Chapter 100: Nothing More Than a Pretty Boy

At this moment, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. How could the young prince possibly have another girlfriend? All these years, though it hadn't been made public, everyone knew he had eyes only for Shen Qingqing. No other woman had the opportunity, so none harbored any extravagant hopes. If they wished to curry favor with the Bo family, their only focus was Shen Qingqing. But if the young prince had another woman, all their years of effort would seem a joke. If a woman besides Shen Qingqing could rise to prominence, why shouldn't that woman be themselves? Thus, nobody wanted the beautiful woman before them to be Bo Jinxiou's girlfriend; it kept everyone's hearts balanced.

Xue Qin, however, was different. As the eldest daughter of one of the four great families, cherished by her parents and doted upon by her brother, she'd been spoiled since childhood and had close ties with the Bo family. She acted without restraint. With a cold snort, she said, "Brother Xiu, are you afraid to admit it in front of Shen Qingqing?"

Bo Jinxiou had yet to speak when Jiang Ciyou suddenly smiled, "Miss Xue, you've misunderstood."

Jiang Ciyou had already made her decision the moment Bo Jinxiou uttered those words.

Xue Qin looked at her, confused, "What do you mean?"

"That day, I happened to run into Mr. Bo. He helped me with something, and asked me to return the favor. So I accompanied him to your private room and played a role. Miss Xue, do you still not understand why?"

Xue Qin was stunned, "Acting?"

"Mr. Bo asked me to pretend to be his girlfriend, simply to free himself from your persistence."

Jiang Ciyou glanced at Bo Jinxiou, her lips curving in a radiant smile. Her words were gentle and alluring, as if a butterfly fluttered its wings at the tip of one's heart.

"Indeed, Mr. Bo and I are not acquainted at all."

Bo Jinxiou's eyes darkened, as if he were desperately holding something back. The hand hidden in his trouser pocket was already clenched into a fist. But no matter what, he could not show it now. He knew that this banquet was full of Bo Wanhua's spies.

Xue Qin, however, was undone by Jiang Ciyou's words. Tears welled up instantly in her eyes.

"Brother Xiu, is what she said true? To escape me, you actually found a woman to act with you? Do you hate me that much?"

Bo Jinxiou looked at Xue Qin, his eyes cold as ice. "Xue Qin, I thought I had made myself clear enough. I don't like you, and I never will. The Bo family will never form a marriage alliance with the Xue family. So, don't ever pester me again."

"Xue Qin, you're a distinguished daughter of the Xue family. Why cling like a stubborn plaster?"

"Exactly, must the young prince spell it out so bluntly?"

"He would rather randomly find a woman to impersonate his girlfriend than give her a shred of hope. He must truly despise her!"

Xue Qin was overwhelmed, bursting into tears. "You're all bullying me. Just wait!" With that, she turned and ran off.

All around, the chatter resumed.

"The young prince is devoted to our Qingqing, thankfully not swayed by Xue Qin's provocation."

"Xue Qin is so annoying. Young prince, Qingqing is already of age—please, give her official status soon!"

"Yes, yes! Everyone knows the young prince has been waiting for Qingqing to grow up—it's been six years."

"Silence!" Bo Jinxiou finally spoke, his voice chilling. Clearly, his mood was foul. It was all Xue Qin's fault for ruining it—now his anger was directed at them. No one dared utter another word.

Only Shen Qingqing stepped forward, gently tugging his sleeve, her gaze cautious. "Fourth Uncle, are you alright?"

Bo Jinxiou seemed to come back to himself. He turned and looked down at Shen Qingqing, his eyes now filled with tenderness.

"I'm fine. If Xue Qin bothers you again, just call me."

Shen Qingqing nodded. Her gaze then shifted to Jiang Ciyou.

"Is this lady a friend you brought?"

Shen Qingqing did not know Jiang Ciyou. She was not on the guest list. If she was Bo Jinxiou's acquaintance in Rong City, she must have been brought by him.

Just then, Shen Nuo stepped forward and threw an arm around Jiang Ciyou's shoulder.

"She's my friend. She came to see me today."

Shen Qingqing seemed relieved, her mood brightening. "So she's cousin's friend. I apologize for not welcoming you properly."

Shen Nuo replied nonchalantly, "No need for welcomes. She's not here for you anyway." She then looked down at Jiang Ciyou, "Come on, Youbao, ignore them—let's go upstairs and have some fun."

Shen Nuo was slender but tall—even standing beside Jiang Ciyou in heels, she was still taller. From behind, one might think she was her boyfriend.

Jiang Ciyou smiled, "It's late. I should be going."

She glanced at Shen Qingqing, "Miss Shen, happy birthday. I'll take my leave now."

With that, Jiang Ciyou turned and walked away. Shen Nuo immediately followed, "Youbao, I'll see you off." The two disappeared together into the Shen family courtyard.

As they vanished, the gossip resumed.

"They seem to have an unusual relationship."

"Shen Nuo, always so ambiguous—must be a lesbian. And Miss Jiang is so beautiful—could she be her girlfriend?"

"Forget Shen Nuo; I'm straight, and even I was moved by that face."

Shen Qingqing spoke up, "Stop gossiping about my cousin."

Everyone quickly changed the subject, "Qingqing, let's cut the cake. You and the young prince together."

Shen Qingqing turned eagerly to Bo Jinxiou, "Fourth Uncle, is that alright?"

Bo Jinxiou nodded, "Alright."

Elsewhere, Shen Nuo drove Jiang Ciyou to the hotel. Jiang Ciyou sat in the passenger seat, staring silently at the passing scenery outside. The mask she'd worn earlier had slipped away; she slumped in her seat, like a sick cat.

"Are you okay?"

Jiang Ciyou leaned against the window, watching the neon-lit night. "I'm fine."

"What's going on, Youbao? How did you end up involved with someone like Bo Jinxiou?"

Jiang Ciyou turned her head and suddenly smiled, "He's my kept man. I've supported him for three years."

Shen Nuo was so shocked, her hands jerked the steering wheel.

"What the hell! He's the kept man you mentioned?"

Shen Nuo had been abroad before, but kept occasional contact with Jiang Ciyou. She knew a little about her affairs.

Jiang Ciyou laughed, "Amazing, right?"

Shen Nuo gave her a thumbs up, "Incredible. You randomly picked a kept man, and he turns out to be the young prince of the richest family."

Jiang Ciyou laughed too.

Shen Nuo thought she didn't look particularly distressed, but sensed something was off.

"Little Jiang, are you really okay?"

"I'm fine. It's just a kept man—if we split, we split. As if I'd go to pieces over him."

"Not worth it," Jiang Ciyou replied lightly.