Chapter 186: Chapter 178: Snatch You Back
Xia Xue walked along in her dress, naturally attracting quite a bit of attention. People were secretly speculating about what she was doing coming out at this moment. However, Xia Xue didn’t care about these curious looks; she just wanted to see Xiao Lin as soon as possible. Lovers in their honeymoon period always feel this way—having been busy with things previously, she didn’t feel quite so much, but after returning to the Xia Family Villa last night, the chatter around her ears was entirely bothersome.
Xia Xue looked at Xiao Lin, seeing him still in his usual attire, and couldn’t help but furrow her brows slightly, before replacing it with a smile. Even in such ordinary dress, to her, Xiao Lin was the most dazzling presence in the room. Unable to resist her feelings, she ran up and hugged Xiao Lin.
"Why are you only coming now? Aren’t you afraid I’ll really be taken away by Fatty Wang?" Xia Xue leaned happily against Xiao Lin’s chest, feeling that even if the earth were to break, Xiao Lin would protect her well.
"Even if you were taken away, I’d snatch you back!" Xiao Lin laughed lightly, clearly enjoying Xia Xue’s coquettishness.
Liu Xuan stood nearby, staring at them in disbelief as they flaunted their affection in public. Though it was almost half-past seven and completely dark outside, the courtyard of the Xia Family Villa was brightly lit, even more dazzling compared to the daytime. Various neon lights illuminated them, emphasizing their distinct contrast.
Even the street-market clothes Xiao Lin wore looked extraordinarily distinctive, seeming rather tasteful; at first glance, one might mistake it for high-end apparel.
Not only was Liu Xuan startled by Xia Xue’s actions, but even some guests who knew about Xia Xue and Fatty Wang’s engagement were frightened by Xia Xue’s move—was she really going to marry Fatty Wang? This would greatly embarrass the Wang Family. Such actions were more than just rejecting Fatty Wang; they must remember that even the Family Head was present at this banquet.
Disregarding Fatty Wang’s face was akin to disregarding the Wang Family’s, and that was not the same matter—this could cause major trouble indeed.
"Who is that young man? Does he have a death wish? Doesn’t he know Xia Xue is supposed to get engaged to Fatty Wang tonight?" some female guests wondered, clearly siding with his handsome appearance.
"What do you know? Do you realize how much birthday money that young man gave Elder Xia? Ninety-nine million nine hundred ninety-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine—a fortune! He’s definitely a young master with a big background; otherwise, he wouldn’t be so extravagant, far outdoing the Wang Family’s birthday gift!" exclaimed an acquaintance of Xiao Lin, who was evidently awed by his looks and wealth, admitting she might pursue him if she weren’t already married.
"While a fortune in birthday money is impressive and astonishing, what’s the Wang Family’s background? Its heritage? Not just a simple fortune—ten times more could be brushed aside with a word from the Wang Family! Even the Xia Family boasts assets in the billions—why worry about such trifling sums?" others immediately countered.
"Indeed, that young man has some wealth but lacks sense, provoking the Wang Family would drag the Xia Family into trouble too. I’ve heard the Xia Family isn’t running all that well lately—they agreed to unite with the Wang Family for that reason. Unexpectedly, Xia Xue fails to see the bigger picture, risking ruin for them, the Xia Family never produced such an useless granddaughter!" remarked someone holding considerable inside information.
The operation status of the Xia Family Corporation was no secret in the industry; recent years had seen the Xia Family transitioning from electronics, real estate, and apparel to the new energy sector. The investment in new energy research alone exceeded two billion, already nearing the Xia Family’s limits. Although some progress had been glimpsed, the consumed research funding was overwhelming, and given the Xia Family’s earning capacity, unable to sustain the research project.
After five years in the new energy project with nothing gained, the inner family voices grew restless, lacking funds could render their initial two-billion investment futile. The Xia Family’s current profitability struggled to bear the research funding, necessitating partnerships.
Despite five years of investing yet nothing yielding, few were willing to fund such a project, thus the Wang Family’s suggested alliance with the Xia Family—a united success would secure joint investment into their new energy research. In energy matters, the Wang Family retained advantages.
Of course, Xiao Lin’s handsome and wealthy demeanor garnered considerable support too, people arguing: "Offering a birthday gift that starts at billions, this young man’s status and background surely won’t fall short—aiding the Xia Family’s energy project should be no problem!" Most of Xiao Lin’s supporters were young women.
"Kids what do you know, it’s not merely about money in Huaxia. This is Yanjing, the Wang Family commands local authority. Should they interfere, the Xia Family’s funds won’t endure two months! Even with external investments, can they contend with the Wang Family’s dominance?"
