Chapter 25: CH 25

The conference for the heir of the world’s richest man smoothly ended.

The next day, major media rushed to be the first to report the news, and photos of the scene were also posted on the front page headlines.

At 10am, Bai Zhen Zhen was lying in Xiangju Hotel’s presidential suite watching TV while using her phone. When she suddenly caught a moment where Huo Xiang’s was distorted strangely, she immediately took a picture and sent to Huo Xiang’s QQ.

[Hei Jia Jia] [Picture]

[Hei Jia Jia] Hahaha, Xiang Xiang, look at your expression, like a rich man’s foolish son!!

[The Universe’s Most Handsome Knight] ???

[The Universe’s Most Handsome Knight] Are you sick in the head??? There’s so many handsome images, but you took a picture of this?!

[Hei Jia Jia] Hahahaha, dying of laughter.

[The Universe’s Most Handsome Knight] I was still thinking about bringing you to eat the Japanese cuisine that I mentioned last time, but now… haha.

[Hei Jia Jia] Japanese food?! Is it the store you mentioned when we ate together for the first time near the hospital? Let’s go! Your wallet is so heavy now, what does a little Japanese cuisine count for!

[The Universe’s Most Handsome Knight] Tsk, you good-for-nothing. The moment I mention food, you give in.

[The Universe’s Most Handsome Knight] By the way, the divorce certificate is ready. Just nice, tomorrow is your father’s deadline. After eating, I will accompany you back with the certificate.

[Hei Jia Jia] Good! Job!

[The Universe’s Most Handsome Knight] Then why don’t you take a cooler photo and send it to me? Immediately, right now!

[Hei Jia Jia] …Oh.

Bai Zhen Zhen found a picture of Huo Xiang smiling brilliantly and naturally and sent it to him.

She couldn’t resist staring at it a few seconds longer — Even his aura was different from before after he gained his identity buff.

[Hei Jia Jia] When will we leave for dinner? (anticipating.jpg)

[The Universe’s Most Handsome Knight] I’ll drive over and pick you up now.

[Hei Jia Jia] You know how to drive? You’re an orphan yet you still got your driving license? Did you even have the money to buy a car then?

[The Universe’s Most Handsome Knight] …Sister, I earned enough to have a good life before also, ok? It’s just that I was hospitalised and lost my job then, and my savings were all spent on the bills too.

[Hei Jia Jia] So how did that saying go again? ‘When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a great man, it always first frustrates his spirit and will, exhausts his muscles and bones, exposes him to starvation and poverty, harasses him by troubles and setbacks so as to stimulate his spirit, toughen his nature and enhance his abilities.’* — The heavens really gave you a great gift!!

[The Universe’s Most Handsome Knight] Stop speaking in circles, I won’t fall for it! You’ve already annoyed me twice today. If you do it again, don’t even think about Japanese food in the future! Also, I haven’t forgotten about that three thousand dollars!!

[Hei Jia Jia] I don’t understand what you’re talking about.

[Hei Jia Jia] Waiting for you! (smirk.jpg)

****

Bai Zhen Zhen had just finished sending the message when she suddenly heard a doorbell ring.

She repeatedly confirmed that it was indeed the doorbell of her room.

Really couldn’t tell that Huo Xiang knew how to surprise people like this?!

Bai Zhen Zhen trotted over to the door and opened it, but she was extremely surprised by who it was.

— It turned out to be Song Ling!

“Zhen Zhen, sorry to disturb you. May I come in?” Song Ling asked gently.

Bai Zhen Zhen nodded.

After Song Ling sat down on the sofa, Bai Zhen Zhen poured her a glass of water and asked: “How did you know I was staying here?”

Without waiting for Song Ling to reply, she spontaneously understood.

“That’s true, CEO Ling was able to quickly find out Huo Xiang’s identity. Then, it’s not a difficult task for Ms Song to find out where I was staying.”

“Zhen Zhen, I’m sorry for coming here without contacting you in advance.” Song Ling said.

If it was someone else saying the same words, it would sound somewhat pretentious.

Bai Zhen Zhen heard Song Ling’s tone, and took in her current expression. It was completely sincere, and didn’t seem like she was deliberately saying it to be polite.

