Chapter 16: A Rotten Idea

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On the phone, Li Du sounded helpless as he explained to Xie Bo, "You know the temper of that eldest miss. Last night, she stayed at the club the entire evening, refusing to sleep herself and not letting me sleep either. She insisted on knowing where you were. I had no choice but to give her the address of Ramon’s apartment. Boss Bo, I’m sorry."

Xie Bo didn’t blame Li Du. After hanging up, he pulled Lin Yiwei out from under the covers. "If you don’t want her to see you, it’s best if you leave now."

Still groggy, Lin Yiwei suddenly became alert when she heard Chi Xiyu’s name. She hurriedly slipped on her slippers, grabbed her bag, and tried to leave.

Xie Bo tugged her back, smiling, "Going out just like that?"

Only then did Lin Yiwei realize she was still wearing Xie Bo’s white shirt.

It was thin and long, half covering her upper thighs like a nightdress.

That shirt had practically become her dedicated sleepwear at Ramon’s apartment.

Her own clothes were too worn out to wear, so Xie Bo rummaged through the wardrobe and tossed her a loose black-and-white tracksuit.

Though a bit large, the sporty style would do for going out.

Lin Yiwei hurriedly changed, hoping Xie Bo would leave.

But the man showed no intention of going anywhere. Leaning against the dark gray wall panels, he lifted his chin, his black eyes gleaming mischievously behind his moonlight silver frameless glasses as he appraised her.

"Xie Bo, you look especially bad wearing those glasses."

Xie Bo sneered, "I’m going for the ‘beast in gentleman’s clothing’ look."

"You admit it."

"Why not?"

Lin Yiwei turned her back to him, quickly putting on her bra.

That night, they had no physical reservations left between them.

Xie Bo tilted his chin, admiring her graceful waistline and the pair of delicate butterfly bones—exquisite beyond compare.

"Chi Xiyu’s here to check on you, but you don’t seem worried at all." She zipped up her jacket swiftly.

He came over and zipped it up for her. "Why would I worry? She’s not my girlfriend."

"You know she likes you."

"So what? Do I have to be responsible for her feelings?" Xie Bo chuckled. "Where’s the sense in that?"

"Then you’ll marry her someday."

"You have to understand, in these business alliance marriages, our feelings are the least important. Even if she hates me to death, if she must marry me, she will—with no other choice." Xie Bo slowly fastened her zipper. "Bound together for life, at least for now, keeping some distance prevents resentment."

Lin Yiwei had nothing to say. She gradually understood why Chi Xiyu schemed behind the scenes, sending her to spy on Ye Anning, yet never openly confronted any woman around Xie Bo.

Because Chi Xiyu knew she had no status, no position, no right.

Until the moment before entering the marriage hall, Chi Xiyu had no authority to interfere in Xie Bo’s private life.

"But you treat Chi Xiyu quite well. Saying you don’t care about her feelings, you actually protect her face," Lin Yiwei said, noticing how well Xie Bo behaved in public around Chi Xiyu.

He smiled, "Since we’ll be partners in interest, protecting her dignity is protecting my own."

Suddenly, he grabbed her collar, pulling her close. "Likewise, anyone who harms her interests harms mine—I won’t let that slide."

His tone was gentle but carried a strong threat.

Lin Yiwei stared into his dark eyes, sensing a chilling coldness.

Sharp as he was, he already sensed her intentions when she went to Chi Xiyu’s side weren’t good.

But Lin Yiwei was unafraid.

If Chi Xiyu hurt Lin Xie, even at the risk of shattering herself, she would make her pay.

"You caught my hair, it hurts…" She still played the soft, delicate role, whispering, "Be gentler."

Xie Bo looked down and saw a lock of her hair caught in the zipper.

"Troublesome," he said with a hint of impatience, but carefully lowered the zipper, freeing and smoothing the hair behind her left temple. "You should go now."

Lin Yiwei grabbed her bag and stepped out. Just then, the intercom screen by the door lit up.

Chi Xiyu appeared on the screen, her adorable double bun hairstyle perfectly done, her makeup exquisite.

"……"

That was fast.

Xie Bo pressed his large hand on Lin Yiwei’s head, holding her against his chest to avoid the intercom’s view, then answered.

"Xie Bo, you really are home?"

"Yeah. Why are you here?"

"You just got out of the hospital yesterday, I was really worried. I found Li Du and asked for your address for a long time before he told me. Why are you living here? I thought you lived in the villa area."

"This place is closer to the school and the club."

"That makes sense." The girl’s watery eyes stared at him through the screen. "I was so worried, I wanted to come see you."

