Mr. CEO, Spoil me 100 Percent! - Chapter 210

Chapter 210: Project Galaxy

 

Xinghe quickly moved to launch a counter-attack, minutes later the attack was neutralized.

In fact, Xinghe managed to trace the signal back to the person’s computer and hacked their computer instead.

Perhaps the other party knew they were no match for her so they barely put up a fight.

Xinghe easily took full control of their computer. She switched on their webcam to take a look at the mysterious hacker. The face that appeared on screen was one even Xia Zhi was familiar with.

He had a handsome face and there were excitement glistening in his eyes when he greeted Xinghe and Xia Zhi with a toothy grin, “Hello there!”

Xia Zhi gasped in utter surprise. “Wait, you’re ET‽”

Other than his sister, the figure that left the biggest impression during that year’s Hacker Competition was ET.

“The name’s Ee Chen, ET is just a code name,” Ee Chen said, smiling. He kept bouncing in his seat as if he could barely contain the excitable energy cooped up within him.

“Why did you hack into my server?” Xinghe asked calmly.

She didn’t expect the culprit to turn out to be him either but she hid her shock better than Xia Zhi.

“Because I want to say hi to you,” Ee Chen replied matter-of-factly, “Do you know how hard it is to locate your IP address?”

“You can say hi to me at the lab.”

“But certain topics can only be discussed in private. Plus, I miss the rush of competing with you…”

“What topic?” Xinghe cut straight to the point.

Ee Chen asked with apparent disappointment, “Aren’t you curious why I would be at the lab?”

“Sis, he works at the lab too?” Xia Zhi asked in shock.

“That’s right, buddy! Fate has it that Miss Xia and I will be colleagues from now on. I’m going to assign myself to be her personal assistant,” Ee Chen announced happily, “Therefore, Miss Xia, you have to come to me if you need any help.”

Xinghe stared at him coldly. “I will not work with random strangers.”

“But the project that you’re doing requires men and women with a good head on their shoulders. I hate to brag but I doubt you’ll be able to find a third person that is better than me at the lab.”

The second person being Xinghe herself.

“Regardless, that doesn’t change my workplace philosophy. You are not needed,” Xinghe rejected his offer flatly.

Ee Chen pouted like a disappointed child. “You have such low confidence in me?”

“Told you I don’t work with strangers.”

This Ee Chen’s background was too mysterious.

First, he appeared as Chui Ming’s underling and then now he was working at Xi Family’s lab.

Xinghe couldn’t help but be cautious of his motives.

Therefore, she had stayed away from him the whole time she was at the lab. She knew he is good with computers but she didn’t trust the guy.

Ee Chen muttered helplessly, “But I’m not really a stranger… I just happen to love challenges, an adrenaline junkie in a way. Furthermore, it was Xi Mubai’s idea that I end up working at the lab. He offered me a job after he witnessed my talent, I accepted. That’s all.”

So, he got Mubai’s approval.

Xinghe’s guard against Ee Chen slightly lowered. “Then, tell me, to what do I owe the pleasure of you purposely hacking into my server to set up this private meeting.”

There had to be something more than him seeking a challenge.

He could have told her that at the lab and she would’ve just taken it as a compliment.

Ee Chen cupped the side of his face in his palm and said with a smile, “I really didn’t expect you would be so cautious and sensitive. The reason I sought you out this way is because I want to ask you a question. I come bearing no ill intent.”

“What question?” Xinghe asked, not knowing what he said next would shake her to her core.

Reigning in his excitement, Ee Chen looked at her seriously and asked with the obvious intention of feeling her out, “Have you heard of Project Galaxy?”

1. The literal translation of Xinghe’s Chinese name is galaxy.

Chapter 211: Kindred Spirit

 

At the mention of ‘Project Galaxy’, Xinghe’s eyes widened in shock.

She narrowed her eyes at Ee Chen, trying to read his expression.

Ee Chen was doing the same to her.

“Who are you?” Xinghe questioned coldly.

“I am, of course, Ee Chen; I guess we are kindred spirits of sorts.”

“…”

“Looks like my suspicion is founded, you have heard of this before. Well, your name is too much of a give-away after all.”

“What is Project Galaxy?” Xia Zhi piped up beside her.

No one answered him.

“Come to me if you need any help, but I’m sure I’m going to need your help in the future. People like us should look out for each other,” Ee Chen added cryptically before switching off the camera feed.

