AAMIBBSBY 2
by starlightxelAs the sky grew dark, Xia Zhi rested his chin on his hand, and his attention was drawn by a well-dressed man in the distance.
The tailored, well-fitting suit coat was made of expensive fabric. Even the cuffs were finely crafted—it was Brand B’s1In Chinese web novels, it’s very common to use a single capital letter to substitute for a real-world luxury brand to avoid trademark issues. new arrival of the season.
Xia Zhi guessed he was a big shot.
Based on the principle of doing business, he called out softly, “Sir, do you need a ride?”
The pitiful and innocent voice echoed again in the bleak cold wind. Xia Zhi’s nose was frozen red, and his body trembled cooperatively, looking like a minor doing hard physical labor, struggling at the poverty line for food and clothing.
No one would refuse such a person, he guessed with certainty.
The assistant looked over. This kid actually looked quite pitiful, but unfortunately, he found the wrong person. Given their boss’s status, how could he possibly ride this kind of cart?
At first glance, it looked like a passenger tricycle from old society Shanghai.
Shen Shixiao’s footsteps paused, and a trace of slight surprise flashed past his eyes when looking at Xia Zhi, before being covered by a deep and dim gaze.
His slender fingers clenched slightly into a fist.
Xia Zhi pondered, The big shot doesn’t seem to look very happy?
Shouldn’t he agree immediately upon seeing how innocent he looked? His eyes wandered, thinking about which step he went wrong. “The roads are slippery in the snowy weather, so it’s more convenient to take a cart. I’m about to finish work soon. Usually it’s 30 yuan a ride, but today I’ll just charge you 20 yuan.”
Shen Shixiao’s gaze shifted away and fell on the sign in front of the cart.
“Welcome, 20 yuan per ride.”
Xia Zhi’s body stiffened. He jumped off the cart and said plausibly, blocking the sign, “Honestly, the price went up but they didn’t even change the price list.”
“Heh.”
The assistant seemed to have heard Shen Shixiao’s laughter.
His tall and broad figure slowly walked toward the tricycle, and Shen Shixiao pursed his thin lips. “Can you carry me?”
Xia Zhi: “Yeah, I’m very strong.”
Shen Shixiao quietly watched Xia Zhi.
His eyebrows and eyes were slightly sharp, especially when he wasn’t speaking. His aura carried an indescribable oppressiveness and aloofness.
“Then you can carry me.”
Shen Shixiao gave a faint sweeping glance at the seat and got on to sit properly.
After making sure Shen Shixiao was sitting securely, Xia Zhi’s eyes curved. “Driving now!”
The tricycle’s speed in the snow was neither fast nor slow, and the wheels crushed the accumulated snow on the road, making a rough “crunching, crunching” sound.
Xia Zhi understood the responsibilities of the service industry; leaving a good impression on people is a must.
Ahem, actually it’s because tips are very fragrant2Internet slang. Describing something as “香” (fragrant/delicious) means it is highly desirable, tempting, or satisfying., sigh.
While pedaling the tricycle, he asked with a flushed face, “Sir, you are very handsome, just like a celebrity, but I know you definitely aren’t one.”
“Hmm.” The answer from behind was very brief.
It was Xia Zhi’s first time encountering such a quiet customer, so he continued to make small talk, “Do you know why I guessed that?”
“Because I have a good temperament.”
“How did you know my answer?” Xia Zhi nodded seriously. This person was probably a big boss, whose ears were used to hearing this kind of rainbow fart3A very popular internet slang term originally from fan culture. It refers to over-the-top, highly exaggerated flattery or compliments on a daily basis.
“It’s because someone once said this about me.” When saying this, Shen Shixiao stared intently at Xia Zhi’s thin back, “But he is a little liar.”
Xia Zhi: “He didn’t lie to you—your temperament really is very good.”
Although he knew the other party wasn’t talking about the same thing as he was, Shen Shixiao did not argue, just leaning quietly against the cart seat, with no other emotions in his eyes.
“I keep feeling like I’ve seen you somewhere before?” Xia Zhi pedaled hard, unknowingly getting a few beads of sweat on the tip of his nose. “However, I can’t remember.”
Hearing this, Shen Shixiao’s fingertips curled slightly.
“Sir, we’ve arrived.”
Xia Zhi parked the cart steadily and stood straight in front of it. His pitch-black eyes contained a smile, carrying a little bit of anticipation.
The light snow in the air fell gracefully onto Xia Zhi’s pitch-black hair; under the alternating black and white, his fair skin was like spotless white jade.
Shen Shixiao’s gaze lingered for a moment, then he took out a hundred-yuan bill and handed it to Xia Zhi.
