The Possessive Villain Is Too Clingy [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 33

Before the storm arrived, Chu Tianheng brought Chu Xiao back to the apartment arranged for them by the Feng family.

As soon as they entered, Chen Yufen rushed over in concern, supporting Chu Xiao.

Chu Xiao remained silent, allowing Chen Yufen to help him into the master bedroom where he stayed.

“The bathwater is ready. Go take a bath first,” Chen Yufen said gently.

“No. Get out,” Chu Xiao replied coldly.

Chen Yufen patiently coaxed him, “The water will get cold soon.”

“Get out!” Chu Xiao roared.

The shout made Chen Yufen tremble, and she could only retreat from the room in defeat.

After closing the door, she walked over to Chu Tianheng and asked softly, “Husband, what’s wrong with Xiao’er?”

Chu Tianheng lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. “Feng Tianming deceived us.”

Lying on the bed, Chu Xiao clenched his fists and pounded the mattress in frustration.

After being cast out by the Chu family, Chu Tianheng had no choice but to seek help from Feng Tianming, a distant relative, as Chu Xiao’s leg still required treatment.

The original patriarch of the Feng family was Old Master Feng Jing, who had passed away many years ago.

Old Master Feng Jing and his wife had one legitimate son, but in his youth, he had also fathered an illegitimate child Secretary Jiang, a trusted aide of the Chu family and Chu Tianheng’s biological father.

Seeing Chen Yufen return empty-handed, Chu Tianheng walked into Chu Xiao’s room with a grave expression.

His footsteps heavy, he approached the bed, swallowed hard, and said guiltily, “Xiao’er, your father and grandfather have failed you. You carry the Feng family’s blood, yet you can’t live openly as one of their descendants.”

Hearing his father’s words, Chu Xiao’s anger subsided slightly, replaced by resentment.

“Just because Feng Yiqun is the legitimate son and Grandfather was born out of wedlock, they get to enjoy the Feng family’s wealth openly, while Grandfather had to endure humiliation and serve the Chu family as a subordinate. It’s not fair!”

Tears welled up in Chu Tianheng’s eyes, making him look much older. “Our status as illegitimate children is shameful in their eyes. Feng Yiqun promised that as long as we infiltrated the Chu family and provided them with information, he would include our branch in the family registry.”

“Xiao’er, right now, we’re living under someone else’s roof, dependent on their mercy.”

Chu Xiao fell into deep thought before finally saying to Chu Tianheng, “This time, they used my injury to manipulate the market and bought up Chu Corporation stocks at low prices. But now they’re going back on their word, telling me the company is under Feng Hang’s name and transferring it would be inconvenient—that we should discuss it later!”

“Everyone knows ‘later’ is just an excuse. There won’t be a ‘later’! If they can’t keep their word, then the family registry matter is probably a lost cause too!”

Chu Xiao was furious because Feng Tianming and Feng Hang had promised that the Chu Corporation stocks purchased this time would belong to Chu Tianheng and his son.

To achieve this, Chu Xiao had even leveraged the media resources he had accumulated during his time at Tianxing Entertainment to launch a massive publicity campaign.

But after the plan achieved partial success, Feng Tianming casually pocketed the stocks.

In effect, Feng Tianming had used Chu Xiao and Chu Tianheng to help his son, Feng Hang, acquire 6% of Chu Corporation’s shares.

Chu Tianheng looked sorrowful. “But Xiao’er, we have nothing now. How can we fight against Feng Tianming? The only reason they’re still treating us politely is because your grandfather remains in the Chu family.”

Then he shifted his tone and encouraged, “Your abilities are undeniable. At least you still have Qinbao Company. As long as the three of us—grandfather, father, and son—work together, we can definitely take down Feng Yiqun’s faction!”

Qinbao Company’s Series B funding was secured with the help of Dasheng Group. Now, both Dasheng and the Chu family hold shares in Qinbao.

