Lu Chengwen was dumbfounded. The situation had spiraled into a life-or-death crisis. Two heroines clung to his arms, Long Aotian loomed behind him, and Tie Tuo Wang stood right in front. It wouldn't take more than three sentences for Long Aotian and Tie Tuo Wang to realize the truth, fly into a rage, and pound him into the ground. Forget those two—even one of Tie Tuo Wang's four muscle-bound goons could send him straight back to the beginner's village for a respawn.
Four days? Is that my limit?
Xu Xuejiao pinched his arm lightly, smirking. "Oh, big guy, you look familiar."
Tie Tuo Wang, embarrassed, forced a laugh. "Haha, just a misunderstanding before, a misunderstanding."
Long Aotian frowned. Why are they chatting? That's Tie Tuo Wang, right? He knows Lu Chengwen? "Let's talk inside," he said.
Lu Chengwen couldn't escape now. Fleeing would expose his bluff instantly. Staying meant he had to think fast. His legs wobbled as he walked, mind racing for a plan.
Xu Xuejiao pinched him again. "Hold it together!"
Leng Qingqiu, though unaware of the full context, sensed his tension—his hand in hers was clammy with sweat. Behind them, one of Tie Tuo Wang's men whispered, "They say the Young Master's martial arts are unmatched, a peerless genius. But his steps are shaky, like he's no fighter—more like a sick man."
Tie Tuo Wang hissed back, "What do you know? The Young Master fought a brutal battle at the border, earning legendary glory but taking heavy injuries. He's not at his peak. He's back in the Northern Kingdom to conquer the great families with strategy, saving his strength for later. Don't spout nonsense, or we'll all pay for offending him."
"Don't we need to confirm it's him?"
"Confirm what? Look at him—charming, surrounded by beauties, practically carried by two women, oozing swagger. Who else could have that kind of flair? Get lost!"
In the café's private room, everyone settled in. Tie Tuo Wang gestured for Lu Chengwen to take the main seat. Lu Chengwen coughed, shot him a look, and Tie Tuo Wang understood, taking the seat himself.
Long Aotian sensed something off. Why's this guy not greeting me? He's acting deferential to Lu Chengwen—what's going on? Is he not Tie Tuo Wang?
Smiling, Long Aotian stood. "May I ask if you're Mr. Tie?"
"That's right. Tie Muer," he replied.
Long Aotian blinked. What kind of fake name is that? Couldn't pick something better? "Mr. Tie, allow me to introduce Qianfeng Group's executive president, Miss Leng Qingqiu."
Tie Muer glanced at Leng Qingqiu and Xu Xuejiao, both glued to Lu Chengwen, and marveled inwardly. As expected of the Young Master! He's already won over two beauties from the great families. Stunning, elegant—Leng Qingqiu's aura outshines that loli by miles. Those idiots said the Young Master was struggling, facing some rival. With his charm, who'd dare challenge him? They'd have to be suicidal. This trip's just icing on the cake. I need to impress him for a shot at glory!
He grinned. "Miss Leng, truly a vision, young and accomplished."
Leng Qingqiu forced a smile. "You're too kind, Mr. Tie."
Lu Chengwen avoided Tie Muer's eyes, thinking, Only one path left: keep posing as the Young Master and earn his trust. No trust, I'm dead. Exposed, I'm dead. I've got to lock this guy down to survive! From now on, I'm hypnotizing myself—I'm the Young Master! Time to show real acting chops!
Leng Qingqiu caught on, piecing together the situation. Xu Xuejiao already knew Lu Chengwen was fooling Tie Muer into thinking he was Long Aotian. Despite the name slip, the ruse held—for now, they had to keep acting.
Lu Chengwen, avoiding Tie Muer's gaze, turned to Xu Xuejiao, playfully pinching her chin. "Xuejiao-meimei, I love your scent."
He kept it light, wary of Leng Qingqiu's reaction. But to his surprise, she'd read his thoughts and played along perfectly. "Chengwen-gege, is Xuejiao-meimei's scent nice? What about mine? Take a whiff."
Lu Chengwen, shocked, met her eyes and saw unwavering support. Smart as ice, Leng Qingqiu! Three years of chasing you weren't for nothing. Your quick thinking makes it all worth it.
"Hahaha!" He turned, pinching Leng Qingqiu's chin. "Guess I'll have to find out!"
