Doing it all over again, Li Jianmei realized her past foolishness. She professed her love for this man, yet failed to see the domineering stubbornness hidden beneath his refined and gentle exterior. This man's rise to prominence, while partly due to the influence of the Shao family, was a powerful military family with very shallow political roots. Furthermore, the relationship between the Chinese military and political establishment always maintained a delicate balance. Under such circumstances, Shao Qibin's forceful breakthrough was hardly the type to seek leverage through marriage or other external factors.
In this respect, her former rival Zhang Mengxin did a very good job. She was petite and understanding, and always knew when to be firm and when to be gentle and yielding.
“I knew Qibin was the best, so I made sure to come over on an empty stomach right before dinner.”
She should learn more from Zhang Mengxin, even though she has decided that she will no longer idly place all her hopes on Shao Qibin or her family. She once gained some understanding of politics and current affairs because of Shao Qibin; in fact, it would be strange for someone from a family like hers to be completely ignorant of these matters. She has decided to follow in Shao Qibin's footsteps and enter politics, but outside of her career, perhaps she could be more gentle, natural, and even docile.
Shao Qibin and Li Jianmei had a pleasant dinner meeting. Shao Qibin was even prepared to deal with another demanding and arrogant young lady, and was even prepared to stay in the office the next night. But in fact, Li Jianmei's performance tonight surprised Shao Qibin.
Gentle and modest, yet with a touch of playfulness and pride, sometimes a refined arrogance isn't off-putting, especially when it's all just to please you. Even if he had some doubts about Li Jianmei's change of heart, when she simply talked about her schoolwork, without the boastful talk about jewelry and clothing, and without those tedious little displays of bravado trying to make herself seem superior by mentioning who in her family had made progress, the girl in front of him, with her delicate and even somewhat flamboyant features, actually seemed rather cute under the soft light.
Overall, it was definitely a pleasant meeting.
Especially after Shao Qibin returned to his residence and received some unexpected good news, his initial dislike for Li Jianmei lessened considerably.
The provincial finance department had already rejected support for the old city redevelopment project, and Shao Qibin had even planned to visit the department this week. Now, the provincial finance department has suddenly decided to allocate funds, and the amount offered is quite substantial. Considering Li Jianmei's behavior tonight, it's easy to guess who was behind it.
If Li Jianmei used the funding as leverage, Shao Qibin would naturally be displeased. But Li Jianmei said nothing, which stirred something within him. The thought of his reflection etched in Li Jianmei's eyes undeniably spurred a surge of male pride!
"Ding, warning, warning. The reborn female protagonist has successfully reversed the impression of the mission target. Her favorability has increased rapidly. Intimacy value: (15/100) Trust value: (10/100)."
Shao Qile wasn't surprised to hear the system notification, after all, the advantage she had gained was also held by Li Jianmei. The temporary reversal only made the game more interesting.
She had already received the news that Wu Xinyu would be joining T University as an exchange student. The Wu and Shao families were also long-time friends; the Wu family held a high position in the S Province Military Region, and Wu Xinyu's grandfather, father, and brother were all outstanding military figures. Both Old Master Wu and Old Master Shao were among the few generals since the founding of the People's Republic of China. However, it's worth noting that Old Master Wu had initially served under Old Master Shao. Therefore, the Wu family could also be considered followers of the Shao family.
Given the close relationship between the two families, and the fact that Wu Xinyu is coming to T City to study, the Wu family, young and old, will definitely contact the Shao family and Shao Qibin to say hello.
Shao Qile had mixed feelings about Wu Xinyu, the reborn female supporting character she hadn't met yet. She seemed to see a reflection of herself in Wu Xinyu. The doting of her elders, the protection of her brother, and the pampering of her father were all things Shao Qile had taken for granted. Shao Qile also remembered that in the outline, Wu Xinyu ultimately couldn't win against Li Jianmei, losing a step in the game, yet she still managed to escape unscathed, eventually going abroad to heal her heartbreak—all thanks to the protection of the Wu family.
The game of chess has now begun, but the final outcome depends on the players' strategies and intentions.
Shao Qile has one advantage.
Whether it's Li Jianmei or Wu Xinyu, they both like Shao Qibin deep down, and liking someone often inevitably brings some blind spots!
