Chapter 13: The Farce Comes to an End

“I’m telling you, Zhao, you should be cherishing that scenery!” After teasing Lin Moliang, he turned to tease Zhao Ziqian.

“Stinky fox, don’t take me for a fool. I’m not falling for that,” Zhao said disdainfully, watching him act so unseriously.

Zhu Yansheng shot him a sharp glance. “Zhao, you really aren’t cute at all!”

“Stinky fox, you’re asking for it!” Up until now, A Jing had never been stirred by anything or anyone—calm and clear as water—but once he acted, it was either death or injury.

“I’m not the one courting death here!” he said lazily.

Before Zhao could reply, a calm voice came from his ear: “I win!”

A groan escaped him. “Again? Ah, ah, can I even live anymore?”

Xie Chenjing twisted his neck slightly, speaking with measured calm: “Send the things that suit me to my place. If you find yourself free, how about a few more rounds?”

Those who had nearly lost and nearly turned red in the face had no time for idle talk. Each pondered what he liked, calculated the price, and wanted to cry. They didn’t play for money because one certain person called it vulgar.

So they set new rules: the winner could choose a favorite item from the losers, regardless of price—limited to material things, of course.

Seeing the game couldn’t continue, Lin Moliang set aside his original plan. There was plenty of time ahead.

“Since we’re done, let’s disperse.” Xie Chenjing stood, picked up his suit jacket from the chair back, draped it over his arm, hands in pockets, eyes coolly watching them.

“A Jing, it’s still early. Why rush home?” Zhu Yansheng hurried to stop him. The night was just beginning; why be in such a hurry?

“Won’t stay long?” Lin Moliang, the host, slouched against the chair back like a weakling, his slender phoenix-like eyes slightly raised. Having known him for years, he always wore an expression of calm detachment, never showing emotion, which made everyone feel oddly vexed when looking at him.

“I have matters to attend to.” His clear voice was neither loud nor soft; he needed to handle something.

The group left the private room and stood outside, waiting for the valet to bring the car. Time was quiet and dull. Zhu Yansheng felt bored. “Today, the two of us went back to school and found something interesting. I wanted to tell you all, but you’re in such a hurry!”

He shrugged, looking at him with an innocent face.

Xie Chenjing took the keys from the valet, a smile curving his lips, a glint flickering in his eyes. “Yansheng, what’s meant for me won’t be missed. We’ll meet again another day.” His gaze swept over the group lightly as he opened the car door and sat down. Just before leaving, he added, “You all keep going!”

The car roared away, leaving the four staring at each other. Lin Moliang stretched, covering his mouth with his hand, his voice thick with nasal tone: “Let’s go, I’m dead tired. Need to catch up on sleep!”

Hearing this, Zhu Yansheng leaned in to study him carefully, eyes full of understanding, arm draping over his shoulder as he whispered, “Overindulged in warm silks again?”

“Get lost. I’m nothing like you!” Lin Moliang swung a fist, landing it on his chest. This guy always judged others by his own standards. Who else would wallow all day among women, living in a drunken, dreamlike haze?

“Tch~ I don’t believe it!” Zhu Yansheng said. Sure, he liked beautiful women, but he was a gentleman, not vulgar. Everyone loves beauty, right? Besides, as the eldest young master of the Zhu family, how dull would it be without a beauty by his side? Hmm, no use arguing with them—hypocrites and false gentlemen. His true nature was genuine and unlearnable by others.