Chapter 58: Unjustly Carrying the Black Pot

Qian Siyu gave Chen Xie a rather ordinary impression, which was not due to her appearance but her aggressive personality. In the Ming Dynasty, as a master, he was used to interacting with gentle and submissive women, so he found it a bit hard to adapt to modern society. It wasn't that independent women were bad, but Qian Siyu's aggressive nature made Chen Xie very uncomfortable. As a result, he had a slight emotional guard up against modern women.

For example, with Yang Lili, Chen Xie subconsciously didn't want to get too close. As a capable subordinate, she was acceptable. Chen Xie didn't want to ruin this relationship, so he was quite restrained.

Qian Siyu was different. Chen Xie only saw her as a business partner, and their interactions were determined by their business interests.

At the entrance of Qian's pharmacy, Chen Xie saw Qian Siyu waiting and felt a bit helpless. He nodded to her from the taxi, which was his way of greeting her. Qian Siyu ignored Chen Xie's hint and came forward, holding his arm affectionately and smiling sincerely, "You only show up when my dad needs you. Do I really bother you that much?"

"I'm really busy!" Chen Xie could only explain. He couldn't say, "Lady, stay away from me. I'm scared!"

Qian Sizhang, holding a stainless steel teacup, slowly walked out and smiled when he saw his daughter holding Chen Xie's arm.

"Hello, Mr. Qian." Chen Xie greeted him and pondered that Qian Siyu was only in her twenties, so Qian Sizhang must have had her in his middle age. It was a pity he hadn't met Mrs. Qian; otherwise, he could have known whether it was a case of an old oyster producing a pearl or an old ox eating tender grass.

"Please, no need for formalities. I called you here because I have a favor to ask." Qian Sizhang was straightforward. Chen Xie sat down properly, took out a cigarette, and wanted to light it. He looked at Qian Siyu, who didn't object and even took out a lighter to help him. Chen Xie was pleasantly surprised, not knowing that he was now a golden mountain.

"Mr. Qian, within my capabilities, I will do my best." Chen Xie spoke tactfully, slightly moving away to keep a distance from Qian Siyu. This woman had no self-awareness and leaned in again, pressing close to him.

"It's not a big deal. Xiao Yu said you have some calligraphy and paintings by Dong Qichang. I personally like his calligraphy, so I'm asking for your help." Qian Sizhang said this, and Chen Xie naturally looked at Qian Siyu. This woman smiled naturally, showing no sign of taking advantage.

"Mr. Qian, this isn't difficult. Dong Qichang has many surviving works, so it shouldn't be hard to find them." Chen Xie spoke the truth, but Qian Sizhang understood differently. He was a decent person and said, "No need to force it. Just keep an eye out." He glanced at Qian Siyu, knowing her character well.

"Xiao Yu, Xiao Chen is a decent person. You shouldn't push things too far." Qian Sizhang pointed this out directly, even in front of Chen Xie. Qian Siyu's face darkened slightly, and she glanced at Chen Xie, "I can get Dong Qichang's calligraphy with a phone call. Someone will find it and bring it to me."

After saying this, she stood up, walked to the side, and looked down at her fingers, swaying her body.

Qian Sizhang sighed and said, "Xiao Chen, don't take it to heart. She's just like that." Qian Siyu looked up, glanced at Chen Xie, and said, "Let's have lunch together. No running away. You chat, I'll go to the office."

Chen Xie, being sensitive, could feel the change in Qian Siyu. Her brief display of a young girl's demeanor was quite cute.

"Xiao Chen, I'm divorced from Xiao Yu's mother, which has caused some of her personality traits, such as being aggressive and proud." Qian Sizhang said this, showing his deep concern.

Qian Siyu sat in the boss's chair, idly moving her hands, thinking about her interactions with Chen Xie. Men usually revolved around her, but Chen Xie always kept his distance. At first, it might have been an act, but every time Chen Xie maintained his distance, it couldn't be an act anymore. Am I really that scary?

This mindset made Qian Siyu very curious about why Chen Xie wanted to keep his distance. What does this guy do? Good things don't come out bit by bit but in large quantities. He was also quite good-looking, with fair and delicate skin, which even made her a bit jealous. Despite his appearance, which could have been a bit effeminate, Chen Xie exuded a steady and masculine aura.

Qian Sizhang, having lived for so long, could easily see the changes in his daughter, so he intentionally talked about Qian Siyu. Her mother, Zhang Xi, had divorced him for her career when Qian Siyu was in elementary school. Qian Sizhang was fifteen years older than her, and it was a second marriage. He didn't mention the emotional entanglements with his ex-wife but focused on the impact on his daughter. Chen Xie listened quietly, feeling more lenient toward Qian Siyu.

