"Tsk, don't talk like Xi Rui is interested in you," Xia Qingyu rolled her eyes. "Besides, as the saying goes, it's better to tear down ten temples than ruin a marriage..."
"So, you don't want this thing?" Tarik dangled a pearl in front of Xia Qingyu's eyes. "Handle this, and I'll return it to you."
Looking at the object in Tarik's hand, Xia Qingyu's gaze shifted slightly, and her lips turned downwards. "Xi Rui isn't someone who causes trouble and steals lovers. As long as you explain things clearly, she won't bother you."
"That's the problem," Tarik continued. "I'm discussing business with Young Master Lei San. Even if I have to refuse this marriage, it can't be me who says it. I hope Miss Lei will be sensible."
"Good heavens, you want a favor and you're acting all high and mighty. Nie Qingkong, how did I not realize you had such potential to be a渣男 (scumbag)?" Xia Qingyu's mouth twitched.
"I just want to preserve each other's dignity. If this counts as being a scumbag, then I have nothing to say," Tarik spread his hands.
"You'd better keep quiet, because anything you say today will become an epitaph on your pillar of shame," Xia Qingyu glared at Tarik and said, "I can't help you with this. Go entertain yourself!"
With that, Xia Qingyu made to leave again.
"How can you not help?" Tarik immediately stopped Xia Qingyu. "As you said, Miss Lei isn't someone who causes trouble and steals lovers. If you cooperate a little..." Tarik paused, then said, "Excuse me," before taking Xia Qingyu's hand, which was holding a bouquet, and placing it on his arm. "Let Miss Lei know that my heart belongs to someone else, and then this matter will be resolved."
"No," Xia Qingyu immediately withdrew her hand. "Doing this won't benefit me in any way, and it might even make Xi Rui think I'm casual about choosing a partner and have poor taste. It's a losing deal with no advantages."
"Hey, Xia Qingyu, am I that terrible?" Tarik frowned at Xia Qingyu's words. "Do you have to say such hurtful things?"
"There are even more hurtful things, want to hear them? Speaking of which, you, Nie Qingkong, are the esteemed young master. Who would tell you the truth?" Xia Qingyu glanced up and down at Nie Qingkong, clicking her tongue twice. "With your character, I could curse you a hundred different ways. One hundred yuan per curse, want to pre-load a thousand yuan to hear something new?"
"So I have to pay to get cursed?" Tarik was almost amused to death by Xia Qingyu.
"Otherwise? With your identity and status, who in this day and age is willing to tell you the truth?" Xia Qingyu tilted her head. "Honesty is priceless, and a hundred yuan per sentence is a friend's price."
"Yes, so you can sincerely curse me a hundred times. And you'll make ten thousand yuan with tears in your eyes, right?" Tarik was speechless. "Xia Qingyu, how come I never realized you have the potential to be a profiteer? You're really slick at playing the game of getting something for nothing!"
"You might make a small profit, but I can't afford to lose," Xia Qingyu snorted. "Anyway, handle this messy business yourself. Don't drag me into your unethical deeds."
"How is this an unethical deed?" Tarik immediately said. "Think about it, you play a simple scene with me, and it's a win-win-win for all three parties.
First, Miss Lei doesn't have to be directly rejected by me, preserving her dignity.
I don't have to offend Young Master Lei, saving my business and my dignity.
And you get the pearl."
"That pearl was mine to begin with!" Xia Qingyu glared at Tarik. "You should have returned it to me anyway."
"Oh, this tiny little thing..." Tarik took out the pearl and played with it on his fingertip. "It's quite possible for it to fall somewhere and never be found again, right?"
"You! You're threatening me!" Xia Qingyu's eyes widened as she looked at Tarik. "Can you be any more shameless?"
"How can this be called a threat? This is analyzing the specific problem. I'm helping you," Tarik's signature smile reappeared on his face. "You're welcome. After all, we've known each other for so long."
Xia Qingyu gritted her teeth and shifted her gaze from Tarik's face to the pearl. Only then did she reluctantly place her hand on Tarik's arm.
Suddenly being linked by Xia Qingyu, the corners of Tarik's mouth curved into a subtle arc, and then he left the room with Xia Qingyu.
Downstairs, Xi Fu was chatting with Lei Xi Rui.
Although Xi Fu disliked Lei Xi Rui, this delicate socialite,
Xi Fu knew that the enemy of her enemy was her friend.
Her adoptive father had asked Tarik to accompany Lei Xi Rui. Although it was Lei San Shao's intention, if Lei Xi Rui had no such thoughts at all, she wouldn't believe it.
Initially, she was very unhappy about Lei Xi Rui appearing by Tarik's side, but that was before Xia Qingyu.
Now that Xia Qingyu was such an annoying obstacle, and she couldn't act rashly, Lei Xi Rui's importance became apparent.
Although she didn't know what business her adoptive father was discussing with Lei San Shao, since it required Tarik to personally attend, it must be very important.
In such a situation, no matter how tolerant her adoptive father was of Xia Qingyu, if Xia Qingyu truly encroached upon her adoptive father's interests, her adoptive father would not tolerate her.
That Xia Qingyu actually dared to treat her like a servant and assign her those lowly tasks. She wanted to teach Xia Qingyu a lesson.
It would be best if Xia Qingyu and Lei Xi Rui were both defeated, allowing Tarik to witness the ugliest sides of these two women, and to clearly understand that only she was the most suitable person to be by Tarik's side all along.
At that time... everything would be set right.
Very good.
Thinking thus, Xi Fu's smile became even more radiant and bright. "How long will Miss Lei be staying here?"
"I should be going back in the next couple of days," Lei Xi Rui looked at Xi Fu, her eyes filled with unconcealed admiration.
She had seen many foreign beauties in the past few days, but if she had to pick the most beautiful, it would be Xi Fu.
Like the most exquisite doll in a shop window, she exuded elegance from head to toe, especially her eyes, which were as clear and bright as gemstones.
So beautiful!
"Is that so? That's a pity. Tarik will be reluctant to part with Miss Lei," Xi Fu said deliberately, observing Lei Xi Rui's expression.
"Tarik?" Lei Xi Rui blinked, not understanding what her departure had to do with Tarik. They were hardly acquainted. However, out of politeness, Lei Xi Rui could only offer a dry laugh. "Tarik is a very warm and hospitable person."
"Heh heh." Xi Fu smirked inwardly. *Pretending, keep pretending.*
Women from the distant East were truly so scheming!