However, Xinghe still had many unanswered questions.

“Sis, what is this Project Galaxy? And what has it got to do with you?” Xia Zhi pursued his enquiry.

Xinghe looked him in the eyes and said, “I too have no idea what it is. Xia Zhi, promise me you will stop asking or even mentioning this thing to me or any others, act like you heard nothing.”

“But…”

“Promise me.”

Xia Zhi saw the persistence in her eyes so he relented, “Fine, I promise you…”

Xinghe nodded. She stood up and said, “Come, let’s go down for dinner. I have a job for you to do after that.”

“Okay!” Xia Zhi accepted happily, however he still desperately wanted to know what this Project Galaxy is!

…

The next day, Xinghe had Ee Chen help with the artificial limb design.

To Xia Zhi’s disappointment, they didn’t mention a word about Project Galaxy.

From the looks of things, like how they kept alluding to things Xia Zhi couldn’t understand, they’d continued their previous conversation after yesterday’s dinner.

Xia Zhi knew better than to come out and address the elephant in the room. Instead, he focused on the job his sister assigned him, to help Xiao Mo run the company.

In any case, he had no reason to stay when Xinghe and Ee Chen worked on the designs. They were too proficient for him to be able to contribute anything.

Ee Chen’s computer skills were as good as he promised.

Thankfully, Xia Zhi had gotten used to crazy computer whizzes from constant exposure to his sister or else he might’ve started to feel sorry for himself.

Ee Chen’s ability was not as good as Xinghe but it was still miles ahead of Xia Zhi.

Xia Zhi who initially intended to further his knowledge and skill in computers finally recognized his own limits.

He could spend his whole life studying IT skills and he still wouldn’t be able to rival his sister; he decided to give up on that path.

He made the decision to switch to another lane in life. The majority of his focus shifted to help Xiao Mo manage the company.

Surprisingly, he found that he had an affinity for business management.

With regards to Xinghe’s skills, even Ee Chen was impressed and humbled by them.

“You are truly the best computer expert I have had the fortune of meeting. I can’t believe you manage to construct something so intricate which requires such extreme expertise,” Ee Chen gasped in astonishment as he examined the almost-finished design on Xinghe’s computer screen.

If not for his collaboration with Xinghe over the past few days, he’d have no idea she was so crazy good at her job.

He felt amused thinking back to Ruobing’s plan to test Xinghe on her mathematics and computer technique.

It was akin to a presumptuous kid testing a college professor on their knowledge.

Xinghe’s expansive knowledge aside, she also had a brain that was as efficient as a high-speed computer.

Chapter 212: A Summons from Old Madam Xi

 

Her mind worked in terms of data and processing data was something that came as naturally to her as breathing.

Formulas, graphs, and almost everything was automatically converted into data in her mind.

Like a computer, her brain was capable of utilizing all sorts of algorithm.

In fact, she could freely adopt and adapt multiple algorithms to solve complicated questions.

Simply put, she was a data processing genius!

“My decision to approach you was right!” Ee Chen said excitedly, “Xia Xinghe, I’m going to stick to you like glue from now on.”

“That depends on how valuable the information you’re giving me in exchange is,” Xinghe said with emphasis. She might agree to accept his help but it didn’t mean that she trusted him unconditionally.

Ee Chen replied with a big smile, “Don’t worry, I assure you – the information I have is priceless.”

Xinghe raised her brows but kept her opinions to herself.

She might die soon but she still had a burning desire to find out more about this Project Galaxy.

It had everything to do with her mother’s mysterious disappearance.

Now that there was a whiff of a clue, she naturally refused to let it go. She hoped Ee Chen would keep to his word and the information he had would not prove to be a disappointment.

Suddenly, Xinghe’s phone rang.

To her surprise, it was from Xi Family’s old mansion.

Old Madame Xi expressed her intention of meeting her!

…

Although Xinghe had no clue why Old Madame Xi summoned her but she guessed it had to do with the artificial limb technology.

Xinghe drove to the old mansion.

“The old madam is waiting for you at the drawing studio by the garden, the madam is there as well,” explained the maid who led her to the garden in low whispers.

“Is the little master around?” Xinghe enquired.

“Little master is at school.”

Xinghe knew they would have him away before calling her over.

Xi Lin was a student at City T’s most famous school. The school was the choice for many nobles and aristocrats so security was extremely high. Entry was not easily permitted.

