Chapter 130 Full Moon, Sun Jiajia“s Changes

It wasn’t unreasonable for Luo Wenlang to be shocked. For Nine Heavens to be able to deal with the Chen family, Gu Xiqiao’s role in the entire thing was very important. Moreover, the Chen family was very confident, never cleaning up messes of those who went overboard, so some of the evidence collected was very detailed.

But the Bai family was different. As a very prestigious family in the Imperial Capital, the Bai family had everything done under wraps with no leaks, and they were also known to have a very good temperament. They had a lot of business partners, and Nine Heavens was just a new company in an emerging industry. No matter how fast it developed, it couldn’t hide the fact that Nine Heavens had a shallow foundation.

No contacts, shallow foundation, short of time, these were the main problems that Nine Heavens was facing right now.

Compared to the Bai family, Nine Heavens was like an ant trying to move an elephant.

However, something had happened in the Bai family. For the place to be struck by lightning for no reason, outsiders were guessing whether or not the Bai family had done something to make the heavens angry with them? Otherwise, why was it that Bai Villa was the only one that had been struck, when there were so many other villas in the mountainside?

Not only that, but some of the business partners had gone home, listening to their children’s stories which served to add fuel to the flames, and they started to harbor indescribable strange feelings toward the Bai family.

Some people immediately cut ties with the Bai family, in order to avoid any further risks in the future by being involved with them. Others felt that it was purely coincidence, and moved on from the matter quickly.

No matter what happens, the Bai family was still a powerful family. Even if the stock of their companies plummeted, they had such a strong background that they would still be able to support themselves through this difficult time.

Luo Wenlang was not aware, but the Chen family was very much the same. Collecting evidence was an easy thing to say, but very difficult to do. For Gu Xiqiao to be able to smash through the barriers and manage what she did, it was more than enough to prove how powerful she was in her capabilities.

Naturally, Gu Xiqiao didn’t enlighten him on all these matters.

"I know you’re worried that this plan will need a long time, but acquiring the Bai family is something that I will insist upon." Gu Xiqiao had prepared the plan, and the acquisition of the Bai family was imperative to her. The sins that the Bai family had committed were too deep.

There had been an overwhelming amount of evil aura above Bai Villa, to the point it was almost suffocating, as though every one of them held a few lives in their hands.

It seemed to have become a tradition for the Bai family to kill people using the Soul Extinguishing Seal.

On the surface, they seemed to be a family that was kind to others, and didn’t take to heart any offense that others directed at them. On the back however, they were like a completely different family, not even letting a three-year-old go, using arrays that killed people without any visible signs. Their enemies would die, but they would still be able to maintain their reputation as they wouldn’t be found to be involved at all. The Bai family was indeed too horrifying and sinister.

If she didn’t destroy the Bai family, she wouldn’t be able to live with herself.

No matter what type of enemy she would face, no matter how big the storm ahead was, Gu Xiqiao was still Gu Xiqiao. She wouldn’t back down just because someone stood in her way, she would be as strong as her enemies were.

He knew that Gu Xiqiao was extremely capable, and the plans were meticulously comprehensive. If you were to read over the proposals and plans, you would think that a financial guru with many years of experience had been the one to write it, not a young girl like her. For the plans against the Bai family, she had been even more careful with the planning. "It’s not that it’s impossible if you were using this method..."

"I will definitely come up with a more refined plan. Otherwise, what will happen to all my employees if the company fails?" Gu Xiqiao leaned back against the chair, narrowing her eyes. She had never done something if she didn’t have the confidence it would work. "I thought you would disagree with me, since the Bai family has a great reputation at the moment after all."

"Why would you think like that? Let me put it out straight then, I admire you unconditionally. Don’t talk about taking over the Bai family, even if you asked me to go into a mountain of daggers and seas of fire, I would do it without questioning you at all!" Luo Wenlang stated firmly, looking straight into Gu Xiqiao’s eyes, not wavering. He straightened up. "The Bai family does have a good reputation now, but being too perfect means that a person is also the most dangerous, and have many more things to hide underneath."

