Chapter 8

As I reached the entrance, I suddenly remembered something, and I kicked off my slippers and ran to Xu Ningqing's bedroom door, knocking twice: "Uncle, are you awake?"

Harboring ill intentions

Chang Li looked at her as she gently ground her teeth

The woman's hands were long and fair, adorned with burgundy nail polish, which looked very beautiful. She probably applied a richly scented hand cream, as Xu Ningqing felt that her own hands also carried the fragrance after shaking hands.

She is the type of person who responds better to gentle persuasion than to force. Since you have gone so far as to suspend your card for this matter, I will certainly not act according to your wishes.

Xu Ningqing is in a bad mood upon waking up; if it were someone else in front of him at this moment, he would probably have already lost his temper

She must be living in the Mingqi Apartment, just look at the bag she is carrying, it costs several tens of thousands. She seems to be a high school student, and at this age to be carrying a Chanel bag, she definitely comes from a wealthy family

She was just about to leave when the door finally opened, and a man appeared before her, his hair somewhat disheveled, his expression blank and impatient, looking as if he was about to beat her up at any moment

Fan Hui: What does it matter to her?

Fan Hui is extremely efficient

Fang Ling was taken aback

The words may be instructive, yet his tone reveals a leniency that he himself is unaware of

He chuckled softly, then suddenly recalled the few love letters he had seen in the child's backpack yesterday. It was undeniable that Chang Li was attractive, and it was no surprise that someone liked her and pursued her

Xu Ningqing did not provide any further explanation and directly brought the child into the private room

Fang Ling cut a piece of steak and took small bites, her eyeliner slightly upturned, making her appear even more charming and captivating under the light of the private room

Xu Ningqing has grown up without ever encountering any significant misfortunes, to be honest

The girl's voice was tender and soft, with a hint of nasality, and her tone was somewhat sticky. Xu Ningqing's eyelids twitched unexpectedly, and his Adam's apple moved up and down.

In fact, the child's appearance is very pure and clean, with fair skin and delicate willow-leaf eyebrows. However, perhaps due to her studies in the arts, she tends to dress in a slightly mature manner, which does not seem out of place on her. It only reveals a charming yet restless allure.

Xu Ningqing confirmed the time with the project leader on the other side, and upon raising her eyes, she saw a young girl holding a phone and giggling foolishly

However, at this moment, Chang Li had no mind to appreciate it

The little girl lay on the bed, turned over to embrace the sleeping Bingbing beside her, and gently curled the corners of her lips upward

After laughing, he casually pinched the child's face and said, "You shouldn't say it like that."

The man's eyes were dark and heavy, his expression restrained and indifferent. He looked at her for ten seconds before barely managing to suppress his anger. He let out a gentle sigh, and his expression finally softened a bit

Xu Ningqing lightly remarked, "Do you know what kind of people come here"

Xu Ningqing pushed Chang Li into her seat and also ordered a steak and juice for her

Xu Ningqing actually betrayed her

Her artistic talent has always been commendable; although she cannot be said to have a particular fondness for it, she has learned to play the piano well enough to be presentable.

There is a 7-Eleven across from the apartment. Chang Li bought a salmon mayonnaise rice ball and a Japanese nozawana grilled salmon rice ball, and then strolled around and bought two cups of latte

... ...

The girl stood beside him, her head tilted back just enough to reach his shoulder, her brows slightly furrowed, appearing a bit ruffled. Then, she tiptoed, straining to get close to his ear.

This collaboration on the project, if achieved, will be highly beneficial for both parties and represents a step forward for the building materials industry said Fang Ling

The owner of the Western restaurant clearly recognized him and immediately approached: "Mr. Xu, when did you arrive? I didn't notice that you were also here."

He returned to the house, took a shower, changed out of his loungewear, and put on formal attire

... ...

Yesterday, she had a falling out with her mother, and Bai Yi suspended her card to prompt her to actively seek out her grandfather, to remind him of her existence as his granddaughter

Chang Li finally snapped out of her daze, looked up at the man beside her, and blinked: "Hmm."

He leaned forward, his tone lazily drawn out, and when the corners of his eyes drooped, he naturally exuded a nonchalant charm, deliberately teasing: "Hiding early romance from Uncle, huh"

The Western restaurant has just opened, and Xu Ningqing made a reservation in advance, accompanied by a servant to the private room on the second floor

Xu Ningqing glanced around the private room and asked, "Has Mr. Zhang not returned yet?"

