CH 41

After leaving the hospital. Bai Zhen Zhen called Huo Xiang.

Although that fellow had not contacted her since he left the hotel last night without a word, seeing him land a “critical hit” on Bai Meng Ru, Bai Zhen Zhen decided to be a generous person and forgive him on account of his hard work in defeating the vicious supporting female.

However, Huo Xiang’s phone was similarly “currently unavailable”.

Bai Zhen Zhen found it strange.

She sent a few messages to Huo Xiang.

[Hei Jia Jia] You’ve grown some courage? Barring the fact that you didn’t take the initiative to contact me, you’re not even picking up my phone now?

[Hei Jia Jia] You have ten minutes to reply me, if not I’ll ignore you from now on!

[Hei Jia Jia] Hmph! (Angry)

Bai Zhen Zhen returned to Mix Company and coincidentally met Su Meng, who was pouring a cup of water for herself in the breakroom after waking up from her afternoon nap.

If it was two days ago, Bai Zhen Zhen would have bounced up to her and greeted her with a joke “CEO Su, allow me to help you with such trivial matters”. However, Bai Zhen Zhen was like a wilted flower today, looking completely downcast.

“What’s wrong, Zhen Zhen?” Su Meng glanced at Bai Zhen Zhen in curiosity.

Bai Zhen Zhen shook her head and sat down on the sofa, saying to Su Meng: “It’s nothing. Sister Meng, I’ll take a short break before preparing the afternoon tea for everyone.”

“There’s no hurry.” Su Meng sat down beside her, examining her carefully, “You’re in a bad mood today? What happened? Did you quarrel with Huo Xiang?”

“If only it was just a quarrel, at least I would know why he was suddenly ignoring me.” Bai Zhen Zhen frowned, “However, we clearly opened up and confessed to each other yesterday, even agreeing to be together…”

“You agreed to be together?!” Su Meng exclaimed in joy, “Zhen Zhen, why didn’t you tell me such great news right away? Do you still treat me like a sister?!”

Bai Zhen Zhen gave her an ingratiating smile: “Sister Meng, it’s not that I didn’t want to tell you about it. It’s just that… Sigh, it’s difficult to speak about it!”

Bai Zhen Zhen honestly shared with Su Meng what happened yesterday.

Su Meng was also baffled by what she heard.

“He was hopping around in ecstasy in one moment, and the next he suddenly walked out the door?”

“Exactly!” Bai Zhen Zhen rolled her eyes, “He didn’t contact me at all this morning. I couldn’t get through to him when I called him earlier either. I left him messages, but he just ignored it. Sigh, I don’t know what’s wrong with him!”

“Is that so…” Su Meng came out of her surprise and thought about it for a while. Suddenly, she recalled what Huo Xiang told her previously in Haicheng regarding his terminal illness.

Su Meng was startled. Could it be due to that?!

“Sister Meng? Did you think of something?” Bai Zhen Zhen looked at Su Meng in curiosity.

Su Meng hid her thoughts behind a smile, and said hurriedly: “No, it’s nothing… I do have some guesses though. I heard that some people would become emotionally unstable after experiencing great joy or sorrow. Maybe Huo Xiang became too happy and isn’t able to calm down, so he doesn’t know how to face you now!”

“With his cunningness, how could he not know how to face me?!” Bai Zhen Zhen snorted, “Did you know? He secretly swapped out our marriage agreement! It was so infuriating!”

Su Meng examined the changes in Bai Zhen Zhen’s expressions with great interest.

After speaking, Bai Zhen Zhen met Su Meng’s meaningful gaze and was taken aback: “Sister Meng, why are you looking at me in that manner?”

“I think you’re very cute!” Su Meng teased, “You called it ‘infuriating’, but based on your expression, you couldn’t be happier! You and Huo Xiang are truly a match made in heaven. If it wasn’t for his cunningness, he wouldn’t have been able to catch you!”

“Sister Meng, you’re teasing me again.” Bai Zhen Zhen said, before glancing at her phone again. There was a new unread message.

Bai Zhen Zhen immediately became excited: “Ah, I didn’t notice that he actually replied me!”

Su Meng hid her laughter, and looked at Bai Zhen Zhen eagerly opening the message.