Take Gu Xiqiao as an example. When she was in First City High, many people regarded her as a goddess, this was not any different when she came into A University. However, after getting along with her for a while, everyone knew of the few flaws that she had.

Firstly, her laziness. If she could sit, then she wouldn’t stand. If she could lie down, she wouldn’t sit.

Secondly, tight-fisted. Yes, that was right, such a rich and beautiful girl was actually very stingy.

Thirdly, she has a bad temper. Regardless of her usual cold and indifferent, elegant and noble look, if she was anxious or disturbed, she wouldn’t be able to stop her temper from erupting.

...

Those were the major ones, but Luo Wenlang was sure there were also a lot more minor ones which only people who spent every day with her and were closer to her would know.

In short, there was no such thing as a perfect person in this world. If there was such a person in which you couldn’t find any flaws in them, then this person was likely to be very terrifying on the inside.

"You really have good taste." Gu Xiqiao rubbed her chin, a little surprised at Luo Wenlang’s thoughts. The next beat, her gaze on him suddenly sharpened. "However, do you have time to do me a favor?"

"What is it?" Luo Wenlang was startled, a bit of disbelief seeping into him. She actually needed help with something?

In other words, you also have days like that?

"I have a roommate who writes a column for the magazine in the editorial department," Gu Xiqiao said, still looking at Luo Wenlang, "In order to interview you, she waited for three days in the Faculty of Management and Economics. When she got the news that you were absent and away, she was heartbroken, in a pain that was no different than dying. Could you give her a chance to have a small interview with you?"

Luo Wenlang had a lot of possibilities running through his mind about what Gu Xiqiao would need his help for, since it must be a big deal for her to ask him for help. He never expected this answer from her, and he felt slightly dumbfounded and cheated, not knowing whether he should laugh or cry about it. This was probably Gu Xiqiao’s charm on its own.

She was a person who was very considerate of her friends. As long as she acknowledged them, she would use everything in her power to help them out.

For example, Mu Zong, Yao Jiamu, Wu Hongwen, Xiao Yun, and himself.

"I don’t really have the time for face-to-face interviews, but you can pass me her number. Since it’s a college magazine, it doesn’t need to be too grand, right?" Luo Wenlang replied as he thought about it, he really was tied up in Nine Heavens recently.

***

And so, for Xu Jing who had suddenly received a call from Luo Wenlang felt like she was in a dream. When the gentle voice came through the phone, she felt her face flush immediately.

There were quite a few rumors about Luo Wenlang in school, he was after all placed second in the entire country in the national finals, and was only a few points behind Gu Xiqiao. However, there was too little information about him that was available, and even the photos they had were his passport photo. He was also quite handsome, not at all like a die-hard study nerd. And so with just a photo ID of him, he had managed to be one of the male gods on campus.

When she received his call, Xu Jing was stunned for a few seconds before being able to react.

When she heard that the purpose of the call was Luo Wenlang accepting the interview, Xu Jing struggled to suppress the excitement that threatened to burst from within her, opening her notebook with trembling hands to note down the details.

An interview for a college magazine wouldn’t involve too many personal questions, but Xu Jing fired question after question, birthday, hobby, age... and even questions on whether there was a lady companion in the picture.

In the past, Luo Wenlang wouldn’t be bothered with such trivial things, but since it was Gu Xiqiao who had entrusted him with this task, he patiently answered them all.

When he hung up the call, he was obviously relieved that it was finally over. The other party was slightly mind-boggling to him, and it was a little tough for him to handle her.

***

Gu Xiqiao’s plans for the Bai family had been fine tuned, but she didn’t carry it out immediately as the Mid-Autumn Festival had arrived. Not only did she planned to spend time with her group of friends from the Imperial Capital, she also needed to handle the sins committed by the Bai family.

Once the full moon was over, it would be impossible to save the victims who were cursed by the Bai family.

When was the last Mid-Autumn Festival again? Gu Xiqiao scrunched up her face as she thought about it. She had no memories of how she had celebrated Mid-Autumn Festival in her past life, or whether she had lived through it in the first place.

