Mr. CEO, Spoil me 100 Percent! - Chapter 670

Chapter 670: He Lan Family (End of Lin Family Arc)

 

Mubai resisted the urge to snatch her phone and snap it in two. Who dared to ruin such a precious moment with a phone call?

He pretended the phone wasn’t ringing but Xinghe shoved him away. There was resentment and unwillingness swirling in his eyes when their lips parted.

“Who is it?” he asked nonchalantly, even though his eyes were glowering darkly.

“It’s Xie Xiaoxi,” Xinghe replied as she answered the phone.

“Hello, is this Xinghe? It’s me, Xiaoxi. I’ve asked my mom about my father,” Xiaoxi said cautiously on the other end of the phone.

Xinghe treated it with equal seriousness. “What did you find out?”

Xiaoxi trusted her completely so she revealed everything. “My mother said that my father once mentioned this family by the name of He Lan. It sounded like they were right in the middle of this Project Galaxy. However, my father had tried many years to locate this He Lan family, but it was to no avail. Other than that, he told my mom, Project Galaxy is bigger than we can possibly imagine because it relates to the survivability of the entire planet. However, he was afraid that telling my mother too much would put her in harm’s way, so that was all he said, and that was all I could get from my mother.”

“He Lan…” Xinghe repeated the unfamiliar name and after a short pause, continued, “Thank you, your information has been incredibly helpful, leave the rest to me. I will keep you updated if we manage to get any information on your father.”

“Okay! If you still need our help, please do say,” Xiaoxi replied.

“I will.” Xinghe hung up her phone and looked at Mubai seriously.

“What did she say?” Mubai asked in a low voice.

Xinghe explained, “Xiaoxi’s father said, this Project Galaxy is related to a family by the name of He Lan and the project is very important as it relates to the fate of the entire planet. That’s all she got. By the way, have you heard of this He Lan family?”

Mubai shook his head. “No, it’s my first time hearing about them.”

“Xiaoxi’s father was looking for this family as well, and he turned up no results. Looks like this is one elusive family. Locating them will probably lead us one step closer to the truth!” Xinghe concluded with confidence.

Mubai nodded. “Leave this to me then, I’ll try my best to look for this family. Don’t worry, they will be located before you know it.”

Xinghe nodded and she decided to take part in the search herself. With the goal in mind, Xinghe started scouring the internet. There were many that had the surname He Lan, but none were the one she was looking for.

Since the He Lan family she needed was related to Project Galaxy, they had to be of a certain stature, but the ones Xinghe found were all normal citizens. However, to be safe, she still went through them all. Mubai was also helping her to the best of his ability.

This search was conducted in secret by the both of them. They still didn’t think it was safe to reveal such a big secret. The time was not yet ripe. Who knew what would happen if the news was leaked?

The two spent days unearthing many He Lans, but there were none that fit their criteria. Xinghe suspected this family was highly secretive and outsiders wouldn’t be able to find anything on them.

In other words, unless there was a fresh opening, they weren’t going to come up with any results.

Chapter 671: News About the Second Daughter

 

Otherwise, Xiaoxi’s father would have found them all those years ago. Therefore, such a blind search was not serviceable, they had to come up with another idea.

Just as Xinghe and Mubai were stuck on their search, the police got the Lin family to talk. Elder Shen was still eager to find his daughter, so he told the Lin family that he would release the person who provided the police with the information about Miss Shen. Of course, the offer wasn’t extended to important criminals like Lin Zhenghwa, Lin Kang and Lin Xuan.

There were many who wished to take up the offer but not everyone was close to the center of Lin family’s power structure and information center. However, there was one exception; he was not only close to the center but also had pretty much nothing to do with the Lin family’s criminal activities, Lin Qin!

Elder Lin’s third son, the useless child. It was because of his unique position that he was able to know everything without getting involved in anything. He was not part of the crime syndicate because he was of no use to Elder Lin.

Even though Lin Qin was Lin Zhenghwa’s son, weirdly enough, the Shen family and Xi family couldn’t find it within themselves to hate him. Perhaps it was because he hadn’t done anything and showed no ambition. If anything, he was also a victim in the Lin family’s grand scheme.

