What Should I Do if My Best Friend Is a Green Tea? [Transmigrated Into a Book]

After capturing the diamond, Zhou Qingyu was in such a good mood that she even ate an extra half bowl of rice.

After dinner, she exchanged a glance with Yan Xi, and the two of them simultaneously glanced at Zhou Yanci.

The matter of acquiring shares had to be kept from Zhou Yanci. This guy was too soft-hearted—if he found out the details, he might just go clean up Meng Xuanyu’s mess. With Zhou Yanci’s capabilities, even if Meng Xuanyu had poked a hole in the sky, he could probably patch it up.

Before Meng Xuanyu could inform Meng Yingrong, the two of them had to strike first!

The system hesitated: [Host… isn’t it a bit wrong to hide this from your brother?] The system’s moral compass was swayed by good looks—it always favored attractive people.

"What’s wrong with it?" Yan Xi dismissed the concern. "Zhou Yanci doesn’t own any shares in Meng Corporation. He’s been helping them for free all this time, and Meng Yingrong’s shares will only go to Meng Xuanyu in the end."

"If Zhou Corporation gains control of Meng Corporation, then even if Zhou Yanci has to clean up their mess later, he’d be doing it for Zhou Corporation. That’s a good thing!"

The system thought it over and was successfully convinced.

Fair point—if he was going to be free labor, he might as well work for his own family!

Yan Xi and Zhou Qingyu exchanged another glance and split up to take action.

Yan Xi was responsible for distracting Zhou Yanci, while Zhou Qingyu took the documents to persuade Zhou’s Father and discuss the acquisition plan!

Fortunately, Zhou Yanci was easy to handle. When Yan Xi suggested that he needed post-hospital rehabilitation to prevent muscle atrophy from prolonged sitting, he didn’t refuse.

By the lakeside, Yan Xi supported Zhou Yanci as he walked.

Zhou Yanci leaned on a dark, polished rosewood cane. A gentle breeze rippled across the lake, scattering the summer heat and restlessness.

While helping him with his exercises, Yan Xi couldn’t help but wonder how Zhou Qingyu’s side was progressing.

The system, ever the expert in gossip, quietly updated her on the developments—

[Miss Zhou has presented the acquisition plan to Chairman Zhou! He’s hesitant because the Meng family used to be in-laws!]

[Miss Zhou just pulled out the DNA report!]

[Checkmate! Absolute checkmate!]

[Oh wow, Chairman Zhou just smashed an ashtray in anger! That thing was worth over 500,000 yuan!]

Yan Xi was pleased with the progress.

If Zhou’s Father was this furious, he probably wouldn’t lift a finger for his former in-laws. The acquisition was practically a done deal.

Honestly, Meng Corporation had been mismanaged for years. Without Zhou Yanci’s help, they would’ve gone bankrupt long ago.

Assistant Sun had once mentioned that Zhou Yanci had drafted a five-year development plan for Meng Corporation, but they’d stubbornly ignored it.

Yan Xi thought the Meng family was downright foolish. While Zhou’s Father was the business tycoon who had built Zhou Corporation into Hai City’s top conglomerate, Zhou Yanci had maintained that status for five years. Amid the decline of real estate and the rise of IT, he’d seized the opportunity—Zhou Corporation held significant stakes in multiple social media platforms, all because Zhou Yanci had invested in them when they were still fledgling startups.

If they’d relied solely on Zhou’s Father’s real estate empire, did they really think they could stay at the top?

Dream on!

Even the plot knew—to destroy Zhou Qingyu, you had to take out Zhou Yanci first. How could the Meng family not see that? They’d been sitting on a golden goose and still managed to ruin everything.

Yan Xi shook her head. Some people were just too shortsighted.

After a few minutes of rehabilitation, Zhou Yanci noticed Yan Xi’s absentmindedness.

Though she was supporting him, her grip was loose, her eyes darting around unfocused. A stray strand of hair dangled over her forehead, swaying in the breeze.

Instinctively, Zhou Yanci reached out to tuck it behind her ear.

Startled, Yan Xi jerked back, pulling Zhou Yanci off balance.

He nearly fell but managed to steady himself with his cane and his uninjured leg. He even had a hand free to catch Yan Xi by the waist, preventing her from crashing into the railing behind her.