I am so envious, sob sob sob, she is beautiful and wealthy, while I am just an ordinary high school girl

Xu Ningqing raised an eyebrow and inadvertently caught a glimpse of the group chat name—Billionaire Women’s Passionate Night Chat

In response to this, Xu Ningqing, having heard it many times, merely took a sip of wine, shifted his gaze away from her, and lowered his eyes to look at the first floor

Chang Li immediately became dissatisfied, as she was being led by Xu Ningqing towards the stairs, and she retorted, "No, why should that be? I am already 18 years old."

Xu Ningqing turned his head to look directly at her, meeting the woman's candid gaze, and stood up directly: "I apologize, I need to step out for a moment"

This is the first time she has come here to knock on Xu Ningqing's door since she moved in

Fortunately, there were a few banknotes left in the bag from an unknown time. After paying, Chang Li sat down at the long table beside her and peeled open the rice ball, taking a bite of the soft and sticky rice.

The assets of the company under Xu Chengming are now being handed over to Xu Ningqing for management, and he is considerably busier than before

Fan Hui: I have already spoken with my uncle, and he would like to see you whenever you are available. If possible, just go ahead and make the arrangements.

The girl pressed her hands against the door, leaning her ear against it, yet there was still no sound.

Chang Li couldn't help but murmur: "Why should I show it to you"

The restaurant owner watched the two people whispering to each other, feeling exhausted.

Restaurant owner: "She is a classmate of my niece, introduced to work part-time due to a lack of living expenses, just playing some tunes with the band." He said, waving to Chang Li.

Xu Ningqing frowned after listening to Chang Li's words. The child sighed beside his ear and added: "My card has been suspended"

I kindly asked if you have breakfast, yet your response is so curt

He casually swept his hair back and leaned lazily against the wall

Indeed, there are resources at home, but all her cards have been suspended. If this continues, Chang Li may have to resort to making a living by selling bags or paintings

Premium green tea

Chang Li used to have a poor concept of spending money; she would buy things simply because they looked good, without considering the price. She ended up with quite a few items that were left unused. This afternoon, she carefully calculated the money she had left and found that she only had one card containing her competition prize money that was still usable, but it had already been mostly spent, leaving her with just a few thousand.

Chang Li waited for a while at the door of his bedroom and murmured softly, "He really isn't here."

Yesterday's wine party was cut short because I went to find the little brat, and I didn't get to discuss a collaboration project that I had originally planned to talk about at the event. Xu Ningqing was drinking coffee while logging into the work account to send a message to the domestic head of Heqi Group.

I originally wanted to ask you what you would like for breakfast

Suddenly, his gaze paused slightly

Once the morning grumpiness subsided, I realized that the child was not wearing the school uniform today, but rather a small pink dress from Marni, paired with a little pink bag slung across her body, revealing her slender, straight legs, with white socks encasing her delicate ankles

Beneath that charming exterior, the man is still able to handle his work very well

Xu Ningqing said thank you softly and pulled out the chair beside her to sit down

Yet another pair of hands suddenly emerged in my mind, the hands of that child at home are exceptionally beautiful, slender and long, with neatly trimmed nails, a pale pink color resembling green onions, and often stained with dried paint from drawing that has not been washed off, yet they do not appear dirty at all

He did not say much, simply took Chang Li's shoulder and looked at the restaurant owner: "I will take her upstairs first, you can find someone else for the band."

Three walls of the private room, while the other side is hollowed out, allowing a view of the first floor and the central band

The things done in a daze are bolder than usual, but at least it is not drunkenness, so there is no loss of memory

Chang Li found it quite amusing

Meng Qingju: If I were to sell my paintings, who knows what that little wretch Li Huan would say in a sarcastic manner

Chang Li discovered that Xu Ningqing was not as indifferent and aloof as she had originally thought

He slightly furrowed his brows and discreetly wiped with a tissue

In the next moment, the man's lips curled into a smile as he affectionately leaned against the young girl, his pair of peach blossom eyes slightly raised, letting out two soft chuckles from his throat

"I will step out to take a phone call and will be back shortly," Fang Ling said

The process of discussing cooperation is proceeding in an orderly manner, and Fang Ling is not merely a decorative figure; Zhang Shuo's associates indeed possess commendable work capabilities

That girl is so beautiful! Even as a girl, I can't take my eyes off her

Chang Li hesitated for a moment; she had learned piano for a few years in her childhood, and it was Bai Yi who encouraged her to take up the instrument, probably believing that piano was something that all upper-class ladies and refined women should know how to play

Fan Hui: You can draw! Have your master help you make some connections; it will definitely sell exceptionally well!

