The Possessive Villain Is Too Clingy [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 32

Ye Zhixia first criticized Xiao Mi: Back when I was studying in the world of business warfare, you were just hiding in the space sleeping. Of course, you wouldn’t understand anything now.

Xiao Mi immediately widened her big, watery eyes and cooed pleadingly: I was just a little baby back then and didn’t know any better. Xiaxia, teach me now.

Ye Zhixia wasn’t actually serious about scolding her, so she patiently explained:

The business world is like a battlefield. Chu Xiao isn’t some idol celebrity, if he gets beaten up, it’ll just become gossip for people to chat about over tea. Financial reporters aren’t guardians of justice either; they have no reason to fight for his vindication.

For a conglomerate, the only things that truly matter are stocks and capital. If Chu Tianheng and Chu Xiao, as the new generation of core figures in the Chu Group, both resign in a short period, what do you think ordinary shareholders and investors would assume?

Although Xiao Mi hadn’t studied diligently with Ye Zhixia back then, she wasn’t stupid. With this hint, she immediately answered excitedly: Ordinary investors would definitely think the Chu Group is declining, that there’s internal trouble, and they’d rush to sell their shares, causing the stock price to plummet.

After listening to Xiao Mi’s analysis, Ye Zhixia set down her hand and tapped lightly next to her phone, its screen illuminated.

The phone displayed the Chu Group’s stock trend for the week—there had been a sharp drop on the very day Chu Xiao’s resignation was announced.

Ye Zhixia then posed a question to Xiao Mi: If you were Old Master Chu, how would you stabilize confidence?

Guided this way, Xiao Mi pondered carefully: If it were me, I’d prove to everyone that the Chu Group is stable right now and that business is running smoothly.

Ye Zhixia glanced around, making sure no one was paying attention to her, then subtly gave Xiao Mi a thumbs-up.

She then asked again: Do you understand today’s press conference now?

Xiao Mi stood up straight, her tiny cat mouth curling as if smiling: I get it! The reporters hounding Chu Xiao about his situation were trying to prove there’s a power struggle crisis in the Chu Group!

Old Master Chu emphasized the rationality of their departure and then introduced even more impressive new hires—that would make everyone feel optimistic about the Chu Group’s situation!

Ye Zhixia nodded in approval again: Exactly. So now, do you still think Chu Xiao and Chu Tianheng are important?

Xiao Mi immediately shook her head like a rattle-drum: Bringing in a big shot directly shows the Chu Group has a bright future. Once investors and shareholders regain confidence, the stock price naturally stabilizes.

Hearing this, Ye Zhixia leaned back in her chair, relaxing—Xiao Mi had fully grasped Old Master Chu’s strategy.

However, Xiao Mi hadn’t forgotten another question on her mind: But Xiaxia, what did you mean when you said the Chu Group’s rivals had already gained a lot?

Ye Zhixia’s previously relaxed expression turned serious again. She picked up her phone and looked at the slight uptick in the Chu Group’s stock after the major drop.

This kind of situation usually meant someone had been quietly buying up a certain amount of shares.

But the upward trend stopped quickly, indicating that whoever bought the Chu Group’s stock at a low price didn’t want to draw attention—nor were they planning to snipe at the Chu Group or wage a full-scale battle.

After buying some shares, the other party slipped away. Their intentions aren’t clear yet, but they’re definitely not simple.

Xiao Mi nodded, only half-understanding.

Ye Zhixia narrowed her eyes and leaned back in her chair once more, steadying her breath as she pondered how to swiftly cut through the tangled mess and uncover which force was truly pulling the strings behind the scenes.

After a long while, she opened her eyes, picked up her phone, and dialed Chu Ning directly.

—”Hey, Ningning, after my shoot wraps tonight, I’d like to meet up with you,” Ye Zhixia said with a smile in her voice.

—”New friend? Of course, the more friends, the more paths forward.”

—”See you tonight.”

Ye Zhixia pressed the red end-call button. Bai Xin sidled up to her. “Sister Xiaxia, are you having dinner with Miss Chu tonight?”

Facing Bai Xin’s probing, Ye Zhixia smiled in response. “Yes, I’ll take you along next time. You can be in charge of singing on the side.”

Hearing the mention of singing, Bai Xin immediately clasped her hands together in a pleading gesture. “Sister Xiaxia, there are a few movie theme songs this time, and one of them is a song I really love. I heard the investors prefer you to sing it. Could you…?”

Ye Zhixia recalled the details she’d seen while reviewing the plot of this world—Bai Xin was originally destined to become a pop diva. Combined with the glimpse of her extraordinary singing talent she’d shown on the balcony recently, letting her sing the theme song would only benefit the film.

She gave Bai Xin an “OK” sign.

Bai Xin was so thrilled she waved her hands excitedly in front of her. “Thank you, Sister Xiaxia!”