"Zhou Yanci, are you okay?" Yan Xi asked anxiously.

Leaning against her, Zhou Yanci let her support him.

"Rehabilitation is too exhausting. Maybe my body just isn’t up to it. Let’s call it a day."

"No way!"

Yan Xi had just been mentally criticizing the Meng family for not appreciating him—she couldn’t let Zhou Qingyu down now. The plot was always watching, and Zhou Yanci’s health was crucial.

"You probably just haven’t trained enough. Look at how you almost fell just now!" She thought for a moment. "How about this? From now on, I’ll supervise your rehab every night until you fully recover!"

After a brief pause, Zhou Yanci reluctantly agreed.

The moment Yan Xi looked away, a faint smile flickered in his eyes.

---

After a while, Yan Xi helped Zhou Yanci rest in the lakeside pavilion.

They sat on lounge chairs, and Yan Xi closed her eyes, enjoying the natural night breeze—far more pleasant than air conditioning, carrying the scent of the lake and greenery.

Zhou Yanci turned his head, his gaze settling on Yan Xi’s fair wrist.

A cold touch startled her. She opened her eyes to see Zhou Yanci fastening a bracelet studded with pink diamonds around her wrist.

"Returning the favor," he said.

Zhou Yanci was dressed in a black French-style shirt today, the cuffs folded neatly and secured with the snowflake cufflinks Yan Xi had given him.

But those cufflinks had only cost 10,000 yuan. The pink diamond bracelet, however, had ten one-carat stones—worth well over ten million.

Roughly speaking, she was now wearing an apartment’s worth of Hai City real estate on her wrist!

"This is too expensive! I can’t accept it!"

She hurriedly tried to take it off.

Zhou Yanci stopped her. "M brand’s autumn collection. It’s our own product—doesn’t cost much."

Yan Xi blinked. "M brand’s new release?"

Zhou Yanci: "Mm."

[Host, I scanned it. It’s a replica.]

[M brand uses medium-color-grade pink diamonds, priced around 1 million yuan per carat. But this is a fake—lab-grown. The whole bracelet wouldn’t cost more than 100,000.]

Yan ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‍Xi: "…"

Perfect. Without lifting a finger, she’d obtained solid evidence to bring down Meng Corporation!

Meng Corporation had an unrivaled anti-counterfeiting technology in the luxury industry—their authentication codes had never been replicated. Thus, verifying an M brand product’s authenticity came down to checking that code.

Meng Xuanyu dared to pass off fakes as genuine because he controlled that very technology. The replicas he chose were high-end, nearly indistinguishable from the real thing—unless you paid for professional appraisal, even store clerks might not spot the difference.

Yan Xi hadn’t been interested in the bracelet before—it felt wrong to accept something so valuable. But now that she knew it was evidence to expose Meng Xuanyu, her eyes sparkled.

Who said this thing was only worth 100,000?

To Yan Xi, this bracelet was worth billions.

Zhou Yanci, worried that Yan Xi might reject him again, tentatively asked, "Do you like it?"

Yan Xi didn’t hesitate. "I love it!"

Her lips curled into a smile, her eyes crinkling like crescent moons.

Seeing her expression, Zhou Yanci felt his chest swell with warmth, sweet and full.

In the study, Zhou Qingyu successfully convinced Zhou’s Father.

He would provide the funds, while she took charge of acquiring shares. Though Zhou Qingyu knew nothing about business, she could rely on Yu Xiao and Yao Chi to handle it.

Stepping out of the study, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders.

The incident had just happened—Meng Yingrong hadn’t even found out yet, nor had she recalled the counterfeit products distributed across various stores. These next few days were the perfect opportunity to strike!

Zhou Qingyu couldn’t wait to share the news with Yan Xi.

At the lakeside pavilion, she found her.

Her gaze sharpened as she clearly saw Zhou Yanci chatting and laughing with Yan Xi, his shameless hand gripping hers.

Aaaaaaaaaah!

That old man is really making a move on my best friend!

Zhou Qingyu stormed forward, wedging herself between them.

"What do you think you're doing?! Zhou Yanci, control yourself! You can’t just touch a young girl like that!" She turned to Yan Xi. "And you! How can you let a man grope your hand so casually?"