Theoretically, Lin Qin should side with the Lin family, but they betrayed him first by cruelly sacrificing his daughter. Since the Lin family could no longer hold him back, he decided to stop sacrificing himself for the sake of a family that had done nothing for him.

To save his other daughter, he decided to cut all ties with the Lin family and Lin Qin chose to cooperate. However, he didn’t know much; he only knew that the Shen family’s second daughter was indeed sent away.

To prevent a possible threat in the future, Elder Lin sent the girl to an oversea organization that dealt specifically with orphans. The organization accepted many orphans from Hwa Xia that year and the Lin family sent the girl over as an orphan.

Unfortunately, Lin Qin didn’t know the name of the organization. The only person who knew that information was Lin Zhenghwa.

However, the vicious Lin Zhenghwa refused to give up the name, since he was in misery, he refused to let others enjoy happiness. Hence, the trail stopped again.

Other than it being an oversea organization that accepted orphans, they had no other information to go on with. However, the organization did arrive at Hwa Xia 47 years ago, so there should be some records of that.

The president treated this seriously as well. However, he had just recovered from his surgery and was recovering, so he left everything to the care of his vice president. The vice president aided the Shen family to locate that organization to the best of his ability, and after some time, they finally came up with some valuable information.

This information gave Xinghe and Mubai the shock of their life!

47 years ago, when the country’s economy was on the rise, indeed many overseas investors came to look for business opportunity. Other than that, there were nationals that returned from overseas as well to aid the country.

One of the families chose to open an orphanage to welcome all the orphans, they planned to bring these orphans overseas, giving them a new life in a better environment.

That year, this orphanage accepted many children, so it was not unlikely that the Shen family’s second daughter was one of them. However, this information was not the shocking one; the real shocking news was that the family behind this charity organization was He Lan family!

Chapter 672: Problematic Family

 

When they saw this, the first conclusion Mubai and Xinghe came to was that this was the He Lan family they were looking for. However, if that was true, what was the relation between Project Galaxy and collecting orphans?

Xinghe and Mubai couldn’t come up with a valid explanation. They could only wait for more news to come from the Shen family. However, with the president’s help, the investigation on the He Lan family would progress much smoother.

Very soon, they found out more about this He Lan family. The He Lan family was indeed from Hwa Xia, but they later migrated to Country R. It was when they were at Country R that their business really took flight and they became one of the richest families there. After that, the He Lan family started to get involved in charity work and they built the biggest orphanage in Country R.

To repay their country of origin, they purposely chose to select orphans from Hwa Xia. However, contrary to normal rich families, they didn’t promote their charitable activities. In fact, over the last twenty to thirty years, news about them had dwindled to a standstill, so much so that the public had forgotten about them. No wonder Xinghe and Mubai couldn’t find out anything about them.

Even the Shen family had not heard of this He Lan family. If not for this investigation, they wouldn’t have known such a mysterious family existed in the world. However, this was not important to the Shen family, they just wanted to look for their lost child.

Alas, even after gaining contact with the charity organization, there was still no lead on the Shen family’s second daughter. Even after the president personally asked Country R’s government for help, the information was still seriously lacking.

This was because a great fire engulfed the charity organization thirty years ago. It had burnt all the information, and it almost caused He Lan family to go bankrupt.

The He Lan family could no longer afford to take care of those children, so some of them were adopted by families, some were sent to other orphanages, and others chose a life of independence. Unfortunately, at that time, the He Lan family was so busy salvaging their own business that they didn’t have the time or energy to record the movements of these orphans.

Several decades later, the He Lan family had changed a lot and now, and no one seemed to even remember they had such a charitable past before.

The Shen family couldn’t provide more information to make the search for the girl easier, so looking for her was like looking for needle in a haystack. Therefore, the investigation ground to a halt once more!

This brought great sadness and disappointment to the Shen family. Xinghe felt sorry for them as well. She’d also assumed that this would lead them directly to their long-lost daughter, but in the end, it was a futile effort as well.

However, Xinghe was more concerned about the He Lan family and Project Galaxy. For some reason, she felt that this family was more complicated than they appeared to be.