Li Chengyi of Qinbao Company has always been a business failure, and Qinbao has teetered on the brink of bankruptcy for years. Feng Tianming looked down on this mess of a company, so when the father-son duo of Chu Tianheng came begging, he tossed Qinbao to Chu Xiao.

No one would suspect any major forces were at play when Chu Xiao replaced Li Chengyi as the company’s president.

Thinking that he at least still had a foothold, Chu Xiao felt somewhat better. Since the situation was now set, it was better to lay low and bide his time.

He turned the tables to comfort Chu Tianheng: “Dad, you should rest too. I’ll take up my position at Qinbao tomorrow.”

Only when Chu Tianheng saw his son’s emotions stabilize did he leave the room with peace of mind.

In the living room, Chu Tianheng said to Chen Yufen, “Let him rest properly.”

However, what Chu Xiao didn’t know was that his troubles didn’t end there. He was confident about relying on Qinbao to stage a comeback, unaware that the employees in Qinbao Company—who had secured their positions through nepotism—had already planted a ticking time bomb for him.

–

On the morning after the storm, the birds that had taken shelter the night before now perched on branches, chirping as if complaining about their ruined nests.

Accompanied by Chu Tianheng, Chu Xiao arrived at his new battlefield.

For the first meeting, representatives from each department were dressed in suits, the very picture of professional elites.

Chu Xiao was no novice president. He knew full well that in a technology-driven company, the role of administrative departments was limited. Before taking office, he had instructed HR to streamline staff and focus on technical talent.

His first task today was to assess the recent progress of each business department.

Nearly every department head present spoke passionately, detailing the meaningful work they had done to welcome the new president.

The HR department was the most enthusiastic. The manager spoke loudly, boasting about how many redundant positions he had optimized and how much salary cost he had saved for the company.

Among those seated around the conference table was one disheveled, unkempt man, lost in worried thought—a stark contrast to the slick, polished managers around him.

“That colleague in the red-and-black jacket, what about your department?” Chu Xiao asked with a friendly smile.

The man in the red-and-black jacket seemed familiar with the label and immediately realized he was being addressed.

“I’m Jiang Fan from the tech department. We’re currently facing some thorny issues,” he answered honestly.

This startled the procurement manager beside him, who promptly kicked his leg under the table.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Fan dragged his chair back with a loud screech and demanded, “Why did you kick me?”

The procurement manager lowered his head awkwardly. “S-sorry about that…”

Alarm bells rang in Chu Xiao’s head. The tech department was the company’s backbone—any problems there would directly impact profits.

“Speak!” he commanded loudly.

Jiang Fan had recently been promoted to tech department manager, replacing Xie Shuyu.

The entire tech department was free of Qinbao’s nepotism hires. Jiang Fan owed his promotion to one thing: his low salary.

“Honorable leaders, I’m not deliberately trying to undermine things,” Jiang Fan pleaded. “The code for many previous projects was all done by Manager Xie herself. We only provided some auxiliary work. Now that Manager Xie has been ‘optimized,’ we don’t have the annotations for the previous code, and the projects are stuck halfway through.”

“We can’t proceed with the old projects, and old clients aren’t willing to give us new ones. Your business department has been pressing us to deliver every day this week, but we genuinely can’t do it.”

Chu Xiao crossed his arms and let out a heavy, exasperated snort. “So this is how HR optimizes our industrial structure?”

The HR manager showed no remorse. “Xie Shuyu’s salary was too high—she cost as much as three junior employees combined.” Then he turned and pointed at Jiang Fan. “Besides, isn’t it just writing code? If she could do it, why can’t the rest of the tech team? Are they just collecting paychecks for nothing?”

Jiang Fan retorted urgently, “Didn’t I just say her code lacks annotations? We can’t understand it!”

The HR manager pressed on aggressively. “Then fire these useless people and hire ones who can!”

Even though Chu Xiao knew nothing about programming, he understood Jiang Fan’s point. He slammed his palm on the table. “Enough! If HR doesn’t bring back that former manager Xie, you can all pack up and leave!”

