In this world, there are countless beauties, all relying on their good looks.
However, his sister was simple and easily deceived, unable to see through Xia Qingtian’s little tricks.
But it was for the best. When Lei Xirui finally saw Xia Qingtian’s true colors, she would probably see through all these hypocritical illusions.
When doing business like the Lei family, one had to interact with people and learn to see through their true nature at a glance: profit-driven and selfish.
Xia Qingtian racked her brains to get close to Lei Xirui, wasn't it all for the things the Lei family possessed?
Many people wanted such a thing, but not everyone was fortunate enough to cooperate with the Lei family.
That Gu Yaoyang was another one; his lifelong reputation was ruined by one woman.
When Xia Qingtian eventually revealed her true colors, Lei Sanshao wouldn't mind mocking Gu Yaoyang thoroughly.
But for now, he lacked the time and energy.
After Lei Sanshao said this, Lei Xirui reluctantly withdrew her gaze and looked at Lei Sanshao, tentatively asking, “Third Brother, if it were me, do you think I could be like Sister Qingtian?”
She also wished to have her own personality, to live her own life, and no longer be a mere appendage of the Lei family.
“You? You are different from her.” Lei Sanshao frowned slightly.
His sister was a treasure of the world, priceless.
Why should she stoop to compare herself with Xia Qingtian?
Lei Xirui didn't understand Lei Sanshao's meaning, only assuming that Lei Sanshao thought her personality was weak and inferior to Xia Qingtian's spirited brilliance.
Lowering her head, Lei Xirui pursed her lips slightly, letting the car window slowly close. In her dull eyes beneath her long eyelashes, the shadow of inferiority lingered.
“How are you getting along with Tarik?” Lei Sanshao looked at Lei Xirui.
He had been interacting with Tarik for some time. This young man was around the same age as his sister, exceptionally talented in finance, smooth and experienced in handling affairs, always smiling and appearing easy to get along with. His adoptive father was a renowned scholar, and his family background was good.
Lei Sanshao felt that a young man like Tarik was worthy of his sister.
Lei Xirui was introverted and sensitive. She had been pampered by the Lei family since childhood, living in an ivory tower, unaware of the harsh realities of the outside world.
Lei Sanshao knew he couldn't take care of Lei Xirui forever. On one hand, he wanted Lei Xirui to be independent, but on the other hand, he couldn't bear to see her hurt or disappointed.
Therefore, Lei Sanshao found a compromise: he wanted to find a reliable brother-in-law.
This person had to have an excellent background, be steady and reliable, possess exceptional talent, be adept at interpersonal relationships, be successful in his career, be young and promising, and most importantly, must be someone Lei Xirui could entrust her life to, and someone that Lei Sanshao approved of.
Lei Xirui had no particular feelings for Tarik. “He’s quite good. Very gentlemanly, patient, and has a good temper, but…” she felt they were from different worlds.
“Just continue to interact,” Lei Sanshao’s gaze softened unusually. “We’ll be staying here for a while longer anyway.”
“Third Brother, I…” Lei Xirui really wanted to refuse Lei Sanshao’s matchmaking attempts, but whenever she met his eyes, Lei Xirui faltered. She opened her mouth, the words reaching her throat, but she turned them around and changed her phrasing: “Can I go play with the Xia sisters tomorrow afternoon?”
Lei Sanshao’s mouth twitched slightly when he heard Lei Xirui say this.
Why was this sister still thinking about playing, and playing with those two sisters?
“No.” Lei Sanshao refused mercilessly. “Tomorrow, I’ll have Tarik accompany you for shopping. Buy whatever you like, there’s no need to save money for me.”
“I…” Lei Xirui didn't want to go shopping, nor did she want Tarik to accompany her, but she didn't dare to say so. In the end, she could only lower her head and say, “Understood.”
Seeing Lei Xirui agree so obediently, Lei Sanshao finally breathed a sigh of relief.
He reached out as if to gently pat Lei Xirui’s head. He wanted to tell her that the Lei family’s situation was currently very precarious.
He truly wished to find a reliable person to take care of Lei Xirui.
If, if the crisis he most dreaded were to happen in the future, at least Lei Xirui would be safe.
But Lei Sanshao didn’t want to worry Lei Xirui, nor did he want her to live in anxiety and fear.
He slowly lowered his hand, turned his gaze away, and his voice reverted to its usual cold tone: “Drive.”
Meanwhile, on the other side, Xia Qingtian and the others who had returned to the manor had a lively and unforgettable evening, reveling until the middle of the night before everyone dispersed, yawning.
Finally, only Gu Yaoyang and Xia Qingtian were left, sitting side-by-side on the sofa facing the floor-to-ceiling window.
“Why did you suddenly think of throwing this party?” Xia Qingtian casually asked, fiddling with Gu Yaoyang’s long, slender fingertips.
Her gaze fell on Gu Yaoyang’s neatly trimmed and rounded fingertips.
“Uncle suggested it,” Gu Yaoyang replied. “Seeing how excited he was, I really couldn’t refuse.”
Gu Yaoyang had noticed something.
Xia Qingtian and Xia Honglang were very similar in some aspects.
When this father and daughter wanted to do something, they would look at you with the most passionate eyes, those eyes sparkling as if filled with galaxies, encompassing all the ardor in the world, making it impossible to refuse.
“This is good too. No one knows what tomorrow will bring,” Xia Qingtian said, leaning into Gu Yaoyang’s embrace. “It’s good that everyone had fun and let loose today.”
“Don’t worry,” Gu Yaoyang kissed Xia Qingtian’s forehead. “It will be alright. I promise.”
“Mm,” Xia Qingtian responded, nuzzling into Gu Yaoyang’s arms like a cat. After finally finding a comfortable position, she let out a contented purr.
Gu Yaoyang couldn’t help but smile, gazing gently out the window.
After so many attempts, so much struggle and hesitation, this was the closest he had ever been to the truth.
This time, he had to stop that terrible plan.
He would stop this absurd time game at all costs, and he would protect the person he loved.
He swore it.
Xia Qingtian yawned and closed her eyes, about to fall asleep when Gu Yaoyang woke her up.
“Hmm?” Xia Qingtian was a little tired. She squinted at Gu Yaoyang, wondering why he was waking her up.
According to the normal novel tropes and common TV drama conventions, she should now be fast asleep in Gu Yaoyang’s arms, and he might secretly kiss her lips, or do something more daring, and they would feel like the happiest people in the world.
But now?
Xia Qingtian looked at Gu Yaoyang, her tired eyes filled with confusion. The guy better have something important to say.
“You haven’t taken off your makeup yet.” Gu Yaoyang stated a fact.
“…” Xia Qingtian’s lips twitched slightly.
It was indeed an irrefutable fact.