The car arrived at a high-end private clubhouse, where the clubhouse kept members' privacy confidential to perfection, a place Lin Cheng had chosen.
The private room was elegant without being vulgar in the slightest.
Lai En arrived before them, and Qiao Ying followed behind Lin Cheng. Before they had even entered, they could already hear Lai En's enthusiastic greetings.
"Duke Lin, I've been waiting for you for a while. Miss Qiao, you look even more beautiful after just a few days-" This was none other than the renowned Master Qin. At the state banquet, I wanted to get acquainted with Master Qin.
"I didn't think we'd meet again so soon. 'Seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times,' indeed. It's truly an honor to meet you, Master Qin."
Qin Hanyue shook his hand. "You flatter me. I was about to leave initially, but Lin Cheng asked me to come and serve as a witness."
Qiao Ying looked around. Lai En was the only one in the private room. His father was nowhere to be seen, despite the importance of the matter.
If something was really amiss, wouldn't hiding like this arouse more suspicion? Qiao Ying thought to herself as she casually took a seat.
Lin Cheng said, "Let's sit down and talk."
He sat down next to Qiao Ying and handed her a menu. "See what you want to eat - the desserts and drinks here are excellent."
The two acted like a couple, while Qin Hanyue sat two seats away from them.
Lai En asked, "Master Qin, are you leaving straight after this? Did you come to C Country for business or to catch up with Duke Lin?"
Lai En naturally struck up a conversation with Qin Hanyue.
Qiao Ying casually flipped through the menu, ordering dishes.
Qin Hanyue replied, "I'm here to discuss some business dealings. I need Duke Lin's help with connections, so I'm staying at his residence for now."
Lai En said, "Business dealings? I thought Master Qin was here to tour the sights. The eastern region also has splendid scenery."
"If Master Qin visits, I'll personally play host to give you an unforgettable experience. I have such a poor memory. If Master Qin came to tour, he surely wouldn't have come alone. He must have brought his girlfriend."
They couldn't help but feel like Lai En was subtly probing, having discovered something.
Qin Hanyue asked, "Duke Lai even knows I have a girlfriend?"
Lai En smiled knowingly. "His Majesty mentioned it to me. If not for Master Qin already having an attachment, His Majesty would have tried matching you with Princess Carla."
Qin Hanyue casually responded, "I think you and the Princess are more well-matched. Though the Duke is set to marry another princess."
Lai En said, "Speaking of Princess Karina, I really must tell Miss Qiao first - if I do end up marrying her, I hope Miss Qiao can magnanimously help with her face."
Simply unbearable.
Qiao Ying said, "It has nothing to do with me. I'm innocent. Don't believe everything, Duke."
Lai En said, "I'll take Miss Qiao's word for it."
Lin Cheng said, "Let's talk business. Lai En, Little Yin already told me everything that was said at the state banquet."
Lai En looked sincere. "Since Duke Lin called Master Qin here as a witness, we must be able to reach an understanding today."
Lin Cheng said, "I originally wanted my uncle to serve as the witness, but as you know, my uncle left C Country many years ago. So I asked Master Qin for help."
"But since Master Qin isn't a C Country national, it's best if Your Grace finds a member of the royal family close to you to serve as a witness."
"Of course. My father will arrive shortly. Please wait a little longer, Duke Lin." Lai En expressed his apologies sincerely and explained, "My father was supposed to come with me, but the King suddenly summoned him. For something so important, my father must be present, of course."
Hmph, is he arriving shortly, or has he been here all along, hiding in the next room ready to take action when the time is right? Qiao Ying played with the menu.
"Right, when are you planning to have your engagement banquet? You personally promised Miss Qiao at the state banquet." Lai En chatted idly, "If it's happening soon, I won't rush back to the eastern region. I can wait until after attending your engagement banquet before returning."
"If it's happening soon, I assume Master Qin will also stay for the banquet. Perhaps I can take this chance to befriend Master Qin."
Qin Hanyue bluntly rejected him, "I don't like making friends."
Despite the outright refusal, Lai En didn't feel awkward at all. On the contrary, he seemed to admire it. "Master Qin is truly straightforward."
"Now I'm rather curious about Master Qin's lover. She must be an exceptional woman to capture Master Qin's heart and withstand his candidness."
Qin Hanyue glanced at him.
Lin Cheng timely said, "This is an important matter. I still need to discuss with Little Yin's parents and ask for the elders' opinions."
Lai En asked, "Are you planning to hold it here in C Country or Hua Country?"
Was he fishing for information or just gossiping?
Lin Cheng said, "It depends on Little Yin's preference. I'll do as she likes." He looked at Qiao Ying, his light eyes filling with warmth. "It's all up to her."
Lai En said, "Alright, be sure to let me know. I'll prepare generous gifts for you."
Lin Cheng said, "Of course."
Lai En said, "They say the nephew takes after the uncle. Back then, Prince Lin also gave up everything for a woman, just like you..."
Lai En abruptly stopped himself. "Pardon me, I have this bad habit of saying the wrong things when I get too excited. I simply wanted to express my admiration. I admire Duke Lin's wholehearted devotion to his beloved and his ability to live freely as he desires."
Lin Cheng said, "If you want, you can do the same."
Lai En said, "My family isn't as open-minded as Duke Lin's uncle. But I also pursue power and status, just as Duke Lin pursues his true love."
Qiao Ying snarked in Mandarin, her voice soft. "What nonsense."
Lai En asked in French, "Hmm? Was Miss Qiao speaking to me?"
Qiao Ying replied in French, "Just asking them to hurry with the food. I'm hungry."
Lai En immediately urged the waiter, then said, "My father should be here now."
Just after he finished speaking, the server entered with a guest.
The man was middle-aged with a high-bridged nose and blue eyes. He wore a suit and had an air of a business leader, but gave off an amiable vibe.
All eyes in the room focused on him as everyone glanced over.
Qiao Ying took a sip of water and discreetly looked the man up and down - it was the person Qiao Ying had wanted to find at the state banquet.
Lai En called him, "Father."
Qiao Ying's gaze casually fell on the other party. He looked over each person in the room, inevitably meeting her eyes. With grace, he nodded and smiled at her.
Lin Cheng stood to shake his hand.
Qin Hanyue also greeted him. "Qin Hanyue."
Lai En's father said, "Lafeier."
After getting acquainted with Qin Hanyue, Lafeier looked towards Qiao Ying, seated on the chair.
Lin Cheng introduced her. "My fiancée."
Qiao Ying stood up.
Lafeier extended his hand to Qiao Ying, a gentlemanly smile on his face. "You were the most beautiful one at the state banquet that night."
Qiao Ying looked at him and reached out her hand.
Lafeier gently grasped her four fingers halfway and lowered his head to kiss the back of her hand.
This was the Western gentlemanly custom when meeting a lady.