Therefore, Xinghe couldn’t intercept Lin Lin at his school even if she tried.

So, the only thing she could do was to focus on the design.

After that, she would be able to bring her son away from this place…

“We’re here, please,” the maid said as she opened the door to the studio for Xinghe. She bowed and waved for her to go in.

Xinghe walked in and more than a couple of familiar faces greeted her.

Not only were Old Madame Xi and Mrs. Xi there but also Yun Ruobing and Chu Tianxin!

The elegant and comfortable studio was separated into two sections. The right hand side of the room was decorated with a set of pure leather white sofa while the other side of the room housed a number of easels and a wide wooden table.

The table was cluttered with painting accoutrements like color palettes, inks and paint brushes…

A few tasteful, postmodern oil paintings hung on the studio walls.

The paintings were probably originals by Old Madame Xi.

The mysterious matriarch of the Xi Family situated herself in the middle sofa, gracefully sipping a cup of tea.

This was the first time Xinghe met her!

Even during her wedding, Old Madame Xi didn’t make an appearance.

Old Madame Xi was famously a recluse. She spent most of her days cloistered in her painting studio; it was nearly impossible to request a meeting with her.

The very first thing that struck Xinghe about Old Madame Xi was her youthfulness!

It was obvious that a lot of work had gone into maintaining her appearance. Her body was well-proportioned, her skin had a youthful sheen, and – other than some faded crowfeet – her face was smooth. Even her hair that was swept into an up-do was as dark as onyx.

She looked like a woman approaching fifty even though Xinghe knew that her actual age was more than seventy.

Chapter 213: Outshone Her

 

Seated beside Mrs. Xi, Old Madam Xi looked like her sister instead of her elder.

In fact, she was even prettier than Mrs. Xi. The faded lines around her features helped accentuate their exquisiteness.

One could only imagine how gorgeous she must be when she was young.

The way she dressed also spoke of elegance and nobility.

A simple pattern-less blue shawl wrapped around her neck not only brought another layer of sophistication to her beauty but also cleverly hid her missing right arm.

If one didn’t take a second closer look, one wouldn’t know she was handicapped.

This was a woman who spent her life pursuing perfection and beauty!

After seeing her in person, Xinghe finally understood why the Xi family wasted so many resources trying to manufacture the perfect artificial limb. A woman like Old Madam Xi wouldn’t allow the presence of malformation on her body.

She also understood why Grandfather Xi valued his first wife so much.

Her otherworldly beauty was meant to be cherished for a lifetime and more.

Xinghe finished evaluating the room the minute she entered.

Of course, the people in the studio were also staring her up and down.

There was maliciousness in the way Tianxin and Ruobing looked at her.

There were envy and jealousy in their eyes…

This observation stumped Xinghe. Tianxin was envious of her relationship to Mubai, but what about Ruobing?

What did she have that Ruobing was envious about?

“Don’t just stand there. Come in and take a seat,” Old Madam Xi opened her mouth to say.

Xinghe walked over calmly and sat herself opposite them.

“Why did Madam Xi call for me?” she asked directly, not interested in engaging them with perfunctory small talk.

Old Madam Xi put down her tea cup delicately and raised her eyes to study Xinghe. Xinghe saw clarity and a minute degree of condescension in them.

“I see the change they mention,” Old Madam Xi observed lightly, “I’ve only seen your picture from before but you do look different from how you were back then.”

The change was not in her physical appearance but her mannerism and the way she carried herself.

Xinghe was several years older than when she married Mubai but she was a lot more charming now. Perhaps it is as they say, intelligence is beauty.

The eyes were the window to one’s soul. Before this, Xinghe’s eyes were dark and lifeless but now, it was as if there was a sun shining behind them.

They exuded a natural confidence that attracted people’s attention, some from admiration, others from envy.

For example, the more Tianxin stared at Xinghe, the more her envious hatred grew.

She couldn’t help but acknowledge that Xinghe was a lot more captivating than the last time they met.

Ever since their meeting in front of the restaurant two months ago, she would notice some changes in Xinghe every time their paths crossed.

It pained her to admit it, but the change in Xinghe was undeniable.

The first time they met, Xinghe was nothing, simply walking trash, completely incomparable to her.

But now… she had become the lesser in comparison! She was brutally outclassed by Xinghe!

Tianxin felt seriously threatened.