Mubai agreed. “I’ve done my own investigation. Even though they did contribute to many different charities, their focus has always been on this orphanage. But strangely enough, there would be some eyebrow raising incidents involving the orphanage annually. There had been a constant stream of accidental child deaths, but there were no records. There was a rumor circulating around Country R saying that the He Lan family’s orphanage was cursed, but that was only hearsay and those that really believed it were only a handful. Eventually, even the rumors died out. However, there is no smoke without fire, perhaps this He Lan family does deserve a closer look.”

Chapter 673: Helpless

 

Xinghe was surprised. “You found out so much?”

Mubai nodded. “Yes, I happen to have some friends in Country R; it’s easier for them to find out things from the inside compared to us. According to them, the He Lan family has a good reputation in Country R and is a very big family. However, they have always kept a low profile, so they are known only to their fellow countrymen.”

“Therefore, it will be difficult for us to investigate them,” Xinghe concluded.

“Indeed, even Country R’s media doesn’t report much about them since they don’t do much in the public eye. It will be difficult for us to find out more about them.”

“Why don’t I personally go pay them a visit? It will be incredibly difficult to investigate them without close contact,” Xinghe said firmly. “I’ll go on behalf of the Shen family; that reason should be official enough.”

Mubai’s first response was to deny her request. “How can you go alone? I will not let you do that.”

Xinghe looked at him and said, “But I have to. I have to be there to get closer to the mystery of Project Galaxy. Staying here will get us nowhere.”

“But…”

“I will be representing the Shen family, so it’ll be fine. Plus, I promise you I will not take any unnecessary risks,” Xinghe promised. Mubai looked into her eyes that shone with determination and he knew he couldn’t talk her out of it. No one could talk Xinghe out of her goals. She knew what she wanted, and no one was going to stop her from achieving them.

Mubai still worried about her but he had to relent. “Okay, but you have to promise me you will call me immediately should anything dangerous happen.”

“Okay.” Xinghe smiled slightly. Mubai also smiled watching her smile. He was so wrapped around her finger that he was unable to say no to her every demand. He was afraid that one day, she might ask to leave him, and he wouldn’t be able to say no even then…

He knew that was his bottom line, he would agree to anything on the condition that she stayed by his side forever…

After the decision was made, Mubai and Xinghe went to discuss this with Elder Shen. The elder was pleasantly surprised. “You wish to go to Country R personally to aid in our search?”

Xinghe nodded. “But that’s not all, actually I have some personal interest in the He Lan family, and since our goals coincide, I hope Elder Shen will grant me the permission of going to Country R to help search for Elder Shen’s second daughter.”

“Why are you interested in the He Lan family?” Elder Shen queried.

Mubai answered, “Forgive us but we still cannot reveal certain information yet, but it also has to do with a search for someone. We suspect that this He Lan family is responsible for many secretive operations, so we wish to make use of this opportunity to get to the bottom of this.”

Elder Shen nodded and sighed. “To be frank, I was preparing to send someone over to Country R, but I have no good candidates in mind. If it’s the both of you, then, it’ll be perfect! I believe in your ability, and if you’re willing to help me search for my daughter, I will be forever grateful.”

A happy smile descended over Elder Shen’s face like a veil.

Xinghe smiled in return. “Does this mean you’ve agreed to our proposal?”

“Of course!” Elder Shen answered easily.

Chapter 674: Part of the Shen family

 

“Why would I give up on such a good opportunity? I’m already in my twilight years and this is my only hope left, if you can help me fulfil it, of course I will agree to it.”

“Thank you, I will do my best to help you locate your daughter!” Xinghe promised seriously. Touched by her sincerity, an idea cropped up in Elder Shen’s mind.

He studied Xinghe closely and couldn’t help but ask, “Child, who else is there in your family? Are your parents still around?”

Xinghe was mildly startled; she had no idea why Elder Shen would ask this. However, she answered truthfully, “My father has been dead for years and my mother has disappeared for almost as long, until now, I have no clue where she is. However, I do have an uncle and cousin with me.”

Elder Shen was inwardly overjoyed when he heard this. Her current situation allowed him to propose the following.

“Since both of your parents are not around, how about this? I’ll adopt you as my step granddaughter,” Elder Shen suggested with a smile. Xinghe and Mubai were shocked!

