Si Mansion
It was Zhou Bingbing's first time to set foot in the Si family's ancestral house. It was exclusive and not everyone could come without direct invitation from the family members. The Si Family had always been known as very private as they were one of the elite and prestigious families in China.
Zhou Bingbing felt ecstatic as she drove her car inside. Her family was also affluent – her father had been in the top 10 Most Riches and Influential Men in China. But seeing the immense wealth of the Si Family, she could not stop thinking of the opportunities awaited her should she become Si Weimin's wife.
As she made her way inside, Zhou Bingbing saw the huge mansion situated in the middle of a vast picturesque land. It was a 1,663-acre estate surrounded by a man-made lake – the Traditional Chinese landscaping gave off a heightened sense of age and grandeur. There were plenty of outdoor spaces and several courtyards to relax in.
'This is spectacular. I can even imagine myself organizing parties and events here. People would be very envious.' She sneered as greed started to creep in through her.
Zhou Bingbing got off her car; carried the boxes of ginsengs, and the painting she would give to Si Weimin. She was welcomed by the Si Family's Head Butler and was led inside the mansion – a 72, 441 square foot handcrafted brickwork mansion. The interior of the mansion was equally spectacular – a blend of traditional east-Asian style.
"Miss Zhou, good afternoon! Let me carry the boxes for you."
"No, leave it be." She responded arrogantly as she turned her nose up sizing the butler.
The head butler only nodded his head politely and led Zhou Bingbing inside.
'How presumptuous! She's only invited once and already she acted like the Madame of the family!' Head butler Mo scoffed inside.
Zhou Bingbing turned her back and was elated as she saw Elder Si sitting on the sofa.
The old man smiled enthusiastically as he stood and hugged Zhou Bingbing.
"Grandpa Si." She smiled her sweetest – her aura exuded modesty and meekness which Grandpa Si noticed and admired.
"Xiao Bingbing, look at you! You are getting prettier."
"You're too kind, Grandpa Si! Here is my gift for you – as humble as it is but ginseng is really good for your health."
"Such a nice girl! Jiayin is really fortunate to have a daughter like you." Grandpa Si laughed as Zhou Bingbing's face turned red.
Head butler Mo knocked on the door and placed the tea and cookies on the table. Upon seeing Zhou Bingbing acting demurely, he scorned, 'Such a great actress, indeed!'
"Sit and drink your tea, Xiao Bingbing." Grandpa Si urged Zhou Bingbing as they sit opposite each other.
"Weimin is already on his way. I called Wang Guo. He said that Weimin left the company already." An excited Grandpa Si said.
"Oh, Grandpa Si, I hope Weimin-ge will like my gift." Zhou Bingbing then turned her gaze to the painting wrapped in gold parchment paper.
"That is very thoughtful of you! That child loves painting so much." Grandpa Si smiled.
While the two of them continued exchanging pleasantries, a grouchy Si Weimin entered the room. He frowned mirthlessly upon seeing Zhou Bingbing laughing with his grandfather.
'This woman is shameless.' He scoffed inside.
With fluid strides – emanating a cold jaded aura, Si Weimin approached and bowed in front of Grandpa Si. He seated lazily beside his grandfather and never even took a single glance in Zhou Bingbing's way. He was quite blasé about her antics that he was pissed to be called in the Si mansion just to meet her.
Wang Guo had told him that Grandpa Si called and specifically mentioned that he needed him to come home immediately. Though he knew the reason well, he still chose to obey his grandfather and went home.
'Let it be done and over with.' Si Weimin thought as he stared coldly at the ceiling with his hand on his chin.
Zhou Bingbing couldn't help but admire Si Weimin's handsome face. She meticulously observed him as he took and sipped his tea.
'He is truly gorgeous!' An unmistakable glint could be seen on Zhou Bingbing's eyes. One who observed her keenly would notice how easily she masked her true feelings.
Zhou Bingbing pretended to act demurely and spoke shyly as she asked, "Weimin-ge, how have you been?"
Si Weimin only responded with a nod and resumed drinking his tea.
"I will leave the two of you alone, then. This old man needs some rest. I'd better be going."Grandpa Si laughed gaily as he walked out of the room.
"Rest well, Grandpa Si." Zhou Bingbing uttered with concern.
She waited as Grandpa Si left. She immediately took the painting and approached Si Weimin. She deliberately rubbed her bosoms to his shoulder as she handed him the painting.
Without getting the painting from Zhou Bingbing's hand, Si Weimin glared at her and pretended not to hear a thing.
"Weimin-ge, look at this painting. This is a classic. I know you love paintings, and you even have your collection. I know you will like this one. This is a masterpiece and has been with our family even before I was born." She explained modestly – eyes flickering, she bowed her head and peeked at Si Weimin.
Seeing that Si Weimin had no intention of talking to her, Zhou Bingbing had decided to refill the tea in Si Weimin's empty cup. She smiled sweetly and handed him the cup. As she was about to hold his hand, the tea splattered on Si Weimin's suit.
"I-I am sorry, Weimin-ge."
With eyes full of disgust – ignoring Zhou Bingbing's words, Si Weimin stood up and began to leave.
Zhou Bingbing grabbed Si Weimin's suit and pleaded, "W-Weimin-ge, I'm really sorry. Would you please look at this painting first?"
Si Weimin sighed and removed Zhou Bingbing's hand. He took the painting from her; before leaving, he said, "Thank you!" and walked out of the room.
Zhou Bingbing was left fuming with anger as she never felt so embarrassed before. She stomped her feet and gritted her teeth as she yelled in mind, 'You will be mine, Si Weimin. I will make you do my bidding! Just wait and see. You will come crawling back to me. Mark my word!'
She furiously left – even forgetting to bid goodbye to Grandpa Si.
Head Butler Mo rejoiced inside after seeing Zhou Bingbing leaving the mansion.
'Serves you right! You do not deserve to become Eldest Master's wife.'
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Si Weimin took a shower after he left Zhou Bingbing alone. He was disgusted by her bluntness. He knew well enough her kinds and it infuriated him a lot. He could easily see through her facade.
Without unwrapping the gift given by Zhou Bingbing, he left it on his bedside table.
He did not understand Grandpa Si's obsession about him marrying Zhou Jiayin's daughter. He was clear about his feelings and he would never love nor like someone other than Xu Jia Li.
So, when Zhou Bingbing held him, he wanted to shake her until she woke up. He felt irritated and abhorred her touch. He already made his decision – he will never marry Zhou Bingbing. No matter what happened.
To remove his irritation, Si Weimin took his phone and called someone, "How is Xu Jia Li?"
"I just finished talking to her. She had her plan."