#13: Siblings

Chu Ning treated the sight as nothing more than spotting an acquaintance, not even a familiar face. This fleeting thought brushed past her mind like a light scratch, gone in an instant.

That evening, as the head of Ningjing Investments, she hosted a dinner for Xu Youshan from Jinmu North City. Xu was originally part of the Su business network but later ventured into trading Tibetan medicinal herbs, gradually evolving into a classic jack-of-all-trades businessman—adept at networking, but without the breakthrough to ascend further.

Xu enjoyed lively gatherings and brought along four or five colleagues from various departments, making the dinner noisy and boisterous. Chu Ning was repeatedly toasted, but she only clinked glasses with Xu himself, politely declining others with a smile.

The young men accompanying Xu were fresh-faced rookies, their attempts at sophistication unconvincing. They looked at Chu Ning with a mix of caution and deliberate flattery.

Occasionally, Chu Ning would smile at one of them, causing the recipient to lower their head bashfully.

A two-million-yuan VR component manufacturing contract was sealed during this dinner.

Later, Guan Yu asked her, “What do you think of Xu Youshan?”

Chu Ning replied, “His company’s debt situation is average, but overall, it’s manageable.”

“Aren’t you worried about dealing with someone from outside Beijing?” Knowing Chu Ning well, Guan Yu knew she rarely collaborated directly with companies outside the capital circle.

Chu Ning explained, “This person was recommended by President Qin, so there shouldn’t be any major issues. Besides, the manufacturing process itself isn’t particularly complex.” After a pause, she added, “I have a clear understanding of the situation.”

“That’s good,” Guan Yu said, dropping the topic. Then, she remembered something else. “By the way, are you attending tomorrow’s charity auction?”

“Yes.”

The event was organized by several mainstream domestic media outlets, grand and dazzling. Chu Ning had received an invitation—though such invitations weren’t exclusive, serving more to boost attendance. The real focus of the organizers was on the elite few at the top of the pyramid.

Take Zhao Mingchuan, for example.

Chu Ning watched him stride confidently down the red carpet, his arm linked with a popular young actress arranged by the hosts. One exuded maturity and elegance, while the other radiated charm and sweetness—a perfect pairing destined for tomorrow’s headlines.

Zhao Mingchuan turned to sign his name, his strokes sharp and angular, consistent with his usual style. Following the standard procedures, tonight’s auction items were of exceptional quality: ancient jade, vases, calligraphy, and finally, a pair of emerald earrings once worn by the actress in a period drama.

Starting bid: 80,000 yuan.

After several rounds of bidding, the amount exceeded six figures.

“Five hundred thousand yuan for the first time—” the host announced dramatically. “Five hundred thousand yuan for the second time—”

Zhao Mingchuan, who had remained silent throughout the auction, signaled his secretary to raise the paddle. The secretary nodded slightly, raising it with authority, declaring three resounding words:

“One million.”

The room erupted in gasps. Cameras immediately focused on Zhao Mingchuan, his face displayed on the wide screen, his handsomeness undiminished.

Applause filled the air, the atmosphere reaching its peak.

The owner of the emerald earrings, the same actress who had walked the red carpet with Zhao Mingchuan, beamed with joy and thanked him profusely.

“You’re welcome,” Zhao Mingchuan responded graciously, shaking her hand politely.

Click. Entertainment reporters captured the moment, already brainstorming sensational headlines for the next day.

Seated in the back row, Chu Ning was all too familiar with Zhao Mingchuan’s PR tactics. He excelled at striking late but decisively, effortlessly stealing the spotlight of the night. The advertising effect of such a move was unparalleled.

Though Chu Ning harbored no fondness for Zhao Mingchuan, objectively speaking, age-old wisdom still held true.

The subsequent cocktail party was where everyone hustled for networking opportunities. You introduce me, I introduce you to someone else—planting seeds of connection, whether they’d bear fruit later was another story. Dressed elegantly, Chu Ning navigated through the crowd, her smile radiant and captivating.

“Little Ning?” someone called out.

Chu Ning turned around to see a group of people nearby, with Zhao Mingchuan standing in the center.

The one addressing her was Mr. Chen, a wealthy figure. Smiling broadly like a jade Buddha, he hinted meaningfully, “So you’re here too? I didn’t hear Zhao mention it.”

The strained relationship between these two siblings had long been fodder for gossip within their social circle. But fearing the Zhao family’s influence, no one dared to speak openly about it. Mr. Chen, however, loved stirring the pot. Having been slighted by Zhao Mingchuan a few times, he seized the chance to mock them subtly.

Whispers began among bystanders. “What’s her relationship with Zhao?”

“She’s that sister.”

“Oh!” The speaker mouthed silently, asking, “They don’t get along?”

“Shh.”

Between Chu Ning and Zhao Mingchuan stood a meter of space, absorbing the gazes of onlookers, undercurrents swirling. They locked eyes for half a second, a tacit understanding passing between them as they both stepped forward to meet each other.

Zhao Mingchuan stood beside Chu Ning, his left hand naturally resting lightly on her waist. “She’s just here to look at the auction items. She prefers sitting in the back, out of the way.”

Chu Ning tilted her chin slightly, adopting a submissive posture, and smiled at everyone. “I’m just here to enjoy the occasion. I didn’t want to disturb the elders’ discussions.”

Zhao Mingchuan glanced down at her. “Pick up those emerald earrings from my car trunk later.”

The handsome man and beautiful woman made a picture-perfect pair.