She knew if this was allowed to continue, she wouldn’t even be qualified to be Xinghe’s competition anymore.

How was she going to fight for Mubai against such a powerful competitor? She had no chance!

Her inner insecurities and misgivings clawed at her. Tianxin prayed Xinghe would just keel over and die right there, right then.

She consoled herself with the fact that she hadn’t completely lost yet. She still had a chance at pursuing Mubai because a great tragedy was going to befall Xia Xinghe that day!

Chapter 214: Unflattering Personality

 

Tianxin’s scowl turned into a satisfactorily smirk.

The inconspicuous change in her expression didn’t escape Xinghe’s detection.

“People change, it happens,” Xinghe responded nonchalantly to Old Madam Xi’s observation. She took the initiative and asked Old Madam Xi, “Is the reason why Madam Xi called me here to talk about the event that happened at the lab?”

Old Madam Xi picked up on Xinghe’s desire to cut to the chase.

She smiled thinly. “You’re right. Looks like you’re not at all afraid I’m going to punish you for your mistake.”

“Madam Xi sure has an interesting sense of humor. I have no idea I’ve even committed a mistake,” Xinghe replied calmly, “If you’re referring to the incident where Miss Yun was chased out of the lab, then I assure you on that particular incident, I made no mistake.”

“You never do, do you?” Mrs. Xi scoffed. The more time she spent with Xinghe, the greater her disdain towards Xinghe grew.

“You schemed to break up Tianxin and Mubai’s engagement and you consider that as ‘not a mistake’, your first day at work and you already chased away Ruobing who had worked there for at least a decade, and you still consider yourself not guilty! Xia Xinghe, do you seriously think that you’re above reproach? For shame! Just what kind of bad luck has our Xi family been struck with for our fate to be entangled with the likes of you? I so regret letting Mubai marry you! It was out of pity that I allowed my Xi Family to take you in but what did you give in return? Heartache and catastrophe!”

Xinghe expected as much when she received the call. This was a tribunal with her set up as the guilty party.

Xinghe knew the kind of personality Mrs. Xi had so she decided not to press the point and drag this thing out. Instead she said flatly, “I don’t care what your impression of me is. If this is the only reason you have me over, then I’m going to excuse myself. I have more pressing things to attend to.”

“What important things do you have to attend to?” Ruobing asked pointedly, “You strong-armed me out of the lab but you yourself didn’t show up at work over the past few days. I genuinely have no idea what you are to up. Or do you think because since you have the run of the lab that you can just do whatever you want and play truant?”

“Mother, I believe she is playing us for fools. Ruobing spent the entire length of her youth at the lab just to repay your kindness. Now, Xia Xinghe not only chased her away, but also didn’t attend to her duties at the lab, the girl is completely lawless with no respect for you, the lab, or the law!” Mrs. Xi told Old Madam Xi angrily.

“Xinghe, I’m sure Mubai will be deeply disappointed if he knows you’re squandering this valuable opportunity the Xi family has given you,” Tianxin advised Xinghe like she really couldn’t bear to see Xinghe go down the wrong path.

“Well, what do you have to say for yourself?” Old Madam Xi asked coolly.

She didn’t directly accuse Xinghe but the meaning was the same.

Xinghe responded without batting an eye, “The time limit given is one month. If I have anything to say for myself, I will say it then.”

In other words, she was telling them to wrap it up. She was tired of this witch-hunt.

Old Madam Xi smiled disingenuously. “No wonder Lin Lin’s grandmother doesn’t like you, you do have an unpleasant personality.”

Xinghe didn’t rise to the bait. Her expression didn’t even change.

So, people didn’t like her, big deal. She didn’t care a single bit.

Furthermore, Mrs. Xi liked those that knew how to pander to her. Xinghe would rather die than to demean herself like that.

“If there’s nothing else, I’m taking my leave.” Xinghe stood up to leave. She’d had enough of this drama.

“You are not allowed to step into the lab anymore,” Old Madam Xi suddenly announced with authority.

Xinghe stopped and turned back with her eyebrows raised. “Why?”

Chapter 215: Ruobing Has Finished the Design

 

Old Madam Xi didn’t reply but her daughter-in-law chimed in, “No particular reason, just like how you chased Ruobing away for no reason, we’re chasing you out now! Letting you stay at the lab is just a waste of time and resources. Therefore, don’t think of ever stepping foot in the lab again; you’re banned for life!”

