Chapter 50: 0
Chapter 50 𝓯𝑟𝓮ℯ𝘸ℯ𝘣𝑛ℴ𝘷ℯ𝓵.𝘤𝑜𝑚
According to the records in the "Guide to Conquering Earthlings," Earth people's close combat abilities are inferior compared to the Mu Yi Star people. They lack strength and are a fragile species, posing no threat to Lan Xi, a Mu Yi Star being.
Lan Xi used to firmly believe in this, but at this moment, her past beliefs are facing a breaking point.
Is it really so?
But now her own condition is incredibly terrible.
Using the place where Xie Cheng touched her cheek as a pivot, it starts to become scorching hot, as if the heat is contagious. It spreads rapidly across Lan Xi's face like a wildfire, to the extent that she has a sensation that her head is about to burst into flames.
The situation of her heart is even worse and more severe. The chaotic and rapid rhythm has made Lan Xi feel completely out of control, to the point where no medication can restore it to a normal beating frequency.
Her respiratory system seems to be facing a great dilemma as well. Her breath becomes rapid, even though there is no significant physical exertion. The oxygen demand in her body seems to multiply, making the once-normal air feel thin.
The strangest thing is an abrupt sense of timidity and uneasiness, so intense that she has never experienced it before.
Even when facing natural enemies like cats, Lan Xi is sure she has never felt like this.
So, are Earth people really fragile?
Lan Xi doesn't think so.
Earthlings clearly possess hidden skills. They are more cunning than cats, the natural enemies of the Mu Yi Star people!
Especially Xie Cheng, the Earthling in front of her. Lan Xi feels that he is much more dangerous than a cat. It's as if he can disarm her heart without shedding a drop of blood, merely by moving his lips, shaking Lan Xi to her core.
Her mission is to conquer Earth. According to Wang Zhiqiang's words, conquering Xie Yunfei would be a more effective route to conquer Earth. Yet, Xie Cheng is now requesting her to conquer him with that look in his eyes and that tone of voice.
Lan Xi should have been ruthless and resolute in rejecting him, but when it comes down to it, she finds that she doesn't want to refuse deep down. She even feels a sense of relief. Conquering Xie Yunfei doesn't stir any ripples in her heart; the conquest process doesn't seem difficult at all. But not having to conquer him, Lan Xi feels as if a burden has been lifted. In retrospect, she realizes that she doesn't have much desire to conquer Xie Yunfei.
When she originally set out to conquer Xie Cheng, she was full of enthusiasm and passion. Now that the target has switched to Xie Yunfei, Lan Xi indeed lacks interest.
However, directly changing the predetermined conquering plan...
Lan Xi is torn.
Fortunately, the "Guide" has a solution for this situation.
Lan Xi makes an effort to suppress her emotions, steadies her mind, and tries to concentrate, shielding herself from Xie Cheng's gaze. In the end, she manages to squeeze out a dry sentence:
"I... I need to think about it!"
Fortunately, Xie Cheng doesn't further pressurize her. He nods and doesn't impose any immediate pressure on Lan Xi for an answer.
But it's clear that this man still wants something. He ponders for a moment and says, "You can take your time to consider. I won't force you to give me an answer right away. But shouldn't we switch back to dealing with Cheng Xin?"
That's not possible!
"I just transferred to Cheng'an!" Lan Xi almost immediately refused Xie Cheng, "Besides... I haven't decided yet on changing my conquest target. I'll make that decision after I've made up my mind!"
Indeed, she was only getting close to Xie Yunfei and gradually developing feelings for him in order to cultivate a relationship. That's why she was transferred to his side. Now, there's no need to leave immediately.
Moreover...
"You said you wouldn't rush me and that you would wait for me, right? Well, I haven't made up my mind yet. Don't rush me. The decision of conquering someone is a significant one. It may take me a month or even several months to make up my mind. After all, it should be done carefully, right? I've been working in Chengxin for a while now, and I've had the experiences I should have there. I've spent more time with you, so in fairness, shouldn't I also work in Cheng'an for a while and spend more time with Xie Yunfei?"
Fortunately, after receiving this response, Xie Cheng seemed persuaded. He didn't say anything else, just nodded.
"Alright, let me know when you want to transfer back to Chengxin." Xie Cheng smiled, looking quite confident. He glanced at Lan Xi with a complex expression. "I believe it won't take long."
