Xiangyi pretended not to notice the hostility and said with a smile, "Madam, Miss, please show your invitation." Only then did Zhang Mou and Shuxuan produce their invitations, but their gazes remained fixed on Xiangyi.
Zhang Mou's look was filled with displeasure, while Shuxuan's was more of panic. She seemed to have realized that the person before her was Xiangyi, but ultimately chose not to reveal it.
Xiangyi's appearance was simply too distinctive; such an aura clearly couldn't be hidden by ordinary props.
Shaoyao: Master, Shuxuan keeps looking at you. Did she find out?
Xiangyi: It's just an R-grade Disguise Technique, after all.
Shaoyao was confused, not understanding the meaning behind Xiangyi's nonsensical words. Xiangyi smiled and then said, "It doesn't matter. Shuxuan and I have the same goal, so she won't betray me so quickly. However, Zhang Mou has been showing hostility towards me since just now. Follow her and listen in, see if you can eavesdrop on their conversation."
Shaoyao nodded in agreement and immediately stood behind Shuxuan and Zhang Mou, openly listening.
The Flower People could now operate within a fifty-meter radius centered on Xiangyi. Although the venue was large, eavesdropping would be possible with the right positioning.
Xiangyi thought this as she continued to note down the people arriving one after another, but the so-called important figures were nowhere to be seen.
The man and woman beside her were anxiously reciting their lines. Apart from greeting a few aunts and uncles, they remained silent. Xiangyi really wanted to gossip, but she held back.
Finally, the boy among them seemed unable to bear it any longer. He crumpled the piece of paper he had been looking at and stuffed it into his pocket. One couldn't tell how much pressure their family had placed on him, causing this boy, who looked like a high school student, to endure things he shouldn't have to.
"Sis, you should rest too." As he spoke, the boy nudged the girl beside him.
The girl let out a sound, but she still didn't stop looking at the small piece of paper. If the two were siblings, these would be the most famous twins from the main Qin family.
The sister was named Qin An, and the brother was Qin Ren. Both were excellent students and, like Xiangyi, would be starting their crucial third year of high school. However, Xiangyi hadn't expected that disciples of noble families also needed to be so diligent and serious; it was completely different from what she had imagined.
Perhaps because Xiangyi's gaze lingered for too long, Qin Ren also looked at Xiangyi. The moment their eyes met, Qin Ren's face instantly turned red. He fumbled for something to cover his eyes, but finding nothing, he ended up hiding behind his sister.
This stark contrast stunned Xiangyi. She felt like this young man was truly a drama queen. He had been so close to her just now, and only now was he showing an embarrassed expression, as if deliberately trying to put on a show.
But upon closer thought, when the two of them were first assigned here, they had been so nervous that they couldn't possibly have noticed her. It was perfectly normal to overlook people around them. Thinking that she might have once again overcomplicated human nature, Xiangyi smiled slightly.
The boy named Qin Ren became even more flustered, desperately shaking his sister Qin An, who bore a striking seven-tenths resemblance to him.
"What do you want!" Qin An's personality seemed very serious and impatient. Annoyed by the shaking, she swatted her brother away.
Qin Ren cried out in pain and then pointed at Xiangyi beside them with great grievance, "Sis, look at her!"
Qin An frowned further, but when her gaze fell upon Xiangyi's face, her expression seemed to become quite subtle.
"Sorry, did I startle you?" Xiangyi forced an awkward smile. She was certain that a child from a collateral branch like herself couldn't possibly have any connection with the Qin family's famous twins, yet their expressions were as if Xiangyi were some sort of demon or monster.
"Indeed, reality falls short of ideals. She's not as beautiful as I imagined," Qin An said, stroking her chin as she began to appraise Xiangyi, as if her gender had swapped with her brother Qin Ren.
Xiangyi was even more bewildered. She waited for the two to explain, but suddenly the surroundings became noisy.
"CEO Ye is here!"
