The Villainess’s Darling [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 65

Yun Can’er had lunch with Ning Xiao at the company canteen before returning to the private lounge in the CEO’s office for a nap. By the time the afternoon session was about to begin, without Ning Xiao saying a word, Yun Can’er had already dragged her chair over to sit by her side.

Ning Xiao stroked her soft, pink cheek, still warm from sleep. “Thirsty? I’ll get you a glass of water.”

Yun Can’er had slept a bit too long and felt weak and languid. Resting her chin on the desk, she looked up and chirped, “Thanks, Ningning~”

When Yang Yuanqi and Zhuang Yuzhen knocked, Ning Xiao happened to be at the water dispenser near the door. She called out a casual “Come in.”

Yang Yuanqi pushed the door open and, seeing the cup in Ning Xiao’s hand, hurried to say, “President Ning, let me take that for you.”

Ning Xiao smiled. “It’s fine. This is for Can’er.”

Zhuang Yuzhen, who followed a step behind, paused. A flurry of thoughts raced through his mind. The name “Can’er” wasn’t common; the only one he knew was Yun Boyuan’s only daughter, Yun Can’er.

But why was Yun Can’er in Ning Xiao’s office? And she actually dared to let Ning Xiao fetch water for her!

Zhuang Yuzhen’s expression chilled. What a self-absorbed young lady. He wouldn’t dream of imposing on Ning Xiao even slightly, yet Yun Can’er had her running errands! Was she here at the company to seize power?

Yang Yuanqi announced, “President Ning, my roommate Zhuang Yuzhen mentioned he had an appointment with you this afternoon… so I brought him up.” He turned around, only to see Zhuang Yuzhen looking like someone owed him twenty million.

“Yuzhen” Yang Yuanqi began, but the moment Zhuang Yuzhen laid eyes on Ning Xiao, his icy demeanor vanished, replaced by a smile as warm as a spring breeze.

Yang Yuanqi:

Zhuang Yuzhen was being so obvious that if Yang Yuanqi still couldn’t see his interest in Ning Xiao, he’d have to be blind! He felt a sudden urge to punch his roommate. He liked President Ning and didn’t tell me? Was it just so he could pump me for gossip? Yang Yuanqi glared at him from the side, but Zhuang Yuzhen only had eyes for Ning Xiao.

“Xiao Xiao, I’m here,” Zhuang Yuzhen said with deep affection.

Ning Xiao gave a faint nod. “Come in and sit.” She then turned back to bring the water to Yun Can’er.

Yun Can’er, who had been drowsy just a moment ago, immediately sat up straight. Seeing a man who clearly liked Ning Xiao, she became alert, eyeing Zhuang Yuzhen warily.

Ning Xiao walked over, set the cup on the desk, and said tenderly, “A guest is here. Want to come meet him?”

Yun Can’er nodded instantly. “Yes.”

As she moved to stand, Ning Xiao placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Drink your water first. There’s no rush.”

Feeling Ning Xiao’s care, Yun Can’er’s mood brightened. She blew on the water, took a small sip, and looked up with a smile. “Ningning, I’m finished.”

Ning Xiao ruffled her hair. “Let’s go over.”

Having realized Zhuang Yuzhen’s ulterior motives, Yang Yuanqi chose a seat as far away from him as possible. He liked his job and didn’t want to be fired because of his roommate’s antics. A boss this good and a salary this high would be hard to find again!

Zhuang Yuzhen watched from the corner of his eye. Seeing Yun Can’er take the water from Ning Xiao so naturally without even a “thank you,” he felt indignant on Ning Xiao’s behalf. Just a stepdaughter acting so spoiled with her stepmother—how disgraceful! His opinion of her dropped even further.

When Ning Xiao led Yun Can’er over and the two sat down intimately close, Zhuang Yuzhen’s face froze once more. This time, even looking at Ning Xiao couldn’t thaw the ice.

“Can’er, this is President Zhuang Yuzhen of the Zhuang Group. You went to the same middle school. Yuzhen was a star student there; surely you recognize him?” Ning Xiao introduced.

Yun Can’er glanced at him. “I focused only on my studies back then. I didn’t pay attention to ‘star students.’ I don’t know this President Zhuang.”

In truth, she did recognize him—she’d even had a blind crush on him once. But she didn’t feel the need to share that with Ning Xiao.

Yang Yuanqi cringed for his friend. Well, that’s what happens when you’re too obvious; you get shut down by the boss’s little girlfriend. He decided to remain a bystander in this emotional fray.

Unexpectedly, Ning Xiao turned to him. “Yuzhen and I were at the same university. I didn’t realize you were roommates.”

Under Yun Can’er’s piercing gaze, Yang Yuanqi stammered, “Pure coincidence! I was so focused on my studies that I didn’t realize we were alumni. Otherwise, I would have tried to get close to you much sooner. I wouldn’t have had to take the entrance exam for the company!”