Before Lan Xi could respond, Xie Cheng changed the topic. "Now, I'll take you back to the dormitory."
Great! But the issue of the cat, the natural enemy in Xie Cheng's villa, still hadn't been resolved. Lan Xi thought for a moment and grabbed Xie Cheng's hand.
"I... I want to hold your hand."
Xie Cheng was momentarily stunned but didn't refuse. He glanced at Lan Xi and spoke in a low voice, "Okay."
Almost as soon as she received his consent, Lan Xi tightly held onto Xie Cheng's arm, gripping his hand. Her body unconsciously leaned closer to him, as if she wanted to merge with him.
This feeling was inexplicable.
Although she instinctively felt that Xie Cheng was even more dangerous than the cat, in critical moments, she couldn't help but seek protection and a sense of security from him.
Fortunately, this time, Xie Cheng didn't ask any questions that would make Lan Xi nervous and uneasy. He quietly allowed her to cling to him, like a koala, and led her to the garage.
However, perhaps because of Lan Xi's behavior, Xie Cheng's footsteps became unusually slow. The time it took to ride the elevator to the underground garage of Xie Cheng's villa was more than three times longer than usual.
Once they sat in the car and the cat crisis was resolved, Lan Xi immediately let go of Xie Cheng's hand and heaved a sigh of relief.
For some reason, Xie Cheng's expression showed a hint of regret, but it quickly disappeared, making Lan Xi doubt whether she had seen it correctly.
Xie Cheng fastened her seatbelt and started the car.
On the way, he had a gentle tone and a natural attitude, chatting with Lan Xi about topics that didn't make her feel awkward.
"Are you satisfied with the employee dormitory?"
Very satisfied!
Lan Xi was extremely satisfied with the employee dormitory. The dormitory in Chengxin was newly built and very close to both Chengxin and Cheng'an. Since Lan Xi learned the online shopping skills of Earth People, she had bought many things and even planted a row of plants.
Xie Cheng was quite attentive, knowing and caring about this. As she spoke, Lan Xi couldn't help but feel elated.
Xie Cheng patiently listened as Lan Xi spoke. He safely escorted her to the entrance of her dormitory building. It wasn't until Lan Xi reached her apartment and looked out of the hallway window that she noticed Xie Cheng's car hadn't immediately left. He only confirmed his departure after she turned on the lights, ensuring her safety.
That's good.
At least she had taken control of the situation. Since Xie Cheng had promised to wait, Lan Xi decided to set aside her troubles for tomorrow. And after tomorrow, there would still be the day after that! She could slowly savor her feelings for Xie Cheng and make a final decision.
Lan Xi fell into a restful sleep, and as luck would have it, good news found her when she was in high spirits the next day. She eagerly settled into the office that Xie Yunfei had assigned her and opened her email, only to receive exhilarating news.
The email was sent by a new administrative staff member, informing Lan Xi that there had recently been a lottery prize draw held by Chengxin. According to the employee ID system, Lan Xi had been selected for the first prize—a voucher for a year's worth of deluxe hotel dinner buffets!
At the end of the email, the administrative colleague added a note in bold letters: "Please contact us as soon as possible for redemption!"
A whole year of deluxe hotel dinner buffets! Indeed! It was rightfully hers!
Wasn't it just like the prize she should have won at the beachcombing competition but ended up back in her own pocket?
Lan Xi, full of excitement, went to redeem the voucher as instructed, but she encountered a setback.
"I'm sorry, Lan Xi. After verifying through the system, you don't meet our winning requirements," the administrative colleague said with a regretful expression. "Since it's a voucher for a year's worth of dinners, it requires you to be an on-duty employee of Chengxin for the entire year. You have already transferred to Cheng'an and don't meet the redemption criteria."
The administrative colleague's explanation flowed smoothly, as if it had been memorized. After looking at Lan Xi, she continued, "Unless you transfer back to Chengxin, in which case the dinner buffet voucher can be valid."
It was a whole year of buffet dinners...
Lan Xi was tempted, but she wanted to experience more with Xie Yunfei...
"If you have someone you like in Cheng'an and want to pursue them, you don't necessarily have to appear in front of them every day. After all, there's a saying that goes, 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.' Seeing each other every day can make you take it for granted, but occasionally not seeing each other intensifies the longing and deepens the connection," the administrative colleague continued effortlessly. "Distance breeds beauty, and once there's distance, if you both miss each other, it naturally becomes a test of this relationship."
