TNSFC – Chapter 9

Until this skincare session was over, Que Yining still hadn’t figured anything out.

She had to go back and ask the butler and the driver if the original owner had gone out yesterday afternoon. Of course, the possibility that Xiao Lin had genuinely mistaken someone else couldn’t be ruled out.

“Miss Que, do you want makeup applied again?”

Que Yining: “No need. Just give me a mask.”

Que Yining looked quite good even without makeup, just that her complexion seemed a bit worse compared to when she wore makeup, and even her charm seemed diminished. At this moment, with her light expression, she exuded a sense of gentleness.

It was windy outside, and Que Yining didn’t want her face to be hit by the wind as soon as she went out. She sent a message to Wang Lu and sat waiting in the clubhouse.

Xiao Lin was getting her a small gift box of face masks and also brought over the POS machine, asking Que Yining to pay.

This time, Que Yining hadn’t done anything complicated. She paid nearly twenty thousand yuan and put the small gift box into her bag.

Only when Wang Lu sent a message saying he had arrived did Que Yining put on her mask and walk out from the warm interior.

The heating in the car was on full blast. Que Yining took off her mask as soon as she got in and began to ask Wang Lu about yesterday’s events.

Wang Lu: “What time did you return home yesterday? I remember picking you up from the bar around two in the morning. After that, you didn’t use the car at all.”

Around two o’clock yesterday morning, the original owner was picked up from the bar by the driver and taken home, after which she didn’t use the car again.

Que Yining remembered waking up in bed around seven or eight o’clock and receiving a call from Qiao Yuchu. Que Yining knew nothing about what had happened in between.

Wang Lu: “Is something wrong, Miss?”

Wang Lu asked with some confusion, looking at Que Yining’s thoughtful expression in the rearview mirror.

Que Yining composed herself, shook her head, and said, “It’s nothing. Let’s go home.”

Que Yining didn’t plan to ask much more. After all, asking people who were familiar with the original owner’s life about yesterday’s events would seem strange.

When Que Yining arrived home, Butler Chen was watching TV in the living room.

Que Yining asked a maid to make her a cup of coffee and went back upstairs.

She didn’t intend to ask Butler Chen directly. Although this butler was exceptionally respectful towards her, Que Yining didn’t trust him.

After the coffee was ready, the maid brought it up. As she was about to leave, Que Yining stopped her.

“By the way, what was that dish I ate yesterday? I thought it was quite delicious.”

The maid thought for a moment: “Are you referring to the one brought to your room yesterday afternoon, Miss? But at that time, you seemed to have only taken two bites before asking me to take it away, and then you went back to sleep.”

Que Yining feigned a reminiscent posture: “Is that so? I’ve been forgetting things lately. What time did I wake up then?”

The maid: “Around three o’clock, I think. I didn’t check the time then, but judging by the sky, it should have been around that time.”

Que Yining: “And what time did I sleep until after that?”

The maid: “Around eight o’clock, perhaps? Miss, you went out around that time. Before you left, the butler even asked us to prepare dinner, but you didn’t dine at home.”

Que Yining: “Mm, yes, I remember now. Tell the chef to prepare that dish from yesterday afternoon for lunch tomorrow. Although I only tasted two bites, it was quite good.”

The maid: “Yes, Miss.”

The maid responded and then withdrew, closing the door for Que Yining.

Que Yining quickly pieced together the timeline. If what they said was true and they hadn’t misremembered, then at two o’clock yesterday morning, the original owner was picked up by Wang Lu and taken home, then slept until the afternoon.

She woke up once around three in the afternoon, ate a little but not much, and then went back to sleep until she (Que Yining) arrived here, woke up, and received Qiao Yuchu’s call asking her to go out and see the excitement.

If that was the case, the original owner had been at home all along, so it was impossible for her to have appeared where Xiao Lin saw her around six in the afternoon, let alone walk into an alley soaking wet.

So, did Xiao Lin see wrong?