Actually, Song Ling’s personality wasn’t bad in the original novel. In the later chapters, she was also used by Bai Meng Ru to do bad deeds. Thinking about it, she also had a pitiful fate. Her appearance and temperament wouldn’t lose out to the female lead, and she was born in a wealthy family. However, just because she lacked the female lead halo, Ling Hao Chen didn’t like her.

“It’s ok,” Bai Zhen Zhen gave her a closed smile, “Is there a reason why Ms Song came over today?”

Song Ling didn’t hide it, and said directly: “Zhen Zhen, I came here today to talk about your younger sister.”

“I don’t have a younger sister,” Bai Zhen Zhen corrected her, “She’s my step-sister.”

Song Ling smiled: “Ok, I came here today regarding your step-sister, Ms Bai Meng Ru.”

Bai Zhen Zhen asked curiously: “What happened? Did she make a fuss in front of you again?”

Song Ling replied: “She participated in Bright Entertainment Company’s audition. Her performance in the first two rounds were quite good, and she has already entered the final audition. Yesterday, I saw the name list from the producer, and she was included in it. But considering the flaws in her character, I’m not willing to let the company sign her on.”

This really surprised Bai Zhen Zhen.

In the original novel, because Bai Meng Ru entered the entertainment company that Song Ling had started up, it gave her the opportunity to approach Song Ling and fan the fire by her side, instigating Song Ling to do many bad deeds.

Unexpectedly, the plot had already progressed to this point, but Song Ling had no intentions of signing Bai Meng Ru on.

“Ms Song should like her a lot, right?” Bai Zhen Zhen asked, “Bai Meng Ru knows how to please people, whether it be male or female. She can always hit the nail on the head, and she’s also very glib-tongued.”

“Before you told me about her, I did like her quite a bit.” Song Ling confessed, “But after recalling what happened that time at the Civil Affairs Bureau, and some of the things she said to me recently, I realised that it’s indeed as you said; she’s not a simple girl.”

Bai Zhen Zhen nodded: “Ms Song, it’s good that you are able to realise this. It’s said that ‘One is judged by the company one keeps’. It’s easy for problems to crop up if you’re not meticulous about who you befriend.”

Bai Zhen Zhen paused, then smiled: “Of course, this is just my personal opinion. I have never gotten along with Bai Meng Ru, so you will never hear anything good about her from me.”

“I believe in your personal character.” Song Ling said, “Then I will inform the company to eliminate her.”

Bai Zhen Zhen said: “Ms Song, you are Bright Entertainment’s boss. If you don’t wish to sign her on, you could just directly make the decision; you didn’t need to specially make the trip down here to ask for my opinion.”

“Zhen Zhen, I understand your meaning.” Song Ling smiled awkwardly, saying, “Actually, I’ve always wanted to befriend you, but I know that you’re not willing to do the same. Even so, I want to use my behavior to tell you that if ever one day you fight with her, I will unconditionally stand on your side.”

Bai Zhen Zhen’s tone was still somewhat polite, replying: “Thank you. I have received your good intentions. However, I don’t belong in the same world as Ms Song and CEO Ling. Additionally, I will be leaving soon, and won’t have any further interactions with the two of you. So I’m afraid I will have to let you down regarding the matter of being friends.”

“Why, are you going somewhere far away?” Song Ling was startled.

“Yes, I have to handle some things” Bai Zhen Zhen replied vaguely.

Song Ling knew that Bai Zhen Zhen wasn’t going to elaborate further, and didn’t ask any more.

Since she had mentioned Ling Hao Chen, Song Ling also said: “Zhen Zhen, actually I know that you are helpless regarding the matters between you and Hao Chen. I understand clearly that Hao Chen is single-sidedly pursuing you, and that his feelings for you makes you frustrated. The good thing is that you have your own place that you belong to now. Young Master Huo is a good man, I truly bless the two of you from the bottom of my heart.”

“Thank you.” Bai Zhen Zhen glanced surreptitiously at Song Ling and saw the unconcealable grief on her face. She couldn’t help but add on, “I meant every word I said that time at the Civil Affairs Bureau. Ms Song is better than me in all aspects. CEO Ling is only acting on a moment of rashness. I believe that with time, he will be able to see your good points.”

“I hope so.” Song Ling gave a subdued smile.

She blinked at Bai Zhen Zhen: “I will work hard! If possible, I’d like to invite you to drink our wedding wine!”