“Why?” Xinghe was surprised.

Elder Shen replied smilingly, “Didn’t you say you want to represent our Shen family to go Country R? Then you’ll need a valid identity, if you’re my step granddaughter, then it will be authentic, wouldn’t you agree? Of course, it’s also my personal interest to take you as my granddaughter. You are so capable and have helped us fulfil our revenge, so we’re all deeply appreciative of your help and all of us adore you. You have also saved the president’s life so I’m sure Xiao Yu is more than willing to take you as her stepdaughter.”

Xinghe was startled. “But why would someone as important as Madam President take me as her stepdaughter?”

Elder Shen understood her reservation and shook his head to say. “She would love to have you as her stepdaughter. After all, Xiao Yu has no children of her own and she will just be a normal civilian after the president retires. It’s her gain taking you as her stepdaughter. If you agree, then this thing is done! So please agree, all of us really like you and I’m serious with this proposal.”

“…” Xinghe didn’t know what to say and she unconsciously turned to look at Mubai.

Mubai smiled happily. “You should agree! This is a good thing; wouldn’t you like to have more family to love you?”

Xinghe’s gaze shuddered slightly. That’s right, isn’t that what I’m looking for?

Furthermore, after spending some time with the Shen family, she realized she felt indescribably close to them. Therefore, she wasn’t averse to being adopted by them.

“Okay, I agree!” Xinghe nodded and promised seriously.

“Good, good!” Elder Shen laughed happily. “From today onwards, you will be part of the Shen family, you are Shen Houde’s granddaughter! If anyone dares to bully you in the future, tell Grandpa and I will help you take care of them!”

Xinghe didn’t think he would be so kind to her. She was touched, but beyond that, it was a complicated mess of feelings in her heart. However, she promised that if the Shen family really treated her well and sincerely, she wouldn’t mind responding in kind. Having more family wasn’t a bad thing after all.

Just like that, Xinghe became Elder Shen’s step granddaughter.

Elder Shen immediately informed Madam President of this news and she was overjoyed to take Xinghe as her stepdaughter.

Chapter 675: Replacement

 

Elder Shen invited many people for the ceremony. Elder Xi was there as witness so were many of Elder Shen’s influential friends. They viewed this ceremony with extreme gravity, after all, Xinghe was going to become Madam President’s stepdaughter.

Other than that, she was going to be Madam President’s only daughter. Elder Shen didn’t have any other granddaughters, other than Xinghe and Xiaoxi. Xinghe was older than Xiaoxi, so overnight, Xinghe became Hwa Xia’s number one heiress. This news swept across City A’s upper society quickly.

When Shen Ru and Tong Yan heard about this, they were stunned beyond words. What the f*ck happened? How did Xia Xinghe suddenly become a Shen and Madam President’s adopted daughter‽

It was Xinghe’s fault they had landed in such an awkward situation. From their perspective, Xinghe had completely ruined their lives. How could such a vicious and evil person end up as the ultimate victor? Tong Yan refused to accept this reality. She couldn’t believe that the Shen family would value Xinghe more than her.

With utmost resentment, Tong Yan demanded an explanation from Elder Shen. She couldn’t accept that her beloved grandfather had replaced her. Not only that, her aunt, who treated her as her own daughter, had also found herself another new daughter, and the person who replaced her on both accounts was Xia Xinghe, the single person that she hated the most in the world!

Tong Yan couldn’t stomach this no matter how hard she tried. How can they treat me like this? How could they hurt my feelings so badly?

In conclusion, she demanded that they stay away from Xia Xinghe, cancel the ceremony, and return to her the love and respect Xia Xinghe had stolen away from her!

Tong Yan’s unreasonable demands only got her Elder Shen’s disappointed looks.

“Even at a time like this, why are you still so hung up over your old identity?” Elder Shen asked with a sigh.

