"Are you continuing tomorrow?"
That evening, after Sheng Qianxue posted that status on social media, A-Xin came to her room to ask.
Sheng Qianxue, whose mood was already explosive, nearly went berserk. She quickly said, "Not meeting them, not meeting them. I'm never meeting them again, okay?"
Just talking about those few surnamed Jiang she'd met these days—they'd disgusted her to death. These Jiang family people were really magical—each one was bizarre, all kinds of people existed.
After Sheng Qianxue's status update, the Jiang family young men who'd had designs on her but hadn't managed to meet her yet were extremely disappointed. Incidentally, they also came to hate those few who'd angered Miss Sheng.
"Speaking of which, Jiang Yanxi is still much more capable. He directly got engaged to Miss Sheng." The woman speaking was named Jiang Yanxiu—she was the Jiang family's genuine eldest daughter. But she could only be considered one of the legitimate eldest daughters, because Jiang Chongjun had more than one wife.
Compared to the others, she was more uninhibited. Even facing these illegitimate children competing with her for the inheritance, she could be pleasant. Jiang Yanxiu was also Jiang Yanxi's biggest competitor. This time the illegitimate children united against Jiang Yanxi—she also had a hand in it.
"If this continues, everything in our Jiang family will fall into Jiang Yanxi's hands. You all don't seem very worried."
"Actually it's not so pessimistic. They're only engaged. Sheng Wenbo is still young. That Sheng Qianling clearly isn't management material. Sheng Wenbo would have to be brain-dead to hand the company to her."
Jiang Yanxiu sneered. "You think Jiang Yanxi doesn't understand this? Sheng Qianling indeed has no ability to manage the Sheng company, but she's still Sheng Wenbo's daughter. Sheng Wenbo only has two daughters. Before, he unconditionally brought this illegitimate daughter Sheng Qianling back to the villa, nearly falling out with his eldest daughter and driving away his wife. This shows he still really likes this daughter."
"The rumor I heard is that Sheng Qianxue has already formally started working at the company. Given that she's returned every vacation these years, Sheng Wenbo definitely plans to have her take over the company."
"Her taking over the company—isn't that a good thing? As long as everything has nothing to do with Sheng Qianling, it doesn't affect us much."
Jiang Yanxiu sneered coldly. "Idiot. I already said—Sheng Wenbo only has two daughters. If the eldest daughter takes over the company, he can't give nothing to the younger daughter, right? He'll have to allocate quite a few shares to Sheng Qianling, right?"
Everyone present changed expression.
They knew Sheng Qianling was an illegitimate daughter and subconsciously thought she was like the Jiang family's illegitimate children—unless they brought huge benefits to Jiang Corporation, they couldn't possibly get equity. They forgot that in the Jiang family they had countless siblings, but the Sheng family only had Sheng Qianxue and Sheng Qianling. How could Sheng Wenbo shortchange his daughter?
So Jiang Yanxi, on the engagement day, transferred half his shares to Sheng Qianling to show his sincerity and prove it to Sheng Wenbo. Seeing him care so much about Sheng Qianling, Sheng Wenbo might have a moment of passion and in the near future allocate more shares to Sheng Qianling. That would be a big profit.
"Recently I got some information. Someone is secretly buying up scattered Sheng Corporation shares." Jiang Yanxiu laughed quietly. "And Sheng Corporation's top management has also been approached by certain mysterious people. Guess who this person is? As long as he gets the scattered shares, convinces some top management, and finally gets the shares in Sheng Qianling's hands—wouldn't he have a chance to become Sheng Corporation's largest shareholder?"
"You mean this person is Jiang Yanxi? How is that possible? Where would he get the funds?"
Jiang Yanxiu lazily leaned back on the sofa, her red lips curving. "After all these years, haven't you learned your lesson? If Jiang Yanxi had no ability, would he gain Dad's favor, even have him willing to allocate shares? Speaking of this, Jiang Yanxiu's face showed difficulty. Even though she was the genuine Jiang family eldest daughter, she didn't have as many shares as Jiang Yanxi. This really embarrassed her. Her father was indeed a cold person—only profit in his eyes, completely not caring about family affection.
