From the sales center, Hao Lu’er once again expressed her gratitude to Ding Xi.
Ding Xi shrugged indifferently. That little bit of money was truly nothing to him.
Hao Lu’er said, "I know you’re not short on money, but I won’t be able to repay you anytime soon. Just lend it to me at bank interest." Before Ding Xi could refuse, she added, "If you don’t agree, I’ll go to Xiao Xue." The implication was that she wasn't unable to borrow money; seeking him out was merely to annoy Chi Ze Rui.
Ding Xi smiled helplessly, "Alright then, shall we write the IOU in my car?"
Hao Lu’er had arrived in Chi Ze Rui’s car. Now that he had driven away, she would have to take a taxi back, or go with a friend. But she had just lost face and didn’t want to be comforted by friends.
"Okay." She agreed with a smile, but her eyes held little mirth, only sadness.
Ding Xi opened the car door for her and asked, "Have you resigned from your job?"
"Mm."
Regarding the matter with Song Cheng, Hao Lu’er hadn’t even made a move yet. Her scumbag boss had already started spreading rumors about her in the group chat, using the incident with the red wine to claim she had seduced him. He was banking on Hao Lu’er having no backing and a good temper, and spewing nonsense.
Hao Lu’er directly called the police and, at the same time, played the recording from that night in the group chat, including the call where he asked her to deliver the wine. Although the scumbag had been smart enough not to use his phone and instead used the hotel’s landline, Hao Lu’er was not to be trifled with. Just in case, she had turned on a recording pen before answering the call. The day after the incident, Hao Lu’er contacted a private investigator and obtained plenty of explosive information about the scumbag. Releasing even a little of it would be enough to ruin him. She heard his wife was already divorcing him.
Ding Xi had wanted to help at the time, but found it wasn’t necessary at all. As long as the matter didn't involve Chi Ze Rui, she was decisive and capable. Truly a daughter raised by the Hao family.
"What are your plans now?" Ding Xi asked, starting the engine.
Hao Lu’er thought for a moment and shook her head, "I don’t know." Although the company had expressed a desire for her to stay, she wasn't sure if this was due to her near-seduction or her recently revealed identity as a Hao family daughter. She suspected the latter was more likely. After all, women didn't have much say in the workplace. Take this incident, for example. If she weren't a Hao family daughter, even if she could prove she was framed and the one being seduced, the company’s upper management would have prioritized its own interests. Based on the scumbag’s contributions to the company and his current position, they would have advised her to let it go, wouldn't they?
Thinking of this, Hao Lu’er suddenly smiled. "I think I’ll start my own studio, and little by little, step by step, make it big and strong."
Ding Xi raised his eyebrows with interest and asked, "Why the sudden thought of starting a studio?"
"Because…" Hao Lu’er blinked and said seriously, "My abilities are limited, but I can shield my employees from the storm. If something like this happens again, I can firmly tell my employees, you never have to fear harassment from your superiors, because I am your backing. If I can make the studio grow into a company, then I can fight for more speaking power for women. I can’t place my hopes of being heard on others; I have to become that person myself."
These past few days, she had been contemplating how this incident would have been handled if she wasn't a Hao family daughter. Several scenarios played out, none of which she liked. She was well aware that the scumbag’s downfall was partly due to her background. But many working people didn’t have such a background. What should they do when they encounter such a situation?
Ding Xi looked at Hao Lu’er with surprise. Honestly, his impression of her had only extended to her being lovestruck. He hadn't expected to underestimate her. "I support you, wholeheartedly!"
At the red light, he did something silly. Hao Lu’er was amused and gave a genuine laugh, "Don’t just talk the talk, offer some investment?"
"Investment is a small matter, but isn't your family in the jewelry business?" Ding Xi asked curiously. "Why not just go home and inherit the family business?"
Mentioning this, Hao Lu’er’s shoulders slumped. She sighed, "If I go home, I’ll be forced into an arranged marriage. I don’t want to marry someone I don’t like."
Ding Xi tapped the steering wheel. When the light turned green, he said as he drove, "Are there any standards for your family's arranged marriages? Am I, someone like me, qualified?"
Hao Lu’er immediately nodded, "Of course! My dad likes self-made entrepreneurs like you the best!"
Ding Xi was surprised, "Oh?"
Hao Lu’er explained, "In my dad's words, I'm his only daughter. It's best to find someone to marry into the family. But he’s afraid that person might not be capable and ruin the business he worked so hard to build. As for arranged marriages, they’re fine too, but he’s afraid the other party will only focus on their own company and have no interest in managing our family's jewelry. So, when it comes down to it, only a self-made entrepreneur can best meet his requirements. They are capable, have no background, and as long as they are nurtured well, Hao family jewelry will definitely flourish in the hands of his future son-in-law."
As she said this, Hao Lu’er’s expression was quite neutral. If there was any emotion, it was exasperation.
Ding Xi smiled and cut to the chase, "Uncle is a bit biased towards men, isn't he?"
Hao Lu’er gave a wry smile, "That’s right. In my dad’s eyes, sons are always better than daughters. Sons can inherit the family business, carry on the lineage, and bring his jewelry to glory. As for daughters, they’re just little cotton jackets, good for warmth, not needed, and incapable of striving in the business world. Unfortunately, he was destined to have no sons in his life!" Even though he forced her mother to have one child after another, they were all daughters. Even when he found mistresses, he only had daughters. Only when he got older did he settle down.
