Accidentally Sold Myself (Rebirth) - Chapter 30
30: The Bizarre Gift from Sister
After Gu Xi’s fall yesterday, she still shared a bed with Luo Ningshuang that night. The reason was her injured waist. Although medicated oil was used to massage it, the next morning, her waist still ached faintly.
“Hiss, what bad luck, ugh!”
Gu Xi lay on the bed, rubbing her waist. At that moment, Luo Ningshuang entered the room and said with a smile, “Stop crying, you look awful. Rest well today. Breakfast is on the table, don’t forget to eat.”
Gu Xi nodded. After Luo Ningshuang left, she slowly got up. She had plans to meet her best friend today, so she sent a text and called the driver.
“Uncle De, take me to XX.”
“Alright.”
…
Gu Xi arrived early at the meeting spot and casually chose a seat, scrolling through her phone while waiting.
Her novel’s comment section was buzzing with congratulatory messages. Logging into Weibo, she learned that Luo Ningshuang had announced plans to adapt several of her works into films and TV series.
Ding! Congratulations, Author Ji! Your fame has increased, rewarding 3 Lucky Points.
Accumulated Lucky Points: 8/300
Nice! It seems the more famous I get, the faster and easier it is to earn Lucky Points.
“Moe Lazy Dog?”
Gu Xi looked up at the voice. The woman had light makeup that perfectly accentuated her brows. Her eyes showed a hint of exhaustion but were mostly filled with joy. Her shy demeanor seemed a bit nervous, completely different from their usual online chats.
“Yes, I’m Gu Xi. How should I address you?” Gu Xi smiled, gesturing for her to sit and ordering two cups of milk tea.
“No need to call me ‘Great Author,’ it’s embarrassing. I’m Xiang Erlan, just call me Lanlan.” Xiang Erlan said, a bit shyly.
Gu Xi nodded, giving an OK gesture. “Alright, Lanlan. I didn’t expect the real ‘Princess’ to be such a sweet girl.”
“I didn’t expect Moe Lazy Dog to be so cute either, especially your eyes.” Xiang Erlan said with a smile.
“No, no, I’ve always thought of myself as a fierce, commanding lady. It’s just my big, dark eyes that soften my fierce side.” Gu Xi said. Though she was a homebody and not great at socializing, chatting with someone she’d known online for three years was no problem.
“You’re just like you are in our chats.”
Gu Xi touched her nose. In her past life, she’d been a mess at this point. “Can’t help it. Life’s tough enough. If I moped all day, I wouldn’t survive.”
“You’re right!”
Gu Xi continued, “Alright, let’s get to the point. AC paired us together because of Luo Ningshuang’s interactions with me on Weibo. But they don’t know I’m her wife, the real Moe Lazy Dog.”
Xiang Erlan was slightly surprised, studying Gu Xi seriously to confirm she wasn’t joking. After a moment of thought, she said, “So, anything Luo Ningshuang might take interest in, AC will fight for? That’s reckless. Aren’t they afraid of ruining AC someday?”
“They won’t collapse so easily. AC’s years of connections and wealth let them do whatever they want. No one in the country can compete with them—except maybe the once-glorious Luo family, the business world’s titan, or the rising Gu Group.” Gu Xi said slowly. Since her rebirth, she’d been researching the Gu family online. Though the information was mixed, from what Luo Ningshuang shared, the Gu family’s strength could definitely rival AC, but they seemed too busy to bother with this market.
“You said ‘once.’ A fallen family doesn’t rise easily.” Xiang Erlan said, shaking her head.
Gu Xi smiled confidently. “Not necessarily. There’s always a chance. So, Lanlan, want to team up with me? We’ve found a few actors and have scripts, but it’s not enough. If you’re not interested, I won’t push.”
Xiang Erlan nodded enthusiastically. “Of course I’m in! Didn’t I say we’d join forces and take down AC for underestimating me?”
She coughed awkwardly, her expression turning somber. “Besides, I don’t have much choice, heh.”
Seeing her friend’s troubled look, Gu Xi asked with concern, “I noticed you seemed down earlier. What’s wrong? Don’t worry, I’m the young mistress of the Luo family now. If I can help, I will. Don’t hold back.”
Xiang Erlan shook her head. “It’s just my parents asking for money again, saying my brother’s getting married. But I’m broke. I’m tired, and I don’t want to deal with them. I don’t need your help either. You can help once, but not forever. I know I have to handle this myself.”
“Sounds like you’ve made up your mind. I won’t say more. Come with me to LS now—I didn’t bring the contract.”
“Alright.”
As Gu Xi stood, she held her waist. Xiang Erlan teased, “I didn’t expect the president of Luo Group to be so wild inside. Look at you, worn out like this. You can’t judge people by appearances.”
“Cough, no, I fell…”
Xiang Erlan gave a knowing look. “I get it, no need to explain.”
Gu Xi: “…” No, I really fell.
