Chapter 35: Pretending to be poor, rich second generation (4)

It seemed every disabled character archetype had a tragic yet strong backstory.

Ever since Tong Ling set her sights on Pei Qing, she swiftly investigated and obtained his background details with precision.

At that time, the Pei Group was not as thriving as it is now, facing numerous competitors around them, with cutthroat rivalries being commonplace. Real-life corporate battles extend far beyond mere information warfare; to eliminate opponents, companies could directly hire assassins.

In a meticulously planned car accident, Pei Qing’s parents perished instantly, leaving young Pei Qing permanently disabled, having lost sensation in both legs. Everyone believed the Pei Group was doomed - how could a young, disabled child possibly safeguard the company? It appeared inevitable that the Pei Group would soon cease to exist. However…not only did Pei Qing protect the company, but he also steadily expanded it to its current stature.

As for the rival firms and the masterminds behind the orchestrated crash, they mysteriously vanished without a trace. No one knew their fate, as if they never existed at all…

As Tong Ling avidly watched Pei Qing’s rise to success, she remarked to the system, “Look, look, now this is the standard male protagonist! It’s such a waste that this type of man is merely a backdrop, overshadowed by Pei Jing’s fake rags-to-riches story!”

[The male lead having a golden finger is quite normal, isn’t it?] m577 responded. [Pei Qing is the only remaining family member for our protagonist, and eventually, the entire Pi Group will be left for him to inherit.]

“But with me around, things change,” Tong Ling said, raising her eyebrows confidently. “Only under my leadership can the Pi Group truly flourish.”

m577 suddenly realized: [So you’ve set your sights on the Pi Group? Is this why you want to manipulate Pei Qing?]

“It doesn’t have to be a conflict.” After understanding Pei Qing’s movements, Tong Ling had already formulated a plan: “I intend to merge my Qian Group with the Pi Group, creating a powerhouse alliance. On this small world’s list of wealthiest individuals, I want ‘Qu Ling’ to leave a lasting mark!”

[What?!] m577 was taken aback, feeling its ears might malfunction again.

Feeling its ears might malfunction again, m577 responded incredulously: [What are you saying? A strong alliance? What’s so ‘strong’ about your fraudulent company?]

Even Tong Ling’s employees seemed to have unknowingly transformed into professional shills at some point. To m577, it felt like her company was nurturing not business professionals but actors—no, even actors wouldn’t put on such exaggerated performances!

“My company’s strength lies in inclusivity; as long as someone is willing to invest, I will ensure they receive returns,” Tong Ling explained while quickly calculating the latest income. “After our publicity campaign and news of the Pi Group’s one-billion investment, several other companies gradually joined our project. They truly have keen foresight.”

[…] Which unfortunate fools had such poor judgment?!

Despite m577’s internal criticisms, it remained curious about Tong Ling’s plans: [Approaching Pei Qing is quite challenging. Given his current status, he rarely participates in social events outside. Additionally, due to his mobility issues, he mostly works from home remotely. Visits to the Pei Group headquarters are infrequent.]

“Every two weeks, he leaves at 9 a.m. and returns home by 3 p.m. On the 15th of each month, he visits the cemetery to pay respects to his deceased loved ones, departing at noon. The rest of his activities are irregular and less informative,” Tong Ling explained.

Impressed by the host’s ability to gather such intelligence, m577 realized it couldn’t deter her plans. All it could do was hope that Pei Qing lived up to his reputation as cold and unapproachable, just as described in the available data.

“To win over someone like him, you’ll need relentless patience, love, and healing for his emotional wounds…” Drawing from its database, m577 provided various examples. “Choosing him means you’re in for a challenging journey ahead.”

Tong Ling retorted, “Who told you I want to win him over?” With a firm tone, she declared, “It’s he who should be trying to win me.”

On the morning of the 15th, with dawn barely breaking through the misty haze, Tong Ling dressed in a black dress, adorned herself with a black veil, applied a pale and weary makeup look, and then set out.

Her first destination was the funeral home.

Upon seeing Tong Ling arrive at the funeral home, the director hurriedly approached her. “Miss Qu, the custom-made urn and related certificates for purchasing the burial plot are ready. Additionally, the professional mourning team you requested is waiting outside. Is there anything else you need?”

Tong Ling picked up the urn, offering the director a grateful smile. “No, thank you. With your assistance, I was able to secure such a fine burial plot for my parents.”

The director promptly responded that it was his duty.