Just four words were enough to make everyone's expression tense. Those who had been elegant and composed in the room immediately rushed out to welcome the distinguished guest who had traveled from afar. In an instant, Xiangyi was engulfed by the crowd. Not only could she not see anyone, but even her space was occupied.
The twins were left without a foothold, flusteredly avoiding the crowd. Xiangyi had to step back a few paces and saw Zhang Mou pushing her way forcefully into the crowd.
Zhang Mou was the wife of a branch family member, and with her husband dead and her son now a vegetable, she was incredibly desperate. She tried hard to push her way into the crowd, but wearing an evening gown, she stood no chance against those burly men.
Before she could push much further, Xiangyi noticed that the uncle who had been harassing them earlier was eyeing Zhang Mou. His formidable wife had already charged to the front, leaving him alone.
Chapter 60 [2] Strategy Phase 7 - Rescuing Beauty at Any Time
As if sensing something, the uncle shifted his gaze to Zhang Mou.
Zhang Mou's dress, as expected, revealed her fair skin and all her fine attributes. The uncle's eyes widened, and it seemed the appearance of her skin made him even more excited. Soon, he realized he was losing control and could only choose to take deep breaths to regain his composure.
Seeing that the uncle had given up his intentions, Xiangyi's gaze was about to shift to find where Shuxuan was, but at this moment, the sound of a dress being torn rang out amidst the noise. Looking again, Zhang Mou's dress had ripped. The uncle, who had just managed to calm down, could no longer control his lingering desires. He charged into the crowd, attempting to gain something in the chaos.
Xiangyi frowned slightly as she watched. She saw the uncle's speed increase. However, he wasn't following the others rushing to see CEO Ye; instead, he was greedily staring at Zhang Mou. He watched her dress tear, watched the helplessness and fear appear on her face, wanting to intensify the distortion of Zhang Mou's expression in this state.
Closer... closer...
Just as the uncle thought he could touch the skin of the woman he had been coveting for so long, he felt his hand suddenly twist into a U-shape as if possessed. The speed was so fast that his brain hadn't even had time to register the pain.
By the time the uncle realized what had happened, he let out a frantic scream, looking at his mangled right hand. Zhang Mou was startled. She looked back and, upon seeing the uncle's miserable state, breathed a sigh of relief. Soon, she remembered her dress being torn and also noticed the lecherous gazes of the surrounding men.
Zhang Mou panicked. She had never imagined her eagerness would turn into such an embarrassing spectacle. However, she also understood that in the current Qin family, no one would genuinely help her.
Zhang Mou moved her lips a few times, the despair in her eyes evident. Shuxuan had disappeared somewhere, her son had been turned into a vegetable by that scoundrel, and she seemed to have to endure those vulgar gazes, facing things she shouldn't have to.
Time passed agonizingly slowly. Zhang Mou stood frozen, silently screaming something in her heart, but no words could escape her lips.
As everyone was watching Zhang Mou's predicament with amusement, someone walked directly out of the crowd. Zhang Mou couldn't help but look at the newcomer and found it was the welcoming lady she had disliked earlier.
Such a beautiful girl, so young and full of vitality, something Zhang Mou lacked. But before her, this excessively beautiful girl actually took off her uniform jacket and draped it over her torn skirt. Then, she placed her hand on Zhang Mou's waist, escorting her out of the crowd.
Zhang Mou couldn't believe what was happening. She couldn't believe even more that the person who came to her rescue in her time of crisis wasn't a prince, but a beautiful princess...
"Madam, are you alright?" Xiangyi's tone was very gentle. She led Zhang Mou into a small resting alcove and asked about her condition.
"I... I'm fine. Thank you, young lady." The address "Madam" brought Zhang Mou back to her senses. She remembered her mission, remembered that she couldn't forget her ambition because of such small favors.
Xiangyi smiled. She was about to turn and leave, but Zhang Mou grabbed her.