Xiao Yun and Wu Hongwen knew that Gu Xiqiao would be at home, and so they had arrived earlier in the afternoon, and they were the earliest to reach.

As soon as they caught sight of her, Xiao Yun began chattering away. "Er Qiao, let me tell you, I have accepted a role in a movie, and it’ll start in a few days." She was obviously very happy.

Xiao Yun was usually a cold and indifferent person, but once she saw Gu Xiqiao and Wu Hongwen, she turned into someone that she couldn’t even recognize anymore.

Speaking of the movie, she herself had been surprised at it. It was the only film this year that was being directed by a famous local director, Cheng Zhou. She hadn’t held out much hope when she went to the audition after receiving a call from her teacher, as there were many other first-rate female stars who had also gone for the audition. She almost didn’t believe it when the director chose her.

In fact, her acting skills were not as good as those first-rate stars, but Cheng Zhou only said one thing, that her acting was very uplifting and inspiring, and that it was like she was born to be an actress, although there were still many areas that needed polishing and refining.

"You’ve told me this at least ten times while we were on the way here, I hope you’re not planning to do the same to Er Qiao." Wu Hongwen groaned as he gave Xiao Yun a pointed look.

Gu Xiqiao was initially sitting at the window side as she painted, but once the two arrived, she had kept away her things. "The future star Xiao Yun is just too excited and happy. Since this is the first time, Little Wu, you have to be more understanding."

The future star, Xiao Yun: Er Qiao, take back those words and we’ll still be friends when we meet in the future!

Gu Xiqiao pretended that she didn’t see the somewhat annoyed expression on Xiao Yun’s face, calling for Haha instead. "Haha, come over here. Come and meet the future superstar, Xiao Yun. You won’t get to see her once she gets hot and popular in the future."

The future superstar, Xiao Yun: This is the end of this friendship, no explanation needed!

Wu Hongwen smiled as he watched their interaction, and then he suddenly asked, "Where’s Xixi? Why is it not here? Also, where’s Mrs. Zhang, did she go out to buy groceries?"

"Xixi went out to find Brother Jiang. As for Mrs. Zhang, I gave her the day off since today is the Mid-Autumn Festival." Gu Xiqiao narrowed her eyes, she seemed to have forgotten the most important thing. So, it seemed like, today, she had to cook?

When she realized that, Wu Hongwen and Xiao Yun had also reached the same conclusion. They glanced at each other, beaming. When they thought about Gu Xiqiao’s cooking skills in the kitchen, they couldn’t help but feel the drool gathering in their mouth.

After the two, the next to arrive was Luo Wenlang and Yao Jiamu.

They looked at Gu Xiqiao who was busy in the kitchen, and concern flashed in their eyes. Yao Jiamu looked to Wu Hongwen. "Is it really alright... not to give her a hand in the kitchen?"

He thought about Gu Xiqiao’s slender hands, the pale fingers that were smooth and never rough, seemingly to be hands that had never touched chores before. His eyes held the doubt that he felt inside, did she really know how to cook?

Wu Hongwen let out a sigh, slightly embarrassed, "Er Qiao won’t let us in the kitchen, else she’d throw a tantrum. Little Mutou, even if you can’t eat the food she gives you later, just pretend that it’s delicious." Although the words were nonsense, he said it with a deadpan expression.

The main point was that Yao Jiamu, and even Luo Wenlang believed it.

Xiao Yun acted as though she didn’t hear anything, she felt that even if they had spoken the truth, no one would believe them. With the way Gu Xiqiao was, she herself wouldn’t have believed it if she hadn’t eaten her cooking before. Gu Xiqiao was not only able to cook, but her skills had even reached this wonderful extent?

The doorbell rang again, and since Wu Hongwen was the nearest, he jumped up to open the door.

***

Gu Xiqiao had sent the address to Xu Jing earlier that morning. When she had reached the area, it was full of luxury cars, and she felt that as someone from a rich family, she had taken a million points of damage to her heart. From Gu Xiqiao’s behavior, dressing and attitude, it was obvious that she was not someone with a normal background.

