Reborn: The Return of the Villainous Mr. Liu

Ai tilted her head. "Shi Huan."

Xing Bi blinked and asked, making a wild guess, "From Shi Publishing?"

She nodded.

Shi Publishing was another publishing company with considerable influence after Sky and Dream High. If Sky and Dream High had duopoly over the market, then Shi Publishing came third in line which had some power of its own.

"I am CEO Shi Shuren's daughter."

They looked at her, surprised.

Shi Huan smiled. "Nepotism at its finest, don't you think?"

Ai replied. "I don't think that way. He is your father. All parents naturally want to support their children the best they can, and that is fine as long as they don't hinder others' growth selfishly. My mother helped me get an apartment in Beijing at a reasonable rent price as she had an acquaintance here. Forms of nepotism with varying levels are everywhere in this world."

Xing Bi coughed. She didn't think Ai would give an example out of herself.

Shi Huan rapidly blinked her eyes, watching her in bewilderment. She was at a loss of words for a few moments but in the end, she only answered with a soft smile. "Indeed."

From the other side, Nian was quite impressed with how Ai had handled the situation. It wasn't an easy feat to stand tall, calm and undeterred when everybody was against you.

He chuckled. "Well, she is a powerhouse. Reminds me of the time when she scolded Jian and me. And of course, Xing Bi is there with her too!" His eyes shone mysteriously with a glint of amusement, "She is a powerhouse herself too~"

Jin shrugged. "Anyway, it's a break now. Isn't this a good time for you to talk to her?"

He coughed. "I know."

Jin lifted his brow, a smirk forming on his lips, "Is Liu Nian nervous?"

"I am not! Shut up. I am just revising my apology in my mind."

"This is not an exam."

Nian wiped his forehead. "It is for me."

Jin shook his head. He watched their table again and said, "Look, Zhou Ai and that other writer is going somewhere. Xing Bi is alone at the table. So…"

Nian recalled Xing Bi's threat she made at the banquet and felt his heart thudding. He took a few deep breaths. "Okay, let's do this."

—

After having some refreshments, Shi Huan spent five minutes in the ladies' room. Ai accompanied her too before the last segment would begin. As Ai started to leave, she noticed Shi Huan turning a little pale as she sweated.

Ai immediately asked, concerned, "Are you feeling sick?"

Her brows uneasily scrunched together. "It's just a little stomach pain."

"Oh. Is it your period?"

She shook her head. "It was over last week already. Don't worry. You go ahead. It's minor cramps. I will rest here for a bit. Then I will be fine."

Ai hesitated, but Shi Huan gently nudged her to leave. She pursed her lips and nodded. "Don't hesitate to call me if the pain worsens. I will leave my number with you."

Shi Huan sincerely thanked her. "I really appreciate it."

Ai stood outside the ladies' room for a few moments and started to walk back towards the venue. She paused in between and threw a quick glance around the place, standing near a pillar at the corner.

Jun is still not here…

She thought of some scenarios.

Maybe he is running late because of the traffic?

Or what if he is sick?

The second question made her more worried.

A soft gust of wind blew her hair from the back as she felt a presence looming behind her. Her breath hitched and without even turning back, she felt extremely sure that it was…

"Ai."

She froze.

Jun's deep and hoarse voice chimed in her ears. There was a narrow space between her back and his chest, yet it felt as if he was embracing her.

Her lips trembled, and so did her heart. With a flush appearing on her face and neck, she tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear with her shivering fingers. She felt extra conscious today.

Was it because it was Valentine's Day today? Or was it because of the story she was going to recite?

She couldn't judge the reason, but the end result was that her heart was beating furiously in her chest.

"You are here," she whispered, which only reached Jun's ears.

His eyes glinted and narrowed in the dark. "You think I won't be?"

"...I didn't see you."

His lips formed a smile. "Rest assured. You might not see me. But I always watch you."

She licked her lower lip that she felt becoming drier. The possessive ring from his voice made her shudder involuntarily. She was about to turn to face him when he placed his palm on the pillar and obstructed her. "Not now."

Her brows crinkled for a moment, but she didn't think much of it. "I see."

There was a pause before Jun said, "You shut that writer well."

Ai frowned. "I was just stating facts."

He sneered. "Yeah your 'stating facts' is not any less damaging than getting burned in a pot of fire. Speaking from experience."

She tilted her head slightly, exposing a part of her fair neck which darkened his gaze.

"Then it just means that reality struck you hard," Ai answered with all seriousness.

"..."

His fingers twitched with an urge to…he didn't know what. He stared at her for a few long moments. "I am waiting for your story."

Ai momentarily took a gasp that stopped in her throat. Her gaze was conflicted and apprehensive.

"I…" she curled her fist, "don't know if you will like it."

Jun watched her figure slightly shaking, making him slightly widen his eyes. His gaze flickered and holding the side of her waist, he nudged towards him. Her back finally bumped on his chest, making her stiffen.

He bent and answered with a hushed tone that expressed his certainty, "I will. It doesn't matter even if you have written a tragic ending. If it's your story, then I will definitely like it. You will win this Summit, Zhou Ai. You will for sure."