Chapter 102: In the Game of Kings, Apart from Qiu Yuelin, They Were Just a Group - The Rich Second-Generation Villain With No Morals

Chapter 102: In the Game of Kings, Apart from Qiu Yuelin, They Were Just a Group Qiu Yuelin was momentarily stunned when Qi Lin unexpectedly appeared before her. His face was handsome and quite charming. What made her even more bashful was Qi Lin's unexpected gesture. He bypassed her roommates, walked directly to her side, and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Allow me to introduce myself; I'm Qi Lin, Yue Yue's boyfriend. It's a pleasure to meet you all," Qi Lin greeted the entire room full of people, who were now staring back at him. Today, he wasn't here to pretend to be embarrassed or to show off. As a bona fide rich heir, such behavior was truly beneath him. His real purpose was... He glanced at Qiu Yuelin, who was still dumbstruck in his embrace. His dark eyes sparkled with a mischievous grin. "What? Since when did Yuelin have a boyfriend?" "How come you never mentioned to us about having a boyfriend, dear sister?" "Haha, at this age, are we still pretending to have boyfriends? Handsome, how much did you spend on a date with Yue Yue?" "With Yue Yue's wealthy family, it wouldn’t be hard to find someone to pose as her boyfriend." "Wait a minute, doesn't this handsome guy look like the one on TV recently who helped the police solve a murder case?" Suddenly, one of the roommates seemed to recognize Qi Lin and exclaimed. Her words made the others turn to take another look. "Yeah, it's definitely that guy." "Little handsome man, your acting skills are lacking. During the interview, there was a cute girl interacting closely with you, and now you're saying you're Yue Yue's boyfriend?" Hats off to Jianghan University students—keen as ever—pointing out the flaws in Qi Lin's story. Qiu Yuelin watched Qi Lin, filled with a feeling of helplessness. Although she didn't understand why Qi Lin went out of his way to find her, she was thankful for his help. The issue was that his popularity was so high that he was recognized instantly by her roommates. Qi Lin might just end up speechless with embarrassment next, she thought. Qiu Yuelin underestimated Qi Lin. He smiled lightly, sat down with Qiu Yuelin, and played with her delicate hand. "The girl in the interview was indeed my girlfriend. However, as most of you know, I'm a rich heir, and my family objected to our relationship. Under pressure from my parents, we broke up." "And you all know Yue Yue's family. They're a billionaire family. Ours is a powerful alliance—that’s what wealthy marriages are about, right?" "The good thing is, Yue Yue and I truly love each other. We don't reject this relationship, do we, Yue Yue?" said Qi Lin, kissing Qiu Yuelin's cheek to show intimacy. Taking advantage of the moment seemed better than waiting for who knows what to happen next. "Uh..." Qi Lin's airtight explanation left Qiu Yuelin's roommates speechless. She herself, slightly blushing, cast a glance at Qi Lin, a mix of bashfulness and approval in her eyes. His hand-holding and random kisses took advantage of the situation, yet seeing him stand up for her, Qiu Yuelin decided to let it slide. "Qi Lin, the handsome guy, even if we believe you, would you dare play a game with us? It’s a couple’s game," one of the roommates suggested, winking at Qiu Yuelin. "What game?" Qi Lin, lighting a cigarette and exhaling smoke, looked decidedly debonair. Having been a wealthy playboy in his past life, frequenting bars and clubs, he was no stranger to any kind of world. Mini-games? Those were his forte. "King's Game," the girl replied with a slight smile. "Cough, cough!" Hearing this, Qi Lin nearly choked on his smoke. He had clearly underestimated the openness of these university students. The infamous King's Game of his past life had a feared reputation, and they were the ones who invented it. The core of the King's Game is simple: whoever draws the king card holds absolute authority to command any participating game player to do anything to another participant. Remember, it could be anything. Hence, such games were usually played in very unruly circles. "Are you all out of your minds? Do you all actually think that someone as good-looking as me and a beauty like Yue Yue would play this game with you guys? Your heads must be broken," Qi Lin said, puffing on his cigarette dismissively. Seeing Qi Lin's panic caused the couples in the box to drop their teasing. Especially the girl who had initially suggested the game and now smiled awkwardly. From her perspective, she planned on having someone draw a king card, commanding her and Qi Lin to get close. After all, who wouldn't fall for