Chapter 316
As Shaer gently massaged Aivina's temples, she asked, "What are you planning to say to my sister?"
"Well... I want to talk about your situation," Aivina replied, her eyes closed as she savored the relief from Shaer's touch. The tension in her heart eased a bit. "You know you have no idea how to explain the source of your wealth, right?"
"That's true," Shaer nodded. But it wasn't entirely unexplainable; she could say it came from gambling. While that might raise some eyebrows, at least it would clarify where the money came from. Besides, with half of the Dedun Manor collapsed, no one could prove that her money originated from there.
"I spoke with Miss Xilufa. She has the authority to hire you as a senior consultant for the Dedun Group," Aivina continued, opening her eyes. "This way, your identity, wealth, and status would have some protection. The downside is that you'd be affiliated with the Dedun Group... What do you think?"
"Does this position require actual work?" Shaer asked.
She no longer minded being associated with the extraordinary, as long as it made her feel safer. A senior consultant for the Dedun Group... that sounded like a good deal, providing a legitimate source for her spending or other activities.
"Not really; it's just a nominal position. Besides, Miss Xilufa said you've already done the work a consultant is supposed to do. Now you just need to think about how much year-end bonus you want."
After Aivina finished speaking, she muttered, "I just can't come up with such money-making ideas..."
Since entering, Aivina had been in a bit of a mood. If anyone else saw this scene, they would never connect the current Aivina with the usual one.
A nominal position? And still getting paid?
Commissioner Lucy did a good job with this.
If only Lucy could share a bit of her social skills with Adele, maybe Adele would be a lot more normal.
"Come on, it's time to go."
Aivina seemed unwilling to continue discussing what she would say to Shaer's sister, standing up and taking Shaer's hand.
"So early? Are we going to the restaurant?" Shaer glanced outside; it was barely 4:30 in the afternoon.
"To my room."
As they walked, Aivina said, "I need to take a shower. Help me pick out an outfit—something your sister might like... I can't be late for our first formal meeting."
Watching Aivina rush about, Shaer felt a bit puzzled.
Why was Aivina more anxious and invested in meeting her sister than she was?
Unsure of which outfit to choose, Shaer picked one based on her own taste. After Aivina changed and applied a bit of makeup, they finally set off in a carriage.
As the carriage left Manor No. 15, it headed toward the increasingly lively Gem District, the sky gradually darkening.
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Chapter 177: Please Hand Over Your Sister to Me!
As evening approached, a masked figure hesitated outside a high-end restaurant, seemingly struggling to step inside.
This was an upscale establishment run by the Farros nobility, with dark wooden paneling on the walls, crystal chandeliers, and gas lamps illuminating the intricately decorated ceiling adorned with gilded lines and elaborate carvings, creating a soft and refined atmosphere.
Linen tablecloths, exquisite porcelain, silver cutlery, and crystal glasses sparkled under the light, while elegantly dressed patrons engaged in hushed conversations, accompanied by the gentle music of a pianist.
In stark contrast, the plain-dressed, masked woman outside appeared somewhat out of place.
At that moment, a waitress seemed to notice the figure outside. She walked over the thick carpet to the door, opened it, and inquired, "Miss, do you have a reservation?"
"Ah... yes, I do," the masked woman replied stiffly, nodding. "It's a private room reserved by Miss Luosuo..."
She recalled the manager's words, trying to avoid any mistakes.
"Ah, I apologize for the oversight... Please come in," the waitress said, fully opening the door, bowing slightly, and gesturing for her to enter. "Please follow me."
With a mix of anxiety and anticipation, Lichi followed the waitress up to the second floor of the restaurant. Once inside a private room and seated, she finally let out a slow breath.
As long as she hadn't made a mistake...
"Before your friend arrives, would you like some tea or snacks?" the waitress asked, bending slightly in courtesy.
"Ah, no, thank you..."
"Would you like some newspapers, magazines, or perhaps some music played by a musician?"
"No, thank you..."
"Is the room temperature comfortable? I can add more firewood or adjust the curtains..."
"..."
Noticing the woman's unease, the waitress smiled gently, placed a cup of hot tea in front of her, and said, "I'll be right outside. Just ring the bell if you need anything."
Once the waitress left, Lichi finally relaxed.
This was her first time in such a high-end restaurant... and she was nervous in every sense.
If it weren't for the manager mentioning that her sister had booked the place, Lichi wouldn't have dared to step inside.
After a brief wait, a knock sounded at the door.
Knock, knock, knock—
The wooden door of the private room opened, revealing a beautiful girl with black hair. She turned to whisper something to the waitress behind her before closing the door and walking directly to sit across from Lichi.
"Sorry... I'm a bit late. You... hello, I'm Aivina Luosuo. Just call me Aivina."
Aivina's body felt a bit stiff as she introduced herself, unexpectedly biting her tongue in the process.
Usually confident in social situations, Aivina now seemed just as nervous as Lichi.
"Hello... I'm Lichi..."
Lichi kept her head down, barely daring to meet Aivina's gaze.
Where did my sister go...? That was the only question on Lichi's mind.
"Shaer went to the restroom; she'll be here soon," Aivina said, as if she could read Lichi's thoughts.
"Uh-huh..."
Lichi responded, and the room, resembling a presidential suite, fell into silence. Aivina felt an unprecedented pressure.
Ding-a-ling—
Aivina gently rang the bell beside her, and the door opened. The waitress approached and asked, "Is there something you need?"
"Excuse me, but the room feels a bit warm."
"Of course, I'll adjust it right away."
After the waitress closed the flue of the fireplace and covered some of the coals with ash, she left. However, Aivina's cheeks still felt flushed, and that sensation didn't seem to fade anytime soon.
Desperately searching for a topic, Aivina realized she didn't know much about Shaer's sister.
This tense atmosphere was not what she wanted; she had to do something to ease it.
Knock, knock, knock—
Finally, another knock echoed, and both women turned their gazes toward the door.
"Phew... this place is quite a maze. Huh? Why does it feel a bit chilly in here?"
Shaer entered, closing the door behind her. She paused, noticing the two women looking at her with what seemed like pleading eyes.
Of course, Aivina and Lichi weren't familiar with each other, and seeing Aivina so tense made Shaer wonder why she had insisted on this meeting.
"Long time no see, sis~"
Shaer quickly stepped forward and embraced her sister, who had stood up. After releasing her, she sat down between the two, lifting her teacup for a sip.
The least nervous person in the room was probably Shaer, who was still thinking about how to persuade her sister to come with her to Ansu City.
But given the current situation, Shaer figured it would be best to lighten the mood first.
"Sorry for being a bit late, sis. I was stuck deciding which dress to wear," Shaer said with a hint of exasperation. "In the end, I thought the school uniform was best—no need to worry about what to wear every day."
Lichi's gaze shifted to Shaer, a slight smile appearing as she complimented, "That outfit looks great on you."
Meanwhile, Aivina shot Shaer a discreet glare.
Because the one who had been fretting over what to wear wasn't Shaer; it was her.
With Shaer's interruption, the tension between the two seemed to ease a little.
Taking a deep breath, Aivina calmed herself and rang the bell again. When the waitress entered, she said, "Let's have the food served right away."
After the waitress left, the door opened once more, and several waiters entered, pushing a cart laden with prepared dishes, setting them out one by one on the table.
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