Reborn as a Fake Heiress Marrying the Tycoon-Chapter 1208: Rebuilding A Connection With Chen Xi

Chen Xi’s motorcycle was heading straight toward them.

Tang Xue hastily tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, straightened her spine, and deliberately turned her gaze elsewhere—an affected air of indifference carefully arranged on her face. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

But the girls around her weren’t buying it. One of them nudged her forward with a teasing lilt in her voice, eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Come on, Tang Xue, Young Master Chen is obviously here for you. Hurry up and go!"

Tang Xue’s cheeks flushed a shade of rose pink. With a shy giggle, she swatted the girl’s arm lightly. She could feel her heart pounding as Chen Xi’s sleek motorcycle drew closer, the polished chrome glinting in the sunlight. She had already rehearsed everything she’d say when he stopped to greet her—the tone she’d use, the way she’d tilt her head ever so slightly, the gentle curve of her lips.

But then, something strange happened.

Just as the motorcycle neared, right when it reached the closest point to where she stood—vroom!—it surged past her with a burst of speed, not even slowing down. No pause. No glance. Not even a flicker of acknowledgment.

Tang Xue’s smile froze on her face, awkward and brittle. The group of girls around her stood stunned, blinking at each other.

"What just happened?" one finally blurted out. "Chen Xi didn’t even stop to say hi to Tang Xue. Do you think maybe... he didn’t see her? Or—wait—did he see her and just ignore her? Tang Xue, did you two have a fight or something?"

"Exactly! That didn’t look like a guy chasing after a girl," another chimed in, voice dripping with disbelief. "But I swear one of the guys in class said Chen Xi skipped the freshmen mixer just to show his devotion to Tang Xue. What’s going on? Don’t tell me he’s fallen for someone else?"

Tang Xue’s complexion turned an ashen pale, but she fought to maintain composure. Her facial muscles twitched as she forced a gentle, noble smile, brushing off the sting in her chest.

"There were too many people just now. He probably didn’t notice me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And even if he’s interested in someone else now, I wouldn’t mind. I’d wish them well."

The girls exchanged doubtful glances. The excuse sounded just polished enough to be fake. After all, Chen Xi had passed right in front of them. What kind of man couldn’t see a whole group of girls standing in broad daylight?

It was becoming painfully clear: the rumors had perhaps been exaggerated. Chen Xi, it seemed, didn’t value Tang Xue as much as people had believed. Awkward chuckles rippled through the group, each girl hiding her discomfort behind a thin veil of amusement.

Everyone knew Chen Xi came from serious money. His family wasn’t just rich—they were powerful. His elder brother was a retired military officer with ties to the highest echelons of government and the armed forces. Old money. Old power. That kind of pedigree didn’t just open doors—it built entire palaces.

And when Chen Xi had made those overt gestures toward Tang Xue—moving her things on the first day of school, always hovering nearby—people had assumed she’d landed the role of his girlfriend-in-the-making. So even if Tang Xue wasn’t the most likable person, everyone still scrambled to curry favor with her. Who wouldn’t want to be friends with a future heiress-in-law?

But now? Not even a glance. Not even a second of hesitation. Just the roar of a motorcycle disappearing into the distance.

They couldn’t help but wonder: had Chen Xi simply been infatuated for a brief moment, a fleeting crush that had already fizzled out? The whole backstory—about him secretly harboring feelings for Tang Xue since high school—suddenly felt... implausible.

Seriously, a guy like Chen Xi, the kind who oozed confidence and charm, mooning over a girl in secret? That kind of humble pining only happened in soap operas, not in the lives of the rich and gorgeous.

Tang Xue’s hands balled into tight fists at her sides. Her face was stiff with humiliation as she listened to their syrupy, sarcastic banter.

’How shallow they all are,’ she thought bitterly. But then again, she hadn’t lied. Chen Xi had liked her since high school. He’d pursued her sincerely. She was the one who kept her distance, who hadn’t said yes.

Had she pushed him too far? Was he truly angry now? Angry enough to ignore her like she didn’t even exist?

She didn’t know what to do. She wanted so badly to win him back. But with Gu Zi out on leave, her plan to get closer to Chen Xi through him was completely derailed. That avenue was closed, for now.

’No matter,’ she thought. ’When Gu Zi returns, I’ll be sure to butter him up, make nice, and rebuild that connection.’

After all, Chen Xi had liked her for so long. If she showed him she was sincere—truly sincere—he would surely forgive her for her previous rejections. When he came chasing again, this time she’d say yes.

What Tang Xue didn’t know was that Chen Xi had absolutely no idea she’d even been standing there just now.

In fact, it had been months since he thought much about her at all. Sure, there was a time when he had been quite taken with her. But after repeatedly sensing her insincerity, the feeling gradually withered. It faded like perfume left uncapped too long—dissipating into nothing.

These days, his mind was consumed by other things entirely—specifically, wrapping up his classes as quickly as possible so he could race across town to pick up his three little ones. And tonight? Tonight, he was especially excited. He had a hunch there’d be something delicious waiting.

That small joy kept him going through the long, mundane hours on campus. When the final bell rang, he casually brushed off the classmates who tried to strike up conversation and dashed down the stairs. In a heartbeat, he was on his motorcycle, zooming off toward Qingteng School to fetch the kids.

As he pulled up outside the school gates, the low purr of his motorcycle drew attention like a magnet.

A gaggle of primary schoolers turned to stare, eyes wide with admiration—because to them, he looked like the ultimate cool older brother.

Even the high school girls passing by couldn’t help but sneak glances at him, their eyes filled with curiosity and that sweet, uncertain blush of adolescent longing.

Su Bing emerged with his younger siblings in tow. The moment his eyes landed on Chen Xi, casually leaning against his motorcycle like some rogue action hero, he sighed inwardly.

So flashy. So embarrassing.

He hurried his brother and sister onto the bike, climbed on last, and nudged Chen Xi with a brisk command.

"Let’s go already. To the library. At your school."

Chen Xi revved the engine. "The library? Again?" he asked, peeking over his shoulder. "Don’t tell me you’ve already finished the books I gave you?"