It was a well-known fact that although Master Xian appeared to be a polite and friendly person, he was definitely not one. He rarely took the initiative to talk to others unless it was absolutely necessary to do so. As for Raelle Xiang, there were so many rumors surrounding this person.
And one of those rumors that seemed to be the ultimate truth was, President Raelle would never try to please anyone for her gains. Even if she lost a million-dollar deal, she wouldn't budge over her principles. If you want to work with her, you need to have the ability to do so. Flattery would never work.
But currently, these two people who liked to stay in their own world were actually interacting with each other so intimately. It was shocking, to say the least. At least for people who were familiar with Shui Xian and knew that he never liked the presence of a woman around him. The only woman around him in years had been the Vice President of his company.
Wasn't that why people started speculating that there was something going on between Ruan Meilin and Shui Xian? But what was the situation now?
Master Xian was stuck to President Raelle and even took the initiative to talk to her. And what's up with that smile on his face? Master Xian never even smiled for the sake of politeness and now he was smiling from the heart. That gentleness in his eyes was even more shocking.
Everyone who was familiar with each other in this meeting actually shared a knowing glance. It seemed like they had been on the wrong track. Master Xian seemed to be interested in President Raelle and even an idiot could see that. And the fact that Raelle was willing to talk to him proved that she was somewhat interested as well.
But all of that had nothing to do with the two people involved. Even if Shui Xian could hear the whispers, he didn't care at all. Why would he? He wanted everyone to open their eyes and see clearly how he looked like when he liked someone! So that the next time these people wouldn't dare to associate his name with any other woman.
Shui Xian placed the food before Raelle and said, "People are talking about us."
"So?"
Shui Xian sat down beside her and smiled, "So, nothing. I just like it."
"What? That people are talking about us?" Raelle thought this was an odd reason to be happy about it.
"Not really. I'm happy to hear them taking your name with mine. It's a good feeling," replied Shui Xian. His eyes fell on the other side of the table and he added, "You should keep an eye on your employee. She's receiving a lot of toasts. She might get knocked out."
"You don't have to worry about her," said Raelle. "If Cloe dares to drink, it's because she can. Never underestimate the drinking ability of a woman who has gone through a heartbreak." Shui Xian raised his brows at her. "That's what she said to me once. Apparently, drinking helped her in coping and since then she has become best friends with alcohol."
Shui Xian's eyes lowered slightly.
"Do you agree with it, Master Xian?" Shui Xian looked up at her, "Is alcohol really a good friend for broken hearts?"
"Why are you asking me this question, President Raelle?"
"Oh, it's because you have experience... In the broken hearts department."
Shui Xian bit his bottom lip as he continued to stare at her face, "Does it feel good?"
"What?"
"Attacking me."
"Was I attacking you?" Raelle questioned innocently.
"It seemed like it," answered Shui Xian.
"Sorry!"
Shui Xian held her hand under the table and squeezed it, "It's okay. If you won't attack me who would? In fact, if you don't talk like it, would you still be Raelle Xiang?" He patted her hand as he went on, "Let me tell you honestly, she isn't wrong. Alcohol really is a best friend for broken hearts. At least, it numbs the pain for a little while."
Raelle nodded in understanding.
Someone came to sit beside Shui Xian and started talking to him. Raelle didn't pay attention to them and continued to focus on the food before. However, she didn't eat much. Just a few bites and she was done already. She placed the chopsticks down and turned her head towards the woman who came to sit on her other side and had been staring at her face for a good while now.
Raelle glanced at her and the woman smiled back at her, "Hi, I'm Chichi. Let me introduce myself properly."
"There is no need for that," interrupted Raelle. "I know who you are, Director Sun."
The older woman's face visibly brightened up, "Oh my, President Raelle lives up to her reputation. You really know your stuff."
"I don't do things I'm not certain about," replied Raelle blankly.
Even though she didn't look very enthusiastic, the older woman was still pleased for some reason. "It's actually a surprise seeing you here."
"You definitely wanted me to come," said Raelle matter-of-factly. "Isn't that why Director Sun sent me the invitation?"
Director Sun Chichi's face had a satisfied and admiring look, "It's always a pleasure to make acquaintance with smart people. It's really a pleasure meeting, President Raelle."
"If you're expecting me to say likewise, you might be disappointed."
Director Sun shook her head and took this chance to discuss some business matters with Raelle. She was one of the executives of the Shires Business Association. And definitely wouldn't miss a chance to associate with people like Raelle Xiang.
"Why don't you eat something else? Is the food not to your liking? I definitely arranged the best chefs for today's dinner."
Raelle looked at the untouched food before her. Shui Xian naturally placed a hand behind Raelle's chair and told Director Sun, "President Raelle doesn't like to eat with so many people around."
Director Sun's brows jumped up, "Oh... That's my bad. Should I arrange for a private room for you? I certainly wouldn't want you to leave without eating anything."
"We wouldn't want to bother Director Sun now," replied Shui Xian.
Director Sun rubbed her chin as she looked at the lack of distance between Shui Xian and Raelle. "Master Xian, you seem to know President Raelle's likes and dislikes. It's quite suspicious."
"Suspicious?" repeated Shui Xian in surprise. "How is it still only suspicious? Am I not making it clear that I'm pursuing her?" Raelle turned her head to look at his face that had come right beside hers. "Am I wrong, President Raelle?"
Director Sun covered her mouth as she gasped, "This has to be the gossip of the year." She took a pause before adding, "But I like it. Earlier when people were talking about you both, I felt like Master Xian's name with President Raelle seemed odd. But now that I have seen you both together, I feel like this picture is quite natural. It certainly looks beautiful." She pointed at both of them, "Two exceptional people definitely make the best couple."
Shui Xian glanced at Raelle and agreed, "Indeed. I also think we look best together."
Director Sun cleared her throat, "Master Xian, aren't you getting ahead of yourself? You're still in the chasing phase."
"Director Sun, the fun is in this chase," replied Shui Xian in a cheeky manner that the older woman found quite refreshing. After all, she always thought Shui Xian acted way older than his age. Always keep a straight face and cold aura. It really didn't match with his age at all. He was barely reaching his thirties but acted like he was in his forties or something.
Director Sun stood up saying, "Then I should give you some privacy before you start cursing me for being the lightbulb here." She looked at Raelle and smiled pleasantly, "Let's meet again. I really enjoyed talking to you." As she passed by Shui Xian, she patted his shoulder, "Best of luck in this chase, Master Xian. Hope you succeed!"
As she walked some distance and looked at them talking to each other, her smile deepened with some hidden meaning. She definitely thought they made a good match. How strange!
After she left, Shui Xian said to Raelle, "It seems you were right. Your employee just got everyone drunk while she is still standing. She is definitely the victor of tonight's drinking game. How amusing it is to see men losing to women. Refreshing!"
"You're enjoying it?"
"Very much!" replied Shui Xian. "But why she is so active?"
"She has her eyes on the energy project no 2," told Raelle as if it was no big deal. She didn't even think that currently, they could be each other's competitors.
"Energy Project no 2?" questioned Shui Xian. "Since you said, she has her eyes on it. That means you don't?"
"It seems Master Xian has learned to focus on the real meaning of my words now. I indeed have no interest in it."
Shui Xian heaved a sigh of relief, "Then you wouldn't mind if I have already stolen it right?"
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