"So what should we do?"
These people all panicked. When Jiang Yanxi was still a young punk, they'd bullied him plenty. Also being illegitimate children, in front of small-time thug Jiang Yanxi, they could always find some confidence. If the Jiang Corporation heir became Jiang Yanxi, they'd have no good days ahead. This guy had ruthlessness in his bones—he definitely wouldn't go easy on them, only be more ruthless.
"What to do—you'll need to use your brains. I'm just reminding you. Don't think that uniting means you can really do anything to Jiang Yanxi. Dad really likes him. Otherwise how could he keep him by his side all these years?" She remembered the scene she'd seen that day, her expression darkening. Not only was Jiang Yanxi capable, but Jiang Yanxi's fox spirit mother was especially capable too. Old and faded beauty, yet she could still catch Jiang Chongjun's eye. He personally visited her door—if the other hadn't refused, it looked like he planned to openly bring her back to the villa.
"Alright, I've delivered the message. How exactly to act—you discuss among yourselves. With so many of you, you can definitely think of the best way to stop Jiang Yanxi from becoming Jiang Corporation's heir."
Jiang Yanxiu took out her compact, touched up her makeup, put the compact, powder, and lipstick back in her handbag, stood up, and glanced down at them condescendingly. "Everyone, I'll take my leave first."
She was the one who had these people unite against Jiang Yanxi, but she still disdained working with them against him. These illegitimate children were only fit to be used against Jiang Yanxi—in her hands they were just tools. She only needed to provide some information and could reap the benefits as the fisherman.
Jiang Yanxiu left the private room and walked out of the bar. As she prepared to get in her car and leave, two people walked toward her, making her dismiss the impulse to leave immediately.
"Qianxue, what a coincidence! I didn't expect to run into you here."
Sheng Qianxue was also stunned. After recognizing Jiang Yanxiu, she said, "Quite a coincidence." She glanced at the bar behind Jiang Yanxiu. "Here with friends?"
"Yes." Jiang Yanxiu nodded with a smile. Those beautiful eyes fell on A-Xin. "This is your inseparable little study companion, right?" Many people knew about this. Ye Xin, originally an ordinary girl, could actually stay by Sheng Qianxue's side the whole time. Especially given Sheng Qianxue's former temperament—many had witnessed it. They all wondered how this girl endured Sheng Qianxue's bad temper.
Seeing her today, Jiang Yanxiu's eyes brightened. This girl was really clean. Compared to many beautiful girls she'd seen, the feeling she gave was more comfortable. She stepped closer to A-Xin and said with a smile, "I'm Jiang Yanxiu. You're Ye Xin, right?"
A-Xin nodded lightly, not caring about Jiang Yanxiu's enthusiasm. Jiang Yanxiu didn't withdraw her enthusiasm. This girl really attracted her a bit. "I happen to be free today. Why don't we go have some fun together? How about it?"
When saying this, though it seemed like she was asking for Sheng Qianxue's opinion, her gaze had been on A-Xin the whole time. Sheng Qianxue wasn't stupid—she immediately saw from Jiang Yanxiu's interested eyes that the other had a special interest in A-Xin. Discovering this, she completely lost it.
She hadn't even gotten Shorty's confession yet. She'd tried finding romantic rivals and not one succeeded. Yet Shorty dared attract admirers outside and even attracted a flower.
Really, she was so angry.
Sheng Qianxue felt her lungs would explode. Gritting her teeth, she gripped A-Xin's wrist hard.
Hold it in, hold it in. At this moment, she absolutely couldn't break character. Her persona as the proud Miss Sheng couldn't collapse, especially not in front of Jiang Yanxiu. She had to endure. She could let anyone see her as a joke, but she couldn't lose face in front of Jiang Yanxiu. As expected, these Jiang family people—not a single good one, whether men or women.
"Qianxue, you should be free, right? We haven't seen each other in a long time. It's rare to get together—you'll agree, right?" Jiang Yanxiu's gaze was still on A-Xin. This girl—she really liked her a bit. Those eyes, light and clear to the bottom—just looking made her feel comfortable. If possible, she really wanted to try with such a girl.
