MLROCSHR Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Come, Kiss Me to Death

Chapter 11: Come, Kiss Me to Death

In the elegantly decorated Western-style Restaurant, light and soothing music filled the air, occasionally interrupted by the Waiter/Waitress moving through the space.

Lian Xun and Qi Luzhi were seated by the window, with delicate Meal placed on the table before them.

“What kind of dinner party are you taking me to?” Lian Xun asked, cutting a piece of steak and putting it in his mouth.

Qi Luzhi had only said he was taking him to a dinner party, but hadn’t specified what kind.

Moreover, he wasn’t sure what kind of role he was supposed to play.

“Just an ordinary charity gala. Think of it as an opportunity to meet some business connections who might be useful in the future.”

“Oh,” Lian Xun said, lowering his head and asking no further questions.

Recently, Qi Luzhi had noticed that Xun Qi’s projects were constantly encountering small problems. Although they were minor and could be resolved quickly, it was highly unusual.

Sheng Shao Group’s position in Xuan Cheng’s business world was well-known. Normally, no one would openly cause trouble with their projects. The only explanation was that it was aimed at Lian Xun.

Qi Luzhi hadn’t yet discovered who was behind the disruptions, but this gala was a perfect opportunity for Lian Xun to show his face in Xuan Cheng’s business community, letting everyone know that going against Lian Xun was equivalent to opposing the entire Sheng Shao Group.

Of course, Qi Luzhi wouldn’t tell Lian Xun any of this.

After the Meal, Qi Luzhi drove Lian Xun to the banquet venue. He didn’t like using drivers and always drove himself, so Lian Xun naturally sat in the passenger seat.

Having just finished eating, and with a long drive ahead, Lian Xun soon began to doze off.

After an unknown amount of time, Qi Luzhi shook him awake. “We’re here.”

Lian Xun squinted, still a little dazed.

Looking through the car window, he saw a brightly lit, magnificent hotel. Various luxury cars were pulling up in front, and small groups of well-dressed upper-class individuals were exchanging pleasantries.

Lian Xun had seen plenty of such scenes. They were all just for show—compliments and flattery, all based on judging people’s worth.

As soon as Qi Luzhi appeared at the hotel entrance, several people came forward to greet him.

“Hello, President Qi, it’s been a while.”

“It’s an honor to see President Qi here.”

“Mm,” Qi Luzhi acknowledged with a slight nod, his face remaining aloof, and led Lian Xun straight into the venue.

The two of them, one with a cool and refined demeanor, the other elegant and handsome, quickly attracted the attention of many wealthy daughters. However, Qi Luzhi’s reputation in Xuan Cheng was well-known. He was famously cold and unapproachable, so most people only dared to watch from a distance, afraid to step forward.

Some of the bolder ones tried to strike up a conversation with Lian Xun, but were scared off by a glare from Qi Luzhi. Everyone wondered what the relationship was between this handsome, unfamiliar young man and President Qi.

“Almost all the influential figures in Xuan Cheng’s business world are here today. I’ll introduce you to a few people later,” Qi Luzhi said, reaching out to take two Goblet from a passing Waiter/Waitress, handing one to Lian Xun.

“Alright, I’ll follow your lead today,” Lian Xun said, taking the glass and taking a sip.

“Who knew the great President Qi was so popular in Xuan Cheng? Those beauties’ eyes are practically glued to you,” Lian Xun said, feeling a bit jealous.

Qi Luzhi’s lips curled into a smile. “Same to you. You’ve been attracting plenty of attention since we walked in.”

“Attention? Where? I didn’t see any,” Lian Xun said, exaggerating as he looked around.

Qi Luzhi rolled his eyes at him, but didn’t say anything.

“Lian Xun, is that you?”

A surprised voice came from not far away. Lian Xun and Qi Luzhi both turned to look.

A refined man wearing gold-rimmed glasses walked slowly toward them, stopping in front of Lian Xun.

“Lian Xun, do you remember me?”