[The most handsome knight in the universe] I’m busy arranging for the wedding. (Pitiful) (Pitiful)

“See, he immediately went to plan for your wedding after you agreed to be together with him! How touching is that!” Su Meng sighed emotionally.

Bai Zhen Zhen grumbled: “At least he has a conscience… However, even if he was busy arranging for the wedding, he should still have the time to drop a simple message…”

“What do you know? There’s a lot of minute details to take note of in a wedding. It takes a lot of time and energy! In addition, your wedding is happening in a fortnight. He’s definitely short of time!”

“Is that so?” Bai Zhen Zhen raised her eyebrows, “I thought that money would solve everything!”

“Pfft–” Su Meng laughed out loud.

At this moment, Bai Zhen Zhen’s handphone rang. She took a look at the screen and found out that it was Xi Xixi who was calling.

“Sister Zhen Zhen,” Xi Xixi’s voice sounded out, “Do you have some time tonight along with Brother-in-law? I want to invite you out for dinner.”

“Tonight?”

“Yes. I’ll be starting a month of closed training with my new company from tomorrow onwards. I won’t be able to meet you for a long period of time, so I wanted to invite you out for dinner.”

“Alright, no problem! We have time.” Bai Zhen Zhen agreed.

“Ok, then I will give Sister Su Meng a call now. I’ll trouble you to inform Brother-in-law.”

“You don’t need to call Sister Meng.” Bai Zhen Zhen said, putting the call on speakerphone before looking at Su Meng, “I’m working at Sister Meng’s company now. She’s right beside me, why don’t you ask her yourself?”

Su Meng’s eyes were full of curiosity. After Xi Xixi repeated his invitation, she nodded: “Ok, I will be there with Zhen Zhen!”

****

At 6pm that night, Huo Xiang parked his car at the entrance of Mix Company.

Bai Zhen Zhen walked out of the front door with Su Meng.

The moment she saw Huo Xiang’s car, Bai Zhen Zhen walked over quickly, pulled open the car door and instantly started scolding Huo Xiang: “I haven’t seen or heard from you the entire day! If it wasn’t for Xi Xixi inviting us out for dinner, were you prepared to disappear for 24 hours?”

Huo Xiang weakly replied: “Aren’t I here now…”

“You’re here because of Xi Xixi. In your heart, he’s more important than me.” Bai Zhen Zhen sat down in the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt while complaining.

Su Meng smoothly sat in the back seat and closed the door.

She heard Bai Zhen Zhen’s words and couldn’t resist laughing: “Huo Xiang, did you buy vinegar today? Why is there such a strong smell of vinegar?*”

“Sister Meng!” Bai Zhen Zhen turned around to glare at her.

“Zhen Zhen, isn’t the direction of your jealousy a little strange!” Su Meng was still laughing at the back, “However, Huo Xiang, you are indeed in the wrong. No matter how busy you are, you can’t neglect our Zhen Zhen. You have no idea how much she missed you today! Constantly nagging in my ear…”

“Who missed him? Sister Meng, don’t talk nonsense!” Bai Zhen Zhen denied it.

Huo Xiang grinned, leaning in closer to examine Bai Zhen Zhen’s face: “You’re blushing. If you lie again, your nose will grow longer!”

“I don’t know whether my nose will grow longer, but if you keep smiling like that, your face will grow swollen.” Bai Zhen Zhen said viciously.

Huo Xiang swallowed his words, obediently sat back in his seat and started the engine.

Su Meng almost doubled with laughter at the back: “The two of you are just showing off your love through your arguments. It’s better than watching TV dramas.”

Bai Zhen Zhen turned her head sharply to Su Meng, stretching out her hand: “Pay up!”

Su Meng: “…..”

The car continued to move forward smoothly.

Su Meng immediately changed the subject, pretending to bring up nonchalantly: “By the way, Huo Xiang, I read some news today about a small flower from Juju Entertainment having an affair with you. Afterwards, the audio recording of what happened was released, and its contents was quite surprising. That Bai Meng Ru, isn’t she Zhen Zhen’s stepsister? What happened?”

Before Huo Xiang could answer, Bai Zhen Zhen replied coldly: “Bai Meng Ru even called me today under the pretense of reminding me to be cautious, saying that the Huo family’s young master is a hypocrite, and not to believe him.”

