Chapter 1641

Samuel's expression turned grave. "That won't do. Without any proper status, it would be unfair to you." "What's unfair about it? I'm just staying in this room—it's not like we're doing anything improper, Uncle." Samuel looked troubled. "Well... since you insist, I'll accept your kindness. Here's my promise to you: anytime you're willing, I'll take you to register our marriage and give you the status of my wife. How does that sound?" Hearing this, Xiao Qingqing couldn't help but laugh. "That really isn't necessary. I'd much rather see you recover fully and marry the woman you love. That's the kind of life a normal person should have." The woman he loves... Samuel's brow lifted almost imperceptibly. She was right, of course. Since she wasn't in a hurry, he could afford to take his time. As evening fell, Xiao Qingqing was organizing her research materials in her room when a knock sounded at the door. She tidied the papers and went to answer it. Samuel stood there, dressed in a crisp suit. "Qingqing, change your clothes. I'm taking you out." "Where to?" "A private club. There's something interesting I want you to see." Xiao Qingqing shook her head gently. "I'm not really one for spectacles, Uncle. You go ahead without me." "You'll find this one particularly intriguing. Be a good girl and get changed. I'll wait for you downstairs," he said, coaxing her like a child before turning to leave. Xiao Qingqing frowned. What kind of excitement could possibly pique her interest? But Third Uncle always had everything under control. If he said it was worth her time, she trusted his judgment. She turned and headed to the walk-in closet, grabbing a simple yet elegant Chanel-style suit. After changing, she tied her hair into a loose, fluffy bun before heading out with Samuel. At the Marquis Club, Samuel held Xiao Qingqing’s hand and led her straight to the private room. The moment they stepped inside, Xiao Qingqing realized the room was filled with seven or eight people—most of them strangers. But one face stood out, unmistakably clear. Su Jiaojiao! What was she doing here? Dressed in a black strapless minidress, Su Jiaojiao sat beside a middle-aged man, handing him a drink. When she spotted the two at the door, her expression froze for a split second. What the hell was that bitch doing here? The middle-aged man quickly stood up, smoothing his suit before approaching Samuel with an outstretched hand. "Third Master, it’s truly an honor to have you grace us with your presence." Samuel didn’t shake his hand. Instead, he raised the hand holding Xiao Qingqing’s and replied coolly, "Occupied." Only then did the man shift his gaze to Xiao Qingqing’s face, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Third Master, who is this…?" "My woman!" The boisterous private room fell into a silence so profound you could hear a pin drop, all because of Samuel's declaration. Since the Xiao family had fallen from grace early and Xiao Qingqing had left the Su household many years ago, few in their social circle could connect her face to her identity as the Su family's stepdaughter. But now, everyone suddenly recalled the unverified scandal that had been circulating yesterday morning. Could this be the very same Su family stepdaughter rumored to have spent a passionate night with Samuel? No wonder even the famously untouchable Samuel had succumbed—her breathtaking beauty was simply otherworldly, even without a trace of makeup. Ignoring the middle-aged man completely, Samuel took Xiao Qingqing's hand and led her straight to the center of the sofa, where they sat down together. Though visibly embarrassed by the cold shoulder, the middle-aged man quickly recovered. Turning around, he nudged Su Jiaojiao's shoulder and urged in a low voice, "Jiaojiao, haven't you been begging for a chance to meet Third Master? What are you waiting for? Go offer him a drink!" Su Jiaojiao clenched her fists. Tonight, she had sacrificed her own body just to secure this opportunity—begging Manager Qin to arrange a meeting with Samuel. She couldn't let Xiao Qingqing, that wretched woman, ruin her moment. In fact, this was the perfect chance to humiliate Xiao Qingqing and show Third Master how unworthy this lowly stepdaughter was to stand by his side... With a practiced smile of delicate charm, Su Jiaojiao immediately poured a glass of whiskey and sidled up to Samuel's other side. "Third Master," she cooed, "let me propose a toast to you." Samuel's icy gaze flicked toward her, his voice dripping with disdain. "Do I know you?" Su Jiaojiao's breath hitched. She hadn't expected Samuel to be so openly dismissive. Then, as he turned back to Xiao Qingqing, an uncharacteristic warmth softened his eyes. "What would you like to drink, Qingqing? Juice? Mango pomelo sago?" The onlookers nearby couldn't help but exchange meaningful glances. The blatant double standards from Third Master were truly making Su Jiaojiao look ridiculous. Only now did Xiao Qingqing understand why Samuel had brought her along to witness this spectacle. He must have known beforehand that someone was trying to push Su Jiaojiao onto him. Suppressing a smirk, Xiao Qingqing promptly played along. "I'd like some corn juice, please." Samuel lifted his gaze, his indifferent eyes settling on the waiter by the door. Catching the cue, the waiter immediately responded, "Right away, miss. I'll fetch it for you." Noticing that Su Jiaojiao showed no intention of leaving—instead lingering by Samuel as if waiting to speak—Xiao Qingqing deliberately turned her head aside and coughed twice. Instantly concerned, Samuel asked, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Rubbing her nose, Xiao Qingqing muttered, "No, it's just... the smell is too strong. It's irritating my nose." His expression darkened as he shot a glare at Su Jiaojiao, who was still standing there drenched in what seemed like an entire bottle of perfume. Disgust laced his voice as he snapped, "That reek of perfume is suffocating. Are you trying to choke Qingqing to death? Get lost!" Su Jiaojiao's face flushed crimson. This was supposed to be a seductive fragrance—how could it possibly be offensive? Fortunately, the quick-witted Mr. Qin stepped in. "Jiaojiao, the perfume is indeed overpowering. Don't ruin Third Master's mood. Why don't you go freshen up in the restroom?" Though seething with indignation, Su Jiaojiao had no choice but to comply if she wanted another chance to approach Samuel. With a stiff nod, she turned and strode out. No sooner had she stepped into the restroom than another lavishly dressed woman from the private dining room followed suit. The woman positioned herself beside Su Jiaojiao and asked with feigned curiosity, "Jiaojiao, is that really your stepsister in there?" Dabbing her neck and arms delicately with a tissue—her signature floral perfume lingering in the air—Jiaojiao’s eyes welled up on cue, her practiced expression of vulnerability speaking volumes without a word. The woman hurried to console her. "That stepsister of yours sure knows her tricks. That face of hers—even a fox spirit reborn couldn’t hold a candle to her. To think even Third Master, a man who’s never been one to stray, fell right into her trap. Tsk tsk. How could someone as pure as you ever outmaneuver a schemer like her?" Jiaojiao heaved a sorrowful sigh. "Qingqing and I are both children of a blended family. She has her own grievances, so even though she drugged me, framed me, and kicked our family while we were down... I’ve never blamed her. I only resent myself..." Maintaining her saintly facade, she lowered her head, tears glistening. "If only I hadn’t wasted my time on useless things like piano and painting—if I’d focused on business instead—maybe Father wouldn’t be struggling so much now." The woman’s eyes lit up with sudden recollection. "Wait, didn’t you excel at piano? You even won awards in national competitions, right?" Jiaojiao sighed wistfully. "What good is any of that now? It won’t solve our immediate problems." "But it could catch the eye of the right man," the woman countered with a sly grin. "Isn’t Third Master’s bed your endgame? Tell you what—I’ll give you a little push later. Just make sure you impress him." Head still bowed as she wiped her tears, Jiaojiao hid the faint smirk curling at the corners of her lips.