–

About a week later, the filming for Love Across a Millennium at the studio lot was nearly complete. The remaining time was dedicated to shooting scenes with extras and reshooting poorly executed takes.

Since Ye Zhixia and Bai Xin had performed flawlessly in all their scenes, they were granted a three-day break.

Every night, Ye Zhixia had been digging into Dasheng’s background, planning to organize the clues before sharing her suspicions with Chu Ning.

That day, Ye Zhixia invited Chu Ning to her home, intending to reveal all the information she had uncovered. Chu Ning had agreed readily over the phone, even mentioning that she, too, had something important to discuss.

When Chu Ning arrived at the entrance of Ye Zhixia’s residential complex, the security guard stopped her. Though not an elite gated community, the property management was strict—residents had facial recognition access, and visitors were only allowed in after confirmation from the homeowner.

“Wait there, I’ll come down right away to get you.”

Ye Zhixia hung up the phone, quickly turned off the stove, rinsed her hands under the tap, removed her apron, and slipped into outdoor slippers before rushing downstairs.

Xiao Mi lay sprawled on the beanbag, fast asleep, completely unaware of Ye Zhixia’s departure.

From a distance, Ye Zhixia spotted Chu Ning standing beside an assortment of bags. She wore a flowing white lace dress that day, looking like an ethereal fairy, her high ponytail adding a touch of youthful vibrancy.

As Ye Zhixia approached and took in the items beside Chu Ning, she couldn’t help but ask in disbelief, “Ningning, what’s all this?”

“I told Grandpa I was visiting you, and he insisted I bring these as gifts,” Chu Ning explained, pointing helplessly at two large crab gift boxes.

Ye Zhixia bent down to pick up the two heaviest crab bags, only to notice a large watermelon beside them.

“And this watermelon?” Ye Zhixia asked.

Chu Ning grinned. “That’s mine—I love watermelon.”

Ye Zhixia glanced at her hands, marked with deep red lines from carrying heavy items.

Straightening up briefly, she took Chu Ning’s hands and rubbed them gently. “Look at what’s happened to your hands!” she scolded lightly, giving them a soft pat of admonishment.

Chu Ning grinned foolishly, as if she had just tasted honeyed dates.

Ye Zhixia bent down again, this time lifting the crab herself before instructing Chu Ning, “Use both hands to carry the watermelon. Don’t hold the bag.”

Obediently, Chu Ning cradled the watermelon and followed Ye Zhixia toward her apartment building.

……

Xiao Mi was awakened by the sound of Ye Zhixia and Chu Ning talking at the door.

With a quick stretch, the little cat propped herself up on the sofa, blinking drowsily toward the entrance.

The door opened, and Ye Zhixia stepped in first, fetching slippers for Chu Ning.

Ye Zhixia was slightly taller than Chu Ning, and her feet were two sizes larger. As a result, Chu Ning’s steps in the oversized slippers made a soft tap-tap sound as she walked.

Ye Zhixia carried the crab and watermelon into the kitchen before turning to Chu Ning. “Go rest on the sofa for a bit. Dinner will be ready soon.”

Chu Ning smiled in agreement and settled onto the neatly arranged sofa, where—unsurprisingly—she spotted Xiao Mi, who had forgotten to hide.

“Huh? A kitten?” Chu Ning murmured.

Only then did Xiao Mi remember she was still in her cat form.

In the past, being discovered had caused her quite a bit of trouble.

In a flash, Xiao Mi froze in place, committing fully to her role as a stuffed toy.

Chu Ning scratched her forehead and chin, but she didn’t react. When Chu Ning called out, “Here, kitty, kitty,” Xiao Mi remained perfectly still.

Ye Zhixia brought the dishes to the table and turned to call Chu Ning to eat, only to find her stroking Xiao Mi’s smooth fur.

Xiao Mi, meanwhile, stared blankly ahead, the very picture of an inanimate plush toy.

[Xiao Mi, are you pretending to be a stuffed animal?] Ye Zhixia communicated telepathically.

Xiao Mi responded in kind: [Yes! Get Chu Ning away from me—she’s going to pet me bald at this rate.]