“Zhen Zhen…” Huo Xiang gazed at Bai Zhen Zhen with puppy eyes, “I was wrong, I shouldn’t have just suddenly walked off yesterday…”

— System: “Ding~ Female lead happiness points -5.”

Huo Xiang heard the system notification, and didn’t know whether to be happy or sad.

According to the current situation, he definitely wishes for the happiness points to rise slowly, preferably at an extremely slow rate, maybe even dropping. However, if the happiness points fell, it meant that Bai Zhen Zhen was unhappy. If that’s the case, then he also wouldn’t be happy about it.

Bai Zhen Zhen’s anger had also simmered down greatly. She pursed her lips and replied: “On the account that you are a first-time offender, I will not punish you. If there’s a second time, don’t even think of seeing me again.”

“Pfft–” Su Meng was once again amused by Bai Zhen Zhen, “Huo Xiang, it seems like your position in this relationship isn’t very high…”

Huo Xiang immediately replied obediently: “Naturally, Zhen Zhen is the head of our family. What she says, goes!”

Bai Zhen Zhen finally revealed a smile.

Huo Xiang continued addressing the previous topic, “Though Bai Meng Ru is Zhen Zhen’s stepsister in name, but they don’t have any kinship at all. It’s a long story. I don’t think I’ll be able to finish the story in such a short time.”

However, Su Meng said: “You don’t have to tell me; I understand. Isn’t it just the plot of an evil stepmother and stepsister? I’ve watched plenty of dramas like that on TV.”

She turned towards Bai Zhen Zhen: “Zhen Zhen, I’ve listened to that recording. Your stepsister sounds like a bitch. You have to be more cautious when interacting with her!”

“Don’t worry, Sister Meng. How could I not have my guards up against such people?” Bai Zhen Zhen said, “This scandal broke out just after she debuted. It should be difficult for her to continue in the entertainment industry.”

Huo Xiang said: “Uncle Cai has already investigated it thoroughly. The pictures and news that was leaked to the media came from Juju Entertainment itself. A lawyer’s letter has already been sent to them. Grandpa even personally took over, finding the CEO of Mining Corporation, that is, Zhen Wei’s father. Zhen Wei’s position is in jeopardy right now, he can’t afford to protect your sister any longer.”

“Their relationship was originally built upon sex and benefits. It’s only normal for it to crumble from a single hit.” Bai Zhen Zhen said.

Su Meng listened to them speaking in harmony, as if they were one voice, and couldn’t help but ask: “So it wasn’t Huo Xiang who walked into a trap this time. Instead, it was the two of you teaming up to knock them down a peg?!”

Bai Zhen Zhen and Huo Xiang exchanged glances, smiling tacitly.

****

Arriving at the restaurant that Xi Xixi booked, the three of them walked into the private room together.

As soon as the door opened, Bai Zhen Zhen and Huo Xiang were stunned. It turned out that Xi Xixi not only invited the three of them, but also Ling Hao Chen and Song Ling.

Thinking about it, it made sense. Xi Xixi only knew that the hotel incident was due to Jiang Mu Yu’s malicious scheme. He wasn’t aware of the emotional entanglements between Bai Zhen Zhen, Ling Hao Chen and Song Ling.

“Sister Zhen Zhen, Brother-in-law, Sister Su Meng, have a seat.” Seeing them, Xi Xixi greeted them enthusiastically, “I don’t need to introduce these two, right?”

“Of course not,” Bai Zhen Zhen replied courteously, “Xixi, Ms Song is your boss now. You sure are bold to have even invited her over.”

Song Ling smiled: “In the company, I am Xixi’s boss. Here, we are all friends.”

On the other hand, Huo Xiang wasn’t in a good mood, putting on an indifferent face.

He still vividly remembered the last time Song Ling doubted Bai Zhen Zhen. Although she wasn’t the one who planned the previous incident, Huo Xiang wasn’t comfortable with someone who wanted to be friends with Bai Zhen Zhen, yet doesn’t fully trust her friends.

Bai Zhen Zhen didn’t mind it, as she never had the thought of being friends with Song Ling in the first place.

However, Song Ling had always been the ideal female lead in her heart. After the previous incident, her impression of Song Ling had deteriorated slightly.

“Hubby, let’s sit next to Xixi. After today, we won’t be able to see our younger brother for a long period of time.” Bai Zhen Zhen raised her head, speaking to Huo Xiang slightly coquettishly.

