Mu Jianling also did not want to get engaged, as it would damage her reputation.
Since Qin Hanchu had proposed this idea, she did not need to stay the night.
She would use the excuse of needing to foster their relationship to stall for time.
In the evening, Mu Jianling had dinner with Qin Hanchu at the First Madam's villa.
It wasn't until seven in the evening that she rose to take her leave.
"Aren't you going to see me off? After all, starting tomorrow, we'll be playing a couple," Mu Jianling said.
Qin Hanchu replied, "We can play a couple, but don't take advantage of me."
"Take advantage of you?"
"I'm not that desperate, alright?"
Mu Jianling was surprised by Qin Hanchu's words.
She thought she was the one who should be saying that.
"Control yourself, and please don't fall in love with me."
"If you fall in love with me, you'll be the one getting hurt."
"Don't underestimate my charm."
Mu Jianling looked at Qin Hanchu in astonishment, never expecting "Ye Jiangliu" to be so narcissistic.
"Just control yourself," Mu Jianling said, looking rather dejected.
Their conversation brought a knowing smile to the First Madam's face; she felt her son and Mu Jianling made a good match.
Accompanied by Qin Hanchu, Mu Jianling walked out of the villa and got into her car.
"Let's go shopping together tomorrow. It's a date," Mu Jianling said with a sweet smile before waving goodbye and getting into her car.
After Mu Jianling left, Qin Hanchu turned and went back into the villa.
Not far away, a dark figure disappeared without a trace.
"What did you say? Mu Jianling had dinner at the First Madam's villa? And she waved goodbye to Jiangliu in such an intimate manner?"
At the Ye Family Estate, Ye Yun Kui was listening to his subordinate's report.
This subordinate was the same dark figure from before.
"Yes."
Ye Yun Kui frowned, confused by the situation.
Ye Jiangliu had previously refused a marriage alliance with Mu Jianling, so why were they now so close?
Had Ye Jiangliu changed his mind? Was he trying to use Mu Jianling to return to the Ye family?
"Keep a close watch. Report any developments to me immediately."
...
The next morning, Mu Jianling arrived at the First Madam's villa early.
"Jianling, you're here. Have you had breakfast?" the First Madam asked with a smile as she opened the door.
Mu Jianling smiled, "Not yet."
"Come in quickly, I've made breakfast."
"Thank you, Auntie!"
They exchanged pleasantries at the door, and then Mu Jianling followed the First Madam into the villa.
In the villa's dining room, Qin Hanchu was eating the breakfast prepared by the First Madam.
Seeing Mu Jianling enter, he said, "Did you have to come so early?"
"Of course, I had to come early to make it seem like we have a close relationship," Mu Jianling replied with a smile.
"Sit down, I'll get you a bowl of porridge," the First Madam said with a smile.
Mu Jianling thanked her again.
"What are today's plans?" Qin Hanchu asked after taking a sip of porridge.
"Shopping, watching a movie, and having a meal."
"To express my gratitude to you, I must ensure you have a good time and enjoy your meal today."
Mu Jianling smiled.
"I'd rather stay home and study."
"I was planning to start learning martial arts, but you've delayed me."
Mu Jianling said, "You want to learn martial arts? Then I'll sponsor you with some medicinal herbs for body tempering and nourishing to help you solidify your foundation."
"In that case, I won't be polite."
The First Madam brought over a bowl of porridge and placed it in front of Mu Jianling. "Try it."
Mu Jianling took a sip. "It's delicious."
"If you like it, come more often," the First Madam said with a smile.
Mu Jianling nodded, "Then I won't stand on ceremony."
"You two must remember, this is just acting."
"Don't take it seriously."
Qin Hanchu reminded them again.
"You talk too much. Eat your breakfast," the First Madam said, giving Qin Hanchu a look.
After finishing breakfast, Qin Hanchu got into Mu Jianling's car.
"Do we need to hold hands while shopping?" Qin Hanchu asked lazily from the passenger seat.
Mu Jianling replied, "Why? Does holding hands inconvenience you?"
They chatted along the way and arrived at the commercial street.
As they walked, Mu Jianling lowered her voice and said, "We're being followed by quite a few people."
"As long as they're not here to kill me, it's fine."
"I'm risking my life to act with you."
Qin Hanchu also lowered his voice.
"Don't worry, I'll protect you."
"I'm a seventh-grade martial artist."
Mu Jianling's tone carried a hint of pride; reaching the seventh grade at her age was indeed promising.
As they were browsing, Li Hanxing walked towards them.
"Young Master Ye, we meet again," Li Hanxing greeted Qin Hanchu.
"Are you joining our shopping trip?" Qin Hanchu asked with a smile.
Li Hanxing replied, "You won't mind me being a third wheel, will you?"
"With a beautiful companion, how could I mind?" Qin Hanchu said.
"I didn't realize you could say such sweet things?"
"What? Is Hanxing more to your taste?"
Mu Jianling teased.
"Don't say that. I don't steal my best friend's boyfriend."
As they chatted, the three of them continued to stroll through the commercial street.
During this time, Mu Jianling also bought several kinds of snacks.
By noon, under their guidance, Qin Hanchu arrived at a restaurant.
The restaurant was very high-end, with well-dressed wealthy individuals coming and going.
Mu Jianling and Li Hanxing were regular customers here, and the restaurant staff recognized them.
"Who is this young man? He's dining with Miss Mu."
"I don't recognize him. He seems to be quite close to Miss Mu."
"Could he be Miss Mu's relative?"
"This is the first time I've seen Miss Mu dine with a man."
"I heard the Mu family is planning a marriage alliance with the Ye family, and the chosen one is Miss Mu."
"Which young master of the Ye family is so fortunate?"
"I heard Miss Mu chose the Ye family's fool."
"I see. Miss Mu must be keeping a fool at home while finding true love outside."
Besides the waitstaff, some customers who knew Mu Jianling were also discussing in hushed tones.
"Jianling, Hanxing, I didn't expect to run into you here."
Just as the three were chatting, a man walked over.
This man was a descendant of the Tao family, and his status was not inferior to that of Mu Jianling and Li Hanxing.
"Young Master Tao, who are you on a date with today?" Li Hanxing teased.
Young Master Tao appeared slightly embarrassed, "I was young and frivolous before, but now I'm much more settled."
"Really? But I don't find that very convincing?" Mu Jianling said.
"Oh, isn't this the eldest young master of the Ye family?"
"I heard you're not a fool anymore?"
Young Master Tao had seen "Ye Jiangliu" long before but had deliberately ignored him.
If he hadn't been so provoked by Mu Jianling and her friend that he ran out of things to say, he wouldn't have approached Qin Hanchu so quickly.
"Who are you?"
Qin Hanchu naturally knew this fellow was trying to mock him, so he didn't offer a pleasant demeanor.
"Listen carefully, my name is..."
Just as Young Master Tao was about to introduce himself, Qin Hanchu interrupted him, "No need to answer. I have no interest in knowing who you are."
"You..."
Qin Hanchu's words enraged Young Master Tao, causing his veins to bulge.
He hadn't expected "Ye Jiangliu" to be so arrogant!