Ye Zhixia couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

“Ningning, dinner’s ready,” she called.

Chu Ning withdrew her hand and looked at Ye Zhixia. “Xiaxia-jie, this toy cat of yours is so lifelike! Even the chubby parts feel so soft.”

At this, Xiao Mi’s tiny paws clenched slightly.

The two sat down at the table, where Ye Zhixia had prepared oxtail soup, braised lamb chops, and stir-fried greens.

Three simple dishes paired with steamed rice—just enough for the two of them.

As she served Chu Ning a bowl of rice, Ye Zhixia remarked, “You look beautiful today. I feel a bit guilty wearing pajamas when you’re all dressed up.”

Chu Ning cupped her cheeks, waiting for Ye Zhixia to set the bowl in front of her. “I think Xiaxia-jie looks good no matter what.”

“Such a smooth talker,” Ye Zhixia teased affectionately.

“Xiaxia-jie, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Ningning, there’s something I need to tell you.”

They spoke at the same time.

Both paused, then laughed.

“Xiaxia-jie, you go first,” Chu Ning offered politely.

Ye Zhixia gestured for her to wait and retrieved a folder from the bedroom, handing it to Chu Ning.

She summarized succinctly, “Xie Shuyu found that the funds behind the purchase of 6% of Chu Group’s shares came from Dasheng. Qibao Group’s Series B financing also traces back to Dasheng. And as for Chu Xiao…”

Chu Ning listened intently before finishing the thought: “Chu Xiao went to Qibao.”

Ye Zhixia had provided her with all the available information on Dasheng Group and Qinbao Company, including their shareholding structures, industrial setups, and ultimate beneficiaries.

Seeing Chu Ning’s keen interest, Ye Zhixia continued her analysis: “Based on the known conditions, Chu Tianheng must have some connection with the Feng family behind Dasheng Group.”

Then she asked Chu Ning, “And that Secretary Jiang by your grandfather’s side—how exactly did he become your grandfather’s most trusted confidant?”

Hearing Ye Zhixia’s question, Chu Ning closed the documents in her hands and set them aside, her expression turning serious. “From what I’ve heard from the old household staff, Secretary Jiang was an orphan. He came to the Chu family as a servant in his teens, so he and Grandfather grew up together as master and servant. Later, when Grandfather took over the Chu family, Secretary Jiang helped him a great deal.”

As if struck by lightning, a sudden realization flashed through Ye Zhixia’s mind. She raised her voice and asked, “You mentioned before that your grandfather sponsored many underprivileged children—was Chu Tianheng among them?”

Chu Ning immediately grasped her meaning. “Exactly. Chu Tianheng was also one of Grandfather’s sponsored orphans. Precisely because he had no family, he agreed to marry into the Chu family, and that’s why I could call Grandfather ‘Grandfather’!”

Seeing the dawning comprehension on Chu Ning’s face, Ye Zhixia felt a twinge of concern. In an encouraging tone, she asked, “Ningning, are you ready to face the truth?”

Chu Ning closed her eyes heavily and took a deep breath for five seconds.

When she opened them again, she saw Ye Zhixia hastily placing a bowl of soup in front of her, looking apologetic. “Ningning, don’t be upset. Let’s eat first.”

Staring at the soup in the bowl, Chu Ning felt a surge of emotion. Since her mother’s passing, it was the first time someone in the world had cared so deeply about her every feeling—though Ye Zhixia had misunderstood her this time.

“Xiaxia-jie, I was just thinking,” Chu Ning said gently. “Secretary Jiang must be the one who helped Chu Tianheng enter the Chu family. Chu Tianheng’s orphan status might be a fabrication, and even the surname ‘Chu’ could have been faked to deceive Grandfather.”

Only when Ye Zhixia heard that Chu Ning wasn’t distressed did she relax.

She then voiced her speculation more gravely: “Not only might Chu Tianheng not be an orphan, but Secretary Jiang might not be one either. And since Dasheng Group has been facilitating them, I suspect they might also be descendants of the Feng family!”

