Chapter 20: Ambiguous Relationship
Xing Shu knew that she should not join them. She took a step back and was about to say something when she saw two people at the entrance—Cheng Xingyang and Xing Zewu—Xing Shu's elder brother. The siblings were not close as Xing Shu only joined the Xing family when she was 10 years old. Moreover, Xing Zewu—just like his mother, Wu Minxia—thought the world of Xing Linlin. The Xing family was now in Xing Zewu's hands. Every time he came back from a business trip, he would bring back thoughtfully-selected gifts for Xing Linlin, while patronizing Xing Shu with items of convenience.
Xing Zewu did not spend much time with the Xing family. He had his own villa, and rumor had it that he had a regular bed partner. Xing Shu felt that Xing Zewu and Xing Linlin had an ambiguous relationship—she had caught them kissing before. Xing Shu believed that Xing Zewu was another one of the men that Xing Linlin had hooked up with.
Xing Shu took a step back—turned her back to them—and buried her head in Cheng Lang's arms.
Cheng Xingyang saw Cheng Lang and greeted him respectfully, "Young Uncle." He looked a little anxious because Xing Linlin was in trouble and wanted to leave after greeting him. But Xing Zewu—who was beside him—nodded at Cheng Lang and said, "President Cheng, I've heard a lot about you." Xing Zewu turned his gaze to Nie Heng and frowned slightly. "President Nie, I didn't expect you to be here too."
Xing Zewu was abroad for the whole of last year and had crossed swords with Nie Heng over an acquisition. Nie Heng was notorious in Beijing for not showing his opponents any mercy. Unlike Cheng Lang's aristocracy, Nie Heng was ruthless and cruel.
Xing Shu came out of her reverie and her frozen brain began to work again. His surname was Nie… So this Nie Heng should be Nie Xi's elder brother. While she was working things out in her head, a large and cold hand suddenly rubbed her ear. Xing Shu's entire body trembled, and her ear immediately turned red.
Cheng Lang's actions attracted the attention of the three men. Cheng Xingyang was the first to speak. "Miss Jin is back?"
The words 'Miss Jin' dissipated the heat on Xing Shu's face. In the upper-class circle, everyone knew that Miss Jin was a stunningly talented woman who was very dedicated to her research work. Rumor had it that she was on very friendly terms with the two elders of the Cheng family. Back then, the Cheng family wanted to form an alliance by marriage with Miss Jin, but was rejected by her as she wanted to study abroad. So, the marriage that Miss Jin rejected was to Cheng Lang?
Xing Shu felt oddly uncomfortable. Cheng Xingyang was anxious to find Xing Linlin and left with Xing Zewu after some cursory greetings. As soon as they left, Nie Heng lit a cigarette. "Speaking of Jin Yue, you seem to have a tacit understanding with her—the two of you have been wearing identical Buddhist bracelets for so many years."
Xing Shu lowered her eyes and took a step back. Trying to stir things up, Nie Heng continued, "Little Canary's indeed easy on the eyes. No wonder she wasn't killed by you when she got close to you." The hickeys on Xing Shu's neck had not gone unnoticed by him—it was obvious they were by Cheng Lang's hand.
Xing Shu smiled and pretended to be delicate as she pulled Cheng Lang's arm. "Young Uncle, I'm sorry. I was too nervous just now. I was afraid that my brother and fiancé would find out about us. That would be very messy."
Nie Heng dropped the cigarette he had just lit. It was rare for Nie Heng to show a look of shock. He stared conflictingly at Cheng Lang. This Little Canary was beautiful, but too pretentious. In addition, she was Cheng Xingyang's fiancée? Just what kind of fetish did Cheng Lang have?
Cheng Lang lowered his head and caressed the top of Xing Shu's head. "Good girl."
Xing Shu rolled her eyes silently. She had come to realize Cheng Lang liked women wheedling him! She adjusted her shawl and said to Cheng Lang, "I shan't disturb Young Uncle. I'll leave first." However, Cheng Lang pulled her deeper into the corridor leading to the quarters at the back.
In the distance, Xing Zewu stood in the crowd and frowned. He felt that the woman beside Cheng Lang had a similar figure to Xing Shu. Disgust flashed between his brows as he called Xing Shu; he rarely contacted Xing Shu. He was the sole heir of the Xing family before XIng Shu showed up. Then he suddenly had to share everything that belonged to him—of course, he was unhappy. However, Xing Shu had also done something right—she brought home Xing Linlin—his beloved.
Before the call was connected, Xing Linlin's weak voice came from behind. "Brother Zewu."