Don’t you realize he’s seducing you, you silly girl!

Zhou Yanci said nothing, ignoring Zhou Qingyu’s sudden intrusion.

Yan Xi, however, proudly extended her hand to show off the pink diamond necklace.

"Look!"

Zhou Qingyu flicked her forehead in exasperation. "Are you really this easily bought? A pink diamond necklace? I could give you ten of those!"

Yan Xi giggled. "No, no—look at the logo. It’s M’s new autumn collection!"

Zhou Qingyu scoffed. "So what? I can get you B’s! They’re the real royalty of jewelry!"

Yan Xi lowered her voice. "M’s! The latest batch! Don’t you remember?"

Zhou Qingyu froze.

She grabbed Yan Xi’s wrist, inspecting it closely. Sure enough, there was a tiny M logo.

Luxury brands like this had hefty markups. For example, ten one-carat pink diamonds might be worth ten million, but with branding, craftsmanship, and design, the price could double.

Meng Xuanyu had used a hundred million worth of new stock to pay off debts—and now they’d gotten a fifth of that?

"Are you sure it’s counterfeit?" Zhou Qingyu whispered.

"Absolutely!" The system had confirmed it.

Zhou Qingyu was overjoyed but forced herself not to laugh.

Their luck was unbelievable!

Then again, Zhou Yanci was trying to woo Yan Xi—spending twenty million on a bracelet was pocket change for him. But little did he know, he’d gifted a fake!

The fact that Zhou Yanci’s first romantic gesture was a counterfeit? Zhou Qingyu would never let him live it down!

She glanced at Yan Xi again.

The girl was so naive—receiving a "twenty-million" bracelet, yet all she cared about was work. She had no idea this was Zhou Yanci’s ploy to win her over! Her aunt claimed Yan Xi was the one seducing him, but clearly, it was Zhou Yanci strutting around like a peacock, pulling out all the stops!

Seven years older—what a toad lusting after a swan!

Zhou Qingyu took a deep breath. "Xi Xi, I’m thirsty. Uncle Chen bought some coconuts—could you crack one open for me?"

Yan Xi, unsuspecting, agreed. "Sure!"

Once Yan Xi was gone, only Zhou Qingyu and Zhou Yanci remained by the pavilion.

She didn’t bother with pleasantries. "You like Yan Xi?"

Zhou Yanci didn’t deny it. "Yes."

Zhou Qingyu’s temper flared. "Well, she doesn’t like you!"

The words were meant to provoke, but they struck a nerve. Zhou Yanci lowered his head. "I know."

"That’s why I’m pursuing her."

Zhou Qingyu gritted her teeth. As Yan Xi left, Zhou Yanci stood too. Though he leaned on a cane, his posture was straight, his steps steady—no trace of a limp.

She remembered Dean Chen mentioning that Zhou Yanci’s surgery had only removed ankle tissue, barely affecting mobility. The wheelchair was just because his injury slowed him down.

So he never needed Yan Xi’s help with rehab at all.

"Old schemer!" Zhou Qingyu hissed. "Using pity to manipulate her!"

Zhou Yanci didn’t deny it, merely raising a brow. "It’s called ‘leveraging one’s strengths.’"

"Ugh!"

How could anyone make being a conniving jerk sound so poetic?!

Luckily, Zhou Yanci’s rehab was over.

Late at night, Zhou Qingyu figured he wouldn’t dare approach Yan Xi now—he wouldn’t shamelessly sneak into a girl’s room, right?

Content with that thought, she relaxed in her bath.

Meanwhile, Yan Xi finished showering. It was still early—only eight. Wrapped in a bohemian shawl, she carried her laptop to the study to review documents.

This was her routine: work or research papers every night.

Tonight, she studied corporate acquisition strategies. Though she wasn’t leading the takeover, exposing Meng’s scandals would likely fall to Wu Liao.

Celebrity PR was his expertise. Yan Xi just needed to brush up on the basics.

Footsteps sounded behind her. She turned to see Zhou Yanci entering the study.

"Zhou Yanci, shouldn’t you be resting?"

He sat beside her, opening a book.