“Alright.” Bai Zhen Zhen nodded solemnly.

If there was really such a day, she would be more than happy to attend.

“By the way, Zhen Zhen, are you not going to announce your relationship with Young Master Huo? I noticed the media didn’t mention anything about your marriage.” Song Ling asked.

“Yes. It’s not a good time now, so I would be grateful if Ms Song could also help us keep the secret.” Bai Zhen Zhen said.

“No problem.” Song Ling agreed immediately.

She picked up her handbag from the sofa and stood up, saying: “Alright, then I won’t disturb you any further. Zhen Zhen, after you’re back, you can give me a call anytime you feel like it. If you don’t like coffee, I also like milk tea.”

Song Ling took out a business card from her bag and passed it to Bai Zhen Zhen.

Bai Zhen Zhen received the business card, smiled politely at Song Ling and escorted her out.

Just as she opened the door, Bai Zhen Zhen suddenly thought of a person, asking: “By the way, Ms Song, wasn’t your company planning to train a new batch of people? I know of someone with very good potential. He’s currently terminating his contract with his original company. If Ms Song is interested, you can take a look.”

****

Half an hour later, Huo Xiang arrived at the hotel and took Bai Zhen Zhen to the Japanese store for lunch.

Not long after they finished eating, he drove her back to the Bai family house.

On the way, Bai Zhen Zhen even asked Huo Xiang to deliberately make a detour to the Civil Affairs Bureau. They didn’t go in, but just wandered around the doors for a while.

Huo Xiang didn’t know why Bai Zhen Zhen did that for.

When they reached the Bai family house, Father Bai personally greeted them at the door.

There was still a glimmer of light in his eyes when he first saw Bai Zhen Zhen in front of him. Afterwards, he lifted his head and saw Huo Xiang behind her, and his face immediately changed.

“What did you come here for?” Father Bai rudely asked Huo Xiang.

Huo Xiang pursed his lips and said nothing.

Bai Zhen Zhen wasn’t annoyed by his words, smiling: “Dad, it’s like this. We just came back from the Civil Affairs Bureau and wanted to show you something sooner. If you don’t want to see him, I will ask him to leave.”

Seeing Father Bai remain silent, Bai Zhen Zhen said to Huo Xiang: “Leave, you’re not welcome here!”

At the same time, she winked at him.

Huo Xiang understood, nodding his head and leaving.

Bai Zhen Zhen entered the house and found that Yang Su Ping was chopping vegetables in the kitchen. Bai Meng Ru’s doors were closed; it seemed like she wasn’t at home.

“Dad, this is for you.”

Bai Zhen Zhen respectfully handed the “divorce certificate” over to Father Bai.

Father Bai took the certificate, and read through it carefully. He finally heaved a sigh of relief: “That’s more like it! Zhen Zhen, you’re still sensible. Dad is very pleased!”

Bai Zhen Zhen replied: “As long as dad is happy, I will do anything!”

— System: “Host, why are you deceiving your father?”

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “I didn’t deceive him! Let me ask you, didn’t I stop by the Civil Affairs Bureau on my way here?”

— System: “Yes.”

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “Then did I tell my dad that this was a real divorce certificate?”

— System: “No.”

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “Then isn’t it clear! There’s no deception involved!”

— System: “…”

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “Besides, isn’t there a kind of lie in this world called a white lie? I simply took some necessary measures to make my dad happy, isn’t this filial piety?”

— System: “It seems to make sense.”

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “Nice! I promise I won’t disobey him any more, and I will do well in the future!”

— System: “Ok.”

Bai Zhen Zhen helped Father Bai to the sofa, and said frankly: “Dad, there’s one more thing I need to confess to you.”

Father Bai looked at her in puzzlement.

“Actually, I’m no longer working in the restaurant, and I haven’t found a job either. The money I spent on your medical treatment last time was all given by that Ling Hao Chen. At that time, I only wanted to treat you, but I forgot the principles of life that you have always taught me! To have taken money from such a rich man like him, how could I use it for your treatment! This is practically an insult to your dignity! So, I have decided to follow your wishes and cease all future treatments!”

Yang Su Ping heard her words and immediately ran out of the kitchen: “Bai Zhen Zhen, what do you mean by that? If you want to stop the treatment, then the treatment will stop?”

