After Disabled A was Reborn, She Got Scummed Again - Chapter 24

“So the rumors were true. Chu Qian is really close with that illegitimate daughter from the Cheng family!” Shang Niannian exclaimed excitedly.

“But… why would they come together?” Chu Qiyan asked softly, her voice tinged with confusion.

Qin Xiao retracted her gaze, her thoughts dissipating from her eyes as she refocused on the work at hand.

Meanwhile, Shang Niannian continued to tug on Chu Qiyan’s sleeve, analyzing the situation enthusiastically. “You think there’s something going on between them? That delicate little flower Chu Qian sure has her methods—already found herself someone to latch onto.”

“…” 

Chu Qiyan stayed silent. Her almond-shaped eyes, dark and clear, slowly drooped, concealing the flicker of doubt within them.

“I’m talking to you. Why aren’t you saying anything?” Shang Niannian nudged her gently.

“Huh? Oh… yeah…” Chu Qiyan finally snapped out of her daze and replied.

“What’s wrong? Just hearing Chu Qian’s name got you scared? Look at you, completely out of it,” Shang Niannian scoffed.

“It’s not that…” Chu Qiyan said quietly.

“Qin-jiejie is here. What are you afraid of? You’ve really got no guts,” Shang Niannian grumbled, clearly frustrated. “It’s just Chu Qian, for heaven’s sake.”

*****

At exactly 4 p.m., as scheduled, Cheng Mianxin arrived at Qinlang Group with Chu Qian together.

Both of them were dressed formally and headed straight to Qin Xiao’s office.

Cheng Mianxin wore a crisp, tailored suit, while Chu Qian stuck to her usual style—a flowing white dress that emphasized her delicate and gentle appearance. This one, however, was simpler in design, lending her a touch of understated elegance.

“President Qin… Hello, I’m Cheng Mianxin.” She addressed Qin Xiao, then noticing the number of irrelevant people in the room, smoothly reintroduced herself with poised confidence.

Her gaze soon landed on a familiar figure. A hint of recognition lit up her expression as she smiled. “Miss Chu, you’re here too. We meet again.”

“Hello, Miss Cheng.” Chu Qiyan had intended to stand and greet her, but Shang Niannian clutched her arm tightly, holding her in place. She had no choice but to remain seated on the sofa and nodded with a warm, gentle smile.

Behind her desk, Qin Xiao took a sip of tea, her gaze flicking subtly between them, her sharp, phoenix-shaped eyes briefly sweeping over Cheng Mianxin with a cool edge.

“And this is…?” Cheng Mianxin naturally noticed the unfamiliar face beside Chu Qiyan.

“Shang Niannian,” she replied lazily, barely glancing at her. Her arm remained firmly linked with Chu Qiyan’s, giving her no room to move.

Just an illegitimate daughter who doesn’t even deserve a proper introduction, she thought. No need to show her any respect.

“Oh, so you’re Miss Shang. I was planning to pay a visit to the Shang family elders sometime soon.” Cheng Mianxin smiled politely, her demeanor composed and graceful.

“Jiejie, President Qin…” Chu Qian chimed in sweetly, greeting them with a bright and sugary smile, as if the past awkwardness between them never existed.

“Hmmph…” Shang Niannian gave a soft snort and turned away dismissively.

Chu Qiyan still kept her gentle smile, but her eyes held little emotion—just mild curiosity.

She had no interest in engaging with Chu Qian. In situations like this, it wouldn’t be surprising if the latter was plotting something again.

“Qin Xiao.” Qin Xiao spoke coldly, offering just her name.

“President Qin, I’ve heard so much about you. I just returned to the capital recently and thought I’d come by to introduce myself.”

“Mm, have a seat,” Qin Xiao said, her long lashes casting a shadow over her cool, impassive eyes.

“Please, take a seat,” added Assistant Liu with a gesture. The secretary came over with tea, placing cups before them. She also cleared the table, where leftover pastries and juice from Shang Niannian and Chu Qiyan were still sitting. She quietly moved them to the other side.

Qin Xiao slowly set down her tea cup. Assistant Liu pushed her wheelchair to the seating area and parked it steadily beside Chu Qiyan.

Cheng Mianxin and Chu Qian took the seats on her other side, with Chu Qian sitting on the far end.

