Chapter 27: Qingqing, Stop Fooling Around

The hands wrapped around Shen Jin trembled incessantly.

Jiang Jiuyue had summoned all her courage tonight, hoping to draw closer to Shen Jin. She wore a different fragrance, one specially blended to sway hearts and minds, making others utterly obedient.

“A Jin?” she murmured, her fingertips trailing up Shen Jin’s throat and brushing over his collarbone.

In an instant, Jiang Jiuyue shed her outer garment.

Bathed in starlight, Shen Jin felt a sudden tightness in his throat, his vision blurred. His heart pounded fiercely, inexplicably stirred within. Shen Jin grew restless, but just as that soft, delicate body pressed into his arms—

He pushed her away, his voice rough, “Qingqing, don’t make trouble.”

Jiang Jiuyue froze, thinking she’d heard wrong. All her efforts, all her attempts to please him, and at this moment she heard him call out “Qingqing”?

She was human, too, unable to bear such humiliation. Yet the anger slowly faded within her.

Jiang Jiuyue had racked her brains for tonight—so what if he mistook her for Lu Qingqing?

She climbed onto him again, her pale, slender arms wrapping around Shen Jin’s neck.

But this time, Shen Jin snapped back to his senses and, annoyed, pushed her away.

“What are you doing?”

With a crash, cups and bowls fell from the table. Jiang Jiuyue’s eyes reddened, her lips parted in grievance. “What does she have that I don’t? Why do you still long for Lu Qingqing?”

“You don’t need to compare yourself to anyone.”

Shen Jin’s words were laced with anger. Jiang Jiuyue realized she’d gone too far, hurriedly straightening her clothes to cover her exposed shoulder.

She stepped back. “I’m sorry, I was too impatient. But if you marry me, sooner or later we will…”

“Then let’s wait for that day.”

“Shen Jin!” Jiang Jiuyue was truly furious. She’d done so much—any blockhead would have been moved, yet Shen Jin remained so oblivious. Was it their fate to be bound together even through torment?

Her gaze darkened. Since transmigrating into this story, she’d walked every step carefully, gained Shen Jin’s trust, and made sure no misunderstandings could be resolved between them.

But why did his heart remain so cold?

“Tomorrow, you must come. It’s my business.” Jiang Jiuyue mentioned her milk tea shop. If the man wouldn’t love her, she’d devote herself to her career.

With money in hand, her position would only be more secure.

“Alright.”

…

The next day, Lu Qingqing rose early. News had spread throughout the city that the lady brought back by General Shen was opening a milk tea shop.

A long queue formed at dawn; many wanted a glimpse of the famed war god Shen Jin.

Lu Qingqing whispered to a street vendor.

“No matter how much, buy it every day. I’ll pay.”

“You’re such a good person, miss, supporting the business like this.” The vendor, delighted with the money, quickly rallied a crowd that surrounded the shop, making it nearly impossible to get in.

Jiang Jiuyue stood beside Shen Jin, watching the thriving business with satisfaction.

“A Jin, didn’t I tell you this would work? Today, just stand here for me, be a living sign. Tomorrow, you won’t need to come.”

She looked as if she would soon be rich, holding the ultimate script—soon, even taking over the entire Northern Qi’s underground banks wouldn’t be out of reach.

While Jiang Jiuyue envisioned her vast commercial empire, Shen Jin reminded her, “You should change the sign. I don’t drink milk tea…”

“It’s just a slogan, no one pays attention,” Jiang Jiuyue replied. She explained it was just the celebrity effect; people would follow suit.

How could they really expect Shen Jin to drink for them?

Shen Jin frowned deeply but didn’t pursue the matter further, letting her be. Fang Zhixun brought over a cup of milk tea, took a sip, and his expression turned odd.

“What, doesn’t it taste good?” Jiang Jiuyue stepped on his stool, scolding playfully.

Fang Zhixun hurried to explain, “No, no, it’s very good—I just don’t like sweet things.”

“Then drink less, I don’t have enough to sell as it is.”

Seeing the throng of customers, Fang Zhixun genuinely felt happy for Jiang Jiuyue.

Not far away, Lu Qingqing watched the scene and instructed the vendor, “If you don’t like it, just pour it out further away. And you mustn’t tell anyone about our arrangement.”

“Yes, yes, miss, we understand.” The vendor nodded eagerly.

Lu Qingqing’s heart sank as she watched Jiang Jiuyue’s bright, triumphant smile. Xie Zhiyun came over, holding Manman in his arms.

“If you want to drink, I’ll buy it for you. No need to feel embarrassed—I have thick skin,” he offered.

Since that incident, Xie Zhiyun felt indebted to Lu Qingqing and had stayed by her side ever since.

“No need.”

“Really? You don’t want any?” Xie Zhiyun looked at Lu Qingqing—though still a young girl, her eyes carried the weight of hardship.

Lu Qingqing took Manman and asked, “The doctor at Jishi Hall still won’t speak, right?”

“Mm.”

Lu Qingqing was troubled and decided to visit the doctor at Jishi Hall herself, determined to get to the bottom of Manman’s poisoning.