CH 17

Faced with this sudden “proposal”, Bai Zhen Zhen was dumbstruck.

On the contrary, the audience wasn’t opposed to helping him set the mood. After a moment of silence, they immediately cheered and chanted.

“Marry him! Marry him!”

Even the female host, who looked like she couldn’t wait for such a proposal to happen to her too, looked at Bai Zhen Zhen with envy: “Wow, how romantic! Ms Bai, are you willing to accept your boyfriend’s proposal?”

In order to give Bai Zhen Zhen some time to adjust to the sudden proposal, he continued his confession: “Zhen Zhen, though we haven’t known each other for every long, but your beauty and kindness have already deeply touched me. I, myself, am already deep in love with you. I know, I can’t give you much, but I will do my best to care for you, love you, and make you the happiest woman in the world!”

— System: “Ding~ Female lead happiness points +5.”

Huo Xiang was extremely excited.

This was the first time since knowing Bai Zhen Zhen that the female lead happiness index had risen by a whole 5 points!

Indeed, women were all emotional creatures! They were especially susceptible to honeyed words!

— System: “Ding~ Female lead happiness points -10.”

— Huo Xiang: “Huh???”

— System: “According to the system’s analysis, when the female lead heard your confession, she was extremely moved, and the happiness index rose. But following that, the female lead immediately thought about how all these were fake, thus became depressed, resulting in the happiness index dropping.”

— Huo Xiang: “…”

— Huo Xiang: “Oh, by the way, how much happiness index has been accumulated thus far?”

— System: “The progress of the main mission is currently 9.7%.”

Huo Xiang sighed in his heart.

The repeated fluctuations in the happiness index had already lasted for the whole week, yet the amount he had accumulated was not even 10%! According to this progress, it would take at least two or three months to complete the mission!

“I, I will marry you!” Bai Zhen Zhen’s acceptance entered Huo Xiang’s ears.

Immediately, the audience spontaneously burst into applause.

Huo Xiang stood up and gave Bai Zhen Zhen a hug.

While pretending to be excited, Bai Zhen Zhen deliberately glanced at Ling Hao Chen, and saw that the veins on his forehead were popping out, and the rage in his eyes were about to burn her and Huo Xiang alive.

However, due to the time and place, the scant remaining reason in his mind prevented him from doing anything overboard.

Amidst the cheers of everyone, Huo Xiang held Bai Zhen Zhen’s hand and stepped off stage happily.

****

Huo Xiang and Bai Zhen Zhen had just walked out of the mall when two black-clothed bodyguards caught up with them and stopped them.

“Ms Bai, our Boss would like to see you. Please wait a moment.”

Huo Xiang initially wanted to speak up, but Bai Zhen Zhen stopped him with a look.

Before long, Ling Hao Chen rushed over.

The moment Ling Hao Chen reached, Huo Xiang subconsciously pushed Bai Zhen Zhen behind him. Although it was just a small gesture, Bai Zhen Zhen was a little touched.

“When did you get together?” Ling Hao Chen went straight to the point.

Though Bai Zhen Zhen stood behind Huo Xiang, she still replied candidly: “It was at the hospital. I fell in love with Brother Xiang at first sight, so we got together. The reason why I didn’t want to accept your gifts then was also because I had already given my heart to someone, so I didn’t want you to continue your misunderstanding.”

Huo Xiang: Brother… Xiang???

Ling Hao Chen examined Bai Zhen Zhen with cold eyes, clearly enunciating every word: “But… I have already misunderstood…”

“Then let’s take advantage of this opportunity to clear up the misunderstanding!” Bai Zhen Zhen answered frankly, “CEO Ling, I respect you but I don’t like you. Your feelings for me only stem from a feeling of novelty. I believe that with your identity and character, you won’t stop Brother Xiang and I from seeking happiness together, right?”

Huo Xiang stood by quietly.

He still couldn’t break out of the “Brother Xiang” curse.

Ling Hao Chen sunk into thought for a moment, before he smiled reluctantly.

“Of course,” he replied, his tone slightly betraying the pain in his heart, “How could I like an ordinary woman like you.”

“Then… I wish CEO Ling and Ms Song a loving and long life ahead.” Bai Zhen Zhen said.

Ling Hao Chen was startled, subconsciously asking: “How did you know about her?!”

Bai Zhen Zhen replied calmly: “I don’t know if CEO Ling still remembers that step-sister of mine. She has an underlying motive, so she investigated everything about you in order to get closer to you. I also learned about your fiancee from her.”

Ling Hao Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly as he listened to Bai Zhen Zhen’s explanation.

“That step-sister of mine initially thought that I also fancied you. She tried to create some trouble between Ms Song and I, so that she could fish in troubled waters. However, I personally investigated the situation and found out that Ms Song is actually a very gentle person. She is well-matched with you, and also loves you deeply. Although Ms Song doesn’t know me, but I personally like her very much, so I hope that CEO Ling can cherish her, and not miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime happiness.”

Saying so, Bai Zhen Zhen pulled on Huo Xiang’s hand and waved it in front of Ling Hao Chen: “Brother Xiang and I will wish you happiness!”

Ling Hao Chen remained silent.

But Bai Zhen Zhen could see from the look in his eyes that he had already been persuaded by her.

“Let’s go.” Bai Zhen Zhen smiled at Huo Xiang.

Huo Xiang nodded, leaving hand-in-hand with Bai Zhen Zhen.

He thought Ling Hao Chen would continue to chase them, but he didn’t.

“Who is Ms Song?” Huo Xiang asked Bai Zhen Zhen out of curiosity.

