49: You Know My Tastes

You Know My Tastes

"Have your aunt attend…and she must attend."2

"But…" Mu Qiqi was very worried that Su Zipei would be mocked, especially by Mama Mu, and she didn't want her to go through such shame.

"Leave the rest to Jing Yun."

With a few days left until the conference, would leaving things to Jing Yun spare Aunt Zipei the mockery? Mu Qiqi knew very well that aristocratic composure and elegance basically overflowed from the bone, whereas Su Zipei's aura was very plain.

Still, she could not be absent from the parent-teacher conference even if there was no telling what would happen.

Qian Qian appeared to see through her distress, and therefore told her, "So what if your aunt attends? Why compete riches at our age? If you're afraid that White Lotus Mu would try to bully her, I can tell our parents to help shield your aunt."

Mu Qiqi could not help but smile. "Thanks. You're very kind…but I'll think of something."

In fact, Qian Qian was right. Mu Qiqi could fight with her life if anyone tried to bully her aunt.

***

In the evening, Mu Qiqi returned home to find that Jing Yun had arranged for a stylist to come to the little mansion and give Su Zipei a makeover.

"Qiqi, you're home." Su Zipei was sitting on the couch, allowing the stylist to trim her hair as she wanted.

"Aunt Zipei…you…"

"Young Master Sheng told me not to embarrass you at the parent-teacher conference. That's why he has arranged for a stylist for me, who will also be teaching me a little about fashion. You wouldn't have to worry when the time comes." Su Zipei grinned. "Young Master Sheng has been really gracious towards us."

'And that is why I love that man so much,' Mu Qiqi thought.

"Well, you guys carry on. I'll go upstairs and do my homework," Mu Qiqi said as she carried her bag upstairs, but she had already whipped out her phone to message Sheng Xiao.

"Xiaoxiao, are you really giving Aunt Zipei a makeover? In just a few days?"

Sheng Xiao received the text but did not reply. Nonetheless, he could tell from how excited the little one was that she must be anxiously waiting for the conference now.

Mu Qiqi herself decided too that she wouldn't hang her head after learning that Sheng Xiao did not give up. If someone were to really bully her aunt, she would put her life on the line to protect her.

Nevertheless, she wasn't sure when Sheng Xiao would return to the country, which was why she took some during the weekend and sought out a designer. With the plan she had made and some pocket money she had saved, she asked that he instruct her in his craft.

She did not need the cufflinks to be exquisite, but she would ensure there wouldn't be any other pair like it in this world.

***

Three days later, Su Zipei was a completely different person in outward appearance.

Her long, silky hair was now wavy and mid-length, which accentuated her beautiful facial features. Coupled with perfect makeup, Mu Qiqi was left surprised that women could look so different by prettying up.

As for her clothing—having lived frugally, Su Zipei's clothes were usually plain and matched randomly. However, after having a professional help her revamp her wardrobe with matching dresses, she no longer wore mismatched items.

In fact, she now resembled an English noble from every aspect, even mannerisms.

"Aunt Zipei…I can't recognize you." Mu Qiqi could not help but marvel at Su Zipei's change.

That was when a tall figure moved behind her and touched her shoulder. "So excited? Hmm?"

Mu Qiqi turned and almost jumped when she found Sheng Xiao. She restrained herself, stopping short of diving into his arms since Su Zipei was around.

"Brother Xiao…why are you here?"

"To check on the fruits of my labor." Sheng Xiao was tired—his flight had barely landed, but he rushed to the little mansion ignoring all else, his thoughts on the little one.

Then, he turned to give Su Zipei a thorough, sharp glance. "Not bad."

"Yes. You'll definitely be the most beautiful person tomorrow, Aunt Zipei," Mu Qiqi exclaimed, "but, Xiaoxiao…I mean Brother Xiao, what if someone tries to hit on her?"

"Stay cold throughout the meeting. Look at others as if they are below you, and don't reply to anyone—especially to Mama Mu's provocations. Remember, come tomorrow, everyone else is a joke apart from yourself."

Those words left both Su Zipei and Mu Qiqi's blood boiling with anticipation.

Still, Mu Qiqi and Su Zipei completed each other, and her aunt needed her to work together as well.

"And you," Sheng Xiao said, turning to Mu Qiqi. "Show people a look that says 'my aunt is that noble and cold, so turn away if you can't accept that'. Keep calm even when Mu Tangxue tries to provoke you, and emanate composure from your very bones."

Mu Qiqi nodded. "Got it, Xiao…Brother Xiao."

"If that's the case, you two do your best tomorrow. I'm going home."

It had just been a few minutes and he was already leaving.

Nonetheless, Mu Qiqi stopped him. "Stay for dinner?"

"There's something else," Sheng Xiao replied, but also quietly mouthed, "See you tonight."

Mu Qiqi nodded and let him pass. "I'll see you out…"

"Save your strength for the conference tomorrow," Sheng Xiao mocked, and turned to leave.

Even if Mu Qiqi wanted to see him every given moment, he was really busy.

"Young Master Sheng is so nice…" Su Zipei murmured then. "It's been hard on him, to take care of us even when he's so busy…I really hope that he could find a beautiful rich daughter and live happily."

Mu Qiqi could not help but ask her aunt right then, "What do you think Brother Xiao's type is, Aunt Zipei?"

Su Zipei thought about it, only to shake her head. "I really can't imagine who would match him."

That left Mu Qiqi at once happy and sad.

After all, she was so plain, and him so dazzling.

She didn't even know whether Sheng Xiao liked her or was toying with her out of a moment of thrill.

***

Jing Yun received Sheng Xiao on his way back from the mansion.

"Young Master, the gala is starting soon. There will be many daughters from rich and famous families, and it looks like the chairman wants you and your siblings to choose from them."

"I don't care, you know my tastes." Sheng Xiao replied. "I'll leave halfway through the gala, think of something for me."

"Understood, Young Master."

For Sheng Xiao, no matter what golden ratio of figures there would be, all of them wouldn't compare to the dainty one in the little mansion!

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