“Aren’t I thinking on behalf of my father?!” Bai Zhen Zhen said with a straight face, “Think about our revolutionary predecessor, Mr Zhu Zi Qing, who would rather starve to death than receive the relief food from the United States. What does that show? It shows character strength! It shows dignity! Though my dad is just an ordinary citizen, but he has the strength and temperament of our predecessors! How precious is that!”

Yang Su Ping was dumbfounded, muttering to Father Bai: “This child… is she stupid?!”

Father Bai didn’t expect Bai Zhen Zhen to suddenly change her stance so quickly. His mood was also very complicated and he didn’t know what to say for awhile.

“Dad, don’t tell me you’re willing to let them insult you with money?!” Bai Zhen Zhen asked again.

Father Bai immediately shouted: “Of course not!”

“Good, an answer worthy of my father!!” Bai Zhen Zhen gave a thumbs up to Father Bai, “Dad, look at how stalwart your body is, how noble your soul is! I’ve decided, we are a family of one heart, one mind! Even if I have to bear the title of being an ‘unfilial’ daughter, I will never accept help from those rich people, never let them destroy your dignity! Dad, I’m proud of you!!”

— System: “???”

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “How’s it? This kind of bullshit, is it filial enough?!”

— System: “You win!”

Father Bai was also moved by Bai Zhen Zhen’s bold words, firmly nodding: “Good, I am also determined! Human life and death is determined by the heavens, but a human’s dignity is determined by themselves! Even if I die, I swear to defend my dignity!”

“No, what are the two of you talking about?” Yang Su Ping interrupted Father Bai’s words, looking towards Bai Zhen Zhen, “Bai Zhen Zhen, you mean that you’re washing your hands off your father?! You’re truly someone who bites the hand that feeds her!”

“Aunty Yang, what are you talking about! Why would I wash my hands off my father?” Bai Zhen Zhen said sincerely, “Dad gave me life, and raised me up. I love him deeply and will never go against his wishes! If he doesn’t want to treat this illness, then I definitely won’t persuade him to do so!”

Father Bai decisively added on: “Yes, I’m not treating it!”

“Ok!” Bai Zhen Zhen looked moved, “But dad, please rest assured. I will work hard to earn more money. Once I’ve earned enough, I will definitely bring you for treatment!”

…But I don’t plan to look for a job for the rest of the year.

Father Bai was moved and said: “Zhen Zhen, you’re truly dad’s good daughter! Don’t work too hard outside, remember to take care of yourself…”

“Dad, don’t worry! Oh, by the way, in order to earn money as soon as possible, I’ve decided to go on a trip to find a good job that suits me. You don’t have any opinion on that, do you?”

“How could I have any opinion!” Father Bai gripped Bai Zhen Zhen’s hand, “It’s just that you’re a girl; you must be careful outside!”

“Dad, I will. Time is running out, so I will leave first…”

“Aren’t you having lunch?”

“Time’s running out. The earlier I set off, the more money I can earn!”

After speaking, Bai Zhen Zhen immediately let go of Father Bai’s hand, grabbed her bag and rushed out the door.

Yang Su Ping was stunned for two seconds, then suddenly recalled something important, hurriedly stretching out towards Bai Zhen Zhen’s rapidly leaving back: “Then- Then my two thousand dollars…”

“It’s gone!” Bai Zhen Zhen threw down that sentence and quickly hopped down the stairs.

****

Bai Zhen Zhen reached the bottom of the stairs and saw Huo Xiang standing upright, waiting for her.

Perhaps due to her current good mood, she felt that Huo Xiang’s back looked extra handsome and masculine today.

“Xiang Xiang!” Bai Zhen Zhen greeted him with a smile.

Huo Xiang turned around and saw that Bai Zhen Zhen had came down. His lips curved into a smile, saying: “I just found out that you will call me a different name according to different environments and moods.”

“Isn’t that good! Giving you an occasional surprise!” Bai Zhen Zhen raised her eyebrow, “That’s right, I have good news for you! I have successfully dealt with my beloved father!”

“What do you mean?” Huo Xiang wasn’t aware of what happened.

Bai Zhen Zhen truthfully told Huo Xiang everything that happened just now. The only thing she didn’t mention was that she had to follow her “character settings”, which was why she had no choice but to come up with such a “lousy idea”.