Tong Yan was taken aback and grumbled, “But Grandpa, I’m your real granddaughter. I’m your family, not that Xia Xinghe! It’s that woman who ruined my life and took everything away from me! All that you’re giving her logically belongs me, how can she steal them away from me‽”

Elder Shen sighed. “Tong Yan, I should take some responsibility for how you’ve turned out, so I don’t blame you or your mother, but it is time for you to learn some lessons. Only by hard work can you achieve something in life. We’ve pampered you for so many years, and that should be more than enough. You’ll have to rely on yourself from now on, and don’t rely on other people anymore, for your own good. If you can take this lesson to heart, you will still be my granddaughter. However, if you’re still so stubborn, then there’s nothing left to be said between us. Okay then, please go back home now and stop coming in the future. What you need to do now is to cherish the fact that you’re still the Tong family’s young lady and you should really start to act like one. That is my advice to you.”

Then, Elder Shen stood up and left. No matter how big of a scene Tong Yan made, he didn’t return.

It was not that he was being cruel but looking at her just reminded him of the misery that the Lin family had put him through, and yet, Tong Yan, in her selfishness couldn’t understand what Elder Shen needed from her was actually a little space and time. How could Elder Shen not be disappointed in her?

Earlier the Shen family was willing to ignore her faults because she was precious to them. However, after the truth had come out, her importance to them had taken a major hit because she no longer represented the Shens but the Lins. In Chinese society, bloodlines could decide many things.

Chapter 676: Her New Journey

 

Tong Yan had never understood that relationships needed hard work from both parties. One hand couldn’t clap, and it was the same for relationship, be it friendship, love, or family ties.

She still assumed she deserve all the love they used to lavish on her simply because she was Tong Yan.

So, the question now became: Will she learn her lesson before it is all too late?

…

Xinghe didn’t have time to deal with Tong Yan’s outbursts. She was preparing to leave for Country R. It was going to be a brand-new journey for her; she had no idea what would be in store for her in the future.

However, she would give it the best she got. Mubai helped her prepare everything and even personally escorted her to the airport.

He wished to go with her, but he really couldn’t extricate himself. He had not returned to Xi Empire ever since his accident. Even though the company was running fine, it was only temporary. The company couldn’t go on forever without him.

Furthermore, Xinghe was going to Country R on Shen family’s behalf, so it was useless for him to tag along. And most importantly, Xinghe didn’t want him to ditch his work because of her…

He had to return to the company now or he was afraid he might follow her into the plane.

“Remember to take care of yourself and watch out for any danger. I will come to meet you when everything’s settled over here,” Mubai kept telling her.

Xinghe smiled slightly. “Am I that worrisome to you? Plus, I won’t be gone for long, I’ll be back soon.”

“That would be for the best, but if you need anything, please call me. Don’t take on everything on your own.”

“Okay.”

Mubai caressed her hair and demanded gently, “Also, don’t forget to remember me.”

“I will,” Xinghe promised with the hint of a smile, but Mubai couldn’t help but laugh. Then he pulled her in for a deep hug. It wasn’t until right before the departure time that he allowed Xinghe to break away from him.

Xinghe bade him farewell with a heavy heart and climbed into the cabin. The plane soon took off…

Xinghe sat beside the window and saw Mubai, who was still standing at his spot, watching her leave. Their eyes sought each other out and they locked eyes until the other couldn’t be seen anymore.

Sam’s voice piped up beside her. “Is this really necessary? This is only a week.”

Ali also chided, “Plus, it’s only a two-hour plane trip away, we’re not going somewhere far.”

“If Mr. Xi really wants to, he could fly back and forth between the two countries every day,” Cairn suggested softly, even though his tone was also laced with jealousy and levity; he was also getting tired of the lovey-dovey displays.

Wolf opened his mouth and said, “It’s easy for us to say because we do not understand their feelings.”

“Hey, whose side are you on?” Sam glared at him.

Ali also grumbled, “You’ve ruined the team formation.”

“Traitor,” Cairn berated him with a straight face.

Wolf retorted, “I’m just telling the truth. We, who are singles, definitely don’t understand what they’re feeling!”

“How about I let you feel death?”

“I second it!”

“Get him!”

The trio piled on him, and a tussle broke out. Xinghe couldn’t help but smile as she watched their antics.

At the same time, Mubai finally pulled his gaze away from the gaze. He went into his car and sped away. He wouldn’t mind these temporarily partings too much, because like Xinghe, he was also a goal-orientated person.

Chapter 677: My Name Is Xia Xinghe

 

His goal in life was to be strong enough to hold up the sky for those that he cared about, especially for Xinghe.