“President Zhao’s sibling bond is truly admirable,” murmurs rippled through the crowd.

“In the end, it’s Old Zhao’s good fortune to have such intelligent and blessed children.”

The subtle tension dissipated quietly. Those hoping for a spectacle were disappointed, while gossip-seekers were left even more confused.

With the ice broken, Chu Ning naturally joined in the casual chatter. She appeared demure, listening more than speaking. These were the upper echelons of society—each sentence carried immense information. When a certain executive mentioned an equipment order in Malaysia, Chu Ning quickly chimed in, “I know a supplier who produces this type of machine. If you don’t mind, I can make inquiries on your behalf.”

The executive, gauging the situation, readily agreed. “Since you have connections, consider this a favor for your uncle. Leave it to you, alright?”

He then glanced subtly at Zhao Mingchuan. This was a clever move—ostensibly giving Chu Ning the project, but in reality, courting the influential Zhao family.

Chu Ning’s smile widened as she raised her glass and downed it in one gulp. “It’s my honor.”

Zhao Mingchuan observed every calculated move she made, internally sneering with disdain.

After ten minutes of conversation, Zhao Mingchuan excused himself. As they moved through crowded areas, he occasionally guided her gently by the shoulder, ensuring she avoided obstacles. Countless pairs of eyes followed the Zhao siblings. Ah, the show behind the scenes was far more entertaining than the auction itself.

As the elevator doors closed, the atmosphere turned icy.

One moment, they were the envy of the crowd as affectionate siblings; the next, they distanced themselves from each other as if avoiding a plague.

In an instant, the warmth evaporated, replaced by frost. Zhao Mingchuan’s demeanor grew cold. Chu Ning, slightly tipsy, studied him lazily. Yes, this was his true self.

The elevator descended floor by floor.

Zhao Mingchuan spoke icily, “When you have free time, practice your expressions in front of the mirror.”

Alarm bells rang in Chu Ning’s mind.

“When you talk business, that obsequious smile of yours is revolting,” Zhao Mingchuan remarked calmly. “If you’re going to act, at least do it convincingly.”

Chu Ning remained composed. “If you don’t like it, don’t look.”

Zhao Mingchuan wasn’t angered, merely disdainful. “Then stop appearing in front of me.”

Chu Ning’s heart trembled. Beneath his words lay a deep-seated contempt for her and her mother. His innate sense of superiority came naturally to him.

Zhao Mingchuan was a man of great ambitions, adept at prioritizing. Like earlier—maintaining the Zhao family’s positive image took precedence over personal emotions.

Chu Ning didn’t dare to challenge his dignity, a point on which they shared agreement. And that equipment order? It was Zhao Mingchuan’s subtle gesture of goodwill.

Approaching the ground floor, Zhao Mingchuan ordered coldly, “Come here.”

Chu Ning straightened her spine, steeling herself, and stood beside Zhao Mingchuan.

Ding —the elevator doors opened, revealing a bustling scene outside. Familiar faces greeted them warmly: “President Zhao.”

Leading Chu Ning, Zhao Mingchuan ensured their facade of sibling affection was fully captured by observers.

After the formalities, just as they were about to leave, Zhao Mingchuan suddenly called out to her. “For that equipment order, you should personally visit Malaysia for an inspection.”

Chu Ning carefully analyzed his words and understood—they were a nudge. If she performed well on this initial order, future contracts would follow steadily.

Zhao Mingchuan turned to leave.

Chu Ning hurried after him. “Wait. Are you conducting market research on high-end molecular materials recently?”

Zhao Mingchuan froze, his guard instantly up.

“Don’t look at me like that—I’m not plotting anything against you,” Chu Ning replied frankly. “If you need it, I can recommend someone. He’s a student at C-Hang, specializing in this field. His industry knowledge and practical skills are excellent.”

Zhao Mingchuan sneered. “You think I’d use someone you recommend?”

“He’s not mine,” Chu Ning admitted, feeling foolish for meddling. “Forget it—it’s my mistake.”

She turned to leave.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Mingchuan spoke: “Give it to me.”

Without turning around, Chu Ning pulled out her phone and forwarded the contact number starting with 158 to Zhao Mingchuan.

“His surname is Ying. His name is Ying Jing.”

That night, the long-strained relationship between the siblings cracked open awkwardly, initiating a strange beginning of “consideration for each other.”

The very next day, Chu Ning boarded a flight to Malaysia with characteristic efficiency, staying true to her nature as a money-minded pragmatist—to conduct an on-site inspection of the equipment.

Airport announcements echoed: “Attention passengers, boarding for flight MH365 to Kuala Lumpur is now commencing. Please proceed to gate 15.”

Chu Ning rose, her secretary assisting with her luggage. Just before boarding, she received a text message.

“Someone approached me about a project. Was it you who referred me?”

Another message followed:

“It must’ve been you, right? The pay is surprisingly generous—I thought it was a scam at first.”

Her phone buzzed incessantly; this guy sure was a chatterbox:

“Great news! I’ve been broke lately, couldn’t even afford Xiaoqiang’s hot pot. Let me kowtow to you repeatedly.”

Chu Ning couldn’t help but smile faintly as she read.

Ying Jing sent another message: “Where are you? Are you free? I’ll treat you to hot pot again, okay?”

It was Chu Ning’s turn to board. She lightly tapped her phone, replying with two words: “On a business trip.”

Instantly, four rapid-fire questions came in: “When? Where? How long? Aren’t you in Beijing?”

Chu Ning didn’t reply further, turning off her phone as she boarded the plane.