Moments later, the person in charge from the other side, Zhang Shuo, also arrived, accompanied by a beautiful female assistant

The man smiled, a low and husky laugh escaping him, and rephrased the question: "So, are you saying that you want to buy a bag or clothes but don't have enough money?"

Previously, due to the voice message from Fan Hui that night, Chang Li had been trying to minimize her presence for a while. However, ever since Xu Ningqing went to school, it seems that their relationship has gradually become closer.

Chang Li hurried over and gently took hold of Xu Ningqing's sleeve with her small hand, saying, "Uncle, what brings you here"

Chang Li was sipping coffee while taking out her phone from her bag. Her long and beautiful fingers slid across the screen, and she handed it over, only to receive a message stating that she had already reached her annual limit and could not make the payment

As soon as he bent down, the child reacted violently and slammed the phone face down on the table.

He walked over, his long index finger reached out and nudged her pen

He spoke these words rather lightly, yet they carried a warning. Chang Li remained silent, following him upstairs, and only then did she softly say behind him: "Did you not come here as well?"

Men are much more serious when working, even the pair of automatically discharging peach blossom eyes are subdued, with a slight furrow between the brows, fingers pressing on the screen, and the profile exuding a smooth and resolute curve

Xu Ningqing pointed at the pear as usual and asked, "What is she doing here?"

Scan the code

The implication is that Chang Li will not be going anymore

Fortunately, his long-term quality education has enabled him to understand clear boundaries. He is fully integrated into the circle and lifestyle of the wealthy elite, yet he differs from the true scions of privilege.

Fang Ling immediately understood the metaphor in her words, barely maintaining a proper smile, pretending not to understand with a "Hmm?" while inwardly cursing whose child this was for being so ill-mannered

In him, there are no rules or boundaries, he indulges in freedom and is completely guided by his own nature

Fan Hui: How about this, since you have studied piano, my uncle has recently opened a Western restaurant and it seems he is still in need of a pianist. Shall I talk to him about it?

The cashier gently reiterated: "It still won't work."

The first reason is that I saw a familiar figure in the band on the first floor, and the second reason is that Fang Ling's leg climbed up to his calf and ankle, gently and ambiguously caressing it

Xu Ningqing chuckled softly, and the man's deep, magnetic voice resonated, delivering his words with a tone that was both intimate and mischievous: "Why such a strong reaction? Can't you just show your little uncle for a moment?"

She had just finished playing a piece when suddenly a shadow enveloped her, and in her peripheral vision, a pair of long legs appeared

Chang Li spoke to Fang Ling with an unreserved gaze, looking as if she were a small, frizzy beast.

Xu Ningqing bent down in cooperation and heard a child whispering in his ear: "Could you please not be so straightforward"

Ah. Chang Li released her mouth from the pen cap, and after a while, she pushed the rice ball and coffee on the table towards him, saying, "Your breakfast, just something I bought casually, I don't know if you want to eat it"

However, I have heard that General Xu is only 27 years old this year? In today's industry, that truly counts as being young and accomplished. " Fang Ling propped her chin on her hand, her fingers painted with nail polish resting by her ear.

Xu Ningqing sighed again, his voice tinged with a sleepy hoarseness: "Just buy something casually."

This also makes his appearance particularly unrestrained

Chang Li stared blankly at Fang Ling in front of her, not understanding what the situation was.

Just a moment later, she sensed that something was amiss

Fan Hui: She is nothing! She is just a defeated opponent of our Li Li

At the halfway point, Zhang Shuo got up to go to the restroom, leaving only two people in the private room

Chang Li rested her chin on her hand and replied slowly: Is there any other way

Chang Li opened her mouth slightly and let out a low "ah"

She was still immersed in the fear that she might soon have to make a living by selling her art

She slightly furrowed her brows and said, "Wait a moment." while switching to another bank card for payment

The girl is beautiful and eye-catching, and several girls in the convenience store are secretly glancing in her direction

After Chang Li sent a distress message in their "Billionaire Women’s Passionate Night Chat" group, Fan Hui and Meng Qingju engaged in a lengthy discussion, and only after chatting for a while did they offer her advice and strategies

After the cashier has finished ringing up the four items, they ask: "Cash or scan?"