At LS, Gu Xi walked in confidently, avoiding holding her waist to prevent misunderstandings.
“The CEO’s wife is as radiant as ever today.”
“Who’s that shy girl behind her?”
“She’s pretty, looks like a delicate little wife.”
“Shh, the supervisor’s coming.”
On the 26th floor, Jiang Wenxi spotted Gu Xi and stood up. “Gu Xi, can I ask you a favor?”
“What is it?”
Jiang Wenxi said shyly, “My boyfriend asked me out tomorrow, but I have to work. Can you cover for me for a day?”
“But I don’t know anything about your job! Why not ask for leave?” Gu Xi shook her head. She wasn’t one to take on tasks she couldn’t handle, and she wasn’t a pushover.
“I’m too scared to ask. My work’s mostly done. You just need to take notes at tomorrow’s meeting and collect any documents.” Jiang Wenxi pleaded.
Taking meeting notes wasn’t hard—she could copy someone else’s. Collecting documents was simple enough. Since it wasn’t difficult, Gu Xi agreed. “Alright, fine.”
“Thank you! I love you!”
“Don’t. Just focus on your work today and don’t mess up. I’m heading in.” Gu Xi led Xiang Erlan into the office.
Inside, besides Luo Ningshuang, there was another person with similar features—clearly her sister, Luo Lingxi.
“Hey, this must be my sister-in-law! Not bad, Luo Ningshuang. I just wanted to see Gu Xi, it’s not like I’d steal her. Look at how protective you are.” Luo Lingxi teased.
“Hello, Sister.” Gu Xi said sweetly.
“Aww, so sweet.”
“Why are you here? Didn’t I tell you to rest at home?” Luo Ningshuang ignored her sister, glancing at Gu Xi and then at the person behind her, frowning.
“I have business. This is Xiang Erlan, my best friend. Her book could’ve been adapted, but AC blacklisted her because of me. Her pen name is PrincessWantsToHarmMe. I want to buy her work.” Gu Xi said, rolling her eyes at Luo Ningshuang. If she hadn’t startled her in the kitchen yesterday, would her waist be injured?
Luo Ningshuang chuckled. “My bad. Why didn’t you tell me your friend was coming?”
Gu Xi frowned, slightly annoyed. “Don’t change the subject. Do you agree or not?”
Luo Ningshuang tapped the desk lightly. “Of course I agree. We’ll sign her work along with yours. The contract will be ready tomorrow. If there’s anything else, let me know, and we’ll revise it. Happy now, my dear wife?”
Wife? Ugh… But Gu Xi replied calmly, “Fine.”
Fig, colorful steamed buns, kiwi, fermented rice balls, spaghetti, navel orange, yam, passion fruit, yam…
“Thank you!” Xiang Erlan said to Gu Xi. She hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly. Just days ago, she was at a loss, and now things were looking up.
“No need to thank me. It’s mutual benefit!”
“Here, Gu Xi, a gift from your sister.” Luo Lingxi said, pulling out a delicate box from her bag and handing it to Gu Xi.
“Thank you, Sister.” Gu Xi said, hesitating but accepting it graciously.
“Open it!”
Luo Lingxi looked excited, but Gu Xi felt a sense of dread. Sure enough, inside was a shocking little golden statue of two intertwined women, clearly suggestive despite lacking explicit details.
Gold was valuable, but she’d rather not have it! Gu Xi quickly closed the box, her mouth twitching. “Sister, you put a lot of thought into this!”
“What is it? Let me see.” Luo Ningshuang said, standing and walking over.
Gu Xi stuffed the box into her pocket. “Nothing. It’s a gift from your sister, not for you.”
Luo Ningshuang: “…”
Luo Lingxi clapped to get everyone’s attention. “Alright, little sister, don’t be curious. You two can check it out at home. I’ve met Gu Xi, given the gift, and I’m heading back to the US tomorrow.”
Luo Ningshuang: “Safe travels, no need to see you out.”
Luo Lingxi: “…” Her sister was not cute at all.
Gu Xi, who hadn’t had a chance to speak: “…”
Xiang Erlan smiled and said to Gu Xi, “I’m heading back. I’ve got a lot of writing to catch up on. I’ll come by tomorrow.”
“Alright.”
After she left, Gu Xi remembered she also had writing to do! But with covering for Jiang tomorrow, would she have time? Ugh, she shouldn’t have agreed. Hopefully, she could slack off a bit.
“Tomorrow, Jiang Wenxi’s taking a day off to go on a date, so I’m covering for her.” Gu Xi said.
Luo Ningshuang looked at her skeptically. “I see. You don’t need to cover. I’ll arrange for someone else.”
“You don’t trust me? No way, I’m covering for her tomorrow.” Gu Xi said, provoked by the doubt.
“Fine, whatever you say.”
Gu Xi instantly regretted it. Why didn’t she insist a bit more? Could she take it back now?