Chapter 51

News of a lavish proposal did not usually gain much attraction. However, once rumours surfaced that the one being proposed to was a female celebrity, the public’s curiosity was piqued.

Some reporters who had good relations with entertainment companies called their contacts to ask for insider news. However, the only answer they received was uncertainty.

Apart from the two figures in the picture, the only other clue was the dazzling lights. However, it was almost impossible to tell from the surrounding architecture which neighbourhood the picture was taken from. Some media outlets even went to various wealthier estates to ask around, but they still didn’t manage to find an answer.

When Ning Xi woke up the next morning, she smelled the fragrance of eggs in the pan. She left her bedroom and walked over to the kitchen. Chang Shi Gui’s back was facing her, his sleeves rolled up, as he prepared the eggs like a seasoned chef.

She leaned on the door frame, taking in the light fragrance, as she thought to herself how extraordinarily dashing this man was at the moment.

A tall and handsome man with broad shoulders, who was also mature and wealthy. And he was willing to cook for her. This man was most definitely a good catch.

Fortunately … she didn’t miss her chance.

“Awake?” Chang Shi Gui plated the sunny-side-up, and turned to look at Ning Xi by the doorway. He smiled. “I was about to knock on your bedroom door”.

“Good morning. Wow, I didn’t expect that you would have culinary skills too.” Ning Xi took in the fragrance of the food, and then retrieved some cutlery in the kitchen cabinet. “Did you have a good rest last night?”

The renowned President of Chang Enterprises had been relegated to sleeping on the couch. Who would even believe this?

“Not very well.” Chang Shi Gui placed the dishes onto the dining table, as he smiled sheepishly at Ning Xi. “I think I might have been too elated to sleep.”

Ning Xi retrieved the jam and milk from the fridge, placed them on the table and sat down beside Chang Shi Gui. “I thought it was because you weren’t used to the couch”.

After all, how comfortable could a man over six feet tall be, sleeping in such a narrow couch?

“I’ll gladly sleep on the floor, if it means I can stay in the same place as you.” Chang Shi Gui opened up the milk carton, poured a cup of milk and placed it in front of Ning Xi. “Besides, your couch is very soft and comfortable.”

“Aren’t you just complimenting my company for treating me well?” Ning Xi sipped her milk. “If that’s the case, you’ll take the floor next time.”

Chang Shi Gui grinned, and said indulgently, “Sure.”

Ning Xi couldn’t contain her laughter. She then took a picture of the sunny-side-up in front of her, and posted it onto Weibo.

Ning Xi: Good morning everyone! I’m having a healthy breakfast today! [Photo attached]

Almost immediately, many people liked and commented on her post. Many fans even complimented Ning Xi for whipping up something so appetizing, while others requested that she post a selfie.

As she skimmed through the compliments of her culinary skills, Ning Xi giggled. She put down her phone and told Chang Shi Gui, “Everyone’s saying that the eggs that I cooked are so pretty”.

Chang Shi Gui raised his glass of milk towards her. “I’ll take their words as their praises for me. Who knows, when they find out who the real chef is, they might like me better.”

“Are you already trying to impress my fans?” Ning Xi smiled. She knew that Chang Shi Gui was trying to assure her that she could choose when to reveal their relationship. And if she was unwilling to do so, he would also respect her decision.

Ning Xi slit the egg yolk apart; the liquid yolk looked mouth-watering. She lifted her head and glanced at Chang Shi Gui. “If our relationship is out in the open, will it bring you trouble?”

Years ago, Chen Zhenzhen was an award-winning superstar. However, she had to undergo many obstacles to marry Jiang Hongkai, whose family could not even compare to Chang Shi Gui’s. She died of depression eventually. In Ning Xi’s case, her status was hardly comparable to Chen Zhenzhen.

“The only thing that I’m only worried about if we reveal our relationship is that others will gossip about you.” Chang Shi Gui sighed. “I’m afraid that you will leave me because of what others will say.”

Ning Xi’s lips curved into a smile. “Why would I care about what others think?”

“There’s a saying that love creates fear, and fear creates worries.” Chang Shi Gui set his cup on the table, and tried to diffuse the seriousness of the conversation. “I’m afraid that my goddess might be taken away from me.”

Ning Xi paused, then said teasingly, “So, I’m your goddess?”

Chang Shi Gui nodded, smiling.

