Lei Xirui woke up early and began her grooming routine, as there might be a mission today.
It felt like a calm lake that had been still for years had suddenly stirred. She, this tranquil lake, encountered the breeze and listened to the fine rain.
She was too excited to sleep.
After choosing a white dress, she felt it was a bit too plain after breakfast, so she changed into a light yellow one, which made her appear more spirited and lively.
Sitting on the sofa and watching Lei Xirui bustle about, Third Master Lei’s lips curved upwards slightly, and he spoke with rare teasing, “So concerned about today’s date?”
“It’s not a date, we’re just having tea,” Lei Xirui replied, then urged, “Where’s the gift I’m supposed to bring today?”
“Here it is.” The person responsible for Lei Xirui’s daily life immediately handed over the gift. “Young Miss, is this suitable?”
“It’s fine.” Lei Xirui knew Xia Qingyu wasn't someone who cared about material possessions, but she still didn't want to appear disrespectful.
Speaking of which, this was her first time having tea with a friend.
“Is my hair okay?” Lei Xirui turned around, asking someone to check the back of her hair.
“It’s very smooth and beautiful.”
“Do you need me to drive you there?” Third Master Lei looked at Lei Xirui.
“No need, they’ll send a car to pick me up.” As soon as Lei Xirui finished speaking, someone came to announce that the car to pick her up was already at the door.
“Third Brother, I’m leaving!” Lei Xirui waved her little fist excitedly.
“Go ahead.” Seeing Lei Xirui so happy, Third Master Lei’s lips curved upwards slightly.
He hadn't realized Lei Xirui liked Tarik so much.
It seemed his judgment was indeed good.
Since Lei Xirui was very satisfied with Tarik, this marriage and cooperation could proceed to further discussions.
Lei Xirui, unaware of Third Master Lei’s arrangements, happily got into the car, ready to meet her good friend.
While the car was still on its way, Lei Xirui didn't forget to send a message to Xia Qingtian.
She was going to see Xia Qingyu, and if Xia Qingtian had anything she wanted her to relay, or any tasks, she could conveniently handle them.
[Nothing much, you just have fun with Qingyu.] Even if Xia Qingtian wanted Lei Xirui to do something, it was impossible to truly communicate through electronic mail, as their signals were constantly being monitored. [Thank you for being friends with Qingyu.]
Upon receiving Xia Qingtian’s reply, Lei Xirui felt a warmth in her heart.
After replying politely, Lei Xirui couldn't help but feel envious.
Xia Qingyu’s sister was so kind, not only gentle towards Xia Qingyu but also friendly towards her.
If…
If her brothers could be a little friendlier towards people around her, perhaps she would have many friends too, and perhaps she wouldn’t be so lonely for so long.
Shaking her head vigorously, Lei Xirui patted her cheeks with her hands.
I can’t think like this.
Someone else’s sister being good is still someone else’s. No matter how bad her brothers are… they’re not that bad either.
Although her eldest brother was playful and lustful, and she rarely saw him throughout the year, and her second brother was taciturn and hardly paid attention to her, she still had her third brother.
Didn’t her third brother accompany her to the exam this time?
Although her third brother claimed it was on the way, she knew he still cared about her.
The Lei family treated her well, and she should be content with such a comfortable life and be grateful.
It was quite good.
It’s just… if Third Brother could smile more, and if he could care about her a little more, that would be nice.
“I still really… want a sister…” Lei Xirui murmured, looking out the window.
The streets were filled with exotic charm. The sea in the distance sparkled under the sunlight, and the azure sky was occasionally dotted with white clouds. Two cats were basking their bellies on a street corner, and even from this distance, it felt as if she could hear their contented purring.
Everything was as beautiful as a picturesque painting.
“If only Third Brother could see this too.”
By the time Lei Xirui arrived, Xia Qingyu had already arranged the bouquet.
A bunch of fresh, elegant flowers wrapped in brown paper, tied with thin twine by Xia Qingyu.
“Why didn’t you use ribbon or…” Tarik asked curiously.
“I like it, what are you asking so many questions for?” Xia Qingyu interrupted Tarik impatiently, tidying the bouquet. “The whole bouquet is arranged now, with no tricks played, you can rest assured, right?”
Tarik didn’t reply, just spread his hands and shrugged.
He didn’t intend to monitor Xia Qingyu by staying; he just wanted more time to spend with her.
But hearing Xia Qingyu say that, Tarik knew that if he stayed any longer, he might be thrown out by Xia Qingyu.
Just then, a servant came to report that Lei Xirui had arrived, providing Tarik with a convenient way out.
“I’ll go down now, ask her to wait for me for a moment.” Xia Qingyu’s eyes lit up. She asked the servant to tidy up the flower stems and leaves she had cut, as well as the unused fresh flowers, and was about to head out when Tarik stopped her.
Xia Qingyu looked at Tarik blocking her path and asked him speechlessly with some impatience, “What do you want now?”
Tarik raised his arm and said, “I’ve been with you all morning, it’s not too much to ask for a small favor, is it?”
“Been with me all morning?” Xia Qingyu let out a scoff upon hearing this. “Wow… the first time I’ve heard someone describe surveillance as so selfless.”
Tarik didn’t mind the sarcasm in Xia Qingyu’s words at all. “Do me a favor.”
“Not helping.” Xia Qingyu said, about to pick up the bouquet and walk around Tarik. “Don’t block the way.”
“I’ll return your pearl to you,” Tarik said immediately.
Hearing Tarik say this, Xia Qingyu paused, then turned to look at Tarik. “It was mine originally! You should have returned it long ago.”
“Since I can describe surveillance so selflessly, I can do other things too,” Tarik said with a smile. “It’s just a small favor, you won’t lose out.”
“Tell me about it.” Xia Qingyu’s mouth twitched slightly before she tilted her chin upwards.
“Third Master Lei really appreciates me and wants me to be his brother-in-law. Hey, hey, hey, don’t laugh so lewdly, alright?” Tarik couldn’t help but say as he looked at Xia Qingyu, whose eyes had turned into crescent moons. “Have some compassion, be a human, alright?”
“Okay, you continue.” Xia Qingyu had already guessed this connection. The first time she met Tarik by chance in Finland, he was with Lei Xirui.
“I’m not interested in Miss Lei, help me turn this down,” Tarik said, tilting his head to look at Xia Qingyu. “It’s not difficult for you, is it?”