Xia Zhi buried his face in his scarf and took out his wallet, getting ready to give change. Although he was in the service industry, he also had his principles. If the customer didn’t offer a tip on their own, he wouldn’t actively ask for it.
His heart ached for the tip!
All these little movements were taken in by Shen Shixiao, who replied in a low voice, “Keep the change.”
“How could I possibly accept.” Even though he said that, Xia Zhi still followed his heart and tucked the money into his wallet, sweetly adding at the end, “Boss, please remember my cart. You can look for me again next time.”
Shen Shixiao didn’t answer; he nodded and turned to leave.
Looking at that tall figure from the back, an indescribable feeling rose in Xia Zhi’s heart.
He was inexplicably familiar with this person.
Where exactly had he seen him before?
At this moment, the director and producer of the crew rushed out bustlingly to welcome that person, their expressions cautious and flattering, including Xia Mingxuan.
When Brother Li returned, Xia Zhi handed the entire hundred yuan over to him. “Buy something good for the kids to eat.”
Brother Li became anxious. “Why so much? Let me give you some back.”
“No need.” Xia Zhi smiled slyly, pointing at his bulging wallet. “I made a good sum at the set today.”
Brother Li smiled and said, “You’re really something.”
Walking along the dark path, Xia Zhi held a flashlight, stepping on the uneven cobblestone road. If he hadn’t owed 500,000 yuan in medical bills, he wouldn’t be living here.
Remembering the 500,000 yuan, Xia Zhi got furious all over again.
Back when his mother and father, Xia Huaishan, divorced, he had no idea where Xia Huaishan’s lawyer gathered the evidence to smear and spread rumors, causing her to leave the marriage with almost nothing. Not long after the divorce, she was diagnosed with cancer. At that time, Xia Zhi was only 19 years old. After hitting a wall when begging relatives for help, he could only endure his disgust and beg Xia Huaishan.
Xia Huaishan did pay the 500,000 yuan in medical bills, but his stepmother made Xia Zhi write an IOU.
“Life is like a play, never get angry with vile characters.”4Xia Zhi is reciting a modified, comedic version of a very famous Chinese folk poem/chant called “The Song of Not Getting Angry” (莫生气), which older generations often hang on their walls to remind themselves to stay calm.
“May the vile characters go bald and lose their hair, cheating and unfilial, it’s truly satisfying.”
So satisfying! I hope all of this will come true in the future!
The chandelier in the room was tottering. After taking a quick shower, Xia Zhi tucked the red envelope under his pillow and leisurely closed his eyes.
Meanwhile, Xia Mingxuan’s nanny van5A term used in the entertainment industry for a large, comfortable van (like a Toyota Alphard) used by celebrities to rest, change clothes, and travel between sets. parked in front of the Xia residence. As soon as he entered the house, he was excitedly grabbed by his mother. “Let me tell you some good news!”
“The Shen family! They have the intention to form a marriage alliance with our family!”
In the grand and spacious living room, the excited voice of Xia Mingxuan’s mother, Qin Wanru, rang out.
“Your father just got off the phone with me. The general idea is that Shen Shixiao just returned from abroad not long ago, and because his mother is seriously ill, he is in a hurry to arrange a marriage.”
“If we can climb the social ladder and attach ourselves to their family, it will be a tremendous help to your father’s company!”
Having been married into the Xia family for so many years, Qin Wanru was always looked down upon by the wealthy ladies and socialites. They despised her for having previously just been a secretary, considering her unpresentable, and never invited her along to gatherings or afternoon teas.
If Xia Mingxuan could marry into the Shen family, she would definitely be able to hold her head high in front of those people in the future.
Xia Mingxuan could hardly conceal the delight on his face. Holding a teacup, he said, “I saw him at the film and television city today. The film and television city should be the Shen family’s project.”
Shen Shixiao’s handsome side profile surfaced in his mind, and he curled his lips. “Rumor has it his dad has already handed the company over to him?”
“That’s what I’ve heard.” Qin Wanru suddenly gave a meaningful smile. “Do you think it could be that he saw our Mingxuan at the film and television city today, which is why he suddenly expressed the desire to marry into our family?”
It couldn’t be blamed on Qin Wanru for overthinking. What kind of status did the Shen family have? A wealthy family like the Xia family, with a net worth in the billions, wasn’t even worthy of stepping over their threshold.
The Shen family’s net worth started at a hundred billion.
Xia Mingxuan raised his eyebrows slightly. “It’s not certain, so don’t speak nonsense.” Even though he said that, he still hurriedly searched Shen Shixiao’s name on his phone. While surprised inwardly, he grew increasingly expectant.