Ding Xi rarely saw her show such a sharp expression. In a moment of stunned silence, Hao Lu’er said faintly, "So, I want to start my own business. I want to use my strength and achievements to tell him that women are no less than men."
Ding Xi agreed, "I'll invest in you!" After a pause, he asked, "So, you went to work at G family jewelry to better understand their internal structure and workflow?"
"Uh," Hao Lu’er scratched her scalp awkwardly, "No, that thought only occurred to me recently."
Ding Xi: "?"
Hao Lu’er pursed her lips and said, "I’ve liked Chi Ze Rui since middle school. At the time, I didn’t expect anything to happen between us. Later, by chance, I confessed to him, and he agreed. From then on, my heart was tied to him; he was my entire world. It wasn't until a few days ago that I suddenly realized that even without him, my world could still be lived well. Only then did I start planning my own life. Isn't that ridiculous?" She curled her lips, a mix of relief and bitterness.
Ding Xi was silent for a moment, "If that’s the case, why not break up? Isn't it tiring?"
Hao Lu’er gave him a look that said, 'You wouldn't understand.' "Mr. Ding, you've never been in love, have you?"
"..."
"Anyone who has dated knows that in love, there's a word more terrifying than liking: unwillingness. I’m not breaking up because I’m unwilling to let so many years of effort go to waste, and I’m still foolishly hoping that one day, he might suddenly see me, and I might be able to wait for the clouds to clear and see the moon." But in reality, unwillingness only consumes oneself. For him, it wouldn't cause any loss. Even if you eventually become hysterical and repulsive because of him, he will still stand before you, shining brightly, making you look even more pathetic and detestable. Therefore, in love, cutting losses in time is what smart people do. But how many can truly achieve it? Isn't the charm of love the blind devotion like a moth to a flame?
No one knew how Xie Jin Yi persuaded Han Yan. Regardless, in the call Han Xian Yun received, Han Yan repeatedly promised to appear and absolutely not cause trouble. His serious tone was rarely heard in recent years. Perhaps it was the courage her younger brother gave her, Han Xian Yun held a grand birthday banquet. Invitations were sent to celebrities from all walks of life. On the day of the banquet, luxury cars were everywhere, and dignitaries were seen everywhere.
"You think if I smash a brick randomly, I'd kill a bunch of rich people?" Qiao Xi Xi teased, looking at the splendid scene outside the car.
"And also the powerful and famous," Wen Ting Xue added.
Qiao Xi Xi giggled and covered her mouth, "As expected of a good sister! You thought of me first for such a rare occasion."
Wen Ting Xue smiled, "To add bricks and tiles to your career."
"Then I'll go collect some material first. I won't delay your romantic moment." Qiao Xi Xi adjusted her lens, lifted her skirt, and left with professional flair.
Wen Ting Xue checked the birthday gift and, after confirming it was in order, got out of the car holding Yu Wen Li's hand. After entering the gift hall, they registered and placed the gift. The moment she turned to leave, a slightly familiar voice cut through the air.
"Long time no see, Miss Wen."
Wen Ting Xue subconsciously turned her head and was slightly stunned when she saw the person's face. "Young CEO Song?" Wasn't he abroad? How did he suddenly return?
As if seeing through her thoughts, Song Cheng Lu chuckled and explained, "It's Grandma Han's birthday, of course I had to come back." Perhaps it was the tempering abroad, but he seemed much more composed. However, Wen Ting Xue still felt he was very dangerous. Perhaps it was the lingering shadow from that time.
"Oh." Wen Ting Xue didn't want to get entangled with him further and nodded, about to leave.
A commotion erupted from ahead. Her steps paused, and her gaze instinctively shifted towards the entrance. She saw a group of young masters escorting a stunning couple. The man had sharp eyebrows and starry eyes, exuding a powerful aura. The woman was as beautiful as a peach blossom, her every move graceful and charming. It was Han Xian Yun and Xie Jin Yi. However, their flamboyant entrance seemed to be announcing something. No wonder it caused a stir. Wen Ting Xue's curiosity piqued, and her gaze slowly shifted to Song Cheng Lu's face.
"Fourth Brother, Fourth Sister-in-law." Meeting face-to-face, Song Cheng Lu greeted them with a beaming smile. He showed no trace of his previous unwillingness.
Han Xian Yun responded indifferently, and Xie Jin Yi nodded politely. As they brushed past, Song Cheng Lu’s expression remained unchanged, and Xie Jin Yi’s gaze was unwavering. Everyone thought he had let go. Only he knew. He was pretending not to care; she truly didn't.
...
More and more people arrived, and Yu Wen Li’s temples throbbed. The emotions suppressed in his chest felt like they would erupt at any second, like a volcano, uncontrollable. Yu Wen Li used a fake call as an excuse to leave. Wen Ting Xue didn't want to disturb his work and prepared to find Qiao Xi Xi. As she stepped out of the small courtyard, a group of people surrounded someone approaching from the left. Faintly, Wen Ting Xue heard someone call out, "Master Xiao." The head of the Xiao family. She had wanted to meet him many times but had always missed the opportunity. Wen Ting Xue hesitated and turned back, meeting the man’s probing gaze. And that face—Wen Ting Xue's breath hitched.