Despite her heart pounding erratically, Lei Xirui maintained a semblance of composure and said with a forced, dry laugh, "If it's convenient, could you show me upstairs?"
"Hm?" Tarik looked at Lei Xirui, a bit surprised by her request.
The upper floor was typically the private residential area. As the Lei family's esteemed daughter, Lei Xirui shouldn't have made such a request.
"Please don't misunderstand!" Lei Xirui's cheeks flushed. She knew her request was a bit much, but she had no choice. She had to try her best to cover up her true intentions and make her excuse believable. "I heard Third Brother say that the manor here still preserves the original layout and architectural style of Northern Europe.
"Tarik, as you know, the Lei family's business is largely involved with antiques. I've been interested in history since childhood.
"This is also my first time getting such a close look at Northern European architecture. Hearing Third Brother say that, I'm truly a little curious.
"Although it's a bit presumptuous, but... I hope... I also hope to get your consent!" Lei Xirui clasped her fingers together in front of her chest, blinking her large, innocent, and helpless eyes at Tarik, looking as if she would burst into tears if refused.
"If this is Miss Lei's request..." Tarik's lips twitched slightly before he let out a dry cough and gestured for her to proceed.
Lei Xirui secretly breathed a sigh of relief, revealing a gentle smile as she walked beside Tarik.
Just as the two reached the edge of the stairs, they saw Xia Qingyu coming down from upstairs.
Upon seeing her target, Lei Xirui's eyes lit up, and she feigned surprise. "Hey? Qingyu? What are you doing here?"
"Xirui?" Xia Qingyu was also slightly startled to see Lei Xirui. "I'm staying here temporarily."
"Oh, I see." Lei Xirui immediately stepped forward and took Xia Qingyu's hand, saying, "I truly didn't expect to see you here. It's wonderful."
"?" Xia Qingyu blinked in surprise. She felt something hard in her palm, which puzzled her. She immediately met Lei Xirui's gaze and saw that the girl was so nervous her entire body was stiff, with a fine sheen of sweat on her forehead. Her large eyes clearly conveyed, "This is my first time doing something like this, I'm so flustered!" Xia Qingyu instantly understood. She took over the conversation, placing her other hand on top of Lei Xirui's trembling one and patting it lightly. "Yes, I was just thinking yesterday that I wanted to chat with you about the competition today."
"Really?" Lei Xirui noticed Xia Qingyu's subtle gesture and knew she was being comforted. She silently swallowed and said, "That would be great."
"Let's chat together. I'll ask the servants to prepare some tea and snacks," Tarik's gaze fell upon the hands clasped between Xia Qingyu and Lei Xirui. The corners of his lips curved upwards, and he then revealed his warm, gentle smile again. "Black tea or fruit tea?"
"N-no, thank you," Lei Xirui's legs were trembling with nervousness now. She felt that if she stayed any longer, she would surely expose herself. She had never done anything so daring before, and she was so anxious.
What if she messed up Sister Qingtian's plans because of this? That would be terrible.
"I just remembered, I haven't said hello to Third Brother before I left," Lei Xirui said with a laugh. "It wouldn't be good if he started worrying. I, I should go back now."
"Tomorrow," Xia Qingyu squeezed Lei Xirui's hand and said, "Come back tomorrow after you've explained things to Young Master Lei? I'll have tea and snacks ready for you."
"Okay," Lei Xirui understood Xia Qingyu's hint and finally smiled before slowly withdrawing her hand.
"Shall I escort you back?" Tarik looked at Lei Xirui.
"Um..." Lei Xirui, who had intended to refuse, saw Xia Qingyu give a slight nod of encouragement. She then offered a gentle smile to Tarik and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you."
"It's no bother," Tarik smiled faintly, gave Xia Qingyu a deep look, and then led Lei Xirui away.
After they left, Xia Qingyu quickly returned to her room. She closed the door securely before unfolding her palm.
In her palm lay a smooth, white pearl, not a small one at that.
Xia Qingyu rubbed the pearl with her fingertip and found an odd spot.
Her gaze shifted slightly. Xia Qingyu immediately took out her phone, turned on the flashlight, and held the pearl under the light.
As the light passed through, Xia Qingyu indeed discovered the anomaly of this "pearl."
Finding a brooch in the cloakroom, Xia Qingyu aimed the sharp needle tip at a certain spot on the "pearl." With a slight push, the "pearl" split in two.
Xia Qingyu then discovered that this pearl was hollow.
Inside was a small rolled-up note.
Unfolding the note, Xia Qingyu immediately recognized Xia Qingtian's handwriting.
The note was short, containing only a few words.
"The 23rd, 8 PM sharp, I'll take you home."
Looking at the note, Xia Qingyu felt an urge to cry.
It was wonderful. Her sister knew that her words back then were not meant to hurt.
It was wonderful. Her sister hadn't given up on her.
It was wonderful. Her sister said she would take her home.
Clutching the note tightly in her palm, Xia Qingyu wept tears of joy.
After crying, Xia Qingyu knew clearly that this note had to be destroyed, otherwise, if anyone else discovered it, it would be very dangerous for both her and her sister.
But...
This was her sister's handwriting, a note her sister had written for her.
She couldn't bear to throw it away.
"Maybe... I should eat it..." Xia Qingyu murmured, still hesitant.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Xia Qingyu immediately asked defensively, "Who is it!"
"Miss Qingyu, the snacks are ready. Shall I bring them in?" came the maid's voice.
"No need to bring them in. The weather is nice, I'll be resting in the garden downstairs later. Please take them there." Xia Qingyu didn't want anyone to enter her room at the moment.
"Alright," the maid replied and left.
Listening to the footsteps outside gradually fade away, Xia Qingyu finally let out a long sigh. After some hesitation, she destroyed the note in her hand.
She couldn't let her own greed put her sister in danger.
As for the pearl, Xia Qingyu kept it, restoring it and playing with it in her hand.
Meanwhile, when Tarik returned Lei Xirui to Young Master Lei, he was somewhat surprised. Upon learning that Lei Xirui had actively sought out Tarik and would be formally visiting tomorrow, Young Master Lei's eyes showed a hint of a smile.
His sister had finally come to her senses.
What future was there in constantly associating with the Xia Qingtian sisters!
Those two sisters were not simple figures. It was better for Lei Xirui to follow the life plan he had laid out for her to achieve happiness!
Yes, that's right!
This is how it should be!