“Is there any history between your family and the Feng family?”

Chu Ning shook her head. “I don’t know much about the previous generation’s affairs, let alone the dealings from my grandfather’s era.”

Frowning, Ye Zhixia said, “If you get the chance, tell your grandfather about Dasheng acquiring 6% of Chu Corporation’s shares. Try to avoid Secretary Jiang if possible.”

Chu Ning lowered her gaze and nodded, then picked up her spoon and took a sip of the soup before her.

Having shared her discoveries, Ye Zhixia relaxed and served herself a bowl of soup as well. Then she asked Chu Ning, “Was there something you wanted to tell me?”

At this, Chu Ning immediately set down her spoon, her beautiful face taking on the aura of a formidable businesswoman. “Xiaxia-jie, I want to start a company, but I’m worried about attracting attention from those hostile to the Chu family. So, I’d like Xie Shuyu to be the legal representative, with you and Xie Shuyu as co-investors.”

“The legal department informed me that a two-person partnership qualifies as limited liability, and with 50% of the shares in your hands, I’d feel more at ease. After all, I don’t entirely trust…”

Ye Zhixia placed a piece of lamb chop on Chu Ning’s plate and said softly, “Alright, let’s handle any necessary procedures as soon as possible. I’ll be heading to the grasslands for an outdoor shoot in a couple of days.”

After dinner, Ye Zhixia and Chu Ning cleared the dishes together and loaded them into the dishwasher.

Remembering Chu Ning’s fondness for watermelon, Ye Zhixia shooed her out of the kitchen once the dishwasher was running.

Chu Ning settled onto the sofa to wait, her gaze drifting back to the kitten plushie. She cradled Xiao Mi on her lap, gently stroking its fur as if it were a real cat. Xiao Mi mustered all its willpower to suppress a purr.

A short while later, Ye Zhixia emerged with a tray bearing four or five slices of watermelon cut into sharp-angled isosceles triangles and two glasses of vibrant watermelon juice.

The fresh aroma filled the air as Ye Zhixia’s cheerful yet tender voice rang out, “Come on, Ning Ning, have some fruit!”

Chu Ning glanced at the tray—Ye Zhixia had even removed the watermelon seeds for her.

As she reached for a slice, Ye Zhixia moved to take a sip of watermelon juice. But the glass was closer to Chu Ning, and their fingers brushed in the crossing paths.

Chu Ning immediately withdrew her hand, flustered.

Ye Zhixia, too, felt as if a faint electric current had zipped through her fingertips, sending a tingling warmth straight to her heart. A peculiar emotion seemed to take root in that moment.

After a brief silence, Ye Zhixia picked up a watermelon slice and handed it to Chu Ning. “Here, Ning Ning.”

Blushing, Chu Ning accepted it, her fingertips lightly grazing the back of Ye Zhixia’s hand.

Another wave of warmth surged through Ye Zhixia, her ears turning pink. The tranquil lake of her heart, undisturbed for so long, rippled as if a tiny pebble had been tossed into it.

The watermelon had been chilled in the fridge beforehand. When the tip of Chu Ning’s tongue touched the cool slice, she shivered slightly before closing her eyes, shaking her head, and breaking into a blissful smile.

Spending a leisurely summer afternoon eating ice-cold watermelon with Sister Xiaxia—what pure happiness!

Ye Zhixia sensed an unfamiliar emotion stirring within her and pondered how to mask it. She turned on the TV, switching to a music channel, then sipped her watermelon juice while stealing occasional glances at Chu Ning’s face.

It had been so long since she arrived in this world, always preoccupied with helping Chu Ning navigate life’s crises. Never before had they sat together so carefree, savoring such a peaceful moment.

She even caught herself wishing these shared moments could last just a little longer.

A drop of watermelon juice trickled down Chu Ning’s pinky and landed on Xiao Mi’s tail. The plushie twitched from the sudden chill.

“Huh? Did this kitten toy just move?” Chu Ning exclaimed in surprise.

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