Yun Can’er remarked coldly, “Special Assistant Yang has been here for over two years, right?”

“Yes, this is my twenty-sixth month,” Yang Yuanqi replied.

“Ning Xiao didn’t even know me back then,” Yun Can’er said bluntly. “President Yun, trying to get close earlier wouldn’t have helped.”

Now Yang Yuanqi was the one feeling awkward. It’s a war between those three; why did I have to open my big mouth? He prudently shut up, not minding being snubbed by a “little assistant.” After all, she wasn’t just an assistant—she was President Ning’s beloved girlfriend!

Ning Xiao patted Yun Can’er’s hand. “Don’t worry, Can’er. I never give anyone a back door.” But the look in her eyes seemed to add: Except for you.

Yun Can’er understood and her face flushed crimson, her mood suddenly soaring.

Ignored, Zhuang Yuzhen’s mood was the polar opposite. He couldn’t fathom why Ning Xiao was so good to Yun Can’er. Yun Boyuan was dead; the company was in her grasp; there was no need to appease a useless young mistress.

Not wanting to speak in front of Yun Can’er, he made some small talk and stood to leave.

“I’ll walk you out,” Ning Xiao said.

Yun Can’er moved to follow, but Ning Xiao stopped her. ” I’ll be right back. Let Special Assistant Yang find today’s files for you to look over. I’ll explain them to you when I return, okay?”

There was a plot point coming up that Yun Can’er absolutely could not see. Though reluctant, Yun Can’er nodded under Ning Xiao’s gentle gaze.

Ning Xiao escorted Zhuang Yuzhen to the underground parking lot. It was work hours, so the vast space was empty except for them. At his car, Ning Xiao looked at his tense back and smiled. “Yuzhen, do you have something to say to me?”

Zhuang Yuzhen turned around, looking annoyed. “I guess I can’t hide it from you.”

“I consider you a friend, Yuzhen. You can tell me anything,” Ning Xiao said.

His eyes dimmed slightly. She only saw him as a friend, while he harbored unspoken feelings. But being a “friend” who could share her secrets was enough for now.

“Xiao Xiao, that girl in your office she’s Yun Can’er, isn’t she?”

Ning Xiao nodded. “Yes.”

“Why is she at the company? Aren’t you being… too good to her? I know you didn’t love Yun Boyuan; you only married him under family pressure. Now he’s gone and you’ve taken over the group. No one can force you anymore.” He continued passionately, “Xiao Xiao, you don’t know how it pained me to see you getting water for her while she took it so for granted.”

【Ding! Third plot point activated!】

Her body was taken over. 【Ning Xiao】 looked up, her eyes quickly filling with tears. “Yuzhen, I know you’re upset on my behalf, but there’s a reason I’m good to her.”

“What reason?” He grabbed her hands excitedly.

【Ning Xiao】 said mournfully, “You don’t know… Yun Boyuan left a will. I am only the temporary president. Once Yun Can’er marries, I have to return the Yun Group to her.”

“That’s too much!” Zhuang Yuzhen fumed. “What did he take you for? Did he marry you just so you could be a nanny for his daughter?”

Ning Xiao lowered her gaze, a tear rolling down her cheek. “I’m not entirely without benefits. After the company is returned, I get one-fifth of his estate.”

Zhuang Yuzhen grew even more indignant. “One-fifth? Who does he think he’s insulting? What does a girl like her know? Without you, the stock price would collapse in days. The company is thriving because of your hard work, and he tries to brush you off with a measly fifth?”

“What choice do I have? I can only be nice to her and hope that after she marries, she won’t forget my contributions and kick me out entirely.” 【Ning Xiao】 wiped her eyes with a slender finger and forced a smile. “I’m just venting. Don’t take it to heart.”

【Ding! Mission complete. Total points: 100.】

Regaining control, Ning Xiao didn’t want to linger. “I have things to do. Just forget what I said.” Before he could react, she turned and ran toward the elevator.

Zhuang Yuzhen watched her go, his eyes dark and deep.

Back in the office, Yun Can’er was looking at files, acting perfectly behaved. When she heard footsteps, she checked her phone immediately.

“Four minutes. You didn’t break your word this time,” she noted.

Ning Xiao sat beside her. “Did I make a promise about the time?”

“Five minutes. From now on, you can’t be with Zhuang Yuzhen for more than five minutes,” Yun Can’er declared, then watched Ning Xiao nervously, fearing she’d refuse.

Ning Xiao propped her chin on her hand and leaned closer, her beautiful eyes reflecting the girl’s face. “Fine. Since you’re being so good, I promise: no more than five minutes with him.”

“And if you break it? You went over last time. There has to be a punishment from now on,” Yun Can’er insisted.

“What kind of punishment?” Ning Xiao asked, curious to see what her “innocent” little brain would come up with.

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