Chapter 516: Acquaintance
Chapter 516: Chapter 516: Acquaintance
Su Qing didn’t give the minor incident from when she left her room a second thought. At the moment, her mind was completely captivated by the food.
The Jixiang truly lived up to its reputation as Xiangcheng’s most luxurious cruise ship. The first-floor buffet featured a collection of delicacies from around the globe. Delicious main courses, desserts, fine wines, fruits, and beverages—it had everything imaginable.
Su Qing grabbed some food and a glass of orange juice, then found a corner to eat at her leisure. The first-floor restaurant was quite crowded, with people dining happily in small groups. As Su Qing ate, she happened to glance up and saw a familiar face.
Su Qing’s eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of that person. She wasn’t worried about being recognized; since she was using a fake passport, she had naturally disguised her appearance. She was so well-disguised that even her own mother, Li Wan, probably wouldn’t recognize her if they were face-to-face.
The person Su Qing saw was Luo Yixian, the minor celebrity from Xiangcheng she had previously spotted at Cheng Beilin’s wedding banquet.
Luo Yixian was currently sitting with a middle-aged man who looked to be nearly fifty. He was balding and sported a large beer belly. While chatting and laughing with Luo Yixian, he would occasionally reach out to stroke her face. Luo Yixian, in turn, feigned a shy and bashful demeanor. The whole scene was so uncomfortable to watch that Su Qing simply turned away, no longer looking in their direction.
Luo Yixian was feeling utterly disgusted. ’This man in front of me is old enough to be my father,’ she thought. ’Not only does he have a legitimate wife at home, he even has grandchildren. On top of that, he keeps several mistresses and has seven or eight illegitimate children. He’s a textbook womanizer.’
’If I had a choice, I wouldn’t be faking it with this man,’ Luo Yixian fumed internally. ’My target has always been Cheng Beize. But for some damn reason, Cheng Beize is rarely in Xiangcheng these days. Rumor is, he’s gone to the mainland and only returns to Xiangcheng for a couple of days every two or three months before leaving again. It’s left me with zero chance to orchestrate a "chance encounter" with him.’
’To make matters worse, a rival actress recently got involved with a rich young heir and stole a role that was meant for me. I fought so hard to land that part, and it was ripped away before I even set foot on set. I couldn’t just let it go, so I got into a nasty fight with her. Afterward, the rich heir backing her announced that he was going to teach me a lesson.’
That threat scared Luo Yixian witless. She had no power or connections. If he decided to get serious, she would be completely defenseless and her fate would be grim. Xiangcheng was a chaotic place these days. ’I remember that other starlet,’ she thought with a shiver, ’the one who offended someone important and just... vanished. When they finally found her, she was already a corpse.’
Luo Yixian was terrified of meeting the same end. She regretted acting on impulse, but it was too late for regrets now.
It was then that this man in front of her, the head of the Mi Group, extended an offer of help. He said he could protect her, but on one condition: she had to become his mistress. He guaranteed her safety if she agreed.
For her own safety, Luo Yixian had to accept. That was how this trip to A Tai came about.
Mi Jiawei beamed at Luo Yixian. ’I’ve had my eye on her for some time,’ he mused. ’Too bad she always acted so high and mighty, seemingly unimpressed by money. I thought I’d never get a chance with such a beauty. I can’t believe this perfect opportunity just fell into my lap, letting me sweep her off her feet. It’s fantastic.’
’The beauty still seems a little reluctant,’ he noted, ’but I’m in no rush. During this business trip to A Tai, I’m sure I can make this proud little thing come to me willingly.’
"The service on this cruise ship is top-notch. After we eat, how about I take you to the top deck for a swim and some sunbathing?" Mi Jiawei asked Luo Yixian with a smile.
Luo Yixian’s lips twitched into a stiff smile. "Sure."
Delighted by her answer, Mi Jiawei eagerly placed food on her plate, his hands lingering to cop a feel whenever possible. A grin was plastered on his face the entire time.
"Beautiful young lady, so this is where you are." Su Qing had just finished a piece of dessert when she heard Yarn’s voice. Frowning slightly, she turned to see him standing beside her, holding a plate of food. "Would it be alright if I sat here?"
"Do as you please," Su Qing said coolly.
Yarn sat down with a grin. "My name is Yarn," he said, looking at Su Qing. "And you are...?"
"Susan," Su Qing answered flatly.
"Miss Susan. That’s a lovely name. It suits you," Yarn replied with a smile.
Su Qing’s eyebrows shot up. Seeing Angela storming toward them, she said, "Mr. Yarn, it seems you already have a girlfriend. I have no interest in getting caught up in your romantic entanglements, so I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your distance."
Yarn paused, taken aback. "Miss Susan, I don’t have a girlfriend."
"Yarn!" Angela stormed over. "Our families have already met! They’re preparing our engagement! How can you say you don’t have a girlfriend? Where does that leave me?"
"Angela?" Yarn frowned upon seeing her. He thought he had made himself perfectly clear to her earlier—that they weren’t a good match and that he couldn’t and wouldn’t be her boyfriend. ’She already turned and left, so why is she back now?’ he thought. "I thought I made myself perfectly clear. We’re not right for each other, and I’m not getting engaged to you."
"I don’t care! It’s what our elders want. Do you dare defy them?" Angela demanded, fuming.
Then, Angela turned her gaze to Su Qing, her eyes filled with displeasure. Even though she had heard Su Qing’s words, it was obvious Yarn was interested in this girl. And even though Su Qing had made it clear she wanted no part in this, Angela couldn’t treat her with anything but hostility.
Su Qing couldn’t help but roll her eyes at the look Angela was giving her. She picked up her tray and left without a backward glance.
"Hey, Susan!" Yarn called out as he saw her leaving.
Su Qing pretended not to hear him, dropped off her tray, and walked out of the restaurant.
"Angela, you went too far," Yarn said, frowning at her.
Angela pressed her lips together. "I don’t care. If you so much as approach that girl Susan, she becomes my rival. Our two families are destined to be united through marriage. You and I have to get married. It’s your responsibility and your duty. You can’t escape it. We don’t even know who that girl is. Do you really think your family would let you marry some girl from Hua Country?"