C14 Something Happened to Ms Niannian

She wasn't really after the shares; she just wanted Gu Xinmei and her daughter to hear her say it. As soon as she spoke, she noticed Gu Xinmei's expression change instantly. Thirty percent of the shares was half of what their father held, and she doubted Gu Xinmei could stay calm about that.

She had cast the bait and was now waiting for Gu Xinmei to take it. Niannian was confident that the uncertainty of "Is it true?" would drive her to find out more.

"Niannian, you..."

"Dad, you can't be so biased. I'm your daughter too. If you give my sister thirty percent of the shares, then you have to give me the same when I get married."

Shi Tianyi was about to speak when the impatient Ranran interrupted him. Niannian felt a secret satisfaction; her sister was the first to lose her cool.

"Be quiet, or leave," Shi Tianyi commanded sternly, silencing Ranran immediately.

"Niannian, are you serious?"

"Dad, I..."

"Come with me to the study."

Niannian had achieved her goal and was about to explain that she was just asking and didn't actually want the shares right now. However, Shi Tianyi didn't give her the chance to explain and instead got up and headed to the study.

In the study, Niannian stood quietly to the side, like a child who had done something wrong.

Shi Tianyi sat upright, his eyes fixed on her as he asked, "Niannian, where did you hear that from?"

Shi Niannian felt a pang of panic. How was she supposed to explain this to her dad? The story about the shares was something she made up to set a trap for Gu Xinmei, but now she found herself caught in it.

"I heard it from an uncle," she replied. "And I promised not to reveal his identity, so please don't ask, Dad."

She hoped this fictional uncle would help her keep her story straight. She had to deceive her dad temporarily to avoid exposing herself in front of Gu Xinmei.

The study fell silent, the atmosphere heavy with tension. Seeing her dad's conflicted expression, Niannian couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. She knew he was seriously considering giving her shares, and she wondered if she was being too selfish by putting him in this position. But remembering past events, she felt she had no choice.

After some thought, Shi Tianyi looked at her seriously and asked, "Niannian, I'm asking you again, do you really want the shares?"

"Dad, I..."

"Ring... Ring..."

"I'll get that call; we can talk about this another day." Just as Niannian was struggling to find the right words, her phone rang, giving her the perfect excuse to make a quick exit.

"Hello..."

"Ms. Niannian, you need to come quickly. Something's happened to Qiao Hui."

Shi Niannian's heart skipped a beat. Could she have gotten the timing wrong? Did something happen to Qiao Hui before today?

No, that couldn't be possible.

"Ms. Niannian, are you listening?"

Lyi Yang's voice on the other end was growing impatient from her lack of response.

"What... what happened? Where are you?"

Her voice trembled.

Lyi Yang replied urgently, "Caesar Palace. I saw her being dragged in by some men. It's members-only here, and I can't get in. You need to bring people over quickly. I'll try to find a way to sneak in."

"I'm on my way."

She hung up and rushed out the door, flooring the gas pedal while calling Fu Chenhan.