Chapter 256
Qin Xian was immediately flushed with embarrassment when asked, stammering out an excuse, "I thought you were going to fall asleep and catch a cold."
He then whispered softly, "I'll let you hold me when we get back."
Ji Fei was now fully awake and equally embarrassed, realizing she had unconsciously assumed she could hold him whenever she wanted.
She habitually avoided the topic, saying, "It could indeed make you catch a cold, so let's go up."
Qin Xian didn't mind Ji Fei's response, as his current situation was not ideal.
Just holding his wife for a moment had made him feel uncomfortably hot. He was used to it, but the close proximity had caused him to lose control.
The unfamiliar sensation made him feel embarrassed, as if he had done something shameful, and he feared Ji Fei would notice, so he quickly distanced himself.
Fortunately, he had calmed down by now.
As Ji Fei ascended safely, Qin Xian arranged everything for her at the lounge chair without needing any help from the staff, ensuring she was comfortable.
Meanwhile, others were inquiring about Cen Ting, asking why Guo Yalan was missing.
Cen Ting couldn't get in touch with her either.
The conversation soon turned to the topic of 'love triangles.'
Han Ziyu, perhaps to avoid suspicion, had stayed with the servers until Qin Xian and Ji Fei arrived.
Now that they were back, she approached to serve them.
People's gazes on Han Ziyu inevitably increased. Though she noticed, she didn't say much and just focused on her duties.
Ji Fei and Qin Xian knew the truth but couldn't reveal that Guo Yalan was involved in something very important.
Although they were aware of the outcome.
At this moment, Qi Li returned.
His expression was solemn, and he went straight to Han Ziyu, wanting to pull her aside to talk.
"Hey..." Ji Fei couldn't help but speak up.
"Private matter, don't interfere," Qi Li said sternly, which surprised Ji Fei, as it wasn't his usual impulsive tone.
Han Ziyu was also taken aback by Qi Li's seriousness. After a moment's hesitation, she said, "Let's talk here."
She didn't want to be alone with Qi Li, so she suggested they talk nearby, just lowering their voices.
Qi Li didn't object this time.
Once they were at a distance where their whispers couldn't be overheard, Qi Li spoke solemnly, "Han Ziyu, I've realized, I have feelings for you."
Han Ziyu... "Ah?"
No way, no way, did her former boss really fall for her? What did he see in her? Wasn't he only interested in her because she resembled Yalan?
Was it because he couldn't have Yalan and turned his attention to her? Was he thinking of hiring her as a replacement again? That wouldn't do, it wasn't a proper job to begin with, and she only took it as a temporary solution. She didn't need to earn her future money this way.
"Qi Shao, if it's about the previous..."
"Not like before. I'll truly be with you, give you a response, and make you my woman."
Han Ziyu: ...Understood, so before he paid, now he plans to freeload? That's worse than before.
Ji Fei, who had been eavesdropping through the system, also caught the key point.
[Holy crap, is this for real? Did he suddenly have an epiphany and realize he likes the replacement? Is he planning to end up with the replacement? Is this really that clichéd?]
Qin Xian was also surprised. If he had to choose, he thought Qi Li would pick Guo Yalan.
Not just them, even Han Ziyu found it quite baffling.
Before she could sternly reject Qi Li's proposal, he added a twist.
"However, I will still reconcile with Yalan, and maybe we'll get married. I hope you don't dwell on the title."
Han Ziyu's mouth opened, her eyes wide.
"What? I don't understand?"
Qi Li frowned, looking genuinely troubled. "This is the best solution I've thought out after much consideration. But we have to keep it from Yalan; she has a bad temper and wouldn't accept our relationship. For your sake, I feel guilty towards Yalan, but as long as you're obedient... I'll give you money, share my love with you, and you can even have a child in the future. Except for the title, I won't mistreat you."
Han Ziyu's expression gradually turned blank. Thinking of how Guo Yalan had taken care of her, she couldn't help but ask, "So you mean you'll marry Yalan and keep me as your mistress, all while hiding our relationship from her?"
"Don't put it so harshly; it's just the way it has to be." Qi Li felt this was the best arrangement.
Both women liked him, and he couldn't let go of either, so why make a choice when he could have both?
Although there were many oddballs around, most of the upper class lived like this. His father had several lovers, and his mother had her own confidant, yet their family remained harmonious. Han Ziyu, with no parents or background, was the most suitable to be kept outside.
Besides, Han Ziyu was usually obedient and never overstepped her bounds, clearly aware of the gap in their status, which made her feel insecure and want to leave his side. Today's unusual behavior, acting out of character, was probably due to her fear that once the real one returned, she, the replacement, would never have a chance to win his heart again.
Now he was giving Han Ziyu a sense of security; he would keep her, a promise he made.
Qi Li looked at Han Ziyu earnestly, finally letting his affection show. He was about to reach out to touch her face, fearing she might cry with joy.
But before he could, there was a loud slap.
The sound echoed through the party, instantly silencing everyone and drawing all eyes.
Ji Fei, who had been lying down, was so furious she sat up.
[Damn, why didn't she slap him! What kind of delusional scumbag is he dreaming up!]
Qin Xian also looked sternly at Qi Li, surprised by the worst possible outcome he had come up with.
Qi Li looked at his hand, which had been harshly slapped, now red.
But Qi Li didn't get angry. He just warned the onlookers with a glance, and they quickly looked away, pretending not to have been eavesdropping, though they indeed couldn't hear anymore.
"I can understand your dissatisfaction, but this is the most I can offer."
Han Ziyu stared at Qi Li, her eyes almost red with anger.
[Hit him, beat him, I'll back you up, such a despicable jerk, won't wake up without a beating. How dare he make such a demand?]
Ji Fei was about to get up, even if she couldn't say anything, at least to pull Han Ziyu away, fearing she might get so angry she'd faint. But Qin Xian stopped her, gesturing towards the distance.
Guo Yalan was approaching rapidly, her face filled with excitement, clutching a roll of documents tightly in her hand.
Upon arrival, she saw Han Ziyu's red eyes, trembling with anger, and the annoying Qi Li.
Immediately assuming Qi Li was bullying Han Ziyu again, she rushed over, pulling Han Ziyu behind her.
"Qi Li, what are you doing!"