Did You Think She Could Still Bully Me?

"Nonsense. You'll never be as rotten as your sister... and even if you do become bad, you'll never hurt anyone else on purpose." Su Zipei had faith in Mu Qiqi about that. 

"Aunt Zipei…"

"Qiqi, while you shouldn't hurt others, you must protect yourself too. Sheng Xiao would not have you be bullied, and he is your greatest pillar of strength."

In the past, Su Zipei had thought that Mu Qiqi would not really have a change of fate after Sheng Xiao took her in, who would at best give her a place to live. And yet, after just five months together, Su Zipei realized that Sheng Xiao was not as demonic towards his own people as outside rumors suggested.

He was ever free-spirited and self-indulgent, dishing out poisonous words from time to time.

However, he never objected when it came to Mu Qiqi.

He had really fulfilled his promise: Qiqi has everything he has.

That alone made Su Zipei completely loyal to him.

She would walk into the fire even if it wasn't for Mu Qiqi.

On the day before the birthday party, the result of the mathematics competition was announced: Mu Qiqi had won first place in the high-school category with full marks.

It surprised everyone that a girl could master mathematics so perfectly, and once again discredited rumors that her grades were a result of cheating. Even if Van Gogh students would try to mock her again, Eaton students—who now fully believed her—would naturally retort.

Moreover, Van Gogh never cared for students' personal strengths, and as such wasted a young genius like Mu Qiqi!

Eaton was different. Being able to tap into a star such as Mu Qiqi was why Eaton stood higher in prestige than Van Gogh.

That certainly left Van Gogh students speechless, since none of them expected that Mu Qiqi was actually so smart.

The class teacher even exaggerated her praise for Mu Qiqi when she announced the results. "It definitely wasn't the wrong choice to send you! All of Eaton is proud of you!"

After all, although Mu Tangxue had experienced and participated in several competitions, there as not a single occasion where she won first place.

Or full marks!

Therefore, an added meaning could be interpreted in the class teacher's words: luckily, Mu Tangxue was not their representative.

The entire class applauding for Mu Qiqi also meant that Mu Tangxue's scheme to gain control over Mu Qiqi once more missed entirely.

"Qiqi, my idol! You're so awesome!" Qian Qian gave Mu Qiqi a big hug. "You have no idea how much better you are than that scheming sister of yours."

Mu Qiqi turned to glance at Mu Tangxue before turning back to Qian Qian. "I'm not comparing myself to her," she replied. "I'm just competing against myself."

Because Sheng Xiao had reminded her that she must win against herself.

On the other hand, Mu Tangxue was as helpless as she was upset. Mu Qiqi was no longer cowering and weak like before, and had become a completely different person after she left the Mu family.

Still, she was lucky this time. She might not be so lucky the next, not to mention that there was still a lot of time.

With that thought, Mu Tangxue sat in front of Mu Qiqi and congratulated her, "Impressive, Sis. I'm proud of you too."

"Well, thanks." Mu Qiqi replied, staring at her.

"Tomorrow's our birthday party. Come early, our parents miss you."

"I'm going to say this: I'll be there," Mu Qiqi answered very seriously.

"Good. We'll wait for you and Aunt Zipei."

It was after Mu Tangxue had left some distance away that Qian Qian finally asked Mu Qiqi, "Why do I have the feeling that she's not that kind?"

"Do you think she could still bully me?" Mu Qiqi glanced at her sideways.

"Yes? You are going to the Mu family's house tomorrow."

After all, everyone now knew that Mu Qiqi was not on bad terms with the Mu family.

And what might happen if they kept neglecting her?

For her part, Mu Qiqi was not worried because she did not really need parental affection now.

On the night of the twenty-third, Mu Qiqi stared blankly at the little white gift on her desk.

She definitely would wear it since Sheng Xiao did snatch it away right under Mu Tangxue's nose.

However, she was especially unhappy that she could not see Sheng Xiao on her birthday just because she had to deal with the Mu family.

She also knew that he would be busy as Huang Yao would have events across the nation.

Still, it was a little secret hidden deep in the selfish part of her heart to just see his face for a moment…

***

The responsibility Sheng Xiao shouldered as the heir of a diamond family during the final preparations for the Huang Yao event was nothing anyone could imagine, even if he himself appeared to be irrepressible.

"Young Master, everything is ready. You have to leave for Paris as soon as possible or you would miss the press conference for our new product." Jing Yun reminded him, daily schedule in hand.

Sheng Xiao looked at his watch, before telling him, "The flight is three in the morning. Head over first—I'll be at the airport before two."

"But, Young Master…"

"The old man is discharged. It doesn't make that much a difference whether I go." Sheng Xiao cut him short. "I know how important things are."

"Understood." Jing Yun lowered his head.

Without another word, Sheng Xiao drove away from Huang Yao headquarters. He did not go home, however, and instead went to the main Huang Yao production facility.

"Prince…"

"Prince."

"Young Master Sheng."

Everyone in the facility was very respectful when they saw Sheng Xiao, while he sought out the chief designer.

"Take the best blue diamond we have this year and make a hair accessory."

"Do you need it urgently?" 

"It's a simple design. It'll be finished in hours." Sheng Xiao handed him a design plan.

"Very well. Please be patient."

Sheng Xiao had arrived at the facility at eight, and he waited there for almost five hours.

Even the designer looked tired when he presented Sheng Xiao with a gift box. "This is what you've asked for, Young Master Sheng. Is that for a girl…"

"Charge my private account for any costs incurred today. Don't tell anyone I've been here." Sheng Xiao told him.

"Understood."

Sheng Xiao took the gift box with him and drove to the little mansion.

It was one in the morning, and Mu Qiqi was already fast asleep. Sheng Xiao would certainly not wake her up, and as such have to use his backup key to leave the gift box

He rarely used that key out of respect for Mu Qiqi and her aunt's privacy, but it was not a concern at the moment.

Surely the little one would be happy to find it?

He was going to be outside the country even on Christmas, much less her birthday. There was no telling how disappointed she was.

With that thought, Sheng Xiao turned and was ready to leave… but Mu Qiqi caught the movement downstairs, and got up carefully, thinking that there was a burglar.

Just when he was almost gone, Mu Qiqi found him.

"Xiaoxiao?"