The tyrannical CEO, hindered by disability (15)

Tang Xin accepted Shen Hao’s invitation and went to the villa with him to enjoy the hot springs.

To Tang Xin, Shen Hao’s appearance was nothing short of salvation. With her source of income cut off by Tang You, she was suddenly faced with the problem of survival. The money left on her meal card would barely last her a few more days, and with the school holidays fast approaching, what was she to do then?

It was at this moment that Shen Hao appeared.

Not only was he handsome and wealthy, but he treated her with warmth and generosity. She had no suspicion whatsoever about this rich heir who had so suddenly started pursuing her. On the contrary, she felt rather smug about it.

“This is one of my family’s properties,” Shen Hao told her. “When I have time, I like to come here for a couple of days to relax. Do you like it here, Xin Xin?”

Tang Xin gave Shen Hao a shy smile and replied softly, “It’s beautiful here.”

It truly was beautiful—luxurious in a discreet, understated way. Tang Xin had never visited such an upscale resort before.

“As long as you like it.” Shen Hao smiled, taking her hand. “The desserts in the restaurant are delicious after dinner. Let me take you there.”

Tang Xin nodded, allowing Shen Hao to lead her along.

Meanwhile, Si Jiu was strolling unhurriedly toward the restaurant as well.

Although she was staying in the private quarters Shen Huai had reserved for her and had no need to dine in the public areas, she was nothing if not obliging when someone was clearly hoping for a chance encounter.

Thus, Tang Xin and her elder sister ran into each other unexpectedly at the restaurant.

“Sister?”

Shen Hao thought to himself how perfectly things were going. He’d been racking his brains for a way to lure her out, but to his surprise, she had walked right into his hands.

“And this is?” Shen Hao put on a look of polite curiosity as he sized up Si Jiu.

She bore a certain resemblance to Tang Xin, sharing about half her features—both were delicately pretty. But the glasses perched on her nose detracted from her looks, and she was on the thin side, her complexion a little wan. Compared to Tang Xin, she was rather lacking, never mind compared to a true beauty.

Was this really Shen Huai’s taste? Shen Hao scoffed inwardly.

“This is my sister, Tang You.” Tang Xin’s expression soured as she introduced her, but mindful of Shen Hao, she managed not to curse outright—though her tone was far from friendly. “What are you doing here?”

“Do I need your permission to be anywhere?” Si Jiu slid her hands into her pockets and raised her lips in a cool, mocking smile.

“You—”

“So you’re Xin Xin’s sister.” Shen Hao cut Tang Xin off, giving Si Jiu a model smile and extending his hand with what he considered effortless charm. “Hello, I’m Shen Hao, a friend of Xin Xin’s. Since we’ve met here, why not join us for dinner?”

Tang Xin immediately became wary, shooting Si Jiu a warning glare.

Si Jiu seemed not to notice, arching an eyebrow at Shen Hao with a teasing, almost smiling expression. “Sorry, my hands are cold.”

Shen Hao paused, then withdrew his hand with unruffled composure, though he felt a peculiar sensation inside.

So Shen Huai liked a “little pepper,” did he? Well, he had to admit, it had its own appeal.

In the end, what was supposed to be a romantic dinner for two became a party of three.

Tang Xin, especially sensitive, soon noticed Shen Hao’s particular attentiveness toward her sister.

What made it worse was that all the courtesy and warmth she herself rarely enjoyed was met with nothing but indifference from Si Jiu, who accepted it as her due and didn’t seem to think much of it at all.

Tang Xin was practically grinding her teeth in frustration. The moment Shen Hao excused himself to the restroom, she dropped into the seat beside Si Jiu and hissed, “What are you playing at?”

“What’s it to you?”

“Haven’t you already latched on to a rich man? What, now you see a better prospect and suddenly he’s not good enough because of his disability? Listen to me, Shen Hao is my target. You’d better keep your hands off him.”

Who was targeting whom here? She saw him as a sugar daddy, but he saw her as a fish laid out on the chopping block.

“Silent now? Feeling guilty? Tang You, if you still want me to acknowledge you as my sister, you’d better know your place.”

“Ah. To be honest, I wasn’t interested at all.”

“What?” Tang Xin was momentarily stunned.

“But since you’re so determined to threaten me, I’d feel almost sorry not to do something about it.”

Tang Xin’s heart skipped a beat. She was about to retort when Shen Hao returned.

To Tang Xin’s dismay, her previously indifferent elder sister suddenly began to respond—subtly but unmistakably—to Shen Hao’s attentions.

Tang Xin: !!! Outrage beyond words.