“You really don’t plan to continue Uncle Bai’s treatment?” Huo Xiang wondered, “If the recovery treatment is halted, wouldn’t it be easy for the illness to relapse or even worsen?”

“Either way, I won’t treat him within this year.” Bai Zhen Zhen added on, “Because I can’t earn so much within a year! I promised my dad that I will use the own money that I earned to treat him, and will definitely not go against his principles!”

“Then the one million dollars that Ling Hao Chen gave you… Are you prepared to return it to him?” Huo Xiang asked tentatively.

This wasn’t the Bai Zhen Zhen that he knew.

“Of course not!” Bai Zhen Zhen answered without thinking, “I received that sum honestly when I picked up his handphone using my own abilities. How could I return it to him?”

“Then…”

“I only promised my dad not to use Ling Hao Chen’s money to treat him.” Bai Zhen Zhen said triumphantly, “As long as it’s not used for his medical treatment, I can spend his sum of money anyhow I wish to. After all, what I’m protecting is his dignity and principles. I personally don’t share the same principles as him.”

Huo Xiang laughed: “Sure enough, you’re still the Bai Zhen Zhen I know. Then what’s your plan going forward?”

“I’ve already told my dad that I’m going overseas to look for a job. The jobs in this city are too limited. The world is so big; I want to go out and have a look until I find a job that I am satisfied with.”

Huo Xiang listened to Bai Zhen Zhen’s tone. It seemed like she was not in a hurry to find a job, only using it as an excuse to fool Father Bai.

However, Bai Zhen Zhen’s “unscrupulous” behavior made him give her a round of applause.

“When are you setting off?” He asked.

“I’m going to the airport now, and buying the next flight!” Bai Zhen Zhen said.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going to the Juldives you mentioned last time!”

— System: “Host, you’re going to a tourist destination to find a job?”

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “Yes, the items at tourist destinations are expensive, and there’s a lot of customers. I’m sure there’s plenty of job opportunities! Aren’t I smart?”

— System: “… I always feel that something is not right.”

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “Isn’t it to make my dad feel at ease!”

Huo Xiang took out his handphone and did a quick search, reminding her: “Zhen Zhen, I’ve checked. From where we are, a flight to Juldives would take a full 18 hours. When you’re there, if anything happens at home…”

“Isn’t Bai Meng Ru still at home!” Bai Zhen Zhen said, “She’s almost in her fourth year at university. These few days she has been lingering at Bright Entertainment company in preparations for the contract signing; she will probably debut soon. She’s spent so much of the family’s money, she should also contribute back, right? If my dad’s illness really worsens during this year, if she chooses to turn a blind eye as a daughter, then I won’t lift a finger either.”

Bai Zhen Zhen didn’t tell Huo Xiang — Besides, in the original novel, after Father Bai’s illness worsened, before Bai Zhen Zhen and Ling Hao Chen could save him, Bai Meng Ru had already instigated people to directly harm him, and his death was a tragic ending.

Thinking about it now, it would be quite a show, a hypocritical bitch vs a saintly father.

“Zhen Zhen, I fully support your decision.” Huo Xiang nodded, with firmness in his tone, “As I said to you that day, you should have this attitude when dealing with people like them! You have to remember that only those who treats you right, deserve to be treated with the same sincerity.”

“Is that person you?” Bai Zhen Zhen asked mischievously on a whim.

Huo Xiang was startled.

Bai Zhen Zhen saw his reaction, and was startled for a moment too.

She thought that the thick-skinned Huo Xiang would answer without hesitation — Of course, I treat you so well, can’t you tell? Ungrateful!

Even the word “ungrateful”, she could even imitate Huo Xiang’s tone in her mind.

But Huo Xiang actually hesitated!!

This was completely out of Bai Zhen Zhen’s expectations.

At this moment, Huo Xiang’s heart suddenly thumped.

These days, he had indeed treated Bai Zhen Zhen very well; incomparably well, in fact. However, he was bound to the “Saving the female lead” system.

So, did he do it for the mission, or did it come from his heart?

— System: “Knight, you seem to have developed feelings for the female lead.”

— Huo Xiang: “No, I haven’t.”

— System: “No, you have.”

— Huo Xiang: “…”

—————————

*天将降大任于斯人也，必先劳其筋骨，饿其体肤