All of this was observed by Xu Miaomiao from behind, who took it as evidence of their collusion, deepening her resentment another notch.

Ye Zhixia bid farewell to the others and drove off with Xiao Mi to the agreed-upon restaurant.

They’d chosen a famous hotpot restaurant in Haicheng, booked by Xie Shuyu, who insisted that as the elder, she should treat. The meal was also a thank-you to Chu Ning for giving her the job opportunity.

When Chu Ning had called Ye Zhixia earlier, Xie Shuyu had warmly invited the friend on the other end of the line to join them.

Inside the private room of the hotpot restaurant, Chu Ning and Xie Shuyu had already ordered the dishes and were waiting for Ye Zhixia’s arrival.

Ye Zhixia had changed into a casual hoodie and jeans, looking sharp and fresh.

She found the room number, knocked three times, then pushed the door open and stepped inside.

To her surprise, there was a four-panel folding screen just inside, blocking her view, but the voices from within clearly included Chu Ning’s.

“Ningning, I’m here,” Ye Zhixia called out, raising her voice slightly in case they hadn’t heard the knock, not wanting to startle them by walking in unannounced.

Hearing Ye Zhixia’s voice, Chu Ning hurried to greet her. “Sister Xiaxia, come sit down!”

Xie Shuyu stared at the newcomer, her mouth slightly agape. Chu Ning hadn’t mentioned that the friend joining them for dinner was the superstar Ye Zhixia!

Nervous beyond words, she stood up and, as if possessed, shook Ye Zhixia’s hand. Immediately afterward, she regretted it—the gesture felt stiff and awkward, like something you’d do for a formal inspection.

“Hello, Teacher Ye,” Xie Shuyu greeted awkwardly, then introduced herself. “I’m Xie Shuyu, a programmer.”

“Just call me Sister Xiaxia. Xie-mei, since you’re Ningning’s friend, I’ll call you Shuyu,” Ye Zhixia replied warmly.

Chu Ning stood to the side, utterly stunned.

Xie Shuyu regained her composure and spoke more confidently, even joking with Ye Zhixia. “Sure, but Sister Xiaxia looks so much younger than me—people might think I’m trying to act cute.”

After the three of them sat down, Chu Ning explained to Ye Zhixia how she had met Xie Shuyu, her love for programming, and her dream of starting a company over the years.

Ye Zhixia listened quietly, occasionally asking about the meanings of terms she didn’t understand in Chu Ning’s explanation.

After hearing Chu Ning’s introduction, Ye Zhixia thought for a moment and then offered her own advice: “What you’re planning to do doesn’t seem like something that can be accomplished overnight. Not only that, but it also seems to depend on the development and progress of mobile and console products as end-point devices.”

“If you want to establish this company now, it’s best to let Shuyu focus on her original work as the main business first. Wait for the right timing, favorable conditions, and harmony before making a big move.”

Xie Shuyu’s gaze at Ye Zhixia was full of admiration and reverence. When Chu Ning noticed, she immediately scowled and kicked Xie Shuyu under the table. “Stop staring at Sister Xiaxia like that. It’s rude.”

Xie Shuyu scratched her head, her hand sliding down from her wolf-cut hair, and muttered an embarrassed “Oh.”

Today, Ye Zhixia had taken the initiative to invite Chu Ning out, mainly to inquire about the situation with Old Master Chu.

“How’s your grandfather’s health?” Ye Zhixia asked casually, taking a bite of beef.

Chu Ning nodded while eating. “The doctor said he’s fine as long as he gets regular check-ups.”

“And his spirits?” Ye Zhixia pressed.

Chu Ning thought for a moment. “When I went to his office today to ask about the press conference, he seemed particularly energetic.”

Hearing this, Ye Zhixia immediately put down her chopsticks and asked Chu Ning, “Did your grandfather mention anything about the company’s recent situation?”

Chu Ning continued fishing for her favorite potato slices in the pot and answered casually, “Grandpa had the newly appointed Vice President Chen explain the press conference to me. I learned a lot.”

Xie Shuyu, meanwhile, was panting from the spiciness, seemingly oblivious to Chu Ning and Ye Zhixia’s conversation.

Ye Zhixia glanced at Xie Shuyu and decided there was no need to avoid her. She then asked in a low voice, “Did your grandfather mention anything about another company buying up shares from retail investors at low prices?”

Chu Ning shook her head, her expression turning serious. “Grandpa said the counterattack was successful and the stock price has returned to normal. He didn’t say anything else.”

At the mention of stocks, Xie Shuyu’s face immediately twisted in shock, and she couldn’t help but exclaim, “What?! I just sold all my shares, and Chu Corporation’s stock has already bounced back? Oh my god!”

Ye Zhixia looked at the wailing Xie Shuyu with skepticism. Could Chu Ning really run a reliable company with such a handsome but scatterbrained girl?

