CEO's Ugly Flash-Marriage Wife Hides So Many Identities
Chapter 93 Watching Her Being Bullied

Chapter 93: Chapter 93 Watching Her Being Bullied

Qiao Xiang was taken aback, her complexion slightly unable to hide her embarrassment. She gave Qiao Rui a sidelong glance, as if to blame her for speaking out of turn.

The absence of the other sisters from the Qiao Family was noticed not just by Qiao Rui, but Pei Liyan and He Zheng had also taken note.

This greenhouse, it seems, was not about the vines and wines alone.

Yet, Qiao Rui had asked outright.

The two grown men exchanged a look, all maintaining their composure as their gaze fell upon the two sisters.

Qiao Rui stood before Qiao Xiang, like the least regarded maid before the most noble princess.

But, oddly enough, there was a sense that even the maid exuded a remarkable presence.

One that could almost surpass the princess’s.

How very strange, indeed.

Qiao Xiang had no choice but to offer an explanation, "They live farther away, so I didn’t invite them."

Was that really the reason?

Qiao Rui’s eyebrows lifted imperceptibly.

Even Qiao Xiang herself felt that this explanation was hardly satisfactory, so she added, "Besides, Liyan dislikes noise. I thought we’d separate the events, inviting our old friends tonight, and others tomorrow."

"So, it’s just the four of us tonight?" Qiao Rui asked further.

"Of course not," Qiao Xiang looked at Qiao Rui. "I also invited Fu Yichen and a few other friends, all from our past. You don’t know any of them."

"Oh, the ones I don’t know," Qiao Rui said. "Big sister, then you might as well have invited me tomorrow. It would have been better to join the others then."

Qiao Xiang was startled, "Liyan doesn’t like it too rowdy, didn’t you hear what I just said?"

Qiao Rui glanced at Pei Liyan, who watched the scene unfold as if it were a play, thoroughly enjoying it.

Qiao Rui, unconvinced, said, "We could have come separately, you with your old acquaintances tonight, and I could come tomorrow instead."

As Qiao Rui made to leave, Qiao Xiang grabbed her, feigning affection as she spoke, "My silly little sister, by doing so, wouldn’t you put your big sister in a difficult position?"

Qiao Rui found this amusing within, understanding the motive behind Qiao Xiang’s guest list. They were all friends of her and Pei Liyan and He Zheng from the past.

The implication was clear to her.

It meant that she had been part of Pei Liyan’s past, grown up with him, and shared a common circle and topics of conversation.

And she, Qiao Rui, could never enter their circle, no matter what.

Such a narrow-minded thought.

"Big sister would be troubled?" Qiao Rui also made a distressed expression. "That must be rather awkward, maybe Mr. Pei can comfort you?"

Pei Liyan’s eyes twitched, annoyed.

He Zheng’s lips twitched slightly.

At that moment, someone arrived at the door, breaking the awkward atmosphere of that moment.

"Don’t leave, my friends are here," Qiao Xiang declared.

Indeed, Fu Yichen and several men entered, an exclusively male group with the exception of Qiao Rui and Qiao Xiang.

Upon seeing Qiao Rui and then Qiao Xiang, Fu Yichen immediately sympathized with Pei Liyan.

Everyone felt it was a pity that Pei Liyan, a fine man, was stuck with Qiao Rui, seeing her like a sore thumb amidst them. Naturally, their looks at Qiao Rui carried a tinge of condemnation.

Qiao Rui’s smile remained unchanged, ever indifferent.

She understood that tonight, Qiao Xiang’s intention was not just to warm the room but to embarrass her. She wanted everyone, including herself, to see clearly that she wasn’t a match for Pei Liyan.

And then, to highlight her own proud beauty against Qiao Rui’s.

She, standing before Pei Liyan, was the one best matched for him.

The center of everyone’s attention—tonight, big sister had truly succeeded.

If Qiao Rui could see through Qiao Xiang’s intentions, then she was sure that everyone present, especially old foxes like Pei Liyan and He Zheng, could see them clearly as well.

It was Fu Yichen’s first time meeting Qiao Rui since she and Pei Liyan had registered their marriage, and seeing how plainly she presented herself, his emotions were visibly stirred.

He looked at Qiao Rui several times.

Finally, Qiao Rui had no choice but to return his gaze.

That’s when Fu Yichen turned his attention back to Qiao Xiang and said, "Xiangxiang, I can’t believe you’ve become a secretary at Pei’s company. You’ve kept it a secret pretty well."

Qiao Xiang smiled, "If I had told you beforehand, you guys would’ve all spoken for me, and maybe I wouldn’t have gotten into the company based on my actual merit."

She had become Pei Liyan’s secretary.

What a double joy.

Once again, Qiao Rui realized that the surprises her big sister had mentioned were exactly these two.

She had really gone out of her way.

Fu Yichen said, "You must have earned your place at Pei’s company on your own, a true talent from a prestigious university. Remarkable indeed."

With that, Fu Yichen even looked at Qiao Rui and asked, "Madam sister-in-law, which school did you graduate from?"

His question instantly turned everyone’s attention to Qiao Rui, who was supposed to be a mere backdrop.

Caught so off guard, suddenly the center of attention, Qiao Rui paused before saying, "Mr. Fu, why do you ask?"

Her counterquestion caught Fu Yichen slightly off-guard.

He seemed to realize that it was inappropriate to ask such a question.

He should have considered Mr. Pei’s face and not made it difficult for this country girl. Yet, the thought of Mr. Pei choosing such a bumpkin was too much for him to bear, and he felt deep regret.

A talent like Pei Liyan should not be spoiled by a bumpkin.

He had always felt that Pei Liyan and Qiao Xiang were a perfect match.

Handsome man and beautiful lady, very well suited.

But, Mr. Pei had chosen Qiao Rui, shockingly.

Pei Liyan’s expression darkened as he glanced at Fu Yichen.

It was then that Fu Yichen said, "No offense, just suddenly curious. Sister-in-law, you must also be a graduate from a prestigious school."

Qiao Rui responded quite calmly, "I’m sorry, I didn’t attend any notable schools. I’m not worth mentioning, so I won’t try to showcase my non-existent skills here."

After Qiao Rui spoke, she also glanced at Pei Liyan, her gaze as if to say, it’s your brother who made you lose face, not me.

Pei Liyan looked at her, thinking the country girl might not even have an education.

Qiao Rui smiled lightly, her mood unruffled and her demeanor natural.

Upon seeing this, Fu Yichen added, "Come on, tell us. What could possibly be that private?"

Qiao Rui could see that Mr. Fu Yichen seemed to have a grudge against her.

And the person beside him, named Gu Chengxu, also followed with, "Yeah, come on, tell us. What’s so secret about it?"

They were determined to put her in a tight spot.

Qiao Rui was not in a hurry, instead turning to look at Pei Liyan.

Pei Liyan said nothing, seemingly indifferent to her being targeted.

Qiao Rui had no choice but to say, "I’m really sorry for embarrassing you in front of your brother. I stopped going to school when I was eighteen. Up to this point, I’ve all but forgotten what I learned back then."

Everyone was stunned.

He Zheng’s lips twitched again, his eyes showing a glint of admiration for Qiao Rui.

The girl was smart, managing to throw Liyan out to suppress Fu Yichen and Gu Chengxu.

Their hassling of Qiao Rui was clearly making Pei Liyan uncomfortable.