Chapter 52

When the food was served, everyone immediately began praising the dishes of the day, about their deliciousness and creativity. When she talked about the development zone, the conversation shifted to the progress of its construction and the latest policies.

Because it was an engagement banquet, everyone only spoke of good news and happy events. From time to time, joyful laughter spilled from their lips. No one would be so tactless as to bring up anything inappropriate in such a setting.

Though she maintained a humble demeanor and took the stance of a junior, no one truly regarded Xie Shiqing as a younger generation. In the business world, seniority meant nothing—only wealth mattered.

She was the wealthiest among them, like the sun, drawing everyone into orbit around her.

Zhong Ning could only marvel.

This was the first time she had witnessed elite socializing so closely. When a person stood within a field they excelled at, even the least articulate could shine brilliantly through sheer competence. And Xie Shiqing was fully displaying her charm.

Through the words that flowed from her lips, she manipulated the lifeblood of the economy. Whoever received a business card from her assistant had essentially been handed a fork to partake in the feast.

Zhong Ning just stood still and watched her—like a raging vortex sweeping up everyone around, carefully picking out the ones she needed.

She truly resembled a queen, commanding everything within her domain, and the flattery and submission of others seemed entirely deserved.

It felt as if she had finally come to know another facet of Xie Shiqing.

After seeing her vulnerable and irritable during her heat period, witnessing her maintain dignity despite her blindness, and watching her grow jealous—Zhong Ning now saw this side of her, radiant with undeniable charisma.

For someone always so flawless and in a position of power, showing vulnerability could make people feel as though the distance between them had shrunk, as if they were being granted access to a hidden side.

But Zhong Ning’s understanding of Xie Shiqing was the complete opposite, just like their relationship—it began with an engagement, and getting to know each other came after.

She had first seen Xie Shiqing’s fragility, and after growing close, she now witnessed the pride and grace she displayed to the world. The shock of that contrast was immense.

Zhong Ning even felt a flicker of unease because of it.

—They seemed like people from two different worlds. Could they really make it all living together as wives?

That tear of hers still seemed to linger in her palm. While she was still caught up in the emotions brought by that shock, Xie Shiqing had already composed herself completely, meeting everyone with perfect poise.

As if through some kind of telepathy, Xie Shiqing suddenly turned her head, gently squeezed Zhong Ning’s hand, and said softly yet clearly,

“Want something to eat? Are you bored? Hang in there a bit longer.”

All the doubts and negative thoughts that had sprung up in Zhong Ning’s heart instantly dissolved.

She shook her head. “I’m fine. I ate while getting my makeup done.”

Xie Shiqing truly cared about her. She held a place in her heart—so what was the point of overthinking?

After that brief interlude, Zhong Ning watched as Xie Shiqing once again immersed herself in what seemed like endless conversation.

And she, standing quietly at her side, got to enjoy a peaceful calm without needing to use her brain—of course, there were still people who extended kindness toward her, or perhaps, cast investment-seeking gazes in her direction. Yet every one of those attempts was seamlessly intercepted by Xie Shiqing.

Just like she had said—Xie Shiqing would handle everything.

Xie Shiqing was not only good at this, but she also took pleasure in maneuvering and manipulating people with words. But for Zhong Ning, it was pure torment.

Everyone had their own area of expertise. Zhong Ning didn’t envy her, nor did she desire to replace her.

It wasn’t about being socially anxious, unwilling to speak to people, or afraid of being in the spotlight. But Zhong Ning truly didn’t like being a diligent boss, signing documents every day, managing a large team, deciding the company’s development plans, and tirelessly sacrificing her time while treating business competition as the ultimate thrill.

It was too troublesome—and honestly, terrifying.

Zhong Ning was blessed with incredible luck. The phrase “lucky girl” wasn’t just empty talk; it was something that showed in every aspect of her life. That meant she could obtain most of what she needed in life without much effort.

So then, why work so hard?

She chose to do gaming livestreams and pull gacha for others—it couldn’t get easier. It was simply a way to monetize her natural advantage. No need to think, just move her fingers and click the mouse. Thanks to her lucky aura, she didn’t even need to stress over socializing or fan management—there were always kind and capable moderators who would offer to handle that for her.

And the fans she attracted were naturally within a niche that wouldn’t stir up hate.

She could make money effortlessly every day. Why suffer through a 9-to-5 and overtime when playing games was both enjoyable and relaxing?

She has already earned enough to live a comfortable and happy life. Wanting more served no purpose. Zhong Ning wasn’t someone with strong material desires—money, to her, only needed to be enough to spend.

Her dream life was to raise a few cats and dogs, live in the countryside with a big lawn, have a gaming room, play games and stream casually, then walk her dogs after logging off, enjoy the natural scenery—how idyllic.

She had absolutely no ambition, but she did have a sense of responsibility.

Since she had promised Xie Shiqing that she was willing to compete for the position of the Zhong family heir, she would begin trying to learn, to observe, to remember these people’s conversations and polite exchanges. Even if she couldn’t yet grasp the hidden meanings behind their words, she would keep them in mind. With experience, she would eventually understand.

Shiqing already worked so hard every day, and now she also had to worry about Zhong Zinuan’s bullying. The mental burden must be enormous.

She had to grow quickly, become someone who could stand on her own, and solidify her status as heir as soon as possible—only then could she help Shiqing.

However, learning to handle company affairs wasn’t something that could be achieved overnight. She would treat this as a long-term goal. In the meantime, was there anything else she could do to ease some of Shiqing’s stress?

Should she learn massage? Would that count as helping?

People who worked often sat for long periods, which wasn’t good for their spines. Even if that weren’t the case, a massage now and then could help relax the body and relieve tension.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep