for one Bai Youlan? Even Xu Changshan's influence wasn't as effective anymore.
For various reasons, Bai Youlan recently couldn't even find a way out and could only lie low at home.
It was at this time that Xu Qingqing suddenly fell ill. Bai Youlan then suggested an idea, hoping he could help, using his identity as Xu Qingqing's cousin, to hint to those investors that there was no real discord between her and Xu Qingqing, that it was all a misunderstanding.
He was Xu Qingqing's cousin, and Xu Changshan was her father. Their combined words would carry more credibility.
This method wouldn't harm Xu Qingqing's interests and could solve Youlan's current predicament. He only needed to make a connection and say a few words. Why not do it?
So, after some hesitation, Lin Donghan ultimately decided to help. After all, even if Bai Youlan wasn't his sweetheart, she was still an artist signed under his company. He had a responsibility toward her.
Lin Donghan believed his actions were justified. He never expected that Xu Qingqing's first order of business after recovering would be to settle scores.
Not only did she not stop the Xu family elders from making inappropriate remarks on such an occasion, but she also publicly proclaimed their falling-out, leading to him being ridiculed throughout their social circle recently, which infuriated Lin Donghan.
Lin Donghan didn't think his previous actions were excessive, but the situation was urgent. He needed to resolve this matter quickly and minimize the impact.
If this incident affected the latest joint listing project between the Xu and Lin families, Lin Donghan couldn't help but feel a heavy dread thinking of the worst-case scenario.
Actually, this was Lin Donghan projecting his own thoughts. Xu Qingqing's aunt would naturally handle business matters separately. Xu Qingqing, for her part, wasn't so unreasonable as to demand her aunt withdraw investment over this. That would cause losses for both sides, and the staff who had worked hard on the project for months would suffer the most.
Besides, the only one who had offended Xu Qingqing was Lin Donghan. Her maternal grandparents were still quite good to her.
Of course, everyone's heart leans somewhat. Compared to Lin Donghan, her grandparents and uncle naturally cared more about their own grandson and son. But that didn't mean they treated Xu Qingqing poorly; during holidays, the Lin family elders were always prompt in sending her red envelopes and dividends.
Because of the early deaths of Xu Changshan and Lin Jiangxue, Xu Qingqing cherished every one of her relatives. Even when she first discovered Lin Donghan's betrayal, she had left him some final leeway and face. It was only because Lin Donghan remained stubbornly unrepentant that she completely cut ties with him.
However, Lin Donghan was unaware of Xu Qingqing's thoughts. Because of her, his company wasn't doing well either. His cousins, having somehow learned of the matter, had reported it to his grandfather. Lin Donghan also had to deal with the fallout within his own large family, keeping him extremely busy.
Overwhelmed and at his wit's end, he soon had no time to bother Xu Qingqing anymore.
Xu Qingqing was also happy to be left in peace, completely forgetting about this person.
Xu Qingqing had taken a month's leave due to serious illness. The fact that the Xu family sought doctors everywhere and even superstitiously consulted masters wasn't a secret in their circle. Her close friends all knew about her illness.
Zhou Chenyu was among the first to visit her, and Le Jiaojiao came several times too.
Standing by Xu Qingqing's bedside, Le Jiaojiao said in a sugary voice, "You have no idea how scary you looked when you were sick. I was afraid if I didn't come see you, you'd just die. How boring it would be without you."
There'd be no one to argue with anymore, so boring.
Xu Qingqing rolled her eyes and pointed at the door. "Get out." She was afraid she wouldn't die from the illness but from anger caused by Le Jiaojiao.
Hearing her curse, Le Jiaojiao wasn't angry at all, covering her mouth with a giggle.
Zhou Chenyu stood nearby, watching their antics, and sighed helplessly, looking up at the sky. They had been like this since childhood. If Le Jiaojiao hadn't insisted on coming, he really wouldn't have wanted them in the same room.
With one hand in his pocket, Zhou Chenyu finally handed an invitation to Xu Qingqing to distract them. "That movie you said you wanted to see before, still interested?"
Xu Qingqing took it absentmindedly, asking casually, "What's this?"
When she saw the words on the invitation, she jumped up from the bed, overjoyed. "An internal screening?! Ahhh! How did you get this?!"
She was about to die of excitement!