a handsome guy like Qi Lin? Concerning her boyfriend or Qiu Yuelin, she couldn't care less. However, now that Qi Lin had bailed, she had no choice but to change the rules. "Ahem, let me clarify. It’s still the King’s Game, but the king can only order actions between couples here—no outside interference between pairs," she explained. Hearing this, Qi Lin nodded in agreement. "That sounds more reasonable." "No, no, no! I don't want to play this game," Qiu Yuelin protested, her face flushed as she waved her hands defensively. The thought alone was terrifying. She and Qi Lin weren't genuinely a couple, and she still had an agreement with Hu Bing. If these people commanded her and Qi Lin to do something during the King's Game, what then? Yet, in this room, Qiu Yuelin found herself without allies, Qi Lin included. "Yue Yue, why don't you want to play? Are you two pretending to be a couple and too afraid to play?" the girl suggested with a playful smile. Qi Lin chimed in, "Yue Yue is just shy. Participation is what counts. Otherwise, how will I blend in with the group? I’ll agree on behalf of Yue Yue." "See, Qi Lin, so suave and handsome!" the girl grinned, pulling out the cards for the King's Game. With no one to support her position, and the game moving forward, Qiu Yuelin felt lightheaded, nearly fainting. "Ah, sorry everyone, I'm the king! I command Yue Yue to drink with Qi Lin," a roommate who drew the king card commanded eagerly. Qiu Yuelin's face flushed deeply, resembling a sunset at the issued command. She threw a pleading look at Qi Lin. Still, Qi Lin could only shake his head about their pretense, silently suggesting, "If you don't, they'll use this to mock you later." Understanding this, Qiu Yuelin reconciled with the situation, biting her lip, "Oh well, let’s just get it over with, better than being mocked forever by this bunch of green teas." "Hu Bing, I'm sorry—this wasn't my choice. It's just that, in truth, we aren’t really a couple either. Everyone has a past. If you truly love someone, their past shouldn’t matter, right?" She seemed to be both comforting herself and addressing Hu Bing simultaneously as she took a sip of red wine, closing her eyes, and kissed Qi Lin. Her adorably bashful manner made her all the more enchanting. "Woah—" "Yue Yue, way to go!" "Now I believe they are a real couple." Watching Qiu Yuelin's determination, the girl who had proposed the King’s Game winked at Qi Lin, who gave her a thumbs-up in response. "Hmph, this handsome guy isn't her boyfriend, he’s just taking advantage of her," another muttered. "Thought I was stupid? That Qiu Yuelin, the sneaky one—I've heard rumors about her and that tutor who helped her. Letting another man kiss her, she won't dare be so arrogant now." The girl who initiated the King’s Game regarded the situation with satisfaction. If Qiu Yuelin saw this look, it would undoubtedly anger her—realizing that she was the sole victim in this ruse, everyone else, including Qi Lin, was in on it. “Phew, phew—” Qiu Yuelin found it hard to believe this was her first kiss. The romantic atmosphere in the bar seemed overwhelming. Her cheeks flushed, marked by a mix of regret and confusion. However, once the King's Game began, there was no time for rest. "Haha, I’m the king now. Can’t wait to give orders," another roommate said, gleefully pointing at her. "Yue Yue, I command that you and Qi Lin kiss on the floor. Qi Lin, you do the push-ups, and you, Yue Yue, be the one getting kissed," another roommate with a mischievous smile instructed. Just barely regaining her composure, Qiu Yuelin nearly passed out again from this latest directive. Heavily drinking throughout the impromptu party, with no chance for reprieve from these little green teas and their antics, Qiu Yuelin found herself completely overwhelmed by both alcohol and fatigue. An hour later, the King's Game finally concluded. By then, Qiu Yuelin—intoxicated and weary—could hardly move. "Well, I’m paying for tonight's expenses. Brothers and sisters, I’ll be leaving first," Qi Lin declared, standing and settling the bill, then laughing cheerfully at the supportive couples who’d helped him throughout the evening. "Qi Lin, the charming gentleman, we’ve done all we can for you. Do your best so she’s caring for your child by next year," Qiu Yuelin’s female roommates said, giving him wry smiles and further encouragement. Feeling the gentle warmth on his back, Qi Lin smiled and shook his head. Qiu Yuelin wasn't a girl who could be easily bullied. Today, Qi Lin got away with everything, except her integrity, and things had turned out quite fruitful. If he actually carried her to a hotel, chances are he would find himself in the headlines