However, when Xu Jing had arrived at the area, she felt that even her dog’s eyes had been blinded by the view, especially after she entered the building and found that there was even a butler! This was just... she didn’t even know when the Imperial Capital had become so high-end.

When she found the Gu Xiqiao’s unit number, she had to double-check her phone to ensure that she had gotten the right place before ringing the doorbell.

The door opened quickly, and a handsome face appeared in front of her, and the first thought in Xu Jing’s mind was: Dammit, you pressed the wrong doorbell!

Otherwise, why would the unapproachable male god that was known to be a student that was reserved, aloof but nice, be here?!

She took a step back, glancing at the house number again, going through the numbers one by one. She kept staring at it, as though the numbers would change if she stared hard enough, but even after her eyes watered slightly from staring at it too long, the numbers were still the same as the one on her phone, there was no mistake. Also, Beauty Gu wouldn’t be so careless as to send her the wrong address.

And so, Xu Jing brought her gaze back to the person in front of her with some difficulty and asked, "Excuse me, is Gu Xiqiao here?"

Wu Hongwen had some faint impression of Xu Jing, and he leaned forward slightly. "I know, you should be Er Qiao’s roommate, right? She’s in, hurry in."

Swallowing heavily after receiving an affirmative answer, finally processing the fact that Wu Hongwen and Beauty Gu knew each other, she was then further surprised by the person sitting on the sofa who had lifted his head to look at her after she had entered.

Wasn’t that handsome, gentle and beautiful man wearing glasses sitting on the sofa, Luo Wenlang?!

Xu Jing was taken aback once again, the surprises were coming continuously, she needed time to calm her racing heart.

Wu Hongwen, who had come back in after closing the doors: This roommate of Er Qiao’s, was there a loose screw in her head?

However, Xu Jing was unable to calm down. She couldn’t have guessed that Gu Xiqiao was actually acquainted with these two people! Thinking about the phone call that she had received from Luo Wenlang two days ago, the mystery of his sudden acceptance was finally solved! It was no wonder that Luo Wenlang, who was known to be withdrawn, cold and mysterious would suddenly ask for her phone number to ask for an interview. Even if somebody told her that this wasn’t something Gu Xiqiao had a hand in, she wouldn’t believe it!

Xu Jing sat down on the sofa, but she was still in the same state. The attitudes of the people around her were warm and friendly, and very different from what she had imagined.

When she heard that Gu Xiqiao was cooking in the kitchen, her reaction was no different from those few. ’Are you sure she can cook? Will it be edible?’ It wouldn’t give them food poisoning, right?

When Jiang Shuxuan pushed open the door, he saw the room full of people. He was still holding his phone in his hand as his gaze swept through the room, and then he nodded slightly to them in greeting. He had always been polite toward Gu Xiqiao’s friends.

Only, his deep gaze landed on Wu Hongwen and paused for a moment, obviously recalling the words that Bai Xinran had spoken the other day. Even though he knew there was nothing between the two, he still felt some unhappiness tugging at his heart. The tone of his voice lowered as he continued his call. "That’s all then, I’m hanging up."

On the other side of the call, the young attendant that had been frightened by Jiang Shuxuan was wiping the cold sweat off his forehead. Although he knew that the Young Master Jiang was not in front of him, he still felt the chilling aura that seemed to seep through the other end of the phone, and cold sweat broke out on his person. "Okay, understood. I will relay your message to the master."

After hanging up the call, Jiang Shuxuan put down his phone and rolled up his snow-white sleeves, changing his shoes to a pair of indoor slippers. The slippers had been purchased by Gu Xiqiao. It was blue and had prints of a pig’s head, and it looked rather childish. Jiang Shuxuan was a handsome man with stunning features, as well as having an intimidating temperament. For him to wear the pair of slippers, it really didn’t match his image and looked out of place on his feet.

It gave others a feeling of extraordinary joy, somehow.

Wu Hongwen waited for Jiang Shuxuan to leave the room and into the kitchen, before he opened his mouth and whispered to Yao Jiamu, "I bet you two cucumbers that the slippers Master Jiang is wearing was something Er Qiao bought."