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"Come smell then!" she teased.
She's really going all in! Lu Chengwen thought. No backing down now—one slip, and I'm done. I'll apologize to these two later. This isn't a ranked match—it's a damn elimination round. I have to win!
Like a brazen playboy, he buried his face in Leng Qingqiu's chest, inhaling deeply and feigning rapture. "Mmm, divine!"
Xu Xuejiao, not to be outdone, practically climbed onto him, one leg draped over his. "President Lu, I'm a little sore here. Rub it for me?"
Come on, you two! This is the vibe, not a full-on show! I'm turning into a real creep here! But with no choice, he played along, his hand sliding along Xu Xuejiao's leg, creeping up her skirt. To outsiders, it looked scandalous, but he kept it tame where no one could see.
Xu Xuejiao knew the truth, but Leng Qingqiu didn't. They're going that far in front of me? Competitive, she pressed closer, draping her leg over him too. "Chengwen-ge, I'm sore too. Help me out?"
Lu Chengwen, stuck, played both sides, hands roaming. Tie Muer mentally gave a thumbs-up. Young Master, I'm in awe! Who else could tame women like this? No one!
Long Aotian was livid, eyes bloodshot, practically exploding with rage. Lu Chengwen, you bastard!
Xu Xuejiao upped the ante. "Gege, check my chest—has it gotten bigger?"
Leng Qingqiu countered, "Gege, check mine too. No favoritism!"
The girls were now in a full-on rivalry. Lu Chengwen's mind screamed, Are you two insane? Competing over this? Now's not the time!
He waved them off. "Enough, sit down. I've got business to handle."
Xu Xuejiao clapped. "Wow, Chengwen-gege's so commanding! I love your dominant vibe!"
Leng Qingqiu purred, "I love when you're fierce—so manly!"
Kill me now. I'm doomed to die by your hands. Xu Xuejiao's bad enough, but Leng Qingqiu has this side too? Though… her soft side is kind of charming.
"Uh… Mr. Tie, right?" Lu Chengwen said.
"Yes, yes, President Lu, that's me."
Long Aotian exhaled, urging himself to focus. Business first. Small setbacks don't ruin big plans. "Mr. Tie, I'm Qianfeng Group's newly appointed vice president. We're discussing a five-billion investment in our amusement park project. You're likely familiar with the details. Let's skip the formalities and sign the deal."
Tie Muer glanced at him, then at Lu Chengwen. "President Lu, what do you think?"
Long Aotian's temper flared. We're talking Qianfeng business—why look at him? Smiling tightly, he said, "Mr. Tie, this is Qianfeng's deal, not Dasheng's. It's got nothing to do with Lu Chengwen."
Tie Muer blinked, catching on. "Right, right!" Then, to Lu Chengwen, "Didn't notice Qianfeng's president in your arms. You call half the shots, huh?"
"Haha, exactly!" Tie Muer laughed. "In that case, I'll invest—"
"Wait!" Long Aotian, fuming, thought, If I didn't need this five billion to strengthen my hand, I'd crush this idiot right now. "Mr. Tie, you're here on someone's behalf, right?"
Tie Muer tensed. Crap, he's onto my connection with the Young Master. Gotta play it cool. "Huh? No, I'm just here to invest. Heard President Lu had a good project, so I came to check it out. Haven't decided what or how much to invest yet."
Long Aotian's anger surged. You're playing dumb with me? I'm hinting at you! "Mr. Tie," he gritted out, eyes like saucers, "you came to invest in the amusement park project, right?"
Tie Muer frowned. What's this guy's deal? Who's he talking to like that? "Got a hemorrhoid in your mouth? Why're you gritting your teeth?"
Long Aotian's eyelids twitched with rage. Lu Chengwen, calm as ever, said, "I've changed my mind. There's a shantytown redevelopment project—great potential. Worth investing in."
"Really?" Tie Muer nodded eagerly. "Great, let's sign the contract now."
Long Aotian couldn't believe it. Is this guy brainless? Leaning over the table, he glared. "Do you even know what the shantytown project is? What's involved?"
"Nope," Tie Muer said.
"And you'd sign anyway?"
"Yup. President Lu's got the vision. I trust him."
Long Aotian felt a heart attack coming. "Your original purpose was the amusement park project, not the shantytown. The shantytown won't make money!"
Tie Muer bristled. "You telling me how to do my job?"
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