tomorrow, accused of indecent behavior or ruining a girl's purity. Gently placing Qiu Yuelin into the car, Qi Lin removed her small leather shoes to avoid dirtying the car mats. "Wow, she didn't even wear socks, just stepped into the leather shoes barefoot. Doesn't this girl's feet hurt at all?" he mused. "Her feet are probably around size thirty-six, small and flawless—truly a lady from a prestigious family." Shaking his head, Qi Lin gave her tender little foot a gentle squeeze before driving onward. Let's rewind to two hours earlier. The "City Folks" interior design company was where Li Jia Ming and Chen Shu Yi worked. Li Jia Ming received a call while he was in the bathroom. "Li Jia Ming, how much longer do you plan to fool around outside? You need to set a limit for your recklessness. Your father has been so worried about you that even his legs ache. Come home and see him," his mother, Yan Yan, urged. "I don't want to go back. Who told you to arrange a marriage for me? I've already said that I don't like the girl you picked for me. Why do you keep forcing it?" Li Jia Ming's tone was conflicted. "If we don't push, who will carry on the Li family name? You can't stay a bachelor forever," Yan Yan chuckled. "Who says I'm staying single, Mom? To be honest, I've already got a girlfriend," Li Jia Ming smiled at the thought of Chen Shu Yi's beautiful face. "Oh? Is it true you've got a girlfriend since you've been away?" Yan Yan was initially surprised, her face lighting up with interest. "Would I lie about this? I’ve found true love," Li Jia Ming replied, somewhat aggrieved. "Alright, I don't want to embarrass you further. Bring that girl to meet me at lunch today. If it’s real, I won't force you into the marriage," Yan Yan smiled. "Agreed?" Li Jia Ming was overjoyed on hearing this. Due to conflicts with his family, they had cut him off financially. Being a rich heir living a life of luxury was preferable to being penniless. With money, he wouldn't have to fear that scoundrel Qi Lin anymore. "Would I lie to you, my mischievous boy?" Yan Yan couldn't help but chuckle. After hanging up, Li Jia Ming immediately went to find Chen Shu Yi, who was busy with work. "Shu Yi, let me treat you to lunch today," Li Jia Ming beamed. Currently, he didn’t dare reveal his identity as a wealthy heir to Chen Shu Yi, knowing she detested deception. He planned to wait until they reached the place and met his parents, knowing she wouldn't react in front of them. "What money do you have to treat me? Didn't you just get paid last month?" Chen Shu Yi questioned. "Don't worry about it, just come with me," Li Jia Ming’s earnestness was hard to resist. Chen Shu Yi smiled helplessly and followed him out of the company. Inside a high-end restaurant... "Jia Ming, is this place really a high-end restaurant? It looks expensive. Are you sure we’re eating here?" Chen Shu Yi looked around skeptically. "I'm sure, I'm sure," Li Jia Ming insisted, opening the door to a private room with a chuckle. Chen Shu Yi followed him in but paused in surprise upon seeing two people inside: a man and a woman. The man, with greying hair, seemed to be in poor health as he coughed, while the woman, looking only in her twenties, wore a flowing dress, her features delicate and her demeanor elegant. "Dad, Mom, I brought your future daughter-in-law," Li Jia Ming announced, introducing Chen Shu Yi once they were inside and the door was closed. "Father?" "Mother?" Chen Shu Yi was taken aback on hearing these introductions, utterly unprepared for the man and woman in the room to be Li Jia Ming's parents. The man could be excused due to age, despite looking a bit old. But the young and beautiful woman—who obviously seemed about her age—how could she be his mother? "So you're Chen Shu Yi? Lovely name—graceful figure, pretty looks," Yan Yan complimented warmly as she approached, taking Chen Shu Yi's hand in affection. Chen Shu Yi whispered to Li Jia Ming, "When did I agree to meet your parents? We're not even in a relationship anymore. What do you have to explain to me?" "It's okay, just sit and have some food. It’s about time for lunch," Yan Yan said, gesturing for them to sit down. "Hello, Auntie, Uncle," Chen Shu Yi forced a smile, still reeling from the unexpected encounter. Allowing her hand to be patted gently, Chen Shu Yi observed Yan Yan share a quiet conversation with Li Zhou, ignoring her for the moment. Letting her suspicions fade, Chen Shu Yi maintained her facade, even as she harbored doubt about the entire situation. "Let me introduce myself—I'm Li Jia Ming's mother, Yan Yan, and this is his father, Li Zhou. You can call us Uncle and Auntie," Yan Yan said, smiling warmly as she returned to her seat.