Chapter 74 Superficial Sisters

When it came to matters concerning Xia Ningshuang, Lin Li had mastered the art of restraint to perfection. At this moment, he could not linger by her side for long. Prolonged proximity would only arouse Xia Ningshuang’s suspicion or aversion, making her assume he harbored ulterior motives. All he needed was to make his presence known, to let Xia Ningshuang remember that there was someone who had once helped her—nothing more. Besides, Xia Ningshuang was about to face further tribulations. It could not be helped; after all, anyone closely tied to the son of destiny was destined for hardship and turmoil. No one involved with Ye Aotian ever lived in peace.

So, Lin Li found a discreet spot from which to observe Xia Ningshuang in secret. Xia Ningshuang, for her part, never expected to be rescued by anyone. Ever since her face was ruined, most people kept their distance, wishing only to stay as far away from her as possible. Who would dare approach her, let alone offer help? Yet Lin Li was different from the rest. Even in the face of her marred appearance, he showed no fear. This subtle difference began to alter Xia Ningshuang’s impression of Lin Li. Perhaps many in this world feared her, but not everyone. Gradually, Lin Li’s image in her heart changed; she even began to ponder how she might find him.

“I will find you, just as soon as I manage to restore myself,” she murmured softly. Though the scars upon her face seemed almost impossible to heal, she was not ready to give up.

At dawn the next day, Xia Ningshuang prepared to go out and look for work. To avoid drawing attention, she wore a mask, hiding her disfigured features as best she could. Once she put on the mask, she became almost unrecognizable. She had always been a woman of striking beauty; but for that scar, her face alone would have captivated many. Lin Li, though he had never seen her former self, could imagine what a beauty she must have been without her wound. Yet fate had forced her hand, and she had compromised, becoming what she was now. Though Lin Li felt a pang of regret, he knew that every person’s decisions changed with the shifting moments of their lives.

Though Xia Ningshuang was no longer the heiress of the Xia family, she still had friends in Dongdu. This time, she was headed to the small company run by her close friend Jiang Xishan. The two of them had been as close as sisters, especially before Xia Ningshuang had been cast out. But Lin Li knew that their past intimacy had always depended on Jiang Xishan’s ability to benefit from their friendship. Now that Xia Ningshuang had fallen from grace, she would inevitably suffer at Jiang Xishan’s hands. Lin Li was prepared for this, and had already devised how he might help Xia Ningshuang overcome the coming difficulty.

Sure enough, as soon as Xia Ningshuang arrived at the company, she was stopped at the entrance by the security guards.

“What do you want? Not just anyone can walk in here,” one challenged her.

Faced with their hostility, Xia Ningshuang did not become angry. She lowered her head and asked softly, “Is this the Prosperity Group?”

She was painfully aware of her awkward situation—if she wanted to survive, she would have to support herself. Coming to Prosperity Group was her only choice.

“That’s right, but who are you? Never heard of you,” the guard replied, eyeing her with suspicion. After all, her current appearance was nothing like before.

“I wish to see Jiang Xishan.”

She handed them something. “Give this to Jiang Xishan—she’ll know who I am, and she’ll surely let you bring me up.”

Hope flickered in Xia Ningshuang’s heart, but Lin Li, watching from the shadows, knew she would not be allowed to see Jiang Xishan. Fortunately, the Qin family also had dealings with Jiang Xishan’s company, and Lin Li could use this opportunity to make his move.

As expected, just when Xia Ningshuang thought she might see Jiang Xishan, the guards, after clarifying her purpose, prepared to drive her away.

Xia Ningshuang, stunned, gazed at them in disbelief. “What’s going on? Why won’t Jiang Xishan see me?”

The guards were unmoved. “Crazy woman, leave right now—or don’t blame us for being rough. This is Prosperity Group’s territory; your presence here disrupts our business.” With that, they closed in from both sides.

Once, such men would not have been her match—Xia Ningshuang would have had ways to deal with them. But now, powerless, she could only plead anxiously, “Please, just let me see Jiang Xishan once. I’m in a desperate situation. If you let me speak with her, I’ll be satisfied with whatever she decides.”

On the verge of tears, she realized there must be another reason why Jiang Xishan refused to see her. The guards only sneered.

“Stop dreaming. The boss made it clear—she doesn’t know anyone like you. She only recognizes the Xia family’s heiress. Are you the Xia family’s heiress?”

The words struck Xia Ningshuang like a blow, leaving her speechless. She had believed her bond with Jiang Xishan was genuine, that they were sisters who would support each other in times of need. In the past, when Jiang Xishan was not yet successful, it was Xia Ningshuang’s help that had brought her this far. Back then, Xia Ningshuang was generous and well regarded. Who would have thought that in just a few short years, everything would change? The proud heiress of the Xia family had fallen into obscurity, while her former best friend, now of higher status, wanted nothing more to do with her.

Pain welled up in Xia Ningshuang’s heart. She only wanted to see her old friend one last time, to ask for an explanation. Even if she had to hear such heartless words from Jiang Xishan herself, it would be better than having others relay them.

At that moment, a figure suddenly appeared in Xia Ningshuang’s line of sight.