Chapter 6: Encountering a Master

When Lin Wanyu heard the news, she was completely stunned.

Her brother-in-law had become her man?

What kind of nonsense was this?

“You little rascal, what nonsense are you spouting?” Lin Wanyu asked irritably. She had originally called to ask about Lan Weimin’s critical illness. After all, her best friend was the apple of the Lan family patriarch’s eye, and rumor had it that Lan Weimin was determined to have Lan Jin succeed as clan leader, even against much opposition. The Lan and Lin families cooperated in many fields, so both publicly and privately, Lin Wanyu had to inquire about Lan Weimin’s condition.

“Wanyu, I’m talking about Qin Chuan!” Lan Jin then recounted how Qin Chuan had rescued Lan Weimin. When she described how Qin Chuan wanted her to act as a shield against his would-be fiancées, Lan Jin’s eyes danced with excitement.

“So, what do you think, Wanyu? Am I amazing or what?” Lan Jin said, clearly proud.

Lin Wanyu was dumbfounded, her thoughts more chaotic than ever. The man who had arrogantly broken off their engagement not long ago had overnight become her best friend's man?

Why did it feel like she’d just been slapped in the face?

“Are you calling just to brag?” For reasons she couldn’t pinpoint, Lin Wanyu’s tone was a little sharp.

“Wanyu, are you jealous?” Lan Jin fired back, undaunted.

“Jealous? Ha!” Lin Wanyu scoffed, but inside, she couldn’t shake a strange, sour feeling.

“As long as you’re not jealous!” Lan Jin patted her chest theatrically, then changed the subject: “Wanyu, I have a bold idea.”

“No, you don’t!” Lin Wanyu cut her off immediately.

She knew her mischievous friend too well; whenever Lan Jin said that, it meant she had something up her sleeve.

“Wanyu, just hear me out!” Lan Jin said, pretending to be mysterious. “Besides, I want to help you vent your anger.”

“Oh? Go on!” Lin Wanyu was suddenly interested.

She was still furious about Qin Chuan’s antics that morning, especially since she’d embarrassed herself in front of her ex-fiancé. Lin Wanyu was desperate for a way to get back at him.

“Here’s what I’m thinking.” Lan Jin quickly outlined her plan.

“Logical, airtight,” Lin Wanyu commented after listening. But then she worried aloud, “But you’re putting yourself at risk. If it fails, you’ll lose both the battle and the man.”

Lan Jin laughed. “If it works, I help you vent your anger. If it fails, I might just land myself a good husband. Either way, I don’t lose out!”

For the first time in her life, Lin Wanyu wanted to curse.

“Guarding against fire, thieves, and best friends—the ancients were right!” she thought to herself, then decisively hung up, afraid she’d lose her composure if she continued.

“Damn Qin Chuan, a beauty’s revenge is never too late,” Lin Wanyu muttered, clenching her fists, determined to make Qin Chuan her sworn enemy.

Elsewhere—

Achoo!

Qin Chuan sneezed.

“Handsome men can’t help it; there are always beautiful women thinking of me,” he bragged shamelessly, as if he were the lone star in a sky full of beauty.

Lan Jin smiled sweetly. “Qin Chuan, thanks to you, Grandpa’s life was saved today. Let me toast you.”

Her eyes were seductive, her voice enchanting. Qin Chuan felt as if even his bones tingled.

“Nice, keep calling me that,” Qin Chuan said, raising his glass to clink gently with Lan Jin’s, clearly pleased and encouraging her performance.

“Qin Chuan, would you mind if I call you something with a higher rank?” Lan Jin breathed softly, her cheeks flushed from the wine, her face even more alluring.

“A higher rank? Sure, sure!” Qin Chuan gave her an encouraging look.

“Uncle!” Lan Jin called sweetly.

What the hell!

Qin Chuan nearly threw out his back, disappointment flooding him. The double-syllable he’d been hoping for was nowhere to be heard.

But as he saw Lan Jin hiding her laughter behind her hand, Qin Chuan realized this girl was teasing him.

“What’s wrong, Uncle Qin Chuan? I’m just using Grandpa’s way of addressing you, based on seniority,” Lan Jin said, her wide, innocent eyes sparkling as if she truly didn’t understand.

“A real expert!” Qin Chuan thought instantly.

Lan Jin could switch seamlessly between seductive vixen and pure maiden, the ultimate player.

“We’re all young people in the new era; no need to stick to old rules. You can call me...” Qin Chuan began.

“But wouldn’t that be... inappropriate?” Lan Jin tugged at her sleeve, her face shy.

“What’s inappropriate? Come on, let’s hear it!” Qin Chuan gestured encouragingly.

Lan Jin hesitated, as if wrestling with herself, her lovable expression enough to break hearts.

But just as Qin Chuan waited expectantly, Lan Jin softly said, “Little brother!”

Qin Chuan’s mouth twitched violently.

“That’s it?”

“What else?” Lan Jin’s sly smile flashed by, and Qin Chuan felt a sudden urge to lose his temper.

Clearly, this girl had been setting up her scheme since the moment she called him ‘big brother’. Layer upon layer, perfectly orchestrated.

A true master!

“Sigh!” Qin Chuan suddenly let out a long sigh.

Lan Jin became even more triumphant. The man who had made Lin Wanyu suffer was now wrapped around her finger. That inexplicable sense of accomplishment was intoxicating.

“Why are you sighing?” Lan Jin asked, pretending not to know.

Qin Chuan replied, “I’m sighing because you’re going to have a bloody disaster today.”

“What, you’re quitting medicine and taking up fortune-telling?” Lan Jin teased.

Qin Chuan was unfazed. “If I were you, I’d go prepare some sanitary pads right now.”

“Keep bluffing, I’d love to see how much more nonsense you can—” Lan Jin’s words stopped abruptly as she felt a warm flow begin.

“Ah!” Lan Jin cried out and fled, her pretty face flushed crimson.

“Too inexperienced to take me on!” Qin Chuan said smugly, sipping his wine.

Lan Jin didn’t return for the rest of the meal, apparently too embarrassed to face him.

“My apologies, Young Master Qin. The young lady is feeling unwell and cannot accompany you,” Uncle Fu said respectfully.

Qin Chuan waved it off, quite pleased to have turned the tables on the girl who’d been flirting with him.

“Young Master Qin, your accommodations are ready. If you need anything, just let me know,” Uncle Fu said, careful not to slight the youth whose status was so intimidating.

Qin Chuan answered in a serious tone, “I need you to speak plainly to me, don’t hide anything.”

Uncle Fu gasped, feeling as though Qin Chuan could see right through him, and his respect deepened.

“Young Master Qin, the Gu family’s heir is vindictive. After being humiliated today, I fear he won’t let this go...”

“Understood. I’ll be careful,” Qin Chuan replied with a smile.

Watching Qin Chuan’s radiant smile, Uncle Fu felt a strange, growing concern for Gu Zikun’s safety.