Qian Youliang was overjoyed and naturally nodded repeatedly in agreement. Seeing this, Liu beamed even more brightly. Yet, feigning modesty, she said, "You two are such a good match. If you could really tie the knot because of this, it would be a great joy for both the Cheng and Qian families!"
Liu busily greeted everyone, oblivious to what awaited her next. She thought her plan was flawless, but she forgot one crucial point: Qian Youliang was a silly and lascivious man.
He was not the same kind of cunning and lecherous men she was used to.
After breakfast, Cheng Xiran led Qian Youliang out of the Cheng Mansion. Along the way, Qian Youliang cast lecherous glances at her. Although she felt goosebumps all over, she had to force a smile. They chatted amicably all the way, not about Cheng Xiran or Qian Youliang, but all about Cheng Zhiyue.
"Dear Young Master Qian, you may not know that my younger sister is extremely beautiful. She is hailed as the most beautiful girl in the entire capital. Have you ever heard of her?"
Perhaps finding Cheng Xiran's red rash on her face a bit creepy, he finally shifted his gaze. "No, but I heard from Xiao Qi and your mother that you're extremely beautiful. And I must say, you truly are."
Cheng Xiran seriously doubted this guy's taste in beauty.
Even though she had to admit that she was indeed very beautiful.
"You're joking, Young Master Qian. I've always envied Zhiyue's looks. I was even self - conscious about it for a while."
During her time interacting with Qian Youliang, Cheng Xiran roughly sized him up: he was simply lecherous, had no主见, believed whatever he heard, and was a bit dim - witted. Apart from his wealthy family background, he had no other merits.
It was slightly different from what she had previously learned, but it was true that he was lecherous. Even when with Cheng Xiran, he couldn't help but observe the passers - by around them.
Xiao Qi and the others had instigated him to flirt with her, but they forgot that Cheng Xiran also had a chance to turn him around.
The two of them arrived at the newspaper office. After Cheng Xiran handed the manuscript to the shopkeeper, she led Qian Youliang to sit by the window. Then she began to praise him in various aspects but never mentioned the blind date. Fortunately, she was knowledgeable and patient. No matter what Qian Youliang said, she could always respond, which made Qian Youliang feel valued. He thought Cheng Xiran was truly making friends with him and truly listening to him, unlike others who either approached him for money or fame.
Even the shopkeeper admired Cheng Xiran for being able to chat with him.
Taking advantage of a break, Cheng Xiran secretly asked the shopkeeper to send someone to find out Cheng Zhiyue's whereabouts.
As lunchtime approached, the shopkeeper rushed upstairs and interrupted their conversation. "Miss, would you please come downstairs with me to confirm tomorrow's manuscript?"
Cheng Xiran gave an apologetic smile to Qian Youliang, who was in full swing of talking. "Young Master Qian, please rest for a while. I'll be back soon."
Qian Youliang nodded reassuringly.
Cheng Xiran quickly went downstairs with the shopkeeper, and they walked towards the backyard together.
Cheng Xiran gulped down a whole pot of warm tea in one go before suppressing the nausea in her stomach.
"It's really hard on you, miss, to listen to that guy's nonsense for so long."
"Right? Fortunately, he doesn't seem to have any improper thoughts about me now. He just regards me as a friend..." Cheng Xiran gently patted her chest and continued, "But I think his character is not that bad."
Maybe it was because she had patiently listened to his ramblings.
The shopkeeper's smile remained on his face. "By the way, miss, Cheng Zhiyue did go to the Ende Temple this morning. She should be on West Street now, and Mr. Gu is not with her."
The fact that Gu Yuanqing was not there was great news for Cheng Xiran.
She immediately beamed from ear to ear and vowed, "This time, I'll show them all my skills."
When Cheng Xiran returned to the upper floor, Qian Youliang was looking down through the window.
Sure enough, he never forgot his old habit.
An idea popped into Cheng Xiran's mind. She stepped forward with a beaming smile. "Young Master Qian, you must be hungry too. How about we go to the Drunken Immortal Restaurant to continue our chat?"
Qian Youliang was, of course, very interested. When he got up, he even took the opportunity to test her. "When I came today, I thought I would be rebuffed. I didn't expect Miss Cheng not to mind my ugly appearance."
Cheng Xiran quickly retorted, "How could that be? What matters most in a person is the heart. Besides, after chatting with you for the whole morning, I know that you're not as the rumors say. You're actually a decent and upright person."
This made Qian Youliang very grateful.
Cheng Xiran led him towards West Street, keeping an eye out along the way. Finally, they ran into Cheng Zhiyue who was just coming out of an embroidery shop. She was dressed very brightly today, which met Cheng Xiran's expectations.