Chapter 49: The Art of Being a Casanova, Sweet Talk
“Heh heh… Jiang Che, you’re quite the actor, aren’t you? So, what’s your relationship with my senior sister Shen Qingqiu?” Lin Xiyan asked with a hint of sarcasm.
“You’re Qingqiu’s junior sister?” Jiang Che feigned complete surprise as if he was totally unaware of this fact.
“Yes. Hasn’t she mentioned it to you?” Lin Xiyan was now puzzled. Could it be that Shen Qingqiu had never discussed these matters with Jiang Che?
“She really hasn’t mentioned this to me. What are you all doing here?” Jiang Che quickly changed the subject, not keen on delving deeper into the topic with Lin Xiyan.
“We were discussing poetry. Are you interested in that as well, Jiang Che?” Lin Xiyan asked, somewhat mockingly.
For some reason, she felt an urge to tease Jiang Che, possibly because of her resentment towards him for taking her first kiss, though she couldn’t muster any real hatred towards him.
“I am quite interested, actually. Do you write poetry?” Jiang Che raised an eyebrow, surprised. The original story hadn’t mentioned this particular talent of Lin Xiyan’s.
“You think too highly of me. I can’t write poetry,” Lin Xiyan admitted, shaking her head. She could recite poetry but composing it was beyond her skills.
“I thought you ladies were poets. If you’re not into writing poetry, then what’s the fun in discussing it?” Jiang Che said somewhat dismissively, thinking he was among real talents.
His comment made the other young ladies in the group feel slightly ashamed, bowing their heads in embarrassment.
“What, you think you can write poetry?” Lin Xiyan retorted, doubting Jiang Che’s abilities, despite knowing him as a top student.
“Sorry, but I actually can,” Jiang Che replied with a smile, exuding confidence.
“Really?” Lin Xiyan looked at him skeptically, finding it hard to believe.
“When have I ever lied to you?” Jiang Che replied, gazing tenderly at Lin Xiyan, beginning his charm offensive with sweet talk.
“You… You just lied to me last time!” Lin Xiyan’s eyes flickered away, flustered and unable to meet Jiang Che’s gaze, fearing she might get swayed by his charm.
“Ah… There were reasons for that, things I couldn’t help,” Jiang Che said, shaking his head and taking a sip of his wine, his eyes filled with a melancholic expression. His demeanor exuded a sense of sorrow, adding depth to his character.
“Qingqiu, I’m sorry…” Jiang Che silently apologized to Shen Qingqiu in his heart before continuing his conversation with Lin Xiyan.
“Actually, I was forced into this situation. In a family like mine, who really has control over their marriage? My relationship with Shen Qingqiu is nothing more than an arranged marriage by our families,” Jiang Che said with a smile that seemed somewhat pitiable.
“Your family, the Jiangs, need an arranged marriage?” Lin Xiyan asked in surprise, aware of the Jiang family’s top-tier status in Jiangzhou.
“It’s just a facade of strength…” Jiang Che replied, shaking his head. He quickly shifted from his previous despondent state to a more liberated demeanor, as if he had come to terms with his situation.
Lin Xiyan fell silent, understanding Jiang Che’s predicament as a fellow scion of a prominent family. She too might one day have to marry someone she didn’t love for her family’s sake.
“Do you like my senior sister?” Lin Xiyan asked, almost regretting the question as soon as she voiced it.
Jiang Che looked at her curiously, sensing that he had successfully piqued her interest. “She’s always so cold and aloof. Not my type at all,” he replied, though his words contradicted his true feelings.
Lin Xiyan nodded thoughtfully, knowing her senior sister’s icy demeanor all too well.
“Why are you asking all these questions? Don’t tell me you’re interested in me?” Jiang Che teased.
“You’re so full of yourself. Why would I like someone like you?” Lin Xiyan retorted.
While acknowledging Jiang Che’s good looks, she found herself more attracted to men of talent and substance. Her curiosity about Jiang Che stemmed from their previous encounter, where he had stolen her first kiss.
Jiang Che smiled, aware that his words had resonated with Lin Xiyan. His mention of an arranged marriage was merely a ruse; the Jiang family was at its peak and had no need for such alliances.