Her favorite director was making a comeback after several years, and the lead actors were the usual golden partnership. She had dreamed of attending the premiere, but such movie premieres only invited professionals and critics. Being overseas with no connections, she thought she wouldn't even have a chance at the premiere, let alone an internal screening.
The film had just finished shooting not long ago, and there was still quite a while before its public release. Xu Qingqing had complained about this for ages, and Zhou Chenyu must have remembered it from that time.
Who knows how he got his hands on an invitation to the internal screening. She never knew her childhood friend had such connections; if she had, she would have asked him sooner.
Xu Qingqing hugged the invitation happily, so excited she wished she could fly over immediately to attend the screening.
Hearing her joyful words, Zhou Chenyu glanced at Le Jiaojiao beside him. She widened her eyes, threatening him with her gaze.
Zhou Chenyu shrugged, rubbed his nose, and lied to Xu Qingqing, "A relative of mine, you know, one of those selfless good Samaritans. My family has some connections abroad, and they just happened to come in handy."
Clutching the coveted insider invitation to the movie screening, Xu Qingqing thought Zhou Chenyu was simply the best. "Your relative is so nice! Thank her for me. She's truly the best person in the world, even better than Xie Lianqing!"
Xu Qingqing showered praise without holding back, her wish fulfilled, making her incredibly happy. She knew Zhou Chenyu's family had connections abroad too, like his aunt. Le Jiaojiao's family, for instance, had quite a solid foundation overseas.
Due to her high-pitched, cutesy voice and her uniquely clingy, attention-seeking style, Le Jiaojiao wasn't very popular at school. Moreover, because she readily accepted gifts from suitors—whether they cost thousands or tens of thousands—many people gossiped behind her back, calling her a gold-digger and speculating about her family background.
Only Xu Qingqing, who had been Le Jiaojiao's rival since childhood, knew the truth: Le Jiaojiao was from the Upper East Side, living in a Manhattan mansion. She had just spent her childhood in China with her grandparents until her teens, then was taken abroad by her parents, only returning for university to enjoy life.
According to her, she came back because the grilled cold noodles tasted more authentic here.
Thinking of this, Xu Qingqing couldn't help but glare at Le Jiaojiao, deliberately saying with sarcasm, "Hmph, Zhou Chenyu, your relative is really so good. Unlike some people, who never think of me when there's such good news, only know how to argue with me, and even call me an idiot."
She carefully put away her invitation and stuck her tongue out at Le Jiaojiao on purpose. "Nyah nyah, hmph!"
"You—!" Le Jiaojiao was so angry at this ungrateful woman she almost choked.
Stamping her foot in fury, she shouted, "Xu Qingqing, you really are a huge idiot!"
Zhou Chenyu tsked twice, really not wanting to get involved in these two women's childish feud. But seeing them about to start arguing again, he took a deep breath and quickly tried to mediate. "Xu Qingqing, how have you been feeling lately? Still having nightmares when you sleep?"
Only then did Le Jiaojiao remember that Xu Qingqing was still recovering from her illness. Her face was pale and translucent, her body thin and frail, her once well-fitting pajamas now looking a bit loose.
Le Jiaojiao immediately turned her head away, sulking silently. She was afraid if she raised her voice even a little, she might really make the other girl faint from anger.
Xu Qingqing, being carefree, instantly forgot they were in the middle of a fight. Hearing the question, she said happily, "Much better. I feel really great now!" She had already started thinking about what to wear to the movie screening.
Le Jiaojiao deliberately said in her cutesy voice, "I'm so jealous of you, getting to go to New York for the premiere." She actually wanted to go too, but unfortunately, she wasn't sick, so she could only reluctantly give up the idea, casting an envious and jealous look at Xu Qingqing.
Xu Qingqing nodded, "Yeah, yeah." She was so happy now she didn't even bother bickering with Le Jiaojiao.
Still riding the wave of excitement, Xu Qingqing suddenly came to her senses. "But I still have classes."
Le Jiaojiao rolled her eyes, green with envy. "You're already on leave anyway. Just have your family ask for more time off."
The Xu family doted on Xu Qingqing immensely. When she fell ill, they immediately requested over a month's leave for her. After she recovered, if she didn't feel like going back to class, they let her rest and have fun at home.
Everyone had been badly frightened by Xu Qingqing's illness. She spent a week in the hospital, lost several pounds, and looked very unwell. Even Grandpa Xu, who cared most about Xu Qingqing's studies, stopped mentioning schoolwork entirely.
