NU C's website crashed as soon as the 30-second video of the 3rd launching was published. The video featured the main model wearing NU C's Stones bikini, with other models surrounding her.
The elite of City S exploded with the news, with everyone wanting to know who among them were lucky enough to be invited. But no information leaked.
Inside the study room of the Li Ancestral House, Li Jiayie listened to Dao Ze's update.
"Is that so?"
Dao Ze nodded. "Yes, Old Madam. The launching was successful."
"That's good to know," Li Jiayie said. She was proud that Li Nuxie was able to pull it off. She knew that her youngest granddaughter never wanted to get married.
Li Nuxie was more inclined to travel, paint, and design bikinis. She knew that Li Nuxie was just following her bidding to please her as grandmother.
What she liked about Li Nuxie was that she doesn't drag people in her problems. She wanted to solve them on her own. Or maybe, she doesn't find the need to inform her parents of what happened.
Li Nuxie and Li Chao's parents never meddle with their children's affairs.
If that's the case, then she will let Li Nuxie off the hook. Since she doesn't want to get married, then she will not force her anymore.
"Old Madam?"
Li Jiayie blinked before glancing at Dao Ze. "What is it?"
"The Annual Scion Gathering is around the corner. Will you attend this time?"
Standing up, Li Jiayie supported her weight with her cane on one hand, placing the other hand at the back. "Of course. I need to present Liu Lanzhi as the new CEO of Li Textile."
Dao Ze nodded. "Then I shall make the necessary preparations," he bowed before heading towards the exit.
Li Jiayie took a step towards the window. Outside, the blue sky was decorated with stratus cumulus clouds. She pressed her lips. Will Li Nuxie appreciate her early birthday gift?
=0=
Li Chanying continued to nag Li Nuxie about the happenings the other night. "Where did you go last night?"
Hong Chi shook her head as she walked behind the two cousins. They were currently waiting for their boarding time going back to City S.
"Stop it, Ying. Xiexie will tell you if she wants to," she said.
Li Chanying pouted, eyes were suspicious. "Did you do something x-rated?"
"Oh, please, hold it," Li Nuxie rolled her eyes. She showed her boarding pass to the guard of VIP lounge before heading inside.
As soon as they were seated, Li Chanying stared at her without blinking. "Well?"
Li Nuxie took a deep breath. "We just went to the university's observatory."
"That's so boring," Hong Chi who was listening in silence cannot help but exclaimed.
"Tell me more," Li Chanying demanded, completely ignoring Hong Chi's remark.
Hong Chi couldn't care less as she leaned back on the sofa and closed her eyes.
"Nothing happened, okay?" Li Nuxie stared back.
Li Chanying's shoulders went slump when she realized that she wouldn't get juicy details.
Of course, nothing really happened except Li Nuxie and Xu Wei's conservative star gazing turned into asking for permission to court her.
Li Nuxie could not answer right away because well, there's still the Black Emperor.
She grabbed Li Chanying's arm. "Wait, is there any update about Black Emperor?"
"Give me until tomorrow," Li Chanying told her. It was not easy digging the Black Emperor's information, as if it was intentionally blocked.
Li Nuxie pursed her lips before nodding, albeit reluctantly.
The three friends booked first class seats. Although Li Nuxie was a frequent economy flyer, she just considered this as a reward for NU C's success.
As soon as Li Nuxie laid down on the reclining chair, she dozed off.
Hong Chi and Li Chanying also occupied their respective seats. At the other side of the aisle, Xu Wei placed Chang Lianna on her seat.
"Thank you, brother," she smiled as she leaned her back. "This is comfortable," she sighed.
Xu Wei ruffled her sister's hair. "Anything for my favorite sister."
Chang Lianna laughed before her eyes roamed around. She gasped when someone caught her attention.
"Omg. Li Chanying is here," she pointed her finger to the other side.
Xu Wei's shoulders went stiff. He turned around slowly. Truth be told, he was not stalking Li Nuxie. He was supposed to stay for a couple of days in Country P to catch up with his buddies in grad school. However, Xu Ming phoned him last night saying that he needed to be back in City S as soon as possible.
He saw Li Chanying discussing something with Hong Chi. Li Nuxie was out of his sight. The first class cabin was not exactly quiet. There were other people who were also engrossed in their own conversations.
Li Chanying turned around and their eyes met. "Miss Li, didn't expect to see you here. I thought you'll be staying for a few more days to celebrate," he walked towards them.
"Uhm, do I know you?" Lines appeared on Li Chanying's forehead.
"He's Li Nuxie's dance partner last night," Hong Chi butt in before staring back at Xu Wei. "Right?"
"He's my brother, too," a voice interjected. Both Li Chanying and Hong Chi's eyes went beyond Xu Wei's shoulders.
Chang Lianna raised her hand and waved. A warm smile was plastered on her lips. "Hi, we met again."
Hong Chi waved back. "Hello, Miss Chang."
Li Chanying opened her mouth to speak when a groan was heard. All eyes went to Li Nuxie's seat. Li Chanying was already beside her before they can blink.
She touched Li Nuxie's forehead. It was hot! "She has a fever," Li Chanying said, getting her pillow and blanket. Hong Chi went back to her seat and did the same.
Xu Wei's brows snapped together as he watched the two women put pillows and blankets over Li Nuxie. "Is that supposed to help?" He took a step towards Li Nuxie's seat.
"Yes. We've been doing this for the past years," Hong Chi informed him.
Li Chanying raised her head. "My cousin hates to drink meds. Unless it's necessary, she skips it," she said, arranging the pillows around Li Nuxie.
"She just needs a warm temperature," Hong Chi further added.
Xu Wei didn't speak. Instead, he went to Li Nuxie's side and lifted her from her seat. She was so light, he thought.
Both Hong Chi and Li Chanying were speechless, just watching Xu Wei brought Li Nuxie to his seat.
"What just happened?" Hong Chi asked.
Li Chanying shook her head, her face went blank. "No idea."
Hong Chi looked at the woman who claimed to be Xu Wei's sister. "Does your brother do that often?"
Chang Lianna scratched her nose. "It's the first time I saw it."
Meanwhile, something flicked inside Li Chanying's mind. Her eyes widened at the realization. "He's your brother?"
"Yup. Do you know him?"
Li Chanying shook her head, her eyes became sharp. "Nope. By the way, do you have another brother?"
Chang Lianna's expression hardened. "Why?" She knew that Li Chanying was an adopted child of the Li Family. Was she a gold digger too?
Li Chanying shrugged as she eyed Xu Wei placing Li Nuxie on top of his body before telling a flight attendant to cover them with a blanket.
"It might be a struggle to have two brothers who behave like that," she said after a while.
"Indeed," Chang Lianna threw a glance towards Xu Wei.
Li Chanying turned her head to Chang Lianna's direction. "Excuse me? So you really have two brothers?"
"Yes. Got a problem with that?" Chang Lianna arched her eyebrow.
Li Chanying didn't answer. Black Emperor was Chang Lianna's brother. And so was Xu Wei. Li Chanying pulled her cheeks as she exhaled.
Did Li Nuxie just made a barbeque out of the two brothers? Uh oh.