"It’s still early. I’ll read for a while."

Since refusing Meng Yingrong and washing his hands of Meng Corp’s mess, Zhou Yanci had more free time. But with no hobbies, he usually read or rewatched Travel recordings.

Now, he sat right next to Yan Xi.

His book was A Brief History of Time—except he’d hollowed out the middle to hide his phone.

On the screen: How to Pursue a Girl.

The first tip: Learn her interests. Observe her habits.

Hmm. He was nailing this step.

Yan Xi’s heart raced at his proximity.

Her laptop lacked a privacy filter. Earlier, she’d been reviewing Yao Chi’s Meng Corp Acquisition Plan—thankfully, she’d switched screens when she heard footsteps. Otherwise, Zhou Yanci would’ve seen everything!

Too close…

Why did he have to sit right beside her? Shoulder-to-shoulder?!

So risky!

She didn’t dare reopen the file.

She could feel him watching her screen.

Hesitantly, she glanced back—and met Zhou Yanci’s gaze.

Yan Xi: !!!

She whipped her head away.

"System! He was looking at me, right?"

The system popped up, its round eyes scanning.

[From this angle, yep!]

Yan Xi clenched her teeth. I knew it!

Zhou Yanci leaned against the bamboo chair, positioned half a meter behind Yan Xi. From this angle, if he looked at her, wouldn’t he be blatantly staring at her computer screen?

Did the big boss notice something?

He’s way too sharp!

Yan Xi was on the verge of tears, but the system reassured her: [Don’t worry, Zhou Yanci is nearsighted. He probably didn’t see clearly when he came in.]

Yan Xi muttered, “He’d better not have!”

But thinking about it, if Zhou Yanci had seen the acquisition proposal, he would’ve definitely questioned her.

Clutching at this sliver of hope, Yan Xi messaged Zhou Qingyu—using her phone to avoid Zhou Yanci’s line of sight. The phone lay flat on the table, where he couldn’t see the screen.

[I almost died of fright just now! I was reviewing the acquisition proposal in the study when your brother suddenly walked in! He nearly saw the document!]

[He’s still staring at my computer screen. I think he might’ve caught on!]

Zhou Qingyu had just finished showering and was lounging in her pajamas on a beanbag, wearing a face mask.

The moment she read the message, she bolted upright.

Staring at the screen? Silly girl, he’s staring at you!

Without bothering to remove her mask, Zhou Qingyu grabbed her script and rushed to the study.

As soon as she entered, she saw Yan Xi sitting stiffly upright, her academic-looking laptop open to a game of Minesweeper.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yanci lounged lazily in the bamboo chair, one arm casually draped over the back of Yan Xi’s seat. His gaze lingered on her, a faint smile in his eyes.

Zhou Qingyu took a deep breath. This scheming, manipulative bastard! He’s not looking at the screen—he’s looking at Yan Xi!

Without hesitation, she marched over and kicked Zhou Yanci’s chair. “Zhou Yanci, I want your seat. Move.”

Zhou Yanci: “…”

Yan Xi’s heart leapt with joy. Yes, Miss Zhou! Get him to sit across the table so he can’t see my screen!

But Zhou Yanci wasn’t about to give in. He and Zhou Qingyu had been at odds for years.

“No,” he said flatly. “My leg hurts. I can’t move around easily.”

Then he turned to Yan Xi, his gaze heavy. “Xi’er, I’m injured like this. You wouldn’t make me keep shifting seats, would you?”

His voice was deep yet smooth, like a clear spring under the warmth of a spring sun.

Yan Xi’s resolve instantly melted. For someone who was both a sucker for looks and a voice connoisseur, this was a double whammy!

“That… wouldn’t be right,” she conceded.

Zhou Qingyu: !!!

You sly old fox!

Zhou Qingyu had never believed in the idea that someone could be stunningly attractive yet unaware of it. Truly good-looking people had been told their whole lives how attractive they were. They might not flaunt it, but they knew how to use it to their advantage.

And Zhou Yanci definitely knew.

The way he’d just spoken—lowered voice, husky tone—was deliberately seductive in the quiet of the night. This man was playing dirty!

Yan Xi’s just too inexperienced with men!