Chang Li agreed.

The young girl leaned closer to him and whispered, "I still need to buy a bag, but now I only have enough money left for buns."

No response

The assistant beside Zhang Shuo slightly bowed and nodded, her smile being both appropriate and graceful. The vibrant red lipstick effortlessly accentuated her alluring charm: "Hello, General Manager Xu, I am General Manager Zhang's assistant, my name is Fang Ling."

Although it is said that this young master has a poor reputation, it should not be directed towards a young girl who has just turned 18

She leaned back with her arms crossed and Xu Ningqing turned her head to look at her, asking: "Is there anything else you would like to eat?"

He pointed and said: "Don't bite"

On Saturday, there was no one in the office, and Xu Ningqing was alone, handling the project matters to be discussed in the evening. It was only when the night deepened that she slowly pressed her fingers against her forehead and made her way down to the underground parking garage, driving to the agreed-upon Western restaurant

"What, what?" Chang Li's eyes widened, and her face instantly turned red. "It's not puppy love; it's my friend, a girl."

Xu Ningqing's gaze swept over her: "Hmm."

He is the only heir of the Xu family, with loving parents and no hidden secrets like those found in many wealthy families. People around him treat him well, whether out of genuine affection or pretense, and at the very least, they do not dare to trip him up.

The child ground his teeth again: "Biluochun."

She knocked on the door twice again: "Uncle?"

Chang Li swallowed hard and hesitated, saying: "... Do you want to have breakfast?"

Hmm?

Xu Ningqing watched the child run out with red ears and a flushed neck, unable to help but smile broadly

The man lowered his gaze and asked bluntly: "Short on money?"

The surrounding murmurs reached Chang Li's ears without missing a beat

Under normal circumstances, she might have greeted them, but now she felt a sense of guilt regarding the "wealthy" they spoke of.

This woman

Very displeased

Chang Li could not clearly explain why, but she simply did not want Xu Ningqing to know that her mother had stopped all her cards.

In fact, she is not very inclined to paint and sell her artwork for such reasons, even though her name would certainly be able to sell the paintings in the art community

One can deduce from a single strand of hair whose it is

Xu Ningqing's gaze lightly fell on the woman's hand, and he also shook it: "Hello"

Chang Li woke up the next day and recalled what had happened the night before

Today is Saturday. After a simple wash and grooming, Chang Li took out her Chanel soft wool mini flap bag from the wardrobe and, wearing her slippers, prepared to go out

Xu Ningqing stood up and shook hands with Zhang Shuo, who smiled and said, "Mr. Xu, it's a pleasure to meet you"

This dinner is not a formal contract signing meeting; Xu Ningqing and Zhang Shuo have collaborated before and are relatively casual with each other

Chang Li was quietly complaining in her heart while obediently responding, happily carrying her small bag as she stepped out the door

In the afternoon, Chang Li performed a piece in front of the owner of the Western restaurant. The requirements here are not high; it is sufficient to play according to the sheet music, which consists of some of the most common piano pieces from the grading examinations. For Chang Li, the difficulty is not great.

After Xu Ningqing woke up and walked out of the bedroom, she saw the child leaning on the table, absentmindedly chewing on a pen cap while doing homework. On the table, there was a cup of coffee and a rice ball.

Fan Hui: Hahaha, I told my uncle that it was my best friend who wanted to go, and he said that the timing is up to you, it won't affect the classes, just let him know in advance.

... ...

Chang Li: Is the requirement high? I haven't played for quite some time, so I'm not sure if I can still do it

Chang Li roughly understood why Xu Ningqing was here. She did not comprehend the business matters, so she obediently sat aside and listened to the conversation between the woman and Xu Ningqing

She hurriedly stood up, picked up her bag again, and walked towards the door, saying, "My friend needs me for something!"

Have you already left? It's so early

Tsk.

Ah. Chang Li pouted her cheeks, feeling somewhat dissatisfied with his straightforward question

It can be said that Xu Ningqing is a rare individual who has grown up surrounded by countless affections in this upper-class business circle filled with insincerity and exploitation of unspoken rules