After a while, Qian Siyu poked her head out, "It's not early anymore. We can have lunch now."

Qian Sizhang chuckled, stood up, and said, "You chat, I'll go home for lunch."

Chen Xie smiled, stood up, and watched Qian Sizhang leave. Qian Siyu came out, wearing a silk scarf around her neck, and tilted her head, "Do you like it?" The scarf had a light white base with blooming peonies. Chen Xie nodded, "It's very nice."

Qian Siyu was pleased and held Chen Xie's arm, "Let's go eat. I've booked a table at Linjiang Restaurant."

Chen Xie wanted to refuse but, thinking of Qian Sizhang's words, silently followed her. They got in the car, and Qian Siyu drove for less than half an hour to Linjiang Restaurant. In the parking lot, Chen Xie got out first and watched Qian Siyu park. At that moment, a car parked in the opposite spot, and a young, beautiful, and tall woman got out first, followed by a middle-aged woman with a dignified air, who stared at Chen Xie with a stern look.

Qian Siyu came over, saw the woman, and her face darkened. She held Chen Xie's arm, "Let's go!"

"Qian Siyu, stop right there." The woman spoke, and Qian Siyu stopped, turning to glare, "Zhang Xi, I'm telling you, stay out of my business."

Chen Xie knew who she was and sighed inwardly, nodding as a greeting. Qian Siyu, after saying this, dragged Chen Xie away, walking faster and faster. Because they walked so quickly, when they entered the private room and sat down, her chest was heaving.

Chen Xie waited for the waiter to pour the tea and said calmly, "Have some tea and calm down. The stupidest thing a person can do is to fight with themselves." He didn't care about the effect of his words, considering it his duty.

Qian Siyu took a sip of tea, put down the cup, and said, "That woman abandoned her daughter for her business. When her business succeeded, she was almost old and wanted her daughter back. There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world."

Chen Xie didn't want to speak, but seeing her agitation, he said, "I'm not good at persuading people, so don't take it personally. I just want you to ask yourself what you really want. If you can truly ignore her, you wouldn't feel this way. If not, why not talk to her calmly? A woman pursuing her career is nothing to criticize. Marriage is a matter between two people, and the end of your parents' marriage couldn't be the fault of just one person."

"Mind your own business!" Qian Siyu rolled her eyes, seemingly annoyed but actually much calmer.

Chen Xie could see that both mother and daughter had strong personalities. They were very similar, and this personality made Chen Xie keep his distance from Qian Siyu. He felt it was foolish to waste time and energy on this issue.

When ordering, Qian Siyu was quite restrained, only ordering two dishes and a soup. For two people, it wouldn't be wasteful. This revealed some of her character. Chen Xie ate quickly, hoping to leave soon.

Using the excuse of going to the restroom, Chen Xie settled the bill. On his way back, he saw Zhang Xi looking at him.

"Hello, Aunt Zhang!" Chen Xie greeted her. Zhang Xi, who looked like a leader, nodded sternly, "How long have you been together? I've never seen her hold a man's arm except her father's."

"You misunderstood. We're just business partners." Chen Xie explained, but Zhang Xi clearly didn't believe him. She looked at Chen Xie for a while, saw nothing suspicious, and said, "Treat her well, or I'll deal with you." She then turned and left.

Chen Xie felt a headache. Both Mr. Qian and Zhang Xi seemed to think he and Qian Siyu were a couple, which was an unjust burden.

As Zhang Xi entered another private room, Qian Siyu came out and said, "I knew you'd trick me. You said I would treat you."

Chen Xie smiled, "It's the same. It didn't cost much. Besides, I don't have the habit of letting women pay."

At this moment, Qian Siyu said something that made Chen Xie shudder, "Be careful. I'm worried Zhang Xi will have someone investigate you."

Chen Xie's face changed, a fierce look flashing in his eyes. He coldly laughed, "Let her investigate. Just don't let me know." Chen Xie was worried at first but, thinking of Wu Qi, felt no fear.

Qian Siyu stepped forward, held Chen Xie's arm again, and after walking silently for a while, said, "I'm sorry. I'll talk to her." Chen Xie said calmly, "It's fine. No one can find out my background."

Such confidence made Qian Siyu's eyes light up, instantly finding the guy very handsome. Maybe, take a loss?

Back at the hotel, Chen Xie immediately summoned Wu Qi. The virtual beauty appeared quickly. After Chen Xie told her about Zhang Xi, Wu Qi's answer was clear, "Understood. She won't find out anything."

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