Observing Sheng Xiangdong's wounded expression, Alex smiled lightly and inquired with a casual air, "Mr. Sheng, seeing you like this, could it be that you've fallen for me?"
The notion of liking her?
Sheng Xiangdong stiffened, his gaze fixed on her exquisite face. His heart skipped a beat, and his breathing grew labored. This feeling, so unfamiliar yet profound, was something he had never experienced before.
Over the past month, he had thought of her daily, imagining the scenarios in which they might meet again. He couldn't help but call her repeatedly, and when she didn't answer, he sent texts, which she ignored. It angered him, for no one had ever dismissed him so casually, yet amidst his anger, a pang of sadness lingered.
Could it be that he had liked her from the very first moment they met, which was why he had sought every opportunity to be near her?
Staring at Sheng Xiangdong's silence, Alex looked incredulous. "Mr. Sheng, you can't be serious? You can't possibly like me? That's impossible, right?"
Sheng Xiangdong snapped out of his reverie at her words and asked softly, "Why can't I like you?"
"It's just impossible," Alex replied, her mind already convinced that he would end up with Tian Tian.
At her words, Sheng Xiangdong suddenly grasped her shoulders, forcing her to look into his eyes. He spoke earnestly, "What if I tell you that I do like you?"
"Please don't," Alex said calmly, meeting his dark, nocturnal gaze.
"Why not?" Sheng Xiangdong felt a sharp pain in his heart.
"Because I will never like you," Alex replied without hesitation.
Sheng Xiangdong's body trembled violently. Alex's words felt like a dagger piercing his heart, reflecting her resolute demeanor that seemed to bring down the sky upon him, leaving him in agony and confusion.
"Why?" After a long moment, he heard himself ask in a hoarse voice.
"It's simply the truth. There's no reason," Alex said.
"But..." His chest heaved, and he gasped for air, shouting desperately, "I think I really do like you!"
Alex chuckled softly at his confession, brushing aside his hand dismissively. "That's your business. I can't control it."
"Alex! I like you! Why are you so cold to me? What have I done to deserve such hatred from you?" He couldn't deny that she had shattered his heart.
It was his first time falling for someone. He had never known what it felt like to like someone before. He had imagined it might bring joy, happiness, or perhaps even pain, but never had he anticipated such agony!
Faced with Sheng Xiangdong's emotional outburst, Alex was stunned. Could it be true that Sheng Xiangdong really liked her?
Yet, it seemed too incredible. Sheng Xiangdong was like a knight to Tian Tian. How could the knight of the heroine fall for the sidekick? Especially a fake heiress like her?
Despite her disbelief, Alex quickly regained her composure and replied, "Mr. Sheng, I'm truly sorry, but I don't like you. Please forget about me."
Sheng Xiangdong clamped his lips shut, saying nothing.
Alex had nothing more to say, as she couldn't reciprocate his feelings. "Mr. Sheng, I'll be going now," she said, turning to leave.
This time, Sheng Xiangdong didn't stop her. Since Mrs. Andra had taken the car, Alex hailed a taxi to return home.
It was only two o'clock when she arrived. She took out her phone and lay on the bed, watching dance tutorials, eventually falling asleep without realizing it.
At six in the evening, Mrs. Andra returned. Upon learning from the maid that Alex had arrived home at two, she immediately went upstairs to question her.
"Alex, why did you come home so early today?" Mrs. Andra could see that Sheng Xiangdong had feelings for her daughter.
"Mom, you came rushing to ask me about this?" Alex pouted, annoyed.
"I'm only doing this for your sake, honey. Xiangdong is such an outstanding young man. Don't you feel anything for him?" Mrs. Andra said helplessly. Earlier, Alex had rejected her suggestion of dating Sheng Xiangdong because she hadn't met him yet, so she had arranged for them to meet, but the results had been disappointing.
"Mom, I know you're trying to help, but these things have to happen naturally. Besides, I'm not ready for another relationship right now. Just give me some time to be alone, okay?"
"Sweetheart, I know you're still hurt by that Keller boy, but..."
"Mom, please stop. I'll handle my own affairs. Don't worry about me. I just want to help Grandpa manage the company and spend my life with you and Dad," Alex said, holding Mrs. Andra's hand and smiling.
Mrs. Andra sighed helplessly, "Alex, I wish I could stay by your side forever, but I can't. I want you to marry a good man who will love you, cherish you, and take care of you for the rest of your life."
"Mom..." Alex leaned against Mrs. Andra, her eyes welling up. The thought of losing this pure love in the near future made her heart ache.
Soon, Grandpa and Dad arrived home. After dinner, Alex turned to Grandpa and said, "Grandpa, I'd like to discuss something with you."
"What is it?"
"Grandpa, our group currently relies heavily on real estate as its economic backbone. However, based on our profits over the past few years, the advantage of real estate is gradually declining, and it will continue to do so. For the long-term development of the company, we should explore other industries and cultivate new economic pillars."
After listening to Alex's words, Grandpa pondered for a moment before speaking, "Alex, the issue you've raised is indeed a significant concern for our group. Since you've suggested developing new industries, what do you think would be the most suitable option for us?"
"I believe we can venture into the film industry," Alex analyzed. "Although the film industry has already reached astonishing heights, there's still considerable room for growth, especially in the field of internet-based films. Developing the film industry requires substantial funding, which is where our group has a significant advantage."
"Alex, your points are well-made, but our group has never been involved in this industry. And if we're to choose the most suitable option, given our current conditions, developing the IT industry seems more fitting."
"Grandpa, I've considered that too. However, the IT industry in China has already stabilized, with companies like XX Group dominating the market. They possess cutting-edge technology and professional personnel. Therefore, the challenges we'd face in developing the IT industry would far exceed those in the film industry."