"You're my sister-in-law, who else would I help if not you?
Shi Xinxin was momentarily stunned. She had never imagined such a peculiar relationship could exist between herself and Ye Xi.
"Are you here to see me about this matter?"
"Mm!" Ye Xi nodded, then added, "I know your current situation is very awkward, and I shouldn't meddle, but I still hope I can help you."
"Why are you helping me?"
"Because we're both women! And, I really like you!"
"I know you like Sheng Chenjin a lot too."
Ye Xi's eyes sparkled with excitement, "What about you, do you like me?"
"Yes," Shi Xinxin replied without hesitation, but then immediately added, "but your brother, I don't dare to like."
Hearing this, the smile on Ye Xi's face froze.
"Why?" she asked.
"Because I'm scared, scared of being abandoned," Shi Xinxin said.
"Why would you be abandoned?"
"Because we love each other but can't be together," Shi Xinxin said. Her heart was filled with bitterness.
Ye Xi was not foolish; she saw the pain in Shi Xinxin's heart. So, she reached out and took Shi Xinxin's hand, looking earnestly into her eyes, and said, "Can you give me a chance to take good care of you? I promise, if you just give me one chance, I will definitely not let you down!"
Ye Xi's gaze was fervent, her eyes determined, and her tone sincere.
Shi Xinxin paused for a second, then smiled and shook her head, "Right now, I just want to focus on my work and don't want to get into a relationship. I'm afraid I'll make a mess of myself." She was a very rational person, knowing what she needed to do.
"If my brother doesn't mind you, would you be willing to be my sister-in-law?" Ye Xi asked.
"No," Shi Xinxin shook her head and said, "I can't ruin his family, and besides, he doesn't love me." She genuinely didn't want to disrupt his family.
"Don't be too quick to refuse me. Let's try dating first and see how my brother feels about you," Ye Xi continued, placing her hand on Shi Xinxin's. "I hope you'll consider it. After all, you only have me as a friend right now."
"But I already have a boyfriend," Shi Xinxin said.
"But my brother doesn't know that yet," Ye Xi said. "I know you don't want to ruin his family, so if you agree to be with us, I can tell my brother and ask him not to interfere with your relationship."
Ye Xi's voice was so genuine that a warmth rose in Shi Xinxin's heart. She had never imagined she could meet such a friend in her life. She knew Ye Xi truly wanted to help her. However, she really didn't want to burden anyone else.
"I can agree to your request, but I also hope you won't tell anyone about this."
"Mm!" Ye Xi nodded heavily.
"Alright, I'm going to work now. You should get some rest too."
"Okay, goodnight."
"Goodnight."
After Ye Xi left, Shi Xinxin picked up her laptop and began to get busy. However, she didn't immediately dive into work. Instead, she opened her Weibo page and searched for recent top headlines.
She saw a news item: "Sheng Chen Group President Spends the Night at a High-End Apartment." Her heart suddenly jolted. Had something happened to Sheng Chen Group?
Shi Xinxin immediately began to browse the report. This report had broken about half a month ago. She carefully read through it. The headline read: "Sheng Chen President Spends the Night at a High-End Apartment." This caught Shi Xinxin's attention. She remembered that this high-rise apartment building did belong to Sheng Chen Group. Why would Sheng Chen's president be at that building so late? It was a puzzle.
After finishing the report, Shi Xinxin searched again for the accompanying photos. Below the article was a profile shot of Sheng Chen's president. He was wearing a suit jacket, standing on a balcony looking at the scenery. He seemed to sense someone was watching him and glanced over, but seeing no one, he returned his gaze to the view. However, this scene on the balcony was still captured. In the photo, Sheng Chen's president's eyes were closed. Shi Xinxin had a guess: the person in this photo was very likely Sheng Chen.
She looked at another photo, a picture of Sheng Chen and the vice chairman of Sheng Chen Group. Sheng Chen's expression was cold, his eyes and brows revealing a hint of melancholy, while the vice chairman of Sheng Chen Group was smiling happily. Shi Xinxin's heart stirred. She remembered Sheng Chen had once mentioned that his father was the vice chairman of Sheng Chen Group. She had asked him who it was, but he hadn't said, only that he was a very powerful figure, but she didn't know specifics. So, it meant he was truly wealthy, not just ordinarily rich. Moreover, his father being the vice chairman of Sheng Chen Group meant he was a business prodigy. No wonder he could establish such a vast Sheng Chen Group in just one year, no wonder his capabilities were so formidable! No wonder he possessed such immense charm, captivating everyone!
Shi Xinxin felt a pang of envy. In that instant, she seemed to understand why Ye Xi had just said that if she was willing to be with her, she could protect her! Ye Xi's promise gave Shi Xinxin immense courage. Shi Xinxin decided she couldn't refuse; she should try to be with him. It wasn't just because Ye Xi was so good to her, but more importantly, she wanted to know through Ye Xi what kind of feelings Sheng Chen had for her – liking or not. If it was not liking, then he could leave. If it was liking, then she was willing to spend the rest of her life with him.
"Thank you." Shi Xinxin looked at Ye Xi and said, "You're so good to me."
"Heh heh." Ye Xi gave a dry laugh and then added, "I won't force you to agree right now. However, if you agree to date me, I hope you'll move into the apartment near your school with me. I can take care of you, and I'll go wherever you want to go."
Shi Xinxin hesitated for a few seconds, but ultimately agreed to Ye Xi.
"Okay, let's go now!" She would go and discuss with her mother about moving into Ye Xi's villa.
"I'll take you now," Ye Xi said with a smile.
"Mm!"
The two arrived at Shi Xinxin's doorstep. Shi Xinxin took out her key, opened the door, and walked in. Ye Xi followed closely behind her, and they entered the living room together.
"Auntie, I've brought Xinxin to see you. Are you free now?"
"Yes, yes, yes!" Mother Ye nodded quickly, then turned to look at Shi Xinxin, who was sitting on the sofa, and asked with a smile, "Xinxin, are you planning to move into my house?"