Having received a substantial payment from Miss Qu, he not only provided the death certificates for her parents but also ensured seamless arrangements for all funeral services as long as the money was sufficient.

Their transaction remained unnoticed by others. After exchanging pleasantries, the director proceeded to contact the cemetery’s manager on Tong Ling’s behalf.

With the manager personally leading the way, they guided Tong Ling’s group towards the cemetery.

Naturally, this cemetery was where Pei Qing’s parents were buried, and the plot Tong Ling purchased was adjacent to theirs.

m577 had anticipated that Tong Ling might create opportunities for their encounter with Pei Qing, but it never imagined it would unfold like this.

In this manner, Qu Ling’s parents were declared “dead.” Their names were engraved on the tombstone, and the urns placed within were empty. During the burial of the urns, Tong Ling wore a solemn expression, her eyes filled with sorrow, appearing genuinely devastated as if she had lost her own mother.

Behind them stood a professional mourning team, adhering to Tong Ling’s request; instead of wailing loudly, they silently shed tears.

Under the shroud of mist, the atmosphere at the cemetery felt somber and melancholic.

It was at this moment that Pei Qing arrived at the cemetery.

As he often did, he held his mother’s favorite flowers—lilies—and propelled his wheelchair by himself to their gravesite.

Then, he witnessed a silent funeral unfolding.

Through the fog, standing at the forefront of the crowd was a woman with a strikingly beautiful face.

Pei Qing typically paid little attention to physical appearances, but at that instant, he found it impossible to tear his gaze away from the woman.

Her complexion was pallid, as if she had just endured a devastating blow yet forced herself to stand there.

Her back was rigid, her slender and fragile body trembling slightly in the wind. A peculiar blend of strength and vulnerability coexisted within her, creating an indescribable allure.

Pei Qing did not appreciate tears. To him, tears were utterly useless; they only served to display one’s weakness without achieving any purpose.

Until he saw this woman’s tears.

The corners of her eyes were slightly reddened, her vacant gaze fixed on the gravestone. Her curled lashes gently quivered as silent tears slid from her eyes, drop by drop, cascading down her pale cheeks. The sight of her helplessness was remarkably poignant…

In that moment, Pei Qing found himself captivated.

“Please accept my condolences,” someone behind the woman offered sympathetically. “Your parents’ car accident was unforeseen. They wouldn’t want to see you so sorrowful.”

“Yes, Miss Qu, Mr. Qu cherished you dearly. You must take care…”

As these words were spoken, the woman’s tears flowed even more profusely. Despite her deep grief, she maintained composure, standing at the graveside to individually bid farewell to each person who had come to pay their respects.

Pei Qing watched, somewhat stunned—her parents had died in a car accident? Car accident… The mere thought of it triggered a searing pain in Pei Qing’s heart.

Feeling a shared sense of tragedy, Pei Qing couldn’t help but become attentive to the woman’s emotions.

Her current state… likely mirrored his own feelings at that time.

In this woman, he seemed to see his past self, isolated and despairing…

Who could turn a blind eye to their own past struggles? Pei Qing certainly couldn’t.

After everyone left, the woman standing before the gravestone appeared to finally relax from her tense posture. However, just as she was about to move away, she swayed uncontrollably and collapsed onto the ground, seemingly losing all strength.

Blood trickled from abrasions on her pale knees as her entire body lay still against the earth.

Startled, Pei Qing didn’t waste a moment and swiftly wheeled himself over to the woman. Setting aside the lilies he held, he gently touched her shoulder and asked with concern, “Miss? Are you alright?”

“Lady?”

Seeing no movement from the woman, Pei Qing’s heart raced with panic. He swiftly leaned down and gently cradled her in his arms. At the same time, without hesitation, he called his private doctor demanding immediate assistance.

M577: [!]

M577 couldn’t find words to describe its feelings; as soon as Pei Qing approached Tong Ling voluntarily, it knew things were taking a drastic turn for the worse.

Pei Qing was not the type of man to meddle unnecessarily. Even if he saw a woman fainting, he wouldn’t typically embrace her like this.

His action clearly indicated that his mental defenses had vanished. This transformation occurred within the span of just one funeral, during which they hadn’t exchanged a single word…

If not for M577’s ability to monitor the host’s state and knowing that Tong Ling was fully conscious, it would have been deceived by her impeccable acting skills.

Tong Ling remained perfectly still, her breathing slow and steady, her limp body nestled comfortably in Pei Qing’s arms. The tear stains on her face were still visibly distinct.

On the surface, she appeared like a sleeping beauty, but her internal dialogue with the system was far from innocent.