Yao Jiamu: What a coincidence, that was exactly my thoughts.

Wu Hongwen: ... then there’s no meaning to this.

Xu Jing looked at Jiang Shuxuan, and felt that if she spent a few more days with this group of people, everyone on the outside would be ugly in comparison in the future!

***

There were quite a few people that were eating lunch, so Gu Xiqiao had prepared a lot of dishes. The dishes were actually prepared by Mrs. Zhang earlier before she had left, and Gu Xiqiao just needed to cook it.

"Is there anything that I can do?" A familiar voice suddenly sounded beside her ear, his tone slightly lower than usual.

Because he was so much taller, he would bend his head down when he spoke to her. For Jiang Shuxuan to lower his head in this life, the person he did it for clearly had no appreciation for it at all. Every time he lowered his head, Gu Xiqiao would look at him coldly.

Did. She. Really. Look. Like. She. Was. That. Bloody. Short?!

When she would raise this issue previously, Jiang Shuxuan would laugh lightly and then look at her solemnly. "You’re just a head shorter than me."

"What can you do?" Gu Xiqiao didn’t like anyone present when she was cooking, as she didn’t feel comfortable. Just like the time in N City when she had cooked for the first time, she had chased everyone out of the kitchen.

But this time, there was an extra presence in the kitchen, and she wasn’t uncomfortable in the least. Instead, she cast a sidelong glance at him, the disdain clear on her face.

Jiang Shuxuan didn’t care much for her expression, picking up a vegetable for the first time with hands that had only ever held a pen and sword, and slowly washing it under the faucet.

His movements were stiff, but because his expression was serious and earnestly asking for advice, Gu Xiqiao hummed, and didn’t nitpick at the things he did.

Doing things for the first time, Jiang Shuxuan felt that he still had room for improvement.

He watched Gu Xiqiao pour the oil into the pan, then slipped the meat slices onto it. He narrowed his eyes when a layer of oily smoke immediately rose from it, and glanced up at the ventilator above the pan. Flicking a finger, a layer of chi emerged from his fingertips to form a barrier in front of Gu Xiqiao.

Gu Xiqiao could naturally feel the silent actions that Jiang Shuxuan had done, and felt her heart warm at his concern. However, wasn’t this a little too overprotective?

Seeing that the oily fumes no longer touched her, Jiang Shuxuan lowered his hands in satisfaction. He continued to watch as Gu Xiqiao bustled around the small kitchen, and a strange sense of contentment swelling in his heart. However, his brows wrinkled again when he thought of the intrusive group that was waiting in the living room.

He reached up with his hands to massage his temples, and let out a low chuckle after a while.

He was never someone who liked excitement, and if it wasn’t necessary, he would never appear at the meals of the Jiang family. It’s not like anyone in the Jiang family could beat him anyway, and everything depended on one’s strength.

But here and now, with so many people in the house, he didn’t feel disagreeable about it at all. He could tell that Gu Xiqiao was really happy about this gathering.

It was fine then, as long as she was happy. After he had met her, what part of his usual principles did he still keep to anyway?

The people who were waiting outside suddenly caught a whiff of the strong fragrance that seeped out from the kitchen. Luo Wenlang, who was the first to smell it, couldn’t help but look toward the kitchen, which was the source of where the smell came from.

The scent was amazingly mouth watering, and Yao Jiamu couldn’t help but exclaim, "Don’t tell me, this is Miss Gu’s doing!"

"Probably." Wu Hongwen said, keeping his face straight as he shrugged. Inside however, was a different story. ’Just wait, you guys will feel a slap in your face, just like how I felt when I first found out!’

Gu Xiqiao quickly steamed the fish, sprinkling the top of it with some homemade sauce. There was a sweet smell in the air then, the fish was tender and soft, the soup was clear and mellow, which made people want to dig in as soon as they were able to.

