Qin Hanyue didn't respond to Lin Cheng's words, but looked at Qiao Ying, asking her opinion. Of course this was just an act for Lin Cheng to see. The two of them were nowhere near the stage of sharing a bed.
Qiao Ying: "Let's sleep separately. He's quite traditional."
Qin Yan secretly pinched his own thigh, and his expression twisted as he barely held in his laugh: Young Master Three is traditional? Young Master Three is traditional? Young Master Three is traditional? Qin Yan said this sentence three times in his heart.
If it was another woman, he would believe it, but facing Miss Qiao, he would rather die than believe that Young Master Three who was so eager could be traditional.
It must be forced tradition~
Qin Hanyue lightly coughed into his fist and said, "Since we're at the Duke's estate, we should be more careful about appearances." He regained a little face.
Lin Cheng nodded slightly: "Then it will be the two rooms as before. I hope you two can enjoy your stay and have fun."
This small test didn't gain Lin Cheng any useful information.
So the two of them stayed at the manor, using sightseeing and bringing Fourth Young Master home as excuses. Every day, Lin Cheng had to watch them act intimate in front of him, while he could only chat with the cats and dogs. The robot Qiao Ying had gifted him could chat a little at least.
The robot's system and functions could keep Lin Cheng entertained for a couple days when he first encountered it, but after becoming familiar, he had nothing to do.
At this time, Lin Cheng sat on the sofa, watching as the two returned from outside, Qin Hanyue's arm around the person, carrying things in his hand.
"This confectionery is quite good, low sugar. Duke, please try some."
Lin Cheng stroked the fur of the cat in his arms, looked at the things he handed to the servant, and responded: "You two are too kind."
Qin Hanyue nodded slightly in response, then led Qiao Ying towards the stairs, whispering with her.
Both sides were patient, waiting for the other side to speak first.
But clearly, Lin Cheng's situation was more urgent. The next morning, Lin Cheng went out, and was gone the whole day.
It wasn't until dinner time that Lin Cheng came back.
Qiao Ying and Qin Hanyue were already seated at the table. Lin Cheng sat down afterwards.
Qin Hanyue greeted: "Duke, did you finish with your affairs?"
Lin Cheng: "Finished."
Qin Hanyue picked up the wine glass in front of him and said to Lin Cheng, "We've disturbed the Duke these past few days, thank you for your hospitality."
Lin Cheng also picked up his wine glass and clinked it with Qin Hanyue's over the table. After taking a sip, he asked: "Are you two leaving tomorrow?"
Qin Hanyue: "Yes, leaving tomorrow. She said she wants to take me to see the eastern region, the scenery and native culture there are quite nice too."
Lin Cheng: "Indeed. What's your plan after that?"
Qin Hanyue: "I'll listen to her, this winter break is quite long."
The two chatted casually, while Qiao Ying ate.
They waited until she finished eating before Qin Hanyue also put down his chopsticks, preparing to leave the table with her. Then, Lin Cheng spoke up.
He said: "Miss Qiao, please wait a moment. I have something I want to discuss with Miss Qiao privately. I wonder if it would be convenient?"
Lin Cheng knew clearly that these two were just playing hard to get with him, waiting for the right timing. But after being at a stalemate for three or four days, in the end it was still Lin Cheng who admitted defeat first, handing over the power of cooperation.
Qiao Ying subtly curled the corner of her lips in a faint smile that was barely discernible. Her expression didn't reveal anything as she said: "No need to be private, but convenient. Go ahead."
Lin Cheng looked at Qin Hanyue and said, "This matter still requires Master Qin's agreement. There's no need to avoid him."
"Then I'll get right to the point. Miss Qiao has come all this way already, I wonder if you could do me the favor of agreeing to help with this matter?"
Qiao Ying feigned ignorance: "What matter?"
Lin Cheng looked at Qin Hanyue again and reluctantly explained it again in front of him: "To act out a play with me."
Qiao Ying made a sound of realization, as if she had just remembered.
Qin Hanyue played along: "Act out what play?"
Qiao Ying: "Have me act as his girlfriend to help him reject the royal princess's arranged marriage. The danger factor is not low."
How could Lin Cheng not understand Qiao Ying's implication? He also played along: "Ordinary people really can't help with this favor."
Qin Hanyue said coldly: "Is the Duke joking with me?"
This wasn't an act. It came from the heart. Even though he already knew, there were still countless feelings of discomfort in his heart.
Lin Cheng didn't beat around the bush with them either: "You two aren't lacking in money, power or status. I have no bargaining chips to offer. I can only rely on the little bit of friendship between us and shamelessly ask you two for help."
He then shifted the conversation: "Of course, I believe this isn't a completely one-sided arrangement. You two probably also have some matters you want my help with, right? Let's cooperate. What do you think?"
Qiao Ying: "My little matters can't compare with the Duke's. We really are just passing by on vacation."
She smiled and said lightly: "But since the Duke has asked me twice, I'm not completely heartless either. The key is that we're already here."
Liu Ying and Yue Ying had been here for over half a month already and hadn't found any trace of Fang Jie yet. Wanting to get in contact with the royals, Lin Cheng was a shortcut.
Lin Cheng thought to himself: If you hadn't run into trouble, you wouldn't have come to Country C to begin with.
Qiao Ying: "Let me think about it and discuss it."
Lin Cheng also acted courteously: "Then I'll await Miss Qiao's good news. Please discuss it over thoroughly."
In the room,
Qiao Ying was busy with the computer.
Qin Hanyue sat quietly waiting next to her, occasionally looking at the computer screen where a face was gradually taking shape.
Her attention was completely absorbed by the computer, completely neglecting Qin Hanyue.
It was already quite late, but Qin Hanyue showed no intention of returning to his own room.
He was wide awake, while Qiao Ying's temperament clearly didn't accommodate his feelings.
Qin Hanyue could only brood by himself.
The next morning,
Lin Cheng: "How did you two discuss it?"
Qiao Ying: "Consider it me owing the Duke a favor."
Lin Cheng also gave face: "Then I owe you a huge favor. Thank you Miss Qiao for now. If in the future Miss Qiao needs my capabilities anywhere, I will certainly do my utmost to assist."
He then asked: "May I ask what is Miss Qiao's matter?"
Lin Cheng didn't believe her matter would be small.
Qiao Ying handed her phone to him. On the screen was a face synthesized using computer technology.
It was Fang Jie.
Qiao Ying: "Duke Lin, have you seen this person before?"
Lin Cheng looked closely: "I have not."
Qiao Ying: "How about someone similar?"
Lin Cheng looked closely again and shook his head.
Qiao Ying: "Are there any members of the C country royals who have had plastic surgery?"
Lin Cheng: "I can help Miss Qiao investigate."
Qiao Ying: "It must be investigated in secret."
Lin Cheng nodded: "This person is Miss Qiao's...?"
Qiao Ying spoke bluntly: "Enemy. So I'll say upfront, I often have sudden situations come up and won't always be able to cooperate with the Duke's act."
Lin Cheng: "Occasionally not participating is fine, as long as you don't expose me directly to the royal family members' faces."
Qiao Ying: "Don't worry, I can guarantee I won't kiss Qin Hanyue in front of those royal family members."
Lin Cheng had also seen much of the world: "That's good then." He then said to Qin Hanyue: "Sorry to trouble you, Master Qin."
Qiao Ying: "Also, I need one more thing."