Lin Yiwei could only press tightly against the man’s chest, not daring to move. She felt his mischievous hand stroking her jaw like petting a kitten.

"Xie Bo, can I come up? I want to see you."

"This is my private residence, not convenient. Sorry."

While refusing her, Xie Bo’s hand slid down slightly, his fingertips tracing her collarbone inch by inch, making her tingle with ticklishness. She pushed his playful hand away.

Chi Xiyu looked disappointed. "Are you okay? Does your head still hurt?"

"You saw me, I’m fine. Listen, go back quickly, it’s cold outside."

His rare show of concern lifted Chi Xiyu’s mood a little and she nodded hard. "Okay, I won’t disturb you. Rest well. See you at school."

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"Bye."

Xie Bo hung up.

"Why not let her come up? If she did, I could take the other elevator down," Lin Yiwei said, well aware of Chi Xiyu’s temperament. "She’d probably wait outside for a long time. If I went down, I’d definitely run into her."

"I told you, this is my private residence. Once she comes up once, there’ll be a second time. It’s troublesome."

"Then how do I leave?"

"Can you drive?" Xie Bo opened the cabinet revealing three or four rows of flashy luxury car keys. "Pick a favorite and drive yourself home."

Lin Yiwei hesitated. "I can’t."

"You’re in college and can’t drive?"

"I don’t have time to learn."

Actually, she didn’t have the conditions—driving school was expensive, and she spent her entire summer break earning living expenses for the new semester.

Still, she had a small pride and self-respect, especially in front of Xie Bo… she didn’t want him to look down on her.

"When I have time, I will learn," she weakly added. "Learning to drive isn’t a big deal."

Xie Bo could see the flicker of fragile pride in her eyes. He casually grabbed a few keys and said, "When you have time, I’ll teach you."

With that, he pushed Lin Yiwei out the door and took the elevator down to the private garage on level minus three.

Rows of luxury cars she could barely name but instantly recognized as expensive were lined up like a grand exhibition.

Xie Bo started his favorite convertible sports car. "Get in, I’ll take you."

"I… I don’t want to ride in a convertible."

No way would she ride so ostentatiously with him. Not just Chi Xiyu, but any acquaintance seeing them on the road would be disastrous.

Xie Bo grew impatient. "Then pick a car you like."

Lin Yiwei looked around and chose a pure black SUV.

A Rolls-Royce Cullinan—not a bad choice.

Xie Bo opened the door for her, smiling. "You like this one?"

Not exactly, but she thought it was safer and less flashy.

"Not bad. Drive slow, I get car sick."

"Car sick?" He buckled his seatbelt after getting in. "Are you kidding me?"

"What’s wrong? Can’t get car sick in your car?"

"……"

Xie Bo had long wanted to take her for a ride, an urge he had never felt so strongly for any girl…

Only to find out she gets car sick.

Lame.

He started the engine and drove the SUV out. Lin Yiwei kept reminding him, "Slower, slower."

"The speed’s already down to 40 mph."

"Slower, 30 is fine."

"……"

As they left Ramon’s apartment gate, Lin Yiwei spotted Chi Xiyu standing by the entrance.

Chi Xiyu stared at the SUV passing by for a long time, clearly recognizing Xie Bo’s car.

Lin Yiwei panicked and quickly buried her head, afraid of being noticed.

Soon, she received a WeChat message from Chi Xiyu—

Sisi: "I suspect last night Ye Anning stayed overnight at Xie Bo’s apartment."

Wei Feng: "I’m not sure."

Soon, Chi Xiyu sent a 20-second voice message, furious—

Sisi: "You’re not sure? I sent you to watch Ye Anning for me, to keep an eye on her and Xie Bo, and now you tell me you don’t know! What use are you to me!"

Clearly, she was very upset.

Lin Yiwei could only text an apology: "Sorry, Xixi."

Chi Xiyu realized she’d overreacted and softened her tone. "Yiwei, I’m not blaming you. I’m just really upset. You have to find a way to keep an eye on them."

Wei Feng: "Okay."

Lin Yiwei glanced at Xie Bo, who was driving.

The breeze lifted a few strands of hair on his forehead, revealing sharp facial features and indifferent peach blossom eyes.

If one does not meet a good person, the one who falls first is always the one left with wounds. Just look at Chi Xiyu.

"What are you thinking?" he noticed her gaze and asked curiously.

"None of your business," Lin Yiwei lazily replied.

"What attitude is that?" He reached over, pinching her chin. "No one dares talk to me like that. Not even Chi Xiyu."

Lin Yiwei pushed his hand away and stared at the rapidly passing scenery outside. "I’m just this kind of person. No manners, not a lady."