“Who bought my shares at a low price?! I’ll look into it tonight!” Xie Shuyu grumbled, occasionally hissing from the spiciness.

A thought occurred to Ye Zhixia—Xie Shuyu was a tech genius. Maybe she could trace which faction was behind the bulk purchase of Chu Corporation’s shares.

“If you find anything, could you let me know too? I’m quite curious,” she said, her eyes gleaming at Xie Shuyu.

Flattered that Ye Zhixia was asking for her help, Xie Shuyu confidently patted her chest. “No problem! I’ll dig up their ancestors eighteen generations back for you!”

“That won’t be necessary…” Ye Zhixia found the metaphor a bit exaggerated.

After the meal, Ye Zhixia first drove Xie Shuyu back to her apartment complex before taking Chu Ning to the Chu family estate.

Xie Shuyu had just gotten out of the car when Chu Ning, leaning toward Ye Zhixia, asked, “How could you tell at a glance that she identifies as female?”

Ye Zhixia slowly turned her head, squinted at Chu Ning for a moment, then looked back to continue driving. “Can’t we say that someone tall and handsome can only be a guy?”

“In many people’s minds, traits like handsomeness, bravery, even excelling in STEM subjects are seen as exclusive to men. But in reality, women can possess these qualities too—and often do even better! Judging by the professional skills you described, the chances of Qinbao reaching out to Shuyu again are pretty high. You’d better be prepared to compete with Qinbao for her.”

“Besides, Shuyu still has many distinctly feminine traits. The more you engage with society, the more you’ll notice them—her thoughtfulness, sincerity, and the subtle way she cares for others…”

“Really?” Chu Ning said, sounding ashamed. “I guess my stereotypes are too deeply ingrained.”

After a pause, as if suddenly remembering something, she added with a serious tone, “But she really is too handsome!”

Ye Zhixia smiled faintly and continued the casual conversation. “Do you know much about this newly appointed deputy director?”

Chu Ning pinched her chin, recalling that when she met Uncle Chen earlier, he had mentioned her mother—suggesting some connection to the Chu family.

“Grandpa has been sponsoring high-achieving students for a long time. Uncle Chen might be one of them.”

Ye Zhixia pursed her lips and swayed slightly. “Hmm, I looked into his background. There really wasn’t any mention of family in the country.”

The car arrived at the basement of the Chu family estate.

“Ningning, can we talk about your mother?” Ye Zhixia knew the question was intrusive, but she had a growing suspicion that Chu Ning’s mother’s death wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed.

Chu Ning, who had been about to get out of the car, settled back into her seat upon hearing Ye Zhixia’s words.

“My mother…”

Chu Ning’s voice was soft, her eyes shimmering like water, glowing with emotion.

Then, as if reminiscing about childhood memories, a blush spread across her cheeks, and the corners of her brows lifted slightly.

“My mother was beautiful. She was gentle—she would comb my hair, tell me stories, and often played with me.”

At this point, she seemed to recall something. “But she wasn’t very good at cooking. I remember once, she put an egg in the microwave to heat it, and it exploded inside. Luckily, she wasn’t in the kitchen at the time. I was so scared I cried, and she held me the whole time…”

Seeing that Chu Ning was in good spirits, Ye Zhixia seized the moment to voice her thoughts. “Did your mother get along well with Chu Tianheng?”

But as soon as the question left her lips, Chu Ning’s expression darkened completely, all traces of warmth vanishing.

It was as if some painful memory was tormenting her. Her breathing grew heavy, and her voice became slightly strained. “It’s getting late. Grandpa’s probably waiting for me at home. Can we talk about this another time?”

Ye Zhixia quickly forced an awkward smile. “Of course, Ningning, go ahead. I need to hurry back to the set anyway. See you next time!”

As Chu Ning opened the car door to leave, her movements were stiff, and she accidentally bumped into the side mirror.

On the drive back, Ye Zhixia couldn’t shake the image of Chu Ning’s distressed expression from her mind.

Stopped at a red light, she smacked the steering wheel in frustration, causing the horn to blare. “Damn it!” she muttered, filled with self-reproach.

Chu Ning loved her grandfather, loved her mother—but despised Chu Tianheng. How could her mother have possibly gotten along with him?

The car ahead stuck out a head and yelled, “Stop honking, damn it!”

Ye Zhixia ignored the driver’s scolding. As soon as the light turned green, she floored the gas and overtook them from the side.

When she arrived at the set, she had barely parked the car before hurriedly pulling out her phone from her bag and typing.

Her fingers flew across the keyboard, pausing occasionally to think, only to decide the wording wasn’t quite right moments later. She held down the backspace key, deleting what she had written, and started over.

After about twenty minutes, a nearly thousand-word apology was finally drafted.