Sheng Qianxue forced her mouth into a smile. "Indeed, it's been a long time." She looked puzzled. "I remember before I went abroad, you were engaged. You should be married now. Do you have children? It's almost 6 PM now. Don't fool around outside—your kid will miss you."
Sheng Qianxue cursed silently inside. Jiang Yanxiu was more special than her half-siblings—she liked both men and women, a complete bisexual. Jiang Yanxiu liking men and women had nothing to do with her, but she couldn't stand the way the other looked at Shorty, as if after a few more glances, Shorty would become hers.
Was that possible? Hmph, with her Sheng Qianxue here, forever impossible.
Jiang Yanxiu tucked the long hair falling by her ear back, smiling gently. "The engagement was canceled long ago."
"You just returned to the country and don't follow these things, so you naturally wouldn't know." Seeing Sheng Qianxue still wouldn't agree, Jiang Yanxiu spoke again. "Actually, I really want to get to know Ye Xin. Qianxue, you won't deny me this opportunity, right?" Such blatant expression nearly drove Sheng Qianxue crazy. She almost blurted out "Get lost."
Surnamed Jiang, really shameless—right in front of her, making moves on Shorty.
"Not free." Sheng Qianxue's face was cold. "Go play with others. We can't play together with you."
Jiang Yanxiu noticed something a bit off, especially how Sheng Qianxue kept gripping A-Xin's wrist while staring at her with hostility. She suddenly understood somewhat.
"Alright then." Jiang Yanxiu shrugged, looking rather regretful. "Seems there's no chance to get more familiar with Ye Xin."
Sheng Qianxue couldn't help rolling her eyes. Get familiar with a ghost. Jiang Yanxiu couldn't help laughing inside. She'd thought that every time she saw these two together, though the occasions were rare, she vaguely felt something was off. So this was it.
She, Jiang Yanxiu, indeed had the Jiang family tradition of being naturally promiscuous. However, she didn't do anything like stealing others' loves. Especially in matters of affection—mutual willingness was more interesting. Someone else's person—she had no interest in getting involved. This was Jiang Yanxiu's principle, though she wasn't a good person.
"Then let's meet another day." Jiang Yanxiu had already recovered her usual expression, looking charming in every way, but her gaze was no longer on A-Xin.
Sheng Qianxue felt comfortable inside. "Fine, another day then." She took back her words—among the Jiang family people, Jiang Yanxiu looked somewhat more agreeable. Though they'd had many conflicts since childhood, there was also a feeling of kindred spirits.
"Qianxue is very familiar with Jiang Yanxiu?"
Afterward, A-Xin asked.
Sheng Qianxue shook her head. "Not really. We were classmates for a year once." Remembering Jiang Yanxiu's gaze, she quickly said, "She's just a fickle woman who likes both men and women. Like Jiang family people, feelings in her hands are just for playing. Shorty, don't be deceived by her good-looking appearance."
Honestly, she was a bit scared inside. Jiang Yanxiu was indeed very attractive. Whether men or women, being with Jiang Yanxiu was voluntary. In the end when they broke up, there was no unwillingness. She didn't know how Jiang Yanxiu managed it. Partners changed one after another—she didn't even have one yet. Waiting for Shorty's confession, she was almost worried herself gray-haired.
What should she do? How could she make Shorty understand she really wanted to be confessed to, really wanted a relationship, without breaking her Miss Sheng persona?
Suddenly, she thought of someone. Her heart was somewhat unwilling, but for Shorty's sake, she decided to compromise. Secretly breaking character once didn't matter.
A-Xin noticed Sheng Qianxue's deep thought and secretly guessed what the other was troubled about. Vaguely she understood something, but that answer seemed covered by something—even she had no way to see it clearly. She could feel that to know that answer, she needed to search from Sheng Qianxue. As for how to search, she didn't know. She vaguely had a feeling—Sheng Qianxue would unveil that hazy layer and present the answer before her.