When Cheng Mianxin chose the seat closest to Chu Qiyan, Chu Qian’s fingers instinctively clenched. Though she kept up her graceful smile, her attention was fixed squarely on the two of them, wary of any signs that Cheng Mianxin might try to get closer to Chu Qiyan.

Now seated among the group, Qin Xiao looked every bit the imposing presence she was known to be. Her phoenix eyes, sharp and upturned, carried a glint like a blade’s edge—icy and cutting. Her expression was distant and regal, exuding quiet authority.

Silence fell over the room. No one dared to break it.

Cheng Mianxin finally offered a polite smile and lifted her cup. “President Qin, your tea smells wonderful.”

“Mm.” Qin Xiao nodded faintly.

“Miss Cheng has good taste. This is a special green tea blend from Ningqing Villa,” Assistant Liu explained warmly, her eyes gentle and intelligent.

“Qiyan, could you get me the coffee?” Qin Xiao turned to her.

A soft smile curled on Chu Qiyan’s lips, but the sparkle had faded from her obsidian-like eyes. Her hands rested tensely in front of her, her whole posture taut and alert, ready for anything unexpected.

“Here,” Chu Qiyan said as she passed over the latte with a smile.

“Thank you.” Qin Xiao’s long lashes fluttered slightly as she took a sip.

“If you like it, Qin-jiejie, I’ll buy the same one next time!” Shang Niannian said cheerfully.

Cheng Mianxin’s eyes shifted between the group, her brows faintly furrowed. She seemed puzzled—why were there so many unrelated people present?

“Miss Cheng,” Assistant Liu began calmly, “let me introduce them. This is our family head’s fiancée, and this is her younger sister, Miss Shang Niannian. They’re both family. Feel free to speak openly.”

“Yes,” Qin Xiao confirmed, glancing at Cheng Mianxin with a look of casual indifference.

There was no need for this meeting to be overly formal—whether there was business to discuss or not.

“…Ah, alright then.” Cheng Mianxin nodded quickly.

“President Qin, I mainly wanted to stop by and say hello. I hope there will be opportunities to work together in the future.”

“Sure.” Qin Xiao sipped her coffee thoughtfully. “What kind of collaboration?”

“I heard you recently acquired that piece of land in the western district. Our Cheng family would be happy to handle the entire development process…” Cheng Mianxin glanced apologetically at Chu Qiyan. Bringing this up in front of her felt a little awkward, especially since she was part of the arrangement.

She had also had her eye on that property. It was such a huge undeveloped lot—letting it sit empty felt like a waste. But she hadn’t expected Qin Xiao to move so quickly. The land had already been snatched up.

Which only proved it was valuable.

“No need.” Qin Xiao refused without hesitation. “And you’re probably not in a position to represent the Cheng family, are you?” She met Cheng Mianxin’s gaze, her sharp, calm eyes cutting right to the core.

“…Not at the moment, but that won’t be the case for much longer.” Cheng Mianxin smiled faintly, confidence steady in her voice.

“Then let me offer my congratulations in advance,” Qin Xiao said lightly, turning to glance at Chu Qiyan again—still composed and poised.

A quick side glance also caught Shang Niannian puffing her cheeks in quiet displeasure.

“Well then, I won’t take up more of your time. I’ll leave now. Hopefully we’ll have a chance to collaborate down the line.” With that, Cheng Mianxin stood up, ready to take her leave.

“Alright.”

“Mianxi, I’d like to have a word with my sister,” Chu Qian said with a gentle smile.

“Okay, I’ll wait for you outside.”

In an instant, everyone’s eyes turned to Chu Qian.

“What is it?” Chu Qiyan looked up at her calmly and asked.

“Sis, why are you being so distant with me lately? I haven’t done anything to upset you, have I?” Her voice was soft and delicate, her expression pitiful.

Chu Qiyan instinctively frowned. “Just get to the point.”

“What do you mean ‘get to the point’? Don’t make trouble out of nothing, Chu Qian. Cut the act!” Shang Niannian snapped, upon hearing what she said to Chu Qiyan, then glanced at Qin Xiao to check her reaction. “My sister Qin doesn’t fall for that kind of crap!”