In the eyes of the Xu family, nothing was more important than Xu Qingqing. If the child didn't like studying, so be it; her health and happiness were paramount. If the sky fell, the adults would be there to hold it up anyway.
Xu Qingqing thought about her remaining leave and realized she actually did still have quite some time.
It's just that she was supposed to return to school after recovering. If she went out to play now, combined with her sick leave, it might affect her studies...
Xu Qingqing hypocritically wrestled with the dilemma for two seconds, then immediately decided she was going out to have fun.
Was there really such a good thing in the world as not having to go to class? Fantastic!
The academically challenged Xu Qingqing was instantly sold. She enthusiastically decided to go watch the screening and have some fun on the side. Coincidentally, her grandmother had bought a horse ranch abroad that she hadn't visited yet—this was the perfect chance to go horseback riding.
Xu Qingqing felt she had suffered tremendously this past month. Now that she was getting better, of course she deserved to go on a vacation and have some fun.
When Xu Qingqing suggested going out to play after her recovery, the Xu family wholeheartedly supported it, fully backing their granddaughter's idea to go relax. In their view, Xu Qingqing had safely overcome a trial, so she deserved a proper celebration to wash away any lingering bad luck.
Studies weren't a big deal. Even the doctor said Xu Qingqing was still physically weak. They had even considered having her take a year off from school to properly recuperate.
Xie Lianqing, however, wanted to object. He believed the Xu family was simply overjoyed about Xu Qingqing's recovery and was now indulging her without any limits.
Xu Qingqing's body wasn't fully recovered yet, and given her personality, how could the Xu family be so careless as to let her go out alone to play?
Xie Lianqing held a dissenting opinion. He wanted Xu Qingqing to wait a while longer, until he could wrap up some work and accompany her on the trip himself. Missing the internal screening wasn't a big deal; there would still be the premiere and the public release later. There was no urgent need to travel now.
Besides, Xu Qingqing's foreign language skills were so poor she couldn't even pass the Level 4 exam. Even if she went, she wouldn't understand the subtitles!
Xie Lianqing pleaded earnestly and had a very thorough plan. Unfortunately, in his current role as just a boyfriend, his words carried little weight, and Xu Qingqing completely ignored him.
So what if she couldn't understand the subtitles? She heard that the director, producers, and actors would be attending the internal screening. She could meet her idol in person! She had liked that director for years.
Xu Qingqing had even drafted the caption for her social media post for when she successfully met her idol, just waiting for her dream to come true. So no one could stop her.
Xie Lianqing...
He took a deep breath. Since his opposition was ineffective, he could only lay down some ground rules with Xu Qingqing, demanding that she bring bodyguards and an assistant, and that she video call him daily to report that she was safe.
After painstakingly listing many precautions, he finally asked, "Did you remember all that?"
Xu Qingqing said, "Okay, I remembered." She nodded perfunctorily while searching for nail art designs, planning to get a new manicure before leaving and also book a facial.
What if the lead actress attended too? She couldn't be outshone in any photos!
It was clear Xie Lianqing's words had gone in one ear and out the other.
He still wanted to say something, but Xu Qingqing leaped up from the bed and rushed excitedly to the wardrobe to see what luggage she should pack.
Xie Lianqing sighed behind her, at a loss for words. He finally decided it was better to just brief the bodyguards and assistants; they were surely much more reliable than Xu Qingqing.
Although it was called a trip to unwind, Xu Qingqing's travel plans relied entirely on her boyfriend and assistant to arrange.
Xie Lianqing had prepared a full itinerary for her, carefully removing some potentially risky attractions, considering her physical condition.
Since he couldn't accompany her personally, and to take care of his troublesome girlfriend, he had even specially arranged accommodation for her.
Xie Lianqing had purchased properties while studying abroad, with assets in places like Manhattan and Beverly Hills. The neighbors were all wealthy or influential, including Wall Street tycoons and Hollywood movie stars.
Xu Qingqing looked it up online and discovered that a movie star she really liked seemed to live nearby. She immediately raised her hand, declaring she wanted to go there. She excitedly changed her travel plans, deciding to first spend a week at Xie Lianqing's luxury mansion, then go to New Zealand to see the horse farm her grandmother had newly bought.
Xu Qingqing left the matter of Bai Youlan to her assistant. Her aunt already knew about the things Lin Donghan and Xu Changshan had done behind the scenes, so it was unlikely they could pull off their old tricks again.