“What a sweet tongue you have”. Ning Xi stuck a piece of egg onto her fork and delivered it in front of Chang Shi Gui’s mouth. “This is your reward.”

Amused by Ning Xi’s seduction tactics, Chang Shi Gui obediently took the fork into his mouth, and ate the egg. He then stole a kiss from the back of her hand.

Ning Xi glared at him. Even a dependable man like Chang Shi Gui also had no limits when it came to taking advantage of others!

The couple enjoyed a cosy breakfast. Later, Chang Shi Gui took care of the dishes, while Ning Xi returned to her room to change. She had accepted an invite to participate in the shoot for a cover of a magazine; she was supposed to be there at 10.30 am, and she had to be punctual.

Just as she finished dressing, her phone rang. The caller was Zhang Qingyun, so she picked up the call.

“Brother Zhang,” She applied some moisturizer on her face. “Don’t worry, I’m already up.”

“Pick me up in half an hour’s time?” Ning Xi looked at her wrist. It was 8.20 am. “Sure, the time is just right.”

Zhang Qingyun was on hands-free mode, and stopped his car at the traffic light. “By the way, something interesting occurred last night, did you hear about it?”

“What happened?” Ning Xi walked out of her bedroom and saw Chang Shi Gui emerge from the kitchen, buttoning up his sleeves as he walked.

Zhang Qingyun did not know that Ning Xi wasn’t alone, hence he continued his gossip. “There were rumours that a wealthy man had confessed to a female celebrity. The pictures of the scene were posted on the web, but no one knows which celebrity it was.”

The corners of Ning Xi’s mouth twitched as she heard the news. What were the chances that the female celebrity was her? She turned and faced Chang Shi Gui, and helped to adjust his collar.

“Thanks.” Chang Shi Gui thanked her with a smile.

Zhang Qingyun was still driving when he heard a male voice. His grip on his steering wheel tightened. “Ning Xi, is there anyone beside you?”

Managers no longer restricted their artistes from having relationships. However, this did not mean that their artistes could suddenly have members of the opposite sex beside them. What if the paparazzi managed to steal some pictures and used them to stir up some scandal?

“Yes.” Ning Xi eyed Chang Shi Gui, then spoke again. “Come over first, I’ll tell you about it”.

After Zhang Qingyun hung up the call, he started thinking about the conversation in suspicion. He couldn’t wait to reach Ning Xi’s neighbourhood, but the traffic was simply too bad.

At this moment, some developments occurred relating to Ning Xi’s Weibo post.

[An ornament in Ning Xi’s home]: I’m not sure if I saw correctly, but I think I saw a figure from the reflection of Goddess Ning’s spoon.

[The cat that hates fish]: I think …  I see it too.

[Passerby]: Did you see clearly? It’s likely the reflection from her furniture.

[I’m the technical god]: I intentionally zoomed into that part of the picture. There’s a fifty-five percent that it’s a human figure, forty-four percent that it’s something else, and one percent that it’s a supernatural event.

[Righteous butterfly]: Since you’re the technical god, then don’t talk about anything supernatural. Perhaps this person is Goddess Ning’s manager or assistant? Isn’t that common?

Many thought that Righteous butterfly’s post was reasonable. This was not a candlelit dinner, nor was it a gathering. It was just a simple breakfast, and having her manager or assistant eat with her was something that was truly quite normal.

Zhang Qingyun initially said he would require thirty minutes to reach Ning Xi’s house, but he arrived in less than twenty-five minutes instead.

When the door opened, Zhang Qingyun had to hold back the questions he had as he looked at the man before him.

“Please come in”. Chang Shi Gui bent down and took out a pair of shoe covers for Zhang Qingyun. “Ning Xi is still getting ready, please hold on.”

“Oh, alright.” Chang Qingyun was stunned, as he took the shoe cover from Chang Shi Gui. As he put on his shoe cover, he thought, “Why would the President of the Chang Enterprises be here?!”

He turned to look at the couch, and found an unfolded blanket there. Could it be that he was mistaken, and Chang Shi Gui was only here to borrow the couch for a night?

However … for a man of Chang Shi Gui’s status, why would he need to borrow Ning Xi’s place for a night?

He had not heard of any news of the Chang Enterprises’ bankruptcy; could it be that Chang Shi Gui was so broke that he had to stoop to this level?

“Please take a seat”. Chang Shi Gui signalled for Zhang Qingyun to step into the house, then poured a glass of water for him. “Have you had your breakfast?”