“Niannian, I… 

Sis, I honestly don’t understand why you’re treating me like this. Did I do something wrong?” Chu Qian asked, pretending to be heartbroken.

“If not, then please leave,” Chu Qiyan said bluntly, her frown deepening.

“Sis… fine. President Qin, please take good care of my sister. Don’t just forget about her once you’ve gotten the land in West City…” Chu Qian added pointedly before turning to leave.

Qin Xiao frowned as she watched her leave. Was that supposed to be a “reminder”?

“What the hell was that? Like she has any right to say that! As if anyone needs her approval. Ugh, I can’t stand these fake sweethearts…” Shang Niannian grumbled in disgust.

Chu Qiyan lowered her eyes in thought, her delicate brows furrowed tightly. Chu Qian’s words lingered in her ears. Even now, she’s trying to poison her mind?

So she was warning her—suggesting that Qin Xiao’s affection was only because of the Chu family’s land in West City, and once she got it, she’d toss her aside?

The heart that had only just begun to flutter because of Qin Xiao’s tenderness started to beat slower, steadier… until it finally fell silent again.

Yes. Qin Xiao was cold and ruthless—what if one day she simply decided she didn’t need her anymore? If she lost her value, what reason would there be to keep her around? Just wait until the novelty wore off…

But did Chu Qian really have to do this? Just when her life was starting to feel bright again, she had to come and deal her a brutal wake-up call—forcing her to face harsh reality.

Heh. Chu Qian really did know her too well.

Chu Qiyan’s lashes fell, veiling the flash of mockery in her eyes.

“What’s wrong, Qiyan? Why aren’t you saying anything?” Shang Niannian nudged her twice.

“…It’s nothing.” Chu Qiyan looked up with a smile, but no matter how you looked at it, it was clearly forced.

Qin Xiao glanced over. On Chu Qiyan’s delicate face, all the color had drained away. Her long lashes trembled like dark butterfly wings, and though the corners of her lips curled into a smile, her usually calm eyes now held a gloomy haze. That smile—was so pale.

Seeing her like that, Qin Xiao’s heart tightened, and she frowned slightly. “Qiyan, don’t overthink it. I meant what I said.” Her voice was soft but firm, filled with conviction. Somehow, it made people want to believe her.

“Mm, okay.” Chu Qiyan gave a faint smile. The chill in her heart eased slightly with those words, a small warmth creeping in—subtle, but moving.

“Exactly! Chu Qiyan, what are you so afraid of all the time? You’re Qin Jie’s fiancée! Who’d dare mess with you?” Shang Niannian said with frustration, shaking her head like she couldn’t bear it. “If I were her fiancée, I’d be walking sideways down the street!”

“Alright, alright… I got it.” Chu Qiyan nodded repeatedly and managed a small smile.

“Qin Jie, why don’t we go to Mòyun Tower for dinner again today?” Shang Niannian looked at the time and cheerfully suggested.

“No.” Qin Xiao had already returned to her desk.

Special Assistant Liu explained with a smile, “The family head is eating at home tonight.”

“Then can I come eat at your place?” Shang Niannian blinked her bright eyes, full of hopeful expectation.

“No.” Qin Xiao rejected her without hesitation.

“Qiyan, can I come eat at your place then?” Shang Niannian tugged on Chu Qiyan, blinking pitifully.

“…Uh… You’ll have to ask President Qin. I’m kind of crashing too,” Chu Qiyan replied meekly.

“Is that so?” Just then, President Qin—who had been quietly working, looked up and gave her a teasing glance. A soft smile replaced her usual chill. “Then you’ll have to ask nicely if you want to eat tonight.”

“…” 

The smile on Chu Qiyan’s lips froze. She licked her lips, clearly flustered. She exchanged a look with Shang Niannian—clearly regretting her words.

“No worries. Qin Jie’s not that stingy. If not, just come eat at my place and hang out,” Shang Niannian quickly offered. It was a win-win—plus, Qiyan wouldn’t be living with Qin Jie anymore.

“Ah? That’s probably not appropriate… but thank you.” Chu Qiyan politely declined.

At that moment, Assistant Liu passed by with a gentle smile and dropped a casual bombshell: “Newlyweds shouldn’t be separated. That’s just rude.”

“…”

“…?”