Such remarks went unheard by Xia Xue and Xiao Lin, who only felt they’d separated for ages despite just one day apart. Their reunion filled their hearts with sweetness, unnoticed even by Liu Xuan, who jested quietly from the side: "If you two wish to flaunt affection, shouldn’t you pick a different time or place!"
"Are you jealous? How about I lend Xiao Lin to you for a few hugs?" In her current bliss, Xia Xue ignored others’ opinions, as rumors lacked any impact on her—otherwise, they wouldn’t have endured a reputation as a wanton woman for five years.
"Sure, if you don’t mind, then I surely wouldn’t mind either!" replied Liu Xuan with a lighthearted smile, tossing a flirtatious glance at Xiao Lin. An unmoved heart was impossible with men like Xiao Lin, being handsome, generous, yet never ostentatious, as his attire implied.
Xiao Lin awkwardly smiled a bit and gently flicked Xia Xue’s nose, saying, "Stop messing around!" It’s clear from this that Xia Xue and Liu Xuan have a strong sisterly bond.
"Oh my, I’m so envious and jealous!" Liu Xuan giggled, "I really can’t take it anymore, I’m leaving!" She pretended to leave, but Xia Xue cheekily pulled her back.
Xia Xue didn’t shy away from anyone; by this time, the Xia Family had already noticed her whereabouts, and some busybodies had even informed the family elders.
"Xia Xue, what are you doing?" A middle-aged man around forty-five or six approached, scolding Xia Xue, "Are you trying to drag the Xia Family into the abyss?"
"Uncle, what do you mean by that?" Xia Xue frowned. This middle-aged man was Xia Xue’s uncle, the son of Elder Xia’s third brother, and he worked as a financial supervisor at one of the Xia Family’s factories, considered one of the higher-ups.
"The Wang Family people have already arrived, and the elder wants you to go in and meet them!" Seeing Xia Xue seemed to be getting angry, Uncle Eight of the Xia Family dared not be too abrupt, but he conveyed the message nevertheless.
"I know, I’ll go in later," Xia Xue replied softly, then turned to Xiao Lin and said, "Will you accompany me inside later?"
At that moment, Xiao Lin noticed not far away, Xia Yusheng was heading to the villa hall entrance with a young man; it was Secretary Luo. Xiao Lin nodded, "Sure, no problem!"
Seeing Xia Xue’s attitude, Uncle Eight was extremely upset, feeling completely disregarded by his niece. However, in this setting, he dared not say more, leaving grudgingly to avoid Xia Xue saying something even harsher later.
Just then, Xiao Lin’s phone rang; it was a call from Wu Shuang. Xiao Lin smiled at Xia Xue and Liu Xuan, saying, "I need to take this call!"
Xia Xue nodded, not asking who was calling Xiao Lin or why he’d step aside, watching him go to take the call. Liu Xuan playfully complained, "Xia Xue, you’re too trusting with him, aren’t you? He’s so exceptional, aren’t you afraid some other woman might snatch him away? You’ll be crying before you know it!"
"If some other woman snatches him away, that just proves I’m not exceptional enough. Why would I blame him?" Xia Xue looked at Xiao Lin with affectionate eyes and sweetly smiled, "Doesn’t that prove my taste is right?"
"What’s with that thinking? So, do I have a chance then?" Liu Xuan chuckled softly, inwardly thinking that women in love do indeed have declining IQs; Xia Xue’s must be almost negative.
"If you’ve got the skills, I won’t hold it against you!" Xia Xue said confidently.
"When the time comes, you’ll be the one crying for sure!" Liu Xuan joked.
Xiao Lin stepped aside to take Wu Shuang’s call, learning that she was outside the Xia Family Villa but hadn’t rushed in. Instead, she called Xiao Lin to consult.
"Wait for my call in a bit; I’ll ring your phone once or twice as a signal for you to come in!" Xiao Lin didn’t say much more, hung up the phone, walked back to Xia Xue, and said, "Let’s go!"
In the hall, Elder Xia and the Wang and Qu Families were chatting quite harmoniously, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Suddenly, Fatty Wang’s smiling demeanor froze as he stared blankly towards the door.
"Ah Min, what are you looking at? The elder is asking you questions!" Wang Zhantian was somewhat annoyed by his son’s current behavior, finding it very disrespectful since Elder Xia had called twice, yet he was still focused on the door. However, this piqued Wang Zhantian’s curiosity, so he followed Fatty Wang’s gaze to the door and his expression immediately darkened.
At this moment, entering from the hall’s doorway was a man with two women; the man was tall, handsome, and striking, while the women were extraordinarily beautiful. One of them, wearing a bridal dress, sweetly clung to the man’s arm, her expression overwhelmingly happy. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian () and vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)