Jiang Shuxuan brought the dishes out, and Wu Hongwen jumped up when he saw it. He had been around Yin Shaoyuan for a long time, and he obviously knew that Jiang Shuxuan’s status was not low, and was really a young master. So when he saw him bringing out the dishes to be served, he immediately jumped to relieve him from the task. "Boss Jiang, why don’t you take a rest, I can do this."

"It’s fine, I can handle it." Jiang Shuxuan spared Wu Hongwena glance, his gaze was extremely frosty, and his tone left no room for argument.

Wu Hongwen felt himself freeze in his place. Did he offend Boss Jiang in some way, otherwise why was his gaze so much more chilling toward him today?

Seeing the dishes that were slowly piling up on the table, Luo Wenlang’s shock morphed into a form of numbness, and finally, he just really, really, really wanted to dig in now! Could he eat now?!

They had initially thought that Gu Xiqiao didn’t know how to cook, and even discussed that they had to pretend it was good even if it wasn’t. But now it looks like it was biting them back in the ass, and thinking of this, Yao Jiamu sent a glance at Wu Hongwen. His face was completely void of surprise, and his eyes were staring at the dishes on the table intently, a look of desire on his face.

Yao Jiamu knew in that instant that Wu Hongwen had made an ass out of him!

Once the dishes were all served, they gathered at the table and like lightning started to pile the food on their plate. The moment they bit into the meatballs, the rich flavor burst in their mouths. The taste was so delicious that they almost bite their own tongue in a hurry to eat more!

But in terms of speed, who could beat Jiang Shuxuan at this table? He not only grabbed his own food quickly, he even took a portion for Gu Xiqiao.

As for Luo Wenlin who couldn’t compete with anyone here, he looked toward Luo Wenlang with a pitiful face.

Luo Wenlang placed the chicken that he was about to put in his mouth in Luo Wenlin’s bowl at the last minute: ... your elder brother has wronged you!

After eating, Luo Wenlang didn’t immediately return to the office, instead staying to watch Wu Hongwen and others as they played games.

Luo Wenlang wasn’t someone who played games, and Xu Jing hadn’t played Nine Heavens before. However, after seeing Wu Hongwen play for a while, their interest had been piqued. Xiao Yun even went to Gu Xiqiao’s room to borrow a few extra virtual helmets.

"Smoke On Water?" Xu Jing hadn’t even registered yet, but when she saw the members of Wu Hongwen’s party, she couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise. Thanks to Sun Jiajia, even she knew that there was such a god-like player in the game.

Wu Hongwen glanced up at her. "If you don’t play the game, how do you know about Smoke On Water?"

"Our other roommate plays, and she always mentioned that they had the support of the second best player on the PK rank list." Xu Jing replied, and then she glanced at the golden character of Wu Hongwen on the screen, and thought that he must be a great player too.

Wu Hongwen let out a sad sigh. "An old timer who always gets crushed over and over by Er Qiao, why doesn’t your roommate worship Er Qiao instead? She’s the top player on the PK list with a 100% win rate."

Now Xu Jing was stunned again. She looked at Wu Hongwen’s friends list, which he clicked and a little lolita character appeared, with the name ’For A Millenium’ on the top of her head, and a golden title underneath it, ’The World’s Greatest Master’.

Thinking of how Sun Jiajia had been bragging nonstop about the second-place player, Xu Jing thought that Gu Xiqiao could really hold in her feelings. If it were her, she would have already used the great master title to throw in Sun Jiajia’s face!

But it can be seen that Gu Xqiaio’s personality was a little weird, and the circuits in her brain functioned differently than regular people.

Luo Wenlang, who was chatting with Luo Wenlin at the side: You’re surprised with just this? If you guys knew that Gu Xiqiao was the one behind the scenes of Nine Heavens, wouldn’t you guys get another shock of your lives and feel like dying from the revelation then?

***

Today was the day of the full moon, and Gu Xiqiao left after eating, taking Jiang Shuxuan and Yao Jiamu with her.

Boss Bai was waiting anxiously for their arrival, and the hall had been arranged earlier with an incense table in it. He sat on the chair, feeling somewhat uneasy. The feeling was coming back again,-->>

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