In that instant, Xiangyi heard the most detestable sound in the world, the one she least wanted to hear.
System: Flower Fairy detected - Zhang Mou.
In that very instant, Xiangyi wanted to beat the System to a pulp. She had just found that uncle annoying, so she had Shaoyao give him a "gift" – a broken hand. And out of respect for her own gender, she had stepped in to help Zhang Mou.
But Xiangyi never expected that her good deed would suddenly lead to the appearance of a Flower Fairy. Moreover, it was Xiangyi's adoptive mother, which made Xiangyi feel utterly terrible. Xiangyi's heart was still struggling. If possible, she wished she could skip over Zhang Mou, this Flower Fairy.
"Wait a moment, could you do me a favor and help me find someone?" Zhang Mou's expression was awkward. Since she was wearing a formal dress, her bag was with Jing Shuxuan, making it impossible for her to contact Jing Shuxuan immediately and tell her about her current embarrassing situation.
"Of course," Qin Xiangyi agreed, nodding before intending to leave. She noticed Zhang Mou was still holding her hand, her reluctance palpable, as if she wanted Qin Xiangyi to go but was afraid of being left alone in the room.
"Madam, is there anything else? I can't be away for too long," Qin Xiangyi said, frowning slightly and moving the hand that was being held.
"Um, do you have a phone? I can call myself, maybe my friend can hear me," Zhang Mou continued to explain, subconsciously moving closer to Qin Xiangyi.
"Sorry, we're not allowed to bring phones during work hours," Qin Xiangyi replied. She certainly wasn't foolish enough to reveal her phone number. This was also a warning, telling Qin Xiangyi that if she intended to impersonate two people, one phone number would eventually become her fatal weakness.
"Then... can you stay a little longer before you go look?" Zhang Mou asked again, her expression one of utter helplessness, as if she feared the atmosphere of the room.
At first, Qin Xiangyi didn't understand how Zhang Mou could transform into a Flower Fairy. But seeing Zhang Mou's reaction now, Qin Xiangyi noticed that Zhang Mou seemed to be afraid of the dark.
"Madam, are you afraid of the dark?" Qin Xiangyi asked directly. Zhang Mou's face instantly turned red, but she softly hummed in agreement.
Qin Xiangyi mused that a woman who was afraid of the dark and lonely would be easy to fool. She sat down beside Zhang Mou, making her voice as gentle as possible.
"Then I'll keep you company for a while."
"Thank you."
Zhang Mou's voice held a hint of gratitude, but also a sense of dejection, knowing how much of a failure she was as an adult in this state.
Qin Xiangyi remained silent. Beside her, Shaoyao had already begun reporting the conversation Zhang Mou had with Jing Shuxuan earlier, though the topic had revolved entirely around CEO Ye.
This was why Zhang Mou was so desperate to get involved with CEO Ye.
Qin Xiangyi's emotions remained undisturbed. As the author who had casually named Zhang Mou, she knew her fate all too well.
Zhang Mou's husband had died young. She had doted on Qin Xiangyi's brother, Prince Qin, excessively, leading to Prince Qin's arrogance and tyranny. Because she hadn't intervened to stop Prince Qin's various wicked deeds later on, she reaped what she sowed, eventually becoming a plaything for that nameless old man.
If Zhang Mou hadn't transformed into a Flower Fairy just now, Qin Xiangyi might have let the plot unfold as it was. However, since Zhang Mou had suddenly become a Flower Fairy, Qin Xiangyi had to consider befriending her.
Even though Zhang Mou's rank was somewhat lacking, as long as she could produce Flower People, she would eventually be useful.
"Are you surprised that an old aunt like me is afraid of the dark?" Perhaps feeling the atmosphere was too awkward, Zhang Mou suddenly spoke.
Chapter 61: This Flower Fairy is Easy to Fool
Qin Xiangyi looked at Zhang Mou beside her. Dressed in a black dress with red lips, time had left few traces on her, instead adding a mature beauty. She was like a ripe fruit, evoking a desire to possess.