Author's Note:
26. Love at first sight
Chapter Twenty-Five: Love at First Sight
When Shao Qile received a call from Shao Qibin, inviting her to a dinner that evening to welcome Wu Xinyu, an exchange student who had come from afar to T City, she felt a sense of joy and tranquility, as she finished a gentle yoga session. The news, coupled with the peace and comfort of her relaxed body, made her feel that everything was moving in a positive direction.
The Wu and Shao families are longtime friends. Given the Wu family's doting affection for Wu Xinyu, it was only natural that they would take care of everything for her when she came to study at T University. Contacting Shao Qibin, the second-in-command of T City, for protection was the most logical course of action. All of this perfectly aligned with Wu Xinyu's secret intentions. After all, she had secretly used all her connections to orchestrate this exchange student arrangement without her family's knowledge, all for Shao Qibin's sake.
Naturally, none of this was known to the Wu family or Shao Qibin at the moment. As a family friend, Shao Qile, who was also in T City and was the daughter of the Shao family, should naturally attend the event to entertain Wu Xinyu and others.
Shao Qile changed into a light blue chiffon dress, put her hair up in a princess style, and went out in wedge heels. A driver had already come to pick her up.
When they arrived at Shuixin Teahouse, it was already past six o'clock in the evening. Shao Qile and Shao Qibin met up at the entrance.
"Lele, I've heard from Secretary He that Professor He Jianguo has finished the data collection and preliminary design. You've been busy for a long time. I've arranged for Professor He to give you leave so you can rest for a few days. Although you're feeling much better now, you still need to be careful and not overwork yourself. Don't go to any activities at the construction site. Remember what you promised me and Dad: you can do design, but a dusty place like a construction site isn't good for your health."
"Brother, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
The two walked into the private room side by side, talking. They had arranged to meet the Wu family at seven o'clock, but when they arrived, the Wu family hadn't arrived yet. This gave the brother and sister some time to talk.
"Wu Xinyu is two years older than you, but she's a junior in college now, so from that perspective, you're practically her senior. You don't have many friends in T City, so take a good rest these few days and go sightseeing with Wu Xinyu. Remember to tell me if you need money. Wu Xinyu is very spoiled in the Wu family, so she might be a bit temperamental. Although we're practically half-hosts, and the Wu family and our family have been friends for generations, we need to take good care of her. But you're a daughter of the Shao family, so if Wu Xinyu does anything to upset you, you don't need to worry too much."
In the past, these words would never have come from Shao Qibin's mouth. However, the improvement in the relationship between the siblings over the years has made Shao Qibin gradually care more about his younger sister, Shao Qile. Shao Qile's dedication has also caused the guilt that had been suppressed in Shao Qibin's heart to ferment and finally burst forth.
Effort always brings corresponding rewards, doesn't it?
"Brother, I'm also a pampered daughter of the Shao family, so don't worry. As your senior, I'll take good care of you. But before that, I think you need to lend me your driver. If it's to take me to the old town, I'm sure I know it like the back of my hand, but where are some good places for girls to shop and find bargains..." Accompanying this with a shrug, Shao Qile blinked slightly, feigning cuteness, which wasn't annoying. After all, she was only eighteen years old, a blossoming age, and even if her inner soul wasn't, it didn't diminish her fresh and tender appearance.
Shao Qibin raised his hand, intending to ruffle Shao Qile's hair, but upon seeing her meticulously styled princess bun, he abandoned the idea. He clearly saw the slight, mischievous understanding in Shao Qile's eyes. Every politician should have a vast network of connections and be adept at utilizing all available limited resources. His decision to have Shao Qile rest for a few days and accompany Wu Xinyu sightseeing was naturally driven by his own ulterior motives.
A knock sounded at the door, and He Shengming led Wu Xinyu and Wu Xinghua in. This time, it was Wu Xinyu's third brother, Wu Xinghua, who had brought her to T City. Wu Xinghua and Shao Qibin had been classmates, though their families lived in different districts. Wu Xinghua had been an exchange student in Beijing for a period during junior high school, staying with the Shao family. Even though it was only two months, it was enough for Wu Xinghua to ask Shao Qibin to take good care of his younger sister.
