Chapter 74: None of Their Intentions Toward Her Are Pure

Outsiders naturally couldn't discern the true value of Qin Yu’s bracelet, but Aunt Rong and the others would instantly see its significance. Lin Xi worried that Qin Yu would have a hard time explaining—after all, it was her fault, and letting her shoulder the consequences was only right.

Grandpa Qin wouldn't mind, but Aunt Rong might pose a bit of trouble.

"It's fine," Qin Yu said, barely glancing at the bracelet before slipping it back onto his wrist. Lin Xi sat close beside him, and the faint fragrances of their two sandalwood bracelets intertwined imperceptibly in the air.

Only then did she belatedly shift away, making a show of putting a small distance between them.

The potted gardenia on the table looked even more delicate under the lamp’s glow. Lin Xi reached into her backpack and returned both the secondary card and the necklace Qin Yu had left her last time.

"This necklace doesn't suit me very well; I’d better give it back to you. And this card... I have enough money."

Afraid he might refuse, Lin Xi quickly added, "Don’t worry, if I need anything in the future, I won’t stand on ceremony. But right now, I truly don’t need it. If I keep it and lose it, that would be terrible."

Seeing that Qin Yu showed no intention of taking them back, Lin Xi pursed her lips and simply placed them on the coffee table.

"I appreciate your kindness. Next time I see something I truly like, I’ll be sure to tell you. This necklace is too flashy—it’s really not for me."

She had been dazzled by the diamond necklace at first sight, but that feeling lasted only a moment.

She knew without trying it on that it didn’t suit her.

She wasn’t fond of wearing jewelry, always feeling it was a burden. And this style was only suitable for gala dinners—she rarely attended such events, and in any case, she always felt the necklace didn’t quite match any dress.

In short, it wasn’t for her.

It would probably look better on Song Ning.

She glanced at her watch. "I should get going. My cold isn’t better yet—I need to rest early tonight."

Shouldering her bag, she signaled for the servant to help carry the flowers to her car.

Qin Yu looked up and watched her for a few seconds. He didn’t try to stop her, only asked, "Where are you and Bai Xu going this weekend?"

He only knew they had plans together; Bai Xu hadn’t mentioned any details.

Lin Xi paused at his words—she had nearly forgotten. Remembering Qin Yu would also attend that night, she hesitated and didn’t tell the truth. "Just dinner, nothing special."

Her eyes were clear, and she lied so naturally it was nearly impossible to detect.

Qin Yu studied her for several seconds, his tone mild. "Is that so?"

"Mm," Lin Xi nodded.

She looked perfectly at ease—no sign of guilt.

She ought to be able to muddle through.

She forgot, however, just how well Qin Yu knew her...

—

"Sir, Miss Lin has left."

The servant saw Lin Xi into the car, watched it drive out of the courtyard, and then returned.

"Hmm."

On the sofa, the man bowed his head and lit a cigarette. In that instant, the smoke blurred his features, making it impossible to read his expression.

"Sir, Miss Lin seemed to like the crabapples in the back garden. Should I prepare some from the conservatory for her?"

"No need."

"Very well." The servant didn’t press further, but as he turned to leave, he heard a low, hoarse order: "Tell Bai Xu to come over."

"Right now, sir?"

Qin Yu looked up, his gaze cool. The servant immediately lowered his head. "Yes, I’ll call him right away!"

Bai Xu had just left the hospital when he received the call.

A few days ago, he’d been examined—several cracked ribs and some bruising. Today was a follow-up.

Nothing serious, as long as he rested.

Getting into his car, he saw the call from Qin Yu, hesitated, and pressed decline.

If Qin Yu was calling at this hour, it probably wasn’t for anything good.

Seconds later, the phone rang again. He started the engine and focused on driving.

The ringtone persisted, relentless and insistent.

It gave him a headache.

Annoyed, Bai Xu clicked answer. "What do you want?"

"Young Master Bai, Mr. Qin asks you to come to Boyu Bay now."

"...Now?" Bai Xu frowned, glancing at the time. "Is he inviting me for dinner?"

"If you haven’t had dinner yet, I’ll have the kitchen start preparing."

Qin Yu’s staff were always impeccably polite. Bai Xu laughed softly, sensing this wasn’t a dinner invitation.

"I’m busy right now. Tell Third Brother I’ll come tomorrow."

"Well... it’s best if you come now, otherwise I’m afraid he’ll be angry."

Qin Yu was intimidating enough when calm; when upset, he was simply unapproachable.

"How’s his mood tonight?" Bai Xu was cautious.

"Hard to say," the servant replied vaguely.

Bai Xu understood. "So, not good."

"Who’s provoked him this time?"

The servant forced a dry laugh, not daring to answer.

Everyone knew—when Qin Yu smoked, he was troubled.

The servant risked a glance at the living room—Qin Yu was still lounging on the sofa, unmoving but exuding a silent pressure, like a brewing storm.

If Bai Xu didn’t show up tonight, the master would have him dragged over.

"Where are you now, sir? Shall we send someone to pick you up?"

Catching the urgency in the servant’s voice, Bai Xu answered coldly, "No need, I’ll come myself."

Without waiting for a reply, he hung up and threw the phone onto the passenger seat.

—

By the time Bai Xu arrived at Boyu Bay, an hour had passed.

He should have arrived half an hour earlier—the drive wasn’t long.

But he’d done it on purpose.

He tossed his keys to the servant, put on a cheerful face, and walked in. "Third Brother."

He had barely finished speaking when something came flying at his face. Without looking, Bai Xu caught it and handed it to the servant.

"What’s this about, Third Brother?"

Qin Yu narrowed his eyes and asked in a low voice, "Did you crawl all the way here?"

Bai Xu grinned and settled into an armchair, adjusting his glasses. "I came straight from the hospital—there was a bit of traffic. At this hour in Beijing, you know how it is."

"So, what’s so urgent tonight? Do you need me for something, or just want a companion for dinner?"

His irreverent demeanor would make anyone frown.

"You’re taking Lin Xi to a banquet this weekend?"

"No," Bai Xu replied smoothly. "We’re just having dinner."

They hadn’t coordinated their stories beforehand, but their lies matched perfectly.

That only made Qin Yu more irritated. To him, it was clear they’d conspired in advance.

The thought of their shared secrets was like a dull knife twisting in his chest.

Others might not know, but he’d always understood—Bai Xu’s feelings for Lin Xi were anything but simple.

(End of chapter)