Shen Lingtian watched her with leisure, the corners of his mouth holding a faint smile.
Regarding Chu Jin, he was determined to have her.
To him, a fallen aristocrat’s daughter was like a bird in a cage.
Something he could manipulate at will.
Apart from Lu Yan, he had many women, including white-collar workers in the city, university students, high school students who hadn’t taken entrance exams, and even dancers from the red-light district, hailing from all walks of life.
Each had their charms: alluring, youthful, innocent, naive. It could be said that Shen Lingtian was not only an expert in the field of romance but also a natural actor. Whether it was the late Qin Jie or Lu Yan who spent every night with him, each believed she was his only woman.
"It’s not anything valuable," Shen Lingtian pushed the gift box toward Chu Jin, smiling as he spoke, "Jin Jin, you can accept it."
Inside the champagne-colored gift box lay a strand of very fine purple diamond necklace, dazzling under the bright lights, noble and luxurious, exceptionally eye-catching.
The design was novel and striking, very suitable for a young girl to wear.
Probably any girl who saw such a large purple diamond would be mesmerized.
"I am unworthy of accepting it," Chu Jin’s demeanor was as usual, glancing indifferently at the purple diamond in the box. A 10-carat stone, exquisitely crafted, from a renowned Australian maker, one of barely more than a dozen in the world, worth over an eight-figure sum. It seemed that Shen Lingtian really had gone all out this time.
"Jin Jin, you’re being too modest. I’ve always considered you my sister. As you say, everything in this world is about ’fate.’ The fact that we met at all is due to fate. Consider this a gift for our meeting, just a trinket. Stones like this, I give out several each month; you don’t need to take it to heart."
Shen Lingtian’s words were brimming with bravado, but they also subtly implied to Chu Jin that he was generous with women. As long as she was willing to be with him, more such opportunities would come. He could ensure her wealth and help her escape from a dependent life.
In truth, Shen Lingtian wasn’t that generous with every woman. If he gave diamonds worth tens of millions to everyone, the Shen Clan would have ceased to exist long ago. The reason he was so lavish with Chu Jin was because she was born into a noble family. Though her family had declined over the years, a camel, even thin, is bigger than a horse. Without presenting something valuable, how could he impress her?
Having said that, Shen Lingtian looked up at Chu Jin, but regretfully, he didn’t see any extra emotion on her face; from beginning to end, she remained composed.
Very calm, her pale fingers pinched a silver spoon, slowly stirring her coffee. Her eyes slightly narrowed, shielding the brilliant starlight, her demeanor elegant, truly a delight to behold. Indeed, she was an aristocrat’s daughter: even though her family had fallen on hard times, that unique, unmatchable charm, like an orchid or bamboo, was something no one else could imitate.
Shen Lingtian looked at the girl before him, his eyes very deep, suddenly understanding the true meaning of the line, "The night is short, and the day is long; henceforth the emperor rises early no more."
"Mr. Shen is too kind," Chu Jin’s lips curved slightly, her tone indifferent, "However, I don’t like purple. I’m afraid I must disappoint you."
Her words were a clear rejection.
Yet Shen Lingtian heard them as playing hard to get. Weren’t all these ladies of high society fond of this game?
Seeing that Chu Jin was silent, Shen Lingtian stood up, picked up the purple diamond necklace, moved behind Chu Jin, and leaned down in an intimately affectionate gesture as he draped the necklace around her neck. His fingers inadvertently brushed through her hair as his gentle voice reached her ear.
"Jin Jin, be with me. I can give you the best things in the world, take you to see the most beautiful fireworks, provide you a life free of worries. You won’t have to look at anyone’s face anymore, and I can even help you buy out the Zhao Clan. Just be with me, and I can give you everything you want."
He knew that Chu Jin’s years with the Zhao family hadn’t been easy. No matter how good outsiders were, they were still outsiders. Otherwise, her reputation wouldn’t have been tarnished by people outside like it had been!
The Zhao Clan was now on the brink of bankruptcy, and a forced acquisition would be incredibly straightforward. Chu Jin had endured in silence for so many years with the Zhao family; she must have been waiting for this moment for a long time.
"Be with you?" Chu Jin lifted her chin slightly, her eyes shimmering with mockery, "Do you mean as your mistress?"
Although Chu Jin had expected Shen Lingtian to have ulterior motives, she didn’t think he would be so eager.
Shen Lingtian was very close; the stench of a scoundrel washed over her. Chu Jin suppressed her hatred and disgust, trying to keep her tone as even as possible.
Seemingly not expecting her to be so blunt, Shen Lingtian paused for a moment, then laughed, "Jin Jin, you’re a smart girl. Naturally, you understand the meaning of my words. What do you say? Why not consider it?"
Chu Jin narrowed her eyes. "Thank you for your generous affection, Mr. Shen. However, I am not interested in being someone’s mistress, and Mr. Shen is not my type. I would never sell myself or intrude on another’s marriage, to be the third party."