Chapter 17: Why Do We Have to Answer Multiple-Choice Questions?

Watching the sarcastic Qin Chuan, the barely contained amusement in Lan Jin’s eyes, and Lin Wanyu’s face flushing with a mixture of anger and shame, Liu Qingcheng grew more confused than ever.

Sensing that the situation was about to spiral out of control, Qin Chuan decided to bring this lively confrontation to an end himself. But Liu Qingcheng was quicker, speaking up first: “Brother Chuan, even if you dislike these marriages arranged by our elders, you still need to come to our house and retrieve the token of engagement. That’s the only way you can give a proper account to the seniors, isn’t it?”

Not long ago, she had been trading barbs with Lan Jin, yet now she was offering Qin Chuan a graceful way out, sparing him further embarrassment. This ability to advance and retreat with such composure left Qin Chuan genuinely impressed.

“If I’d known, I should have quietly investigated all my fiancées first. Instead, I hastily brought the slightly less formidable Lan Jin into my camp—what a rash decision!”

Yet, for all his regret, Qin Chuan was also astonished that Liu Qingcheng even knew about the engagement token. This meant her family took the marriage pact very seriously and supported it wholeheartedly.

Back when his masters arranged marriages between him and the heads of several great families, Qin Chuan kept the marriage contract, while the family heads held the tokens. If he wished to dissolve any engagement, he needed to exchange the contract for the token, so the elders could be appeased.

By contrast, when Qin Chuan tried to break off the engagement with Lin Wanyu, she had known nothing about it—clearly, the Lin family was likely opposed to the match.

Still, Qin Chuan didn’t feel any real loss. As outstanding as Lin Wanyu was in many respects, a woman who relied on those sorts of toys to dispel her loneliness hardly aroused his interest.

“Brother Chuan, you’re unwilling?” Liu Qingcheng’s voice was soft and alluring, and she even brazenly blew a warm breath against Qin Chuan’s ear.

Qin Chuan jolted, his body tensing; he forced a smile and replied, “Willing, of course I’m willing. I’ll see how you perform before making my final decision.”

“You can’t do that, Qin Chuan.” Lan Jin and Lin Wanyu spoke in unison.

Qin Chuan paused in surprise, the two women exchanging glances—creating a moment that was both subtle and awkward.

Lan Jin, in her dual role as both a shield for returned goods and an undercover agent standing up for her best friend, was prepared not to invest real feelings. But as anyone knows, emotions often deepen unconsciously with time. Although she hadn’t known Qin Chuan long, she found herself drawn to his mystery and talent.

So, in a way, Lan Jin relished playing the part of a shield. Yet now, with Qin Chuan leaving things open with Liu Qingcheng, her role as the shield might be canceled by the “leading lady.” How could she accept that?

She was furious, yet helpless—and so her anger only grew.

She was one step away from impotent rage.

As for Lin Wanyu, she simply felt rejected, while Liu Qingcheng was given room for negotiation. The goddess-like superiority she’d always prided herself on vanished in an instant. Besides, Lin Wanyu believed she was in no way inferior to Liu Qingcheng—especially in terms of presence and temperament. Most men, after all, preferred conquering the cool and aloof goddess, while Liu Qingcheng seemed the type to let herself go and was easy to win over.

Could it be Qin Chuan preferred the wanton type?

Lin Wanyu glanced at Qin Chuan. If that was the case, didn’t she herself have more potential for growth?

“No, no, what am I thinking?”

“Why should I change myself to suit his preferences?”

“If Qin Chuan and Liu Qingcheng end up together, shouldn’t I feel relieved? Then I wouldn’t have to go through with this marriage arranged by our elders.”

Lin Wanyu repeatedly tried to talk herself into acceptance.

Qin Chuan gently patted Lan Jin’s hand and said softly, “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”

Seeing this, Lin Wanyu felt even more despondent, a faint pang of jealousy rising within her for reasons she couldn’t explain.

Liu Qingcheng, however, seemed unfazed—if anything, she grew bolder. “Don’t worry, Brother Chuan, I’ll make sure you’re satisfied.”

Feeling the teasing breath at his ear, Qin Chuan almost lost his composure; he silently recited a calming mantra, barely suppressing the heat rising in his belly.

“I look forward to your performance!” Qin Chuan flashed Liu Qingcheng an encouraging glance, to which she responded with a coquettish wink.

Watching the flirtatious exchange, Lin Wanyu grew more and more uncomfortable. She decided to leave before her emotions got the better of her.

“Since Miss Liu’s too busy to discuss business, let’s wait until you’re free. Goodbye!”

Without waiting for a reply, Lin Wanyu turned and left. As she passed Lan Jin, she shot her a meaningful look.

Lan Jin immediately understood, giving a discreet “OK” gesture behind her back—she was to keep a close eye on Qin Chuan.

Yet Lan Jin found it odd; wasn’t this the classic scenario of the official wife keeping her husband from straying?

“Take care, President Lin! Safe travels!” Liu Qingcheng waved extravagantly, every inch the triumphant victor.

Qin Chuan was also about to leave. He smiled and said, “Alright then, three days from now I’ll visit the Liu family and settle everything once and for all.”

“Great, Brother Chuan, see you in three days.” Liu Qingcheng smiled, once again making Qin Chuan experience the meaning of “one smile outshines all the beauties of the palace.”

“Let’s go,” Qin Chuan said, deliberately wrapping an arm around Lan Jin’s slender waist—a clear demonstration for Liu Qingcheng. His eyes seemed to say, “Don’t just talk—show me what you can do.”

Liu Qingcheng only smiled wider, blowing him a kiss in response—plainly signaling that she got the message.

“It really is a relief to deal with smart people!” Qin Chuan was satisfied, in high spirits, and genuinely looking forward to meeting at the Liu family three days later.

But then a new worry crept in. If Liu Qingcheng went all out—with, say, a grand welcoming parade—should he accept? Refuse? Or play hard to get and let things take their course?

Such a dilemma!

“I’m already an adult—why must I always choose?”

The thought brought sudden clarity. Glancing at the tense Lan Jin, Qin Chuan lowered his voice and said, “Shouldn’t you show me your best these next few days as well?”

“Yes, Daddy,” Lan Jin replied quietly, though inwardly she consoled herself: “Just doing this for my best friend.”

Qin Chuan was very pleased. That’s how it should be—competition breeds pressure, which in turn brings him more benefits. Delightful!

But he hadn’t taken more than a few steps when a commotion erupted at the entrance to the office building. Through the glass doors, he saw the security guards facing off against a group of black-clad bodyguards.

At the front was a slightly plump middle-aged woman, cursing loudly: “Tell that vixen Liu Qingcheng to come out here! She owes me an explanation, or I’ll smash her company to pieces!”