Logically, that seemed to be the case. But for some reason, Que Yining had a nagging feeling that something was off about this matter, as if there was some hidden mystery. However, this mystery couldn’t be unraveled for the time being, and without any clear reason, Que Yining could only temporarily set the matter aside.

While sipping her hot coffee, Que Yining continued to look at her computer, browsing web pages, trying to learn more about this world.

At half-past ten, Bian Ji’an sent Que Yining a message.

【Bian Ji’an】: Gu Shanxue might be going to Elder Chen’s small first-birthday party for his granddaughter tomorrow.

【Que Yining】: How are you so well-informed?

【Bian Ji’an】: Of course! Don’t you know who I am?

【Bian Ji’an】: Okay, I confess. Actually, my dad was just telling my older brother about this. I asked my brother if Gu Shanxue would go, and he said she might. It’s a great opportunity to expand her network, so Gu Shanxue probably wouldn’t miss it.

【Bian Ji’an】: My brother even asked me why I was asking about Gu Shanxue, wondering if I was interested in her, and told me not to mess with people I shouldn’t mess with. I was so scared I immediately shook my head.

【Bian Ji’an】: I mean, I caught a glimpse of her in the private room last night, right? That ‘flower on a high peak’ type of woman is the least interesting to me, Second Young Master Bian.

【Bian Ji’an】: So you have to compensate me for something, to soothe my frightened soul.

Bian Ji’an sent all of this as voice messages. Que Yining hadn’t even finished listening to one before the next one arrived. Bian Ji’an spoke as fast as a Gatling gun, and Que Yining had to listen again to parts she couldn’t hear clearly.

After listening, Que Yining thought, it’s a good thing you’re not interested in Gu Shanxue’s type. If Bian Ji’an had said he was interested, never mind his brother’s warning, she would have warned him too.

【Que Yining】: What do you want? Name it.

【Bian Ji’an】: Top-tier, no-reservation service at Dragon City Restaurant, Eldest Miss Que! Please arrange it for me immediately.

Dragon City Restaurant was one of Lu Su City’s high-end restaurants, located at the top of a skyscraper, overlooking the beautiful scenery of Lu Su. It served Chinese cuisine, and its chefs were all top-tier—in ancient times, they would have been head chefs in the imperial kitchen. However, it only served a limited number of guests each day, and reservations usually had to be made three months in advance.

Coincidentally, it was one of the Que family’s businesses.

【Que Yining】: I’ll talk to my dad later. I’ll let you know if it can be done.

【Bian Ji’an】: With you, Eldest Miss Que, on the case, is there anything that can’t be done?

Bian Ji’an complimented her with a grin, but Que Yining wasn’t buying it.

【Que Yining】: Trying to woo a girl?

【Bian Ji’an】: Yep.

【Que Yining】: Alright then. But you have to tell me the time and place of the party, and who is this Elder Chen?

Que Yining had no related memories triggered. Elder Chen, Elder Chen’s granddaughter—the original owner knew nothing about them, so naturally, Que Yining didn’t either.

Although she could guess that he was probably an influential figure in the industry, otherwise the party wouldn’t be described as a good place to expand one’s network, Que Yining still needed to know his full name, which district he lived in, and where the party was.

Although Gu Shanxue was ‘possibly’ going, if Que Yining didn’t go, there would be no chance of even bumping into her.

【Bian Ji’an】: Erm… I don’t know that either. My dad and my brother just said so. Hey, wait, let me go ask them for you.

【Que Yining】: Okay.

Bian Ji’an went to ask his brother, and Que Yining prepared to arrange the no-reservation service for Dragon City Restaurant.

Que Yining opened the door and looked down into the living room from upstairs.

“Butler Chen, is my mom home?”

Butler Chen: “Madam has gone out to a musical. Third Miss accompanied her.”

Que Yining: “What about my dad?”

Butler Chen: “He hasn’t come home. I don’t know the Mister’s schedule.”

