Chapter 6: Discussing the Marriage

After Qin Yu finished speaking, the car fell into such silence that only the hum of the air conditioner could be heard. She didn’t answer, which in his eyes seemed as good as acquiescence.

Retracting his gaze, Qin Yu’s long fingers, resting on the steering wheel, tightened quietly. His Adam’s apple bobbed twice before he spoke again, his voice low and hoarse, “Just back in the country and already in such a rush to talk about marriage?”

There was a hint of bitterness in his tone. Lin Xi raised an eyebrow, offering him a bright, mocking smile. “Is Third Brother especially free these days?”

She lounged lazily in the passenger seat, taking satisfaction in the way Qin Yu’s lips pressed into a tight line. In the past, she’d never dared speak to him like this. Now, she had no reason to hold back.

“Lu Bei and I haven’t made any decisions yet, so there’s no need for you to worry. When the day comes that marriage is truly on the table, we’ll be sure to deliver the invitation to you in person.”

Her emphasis on the last words was deliberate.

The temperature in the car seemed to drop sharply.

A cold laugh escaped Qin Yu. He turned to look at her, but his smile didn’t reach his eyes. “That is, if he’s up to the task.”

Lin Xi frowned, displeased. She despised this attitude of Qin Yu’s, as though he could control everything.

“Since you’ve gotten your answer, Third Brother, if there’s nothing else, please pull over ahead. I have an appointment.”

Of course, she had no such appointment. She simply couldn’t bear to share the same space with him any longer and lied to escape.

“With whom? Lu Bei?”

“Who else? You?” she retorted, not bothering to sound friendly.

“I could, actually. I’m free right now. Since you bailed on our last dinner, you owe me this one.”

She stared at him in disbelief, sizing him up. Was there something wrong with his hearing? Had she just invited him?

It seemed he was determined to have this meal with her, and wouldn’t relent until he did. Not wanting to make a scene, Lin Xi let him have his way for now.

She’d assumed he would take her to Ruan Dong’s place. Only when she got out of the car did she realize they’d arrived at a hot pot restaurant.

“Not in the mood for this place?” Qin Yu, seeing her rooted to the spot, didn’t rush her. He simply waited by her side. “I’ve heard it’s rather good. If you don’t like it, we can go somewhere else.”

“I don’t mind. But…” She looked at him, her meaning clear.

He lifted his chin, signaling her inside.

—

While waiting for the food, Lin Xi rested her chin on her hand, staring absentmindedly at the bubbling red broth. Across from her, Qin Yu was still on the phone.

She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop. But in the quiet, she couldn’t help catching a mention of the Song family.

He must be discussing marriage arrangements, she thought involuntarily. How odd—after all these years, Qin Yu and Miss Song still weren’t married.

Hadn’t they planned to get engaged long ago?

“I haven’t had a chance to ask—how were your years abroad?” Qin Yu had finished his call.

She didn’t even bother to lift her eyelids, answering perfunctorily, “I ate well, slept well, studied hard, and was perfectly content.”

“Adaptable as ever,” he remarked.

“All thanks to you, Third Brother.”

It was clear she had no interest in a proper conversation, and her sarcasm never failed to hit its mark.

—

Though they called it hot pot, it was actually Beijing-style copper pot sliced lamb.

Lin Xi furrowed her brow briefly after her first bite. Qin Yu caught the reaction. “Not to your taste?”

She shook her head quickly. “No, it’s not that.”

“Maybe I’m just picky. Back at university, there was a copper pot place right across from campus, truly authentic. I went there all the time. These past years, I’ve really missed Beijing’s food, but never found anything quite like it abroad. Especially the texture of the meat—nothing compares. I was lucky, though; not long after I started at university, a place opened nearby that was just like home.”

She hadn’t expected much, but the dishes there tasted remarkably like those from her childhood.

“We’ll try another place next time,” Qin Yu said.

Lin Xi didn’t respond. She had no intention of there being a next time. Sharing a meal with Qin Yu felt more like an interrogation than dinner.

Afterwards, knowing it was difficult to get a cab from here, she got into Qin Yu’s car without waiting for him to offer.

“Please drop me off at the hotel across from my office.”

“Not going back to the family house?”

“I’ll go back over the weekend.”

“So you plan to stay at the hotel indefinitely?”

Lin Xi was in a better mood now, and her tone was less hostile. “I’m looking for a place. Once I have some free time, I’ll go see a few.”

“Mm.” Qin Yu made no further comment, but that night, he called Cheng Si, who was out of town.

“Wait a minute, Third Brother—why are you calling me for this?” Cheng Si was puzzled after hearing him out. “If you have a spare place, just let Xi Bao move in. Why bother with me?”

Beneath the hotel, a black Ferrari still idled by the curb.

The driver’s side window was rolled down a crack, and the man’s hand dangled outside, a cigarette between his fingers. In the cold moonlight, his slender joints flicked the cigarette, scattering a shower of ash.

Inside the car, his black shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, his gaze fixed on the hotel above, though it was unclear which floor he was looking at. On the passenger seat, his phone was on speaker, the call ongoing.

“If I were the one to suggest it, do you think she’d agree?”

His voice betrayed no emotion, as still and unfathomable as a dead lake.

Cheng Si was silent. That much was true. Given what they knew of Lin Xi, not only would she refuse, she’d probably avoid him even more, just as she’d skirted around him at work. Qin Yu had no choice but to take a roundabout approach.

“All right, I’ll talk to her.”

—

The next day at lunch, Lin Xi had just arrived at the company cafeteria when she got a call from Cheng Si.

“Fourth Brother, did you need something?”

“I heard from Auntie that you haven’t been home these past few days?”

“Yes, I’ve been staying at a hotel near the office. It’s more convenient.”

“My fault for not asking sooner,” Cheng Si began, slipping into his act. “There’s a vacant apartment near my company. You should just move in.”

“No need, I’m already looking for a place.”

“What’s the point? The family has plenty of apartments. All I have are empty rooms! Besides, you’ve helped me so much. Why be so polite? Must you keep me at arm’s length?”

“You… really won’t stay there?”

“I don’t live there now. I bought it for convenience, but it’s been empty ever since.”

“That’s settled, then. I’ve already arranged for housekeeping to clean up for you. You can move in tonight. Living in my place will put the family at ease.”

Her aunt had been wanting to buy her a suitable apartment these past few days. Not wanting to trouble her, Lin Xi agreed to Cheng Si’s plan instead—it would be easier to explain.

“I’ll send someone to help with your things tonight.”

“No need, Fourth Brother, I don’t have much.”

“Nonsense. Just listen to me!” His tone brooked no argument.

“…All right.” She relented. “Thank you, Fourth Brother.”

After work that evening, Lin Xi stood at the hotel entrance with her luggage as agreed. But instead of the movers, she was greeted by another uninvited guest—Qin Yu.