Mrs. Xi had been waiting to teach Xinghe a lesson so she didn’t hold back when she scolded Xinghe.

Xinghe’s pair of black eyes stared straightly at Old Madam Xi. “Just because of that?”

Old Madam Xi maintained the eye contact. “Ruobing has finished the best design so you are of no use anymore.”

Xinghe’s gaze shifted to Ruobing…

Ruobing smirked triumphantly, “That’s right, I’ve finished the design. Now, I’m only waiting for it to be constructed. Therefore, you’re no longer needed.”

“You finished the design?” Xinghe queried with suspicion, “With no outside help?”

“Xia Xinghe!” Xinghe’s words seemed to have struck a nerve causing Ruobing to lash out at her, “Just what are you insinuating? Only you can complete this design and no one else can? Don’t make me laugh! There are plenty of people more capable than you so don’t think too highly of yourself!”

Xinghe nodded slightly. “You’re right. There are plenty of people more capable than me but you are definitely not one of them!”

“You—” Ruobing’s face was overcast, not expecting Xinghe to insult her so openly.

“Xia Xinghe, you’ve crossed the line. Don’t be so envious of Ruobing just because she finished the design before you,” Tianxin jumped on Xinghe indignantly.

Old Madam Xi frowned with displeasure. She didn’t have anything against Xinghe but she definitely wasn’t her fan.

But now, she started to dislike Xinghe.

“Xia Xinghe, you are indeed too cocky. Ruobing spent so many years in her research so it is normal for her to eventually complete the project, unlike you who promised us result within one month even though you have no experience at all in this field! I advise you take your leave before it is too late or else you might have a taste of my wrath!”

Xinghe smiled thinly, her gaze several degrees sharper. “Madam Xi is correct. Ruobing did spend years on her research and is thus more experienced than me. But I’m curious, why would she suddenly complete her design at this juncture while she literally made zero progress for so many years before this?”

Especially when Xinghe’s own design was almost complete.

“Xia Xinghe, what do you mean by that?” Ruobing’s tone was as chilling as the winter’s breath. “I was already at the brink of a break-through when your sudden appearance ruined it!”

“That or my sudden appearance helped fulfill it‽”

“You…” Ruobing widened her eyes but not so much in anger, more in shock.

Xinghe stared her down. “Since you’ve finished the design, dare to show it to me?”

Ruobing calmed herself down quickly and smirked. “Show it to you? What for? For you to plagiarize?”

“Xia Xinghe, the bottom line is Ruobing has finished the design, you have to accept that fact no matter what! This means that your contract with our Xi family is nullified, you are no longer needed, of course this means that you will never see my grandson again,” Mrs. Xi said triumphantly.

“Auntie is right. Ruobing’s design is the best I’ve seen,” Tianxin nodded.

“Security, send her out,” Old Madam Xi was more direct.

A security rushed into the room immediately and told Xinghe with a stone-cold expression, “Miss Xia, please follow me!”

Xinghe’s gaze swept the room of women. Instead of anger or indignation, there were derision and scorn in them.

Chapter 216: A Meaningful Smile

 

She was laughing at the expense of their gullibility for falling so easily to Yun Ruobing’s cheap tricks.

Ruobing misread Xinghe’s smile as a scowl and she jubilantly exclaimed, “Xia Xinghe, the feeling hurts, doesn’t it? In the end, I win and you lose! I have you beaten!”

She was alluding to the incident that happened a few days ago. To think Xia Xinghe thought she had beaten her by throwing her out of the lab; Ruobing sure showed her! Victory was ultimately hers!

Ruobing was on cloud nine because she didn’t expect her chance at revenge would come so soon!

How Xinghe humiliated her then, she was going to return tenfold!

Of course, this was only phase one. Another win would be when she made her grand return to the lab. Of course, she wouldn’t hesitate to humiliate Xinghe if she was shameless enough to show up at the lab despite the ban.

Maybe birds of a feather really do flock together because Tianxin and Ruobing happened to be best friends, and her best friend spoke the words that were on her mind.

Tianxin told Xinghe smugly, “Xinghe, now that Ruobing has finished the designs, she has all the rights to return to the lab. Bet you didn’t see this coming when you chased her away. That’s why the book teaches us to be humble because, as you can see, it is easy to shoot ourselves in the foot.”