Huo Xiang was slightly taken aback when he heard the way she called him, and it took him a while before he came back to his senses and nodded: “Ok.”

Song Ling was about to reach out for Bai Zhen Zhen’s arm to lead her, but quietly took her hand back upon hearing her words.

After Bai Zhen Zhen and Huo Xiang sat down, Su Meng sat beside Song Ling.

“Young Master Huo, how’s the progress regarding the Jiang family’s incident?” Ling Hao Chen asked.

Bai Zhen Zhen realised that Ling Hao Chen seemed to be intentionally avoiding her, not even giving her a casual glance. It seemed like he had completely given up on her.

However, she hadn’t heard the system’s notification. To her, Ling Hao Chen was still a “hidden danger”.

“The Jiang family wants to settle outside of the court, but my grandfather and I disagree. The trial will be held around next month.” Huo Xiang glossed over the matter lightly, before looking at Bai Zhen Zhen, “We initially planned to settle the matter earlier so that we can happily focus on our wedding. However, seeing how cumbersome the procedures are, it seems like it will take a while to deal with it.”

Bai Zhen Zhen responded: “It’s alright. We can afford to wait as long as she gets the punishment she deserves.”

“You’re going to have your wedding?” Xi Xixi focused on certain words that Huo Xiang said, excitedly asking, “When? I will definitely attend!”

“You probably won’t be able to make it.” Bai Zhen Zhen immediately shot down his expectant look, “Aren’t you participating in the one-month closed training? Your brother-in-law and I are holding our wedding on the 6th day of the 6th month of the lunar calendar, which would be the 21st of this month.**”

“21st July?!” Xi Xixi frowned upon hearing it, “I really can’t make it…”

“Since it’s your sister’s wedding day, I’ll give you a day off on that day and make an exception for you to attend the wedding.” Song Ling said.

“Really?!” Surprise and happiness flashed through Xi Xixi’s eyes.

Bai Zhen Zhen looked at the way he was behaving, and sighed in her heart: What a naive child! He would never know that the bride of the wedding he was about to attend was originally meant to be the person he liked… Life truly is full of twists and turns!!

However, it’s pretty good this way!

“Yes.” Song Ling nodded at Xi Xixi, “When the time comes, we can all attend together.”

She paused for a moment, before looking at Bai Zhen Zhen: “Zhen Zhen, you’re inviting Hao Chen and I, right?”

“Of course! Xiang Xiang and I would be delighted for you to attend our wedding!” Bai Zhen Zhen smiled widely.

— Let Ling Hao Chen personally watch their wedding ceremony and completely give up on her.

At this moment, the waiter came in carrying a plate of fruit platter. He bowed, saying: “Esteemed guests, your food has been served. Please enjoy.”

Huo Xiang saw that there was durian on the fruit platter and immediately picked up a piece with his fork, feeding it to Bai Zhen Zhen: “Baby, have some of your favourite durian.”

Bai Zhen Zhen was about to open her mouth, when another hand reached in front of her, snatching the durian away from Huo Xiang.

“She can’t stand the taste of durian.” Ling Hao Chen said without hesitation.

While speaking, he placed the durian and the fork that he had snatched on a plate beside him.

Su Meng and Xi Xixi’s faces were full of complicated emotions.

Song Ling pretended she was thirsty, and dipped her head to take a sip of tea.

Huo Xiang wasn’t awkward at all, only curiously asking Bai Zhen Zhen: “Ah? That shouldn’t be the case? Baby, don’t you like durian? At the previous banquet, I noticed you enjoyed the durian mousse.”

Before Bai Zhen Zhen could answer, Ling Hao Chen responded first: “Young Master Huo, you’re about to marry Ms Bai, yet you don’t even understand her basic tastes?”

“Then how does CEO Ling know about it?” Huo Xiang retorted.

His tone was more domineering than Ling Hao Chen’s.

Ling Hao Chen fell silent for a moment, before replying somewhat unnaturally: “I previously planned to hire Ms Bai as my secretary, thus I naturally ordered my employee to investigate the hotel where Ms Bai stayed.”

“Heh, then CEO Ling should punish the employee who carried out the investigation.” Huo Xiang snorted coldly.