The Shen family was indeed worthy of being a century-old wealthy family. Its affiliated industries spread all over the country, and there were even subsidiaries in various European countries.
Only a person like Shen Shixiao could be worthy of him.
If he could form a marriage alliance with Shen Shixiao in the future, wouldn’t he be able to summon the wind and rain at will6A common idiom describing someone who has immense power, influence, and resources to get absolutely anything they desire.?
Just as the two were discussing this matter, Xia Huaishan returned home and informed them of the details regarding the arranged marriage.7Marriage alliance slash arranged marriage are just the same thing. However, the marriage alliance highlights more of the business thing. I’m switching the translation between the two to avoid repetition.
It turned out that tonight, when Xia Huaishan was attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a real estate company, he bumped into Shen Shixiao, who was surrounded by people like stars orbiting the moon.
He originally thought he wouldn’t even have the chance to speak to such a figure. Who would have expected that at the banquet table, after Shen Shixiao’s joking remark about currently going on blind dates was chimed in on by Xia Huaishan, the other party actually indicated that they could meet up.
When the banquet dispersed, Shen Shixiao’s assistant had hinted that the Xia family’s coastal scenic area land was very important to the Shen Group, which was also the reason Shen Shixiao was willing to do him this favor.
After hearing Xia Huaishan’s words, Qin Wanru’s face lit up with joy. “Hasn’t our family struck it incredibly lucky?”
Holding his hot tea, Xia Huaishan said with a tone of leisurely smugness, “It should be.”
Before the Xia family could be smug for long, the next day, Qin Wanru received a phone call from Xia Huaishan’s younger sister.
On the phone, she said that this person, Shen Shixiao, had a violent and cruel personality, had tendencies for domestic violence, had lovers everywhere, and was always waiting for the bai yueguang in his heart to return. Furthermore, he suffered from a strange condition—narcolepsy.
After listening, Qin Wanru and Xia Huaishan were half-believing and half-doubting. They hurriedly employed a private detective to investigate Shen Shixiao’s background, and when they got the results a few days later, they were completely dumbfounded.
It was all true.
Qin Wanru, whose heart ached for her son, cried, made a fuss, and threatened to hang herself, refusing to let Xia Mingxuan marry Shen Shixiao. Xia Huaishan smoked his cigarette and irritably said, “Enough, Shen Shixiao might not even take a liking to our family. Isn’t Xia Zhi also my son? Let him go for the marriage alliance.”
Qin Wanru pursed her lips and wiped her tears clean.
…
Early morning, Xia Zhi received a call from Xia Huaishan, the general idea being that there was an urgent matter to discuss with him regarding his mother.
Xia Zhi didn’t know what kind of medicine this old bastard was selling in his gourd8A common Chinese idiom that implies someone has hidden intentions, a secret plot, or tricks up their sleeve., but he wasn’t afraid either. Simply putting on some clothes, he took the bus to the Xia residence.
When passing by the living room, Xia Mingxuan was throwing a temper tantrum; seeing Xia Zhi come in, he glared at him with contempt and resentment.
Qin Wanru naturally didn’t give Xia Zhi a good look, only focusing on continuously comforting her son.
“Don’t worry, even if Shen Shixiao really takes a liking to Xia Zhi, he won’t cherish him. Him marrying into the Shen family, isn’t it still for the benefit of our family? He’s just a sacrificial lamb.”
“Yeah.”
In the study.
“An arranged marriage?”
“Yes, with the wealthy Shen family.”
Holding a cigarette between his fingers, Xia Huaishan, who was over fifty, suddenly had noticeably worsening hair loss.
“Why not let Xia Mingxuan go for such a good thing?”
“Mingxuan is still young.”
Xia Mingxuan was only two years younger than him.
Young, my ass.
A wealthy, overbearing CEO9I will use CEO when it emphasizes his wealth and such, but will use President when it’s more formal or dialogue scene. with money, looks, and status—Qin Wanru and her son would have to be crazy to give this opportunity to him.
Perhaps this overbearing CEO had some weird kinks, was disabled, impotent, or tyrannical nature…
By then, he would just be a little white rabbit, being roasted over a fire!
Seeing Xia Zhi’s reluctance, Xia Huaishan revealed his final trump card. “If you agree to go and meet Shen Shixiao, I’ll tear up the IOU.”
Xia Zhi raised an eyebrow in surprise, then left in a brisk, bustling manner. Before leaving, he just threw down one sentence: “You should have said so earlier. What a waste of time. I’ll go.”
