As soon as these words were spoken, Pan Yutong's heart gave a violent thump. "Ah Bing, don't be angry, I'm just kidding! You're in a good mood today, so let's go have some fun together."
It seemed she had been too hasty. Qi Longbing was no ordinary man—he was one of the world's rare, extremely privileged men, and winning his heart would indeed take time.
Qi Longbing smiled faintly, his pale hand elegantly brushing the jet-black hair at his forehead. An air of leisurely grace, like that of a fallen angel, emanated from the corners of his eyes—noble and immensely charming.
The Black Jade Ring on his finger cast a deep, enchanting, dark light, understated yet dripping with luxury.
「Cops Aima Dynasty Club」
Guided by Secretary Lin Fen, Hua Xiaomo arrived at this extremely luxurious enclave for the wealthy. She felt somewhat out of place as she entered.
But now that she had come, how could she back down?
Breathe deeply, just keep breathing. After all, if that man was happy, her mother could undergo surgery.
With great effort, Hua Xiaomo squeezed a smile onto her face. It wasn't until she stepped onto the vast expanse of lawn that she realized just how immense the Aima Dynasty Club truly was.
The club even boasted a golf course spanning thousands of square meters, looking incredibly imposing as it stretched as far as the eye could see.
Soon, she spotted Qi Longbing in his casual white attire. He was seated in the VIP area next to the golf course, thoroughly enjoying himself in the company of several tycoons and, of course, accompanied by a gorgeous, long-haired lady in white.
"Miss Hua, President Qi is over there. You can go over by yourself," Lin Fen said.
"Okay," Hua Xiaomo responded, taking steps towards the privileged crowd.
Approaching them, Hua Xiaomo observed the group's incessant laughter and banter. Standing there, she felt a bit stiff, unsure how to join in.
Qi Longbing's eyes lifted slightly; he had already seen her. A mocking sneer touched his handsome face. "Well, if it isn't Miss Hua."
"President Qi, hello..." Hua Xiaomo forced a smile, a tingling nervousness creeping through her. For some reason, seeing his smile made her want to flee immediately.
Okay, restrain yourself, keep it under control. The resentment from that kick ran deep, and to avoid unnecessary trouble in the future, it was better to resolve these issues sooner rather than later.
"You're well? But how could you be as well as Miss Hua?" Qi Longbing said with a soft, sinister smile, his gaze slowly rising, eyeing her unchanging white shirt and denim jeans. The white shirt was the same old-fashioned, shapeless style as last time, more akin to a man's shirt.
Her jeans were washed to the point of being impossibly white. A pair of ordinary sneakers completed the look—the epitome of a girl-next-door from the slums.
And her long, straight chestnut hair, with its uneven lengths, always looked the same. It somewhat resembled a Vidal Sassoon style, but not quite—more as if a dog had gnawed it in places. Chaotic, yet somehow still playful.
If anyone knew this woman was the daughter of Hua Renda from the once-renowned Hua Clan, they would surely be astonished! Compared to Pan Yutong, the genuine heiress by his side, she was like heaven and earth.
"Miss Hua, in that outfit, you could easily pass for a servant, don't you think?" Qi Longbing glanced at her, his smile bland and uninterested.
Hua Xiaomo suppressed the turmoil in her heart and said with a placating smile, "President Qi, you certainly have a way with jokes." She cast her eyes downward, trying her best to avoid his gaze, her posture deliberately submissive.
In her heart, she was thinking that as long as he was happy today, her mother could have the surgery. So, she must endure... she absolutely must hold on.
Qi Longbing's gaze drifted into the distance. "Does Miss Hua think I'm joking? Go. Fetch the balls for me." His voice was light, yet that last sentence carried an irresistible command.
"..." Hua Xiaomo still wore a smile on her elegant face, but the corners of her eyes betrayed a touch of discomfort. Quickly, she replied with a laugh, "What's the problem with that? As long as President Qi is happy, I'm willing to do anything!"
Then, Hua Xiaomo quickly ran toward the golf course. It's just fetching balls. Okay, this should be easy!
Hearing her say, "I'm willing to do anything," a faint, sinister smile touched Qi Longbing's incomparably handsome face. He said nothing more, soon taking his position. He held the golf club gracefully, and looking at the figure in the distance, he swung and hit the ball.
Pan Yutong watched one of them hitting balls and the other fetching them. For some reason, a very uncomfortable feeling surged in her heart.
Since when had his taste changed? He'd once said he liked women with voluminous wavy hair, tall and graceful figures, and mature, seductive faces. These were all his favorites. That's why nearly all the women around him were tall beauties with wavy hair. Even his two secretaries possessed this kind of beauty. But now... he was actually interested in such an immature young girl? Why?
Pan Yutong was utterly puzzled. Looking at Qi Longbing, she noticed a flicker of enigmatic coldness in his narrow eyes and suddenly understood.
So that was it. He didn't actually like this woman; he was just toying with her... Yes, how could a man easily change once he's grown accustomed to a certain flavor?
He hit one ball after another. Qi Longbing must have swung hundreds, if not thousands, of times.
Hua Xiaomo was exhausted, her back and waist aching. Watching the handsome man on the tee elegantly swing, sending ball after ball her way, she silently cursed his ancestors a thousand times over.
Later, the group started a match, and naturally, the unenviable job of ball-picker still fell to poor Hua Xiaomo.
The day passed just like that. Finally, when the group went to the locker room, Hua Xiaomo was so tired she slumped onto a bench in the corner, her body limp. If there had been a bed, she was sure she would have fallen asleep immediately.
Just as this thought crossed her mind, her eyelids so heavy they felt like they were battling to stay open, a low, magnetic male voice sounded from above her. "Miss Hua, there's a shower room in here. Don't you want to wash up?"
"No need." Hua Xiaomo's drowsiness vanished instantly. Her spirits revived, she looked at the handsome man, now dressed in a sharp black suit. Forcing a smile, she said, "President Qi, did you enjoy yourself today?"
The unspoken question was clear: he had better keep the promise he'd made earlier.
She stared at his trouser pocket, desperately praying he would make that call to the hospital... If he did, all her problems would be solved, and she could finally leave this place...