Chapter 258: Choice (1)

Mu Yuchen, Su Chen, and Zhou Zimo were not the kind of people who liked crowds. During birthdays, they would just gather around and drink together.

They were having fun when Mu Yuchen brought Xi Xiaye into the room.

Not many people were inside; there were only seven of them including Su Chen.

"We've been waiting for ages. Didn't I ask you to come earlier?" Su Chen went up to them as they came in.

Mu Yuchen halted his steps and glanced at Xi Xiaye behind him. She quickly presented the gift in her hand as she responded apologetically, "We were late because we rushed to buy some stuff. Happy birthday!"

"Since when do you do things like this? I'd be happier if you transferred a good amount into my account. But seriously, when was the last time you gave me a gift? I'm sure it's not your idea!" Su Chen accepted the gift from Xi Xiaye with a grin. "Thanks, Xiaye!"

Xi Xiaye nodded with a smile.

"Come and sit. Everyone's been waiting. Take a look at the menu and order anything you like. It's gonna be a fabulous night!"

Su Chen seemed delighted as he waved his hand to the waiter to serve them wine. Everyone then raised their glasses in unison.

They sat down after a round of toast.

"Is your wife alright? I heard about some news and looked around for a bit. Things seem complicated, but I never believed that Xiaye would do something like that," Su Chen said quietly after he sat down close to Mu Yuchen. Glancing at Xi Xiaye who was sipping her wine, he noticed that she was still her cool usual self. Two other girls went up to talk to her and she gave them a warm smile.

"It's alright. Someone's just messing with her," Mu Yuchen replied straightforwardly.

"Who exactly wants to mess with her? Matters like this aren't a joke! What the heck!?" Su Chen's eyes turned icy.

"It's going to be over soon. Just wait and see."

"Same old thing. Let me know if there's anything I can help with." Su Chen did not press on the matter. He glanced at Mu Yuchen and they had another drink again.

The men started smoking and playing cards together while the girls sang karaoke. From time to time, Xi Xiaye glanced at Mu Yuchen who was focused on the cards. After a while, her phone started ringing. It was a call from the Shen Residence.

She frowned a little before she stood up and went outside.

It was Shen Yue calling. He was mainly concerned about the same matter.

"Don't worry, Grandpa. I'm alright. Mu Yuchen said he'll take care of it, so things will be okay."

"Mmm, since things have come down to this, take better care of yourself."

"I got it, Grandpa. Rest earlier. I'll visit you soon."

...

Xi Xiaye took a deep breath after hanging up on the call. She grabbed the cold railing with one hand and held her phone tightly with the other.

Suddenly, there was the sound of footsteps behind her, and the whiff of cologne surrounded her. Before Xi Xiaye could turn around, that person's nefarious voice reached her ears. "Long time no see. Nice to see you, Ms. Xiaye!"

With a deep frown, she turned around to the voice calling out to her. It was Qi Lei!

Armed with a wicked smile on his handsome face, a light flashed through his eyes as he stared straight at Xi Xiaye.

"Vice President Qi! Nice to see you." After a while, Xi Xiaye raised her eyebrows and looked at him on alert. "I heard you've been working hard for Yueying recently. The person who asked you for help must be a big shot."

"Tsk tsk, look at your tone of voice... I did help you out after all. If you come to me, I might help you out again. I've always admired you, Ms. Xiaye."

Qi Lei put on his creepy smile and teased her, "However, I think you're even more of a big shot here., Mu Yuchen actually sent you to Yueying. I can see that he thinks highly of you."

Xi Xiaye glanced at him coldly before she went on her way.

Before Xi Xiaye could walk past him, Qi Lei's voice echoed in her ears. "But it seems that the news lately hasn't been very favorable for you, Ms. Xiaye..."

Xi Xiaye suddenly stopped and squinted suspiciously at him. "What now? Are you trying to tell me that you helped Xi Xinyi do that?"

"Of course not, Ms. Xiaye! Do I look like I'd do that?"

Qi Lei shrugged and looked at Xi Xiaye innocently, relishing in Xi Xiaye's cold and strained expression. "Xi Xinyi isn't really my type, so I don't care about her, but she did look for me several times. Do you want to know what she told me?" Qi Lei spoke seductively.

"If I want to know, would you just tell me obediently?"

Xi Xiaye just smiled wryly although she did not feel like talking to him anymore. "I know that Qikai is aiming for the South River project as well, but Glory World will fight hard for it. I'm looking forward to our next meeting. Goodbye, Vice President Qi."

"If you tell me, I might consider telling you about it. As for the South River project, Qikai is definitely getting it. I'm afraid Glory World stands no chance."

A tint of cruelty flashed in his eyes when he spoke in a determined tone and he gave Xi Xiaye a meaningful smile.

"Really?" Xi Xiaye narrowed her eyes and gazed back at him with a confident smile. "Well, we'll wait and see then."

"Is there no one else in Glory World? How could Mu Yuchen have handed such a huge project to a woman?" Qi Lei's tone was cold, his eyes darkening slightly.

Xi Xiaye was boiling mad about Qi Lei's remark, so she launched an attack back at him. "What's wrong with letting a woman handle it? Vice President Qi, you seem to be belittling women. Were you not born from your mother? Isn't your mother a woman too?"

Qi Lei's expression suddenly changed and his features hardened.

She looked away and continued on her way, her slender figure going further and further away.

Qi Lei turned around and looked at Xi Xiaye's back. An odd smile soon appeared on his face.

What a cheeky and interesting little woman!