Regarding this Zhang Mou, Qin Xiangyi hadn't even bothered to give her a name, nor did she intend to spend much effort describing her. But she hadn't expected that this world would imagine Zhang Mou as a great beauty. If she weren't beautiful, Qin Xiangyi probably wouldn't have had the desire to get close.
Her gaze fixed on Zhang Mou, making Zhang Mou a little uncomfortable. She whispered, "Is my makeup smudged?"
Qin Xiangyi shook her head. "No, I was just looking at you, Madam. You're so beautiful that even I, a woman, am captivated."
In reality, Zhang Mou was already forty years old, but judging by her appearance, she had maintained herself exceptionally well. She had what she should have, and lacked what she shouldn't, appearing to be very restrained in her daily life.
Hearing this, Zhang Mou beamed. She subconsciously reached for her wallet to give Qin Xiangyi a tip, but then remembered she had neither her bag nor even her phone with her. She gave an awkward laugh and said, "Heh, hearing that from a beautiful woman like you makes me, an old aunt, feel truly gratified."
As she spoke, Zhang Mou naturally took Qin Xiangyi's hand, expressing her closeness. Qin Xiangyi's earlier help had lessened any hostility Zhang Mou might have felt due to her appearance. Coupled with Qin Xiangyi's flattery, Zhang Mou couldn't help but size up Qin Xiangyi again.
Qin Xiangyi didn't shy away from her gaze. She knew Zhang Mou would never recognize that she and 'Qin Xiangyi' were the same person. Therefore, her gaze even carried a hint of flirtation.
Zhang Mou was inherently empty and lonely. In the context of this story, she was easily swayed by those who were kind to her. As long as their words touched the softest, most vulnerable part of her heart, it was no challenge at all. And this was precisely Zhang Mou's most vulnerable moment. She suddenly hooked Qin Xiangyi's finger with her pinky, as if making an unspoken suggestion.
As a widow, Zhang Mou's standards for love had lowered. In her current situation, anyone who could offer her warmth would suffice.
Qin Xiangyi struggled internally, then heard Zhang Mou say, "It seems you were joking." Her lips parted slightly, uttering a few regretful words before starting to withdraw her hand.
Zhang Mou chose to give up, dismissing her earlier gesture as an accidental movement. Qin Xiangyi, however, made her move. She reached out and lifted Zhang Mou's chin. Zhang Mou's eyes widened in surprise, and she adopted a feminine posture. She seemed to finally feel a hint of shyness, but her age also made her meet Qin Xiangyi's gaze directly.
Her bright red lips became an unspoken invitation. Qin Xiangyi wanted to kiss her, to complete the ritual of planting the flower seed, but Zhang Mou spoke.
"I'm wearing lipstick, maybe we should forget it." Zhang Mou regretted it. In this kind of space, it wouldn't be easy to clean up lipstick stains. Besides, her bag was still with Jing Shuxuan. If her daughter-in-law, Jing Shuxuan, saw it, she would think Zhang Mou wasn't setting a good example and wouldn't be loyal to her son, Prince Qin. Thus, she decided to refuse.
Saying this, Zhang Mou gently pushed Qin Xiangyi away, only to feel the distance shrink. Qin Xiangyi embraced her. The strength of her arms almost made Zhang Mou feel suffocated, but she also noticed Qin Xiangyi's clumsy movements. Facing this beautiful young woman she might only meet once, Zhang Mou couldn't help but feel a flicker of desire. She wanted to indulge herself, to vent the grievances she felt from Prince Qin becoming a vegetable.
Here was a woman more beautiful and younger than her. Zhang Mou didn't have to worry about a series of troublesome issues afterward. Even if this beautiful woman became clingy, Zhang Mou had the financial means to support her and wasn't worried about the family misunderstanding their relationship.
Most importantly, she could feel Qin Xiangyi's gaze, as if it craved something.