Lan Xi couldn't help but sigh. Chengxin was indeed full of hidden potential. This administrative colleague seemed to know her innermost thoughts, effortlessly resolving her dilemma with just a few words.
Meanwhile, the colleague delivered the final blow, saying, "So, are you going to transfer back? Your previous transfer to Cheng'an hasn't completed the approval process yet. If you transfer back now, all you need to do is apply for the cancellation of the process, and I can help you with that."
She smiled at Lan Xi. "After all, it's a year's worth of deluxe buffet dinners. You have no idea how sumptuous the dinner buffet at this hotel is!"
Without waiting for Lan Xi to respond, she continued as if she suddenly remembered something, saying, "Oh, by the way, I forgot to inform you. You have to move out of the employee dormitory in Chengxin within three days. After all, if you transfer to Cheng'an, it would be more convenient for management if you live in Cheng'an's dormitory. Besides, we have had quite a few applications for employee dormitories in Chengxin recently..."
How could this be possible!
Although Cheng'an also has employee dormitories, those buildings are quite old, and the location is very far from the workplace! Lan Xi didn't want to move away at all.
"However, if you continue to work in Chengxin, these won't be a problem. As a long-time employee, you can still use the previous employee dormitory," she said.
Lan Xi didn't have any hesitation left. She made up her mind and said, "I want to transfer back to Chengxin!"
"No problem!"
Lan Xi was deeply moved. She didn't know this administrative colleague well, but they were so friendly and enthusiastic. She sincerely said, "Thank you! You're amazing!"
Earth people can be so sincere! Look at this colleague!
Unfortunately, Lan Xi didn't know that as soon as she turned around and left, the friendly and professional administrative colleague looked at her back and smiled, covering her mouth. "Why thank me? The person you should thank is me."
It wasn't in vain that she memorized those lines like she did just now.
However, this Lan Xi seems to have real competence at work; otherwise, why would Cheng's manager go to great lengths to keep her in Chengxin?
In any case, she successfully completed her task.
She hummed a song and picked up her phone to compose a text message: "Manager Cheng, it's done. So, about the bonus you mentioned..."
...
**
It was surprising that the procedures to transfer to Cheng'an were so troublesome. Although Lan Xi had been working in Cheng'an for a while, the procedures were not completed, yet the procedures to transfer back to Chengxin unexpectedly went quickly.
Two hours later, Lan Xi received a call from the kind-hearted administrative colleague, informing her that everything was settled, and she could return to work in Chengxin and collect the buffet coupons.
Lan Xi wanted to see Xie Cheng and tell him about her decision to come back to work, but unfortunately, Xie Cheng was out visiting clients. He wasn't in the office, and Lan Xi felt a bit down because her joy of receiving the buffet coupons suddenly vanished for some reason.
Fortunately, everyone was happy about Lan Xi's return. Liang Di showed great enthusiasm, and Wan Yan was even more enthusiastic.
"This is fantastic, Lan Xi! I've been looking forward to your return!" Liang Di said.
Just as Liang Di returned to her own seat to handle emails, Wan Yan immediately ran over to Lan Xi's desk and handed her a cup of milk tea. "I just bought this milk tea. It's for you. I'll buy another one for myself later."
Lan Xi was touched by Wan Yan's friendship. Thinking that she had misunderstood her before, Lan Xi felt even more guilty.
Wan Yan and Lan Xi were casually chatting about recent events, and naturally, the conversation turned to work. Wan Yan's enthusiastic expression suddenly turned serious and restrained as she said, "Things have been going well lately, but I have a bit too much work on my plate right now. There's an important original document that needs to be personally delivered to a client. The client's company is located in the suburbs, so making the round trip would definitely leave me with an overwhelming workload. I'll have to work late into the night tonight..."
It was Lan Xi's first day at Chengxin Company, and she hadn't been assigned any tasks yet. Hearing Wan Yan's distress, she felt compelled to offer her help.
"Can I deliver the document for you?" Lan Xi asked.
Wan Yan immediately showed a grateful expression and said, "That would be wonderful! Lan Xi, you're so kind. I'll treat you to lunch tomorrow!"
Lan Xi nodded happily.
Helping each other out among colleagues was only natural!
Without delay, Lan Xi received the document from Wan Yan and prepared to set off. However, before leaving, she specifically grabbed an umbrella.