However, in the short gap between the conversation, he gave Bai Zhen Zhen a meaningful.

In one glance, Bai Zhen Zhen could see the meaning behind Huo Xiang’s desperate eyes — Please, even if I’m wrong and you really don’t like to eat durian, please cooperate with me now and pretend like you do! I don’t want to lose face in front of so many people! Cries!

Bai Zhen Zhen almost burst out in laughter.

He was obviously worried about losing face, yet he still pretended to be all cool and awesome as he argued with others. It’s said that women loved to be jealous, yet she felt that Huo Xiang embodied that and more.

“Alright, don’t argue anymore.” Bai Zhen Zhen spoke up, breaking the deadlock, “CEO Ling, perhaps your employee made an error in his investigation. Not only do I not dislike the smell of durian, I actually like eating it.”

Saying so, Bai Zhen Zhen picked up her own fork and took a piece of durian, directly eating it.

“Zhen Zhen –” Su Meng hesitated, “Why don’t we… eat some vegetables first…”

Bai Zhen Zhen read Su Meng’s intentions. Su Meng was worried that she was acting that way just to cooperate with Huo Xiang, and wanted to give her a way out. However, she truly did enjoy eating durian. It was also true when Huo Xiang said that he saw her enjoying the durian mousse during the banquet.

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “System, does the original owner not like to eat durian?”

— System: “Apologies, after checking, this information is not recorded in the system’s data.”

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “It’s similar to what I’ve guessed. As long as the body is not allergic to it, the likes and dislikes are up to my individual preference.”

“Mm~ Delicious~” Bai Zhen Zhen didn’t listen to Su Meng. She took a big bite out of the durian and ate it with relish.

While eating, she didn’t forget to mumble: “This is the first time I’ve seen durian in a fruit platter. Was it specially prepared for me?”

The entire table stared at Bai Zhen Zhen.

Seeing the way she enjoyed it, it was clear that she truly loved eating durians. Otherwise, it was impossible for someone who couldn’t stand the taste of durian to eat it, let alone pretend to enjoy it.

Bai Zhen Zhen ate the piece of durian before wiping her mouth demurely with a napkin. She smiled at Huo Xiang: “Hubby, thank you. You’re still the one who understands me the best.”

Huo Xiang only felt like a gush of durian breath hit his face.

“Of course, who else would understand you better than me~” Huo Xiang replied with a similar smile.

Ling Hao Chen suddenly stood up and said: “I still have work to handle at the company. I’ll make a move first.”

Song Ling also hurriedly stood up: “I’ll go with you…”

The two of them left one after another.

Xi Xixi swallowed a mouthful of saliva, at a loss for words.

Bai Zhen Zhen picked up some vegetables for Xi Xixi while speaking: “Xixi, don’t worry. Song Ling won’t vent her anger on you over such things. She still has her principles. She’s just not too bright regarding emotional matters, choosing to revolve around Ling Hao Chen. Not only does it pressure him, it also creates troubles for herself.”

“I- I’m not worried about that…” Xi Xixi scratched his head, “Sister Zhen, if I had known about you and CEO Ling…”

“Sigh, Xixi, it’s not your fault.” Huo Xiang continued, “Your sister is naturally beautiful. Naturally, there are many that covet her beauty. You can guard against one, but you can’t guard against all of them. However, don’t worry. With me around, those people can only look. They will have absolutely no chance with her.”

Su Meng rubbed her neck, and sighed in relief: “Really! The tacit understanding between the two of you is amazing. I was worried for nothing!”

Su Meng had just spoken up, when they suddenly heard the sound of someone throwing up.

Bai Zhen Zhen quickly took a plate and looked away, spitting up the durian she had just eaten — Though she liked the taste, but her “body” couldn’t handle such food, and “rejected” it.

The remaining three people: “….”

Bai Zhen Zhen looked at them with red-rimmed eyes, saying weakly: “I- I really like to eat durian. If I lie to you, then I’m a dog…”

Huo Xiang held her hand emotionally: “Zhen Zhen, you don’t have to say anything. I understand! You’ve really… sacrificed a lot for me…”

Bai Zhen Zhen: “….”

———————-

Bai Zhen Zhen: Drama king!!

———————-

*Eating vinegar = Getting jealous

**Edited previous chapters to the correct date for the wedding. The year is 2015.