The two spent half the day wandering around, ate at Chen Ningxi’s favorite restaurant, played a 100-yuan claw machine, and watched a not-so-funny movie. Though the day was filled with mundane activities, it surprisingly wasn’t boring. The rare simplicity made it relaxing, sothing Cheng Qiaobei hadn’t experienced in a long ti.
Passing by a renovation company on the way ho, Chen Ningxi pulled Cheng Qiaobei inside. "Since you’re here, let’s consult with a designer about the renovation plan."
"Whatever you decide is fine," Cheng Qiaobei thought to himself. All he wanted was for her to like everything.
But Chen Ningxi believed that the ho belonged to both of them, and it would be better to be involved together. "It’s not just my ho. Aren’t you living there too? We should finalize the style together, so you won’t dislike it once it’s done."
"I won’t," Cheng Qiaobei trusted Chen Ningxi’s taste. "Why wouldn’t I trust your aesthetics? I really like your ho’s décor."
"My ho is done in a cream style, while your room is more of a sleek and luxurious look, completely different styles. It’s better for us to sit down and plan together." Chen Ningxi also wanted to avoid unnecessary argunts. "I’ve heard my colleagues complain a lot about this. They were originally in good relations, but argued at least five tis over decorating their wedding ho. Today it’s the color of floor tiles, tomorrow it’s the wall paint, the day after it’s the lamps and bathroom fixtures, and then it’s choosing the bed and dining table. There’s no issue they haven’t argued about, only renovations not completed."
Cheng Qiaobei reassured her, "Don’t worry, we won’t have that problem."
Chen Ningxi shook his arm, persistent yet sweetly coercive. Unable to resist her cajoling, Cheng Qiaobei reluctantly agreed with a smile.
The designer presented various renovation styles for them to choose from. Cheng Qiaobei had no opinion, as long as Chen Ningxi liked it. His only requirent was that she be happy.
After so discussion, Cheng Qiaobei felt more comfortable and cozy living at Chen Ningxi’s house, so they finally settled on a creamy minimalist style. They chose cream, rustic, and blue-grey colors, opted for a simple layout, considered storage solutions, and went for a low-saturation warm color palette. The overall atmosphere was soft, visually warm, and comfortable.
The renovation company wasn’t far from ho, so the two considered it a stroll.
Nearly ho, Cheng Qiaobei received a call from Cheng Xiangheng. From the tone, he seed to know about their registration.
Cheng Xiangheng told him to co over imdiately. After hanging up, Chen Ningxi looked a bit worried. "You think you’ll get scolded?"
Cheng Qiaobei smiled lightly, patted her shoulder. "Oh, it’s nothing huge, not really. You go up first, I’ll go take a look."
She had anticipated this scenario long ago; now it was up to Cheng Qiaobei to handle it.
Before they parted, Chen Ningxi reminded him, "He’s still an elder; try to be as polite as possible."
"Got it." Cheng Qiaobei escorted her to the elevator. "I’m off."
Stopping the car beneath the company building, they almost never visited Cheng Xiangheng’s ho because Zheng Rongxi didn’t like it.
Knocking on the office door, Cheng Xiangheng sat behind the desk, his expression dark. It seed today’s conversation wouldn’t be pleasant.
Frowning, Cheng Xiangheng only spoke after Cheng Qiaobei closed the door. "You’ve grown wings."
Cheng Qiaobei knew what he ant: he couldn’t be controlled anymore.
"Mr. Cheng, when getting married, I should choose soone I like to live with, right?"
"You like?" Cheng Xiangheng scoffed at the ntion of affection. "If I had been half as self-centered as you, none of this would exist today," he sneered. "Is this how you repay ? Don’t forget who provided such lavish conditions for your mother and you, who paid for your overseas education, who allowed your mother to live a life of comfort and luxury. It’s all because of my sacrifice of so-called affection. What right do you have to talk about liking in front of ?"
Regarding oppressive education, Cheng Xiangheng was definitely an example. And because of the pressure he exerted, Cheng Qiaobei fought hard in everything, even resorting to extre asures to achieve his goals—lessons all taught by Cheng Xiangheng.
"It’s too late for your disagreent—we’re already registered." Cheng Qiaobei spoke calmly.
Upon hearing this news, Cheng Xiangheng didn’t panic but mockingly smiled, saying without rush,
"So what if you’re registered? Even if you’re divorced, I can still arrange a suitable marriage partner for you."
Was he hinting at divorce?
Anger surged in Cheng Qiaobei, his eyes narrowing as he retorted, "Mr. Cheng,"
Cheng Xiangheng’s authoritative expression commanded, "I am your father."
Unyielding, Cheng Qiaobei reminded him, "We’re in the company now."
It was his rule that in the company, he should be addressed as Mr. Cheng.
Cheng Xiangheng hesitated for a mont. This kid was no longer the child from the past; he was out of control now, and that wouldn’t do.
"Cheng Qiaobei," Cheng Xiangheng fixed his gaze on him, saying slowly, "Are you so confident that what I gave you is truly yours? Don’t forget, I gave it, and I can take it back. Going from simplicity to luxury is easy, but adapting from luxury to simplicity isn’t pleasant."
Cheng Qiaobei knew Cheng Xiangheng too well; since he called him here today, he surely believed he could make him submit.
But he hadn’t calculated one thing: although Cheng Xiangheng gave him opportunities, today’s achievents were fought for by Cheng Qiaobei. They couldn’t just be taken away as he wished.
"Mr. Cheng," Cheng Qiaobei had prepared for such a situation, "the projects I manage were signed under my personal na. They were also voted on by the board of directors. You don’t have the right to reclaim the hotel under my na."
"!" Cheng Xiangheng’s expression shifted slightly, but having weathered many storms, he wouldn’t easily let go of his pieces.
A cold, sharp smile curled on his lips. "Just because the hotel is under your na, you think I’m powerless against you? Aren’t you a company employee? You’re truly naive."
Having decided to co, Cheng Qiaobei was ready to break the cauldrons and sink the boats unless forced into a corner by Cheng Xiangheng. Otherwise, Cheng Qiaobei wouldn’t take that dangerous step.
For now, he didn’t want to rip open old wounds and had realized his position in Cheng Xiangheng’s eyes. He was rely a moneymaking tool with no affection involved.
"Mr. Cheng, even if I didn’t choose the marriage partner you arranged, I guarantee I’ll achieve the profits you desire as my compensation."
Cheng Qiaobei didn’t choose an all-out confrontation. His harsh words earlier were to state his stance: there was no room for negotiation regarding his marriage with Chen Ningxi.
Cheng Xiangheng also recognized Cheng Qiaobei’s capabilities. Given the current critical period for Jade Jiali, due to policy changes, a slew of new hotel brands abruptly erged with the dostic economic boom. It was a massive impact on the old brand. He still needed Cheng Qiaobei to preserve the current share, and more importantly, increase the market share.
"From what you’re saying, you seem to have a plan." Cheng Xiangheng scrutinized him with deliberation.
Cheng Qiaobei said, "I have one condition: you’ve always wanted to expand the market, and I can achieve it, but you need to agree to attend our wedding."
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