Zhi Ruo peacefully passed the time by looking at documents for the company, occasionally jotting down notes for her assistant to improvise.
She was the current standing CEO of Qizhong. And although she was the president, most of the work she did did not require for her to make an appearance. It was more accurate to say that she was the mastermind who plans, but others who execute. Her assistant Wang Lin executed most of her plans. He was very reliable due to being in the position for three decades lasting from her grandfather to herself.
But ever since the accident five years ago, she dare not show her face to the public. If it was really needed, she would wear a mask and be accompanied by her uncle. To the outside it was for safety reasons but for her? it was an illness.
Her main focus still remained on the family, as it had always been divided due to the constant fights between her father's maternal side of the family.
Their family was always embroiled in conflict and schemes. Rather than family, it was more accurate to describe them as squirrels. Smart and cunning. An enemy really loathed by gardeners. Her favorite past time would be to watch the squirrels fight amongst each other.
It was a funny sight seeing the enemies turn on each other.
Zhi Ruo was dressed in her usual clothes of jeans and a simple blouse that made it easy to move in. She was wearing her glasses instead of contacts and her short hair framed her face.
While she busily entertained herself with documents, Zhi Biming was already on his way to their meeting place. He was dressed in a casual business suit and only carried a small suitcase with him. His short cropped hair and monolid eyes made him look like your standard Asian guy.
The only thing that stood out from him was that small tattoo on his neck, and even then the tattoo was barely visible unless you looked closely.
His strides were large and hurried, as if afraid that he might be late. His flight had already been delayed for a few hours and Ruo Jie would probably be angry at him.
No, screw that. Zhi Ruo was the type of person who literally didn't give two shits about being late or early. She was probably busy reading documents from the company or memes from Weibo.
Zhi Biming shook his head at the thought of his jiejie being the complete opposite of what outsiders thought of her. Although everyone knew the hardships she had gone through, most of the family was glad that she didn't remain cold and emotionless like she did five years ago.
While hurriedly power walking through the sea of people, Zhi Biming glanced at the large LED screen displayed by the immigration counter. It was already half past two. He was late.
Meanwhile, Zhi Ruo had already finished processing the documents and whipped out her phone. Because she had already expected her cousin's flight to be delayed, Zhi Ruo didn't look annoyed at all and even swiped through her Weibo looking at memes.
Zhi Biming had already made his way from the sea of people and managed to spot Zhi Ruo who was seated by the edge of the gatehouse. When he saw her back, an indescribable feeling of joy passed through his mind.
He ran towards her. "Ruo Jie..." Zhi Biming said, tapping her shoulder.
Zhi Ruo didn't immediately look and was still reading an article she randomly found. Only after thoroughly reading the piece of news did she look at her cousin.
A smile made its way to her face as she stood up and gave him a warm hug. "Little cousin, I missed you." she patted his back.
Releasing from the hug, Zhi Ruo took a good look at her cousin and said, "How was Singapore? Everyone's expecting your arrival. There'll be dinner tonight at the mansion."
Hearing her kind words, Zhi Biming beamed brighter, his eyes crinkling with delight. It had been four months since he last saw his family. The only person he was with was his father. Adding on to that communication was restricted to a phone call a week, Zhi Biming was just glad that he was finally home.
"Ruo Jie, you don't know how hard it was! Father kept torturing me like a pig being slaughtered! If I made any mistakes, he would threateningly cut my meal budget and forbid me from sightseeing." Zhi Biming lamented.
Zhi Ruo looked at her little cousin's aggrieved face and laughed. "That's just uncle's way of training you! It's better to be harsh now than later. Someday you'll understand." she patted his head. "Now come, you're lucky I'm free today. It just so happens that you're the perfect excuse."
"Excuse?" Zhi Biming felt confused.
Zhi Ruo shook her head. "Nothing nothing. Now let's go." she led him away.
Zhi Ruo and Zhi Biming walked out of the airport in a low profiled manner. Although their heights were taller than the average, this did not attract much attention because of their casual attire. Nobody suspected a thing as the two influential figures passed by them without a hitch.
Zhi Ruo laughed as she spotted her car parked not too far away. "So… how's your love life? Any affairs lately?"
Zhi Biming wanted to cough up blood. This cousin of his was really too direct! This manner of speaking was exclusive only to the people close to her.
"Want me to set you up? I know that Xiao Tong's younger cousin just got back from Taiwan. She loves to travel and eat, also her image is exactly your type!"
Zhi Biming scratched his head as he put his suitcase in the trunk. "You're really trying to set me up when this is a crucial time for Qizhong? I would've thought you'd want me to give my life for the company."
Zhi Ruo scrunched her nose. "Nonsense! When did I ever say that? Also, it's boring just working in the company. Since you're taking over all my workload, might as well enjoy it right?"
Zhi Biming could only laugh it off awkwardly. Both got in the car and rode off.
This matchmaker cousin of his was really too troublesome. She would set up people with blind dates more often than she took baths. It was a side job she enjoyed. Like those fortune tellers you'd see on a street, she'd make up random shit like compatibility with couples and singles alike.
The poor people who didn't know they had been duped walked off happily, not knowing the disaster she had brought them.
Unbeknownst to herself, Zhi Ruo had been given another nickname.
Qinglu Quzhujian¹.