Chapter 85: The Intimacy Between Lovers

"Why are you suddenly asking about this?" Cheng Si studied her closely.

In the past few days, he hadn't been in the capital, and he owned more than just Feiyun, so he hadn't paid much attention to Feiyun's recent affairs. Most of the company's current operations were managed by the vice president, and he rarely intervened, truly living up to the title of a nominal boss.

Lin Xi recounted the content of the recent meeting to him. "That's why I think we might have some differences."

Cheng Si raised an eyebrow. "I don't think it'll come to that."

"You're a businessman. What matters to you is profit, which is different from how I see things."

"So what is it about the robotics project that you don't support?"

"It's not exactly that," Lin Xi pondered, then rephrased, "Since we already have the foundation, we shouldn't waste resources. It's just that I don't quite agree with pushing this product line at this stage."

It's still important to distinguish between priorities.

Cheng Si nodded in understanding. "I get it. I'll talk to them when I get back—don't worry."

"And another thing," she continued, "I've always believed that technology is meant to assist and benefit humanity. I don't support research and production driven by the desire to replace people or the pursuit of absolute profit above all else."

She paused, then gave a helpless smile. "I'm giving you advance notice—as soon as we can't see eye-to-eye on these issues, I'll definitely leave Feiyun."

"I have my principles, and I hope you'll respect that, Fourth Brother."

She addressed him with the honest form of 'Fourth Brother,' and how could Cheng Si possibly refuse her? Besides, it wasn't an unreasonable request.

"Do what you want to do. Go ahead boldly. There will never be a conflict between you and me, not here." He smiled. "It's true I'm a competent businessman and generally won't do anything unprofitable. But your fourth brother knows where to draw the line and understands what really matters."

"Rest assured, you'll always come before profit."

"In fact, it's not just me. With Second Brother, Third Brother, and even Bai Xu, you've long since become more important than anyone or anything else."

"I know sometimes you don't believe what I say, and I do tend to say nice things for the sake of appearances, but these words are sincere."

He raised his hand in a mock oath. "Fourth Brother swears, there's absolutely no lying to my dear Xi Bao."

Lin Xi was momentarily taken aback, then pressed his hand down with a laugh. "How many times have I asked you to stop calling me that? I'm not a child anymore."

She didn't really have a nickname—her elders all called her Xi Xi.

Her other brothers did too, but only Cheng Si insisted on being different.

When she was little, it was cute, but now, hearing him call her that in public, the intimacy carried a hint of embarrassment.

She couldn't help but remind him, "I'm already twenty-four."

"So what?" Cheng Si was unfazed. "You're still younger than me, aren't you?"

"Really, you won't even let me use your nickname now," he said, covering his heart with one hand, feigning hurt.

There he goes again.

Of all her brothers, Cheng Si was the most dramatic.

Lin Xi sighed, resigned to letting him have his way.

"If you already object to me calling you that, what if Third Brother did? You'd probably explode."

Lin Xi's eyes widened. "Why bring up Third Brother out of the blue?"

"Why not?" Cheng Si looked innocent. "He used to call you that when you were little, too."

"How come I don't remember that?"

Lin Xi was dumbfounded.

She only remembered Cheng Si calling her that. When they were children, Cheng Si really treated her like his own little sister. The elders had said that when he first came from Jiangcheng to the capital, he was immediately taken with her. He called her 'little sister' every time and would run to the Lin house eight times a day. He never came empty-handed, always bringing snacks or his favorite toys for her.

Before coming to the capital, Cheng Si hadn’t had companions his own age; his three cousins were all twenty or thirty years older, and the only child close to his age was his eldest cousin’s son, who was still a few years younger than him. So Cheng Si had always longed for a younger sibling.

Unfortunately, when he arrived at the compound, all his peers were older brothers. Except for her, the only one younger than him was Bai Xu, but that boy was always stubbornly competitive.

In her memory, it seemed Cheng Si had been calling her Xi Bao since she was in kindergarten.

He said it made them feel closer.

As for Qin Yu...

She couldn't recall him ever using that nickname. She really suspected Cheng Si was making it up.

"It's true," Cheng Si explained seriously, "I think Third Brother was actually the first to call you that."

"...What?" Lin Xi was incredulous.

"That's how I remember it. If you don't believe me, ask him yourself."

Lin Xi's lips twitched. How was she supposed to ask that? "Never mind, it's not important."

There was really no need to ask.

Just imagining Qin Yu using that nickname felt awkward and strangely unsettling.

She couldn't help but recall the time he soothed her to sleep, singing that song, "Baby."

So gentle and lingering...

Just like lovers entwined.

Cheng Si grinned at her, his eyes teasing, as if he could see right through her thoughts.

Lin Xi coughed and looked away. "It's getting late. Aren't you leaving, Fourth Brother?"

"I'll wait a bit—I'll leave with Third Brother. What about you? Want to come with us?"

"No," Lin Xi shook her head. "It's not on my way."

"You're not going back with Bai Xu, are you?"

Lin Xi was about to say no, but Cheng Si didn’t give her a chance to speak, lowering his voice, "Try to avoid him for the next few days."

"Why?" she asked instinctively.

She hadn't wanted to interact much with Bai Xu anyway, so Cheng Si’s warning wasn’t necessary—but since he brought it up, she felt there must be more to it.

"Bai Xu’s gotten into quite a bit of trouble lately. Old Master Bai has been bottling up his anger, but after tonight, word is sure to get back. Don't get caught up in it."

In truth, Cheng Si was speaking in hints, not spelling things out.

Old Master Bai probably wouldn't blame Lin Xi, but others might.

For instance, Bai Xu’s mother, or... his aunt, Aunt Rong.

—

Cheng Si’s words were prophetic. The next morning, while Lin Xi was at work, Aunt Rong called.

"Xi Xi, are you busy?"

"Auntie, is there something you need? I’m still at work."

"It’s hard to explain over the phone. If you’re free, could you come downstairs so we can talk in person?"

Lin Xi walked to the window and glanced down—she quickly spotted a black Bentley.

It was the Qin family’s car.

Lin Xi pressed her lips together. "Does it have to be now? I’m in the lab."

"It’s not just me who wants to see you—it’s Bai Xu’s mother."

Aunt Rong quickly brought out reinforcements, sensing Lin Xi’s reluctance.

Bai Xu’s father had passed away early, and his mother, though frail and rarely out, had always been kind and caring toward her.

Thinking of this, Lin Xi relented. "Auntie, wait for me at the café next door. I’ll be there in ten minutes."

(End of this chapter)