Chapter 17
Zhong Ning had no unnecessary thoughts. From the brief pleasantries exchanged, she guessed the relationship between the two families to be very friendly. It was perfectly normal for Xie Shiqing and Zhong Zinuan to know each other.
She walked downstairs and saw the butler instructing a servant to go look for them, saying it was almost dinner time.
Zhong Ning volunteered to take on the task.
She wanted to walk around a bit more and get familiar with the layout of the Zhong family estate.
Following the path she just memorized, Zhong Ning circled around to the back of the villa, openly observing the surroundings as she walked.
The sunset was gentle and beautiful, painting the estate in a golden leaf palate, glazing the emerald leaves with scattered glimmering lights.
The rich fragrance of flowers drifted with the wind. Zhong Ning took a deep breath, appreciating the scenery as her mood felt cleansed.
Rounding a bush, she saw two figures in the distance and began to walk toward them.
Just as she took a step, she saw Zhong Zinuan suddenly step forward and hug Xie Shiqing.
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Forgotten what it felt like to intertwine fingers, tried it with herself.
Realized it and suddenly felt a bit sour x
\[The earlier chapters have been revised, especially the first three. Currently, President Xie doesn’t know Zhong Ning is transmigrated. She thinks the original host is pretending.]
The group arrived at the villa entrance.
There were no bodyguards following—and Zhong Ning naturally took on the responsibility of leading the way.
She walked slightly ahead, tightened her hold on Xie Shiqing’s hand, and led her to sit on the sofa before sitting beside her.
Servants brought fresh fruits and laid them out on the table. Zhong Ning turned her head slightly, softly named each of the fruits, then asked, “Is there anything you want to eat? I’ll get it for you.”
Xie Shiqing’s voice was sweet, “No.”
The Head of the Zhong family sat on another sofa. Her demeanor was very warm, inviting Xie Shiqing to make herself comfortable.
In truth, the Zhong and Xie families had always had a strong relationship. The two had been long-term business partners. The Xie family ran an entertainment company, but also had its hands in other industries. The Zhong family owned many cinemas and shopping malls, with frequent business collaborations.
Back when the heads of the Xie family passed away, their funeral had also been organized entirely by the Head of the Zhong family, who managed everything personally.
Once, Xie Shiqing had truly believed the Head of the Zhong family was a sentimental person. Who would have thought that such a generous, tolerant, and kind elder would one day extend a hidden blade toward her?
The smile on her lips was warm and intimate. The two of them exchanged pleasantries for quite a while, leaving little room for others to join in.
Finally, after reminiscing about the past and discussing the present, with enough groundwork laid, the Zhong family Head asked the question she cared about most, “Shiqing, when do you think would be a good time for the engagement banquet? It’s all up to you.”
Xie Shiqing pretended to think for a moment, “Let’s set it for mid-August. That should give enough time to send out invitations.”
It was now mid-July, and the one month period greatly pleased the Zhong family Head—fast enough, not too late either.
People of their class rarely went back on decisions once made, marriage alliances of all.
The earlier this matter was finalized and announced, the less room there would be for changes.
Even if the two didn’t get along and wanted a divorce or decided to go their separate ways, that would be something to deal with after the marriage.
The relationship between the Zhong and Xie families was indeed strong, but a marriage alliance involved the exchange of shares. This kind of bond was a step above that of business partners.
The Head of the Zhong family smiled happily and said, “Good, good, then mid-August it is. We’ll hold it at Haiyue Restaurant.”
This was a star-rated restaurant owned by the Zhong family and often hosted large banquets. Xie Shiqing had no objections.
With the formal matter settled, the Head of the Zhong family invited her to the study to further discuss business cooperation.
Although Zhong Ning could call Zhong Zinuan “sister” without hesitation, when it came to addressing Madam Zhong as “mother,” she felt awkward. She excused herself by saying she wanted to take some clothes home and slipped away.
After going upstairs, she casually called over a servant and asked to be shown back to her room, saying she needed to pack.
The servant, unsuspecting, led her to the third-floor bedroom and then proactively entered the walk-in closet.
Zhong Ning went to the bedside table, opened it, and found a wallet and her ID card. She let out a sigh of relief, then headed into the closet to pick out some clothes.
The original host’s walk-in closet was spacious, and her clothing style was distinctive. Zhong Ning thought it resembled Harajuku fashion or something with a Hong Kong flair—pretty cool, actually.
Judging by the bluish-purple highlights in her hair, it wasn’t hard to guess this was someone with a strong personality.
Zhong Ning’s fashion taste was quite diverse, and there were few styles she didn’t like, so she accepted it well. She enthusiastically picked out some clothes she liked and intended to fold them, but the servant declined her help.
She had never worn clothes this expensive and didn’t realize that even packing them required special care. Trying to help would only make things harder.
Awkwardly stepping out of the walk-in closet, she noticed a tablet left on the bay window. She walked over, picked it up, turned it on, and glanced down casually—only to see, in the nearby glass greenhouse, Xie Shiqing and Zhong Zinuan talking together.
Lush plants were growing in competition, obscuring most of the two figures. Zhong Ning could recognize them purely by their clothes.
Zhong Ning had no extra thoughts. From the brief conversation earlier, she had already understood the relationship between the two families. It was perfectly normal for Xie Shiqing and Zhong Zinuan to know each other.
She walked downstairs and saw the butler instructing a servant to go find them, saying it was almost dinner time.
Zhong Ning volunteered to take on the task.
She wanted to walk around more and get familiar with the layout of the Zhong family estate.
Following the path she just memorized, Zhong Ning circled around to the back of the villa, openly observing the surroundings as she walked.
The sunset was gentle and beautiful, painting the estate in a golden leaf palate, glazing the emerald leaves with scattered glimmering lights.
The rich fragrance of flowers drifted with the wind. Zhong Ning took a deep breath, admiring the scenery as her mood felt completely cleansed.
Rounding a bush, she saw two figures in the distance and began to walk toward them.