Que Yining returned to her room, took out her phone, scrolled through her contacts, and made a call.

Que Hanyi’s voice on the other end was a bit noisy: “Ningning, what’s up?”

Que Yining opened her mouth, but the form of address got stuck in her throat, making her momentarily unable to speak.

“Hello? Ningning?” the man on the other end muttered to himself, “Did she accidentally dial my number?”

Just before he was about to hang up, Que Yining finally spoke: “No, Dad… Um, I have a friend who wants to eat at Dragon City. Can you arrange it without a reservation?”

Que Hanyi: “Sure! Is there anything my precious Ningning asks for that I wouldn’t agree to? I’ll have my assistant send a message to the person in charge later. They’ll contact you. Just tell them when your friend wants to go.”

The middle-aged man’s voice was filled with doting affection, making Que Yining grip the corner of her desk tightly.

She said what the original owner would say every time: “Okay, thank you, Papa. Papa is the best.”

Que Hanyi: “Alright then. Call Papa again if you need anything. Papa’s going back to work now.”

Que Yining: “Papa, take care of yourself. Drink a little less.”

Que Hanyi: “Aiyo, Ningning is being so good. Okay, Papa will definitely drink a little less. You go to bed early, okay?”

Even though his daughter was already in her twenties, Que Hanyi still spoke as if coaxing a little girl.

Que Yining’s throat felt dry. She responded softly.

After hanging up, Que Yining placed her phone face down on the desk and let out a long breath.

This was something she originally had but was deprived of. If they hadn’t died, perhaps she too could have acted spoiled with her father like this.

But a fire had left nothing behind.

Que Yining suddenly felt a bit envious of the original owner. Although this familial affection wasn’t meant for her, as long as she was this Que Yining, she would also be a good and filial daughter to these parents.

With the boss’s order, the person in charge at Dragon City Restaurant contacted her quickly. Que Yining said she hadn’t decided on the time yet and asked the person in charge to wait.

Bian Ji’an, on the other hand, took over twenty minutes of questioning before replying to Que Yining.

【Bian Ji’an】: Sob, I’m sorry.

【Que Yining】: ?

【Que Yining】: Didn’t find out?

【Bian Ji’an】: Not that. It’s just… I sold you out.

Then came a voice message lasting a full minute.

“I just went to ask for you, but you have no idea how hard it was. You know, I’ve never been involved in my brother’s affairs, I don’t care about business or anything, let alone those gatherings full of big shots. When I asked my brother, he interrogated me first. I’ve never been able to hide anything from my brother, so I confessed about you. My brother was quite surprised and asked me why you wanted to befriend Gu Shanxue. I said, how the hell would I know what you’re thinking!”

This long wail had no main point. Que Yining felt like she had wasted a precious minute of her life.

【Que Yining】: So? Did you find out or not?

【Bian Ji’an】: After much groveling and pleading, of course I found out. It’s just that my brother might tell Gu Shanxue that you want to be friends with her or something. But then again, my brother might not say anything; he’s not the type to meddle in other people’s business.

【Que Yining】: Fine. Time and place.

【Bian Ji’an】: At Elder Chen’s house, twelve noon. And you need an invitation.

【Que Yining】: …How do I get an invitation?

【Bian Ji’an】: Within our social circle, there’s a ninety-nine percent chance you can’t get one. Because my brother said Elder Chen is a retired municipal party secretary. Although he’s retired, his children and younger relatives are still in politics and have extensive connections in Lu Su City. Everyone going tomorrow are big shots. They might have some access, but we shouldn’t even think about it.

【Que Yining】: Then Gu Shanxue can go?

Que Yining was indeed assessing Gu Shanxue’s standing in this circle of power, unsure if she could secure an entry ticket.

Just from Bian Ji’an’s description, Que Yining knew how many dignitaries and celebrities tomorrow’s gathering would attract, and how many people would be desperate to squeeze in. Since ancient times, there has been collusion between officials and businessmen, which shows the convenience power can bring to merchants. Not just land, but also smoothing over various bureaucratic hurdles. If someone could pull strings, the path of business would be much smoother.