Lian Xun paused for a couple of seconds, looking the man up and down. “Gao…Gao Jingqian-ge?”

“It’s me.” The man smiled slightly, happy that Lian Xun remembered him.

“Jingqian-ge, aren’t you developing your career in Shangjiang City? What brings you to Xuan Cheng?”

“No, my company headquarters is still in Shangjiang. I came to Xuan Cheng on business and didn’t expect to run into you. It’s been so long. How are you and Uncle Lian?”

“I’m fine, Jingqian-ge. How about you?”

“…”

The two of them began chatting as if no one else was around. Qi Luzhi had never been ignored like this in such a setting and was very displeased.

“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Qi Luzhi said to Lian Xun, his tone cold.

Lian Xun coughed awkwardly. “This is Gao Jingqian. Our families are Family Friends, so Jingqian-ge has always taken good care of me.”

“Hello, President Qi. I’ve heard so much about you,” Gao Jingqian said politely, extending his hand to Qi Luzhi before Lian Xun could introduce him.

Of course, who in Xuan Cheng didn’t know Qi Luzhi’s name?

“This Mr. Gao, I haven’t heard of him before,” Qi Luzhi said, shaking Gao Jingqian’s hand perfunctorily, his expression unfriendly.

Gao Jingqian smiled and continued to catch up with Lian Xun, clearly uninterested in Qi Luzhi.

“A-Xun, when will you have time to come to Shangjiang City to see me? I’ll show you around. You must miss your hometown.”

“He’s busy,” Qi Luzhi interjected coldly.

Lian Xun frowned slightly. What was wrong with Qi Luzhi? He was being so impolite.

“Jingqian-ge, we still have some things to take care of later. Let’s catch up properly another time,” Lian Xun said apologetically.

Gao Jingqian glanced at Qi Luzhi, who was scowling, and understood the situation. “No problem.”

After exchanging contact information, Gao Jingqian left.

“You have so many good older brothers,” Qi Luzhi said sarcastically.

“He’s just a Neighbor I grew up with. I only think of him as an older brother.”

“Oh, so he’s your Childhood Friend,” Qi Luzhi continued sarcastically.

Lian Xun: “…”

Qi Luzhi: “He even calls you A-Xun!”

Lian Xun paused for a few seconds, then leaned closer to Qi Luzhi. “Are you jealous?”

Qi Luzhi leaned even closer, almost touching Lian Xun’s face. “Is President Lian so narcissistic?”

The warm breath brushed against Lian Xun’s ear, making his heart skip a beat.

“You, you’re getting so close. Are you going to kiss me?”

“Do you think I wouldn’t dare?” Qi Luzhi’s slightly narrowed eyes glinted dangerously.

In the dim lighting of the venue, Lian Xun quietly swallowed, the Qi Luzhi before him felt somewhat unfamiliar. He seemed to be displaying an unprecedented possessiveness towards him, making Lian Xun secretly rejoice.

“Come on, kiss me to death if you have the guts. I want everyone here to know that you’re mine.”

Lian Xun met Qi Luzhi’s gaze, not backing down, even with a hint of seduction.

Qi Luzhi lowered his gaze, his eyes scanning Lian Xun’s nose, thin lips, then returning to his bright eyes. “You’re really shameless.”

Qi Luzhi wouldn’t kiss him in public, at least not now.

“Let’s go, most of the people are here. It’s time to work,” Qi Luzhi said, stepping back and turning towards the crowd. Lian Xun quickly hurried to catch up.

Not far away, Gao Jingqian stared intently at Lian Xun, his eyes sharp beneath his reflective glasses.

“We’ve been investigating for so long without finding any evidence. It seems even heaven is helping me. Lian Xun is actually back in the country. From today onwards, have people watch him, don’t miss a single move,” Gao Jingqian instructed the Black-Clothed Man beside him.

“Yes,” the Black-Clothed Man nodded slightly, then moved towards Lian Xun like a phantom in the night.