Chapter 4: Is That Girl Chasing After Him?

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Nan Zhen’er’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Nan Xing, now you should understand just how important I am to Brother Si Chen.”

Nan Xing’s gaze fell on the diamond bracelet, and her brow twitched ever so slightly.

Those in the know all understood that this bracelet was nowhere near worth such a large sum.

But some people were simply foolish with money.

If someone eagerly offered money, who would refuse?

Fools.

A playful smirk curled at the corner of Nan Xing’s lips.

Seeing her silence, Nan Zhen’er fixed her eyes on her own bracelet, pride swelling in her heart.

It was obvious Nan Xing was enviously green with envy.

But envy was useless—this bracelet was a gift from Brother Si Chen!

She gracefully withdrew her hand, her smile radiant. “Brother Si Chen doesn’t like you at all. He and I are truly made for each other.”

“Even if your mother once saved Master Li’s life, what does that matter? Matters of the heart depend on mutual feelings.”

“You, Nan Xing, have neither refinement nor beauty. Brother Si Chen simply looks down on you. Only I am worthy of him!”

“So be sensible. Before the Li family discovers your true colors, step aside voluntarily.”

“Perhaps Father, out of pity for your years living in the countryside, will allow you to remain in the Nan family.”

“Hmph.” After Nan Zhen’er finished her diatribe, Nan Xing leisurely flexed her wrist. “Indeed, you and Li Si Chen do make quite the pair.”

“As long as you know your place!”

“One is foolish and reckless with money; the other is big-breasted but brainless.”

“You dare insult me, Nan Xing?” Nan Zhen’er’s anger flared as she stomped and lunged to grab Nan Xing’s hair.

At that moment, a young maid hurried over. “Miss Nan Xing, Master requests you in the study.”

...

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In the study, Nan Xing was surprised to see Li Beitian’s figure.

The man stood by the window with one hand in his pocket, his posture straight and commanding. His dark eyes gazed into the distance, his expression calm.

Compared to the banquet earlier, Li Beitian now carried a more relaxed and casual air.

Nearby, Nan Weiguo was pouring tea for him.

Seeing Nan Xing enter, Nan Weiguo quickly gave her a knowing look.

Nan Xing roughly guessed his intention, a cold smile flickering in her heart as she slowly approached and picked up the tea tray.

“Here, President Li, have some tea.”

Nan Weiguo’s face was all smiles, sly as an old fox.

Li Beitian turned at the sound, casting him a cool glance before settling his gaze on Nan Xing.

The girl’s brows were deeply furrowed, her face filled with reluctance.

Li Beitian narrowed his eyes slightly, intrigued by her attitude.

He strode to the sofa, unbuttoned two buttons on his suit jacket, then elegantly sat down. His casual, commanding gaze was like that of a powerful leader, radiating authority and presence.

“President Li, I heard Beitian Group under the Li Corporation is interested in expanding into the apparel business. Our Nan family made its fortune in clothing—perhaps you would consider...” Nan Weiguo began as Nan Xing poured the tea.

Li Beitian lowered his eyes without a word, watching the slender white hand gently grasp the teapot.

First, the phoenix three nods movement, then the tea was poured to seven-tenths full, the aroma spreading, and finally, the cup was presented with both hands.

Each step was perfectly executed.

Tea connoisseurs knew that a full cup was rude; pouring to seven-tenths left room—three-tenths—for courtesy. The “phoenix three nods” gesture was a bow, showing respect to the guest.

Judging by her smooth, flowing movements, she was well versed in tea etiquette.

However...

When she poured earlier, it was clockwise.

It was widely known that counterclockwise pouring signified welcoming a guest, while clockwise meant seeing them off.

Was this girl trying to dismiss him?

Li Beitian’s mood instantly soured.

He hadn’t expected that after helping her just moments ago, she would be so ungrateful.

Yet Nan Xing remained calm and respectful. “Fourth Uncle, please have some tea.”

The girl’s serene and innocent smile looked utterly naive.

Li Beitian’s eyes darkened inch by inch, his smile deepening. “President Nan truly has raised a fine treasure of a daughter.”

“...”

That sounded less like praise.

Nan Weiguo broke out in a cold sweat. “Please don’t take offense, President Li. Nan Xing grew up wild in the countryside and doesn’t understand proper manners.”

He then glared sharply at Nan Xing, a clear warning.

The Li family was known for strict discipline; he did not want Nan Xing’s behavior to bring trouble to the entire Nan family.

Losing the Li family’s support would be a disaster, even if the cooperation fell through.

Li Beitian lifted the tea cup with a half-smile, his dark eyes glinting. “Being wild is no problem. As long as President Nan educates her well, given time...”

Suddenly, his expression changed sharply.

Though Nan Xing had deliberately concealed it, the hickey near her collarbone and just inside her neckline had not escaped Li Beitian’s sharp gaze.

It looked fresh—recently left.

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Li Beitian’s face shifted unpredictably, emotions unreadable. He suddenly recalled Nan Zhen’er’s words: Nan Xing is always hanging around wild men.

Indeed.

It seemed the wild man had left his mark.

Li Beitian set down the teacup, his voice growing colder. “I hear Miss Nan enjoys going out to meet friends?”

Nan Xing: ??

“I think, since Miss Nan has the time, it would be better to spend it fostering feelings with Li Si Chen.”

Everyone in the Li family knew just how displeased they were with Nan Xing.

But because of the old master Li’s handwritten letter, no one dared object.

Nan Xing frowned slightly, her small head full of confusion, unable to understand why this imposing figure suddenly turned so sarcastic.

“When Fourth Uncle came earlier, he said Young Master Si Chen was ill and couldn’t attend the banquet.”

“You don’t have much going on recently either, so starting tomorrow, go to the hospital and take care of Young Master Si Chen.”

Nan Weiguo gave a direct order, leaving Nan Xing no chance to argue.

Li Beitian’s thin lips curled faintly. “In that case, I’ll take my leave.”

“Mr. Li, I’ll see you out.”

Nan Weiguo hurried to his side, tail-wagging like a loyal dog.

Nan Xing curled a sardonic smile, settled comfortably on the sofa, and poured herself a cup of tea.

A rare, superior Da Hong Pao.

They really had spared no expense.

“Nan Xing, what exactly did you do to President Li just now? Do you know you nearly cost me a major deal?”

As the tea cup emptied, Nan Weiguo pushed open the door, his gaze cold as a blade.

Nan Xing calmly set down her cup. “Major deal? Did he even agree to cooperate with you?”

Nan Weiguo choked on his anger, stepping close with a stern voice. “Starting tomorrow, you have nothing else to do. Just stay at the hospital and take good care of Young Master Li. When he’s happy, President Li will be happy, and then our Nan family’s cooperation with Beitian Group will be just around the corner.”

“Nan Xing, don’t forget our agreement—you marry into the Li family obediently, and I will arrange for your mother to be buried in the Nan family cemetery.”

After speaking, Nan Weiguo turned and left.

Watching his cold back, Nan Xing’s tightly clenched hands instantly dropped.

Her eyes reddened slightly; it felt as if all her strength had been drained, leaving only desolation.