“Ling Hao Chen’s fiancee. A beautiful and noble rich young miss.” Bai Zhen Zhen paused, before continuing emotionally, “If I were to write a novel, she would be the female lead…”

When she was reading the novel, Bai Zhen Zhen truly liked Song Ling’s role. It’s a pity that the author was blind, turning her into a villainous role.

Song Ling was born in an elite family. She was intelligent and treated people with warmth. However, her beloved fiance suddenly fell in love with the female lead. Under the instigations of those vicious supporting female characters, she committed deeds that she would never do originally. With that, she continued down a slippery slope, her entire life ruined.

Bai Zhen Zhen sorted out her thoughts before asking Huo Xiang: “I almost forgot. I still haven’t asked you! What did you mean by making such a fuss on the stage just now?”

Huo Xiang put on an innocent front: “I thought the effect would be better that way! Don’t you think it worked out well?”

Bai Zhen Zhen raised her eyebrows, neither affirming his words nor denying them.

“However, that flash of brilliance gave me an idea.” Huo Xiang continued.

Bai Zhen Zhen looked at him in puzzlement, waiting for him to explain.

“Let’s get married!”

Seeing Bai Zhen Zhen’s eyes almost popping out, Huo Xiang quickly explained: “A fake marriage! The kind where we sign the marriage certificate, but live individually! Aren’t you afraid that they will continue to harass you? Wouldn’t your marriage make them give up on you?!”

Bai Zhen Zhen had truly never considered this idea. When she created her “friend’s” story to ask Huo Xiang on his opinion back then, Huo Xiang had also suggested this.

But marriage was ultimately a big event in a person’s life. She had to be even more careful when considering a contract marriage. Firstly, she had to ensure that the person she was entering a contract marriage with was trustworthy.

“What, still don’t trust me?!” Huo Xiang saw through Bai Zhen Zhen’s thoughts, “I don’t have any dirty thoughts about you. At most, I treat you as my younger sister. You’re still afraid that I will cross the boundaries once we sign the marriage certificate?”

“But what’s in it for you if we enter a contract marriage?” Bai Zhen Zhen scrutinised Huo Xiang.

Huo Xiang said sternly: “It was fate that we met. Didn’t I say it just now? I treat you as my younger sister, so I want to help you!”

Bai Zhen Zhen: “Speak truthfully.”

Huo Xiang’s face twitched: “Truthfully… If you want to thank me with money, I’m willing to accept it. After all, I was just discharged from the hospital, and have yet to find a job…”

“How much do you want?” Bai Zhen Zhen asked.

“Ten thousand…” Huo Xiang paused, “Five thousand is alright too!”

Bai Zhen Zhen: “I’ll consider it.”

Huo Xiang grinned like a fool: “Alright!”

****

After lunch, Bai Zhen Zhen and Huo Xiang continued shopping on the streets. Only when it was reaching 4pm did they call a cab to the Diamond Hotel.

The party had already begun earlier.

Bai Zhen Zhen showed the invitation SMS from Jiang Mu Yang to the security guards at the entrance, who respectfully let them through.

The moment she stepped in, Bai Zhen Zhen was astounded.

Truly worthy of a place chosen by Jiang Mu Yang, luxurious and elegant! Beautiful flowers adorning the scenery, champagne and delicacies abound. The infinity pool had everything one could ask for, and there was even a live band on site, providing soothing background music.

“Distinguished guests, please register your names on the guest book.” The attendant politely handed the guest book and a pen to Bai Zhen Zhen and Huo Xiang.

Similar to how a celebrity walking the red carpet would still stop to sign for their fans.

Not far away, several celebrities gathered to chat.

“Who’s that man currently signing the book? I’ve never seen him before?”

“Ah, he looks quite noble, could he be a young master of some rich family?”

“Come on, how could there be a young master whom our Sister Lili doesn’t recognise?”

“From his looks, I don’t think he’s from a rich family either! I recognise the shirt that he’s wearing, it’s from the latest line of the Niubility* brand, but it’s not expensive, only around $3,000 dollars.”

“Maybe he’s just keeping a low profile? Look at the elegance in his gestures, it has a charming self-confidence…”

These celebrities didn’t keep their voices down when discussing about others.

Huo Xiang and Bai Zhen Zhen, who were not far away, heard everything.

Bai Zhen Zhen glanced at Huo Xiang suspiciously: “If they didn’t mention it, I wouldn’t have realised. Looking at your pretense, don’t tell me you’re really a young master of a rich family?”

Huo Xiang answered pretentiously: “Actually, I am the son of the world’s richest man.”

— System: “Ah? How did you know?”

— Huo Xiang: “?”

— System: “Actually, after this side mission is completed, you will receive a new identity – The only grandson of the world’s richest man, who was lost 22 years ago.”

— Huo Xiang: ???!!!”

Bai Zhen Zhen examined Huo Xiang, her expression betraying her mixed emotions, stuck between wanting to laugh, but also wanting to cry. In short, it was a bit hideous.

“What’s wrong with you?”

Huo Xiang suddenly clenched Bai Zhen Zhen’s hands, tears pooling in his eyes and lips trembling, but he remained silent.

Bai Zhen Zhen was really taken aback by Huo Xiang’s appearance.

She hurriedly pulled him to a corner and lowered her voice, asking worriedly: “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“Zhen Zhen…” Huo Xiang choked.

“Yes, I’m here.”

“If I had known earlier… I would have rented that other shirt for four hundred dollars per day!!”

Bai Zhen Zhen: “…”

———————

Author’s note:

Who can understand the feeling of suddenly finding out that they are rich!! I can empathise deeply with little brother Xiang’s feelings!! — No, wait, the hell I can empathise?! This author survives by counting the number of words written… *cries*

——————–

*Niubility – Play on words. “Niu bi” in chinese = Amazing