Reborn as the Harem King-Chapter 118 Midnight Whiskey Truths

When Zhou Yi spoke those words, even Xie Tingwan—renowned for her ability to conceal her feelings—couldn't keep her composure intact. Her eyelashes quivered faintly, betraying the subtle tremor in her heart as Zhou Yi's words struck a chord within her. After all these years, he was the first to truly see through to her ambition.

"I don't understand... why you're doing this," she murmured, her voice tinged with confusion. In her experience, there was no such thing as pure altruism; she couldn't fathom why Zhou Yi would extend his help or place such unwavering trust in her. Picking up a glass of water, she took a sip, attempting to steady herself once more. But Zhou Yi had already noticed the flicker of unease in her eyes.

"Among the children of the Xie family, you're the only one capable of shouldering the responsibilities of the heir," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

[Xie Tingwan's Affection Level +10]

Xie Tingwan raised her head, meeting his gaze directly. These were the words she had longed to hear for years—words that hadn't yet come from her father's lips. Though unspoken by him, they still carried a weight of validation. Zhou Yi's reasons for aiding her were clear: he believed in her potential to ascend to Tianhua's pinnacle. If he succeeded in helping her, the rewards would be immense.

Setting down her glass, Xie Tingwan offered him a smile—not the soft, demure one she reserved for public appearances, but one sharp and unguarded, brimming with unbridled ambition. This version of Xie Tingwan was raw and genuine, stripped of the delicate façade she often wore. And truthfully, Zhou Yi preferred her this way. A woman driven by ambition was far more compelling than a fragile flower; conquering someone like her was not just a challenge—it was exhilarating.

"Are you really certain you want to help me?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "What if I fail to secure that position? Wouldn't your efforts amount to nothing?"

"In every investment, risk and reward walk hand in hand," Zhou Yi replied, his confidence unwavering. "The greater the risk, the greater the return—isn't that so?" His expression was a testament to his faith in her abilities. Smiling faintly, Xie Tingwan signaled to the restaurant owner for a bottle of wine.

"How's your tolerance?" Zhou Yi teased lightly. "If you drink too much, your classmates might see you in a less-than-flattering light."

"My tolerance is average," she admitted, "but today, I feel an urge to share this drink with you."

At times, Xie Tingwan marveled at the peculiar workings of fate. If she hadn't called out to Zhou Yi to join her for dinner, if she hadn't revealed the intricacies of the Xie family's affairs, would their connection have unfolded differently? Or would destiny have found another way to intertwine their paths?

As the dishes arrived, the two ate and conversed, Xie Tingwan visibly relaxed and content. She shed the polished elegance she usually displayed, allowing herself to be more carefree. When she drank, it was with boldness and gusto, exuding the aura of a determined and formidable businesswoman. Zhou Yi couldn't help but imagine that if Xie Tingwan ever stepped into the corporate arena, she'd be the type to push herself to the brink—even drinking herself sick—to seal a deal. Relentless and resolute, she embodied both grit and grace.

"To you," Xie Tingwan raised her glass, her voice steady. "To your insight, and to the trust you've placed in me."

Their glasses clinked together, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. As the alcohol began to take effect, Xie Tingwan found herself loosening up, sharing thoughts she had long kept buried. She needed this—needed an outlet to release the weight of her pent-up emotions.

"To be honest, I'm exhausted," she confessed, her voice soft but laced with sincerity. "You probably don't know this, but after my mother passed away, it felt as though my fate was rewritten overnight. I went from being my father's cherished daughter to feeling like an outsider. There's no place for me in the Xie family anymore. Since he married that woman, he's only cared about her children. To him, I'm nothing."

"No matter how hard I try, no matter how many accolades I earn, in his eyes, I'll never measure up to my brothers. Simply because I'm a woman, I'm deemed unfit to inherit the Xie family. That's how it's always been—but I refuse to accept it. I won't lose. I'll prove to him that I'm his most exceptional child. The Xie family will be mine."

As she spoke, her fingers tightened around her glass, her resolve unshaken. She had never once abandoned her dream.

Zhou Yi frowned, a trace of sympathy in his voice. "You must have endured so much over the years."

Xie Tingwan paused, her gaze softening as she looked at him. "Endured? Absolutely. Ever since high school, it's felt like my life has been racing forward at breakneck speed. But this is what I wanted—for the sooner I graduate, the sooner I can enter Tianhua. I was always at the top of my class, though I slipped to second a couple of times. People praised me for being smart, but the truth is, I simply worked harder than everyone else."

"Studying was grueling. Staying at the top was grueling. I remember one time I came in second, and my father's disappointment was immediate and palpable. It was just one instance, yet it cut deep. Meanwhile, my brothers never even came close to first."

For Xie Tingwan, there was no alternative. If she didn't strive to excel, she wouldn't earn her father's attention or secure her place in Tianhua. No matter how exhausting the journey, she persevered, relying on sheer determination to carry her through countless sleepless nights.

"Zhou Yi," she continued, "I'll admit, I was upset when you surpassed me. Every achievement of mine, I made sure my father knew about it—it was the only time he'd show me any semblance of patience. For me, those moments were precious opportunities."

Her initial drop in affection toward Zhou Yi wasn't born of vanity but rather because his success had cost her a chance to connect with her father.

"I'm sorry," Zhou Yi said gently. "I didn't realize how significant first place was to you."

"There's no need to apologize," she replied with a small smile. "You earned it. And honestly, meeting you has brought me more joy than any first-place finish ever could."

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Her words were sincere—she was genuinely glad to have crossed paths with him.

"You're about to graduate," Zhou Yi ventured. "Does your father plan to bring you into Tianhua?"

"All my efforts haven't been in vain," she said with quiet pride. "He wants me to join Tianhua and assist my eldest brother in managing Tianhua Real Estate."

"It seems he trusts your abilities, then."

"But he doesn't love me."

When Xie Tingwan uttered those words, even Zhou Yi felt a pang of sorrow. At its core, her fixation on becoming the Xie family heir stemmed not only from ambition but also from her fractured relationship with her father. She had worked tirelessly, hoping to earn Xie Chengren's approval.

Zhou Yi offered her a comforting smile. "One day, you'll find someone who loves you deeply."

She chuckled softly, a hint of wistfulness in her voice. "Perhaps. I've never given it much thought. Even if I were to consider marriage, my father would only arrange a union with a family of equal standing—a marriage devoid of love. So, I don't hold much hope for romance."

Taking a sip of wine, Zhou Yi studied her flushed face. "And what if that person were me?"

Xie Tingwan froze, utterly stunned.