But before Zhou Qingyu could intervene, Yan Xi stood up. “Qingyu, why don’t you take my seat instead?”

Zhou Yanci’s smile froze.

Now it was Zhou Qingyu’s turn to grin triumphantly. She shot Zhou Yanci a look that screamed—See? Xi’er cares more about me!

Zhou Yanci: “…”

---

The study had a long rectangular desk. The three of them sat side by side, with Zhou Qingyu in the middle.

Yan Xi didn’t bother moving to the opposite side. With Zhou Qingyu as a buffer, Zhou Yanci couldn’t see her screen anyway.

Zhou Yanci glanced at his sister. “You’re reading scripts with a face mask on?”

Zhou Qingyu ripped it off. “None of your business!”

“Shouldn’t you wash your face after removing it?”

She instantly caught his drift—he was trying to get rid of her!

She patted her cheeks to absorb the serum. “This isn’t a clay mask. No need to wash~”

Soon, Aunt Zhang arrived with a plate of freshly cut fruit.

The fruit was for Yan Xi—Zhou Yanci disliked sweets, and Zhou Qingyu was watching her figure. Yan Xi, however, was the one who enthusiastically ate everything Aunt Zhang and Uncle Chen prepared.

As Yan Xi nibbled on fruit while reviewing files, Zhou Qingyu suddenly opened her mouth. “Xi’er, feed me! My hands are covered in serum.”

Yan Xi obliged without a second thought.

“That one—the strawberry~”

“Grape! I want a grape too~”

“And a piece of watermelon~”

Between bites, Zhou Qingyu shot smug glances at Zhou Yanci.

Think you can compete with me? Dream on!

Zhou Yanci: “…”

Her gloating was so satisfying that Zhou Qingyu didn’t realize she’d polished off the entire plate until she let out a small burp.

Oh no. How much sugar did I just consume?!

Zhou Yanci smirked. “Aren’t actresses supposed to limit their daily calorie intake? At this rate, you’ll need to run for an hour at the gym tonight.”

Yan Xi whispered, “She’s right, Qingyu. If you don’t work it off, you’ll be bloated tomorrow. And you have a shoot…”

Zhou Qingyu: “…”

Damn it! She’d already showered—who wanted to exercise now?!

She glared at Zhou Yanci. This is all your fault!

“No way, Xi’er. You fed me all that fruit. You’re coming to the gym with me!”

Yan Xi paled.

Exercise? That’s practically a death sentence! She’d barely passed the 800-meter run in school!

“How about… I just cheer you on from the sidelines?” Running is a hard no!

“Fine!”

Zhou Qingyu didn’t mind—as long as Zhou Yanci wasn’t tagging along!

Zhou Yanci’s eyes darkened.

As the two girls gathered their things to head to the gym (Zhou Yanci, still recovering, couldn’t join), he suddenly winced and let out a pained groan.

Zhou Qingyu spun around. “Now what?!”

Yan Xi instinctively turned to him, concerned. “Does your wound hurt? Did you overdo it with rehab today?”

Zhou Yanci frowned deeper. “Probably forgot to take my meds.”

“Are they in your room? I’ll get them.”

Without waiting for a response, Yan Xi hurried off to fetch his pillbox.

Zhou Qingyu gaped. “Hey! What about the gym?!”

Yan Xi’s voice floated back from the hallway. “Wait for me! I’ll go with you after I bring his medicine!”

Minutes later, Yan Xi returned with the pills and a glass of water.

Zhou Qingyu stood with arms crossed, sulking.

Whatever. She’s just helping him with meds. It’s not a big deal. Soon, she’ll be with me at the gym. Zhou Yanci can’t even work out right now—no way he’ll steal her attention!

Comforted by this thought, she relaxed.

Meanwhile, Yan Xi handed Zhou Yanci the pillbox.

He placed a tablet in his mouth, and she offered him the half-filled glass.

But this time, Zhou Yanci didn’t take it.

Instead, he wrapped his hand around hers and drank the water straight from the glass she held.

Yan Xi froze, the tingling sensation on her skin making her want to pull her hand back, but she couldn’t. By the time she processed it, Zhou Yanci had already finished the water.

Zhou Yanci released her hand and gave Yan Xi a soft smile.

"Thank you."