If she was an eagle born for the open skies, then he wouldn’t be the chain that bound her, but he would patrol the skies to allow her to fly uninhibited!

…

Country R was Hwa Xia’s neighbor. They had the same origin and were even culturally similar. Therefore, even though they were in Country R, it felt as if they hadn’t left Hwa Xia. The only thing that tipped them off was the difference in spoken and written language.

However, this was not an issue for Xinghe because to her pleasant surprise, Ali and the rest were fluent in multiple languages.

Smiling, Ali explained, “I guess you can say this is our pride. There’s not much you can learn at Country Y, but weapons knowledge and languages are like free lessons if you pay close enough attention.”

Since Country Y was a war-torn country, they had a complicated population which allowed them to interact with people from multiple nationalities. This made things a lot easier for them.

However, she still didn’t have an exact plan laid out. Her rough goals were to locate the Shen family’s second daughter and to investigate the relationship between the He Lan family and Project Galaxy. She would decide what to do as the events unfolded.

The plane soon reached Country R. The He Lan family was informed of their arrival by the Shen family, so they had people waiting for them at the airport.

However, Xinghe didn’t expect that the person they sent would be so important.

“I am the He Lan family’s first young master, He Lan Qi. I represent the entire He Lan family in welcoming everyone to Country R.” The tall and handsome man introduced himself politely to Xinghe’s group.

They were surprised that the He Lan family would send their future head of the house to come fetch them. He was almost their age, probably several years older. His appearance at the airport highlighted the importance the He Lan family accorded them.

There was less of an awkwardness since they were of similar age. Xinghe also introduced herself politely, “Mr. He Lan, nice to meet you, I am Elder Shen’s step granddaughter. I’m here on his behalf to look for his long lost daughter. We will be relying on your help a lot, so thank you in advanced.”

He Lan Qi smiled kindly. “So, you are Miss Xia. Please call me by name in the future, Mr. He Lan sounds so awkward and it makes me uncomfortable. But how shall I refer to Miss Xia, may I know Miss Xia’s full name?”

Before Xinghe arrived, she told Elder Shen to give them her surname and not her full name. She was waiting for this moment.

Xinghe’s eyes met his and she said the following slowly, “Xinghe, my name is Xia Xinghe.”

Xinghe saw a streak of shock and surprise flash across He Lan Qi’s eyes!

However, he recovered quickly, in fact, he played along the surprise and gasped, “You have such a unique name. I haven’t heard of anything like it before. However, the name suits you, especially since I can see the glittering galaxy in your eyes.”

He Lan Qi was born with the gift of the gab. Combined with his handsome features and unique background, if he wanted to, he could seduce any woman. This was what he did even though he had just met Xinghe.

Chapter 678: Unique Name

 

However, Xinghe was not just any woman. She was unfazed by He Lan Qi’s purposeful ingratiation.

“Mr. He Lan, in any case, we will be quite a disturbance on this trip, hopefully you can help us find our family as soon as possible. Of course, if this trip is successful, the Shen family will repay your kindness generously.”

He Lan Qi noticed how indifferent she was, so he quickly switched off the tricks that he would use on common women. “Of course, we will help to the best of our ability. It is our honor that you came to us for help.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. For now, please get into the car, I will take all of you to He Lan Villa first,” He Lan Qi said politely and then moved to help Xinghe with the car door. They hopped into his car and sped towards He Lan Villa.

Along the way, He Lan Qi introduced to Xinghe the many cultures of Country R passionately. He even invited Xinghe to prolong their stay there so that he could fulfil his responsibility as a good host.

Xinghe deflected his advances expertly every time. No matter how passionate he was, her attitude was the same, she was as unfazed as before.

This meant that He Lan Qi wasn’t able to read her easily, he couldn’t see into her heart. He Lan Qi had met many women in his life, and he had to admit, Xinghe was the first woman he wasn’t able to read.

Regardless, that would change when he got her into his bed. He had confidence in his seduction skills. He kept trying to get physically and emotionally close to Xinghe, but she was like a stone, unmovable no matter how hard he tried.

Finally, they reached He Lan Villa. He Lan Villa was a sprawling estate. It was situated at Country R’s most valuable estate and had the best security. No wonder the published news about them was so little.