Qin Xiao and Chu Qiyan looked up at the same time. Their eyes met in the air—something unspoken passed between them—before they both awkwardly looked away, pretending nothing had happened.

“What the heck, Assistant Liu?! Can you not say such weird stuff all the time? ‘Newlyweds’? Where did that come from?” Shang Niannian scolded, shooting her several glares.

Assistant Liu simply smiled and said nothing.

After a long moment of quiet, the office door suddenly flew open, and Xu Chanmian came in her white lab coat.

“Qin Xiao, you’re actually in the office? That’s rare,” she said, strolling in. Her eyes swept over the room and landed on two familiar faces on the couch. “Oh hey, you’re all here?”

“No wonder you’ve been MIA (Missing In Action) lately. Turns out you’ve been cozying up with the little beauty,” she teased.

“Hello, Dr. Xu.” Chu Qiyan greeted her with a sweet smile.

“What are you doing here, Xu Chanmian?” Shang Niannian frowned.

“Hi, Miss Chu… What, you can come but I can’t?” Xu Chanmian casually took off her coat, revealing a chic and elegant outfit underneath—though there was still a hint of flirtiness to it.

“You need an appointment to see Qin Jie, okay?” Shang Niannian snapped.

“Did you make an appointment? Besides, Miss Chu—Qin Xiao’s fiancée—hasn’t said anything, has she?” Xu Chanmian shot her a look and plopped herself down on the couch.

“Looks like you’re living well—snacks and drinks.” She reached for a little cake.

“Hey, I bought those. Hands off!” Shang Niannian slapped her hand away.

“Don’t be so stingy, sis,” Xu Chanmian teased, laughing as she grabbed one anyway.

“Do you need something?” Qin Xiao finally asked, her tone cold.

“Can’t I visit for no reason? I’m crashing your dinner tonight—no leaving till I’m drunk!” Xu Chanmian said with a playful grin.

“.You fought with Lu Ming again?” Qin Xiao asked calmly.

“…” 

Xu Chanmian froze. “What fight? We broke up ages ago,” she replied breezily.

“…Alright,” Qin Xiao said, giving in. “Niannian, you’re coming too.”

Assistant Liu immediately texted Aunt Liu, asking her to make extra food for the evening.

“Yay! Thanks, Qin Jie.” Shang Niannian beamed, then leaned toward Chu Qiyan with a grin. “So she’s heartbroken…”

“Dr. Xu, don’t be too sad… there are still plenty of good Omegas out there,” Chu Qiyan offered a gentle bit of comfort.

“…You two better cut it out. Who said I’m heartbroken? I’ve got pretty girls hitting me up every day!” Xu Chanmian huffed in denial.

“Sure, sure.” Shang Niannian and Chu Qiyan exchanged knowing smiles.

…

That evening, the group arrived  at Qin Xiao’s Yunshan Garden.

“Aunt Liu, long time no see!” Xu Chanmian greeted warmly.

“Hi, Aunt Liu,” Shang Niannian called sweetly.

“Aunt Liu.” Chu Qiyan smiled politely.

“Aunt Liu.” Qin Xiao gave a cool nod.

“Mom,” Assistant Liu said gently—clearly on purpose.

Everyone glanced her way.

“Liu Xinmin, can you act normal for once? You’re seriously gonna end up with split personalities,” Xu Chanmian said with disdain.

“President Qin doesn’t mind,” Liu Xinmin said with a soft smile.

Watching them interact, Chu Qiyan realized she was starting to get used to this chaos. She turned to Shang Niannian—who was frozen, clearly in shock.

“…Assistant Liu… she’s…” Shang Niannian stammered.

“She’s a friend of Qin Xiao’s,” Chu Qiyan explained easily. “Her name’s Liu Xinmin.”

Shang Niannian nodded slowly, deep in thought.

The usually quiet house was now full of laughter and chatter. Seeing everyone so cheerful, even Qin Xiao couldn’t help but curve her lips into a soft smile.

Just then, Chu Qiyan’s eyes happened to land on Qin Xiao.

The normally cold and commanding Qin Xiao had a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Her fair, delicate face glowed gently, and her usual icy aura melted into something tender, like spring thawing a long-frozen landscape. Her eyes, shaped like graceful phoenix wings, were curved with amusement, glimmering with warmth like the first sunlight that stirs the world awake in early spring.