She only needed to wait for the day the answer was placed before her, without doing anything.
These past two days, Sheng Qianling felt her hair stand on end.
No other reason—Sheng Qianxue's gaze would intentionally or unintentionally fall on her. Not disgust, not hatred, but that curious look—she really couldn't accept it anymore.
It wasn't until Sheng Wenbo was about to announce Sheng Corporation's successor and would redistribute the shares under his name that Sheng Qianxue's gaze shifted somewhat.
Originally Sheng Wenbo didn't want to decide these things so early, but with the Jiang family situation escalating, he had to make decisions early so his two daughters wouldn't be implicated.
Most importantly, recently some top management had reported that someone was privately approaching them, wanting to purchase the shares they held. This phenomenon made him take notice. He could guess who this person was. He didn't have much feeling about it, only hoping this decision would make the other understand—wanting to take advantage of Sheng Corporation through Sheng Qianling was impossible.
Some Sheng Corporation shares were in Xue Xuan's hands—given to Xue Xuan by the two Sheng elders when they married that year. He'd already communicated with Xue Xuan. This time, they'd transfer the shares under his and Xue Xuan's names to Sheng Qianxue's name. Adding several executives loyal to Sheng Corporation, no matter how many shares the other acquired, there'd be no way to control Sheng Corporation.
At that time, it would just be a wasted effort.
On the day of announcing the share transfer, Sheng Wenbo went early.
"Shorty, I need to talk to Sheng Qianling about something later. I won't sit with you." Sheng Qianxue had already decided—if she didn't consult Sheng Qianling, she really might never get Shorty's confession.
Sheng Qianling's love path was really especially smooth. She just wanted to ask for the other's dating experience—how to make things flow naturally so two people naturally came together. So she chose to sit in Sheng Qianling's car, sitting right next to her.
"Qian... Qianxue, you have something to discuss?" Sheng Qianling was scared inside. That strange feeling was back.
"I just want to ask you about something."
"Qianxue, rest assured. Whatever decision Dad makes, I won't have any objections." Sheng Qianling quickly said.
Sheng Qianxue quickly stopped her. "Not that. Another matter. We'll talk slowly."
Sheng Qianling trembled inside. Talk slowly? What important matter was this? She felt somewhat uneasy.
"Actually it's like this." Sheng Qianxue hesitated for a long time, then instructed the driver, "Drive faster." She glanced at the car following behind. Though she knew Shorty couldn't see or hear, she just didn't want the other to know her current thoughts. If the other knew she was going crazy wanting her to confess, who knows how she'd be laughed at.
The driver indeed sped up, quickly leaving the car behind. Because there were many vehicles, that car couldn't catch up.
Sheng Qianxue breathed a sigh of relief and asked quietly, "I just want to ask—how did you and Jiang Yanxi date? Can you tell me?"
"This... you want to ask about this... this?" Sheng Qianling nearly fell over, her face very red. "You really want to hear?" Rarely being actively engaged in conversation, she didn't want to disappoint Sheng Qianxue. "If you really want to know, I can tell you about our experience."
She'd also heard that recently Sheng Qianxue had met several people—really hard to describe in words. She felt sympathetic.
So for the next half hour, Sheng Qianxue listened with relish to Sheng Qianling's dating story, constantly bubbling with sourness, transforming into a lemon spirit. So this was what dating was like? All because Shorty wouldn't confess to her—otherwise they'd be like this too.
"Huh, is the company location very remote?" Sheng Qianling inadvertently looked up and discovered there were no longer high-rise buildings around. She subconsciously asked this question, thinking the company was in the suburbs.
Sheng Qianxue also reacted, seeing the unfamiliar surroundings. She vaguely felt something was wrong. "Xiao Zhang, did we take the wrong road?"
"Miss Qianxue, we didn't take the wrong road. We'll arrive at the destination soon." Xiao Zhang's somewhat strange voice came through. This time, both felt something was wrong. Sheng Qianling's eyes immediately turned red with urgency, asking what he was doing. Sheng Qianxue was observing the surroundings, her hand quietly reaching into her bag.