The Stand-in is Exceptionally Clingy [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 32.1

Chapter 32.1: The CEO and Her Canary

◎”Is it absurd?”◎

Jian Ke and Shen Zhi huddled behind a vertical fish tank, peering through the carved rhombus-shaped window of the private room at Lou Bianxia, who was not far away.

Because their chattering was quiet and they were far away, they couldn’t hear any of the conversation.

Shen Zhi’s legs were getting sore from squatting. “They’re at a restaurant, but why haven’t they ordered any food? Can a pot of tea really fill them up?”

Jian Ke: “Do you know the man across from her?”

The man was about thirty, in a suit and leather shoes, with a slicked-back hairstyle so shiny you could see it from afar.

He had a handsome face, with high eyebrows, deep-set eyes, and a chiseled jawline. But he was leaning back in his chair, stretching out his long legs, with his arm resting on the table, and was looking at Lou Bianxia with his head tilted.

—It was a look that Jian Ke couldn’t quite describe, but she knew she didn’t like it.

Shen Zhi: “I don’t know him. I even sent a picture to Ji Chen, and she said there was no one like him in Lichang’s elite circle.”

Jian Ke: “That can’t be right. To be on a blind date with Lou Bianxia, his family background must be good.”

“Who knows? The Lou family has so much power, and Ms. Lou is so strong-willed. It’s unlikely she’d find a partner for a marriage alliance of equal standing. A live-in son-in-law is a better fit.”

“But which of those sons of powerful families could stand to be a live-in son-in-law, especially when the woman he’s marrying is excellent and outstanding in every way?”

…

Meanwhile, across the table, Lou Bianxia was looking at the greedy He Wei. “You want shares of Lou’s Corporation? How do you even have the audacity to say that?”

The man’s fingers tapped on the table, making a noisy racket. His gaze was fixed on Lou Bianxia’s dark turtleneck sweater, and her long, smooth hair cascaded over her beautiful chest.

He gave a slight smirk. “I’ve already settled this condition with Mrs. Lou. As long as we get married, you can continue to be the CEO of your group with peace of mind, and I promise not to cause you any trouble.”

Lou Bianxia scoffed, not understanding where the man got his confidence. “You seem pretty sure of yourself. Are you not aware that my mother has promised the same thing to many other people?”

“She arranges more blind dates for me in a month than the five cups of tea you’ve had since you arrived.”

The man’s lips froze. His fingers subconsciously squeezed the teacup to drink, but he managed to steady himself.

“Ms. Lou, of course, I know that with your credentials, you have many options to choose from. But I am definitely the most sincere among them. All you have to do is give me 1% of Lou’s Corporation’s shares, and after we’re married, you can call all the shots.”

The man’s voice was low and deep, as pleasant as the melody of a cello, but it still couldn’t hide the trembling greed in his tone.

“I don’t need to elaborate on your reputation in the circle. When a woman isn’t well-behaved and obedient, and instead makes everyone afraid of her, men naturally wouldn’t be willing to marry a wife like that.”

Lou Bianxia’s lips curved upward, but there was no smile in her eyes. “Mr. Li, you need to be clear about one thing: it’s not that I’m unwilling, it’s that they don’t have the right to be a live-in son-in-law of the Lou family.”

“If you hadn’t used some methods to climb up to my mother, do you think you’d be sitting here today?”

The man clenched his fists. “Although the He family is a fallen aristocrat and not as big and powerful as your Lou family, in terms of heritage and influence, we are not inferior to any other powerful family.”

“I didn’t climb up to your mother. Your mother personally came to the Li family to ask for me.”

Lou Bianxia picked up her teacup and took a sip, then frowned and put it down.

It was bitter and dry, not a taste she liked.

The man took a document from his bag and handed it over. “This is what your mother signed for me. If you really don’t agree, we’ll have to meet at the board meeting.”

Lou Bianxia picked up the document, her eyes becoming dark, deep, and unreadable.

…

Shen Zhi: “Why did she suddenly stop talking? Is that document some kind of leverage?”

Her legs were sore from squatting, and she was hungry. She couldn’t stand it anymore and got up to go order some food.

Jian Ke leaned in closer, pressing her ear to the window, trying hard to listen. She was annoyed that the soundproofing of the private room was so good.