Xu Qingqing couldn't spend her whole life just watching Bai Youlan. She couldn't stop living her own life because of that person.
So she made the decision for this spontaneous vacation very quickly.
Right after getting off the plane and taking a nap, Xu Qingqing headed straight for the shopping center, buying things all the way—it felt great. Arriving at Xie Lianqing's mansion, she hastily dropped off her luggage and began examining today's shopping spoils, while also checking out Xie Lianqing's lavish home.
The housekeeper led her to the room and then told her that the other door led to the mistress's walk-in closet, which contained the latest season's arrivals and some ordinary jewelry.
Further inside was the jewelry room and the safe. Because the jewelry inside was quite valuable, it had a separate password. If Xu Qingqing wished to visit or use it, he could take her there.
Mistress.
Xu Qingqing's internal alarm immediately went off. Could Xie Lianqing be hiding a mistress behind her back? How dare he!
Xu Qingqing stormed over, but soon realized she might have been overthinking. It was obvious at a glance that no one had lived in this room; all the gowns and clothes in the walk-in closet were still sealed. She took one out to look and found they were all in her size.
She thought so! With a girlfriend as wonderful as her, how could Xie Lianqing possibly cheat?
The jewelry room was extremely luxurious. Looking at the sparkling gemstone jewelry behind the glass, Xu Qingqing felt very tempted, eager to try them on.
Seeing her interest, the housekeeper considerately asked if she would like to try them on.
After all, over all these years, the master had only given the key to this room to this one guest.
Xu Qingqing was very tempted and agreed without hesitation.
The housekeeper had said these were rooms Xie Lianqing prepared for the mistress. She was Xie Lianqing's girlfriend now, which roughly made her half a mistress, right?
Xu Qingqing had a great time, taking all sorts of photos.
She felt she loved every single piece. Unfortunately, her family also had a jewelry brand, so she knew these diamonds were likely from auctions, probably costing tens of millions based on their quality.
Although she could be demanding, she knew it was possible to ask Xie Lianqing for one or two pieces, but asking for all of them was unlikely.
Ah, she wondered who would get to enjoy all these things in the future.
With so many beautiful jewels, she was starting to feel a little reluctant to break up with Xie Lianqing.
Xu Qingqing felt a tiny twinge of jealousy in her heart for Xie Lianqing's future wife. That person would get to own such a large princess bed, so many new diamonds, and timeless fashionable gowns season after season...
Xu Qingqing thought about it and silently shook her head.
Forget it, the temptation was too great. If she kept thinking about it, she was afraid she might not be able to resist marrying Xie Lianqing.
Knowing that her time with these beautiful jewels and gorgeous clothes was only brief, that she couldn't own them forever, Xu Qingqing cherished it. She took photos here and there by herself, saving them on her phone, deciding to look at them whenever she wanted in the future.
Hmm, that way it would be like she had owned them too.
Xu Qingqing had a great time. After enjoying the fine clothes and jewelry, she even put on a bikini and went to the beach in the backyard to surf for a while.
It was said this area was Xie Lianqing's family's private coastline, with security specifically monitoring to prevent tourists from sneaking in. So compared to other overcrowded beaches, there were hardly any people here, and the shore was very clean.
Xu Qingqing guessed the price of this villa estate was probably in the hundreds of millions of US dollars.
Indeed, this was the world of the rich.
Xu Qingqing took a sip of juice, feeling a bit sour. Although she was usually considered a little rich girl, compared to Xie Lianqing, she seemed like a poor little thing.
It wasn't that Xu Qingqing couldn't afford to buy here, but purchasing property here required not only connections but also enough money. The subsequent maintenance and employment costs after buying were a huge expense. Since Xu Qingqing didn't live here permanently, there was no need to spend that money.
At most, she could just mooch off Xie Lianqing's place in the future.
Xu Qingqing suddenly became curious. "Xie Lianqing has been back in the country for over half a year. Why doesn't he rent this house out?"
In places like Beverly Hills, this situation was quite normal. If the owner had to leave or move to a new home, renting or selling the property was very common.
After all, leaving a house empty meant daily expenses for hiring gardeners and security.
The housekeeper smiled and said, "There have been inquiries about leasing, but the master did not agree. It's said it's because the future mistress would not want her room to have been lived in by others."
Xu Qingqing thought Xie Lianqing was quite far-sighted. She nodded in praise, "Yeah, who would want others living in their room?"