【Bian Ji’an】: The Gu family has some standing, after all. Uncle Gu also received an invitation. If Gu Shanxue isn’t stupid, she’ll probably go.

【Bian Ji’an】: Anyway, my brother also said it’s just a possibility.

【Que Yining】: Alright.

Que Yining wondered whether to trouble her father again or think of another way. She didn’t know much about that gathering and didn’t dare to enter rashly. In her current identity, she would stand out conspicuously among a group of old hands or the nouveau riche.

【Bian Ji’an】: But don’t worry, I’ve already figured out how you can sneak in. Tomorrow, I’ll have my brother pick you up. You can go in as his female companion.

【Que Yining】: …So loyal. Did your brother agree?

【Bian Ji’an】: I practically begged him, clinging to his leg. But are you sure you’re just going to ‘coincidentally’ meet Gu Shanxue? Don’t cause any other trouble. My brother said he won’t clean up your messes.

【Que Yining】: Of course.

【Que Yining】: Give me your number and the time you want to go. I’ll help you make the reservation.

【Bian Ji’an】: Thanks! Tomorrow night at eight. I’ll send you the number.

【Que Yining】: Done.

After chatting, Que Yining took a shower. She actually hoped Bian Ji’an’s brother would tell Gu Shanxue. That way, Gu Shanxue would know that bumping into her was no coincidence, but all her deliberate doing.

There was nothing wrong with revealing her intention to get closer early on. That way, she could say a few more words and even flirt a little more.

Time quickly passed to the next day. Que Yining woke up at nine, had breakfast, and then started doing her makeup and choosing clothes.

At eleven o’clock, Bian Ji’an’s older brother, Bian Boyan’s car, stopped at the entrance of the Que family home.

Que Yining waved goodbye to Butler Chen, who had escorted her to the door, and opened the car door.

Bian Boyan resembled Bian Ji’an somewhat, but he gave off a much more mature and steady impression. He wore a black suit. When he saw Que Yining, his gaze lingered on her face for a few seconds before he greeted her.

Que Yining responded in kind, not getting too close, maintaining a comfortable distance.

Bian Boyan: “Fu Wenjing will also be there today.”

He tilted his head slightly as he spoke, watching Que Yining’s face.

Que Yining met his gaze without flinching, her expression perfectly calm, yet she still politely feigned surprise: “Is that so?”

Anyone with eyes could see her indifference to this news.

Bian Boyan didn’t hide his suspicion: “Are you really going for Gu Shanxue?”

In his view, Que Yining had no need to go to a party specifically for Gu Shanxue. After all, if she wanted to invite her, there were always ways.

Que Yining admitted frankly: “Not entirely.”

Partly for Gu Shanxue, and partly because Que Yining also wanted to go and see, to remember faces, and perhaps even meet some people, which could be useful for future plans.

It was true that she could arrange to meet Gu Shanxue. She could go through Gu Qianqian, through Gu Shanxue’s father, or even through Bian Boyan, who was right in front of her.

However, Que Yining didn’t want to be formally introduced to Gu Shanxue through the Gu family members; that would surely make Gu Shanxue uncomfortable. And she wasn’t familiar with the man before her, not wanting to easily owe a favor to a businessman.

Today, Bian Boyan taking her was purely on Bian Ji’an’s account. She and Bian Ji’an were, at best, friends, so the nature of it was different.

The car stopped in front of Elder Chen’s courtyard. Que Yining stood beside Bian Boyan and happened to see Gu Shanxue getting out of a car behind them.

Que Yining immediately abandoned her male companion, Bian Boyan, and walked over to Gu Shanxue’s side.

“I think today must be my lucky day, to have met you again.”

Que Yining’s smile was bright, more dazzling than the warm winter sun hanging in the sky.