“Thanks President Chang. I’ve already had my breakfast.” Zhang Qingyun was overwhelmed by Chang Shi Gui’s hospitality. After all, he was likely the first manager to have been accorded such treatment by President Chang.

But … wasn’t such hospitality supposed to be provided by the owner of the house?

The more Zhang Qingyun thought about it, the more doubtful he became.

“Brother Zhang, you’ve arrived?” Ning Xi walked out of her bedroom, her beauty dazzling. “Shall we go?”

“But Mr Chang …” Zhang Qingyun thought that Ning Xi’s EQ had suddenly dropped. Otherwise, why would she do something as rude as leaving her guest at home?

“That’s alright, I’m going down with you both”. Chang Shi Gui said laughingly, “My driver has also arrived.”

Zhang Qingyun felt relief wash over him. He couldn’t help but think how rare it was for a prominent man like Chang Shi Gui to be so considerate.

However, he was dumbstruck as he saw Chang Shi Gui bring out Ning Xi’s trash bag.

He turned and grinned at Ning Xi, his eyes full of questions.

“Brother Zhang, I forgot to tell you”. Ning Xi smiled innocently as she carried her exquisite small handbag. “I’m attached to Shi Gui already.”

“Huh?” Zhang Qingyun instantly felt that there was something wrong with his comprehension and listening ability.

“Didn’t you say that a wealthy man had proposed to a female celebrity in a romantic confession last night?” Ning Xi tapped Chang Shi Gui’s shoulder. “The wealthy man is here.”

The wealthy man Chang Shi Gui gave Ning Xi a warm smile, then nodded at Zhang Qingyun.

Zhang Qingyun was speechless.

He must be dreaming.

Especially when he saw the noble Chang Shi Gui carrying the trash bag towards the rubbish bins, Zhang Qingyun looked at Ning Xi as if she was a criminal.

To allow the President of Chang Enterprises to clear your trash, Ning Xi, you better count your blessings!

After throwing away the trash, Chang Shi Gui cleaned his hands with a handkerchief, then walked in front of Ning Xi. “I’m going to work now. Are you free tonight?”

Ning Xi nodded.

“Then I’ll pick you up for dinner.” Chang Shi Gui swept some loose strands of hair from Ning Xi’s face, and tucked it behind her ear. “Take care when you are working, and don’t overwork yourself. Call me if there’s any issues”.

“Alright.” Ning Xi blinked, then motioned for him to move closer. “Lower your head.”

Chang Shi Gui did not understand Ning Xi’s intentions, but still lowered his head obediently.  

Mwah!

A light lipstick stain appeared on his cheek.

“A good morning kiss”. Ning Xi beamed at him.

Chang Shi Gui’s heart softened at her smile, and he gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Now this is how a morning kiss should be.”

He hugged Ning Xi tightly, then stepped back reluctantly. “Go on, don’t be late.”

“Okay.” Ning Xi waved at him. “See you tonight!”

“See you.” Chang Shi Gui smiled gently, and waited for her window to be wound up before he went into his waiting car.

Zhang Qingyun saw Chang Shi Gui’s car leave the estate through his rearview mirror in the opposite direction. He then sighed depressingly, “Now tell me, what did you do to make the President of Chang Enterprises clear your trash for you?”

“Isn’t it normal for a boyfriend to help his girlfriend clear her trash?” Ning Xi raised her brows. “In my eyes, he’s my boyfriend, regardless of his wealth and status. So what’s wrong with him helping me?”

Zhang Qingyun was speechless. Yet strangely enough, he thought that Ning Xi’s words made sense.

“But …” Zhang Qingyun sniffled, “No matter what, he’s the President of Chang Enterprises. It’s not so nice if you make him do that.”

Ning Xi was appalled by Zhang Qingyun’s words. “That view is so cliched”.

“Right, I’m cliched, and you are truly unconventional!” Even though Zhang Qingyun knew that there should be equality in a relationship, his concerns stemmed from his view that Ning Xi was still not worthy of Chang Shi Gui.

However, everyone was equal in the face of love. Emotionally, who knew which one of them had the upper hand in this relationship?

In fact, he wouldn’t even be surprised if a wealthy woman, instead of a man, would be attracted to Ning Xi!

He was initially worried that Ning Xi might be at a disadvantage in this relationship, but it seemed as if ….

Oh well, as a manager, he should just steer clear of such private matters.