The two classmates, who hadn't seen each other for a long time, naturally gave each other a warm hug and clenched their fists to show their friendship: "Hua Zi, long time no see! This must be your beloved little sister Wu Xinyu, whom you've been talking about all along. She's really beautiful and has a great personality! This is my sister Shao Qile. She's currently working on a project in T City with her mentor."
Wu Xinyu's heart was pounding from the moment she entered the door. She had grown up surrounded by men; her older brothers and cousins were all boys, and her childhood playmates were mostly boys who jumped around, climbed trees, and stole bird eggs. Don't expect men raised in military compounds to be gentle and polite. Their masculine side wouldn't offer tenderness or gentle greetings; even if they cared, they would express it in the wrong way, making you feel even worse.
She fell in love with Shao Qibin at first sight, but compared to her childhood sweetheart Zhang Mengxin, or Li Jianmei who was determined to win him over but ended up hurting herself, she was a step too late.
She's always been decisive and straightforward; she couldn't be like Li Jianmei, resorting to any means to win the heart of her beloved. In her past life, she chose to withdraw. Given a second chance, she even wondered if fate had granted her the opportunity to stand beside Shao Qibin. She knew that Shao Qibin and Zhang Mengxin hadn't yet solidified their relationship, and she knew she still had a chance. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but feel a restless urge.
She still used her connections to investigate and received information that there was no woman named Zhang Mengxin in Shao Qibin's life. Li Jianmei, on the other hand, had gone to study at T University, which meant she had an advantage in being close to Shao Qibin. Only then did she make her final decision.
"This is your genius little sister. She's so smart and well-behaved, beautiful and cute, unlike Xiaoyu who's always so carefree and doesn't act like a girl at all."
Despite having a feminine name, Wu Xinyu, having grown up surrounded by men, is hardly associated with the word "feminine." Even though she once considered changing herself for Shao Qibin, it couldn't diminish the spirited and heroic air that emanated from her very being.
"Third brother, if you slander your sister like this, I'll call Dad." Wu Xinyu knew she shouldn't have let them bring her, but if she came alone, it would seem too abrupt for a girl to suddenly interact with Shao Qibin.
"Okay, okay, I was wrong. Xiaoyu is the prettiest and most feminine." Upon hearing this, Wu Xinghua quickly made a gesture of surrender, but shrugged in Shao Qibin's direction, looking helpless.
Who says soldiers can't be cunning? In order to help Wu Xinyu integrate more quickly, Wu Xinghua was willing to sacrifice his own image.
"Third Brother Wu and Sister Wu have such a good relationship," Shao Qile said with genuine emotion. In Wu Xinghua and Wu Xinyu, she saw a reflection of her past life. For a moment, homesickness and a sudden vulnerability almost shattered her heart. But along with this vulnerability, she also understood more clearly why she was standing here. Even if it meant using the people in front of her—who seemed extremely likable in terms of personality, background, and everything else—Shao Qile felt that if she hadn't met Wu Xinyu in this situation, and hadn't had to use her as an obstacle to getting back home, she would have been happy to befriend her.
Wu Xinyu then noticed Shao Qile. She wasn't familiar with Shao Qile; in her previous life, when she met Shao Qibin in the capital, Shao Qile had already passed away from illness. As for the cause of Shao Qile's death, it involved family privacy, and Wu Xinyu didn't inquire further. Naturally, she didn't find Shao Qile's appearance at this moment strange. She only vaguely felt that Shao Qile's reputation as a genius was somewhat questionable, but didn't think too much about it. Instead, she felt a little sorry that the charming and adorable girl in front of her only had a few years to live.
Moreover, the thought that this was the sister of the man she liked made Wu Xinyu's gaze towards Shao Qile exceptionally kind and tinged with subtle pity. Perhaps it was because she had spent too much time among men that Wu Xinyu had picked up this tendency to cherish women.
Shao Qile keenly noticed Wu Xinyu's attitude. A thought crossed his mind, and while Shao Qibin and Wu Xinghua were chatting at the dinner table, he struck up a conversation with Wu Xinyu. After a few words, and considering Wu Xinyu's demeanor, Shao Qile managed to glean a great deal of information. This gave Shao Qile even more confidence in his plan.
Thinking about the phone call she received from Li Jianmei before leaving home today, she thought that tomorrow's meeting would be very interesting!