Although Xia Huaishan was a real piece of scum, the condition for meeting was a bit tempting. It was just a meeting, right? There were plenty of ways to make the other party dislike him.
A dissolute playboy, a frivolous little demon, a brainless, naive sweetheart…
He could play them all!
In the morning, Xia Zhi arrived at the Western restaurant as scheduled. After telling the waiter the private room number, the waiter politely led him into a quiet, independent private room in the restaurant’s backyard.
The smell of money was everywhere.
On the way, he had searched for the name “Shen Shixiao” online, and froze when he saw the Baidu Baike profile that popped up.
It was that man from the other day?
Shen Shixiao was using his laptop to handle official business; hearing the sound of the door, he slowly raised his eyes.
His brows and eyes carried a bit of coldness. The shirt sleeves at his wrists were slightly rolled up, revealing a section of fair, slender wrists.
They met again.
Xia Zhi subconsciously looked away, then sat opposite Shen Shixiao.
The sudden shift in temperature caused a layer of pale pink to blush Xia Zhi’s cheeks. His beautiful, slender eyelashes fluttered nervously, and his lip color appeared even redder.
Shen Shixiao: “Hello, Shen Shixiao.”
Xia Zhi: “Hello, my name is Xia Zhi.”
After introducing each other, the room fell into silence.
Shen Shixiao seemed to be handling an urgent piece of work.
Xia Zhi lifted his eyelids, taking this opportunity to quietly observe Shen Shixiao.
Just like that day at the film and television city, he was aloof and not fond of talking.
Since they were considered “old acquaintances,” the persona Xia Zhi had prepared couldn’t be brought out for the time being.
Suddenly, Shen Shixiao raised his eyes and collided with Xia Zhi’s straightforward gaze. “Sorry, there is a piece of work that is quite urgent.”
Closing his laptop, he sat up slightly straighter. “Do you understand the purpose of coming here today?”
Xia Zhi: “Yes, to discuss the matter of a marriage alliance.”
Shen Shixiao: “What do you think?”
Xia Zhi pondered. “Mr. Shen, I have some things I want to confess to you. I snore when I sleep, smack my lips when I eat, can’t walk when I see a handsome guy, have little education, and am a 180th-tier10In Chinese entertainment, celebrities are ranked by “tiers” (1st tier are A-listers, 2nd tier are B-listers, 3rd tier, etc.). Claiming to be a “180th-tier” star is a humorous exaggeration meaning he is completely unknown and at the very bottom of the barrel. minor star in the entertainment industry—the kind that will make you lose face if I go out with you.”
“Moreover, I am gluttonous and lazy, full of lies, and I am really afraid of tainting you if I am with you.”
Xia Zhi’s eyebrows curved up slightly, and because he was making petty calculations in his heart, he revealed a touch of hard-to-detect slyness.
However, all of this was taken in completely by Shen Shixiao’s eyes.
His mood was not very high.
Shen Shixiao: “I also want to confess to you, I suffer from severe narcolepsy, and could fall into a deep sleep at any time during the day.”
Xia Zhi: Fall into a deep sleep at any time? That is quite pitiful.
Shen Shixiao: “I hide my first love in my heart, and may never be able to forget him.”
Xia Zhi’s inner OS11“OS” stands for “Overlapping Sound” (or Off-Screen sound/Voice-over). In Chinese internet slang, it is used exactly like “inner monologue” or thoughts.: Therefore, I definitely cannot marry you! Breaking up destined lovers will bring heavenly wrath!
“My mother is seriously ill recently, and eagerly hopes that I can get married soon—it’s also to fulfill her wish. I just took over the company, and the relationship with the board of directors is complex; I need to get married as soon as possible to make those old guys give up. I know this marriage of interest is somewhat unfair to you, but if you agree, we can draft an agreement. The marriage term will be three years, and after the divorce, I will pay you sufficient property. Of course, during the marriage, I will comply with and respect your wishes.”
After hearing Shen Shixiao’s words, Xia Zhi was stunned for a moment, and little drums began beating in his heart.
The conditions are a bit tempting—there is a billion little bit of a desire to agree.
Sigh, truly worthless.
Shen Shixiao slowly gazed at him. “What do you think?”
Xia Zhi stared at his steak and was silent for a long time, then laughed disappointingly. “I think… we two are a match made in heaven!”
Isn’t it just playing the role of a wealthy family’s daughter-in-law? Isn’t it just a wealthy family battle, dog blood12It is an extreme internet slang for cliché, highly exaggerated, and absurdly melodramatic plotlines. 8 o’clock soap opera sitcom13It refers to the primetime slot on television traditionally reserved for soapy, overly dramatic family dramas.!
He can cooperate!
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