Besides, the Xie family wasn't short of that little money. This was just one of Xie Lianqing's properties; he still had many islands and apartments, and Xu Qingqing guessed he probably wouldn't rent any of them out either.
Xu Qingqing suddenly felt she was worrying too much. She, a poor person who just honestly collected dividends, should stop fussing over Xie Lianqing's affairs.
So she continued happily going out shopping. During this process, she also met several neighbors nearby and followed a bunch of celebrities on social media.
After a day of fun, Xu Qingqing was completely exhilarated and forgot all about the promise she had made to Xie Lianqing.
City A, in the study.
Xie Lianqing stared at his phone. Only when the moon rose above the treetops did he have to reluctantly believe that Xu Qingqing, that heartless girl, had truly forgotten about him!
He had been a bit angry at first that Xu Qingqing wouldn't listen to his advice and insisted on traveling alone, so after she left, he maintained a high-and-mighty stance and didn't contact her.
He restrained his impatience, working while waiting for her to call him first. But as it approached bedtime, Xu Qingqing still hadn't sent him a single message.
Xie Lianqing finally couldn't hold back and took the initiative to call her, asking, "What are you doing?"
Xu Qingqing was having too much fun. It wasn't until Xie Lianqing's phone call flashed on and off several times that she finally answered. Sitting on the bed, she said with a giggle, "What's up?"
Xie Lianqing had to remind her, "Have you forgotten something?" Like the things he had reminded her about before she left.
Xu Qingqing thought for a moment, then shook her head and said, "No, I haven't." She had completely forgotten what she had promised earlier.
Although Xie Lianqing was well aware of Xu Qingqing's carefree and forgetful nature, he still couldn't help but feel the urge to frown at this moment. He tapped his fingers on the desk, trying hard to suppress a sigh.
He had been worried about Xu Qingqing all day, never expecting that she would even forget to let him know she arrived safely. She probably got carried away having fun the moment she got off the plane. Meanwhile, he had not only been concerned about her well-being but also diligently working, thinking about finishing his tasks early to go accompany her. Yet, it turned out she hadn't kept him in mind at all.
Xu Qingqing was completely unaware that her boyfriend was upset, still wearing her cheerful, grinning expression. After seeing a familiar face (on the screen), she excitedly began sharing with him all about what she had done that day, how much fun she had, and her anticipation for the private screening she was going to attend tomorrow.
She chattered on and on for a long time, leaving Xie Lianqing feeling utterly helpless, both annoyed and amused, thinking to himself how he could possibly stay angry with such a silly, dramatic girl.
After a while, Xu Qingqing suddenly remembered something. She bent down and rummaged through a large pile of shopping bags. She pulled out a box and waved it in front of the screen, beaming as she said, "Oh right, I almost forgot to show you this!"
She swayed her shoulders as she opened the box and said happily, "It's cufflinks! When I was shopping, the moment I saw them, I thought they'd be perfect for you."
The frustration in Xie Lianqing's heart vanished instantly, replaced by an overwhelming tenderness.
His gaze softened, and he asked gently, "You bought them for me?"
Xu Qingqing nodded and said, "Of course! Oh, and I also bought you a tie."
After saying this on her own, she ignored Xie Lianqing again, bending back down to rummage through the pile of things behind her. After quite a while, she finally found a bag.
Xu Qingqing pulled out a red tie and held it up for Xie Lianqing on the screen, saying, "Nice, right? I bought this for you too. I picked it out specially."
She stood up, barefoot on the white plush rug, wearing a red spaghetti-strap maxi dress.
Xu Qingqing lifted the hem of her skirt, twirling around, and said happily, "The color of this tie matches me perfectly. Next time we can wear them together. Wait until I come back, I'll put it on you myself."
Xie Lianqing's eyes were filled with a smile, his gaze fixed solely on the figure of the girl in the red dress. His voice was soft as he said, "Thank you."
Xu Qingqing didn't notice the change in Xie Lianqing's expression at all. Still pleased with herself, she tentatively added, "I tried on some things from the walk-in closet today."
Xie Lianqing's gaze remained gentle. "Did you like them?"
Xu Qingqing immediately nodded. "I liked them a lot!"
Xie Lianqing was amused by her happy expression. He lowered his eyes and chuckled for a moment, then looked up and said casually, "They'll all be yours from now on."