She hadn’t been able to eavesdrop for long when she suddenly felt a tap on her shoulder. Without turning around, Jian Ke replied, “I’m not eating. You go ahead and eat.”

“Ahem, Miss Jian…” Cen Ming looked at Jian Ke squatting on the ground. “If you really want to listen, you can go inside.”

Jian Ke looked up and saw Cen Ming’s smiling face. She was so embarrassed her toes were curling. She quickly stood up. “Hahaha, what a coincidence. I was just here to eat and I accidentally saw you…”

“I won’t go in. I don’t want to disturb Ms. Lou.”

Cen Ming: “It’s no bother. Ms. Lou said you can go in and listen openly.”

Jian Ke was stunned. She uncomfortably rubbed her nose. “Ms. Lou… Ms. Lou knows already…”

Cen Ming: “Yes, she noticed Miss Shen following her around the mall suspiciously before and then peeking through the window. She just didn’t expect… Miss Jian to be here as well.”

Jian Ke: Ah, is that so? So she noticed a long time ago? Hahaha, this is so damn embarrassing.

—Shen Zhi, you got me into this!

Jian Ke: “Shen Zhi said she was going to treat me to dinner. She seems to have gone to the front desk to order. I… I’ll go check.”

Cen Ming said with an apologetic face, “Ms. Lou has rented out the entire restaurant. Miss Shen probably can’t treat you to dinner anymore.”

Jian Ke was stunned. Rented it out? Is she that rich?

She took out her phone to contact Shen Zhi and saw the message she had sent.

Shen Zhi: “I ran into Cen Ming when I went out. I’m leaving first. You can continue to watch the show.”

Jian Ke: ??

Cen Ming gave a polite smile. “But if there’s anything you want to eat, just tell me. The chef will send it over to you right away. Please have a seat over there.”

Jian Ke: “Then I’ll just… I won’t bother you…”

Cen Ming lowered his head, his tone sounding a little disappointed. “Doesn’t Miss Jian want to have dinner with Ms. Lou? Ms. Lou had a meeting for over two hours and was arranged to go on a blind date without even eating.

“From the way she looks, she probably doesn’t have an appetite. But if Miss Jian is here, you might be able to persuade her to eat something.”

Jian Ke hesitated. She looked back through the window. Lou Bianxia was still looking at the document that had made her suddenly silent, and the man across from her looked a little smug.

Jian Ke frowned. “Fine, I’ll go over.”

If I’m not embarrassed, no one else will be.

…

He Wei chugged his tea, his throat parched. He had already drunk more than half a pot of tea. He looked at Lou Bianxia with a hint of impatience. “How much longer are you going to look at it?”

“The contract is already in front of you. All you have to do is say yes or no.”

Lou Bianxia unhurriedly turned the pages of the contract, completely ignoring He Wei’s complaints.

Just then, the private room door opened, and a beautiful woman walked in with a smile.

He Wei paused, his eyes instantly drawn to the beauty. “Excuse me, beautiful, are you…”

The woman didn’t even spare him a glance and walked straight to Lou Bianxia’s side. “Ms. Lou, I’ve ordered some food. You have to eat a lot later.”

He Wei then saw that Lou Bianxia, who had been cold and disdainful toward him, suddenly showed a gentle smile, though the curve of her lips wasn’t very obvious.

Her entire demeanor became much more approachable and gentle.

??

Lou Bianxia’s smile was gentle, and her voice was soft. “You’re here? Of course, I’ll eat more if you’re here to keep me company.”

Jian Ke’s spine tingled. Why did Lou Bianxia’s voice suddenly get so soft? I’m not used to it. It’s too mushy.

But before she could react, Jian Ke felt a sudden warmth on the back of her hand. Lou Bianxia’s fingers intertwined with hers, holding her hand affectionately in her palm. “You must have been so tired from training these past few days. I’ve been so busy with work that I haven’t had time to properly spend with you.”

Jian Ke: Uh… Didn’t we just spend time together yesterday?

She glanced at He Wei across the table, who was looking at them with suspicion, and tried to pull her hand away, but Lou Bianxia grabbed it and pulled it into her arms.

He Wei looked at the scene between the two and hesitated for a moment before asking, “What… what’s your relationship?”