Although the sky outside was clear at the moment, there would be a heavy rainstorm in two hours, and the suburbs were known to experience more intense rainfall.
**
Once Lan Xi's figure completely disappeared in the elevator, Wan Yan finally breathed a sigh of relief.
She had been troubled by the relationship between Lan Xi and Xie Cheng. But who would have thought that not long ago, Lan Xi had applied for an internal transfer to Cheng'an. Afterward, rumors began circulating about her and Xie Yunfei's passionate affair. More than one colleague had witnessed their intimate interactions.
It seemed that Lan Xi had changed her strategy, probably because Xie Cheng had seen through her tricks and she couldn't conquer him, so she sought someone else.
However, Lan Xi's voluntary departure was a great thing.
During the days that Lan Xi was absent from Chengxin, Wan Yan went all out, trying every trick in the book. She actively asked Xie Cheng out for meals, gave him fruits, showed concern for him, and sent him messages morning and night...
In short, she exhausted all her means, but none of it worked. Xie Cheng treated her with politeness and friendliness, but it stopped there.
Just as Wan Yan was preparing to come up with another plan to conquer Xie Cheng, she never expected Lan Xi to suddenly make a comeback.
What did she want to do?
Had she failed to conquer Xie Yunfei and now wanted to return to the familiar territory?
Wan Yan felt a sense of annoyance and amusement at the same time. Everyone knew that Xie Cheng was proud, and even if he had shown some interest in Lan Xi before, her current back-and-forth approach wouldn't make him give her a second glance.
However, Lan Xi's return was actually quite good for Wan Yan. After all, it could highlight her unwavering and deep affection for Xie Cheng. Excellence had to be displayed.
Although she thought this way, Wan Yan couldn't help but feel a subconscious nervousness. After all, she had managed to successfully invite Xie Cheng out for dinner tonight under the pretense of discussing and verifying work data, and she didn't want any unexpected complications.
By sending Lan Xi far away to the outskirts to deliver the materials, she wouldn't be able to return before the end of the workday, and it would be impossible for her to run into Xie Cheng when he returned to the company.
Everything was foolproof!
**
Lan Xi had to send the document to a client's company that was quite far away. It took her nearly an hour and a half in a taxi to finally arrive. The handover process at the other end was strict, requiring multiple people to verify the original documents. By the time everything was done, it was already close to the end of the workday, and during rush hour, it was impossible to hail a taxi.
The nearest subway station was three kilometers away from this company, so Lan Xi had no choice but to hurry to the subway station.
She needed to be quick because although it wasn't mentioned in the weather forecast, a heavy rainstorm was about to hit.
However, Lan Xi was just a step too late. As soon as she started walking towards the subway station, thunder rumbled, and the rain poured down without warning.
Although she had brought an umbrella in anticipation, it was of little use against such a massive downpour. With a slight misjudgment in direction and force, the strong wind turned the umbrella inside out, making the entire frame fragile. Lan Xi was immediately drenched in rain. After a few more attempts, she was completely soaked.
The torrential rain and strong wind made her progress even slower. Lan Xi's vision was blurred by the rain, and she was looking up, trying to calculate how much distance was left when a black luxury car slowly stopped beside her.
Someone hurriedly got out of the driver's seat. He was wearing a black suit, and almost as soon as he stepped out of the car, his pants were splashed with mud, and his expensive, shiny handmade leather shoes were instantly dirtied. However, he didn't hesitate for a moment. Lan Xi watched as he opened an umbrella, shielding his face, revealing only a sharply defined jawline and slightly downturned lips, as if carrying a hint of displeasure. Yet, his steps were resolute and urgent.
The road on this side of the industrial park was low-lying, and the drainage system was poor. This unprecedented rainstorm quickly flooded the road, filling it with dirty water and floating leaves.
Nothing about this man's appearance matched the environment. The cuffs he revealed were adorned with diamonds, and his wristwatch was a well-known expensive brand even Lan Xi could recognize. His cold white skin exuded a refined coldness, contrasting with the dreary and rainy surroundings.
Nevertheless, he stepped into this storm without hesitation, which didn't belong to him, and walked toward Lan Xi with the umbrella held high.
It was Xie Cheng.
Just a few steps later, his pants were completely soaked, yet he didn't even pause. He quickly approached Lan Xi, carrying a scent of coldness that blended with the rain, giving off a different kind of allure, a dampness that stirred the heart!