Chapter 27: An Unexpected Encounter

Lin Zhenting was truly down on his luck. After being thoroughly crushed and humiliated by Zhao Kai, his spirit was broken, and he lost all will to fight. Especially after Zhao Kai dealt a heavy blow to his manhood, he became even more ashamed, unable to lift his head and drowning his days in wine.

He had thought about taking revenge on Zhao Kai, but after suffering losses so many times, he had no way to begin.

Zhou Chengwang looked him up and down, finding him a strange man, but still asked, “Why wouldn’t she like me? Miss Yan treats me differently. Maybe she’ll marry me one day.”

Marry you? Ha... Lin Zhenting sneered inwardly. Zhao Yan’er, not even knowing what’s going on between her and Zhao Kai in private, marry you?

But seeing yet another pawn fall for Zhao Yan’er’s charms, Lin Zhenting curled his lips. “You dare covet Miss Zhao, whose standards are sky-high? Don’t you know your own place?”

Zhou Chengwang straightened his chest. He was the nephew of the lord of Erxian Manor, destined to inherit it—how could he not be worthy of Zhao Yan’er?

However, he couldn’t reveal his identity yet. If Miss Yan liked him for himself, it would mean she valued character over status—a truly worthy girl.

“My status is none of your concern. In any case, Miss Yan likes me.”

Lin Zhenting almost wanted to burst out laughing. “I’ve never seen anyone so naive. Zhao Yan’er already has someone she likes.”

“Who?”

“Zhao Kai.”

“Don’t slander them! They’re siblings, and Zhao is my friend. Don’t you dare insult him.”

Siblings? So there really are people who believe they're siblings. Zhao Yan’er’s feelings are plain to see, and Old Master Zhao’s act of entrusting her to Zhao Kai under the guise of siblinghood—others might not know, but Lin Zhenting could see right through it.

Still... Lin Zhenting studied the innocent youth before him. Since he was desperate for a chance to strike back at Zhao Kai, why not use this boy as a pawn?

A woman’s jealousy can be frightening, but men are no different.

“Haven’t you bought wine? Zhao Yan’er can’t hold her liquor. Why not seize the chance when she’s drunk to ask her who she really likes?”

Zhou Chengwang hesitated. He didn’t want to take advantage of someone’s vulnerability.

Lin Zhenting fanned the flames. “Zhao Yan’er likes Zhao Kai. Zhao Kai surely knows you’re interested in her, right?”

Indeed, Zhao Kai had asked him privately whether he liked Zhao Yan’er, and he had answered firmly in the affirmative.

“There you have it. Zhao Kai is a master of deceit. He knows you like Zhao Yan’er but pretends not to—just toying with you, isn’t he?”

“You said he’s your friend, but a true friend wouldn’t play dirty behind your back. If he knows you like her yet keeps things ambiguous with her, isn’t he humiliating you, making you the butt of the joke?”

Zhou Chengwang’s expression shifted constantly. He didn’t want to believe it, but Lin Zhenting’s words wormed their way into his heart.

“Why not test him?” Lin Zhenting pressed on. “It’s harmless. If nothing is going on, he’s still your friend. If there is... then you’ll need to consider if he’s worth your friendship.”

“...How should I test him?”

Lin Zhenting smiled slyly. The bait was taken...

Zhao Kai had already seated several business owners, but Zhou Chengwang, sent to buy wine, was still nowhere to be seen.

Growing anxious, Zhao Yan’er quickly brought out her own treasured bottle. “Brother, don’t wait for him. He’s probably been delayed.”

Zhao Yan’er was always efficient, never losing her composure in important moments. Zhao Kai felt reassured.

“With you here, Yan’er, I’m much more at ease in my business.”

Yan’er gave a soft laugh. “Sister Fei manages the household, and I handle affairs outside. Of course you can rest easy, brother.”

Well said. Seeing her shy, demure look, Zhao Kai thought of Zhou Chengwang.

Zhou’s feelings were obvious, but as a member of Erxian Manor—a family that disdained dealings with merchants—he likely wouldn’t seriously consider Zhao Yan’er. Besides, the boy was still wet behind the ears, hardly capable of supporting her. If they did end up together, it would probably end in heartbreak.

After some thought, Zhao Kai decided to offer a word of advice.

“Yan’er, you’re of marrying age, but there’s no need to rush. Spend more time with Old Master Zhao, or help me with business. Stay home a couple more years—there’s no harm in marrying later.”

Zhao Yan’er was overjoyed. Did this mean... he didn’t want her to marry? Did he like her?

“If I already like someone... would you still feel that way?” She didn’t dare meet his eyes.

Could it be Zhou Chengwang she meant? “You’re still young. If you like someone, wait a while. There’s time,” Zhao Kai replied, forcing himself to sound calm.

Zhao Yan’er interpreted his words as reluctance to let her marry, and blushed. “I have no such thoughts... I only want to stay by your side.”

Good, that way she could help him with business.

Zhao Kai patted her shoulder. “That puts my mind at ease.”

Zhou Chengwang, witnessing everything, felt as if he’d been slapped hard across the face.

So it was true—Yan’er’s beloved was Zhao Kai. And the friend he trusted clearly knew his feelings for Yan’er, yet secretly advised her not to marry.

Had he not witnessed this, he would have been kept in the dark.

Betrayal, humiliation, rage—all surged within Zhou Chengwang. He wanted to barge in and demand an explanation.

But he forced himself to hold back. Perhaps he was mistaken. Zhao Kai couldn’t be that sort of person.

“Brother Zhao,” Zhou Chengwang called, steadying his emotions.

Yan’er glared at him, annoyance on her face. She’d just praised him, only for him to mess up—did he have a death wish?

“Why did you take so long?”

“Enough,” Zhao Kai said, unconcerned. “You’ve been working hard lately. Go get some rest.”

Zhou Chengwang left in a daze.

Zhao Kai didn’t notice anything amiss. He carried the wine into the private room, Yan’er holding her skirt and trailing behind.

Zhao Kai planned to persuade a few major investors to buy shares, making the casino more stable. Throughout the banquet, his mind was wholly on business, oblivious to Zhao Yan’er quietly urging him to drink several cups.

Zhao Kai had a keen business mind. As he conversed with the guests, he was logical and methodical, guiding the discussion step by step and quickly becoming the focus of the entire gathering.

Watching Zhao Kai shine with such brilliance, Zhao Yan’er gazed at him with adoration.

“Gentlemen, it’s getting late. Please consider my proposal carefully. I, Zhao Kai, will never go back on my word.”

The businessmen left, still deep in thought. Zhao Yan’er was already slightly tipsy. Zhao Kai noticed her slumped like a puddle of mud and chuckled softly as he helped her up.

“I told you not to come, but you insisted. Now you’re drunk, aren’t you?”

“That’s not true...”

Mumbling, Zhao Yan’er leaned into him, savoring the warmth of his body.

“I’ll take you back.”

Zhao Kai scooped her into his arms and walked out. Zhao Yan’er was slender and light, her delicate waist fitting easily in one hand.

Perhaps it was the wine, but at that moment, Zhao Kai found her in his arms irresistibly alluring—like one of those enchanting spirits from mountain legends, stealing away his soul.