Just as she let out a long breath and hit send—while the message was still spinning in the chat box, waiting to be delivered—Chu Ning sent three words: I’m sorry.

Followed by a few brief but sincere explanations.

-00: I wasn’t throwing a tantrum on purpose today.

-00: It’s just that Chu Tianheng wronged my mom, and thinking about him makes me upset.

After these two messages, Chu Ning fell into a brief silence.

She was probably reading the lengthy apology Ye Zhixia had sent.

Ye Zhixia’s message earnestly expressed that she shouldn’t have pried into Chu Ning’s family matters, nor should she have casually brought up someone who upset her.

After a long while, Chu Ning finally replied:

-00: Xiaxia-jie, I just don’t like talking about Chu Tianheng. Don’t blame yourself like this. When the time is right, I’ll tell you everything. 🙂

Seeing that Chu Ning was no longer upset, Ye Zhixia quickly told her she had already arrived at the set.

Xiao Mi had been observing for a while. She had a sweet tooth—spicy hotpot’s beef tallow could make her tear up—so during the meal, she had curled up in Ye Zhixia’s car to nap.

After Chu Ning and Xie Shuyu got into the car, she woke up and witnessed Ye Zhixia’s exchange with Chu Ning, as well as Ye Zhixia’s growing agitation afterward.

Only after exchanging goodnights with Chu Ning did Ye Zhixia finally relax, slumping over the steering wheel to rest.

Xiao Mi flew over. “Xiaxia, Director Ye, don’t be so anxious. You were driving really fast earlier—it scared me a little.”

Now calmer, Ye Zhixia realized she had lost control a bit and quickly reassured Xiao Mi. “I was careless. I’ll be more careful from now on.”

As she spoke, she slowly straightened up. A strand of hair slipped down to her chest, only for the air conditioning to blow it back over her shoulder.

“Xiao Mi, do you think Chu Ning and I… aren’t close enough to share everything yet?” Ye Zhixia murmured.

Xiao Mi didn’t understand human emotions. As a high-level program, she didn’t fear betrayal—because betraying her meant death.

Ye Zhixia was a mission executor, outstanding in ability and aligned with her goals. Was that closeness?

Xiao Mi shook her head. “I think Little Beauty Chu Ning just has some things she can’t talk about yet. It’s not that she’s unwilling to communicate with you.”

“Alright then. Some things… if she doesn’t bring them up, I won’t ask,” Ye Zhixia conceded helplessly.

–

Xiao Mi transformed into a black-and-white kitten, lazily sprawled on the bed, waiting for Ye Zhixia.

Ye Zhixia stepped out of the shower and dashed over, leaping onto the soft Simmons mattress. The impact sent Xiao Mi bouncing into the air.

“Ahahahaha…!” Ye Zhixia burst into laughter.

Furious, Xiao Mi’s fur puffed up. Arching her back and raising her tail, she charged straight at Ye Zhixia.

Just then, the phone rang—Wonderful Tonight playing—and Ye Zhixia hurried to answer it.

Xiao Mi scooted closer to listen.

The call was from Xie Shuyu.

“Xiaxia, I’ve found something. A company registered overseas has acquired 6% of Chu Corporation’s shares.”

“Although it’s an overseas company, I traced the source of its registered capital.”

Hearing this, Ye Zhixia knew immediately that the funding must have come from a domestic enterprise!

“Where did it come from?” she asked.

“Dasheng,” Xie Shuyu replied with just these two words.

Dasheng Group was an enterprise that had risen to prominence over the past two decades, initially making its fortune in real estate and transportation before expanding into various industries. In Haicheng, it was a major conglomerate on par with Chu Corporation, virtually a household name.

After a brief silence, Xie Shuyu added hesitantly, “There’s one more thing… I’m not sure if I should mention it.”

Ye Zhixia responded politely, “Please go ahead.”

Xie Shuyu’s tone became awkward, “I wasn’t satisfied, so I tried to find out why the company decided to let me go. Turns out, Qinbao recently secured Series B funding—exactly from Dasheng.”

“So Qinbao has accepted investments from both Chu Corporation and Dasheng. Chu Xiao didn’t find that job on his own, but rather…”

–

Late at night, the moon was obscured by thick clouds, and the wind rustled the tree branches ominously—a storm was brewing.

Inside the office of Dasheng Group.

Chu Xiao sat upright in his wheelchair, while a man in a flamboyant purple suit smirked triumphantly, “Dad, we owe this opportunity to buy Chu Corporation’s shares at a low price to cousin here.”

Behind the curved desk, a middle-aged man tapped his cigar to the side. Li Jinqiu quickly held out an ashtray to catch the falling ash.

“Xiao, do well at Qinbao! Your talents won’t go unnoticed!”

Chu Xiao gritted his teeth, suppressing his fury. “Thank you, Uncle. I’ll do my best.”

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