Quan Tianxi's probing gaze fell on Quan Jiu, his meaning clear.
Quan Jiu met his gaze openly. However, as she looked, a sense of familiarity bloomed in her heart. If one looked closely, they could see a resemblance in their features, and this similarity inexplicably drew them closer, even though they had only met for a few minutes.
This, perhaps, was the blood relation buried deep within their lineage.
While Quan Jiu was appraising Quan Tianxi, he was also looking at her. Similarly, the more he looked, the stronger the sense of familiarity became.
Chu Rong's expression turned somewhat displeased. He coughed lightly as a reminder.
Quan Tianxi immediately came back to his senses and gave Chu Rong an apologetic glance. "Apologies, it's just that I find Miss Quan so approachable, like... like a sister. I hope you won't mind my forwardness."
That word, "sister," stirred something within Quan Jiu, even with her composure.
She remained silent, but Quan Tianxi continued, "I believe Miss Quan and I haven't met before. Why do I feel such a resemblance between us? Is it my imagination? Or perhaps, Miss Quan is also from our Quan family, from some collateral branch?"
Though he asked, he felt it unlikely, as he had already reviewed Quan Jiu's profile and she was not from the New District.
Quan Jiu paused slightly and smiled, "There are many people who resemble each other in this world. It's not unusual."
Her words were reasonable.
Recalling that he had important matters to attend to, Quan Tianxi decided to set this aside for the moment. He then got straight to the point, "My sister mentioned that Miss Quan and she had some misunderstanding. Could Miss Quan inform me about what exactly happened between you and my sister?"
His every word and action exuded cultivation, which earned him some favor from Quan Jiu. She decided to be direct. "Liu Zhixi... to be precise, Quan Zhixi, her assistant Xiaodong was long subjected to her abuse. The fireworks accident this time was something she prepared for me, but it accidentally injured herself. Xiaodong, knowing she couldn't escape responsibility, confessed everything.
Of course, this is what I saw in the video. The last time I saw Xiaodong, she came to apologize to me. I don't know where she went after that."
Quan Tianxi frowned slightly. Her account was completely opposite to his third sister's. Logically, he should believe his beloved third sister, but for some reason, he couldn't harbor any doubt about what the woman before him said. He inexplicably felt it was the truth.
Between the two of them, one was definitely lying. If it wasn't the person before him, then it was his third sister.
But...
"Xi Xi has always been gentle and kind since childhood. She treated the household servants with great respect and friendliness. How could she abuse Xiaodong? Moreover, you have no enmity with Xi Xi. Why would she want to harm you?"
Although Quan Tianxi didn't doubt Quan Jiu's words, he was even more unwilling to believe that his third sister, who had been doted on since childhood, would do something so malicious. She was his most beloved third sister.
Quan Jiu shook her head. "I don't know. Perhaps only Xiaodong and Quan Zhixi know the reason. As for the truth, if you inquire with the film crew, you'll know: the wire was tampered with, and I was almost killed when I fell. I was also nearly crushed by the iron frame."
Mentioning this, Quan Jiu's anger surged uncontrollably.
Quan Zhixi was insane. Just because their identities might have been swapped by mistake, she wanted to kill her. This malicious act, even if it wasn't her who was disfigured and scalded, Quan Jiu still couldn't let it go.
Seeing the anger on her face, Quan Tianxi felt a strange sense of pity and tried to comfort her. "I will investigate this matter thoroughly. If my sister is indeed at fault, the Quan family will certainly give you justice."
His sincere expression instantly calmed Quan Jiu's anger. At least, from this aspect, Quan Zhixi and the Quan family were not of the same ilk.
She smiled slightly and generously offered Quan Tianxi a small Australian lobster. "It's better to arrive early than on time. Since we're already at the table, let's have a simple meal. Don't be shy."
Quan Tianxi was taken aback.
He knew he shouldn't dally like this, but seeing the woman's enthusiastic expression opposite him, he didn't want to refuse her kindness. Moreover, deep down, he genuinely wanted to spend more time with this woman.
With that thought, Quan Tianxi no longer stood on ceremony and smiled at Chu Rong. "Thank you."
Chu Rong nodded slightly, his attitude appearing somewhat reluctant. "You're welcome."
Quan Tianxi acted as if he hadn't noticed and said to Quan Jiu with a smile, "Miss Quan, you are exceptionally talented at such a young age. I truly admire you. If there's an opportunity in the future, we can collaborate. Are you interested, Miss Quan?"
Quan Jiu was pleasantly surprised. "I would be honored. To collaborate with the Quan family, the foremost of the four great families in the New District, is my privilege."
Quan Tianxi was drawn in by her cheerful smile and couldn't help but smile along. For a moment, he even had a strange thought: he wanted to give this woman all the good things in the world and make her happy forever.
Realizing this, Quan Tianxi became even more bewildered. What was going on? Why did he feel such a strong desire to be close to this woman? It wasn't romantic affection, but a purer form of camaraderie, as if it were etched into his very bones.
He was secretly puzzled, but outwardly he displayed his exceptional social skills. Even though the three of them had just met, their conversation flowed harmoniously, never faltering.
Thus, the meal, with one willing to linger and the other willing to stay, lasted nearly two hours. Their topics ranged from work to daily life.
Finally, seeing only a few remnants of food left, Quan Jiu knew she couldn't drag it out any longer and found a reasonable excuse.
"By the way, have you seen 'Floating Life'?" she asked with a smile.
Quan Tianxi thought for a moment. "It's a movie with very high recent popularity. However, I'm usually busy, so I haven't paid much attention."
Quan Jiu giggled. "I am the screenwriter for that movie. It's my first work after returning to the country. Although it's no longer in theaters, it's available for on-demand viewing online. How about this, if you're not busy, I'll treat you to a movie. The more people who watch it, the more my value will increase."
Quan Tianxi was delighted by Quan Jiu's enthusiasm. Although he had a pile of work waiting for him, looking at Quan Jiu's expectant eyes, he couldn't bring himself to refuse.
"I'm fine with that. I haven't seen it yet," Quan Tianxi readily agreed.
Chu Rong cast a displeased glance at Quan Tianxi, who seemed oblivious and eagerly began asking Quan Jiu about the movie.
While chatting animatedly with Quan Tianxi, Quan Jiu discreetly signaled Chu Rong.
Chu Rong immediately put away his displeasure, smiled, and went to clear the dishes.
Quan Jiu led Quan Tianxi to the viewing room. To complete the act, she even had Quan Tianxi create an account on a video platform and rent the movie.
"What is the New District like?" Quan Jiu asked casually.
For most people, Quan Tianxi would never discuss such matters. But when the woman's beautiful, star-like eyes looked at him expectantly, he couldn't help but blurt it out.
"The architecture in the New District, due to its long history, exudes an ancient atmosphere..."
Once he started talking about the New District, he couldn't stop. Quan Jiu listened attentively, interjecting occasionally. At the end, she couldn't help but sigh, "It's strange, really. I've never met you, nor have I seen the New District, yet looking at you, I feel a sense of familiarity, as if I know you well. It even makes me yearn for the New District."
"Do you feel that way too?" Quan Tianxi couldn't help but get excited. "Me too. It's truly magical. Perhaps we are destined to be connected."
Quan Jiu didn't commit. "Yes, we both have the surname Quan."
The movie was indeed very good, and Quan Tianxi was engrossed in it. After an unknown amount of time, he suddenly heard a crashing sound from outside the viewing room. He immediately stood up, "What's going on outside?"