Lou Bianxia raised an eyebrow, her tone casual and calm. “Girlfriend. What’s wrong?”

He Wei was so shocked that he knocked over the teacup on the table. “Girlfriend?! You’re a lesbian?”

Jian Ke’s reaction wasn’t any better. Her eyes were also wide as she looked at Lou Bianxia, who was making things up on the spot.

Lou Bianxia gave He Wei an indifferent look. “What’s wrong? My mother didn’t tell you that I like women?”

He Wei’s chest heaved violently. He looked at Lou Bianxia in shock. The spilled tea dripped from the table all the way down to his pants, soaking a large area, but he didn’t seem to notice.

Lou Bianxia’s reaction was so nonchalant. He Wei stammered, “Mrs. Lou never told me. You… you would even pretend to be a lesbian just to avoid getting married.”

How could there be such a coincidence? As soon as he revealed the document, a ‘girlfriend’ popped up next to Lou Bianxia. It was clearly a bluff.

“Do you think I’d believe such an absurd reason?”

Lou Bianxia’s lips were pressed into a thin line. “I’m a lesbian. Is that so absurd?”

He Wei pointed at Jian Ke and sneered. “This must be an actor you hired on the spot. I saw you messaging your assistant earlier. Don’t think you can fool me.”

“Fool you? I don’t have the leisure to put on a show for you.” Lou Bianxia put her arm around Jian Ke’s shoulder and gave her a loving kiss on the cheek. “My love, I’m sorry. I really can’t stand it anymore.”

Jian Ke was stunned by the words “my love.” She saw Lou Bianxia press her hand against hers, slowly intertwining their fingers.

Lou Bianxia’s eyelashes fluttered. Her cold eyes softened, as if the only world in them was Jian Ke.

“I don’t want to go on these frequent blind dates with these disgusting men anymore. And I don’t want you to have to endure the pain and sadness. Our being together is for a lifetime. Every future I plan includes you.”

“I know that we may have to face more storms and troubles later, but as long as we support each other, we’ll get through it.”

Jian Ke’s mind went blank. The pounding of her heart grew louder in her ears. Unable to hold back, she looked at her own reflection in Lou Bianxia’s pupils and for a moment couldn’t tell if Lou Bianxia’s words were part of her act or…

Lou Bianxia’s thumb rubbed the back of Jian Ke’s hand. Her tone was sincere and affectionate, as if she were making a vow. “From now on, I’ll listen to everything you say, okay?”

The two of them were very close, so close that their breaths seemed to be mingling.

Lou Bianxia raised her other hand and sensually brushed it against Jian Ke’s red lips, her gaze fixed on her. She slowly leaned in, getting closer—

Jian Ke abruptly closed her eyes.

“Bang! I have to go to the bathroom first!”

Before Lou Bianxia could land the kiss, He Wei, who was opposite them, couldn’t sit still anymore. He stood up so quickly that his chair fell over. The crotch of his pants was soaked.

He then walked out with a sullen face, his steps quick and deliberate.

When she heard the sound, Jian Ke couldn’t help but open her eyes. Her face was so red it looked like it was about to bleed. She immediately backed out of Lou Bianxia’s arms.

A hint of disappointment flashed in Lou Bianxia’s eyes before she sat up straight and poured a cup of warm water for Jian Ke.

“Ms. Lou, is it really okay for you to be so open about your sexual orientation? What if that He Wei goes around telling everyone?”

Lou Bianxia’s eyes darkened slightly. “He wouldn’t dare to say anything. Besides, this is something that will have to be made public sooner or later. We have to take it one step at a time.”

Jian Ke thought of the original plot, where Lou Bianxia and Shu Yu came out together with a bang, and she still felt a lingering fear.

Shu Yu was still four or five years away from returning. Was it a little too irrational for Lou Bianxia to come out so early?

So, does this mean I’m indirectly taking the hit for Shu Yu?

Jian Ke sighed. “But you didn’t have to say I was your girlfriend, did you?”

“Then what do you think our relationship should be?”

Jian Ke touched her cheeks, which hadn’t cooled down yet and were still a little hot. “Friends with benefits? Lovers? At least those are more believable than the term ‘girlfriend,’ which sounds fake. And that confession of yours—”

Support The Stand-in is Exceptionally Clingy [Quick Transmigration]