Wife Takes the Reins: The Calm CEO

Chapter 18: Xiao Fei, the Ice-Cold Beauty

“Tsk, tsk… Doesn’t she even consider the occasion? Flirting so brazenly like that—she really does treat us like we’re invisible,” Qi Xin'er muttered indignantly into Li Xiaowan’s ear. “Sweetheart, badmouthing someone right to their face? Watch out—you might wake up tomorrow and find your tongue’s gone!” Xiao Fei said, seemingly offhand, though the ferocity in her eyes was unmistakable. Seeing this, Li Xiaowan quickly stepped forward to explain, “Please forgive her. My friend just says whatever’s on her mind—she doesn’t mean any harm.” “It was just a scare. You don’t really think I’d dare do it, do you? It’s fine now. You two beauties, get in the car!” Xiao Fei said with a forced smile. Given the terrifying look she’d just flashed, Li Xiaowan had every reason to believe that Xiao Fei was definitely the type to follow through on her threats. However, she likely refrained from making a move against the two of them out of respect for Feng Lingzheng; if it had been anyone else, they probably wouldn’t have been so lucky. Li Xiaowan’s hunch was spot on. Even Ye’s expression had lost its previous composure and was beginning to show signs of panic. Though not particularly obvious, a close look revealed the subtle shifts in his facial expression. It goes without saying just how dangerous Xiao Fei is. Li Xiaowan hadn’t even wanted to ride in her car at first, but in the end, she couldn’t resist Ye and Xiao Fei’s mix of persuasion and pressure, and reluctantly pulled Qi Xin'er into the car. Qi Xin'er wasn’t stupid; she had sensed it long ago. But her thoughts were focused less on herself and more on Li Xiaowan. She wondered if Li Xiaowan would come to any harm over the next year. At this thought, Qi Xin'er’s face was filled with guilt. She never could have imagined that, in the end, it was because of her that Li Xiaowan had been placed in such an awkward situation. “Xiaowan, I’m so sorry…” Qi Xin'er had so much she wanted to say, but in the end, a thousand words were left unsaid. “Xin'er, between you and me, there’s no question of who owes whom an apology. If it weren’t for you—and Uncle Qi and Aunt Qi’s help—I might not even be alive today. Besides, I was the one who started this whole mess in the first place. At the end of the day, you’ve just been dragged into this because of me,” Li Xiaowan said, blaming herself. “Xiaowan, come on. Since you’re not blaming me, how could I possibly blame you? We may not be blood sisters, but we’re closer than any blood sisters, aren’t we?” Qi Xin'er said, clasping Li Xiaowan’s hand tightly. “Xin'er, you’re right. Haven’t we gotten through all these years by supporting each other? As long as we don’t give up, I believe no difficulty can bring us down,” Li Xiaowan said, clasping Qi Xin'er’s hand in return. Meanwhile, Xiao Fei watched the two of them with a cold smile in the rearview mirror. What deep sisterly bond? That was all just for show when no real interests were at stake. Once their own personal interests were involved, all that previous affection would vanish like a passing cloud—gone in the blink of an eye. Back then, hadn’t she herself gone through the exact same experience with them? Yet in the end, all she was left with was a ruthless betrayal and a body covered in scars. Hah! Just wait. There’s no such thing as unchanging, genuine affection in this world; in the end, all true feelings will succumb to self-interest. “Ladies, please take a look—is this where you’re staying?” Xiao Fei’s cold voice came from the front seat. Li Xiaowan leaned forward to take a look, then said, “This is it, Xiao Fei. Thank you for driving us back.” “You’re welcome. It’s my duty.” As soon as Li Xiaowan and Qi Xin'er stepped out of the car, Xiao Fei immediately started the engine and sped off. “What kind of person is that? It’s as if a ghost were chasing her,” Qi Xin'er said irritably. “Come on, Xin'er, people like that aren’t worth getting upset over. Let’s go—let’s head upstairs first. This day has been so long.” Li Xiaowan dragged her exhausted body toward the stairwell—though, in truth, she was more emotionally drained than physically tired. “Xiaowan, aren’t you hungry? We haven’t even had breakfast or lunch!” Qi Xin'er called out just in time to stop Li Xiaowan, who was about to step onto the stairs. “Xin'er, if you hadn’t mentioned it, I almost forgot. Actually, my stomach’s been growling for ages. Let’s go grab something to eat first!” It wasn’t until that moment that Li Xiaowan realized—if not for Qi Xin'er’s reminder, she probably would have gone hungry all the way until dinner! What a terrible day this has been. “Xiaowan, do you want to…” Qi Xin'er said, her eyes sparkling. The two of them had long since developed a tacit understanding; Li Xiaowan knew exactly what Qi Xin'er meant without her having to say a word. “Sure, let’s go. It’s almost six o’clock anyway—if we take our time walking there, we’ll arrive just in time,” Li Xiaowan said excitedly. That’s right—food is the most important thing in life. No matter how unhappy you are, you can’t let your stomach go hungry. Besides, in Li Xiaowan and Qi Xin'er’s eyes, the barbecue and grilled fish at the night market were simply unbeatable—needless to say how delicious they were; only those who’d tasted them could truly appreciate it. In any case, come evening, the small low table next to their stall was always packed with people—all year round. Many even came from far away specifically to try it. Once, someone asked the owner of the barbecue stall why he hadn’t thought about expanding the business. The owner’s reply was straightforward: “As long as everyone enjoys their meal,my wife and I are both nearing fifty; we’re not in it to make a fortune—just enough to get by is fine.” For a long time, Li Xiaowan had envied this couple. On particularly hot days, the owner’s wife would promptly reach for a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from her husband’s brow. During the day when the stall wasn’t open, you could often see them walking down the street hand in hand—a sight that truly made people envious. The only regret is that they still have no children. Once, I overheard someone mention that it was because the owner’s wife suffers from infertility with no hope of a cure, yet the owner has never left her side, loving her just as deeply as he did ten years ago. But life isn’t always perfect; all we can do is try to minimize the regrets. “Xiaowan, Xin'er, you’re here so early!” The owner’s wife greeted them warmly as soon as she saw them. “That’s right! We’re here again to enjoy the grilled fish the boss prepares himself!” Li Xiaowan replied with a smile, having already put her previous unpleasant experience out of her mind for the time being. “Madam, could you give us two grilled brain dishes again tonight?” Qi Xin'er asked quite naturally, not sensing anything amiss. “Xin'er, I know that without you even having to say it. Don’t worry—just sit back and enjoy your meal. I’ll be busy for a bit!” After saying this, the owner’s wife turned and went back to work. Sometimes, when Li Xiaowan and Qi Xin'er saw the owners getting overwhelmed, they’d step in to help right away. Before long, Li Xiaowan and Qi Xin'er had become close with the family. Sometimes, whenever the owners made something delicious, they’d call Li Xiaowan and Qi Xin'er over—they’d come to regard the two girls as their own daughters. They had previously suggested that Li Xiaowan and Qi Xin'er quit their jobs to help run the barbecue business. They were willing to teach them all their grilling techniques and cooking secrets for free, while also paying them a salary. However, due to certain circumstances, they temporarily put that plan on hold. Actually, for Li Xiaowan and Qi Xin'er, this might have been a good option. After all, they’re both big foodies; when they’re not at work, they love to cook for themselves at home, and their dishes usually turn out quite well. In no time at all, the dozen or so low tables were filled with customers. With just the husband and wife running the place, they often couldn’t attend to everyone properly, and some customers would end up waiting an hour or even longer. Even so, very few people complained or left their seats; and if they did, some of the regulars sitting nearby would step in to explain the situation. “Here’s your favorite dish—grilled brain—while it’s still hot! But be careful, it’s piping hot!” The owner’s wife placed two servings of brain in front of Li Xiaowan and Qi Xin'er, offering a gentle reminder. “Thanks, Aunt Yu.” Most people had gotten used to calling the owner “Brother Qiangzi” or “Uncle Qiangzi,” and the owner’s wife “Sister Yu” or “Aunt Yu”—Li Xiaowan and Qi Xin'er were no exception. “Uncle Qiangzi’s cooking is truly second to none. Xiaowan, do you think we should consider quitting? I think after what happened yesterday and today’s unexcused absence, tomorrow at the Company is going to be a rough day. I’m sure the Administration Department will be in an uproar.” ” After saying this, Qi Xin'er picked up a piece of braised pork brain and popped it into her mouth. Although she was talking about all the bad news, her face was full of satisfaction—which just goes to show how delicious the pork brain really was. “Let them do whatever they want. As long as the Company hasn’t fired us, we still have to go to work.” Li Xiaowan wasn’t the type to back down when faced with a problem, and she certainly didn’t want to leave without a clear reason. “Fine, we’ll do as you say. Anyway, if you leave the Company, I won’t stick around there either,” Qi Xin'er said with a serious expression. “You little rascal, if you’re not afraid of having no future, just stick with me,” Li Xiaowan teased with a chuckle. Li Xiaowan really didn’t know what to do with Qi Xin'er. She knew that Qi Xin'er’s lifelong wish had been to find someone who treated her well and marry him—and that person had to be wealthy. Although it was very pragmatic, that’s just how realistic this society is. Going with the flow wasn’t entirely Qi Xin'er’s fault; everyone has their own aspirations. Besides, until she met her true soulmate, none of these ideas had become reality yet. “I’m not afraid at all. I know that by sticking with you, I’m bound to have a bright future. So, Xiaowan, don’t lose heart. Don’t let what happened today get you down. Since nothing can be changed, let’s just face reality head-on.” ” At this point, Qi Xin'er could only stand by and comfort Li Xiaowan, cheering her on. Although she desperately wanted to help Li Xiaowan escape the predicament she was unwilling to face, she was truly powerless to do so. “I know, don’t worry. I’m not that fragile. Besides, to some people, what’s happened to me is nothing but a stroke of luck—a gift from heaven, right? It’s just a shame they didn’t catch it, but I did,” Li Xiaowan said, trying to comfort herself—though her words were laced with self-mockery. Qi Xin'er wasn’t oblivious to the underlying tone, but she chose not to pursue the topic further, so as not to make Li Xiaowan feel sad again. “All right, let’s put all those worldly troubles aside for now. Tonight, let’s eat and drink to our hearts’ content!” Qi Xin'er raised her drink and clinked glasses with Li Xiaowan in a hearty toast.