“It’s just the design,” Xinghe smiled thinly. “I too have finished mine. It is still an unknown who will have the better end product, so don’t you think it is too early to say something like this?”

“You can stop working on the design,” Old Madame Xi said with finality, “I’m very satisfied with Ruobing’s design, yours will never be better than hers. Therefore, your agreement with the Xi family is officially nullified, and I repeat, you are no longer allowed to present yourself at the lab.”

“But the promised time limit is one full month…”

“If I say it’s nullified, then it’s nullified,” Old Madame Xi declared as she stared Xinghe down.

“I’ll be frank, ever since you chose to leave Xi Family, this place no longer welcomed you. Even if you try your hardest to tear up Tianxin and Mubai, he will never take you back because the love of his life is Tianxin; she is the one he’s going to marry. I willing to forgive what you did to Ruobing this time but you are no longer allowed to take another step into our Xi Family’s territory! Lin Lin may be your son but he will never leave the Xi family and will have nothing more to do with you. I know you’re a clever girl, so stop hounding us Xi Family and go seek your own happiness elsewhere! You have no claim to be here anymore!”

“Hear that? You have no claim to be here anymore,” Mrs. Xi repeated for emphasis.

“I never wanted to be here in the first place and I have no plans of returning,” Xinghe replied calmly, “But my son is mine and I will have him by my side eventually!”

“Xia Xinghe, are you deaf or something‽” Old Mrs. Xi was angered by Xinghe’s stubborn attitude. “I’ve told you multiple times, Lin Lin no longer has any ties to you, that is the fact and it will not be changed. He will stay with us no matter what so I suggest you don’t waste your energy. Leave now or I’ll have security toss you out!”

Xinghe was not at all pricked by their insults. In fact, she smiled indulgently. “Fine, since you lot have so much faith in Yun Ruobing, then we shall await the day she achieves success.”

Xinghe gave Ruobing a meaningful parting smile before turning to leave.

Ruobing’s smug smile froze on her face.

For some reason, she felt unhinged by Xinghe’s parting smile. Feelings of anxiety crawled up within her…

But the fact was Xia Xinghe had been chased out of the lab and success was within her grasp. There was nothing Xia Xinghe could do to foil her plan now.

Yes, the plan that she had nurtured for over a decade. The thought of its imminent fruition made Ruobing giddy with excitement!

Chapter 217: Don’t Hit My Face!

 

The excitement overwhelmed everything else in her mind, even the anxiety and alarm.

The glory and success that were within her grasp blinded her to everything else…

Beside her, Tianxin was equally excited.

When she initially heard about Xinghe’s promise to perfect the artificial human limb technology, she didn’t believe Xinghe could possibly accomplish that but she couldn’t help but be worried.

Worried that Xinghe could somehow make it happen.

If she did, Xi Family’s impression of her would make a 180 turn.

Then Xinghe’s plan of remarrying Mubai would be one step closer to completion because the Xi’s wouldn’t stand in her way anymore.

Thankfully, Ruobing came to her rescue. Now that Xinghe was chased out of the lab, her plan would come to a violent halt.

There was no way Xinghe could launch a comeback after losing such a valuable opportunity!

This gave her the opportunity to pursue Mubai, to pull him back to her side.

Tianxin gave a bright smile, realizing God had once more confirmed her suspicion.

Xia Xinghe was fated to struggle as a piece of trash at the bottom of human society and would never come close to threatening her!

It is God’s decree! Xia Xinghe is a condemned woman! Of course, she is!

This means that Mubai is rightfully mine… Yes, because even God has decreed so… We are born to complete each other!

…

Xinghe slammed open the basement door and strode in with vengeance burning in her eyes.

Ee Chen, who was still working at the Xia Family basement, raised his head in alarm to meet her vindictive stare. In his eyes, she was like the Goddess Nemesis, coming for him to exact retribution.

Following behind were her two avenging angels, Xiao Mo and Xia Zhi!

Under such circumstance, Ee Chen did the unthinkable, he smiled. “Why the hate rays directed me? Looks like you guys aren’t here to invite me to go for tea.”

“You guessed right! How about another puzzle for you, guess what we’re going to do to you next?” Xia Zhi challenged angrily.

Ee Chen scratched his chin making a grand gesture of him thinking before saying, “I hope not but my guess is you guys are going to beat me up?”

“Get him—” Xinghe ordered with finality the moment Ee Chen finished his sentence.