"I can't touch your lips, but my tongue is okay, right?" Zhang Mou thought of the best way to resolve this, reminding Qin Xiangyi that she could be touched, but with strict conditions.
Qin Xiangyi was a bit dazed, but her mind was racing, wondering if this counted as a kiss.
Fortunately, the System finally did something reliable. It took the initiative to explain.
System: The tongue counts too, as long as the user has skin-to-skin contact.
Qin Xiangyi increasingly felt that the System was toying with her. But then she remembered that the System's mother was herself, and this was a wrestling novel, so she felt it wasn't that strange. It was as if as long as wrestling was involved, there were no limits in this world.
However, if the object wasn't her, she would have preferred it.
Experiencing it firsthand felt completely different from reading it. As she drew closer, she could smell a faint fragrance and feel the warmth emanating from Zhang Mou's body. The design of the evening gown also caused Qin Xiangyi to accidentally touch Zhang Mou's arm. Zhang Mou was ready, watching Qin Xiangyi with amusement.
Seeing her so incredibly youthful, Zhang Mou smiled as if she had thought of something. But she patiently guided her, as if not in the least bit rushed.
As the elder, she was leveraging her advantage. Qin Xiangyi drew closer, half-embracing her. The feeling wasn't unpleasant for Zhang Mou. She even unconsciously took a few deeper breaths and proactively offered her lips.
Her tongue extended, and Qin Xiangyi's was a bit shy as they intertwined, dancing. Zhang Mou, who had only intended to tease Qin Xiangyi, found the sensation addictive. Like a wild beast, she wanted to devour Qin Xiangyi.
Qin Xiangyi had never been so passive. She struggled to gain the upper hand, while also listening to the System's annoying countdown.
System: Thirty seconds...
System: Twenty seconds...
System: Flower seed injection successful.
Xiangyi breathed a sigh of relief. Just as she was about to let go of Zhang Mou, she found Zhang Mou completely engrossed, pressing herself against Xiangyi. She had abandoned her usual elegance and composure, revealing herself as a woman desperate for love. Her actions grew bolder, attempting to consume Xiangyi entirely.
This was Xiangyi's first time being attacked, and she seemed a bit stunned. Zhang Mou became even more proactive, guiding her, her smile turning seductive.
Just as Xiangyi was contemplating calling for backup, Shaoyao's voice echoed faintly in her mind.
Shaoyao: Master, I've brought Shuxuan.
Xiangyi hummed in response, and a sound came from outside. This noise snapped Zhang Mou back to reality. She saw her state with Xiangyi and, startled, quickly got up and began to tidy herself.
Chapter 62 [2] Oh, No, I'm Still a Child
Xiangyi also started to compose herself, busily wiping away a lipstick stain that had accidentally gotten on her.
A moment later, Zhang Mou opened the door. Shuxuan was standing outside holding a change of clothes. She glanced at Xiangyi first before approaching Zhang Mou.
"Sorry, Auntie, it took a while to buy clothes," Shuxuan apologized, explaining to Zhang Mou why she was so late. As she spoke, she handed the clothes to Zhang Mou, her face filled with apprehension, worried that Zhang Mou, who had always been a bit harsh with her, would make things difficult.
But to Shuxuan's surprise, Zhang Mou simply shook her head. "It's, it's fine, Xiao Xuan, thank you." Her voice was soft and weak, as if she didn't want to show her fierce side.
Shuxuan was a bit bewildered. She looked at Xiangyi again, thinking that Xiangyi had used some trick to cause Zhang Mou's unusual behavior.
Xiangyi pretended not to see it and said to the two women, "Madam, since your friend has arrived, I'll take my leave now." With that, Xiangyi tried to slip away. As soon as she took a step, Zhang Mou called out to her again.
"Wait... don't go yet..." Zhang Mou hurried forward and took two hundred yuan from the bag Shuxuan had brought.
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