He snorted. "There’s a saying: Those who are favored are reckless."

"I don’t want your favor, Xie Bo. Stop saying things like that."

Xie Bo smirked wickedly, "See? You are reckless."

"……"

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By the last day before the assessment, Lin Yiwei handed in her finished painting to Chi Xiyu, completing the task assigned.

The painting helped Chi Xiyu earn a high score, giving her a chance to be assigned to the academy’s top professor—Professor Mai—as her group mentor.

Lin Yiwei had heard of Professor Mai from Lin Xie.

He was the most authoritative veteran artist in Qinggang City, with disciples all over. Lin Xie had said if she ever got into Figge Art Academy, she must choose Professor Mai as her mentor.

One of Professor Mai’s former students had been accepted by the Royal Academy of Arts in London with a full scholarship. His recommendation carried great weight. Lin Xie hoped she could get such a recommendation.

Of course, Chi Xiyu’s choice of Professor Mai was her father’s decision, insisting she pick that professor no matter what.

Other professors were no good; only Professor Mai was acceptable.

Lin Yiwei had overheard Chi Xiyu mention, intentionally or not, that Professor Mai had collaborated with her family. Many of Chi Xiyu’s award-winning works were recommended by Professor Mai.

She even boldly guessed… Professor Mai might know the “truth” behind Chi Xiyu’s paintings.

So Chi Xiyu chose Professor Mai, and Lin Yiwei didn’t hesitate to join his group as well.

Only by staying in Professor Mai’s group would she have a chance to uncover more truths.

After the grouping, Professor Mai kept Lin Yiwei behind for a long private talk.

Chi Xiyu felt uneasy; her own assignment scored higher than Lin Yiwei’s, so why did Professor Mai only speak privately with Lin Yiwei?

When Lin Yiwei left the office, Chi Xiyu immediately grabbed her. "Yiwei, I’ve been waiting for you. What did Professor Mai say? Don’t tell me he noticed our painting styles are similar…"

"Don’t worry, no…" Lin Yiwei sighed sadly. "He saw my painting was a copy of someone else’s work and scolded me harshly."

"What? You copied?!"

"Yeah, didn’t have enough time," Lin Yiwei lowered her voice. "After helping you, I had no time to do my own."

Chi Xiyu instantly felt guilty. "I’m sorry, I caused you to be scolded."

"It’s okay. He just told me not to do it again. He didn’t cancel my grade."

"Ah, that’s good."

Lin Yiwei half-heartedly brushed it off.

Professor Mai did realize her work was a copy.

But what she copied wasn’t just anyone’s painting—it was Lin Xie’s.

That Professor Mai recognized it immediately showed how familiar he was with Lin Xie’s style.

When Lin Yiwei said she had seen the original at a certain exhibition, she was vague enough to get by.

But one thing was certain—

Professor Mai probably knew Lin Xie!

…

"Yiwei, I want to ask you for a favor," Chi Xiyu grabbed her arm, breaking Lin Yiwei’s reverie.

"We don’t need to talk about favors between us," Lin Yiwei put on her warm professional smile. "Just tell me what to do."

"Then I’ll be straightforward."

"Okay."

"You know, I was really mad that day—Ye Anning actually spent the night at Xie Bo’s apartment!"

"Ye Anning said she didn’t."

"She definitely didn’t tell you the truth!"

Lin Yiwei had no strong feelings about Ye Anning—neither fond nor hostile. Generally, she was a naive young lady, easily trusting others.

Lin Yiwei didn’t want to hurt her.

"Xixi, I think you shouldn’t focus so much on Ye Anning. Even if she’s out of the picture, there’s Zhou Anning, Huang Anning, Li Anning… so many girls like him, you can’t handle them all…"

Chi Xiyu shot her a suspicious glare. "I don’t need you telling me what I should or shouldn’t do! You just follow my orders."

"Sorry," Lin Yiwei apologized.

Chi Xiyu was unstable, foolish, and suspicious. Lin Yiwei shouldn’t have said that.

What she should do now is gain Chi Xiyu’s trust by following her instructions.

"What do you want me to do, Xixi? I’ll listen."

Chi Xiyu’s face lit up with a smile as she studied Lin Yiwei’s face. The look in her eyes made Lin Yiwei’s scalp tingle.

"Xixi…"

"Will you betray me?"

"Never."

"You’re a bit like Ye Anning, but you’re prettier." Her fingertip gently lifted Lin Yiwei’s chin. "I want you to chase Xie Bo."

"…………"

She’s crazy, Lin Yiwei thought.