“His chest is so firm, it seems even with his disability, he hasn’t forgotten to stay fit,” Tong Ling giggled. “I wonder if his third leg still works; having such a beautiful woman in his arms should at least arouse some excitement.”

M577 felt that Tong Ling was completely ruining this serene and picturesque moment: [Pei Qing isn’t a brute, and you’re supposedly unconscious! What could he possibly get excited about?!]

“Aren’t disabled men often portrayed as moody and potentially unstable?” Tong Ling asked. “I thought my allure might affect him more this way.”

M577’s expression twisted in disbelief: […Are you pretending to be unconscious just to test this out?]

“Otherwise, I could have chatted with him first before fainting.” Tong Ling considered for a moment, then decided against waking up immediately. “No matter, this embrace isn’t bad. I’ve been standing all morning, so it’s perfect for a little rest.”

M577 found Tong Ling’s carefree attitude utterly speechless.

For Pei Qing, this was his first time being so close to a woman. Despite his intention to help her, as he saw her quietly lying in his arms, his thoughts inevitably began to wander.

The woman’s fragrant body was warm and soft, her smooth hair draping over his arm with a slight tickling sensation. Even unconscious, traces of worry lingered between her brows. Pei Qing sighed inwardly, feeling a surge of unfamiliar emotions within him.

Throughout the funeral, from start to finish, Tong Ling had captivated Pei Qing’s attention. Whether due to empathy or his admiration for her, he couldn’t simply ignore the fainting woman.

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a handkerchief, and gently wiped away the tear stains from her cheeks. While waiting for the doctor, he also took a moment to tidy up her slightly disheveled long hair.

His movements were meticulous and tender, showing utmost respect without touching any inappropriate areas, embodying the epitome of a gentleman.

Tong Ling thought to herself, Is that all? Just this much effort?

When the doctor arrived, Pei Qing carefully transferred the woman into their care and patiently awaited the examination results.

“How is she?” Pei Qing hadn’t forgotten about the injury on her knee and personally tended to it while awaiting the doctor.

“Physically, there’s nothing wrong,” the private doctor said. “Her lack of consciousness may be due to excessive distress. If you’re still concerned, we can take her to the hospital for a comprehensive check-up.”

Nodding, Pei Qing had always been cautious about potential risks and immediately decided to take Tong Ling to the hospital.

Just then, Tong Ling slowly regained consciousness, her gaze initially dazed before gradually meeting Pei Qing’s eyes. At the funeral earlier, she had only observed him discreetly from the corner of her eye. Now up close, Tong Ling found herself captivated once again by Pei Qing’s appearance.

As Pei Jing’s uncle, there was indeed some resemblance between them. Compared to Pei Jing’s bold features, Pei Qing’s facial structure appeared more refined and delicate. Most importantly, he exuded a calm and composed demeanor, marked by maturity and elegance, which was highly appealing.

Tong Ling didn’t speak first, instead casting guarded glances at the two individuals before her and subtly shrinking back.

Pei Qing, closely observing her reactions, reassured her gently, “Don’t worry, I called the doctor when you fainted.”

“I am Pei Qing, also here at the cemetery to pay respects to my loved ones.” Pei Qing understood that after experiencing such a significant loss, one’s guard is naturally heightened. Having lost his own family members, he empathized with the pain of being alone.

Perhaps feeling comforted, Tong Ling offered a small smile to both of them. After expressing her gratitude for their help, she decided to get up and leave.

Pei Qing did not obstruct Tong Ling’s departure but simply advised her to take care of herself before she left.

The AI m577 anticipated that its host would seize this opportunity to exchange contact information and engage in further conversation with Pei Qing. However, to its surprise, the host barely said anything and promptly walked away.

[Have you had a sudden change of heart? Didn’t you want to get close to Pei Qing? He even introduced himself first, yet you didn’t even mention your name?]

Tong Ling smiled mysteriously. “I’ve already stated my intention - I want him to pursue me voluntarily.”

“Today’s impression was deep enough; there’s no need for unnecessary words.” She gently touched her neck, where she had purposely worn a necklace earlier. Just moments ago, it had fallen onto Pei Qing during their encounter. “Besides, I’m still grieving deeply over the loss of my loved one. How could I be in the mood to chat with him?”

“If I show any interest now, today’s performance would have been wasted.”

M577 nodded uncertainly. [So then, what next…]

“Just wait,” Tong Ling replied. “It’s easy for Pei Qing to find someone if he wants to. Let him come to me on his own terms.”