Xiao Mo and Xia Zhi immediately launched themselves at the hapless hacker!

Ee Chen raised his hands in defense, yelling, “Wait, wait, you guys are serious? I was just kidding!”

“Of course we’re serious. A traitor like you deserves to be beaten to death!” Xia Zhi cursed as he lobbed another punch at Ee Chen.

Xiao Mo didn’t say a word, focusing all his energy on his punches.

Ee Chen couldn’t shield himself from the flurries of punches. He hugged his head and begged, “Hit anywhere you want but not the face!”

Xiao Mo and Xia Zhi showed perfect synergy as each pulled away one of Ee Chen’s hands and punched him rightly on his face!

Ee Chen snapped, “Didn’t I warn not to hit my face!”

Xiao Mo and Xia Zhi nodded at each other and each sent another punch at Ee Chen’s face. Ee Chen looked like a bruised panda.

Ee Chen realized they weren’t going to stop anytime soon and Xinghe didn’t show any intention of stopping them. He quickly pleaded for mercy, “Stop the beating, I surrender, okay? Plus, I’m really not a traitor. You have to hear my explanation!”

“Ten seconds more.” That was the second sentence Xinghe had said ever since she walked into the room.

Xiao Mo and Xia Zhi made use of this last opportunity to give Ee Chen the most memorable ten seconds of his life.

After they were done with him, Ee Chen slumped weakly to the floor, gasping for air.

The first thing he checked was his face.

Touching his face that was starting to bruise, he complained angrily, “Didn’t I say to spare the face? How can the two of you be so cruel to ruin a face as handsome as this?”

Xia Zhi and Xiao Mo each tossed him a contemptuous look because both of them believed they were more handsome-looking than him.

Chapter 218: Someone Like Us

 

“Now speak, why did you help Yun Ruobing steal my design?” interrogated Xinghe, as she took a step forward and looked down at him.

Ee Chen raised his head to look at her. He pointed at Xia Zhi and Xiao Mo. “I will tell you everything after you have them removed from this room.”

“Looks like you still need to be taught a lesson…” Xia Zhi raised his arm ready to launch another series of punches but Xinghe stopped him, saying, “Wait for me outside.”

Xia Zhi was shocked. “Sis, you can’t agree to his demand. What if he attacks you after we’re gone?”

Xiao Mo was equally concerned. “He’s right, Miss Xia. It’s too dangerous to leave you alone with him.”

Xinghe shook her head. “He won’t harm me. Please wait for me outside.”

“But…”

“It’ll be fine,” Xinghe was unmovable in her determination. Xiao Mo and Xia Zhi knew they couldn’t convince her otherwise so they left.

However, they didn’t dare venture far from the basement entrance. In fact, they stuck their ears against the door, keeping tab on what was happening within just so they could jump out if the situation demanded it.

However, Xinghe and Ee Chen spoke at such a low volume that they could barely hear anything.

Xinghe pulled out a chair and said, “It’s time for you to come clean. If you can’t give me a satisfactory reason, I have to warn you because I have many ways I can make your life hell.” Her words were as mellow as usual but there was an oppressing threat behind them.

Ee Chen climbed up with the aid of a chair which he later laid his body out on. He didn’t answer Xinghe immediately. Instead he inspected his bruised face, complaining, “If I knew you guys who do such a thing to my face, I wouldn’t have stayed behind voluntarily. Damn my conscience to hell.”

“So, you admit you’ve sinned?”

Ee Chen deflected her question with one of his own, “How did you know it was me who stole your design for Yun Ruobing?”

“Because everything was simply too convenient. She finished her design the same time I did? Preposterous! Furthermore, I don’t have faith in her capability to be able to even finish the design to begin with.”

“Ouch, that burn! But you’re right, she couldn’t have finished the design on her own,” Ee Chen joked trying to lighten the mood.

“I’m not here for chit-chat, get to the point and quick!” Xinghe narrowed her eyes at him, shutting him down effectively.

Ee Chen’s expression turned severe and he finally said, “Yun Ruobing is someone like us!”

Xinghe was taken by surprise but she quickly regained her senses. “So what?”

“She has in her possession something crucial to understanding our identity so I’ve been trying to get my hands on it. She sought me out earlier, tasking me with stealing your design. If she’s satisfied with my work, she’ll give me the thing I want as exchange.”