The houses in the villa were huge as well. The impressive buildings and landmass spoke volumes about the He Lan family’s giant influence and power. The He Lan family’s current leader, He Lan Qi’s father, He Lan Chang, personally came to welcome them.

When he heard Xinghe’s name, he also responded with surprise. “Miss Xia’s name sure is unique, it reminds one of the vast galaxy. If you don’t mind me asking, what is the inspiration behind your name? How did your parents come up with such a melodious and unique name?”

Xinghe met He Lan Chang’s grinning face but she could pick up the deep interest hidden behind his eyes. He Lan Qi even added with curiosity, “That’s right, how did they come up with such a name?”

They were being a bit too obsessed with her name, it really tipped Xinghe off to their real intentions.

“There’s not much of a story behind it,” Xinghe answered. “My parents met during a galaxy show at the observatory, so that’s how they came up with the name.”

“It’s wonderful story,” He Lan Chang observed with a laugh and he visibly relaxed. “It’s a beautiful name that sets Miss Xia apart from the rest. Now I understand why Hwa Xia’s Madam President took you in as her step daughter.”

It was due to her unique background that they treated her so courteously, but they did it in such way that it was just short of obviously sucking up. So, it had to be said, this He Lan family was indeed a family filled with crafty people.

Chapter 679: He Lan Qi’s Intentions

 

Xinghe’s request to start the search immediately was easily accepted as well. They gave the impression that no matter how unreasonable her request was, they would accept it. They were giving off the impression that they would play the best host and Xinghe’s group were their esteemed guests.

However, Xinghe thought otherwise. She expected as much from them. She would not let her guard down in front of them and think that they were actually looking out for her. If anything, they only made her extra cautious around them.

After even more back and forth, neither party seemed to able to read the other.

After discussing the details of the search, Xinghe made her intention to leave clear. No matter how hard the He Lan family tried to make her stay at their guest house, Xinghe politely rejected their kindness. She insisted on staying at the hotel; the He Lan family had no choice but to yield to her wishes.

He Lan Qi even personally sent them to the hotel. He kindly helped them find and settle into the best hotel before leaving. Even an idiot could tell he was trying his greatest to endear himself to Xinghe.

The moment he left, Sam said snidely, “This man really think we’re that dumb to not see his intentions?”

“He must be smitten by our Xinghe’s beauty, and that’s why he has been so hardworking!” Ali added with derision.

“You have to be careful around him. No matter his intentions, it’s better to stay away from him,” Sam kindly reminded Xinghe.

Ali also reminded her, “Don’t be lured by his beautiful words.”

Xinghe laughed. “You guys really think I’m that easily tricked?”

“…” The gang was silenced. Indeed, Xinghe was so clever, so how would she fall for He Lan Qi’s childish tricks? Furthermore, she had a man as fetching as Xi Mubai waiting for her. This He Lan Qi was not bad looking, but in terms of family background and personality, he was miles behind Mubai!

Mubai’s devotion towards Xinghe alone could wipe out all the competition. Ali and the rest were worried for nothing.

Xinghe wasn’t someone that needed people to worry over her. She was more trustworthy than most people, so He Lan Qi’s little effort was destined to go to waste!

Sam and the rest assumed that He Lan Qi’s interest in Xinghe was because he was personally attracted to her, but Xinghe thought otherwise. He Lan Qi could have any woman he wished, so his obvious attempt at ingratiation must have a hidden purpose behind it. Most likely it was due to her unique identity…

After all, the identity of the Madam President’s daughter was still quite weighty. However, what use he had for her identity she still hadn’t found out. Regardless, there was one thing Xinghe was certain, this He Lan family was indeed suspicious!

She was seventy to eighty percent sure they were related somehow to Project Galaxy or else they wouldn’t have reacted so obviously to the revelation of her name.

The purpose of her going there personally was to use her name as a test, and as she expected, they took the bait.

Now that she was sure they were suspicious, it was time to weed out their actual intentions. Xinghe didn’t rest and started investigating the He Lan family. Alas, like before, the information she could gather was pitiably little. The He Lan family was too low-key, there was practically nothing in the news about them.