For a split second, in the midst of laughter and chatter around her, all Chu Qiyan could hear was the pounding of her own heart—loud, urgent, thumping as if it would leap from her chest. It shook her to the core, stealing her breath and thoughts, and in that moment, her world contained only Qin Xiao.

Qin Xiao swept her gaze across the room and instantly caught sight of Chu Qiyan staring dazedly at her. Their eyes met—just for a beat—and Chu Qiyan looked away like a startled rabbit, dropping her gaze immediately to escape the intensity of the moment.

Qin Xiao licked her lips, her smile fading a little. She didn’t quite understand Chu Qiyan’s sudden reaction.

When she glanced again, she noticed the tips of Chu Qiyan’s ears glowing red beneath her hair, and even her cheeks seemed tinged with a faint blush.

She’s blushing… just from eye contact?

Qin Xiao didn’t dwell on it. She turned to Xu Chanmian and said lightly, “She’s always like this. Haven’t you gotten used to it yet?”

“Hmph, it’s not like I live with her,” Xu Chanmian replied snidely, glancing provocatively at Liu Xinyin as she brushed past her.

Liu Xinyin smiled softly, her voice sweet as ever. “Exactly. I wouldn’t live with someone who sobs ‘boohoo’ all day over a breakup.” Her curved eyes sparkled with a quiet jab of amusement as she gently nudged Qin Xiao toward the living room.

“Qiyan, those two just now…” Shang Niannian frowned, clearly confused by what she’d witnessed. The whole dynamic felt strange. But before she could continue, she noticed Chu Qiyan hadn’t responded. “What’s with you?”

Chu Qiyan’s face was flushed, her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings—delicate and a little overwhelmed.

“N-nothing. It’s just… a bit stuffy with so many people around,” she muttered, tugging slightly at her collar. She discreetly slipped her arm out of Shang Niannian’s hold and fanned herself with her hand, trying to play it off casually.

Shang Niannian gave her a suspicious look but didn’t push further. After all, Liu Xinyin alone was enough to keep her brain spinning.

“What’s for dinner, Auntie Liu?” Xu Chanmian asked brightly.

“Lamb ribs—your favorite.”

“I knew you loved me best, Auntie Liu! Let’s crack open that bottle of red wine Qin Xiao’s been saving!”

“I love the family head best,” Auntie Liu replied dryly as she turned and walked back into the kitchen.

“…Well, that was awkward.” Xu Chanmian muttered as she awkwardly made her way toward Qin Xiao.

“Qin Xiao…” she began.

“Sure. Let’s celebrate your breakup,” Qin Xiao cut her off coolly, the corners of her phoenix eyes curving ever so slightly, the look in them gentle.

Seated on the sofa nearby, Chu Qiyan’s ears turned bright red again. She quickly looked away.

This version of Qin Xiao… was new to her. Warm, full of life, down-to-earth. The aloof, untouchable goddess she knew—the one who always seemed above the world—actually had this tender side. It was stunning. Enchanting.

And it made Chu Qiyan’s heart betray her again, pounding so loud she was terrified others might hear it. She tried to steady her breathing, hoping no one would notice.

Watching her, Liu Xinyin—who had deliberately guided Qin Xiao to sit close to Qiyan—couldn’t help but smile. She could practically smell the faint, lingering tension in the air, thick with something warm and tingling… the early stirrings of affection.

Meanwhile, Shang Niannian, visiting Qin Xiao’s home for the first time, was far too curious to sit still. She clung to Liu Xinyin, demanding a house tour.

Xu Chanmian, sensing the mood, tactfully retreated to the kitchen to chat with Auntie Liu—and to dig for a little gossip about Qin Xiao.

Soon, the living room quieted. Only Chu Qiyan and Qin Xiao remained.

“You don’t have to be nervous,” Qin Xiao said coolly, glancing over. “As long as I’m here, they won’t bully you.”

“I… no, that’s not it…” Chu Qiyan’s voice trailed off. Hearing that kind yet powerful assurance made her cheeks heat again. She ducked her head, looking like she wanted to disappear.

“Then what is it?” Qin Xiao tilted her head. “Are you… shy?”

Watching the color creep up Chu Qiyan’s face, Qin Xiao frowned slightly, puzzled.