Xinghe stared cautiously at him as if trying to gauge whether he was lying before asking, “What thing?”

Ee Chen reverted to his usual leisurely self. He replied with a smile, “To be honest, I have no idea what it really is either but I know you also have one of them.”

Xinghe was once again taken by surprise.

“I’ll admit it, I also have one of them. Not only that, other people beside the three of us have them too. Only after we collect all of them can we know what their actual purpose is.”

Ee Chen seemed to be speaking in riddles but Xinghe understood him perfectly.

“Who else?” she asked calmly.

“Can’t say for sure, so far I’ve only located you and Yun Ruobing. I will tell you if I manage to identify others.”

“Where is the thing you speak of, hand it over–” Xinghe stretched out her hand but Ee Chen shook his head. “No, can’t do. Finders keepers, so the one I have and the one I got are staying with me. But I wouldn’t worry if I were you because eventually I will need to come back to you. You know I’m not good enough to understand the mystery behind them anyway. I suspect only you can crack the mystery so just consider that I’m keeping them on your behalf for now. Trust me – because I assure you I will take good care of them.”

Chapter 219: I’m Outside Your House

 

“How can you expect me to trust you when you literally just betrayed me?” Xinghe challenged.

“That is an unfounded accusation,” Ee Chen argued with a pout, “I didn’t side with Ruobing but helped you to do the design, isn’t that enough to prove my loyalty? Didn’t I answer every single one of your questions? I have nothing to hide…”

“Did you forget about the little fact that you helped her steal my design‽”

“That claim is untrue because the design I gave her is a fake, I swear!”

Xinghe’s lips curved into a smile. “The design you gave her would still be a fake even whether you planned to or not.”

Ee Chen was temporarily stunned as the truth of what Xinghe said slowly dawned on him. He groaned, “So you’ve been guarding against me all along.”

“And reality proves that I was right to do so.” Xinghe stressed and Ee Chen was shamed into silence.

However, a smile quickly returned to his face. “You see, this only validates my choice of picking you over her! You are way smarter and more cautious than she’ll ever be. I promise you will not regret this partnership because I’ve decided to stick close to you!”

“Get out—” Xinghe ordered suddenly.

Ee Chen was at a loss. “Get out?”

“You heard me. Your help is no longer required for the artificial limb design. Regarding the partnership, I’m still undecided. The day you pass me the thing in your possession will be the day I consider the partnership with you.”

Ee Chen didn’t think she will be so unfeeling. He muttered petulantly, “But what I said is the truth. You can trust me with the stuff…”

“I only trust myself.”

“It’s back to that thing, isn’t it? I already told you, I really didn’t betray you…”

“That is a matter of terminology. I advise you to leave on your own before I call security.”

Ee Chen was certain Xinghe wasn’t going to budge so he said helplessly, “Fine, I’ll go. After I help you procure more information on people like us, perhaps then you’ll see that I’m on your side.”

Xinghe didn’t respond and her expression was unreadable.

Ee Chen left soon after.

Xia Zhi and Xiao Mo were both befuddled as to why Xinghe let him go just like that, without any severe punishment.

Xinghe didn’t go into details, she only said that the designs on Ruobing’s hands are all fake so that at least brought a little relief to Xia Zhi and Xiao Mo.

However, Xinghe was still chased out of the lab. That fact was undeniable.

Without support of the lab, how could they construct the design?

Just when Xinghe was debating whether to call Mubai for help, her phone rang. It was from her ex-husband.

Xinghe hesitated for a moment before picking it up, “Hello.”

“I’m outside your house, come out for a moment,” he said before immediately hanging up.

Xinghe closed her mobile and walked to her front door.

She looked out the window. Night had fallen…

Mubai stood by the side of his car. Over his usual white formal shirt, he threw on a simple black coat for warmth. He had his hands in his pockets and he was looking up at the sky as if he was studying the constellation.

The lanterns around Purple Jade Villas were on for the night and the bright lights reflected the ones twinkling in the sky.

The night, the stars, the man and the atmosphere, the romantic scene was set.

Xinghe stepped out of the door and Mubai turned from her footsteps.

Like in many romantic dramas, their eyes met…

In that brief moment of eye contact, Xinghe saw many complicated emotions that swirled in his eyes.

She looked away and asked, “Why did you call for me?”

“Why you didn’t come to me when something huge like this has happened?” Mubai asked in return.