Chapter 4 — Turns Out My Boyfriend Is a Billionaire Heir

I did not reply, simply exchanging a swift glance with Kieu Kieu standing beside me. A few moments later, the manager of Jiang Yiru led her right up to Kieu Kieu, offering a flustered and trembling apology.

It is simply that my artist lacks discretion; I do beg you not to hold it against someone so insignificant.

Kieu Kieu pointed directly at me. You ought to be directing those words toward her. Watching the face of Jiang Yiru flush the color of a pig liver, I could not help but reflect on how formidable the reputation of Le Can Ngon truly was. Regardless of how much wealth the Giang family or the Qin family possessed, they had failed to establish any substantial roots whatsoever here in Northern City. Standing before me, they were nothing more than mediocre nobodies. I cast a cold gaze in her direction, choosing not to deliberately make things difficult, yet Jiang Yiru remained utterly unwilling to bow her head in defeat.

Just you wait, I shall summon Qin Zhaochuan here this instant and have him teach the two of you a thorough lesson!

Very well, I shall wait.

Adding one more person to the mix did not concern me in the slightest; I was fully prepared to deal with both of them simultaneously. Armed with solid backing, I was ready to play this game through to the very end. Upon hearing of my presence here—or perhaps simply catching wind that Jiang Yiru was in trouble—Qin Zhaochuan rushed over without a moment's hesitation. His immediate reaction was to inspect Jiang Yiru from head to toe, confirming she was entirely unharmed, before finally turning his attention toward me.

Alin, you truly have no need to resort to such petty theatrics. If you would only bring yourself to admit your faults...

I raised my hand and delivered a resounding slap straight across his face. Today, I had nothing left to conceal, and the three-inch high heels I wore served their purpose at precisely the right moment.

If not for three years of shared history, did you honestly believe I would stand here listening to your endless nonsense?

If you lack the sense to speak properly, then keep your mouth shut.

Furthermore, I already have a fiance.

Witnessing me strike him left everyone around us utterly stunned, particularly Kieu Kieu, who let out a delighted shriek.

That was a magnificent strike!

She was the very person who had witnessed the entire agonizing journey of how deeply I had once loved Qin Zhaochuan, to the point of absolute heartbreak. Now that I had finally awakened from that illusion, Kieu Kieu was undeniably the happiest of all.

Kieu Kieu, let us leave.

Yet Qin Zhaochuan refused to let go, the stark imprint of five fingerprints burning fiercely across his cheek as he chased after me.

Alin, must you truly be this ruthlessly cold-hearted?

Le Can Ngon already has a fiancee! You are in no position to reach that high!

Those words sounded utterly amusing to my ears.

I am not worthy of him, yet I am somehow suitable to be your wife? Is that what you are attempting to imply?

I lifted my leg and delivered a sharp kick directly to his knee, finally wrenching myself free from his grasp. Pain crippled him as he collapsed onto the ground, while I stood towering above, looking down with an expressionless, chilling gaze.

Qin Zhaochuan, I am no fool.

Keep a much tighter leash on your woman. Should she ever dare to pester me again, the next consequence will not merely be a stinging slap or a canceled advertising contract, do you understand?

Beside me, Kieu Kieu quietly offered a thumbs-up. Since the day we first met, this was the first time she had ever witnessed me display such formidable strength. Yet, as fate would have it, life truly proved to be a narrow path where rivals constantly cross roads. That very evening, we unexpectedly ran into each other yet again at the racing circuit.

The internet is currently abuzz with wonderful news concerning you and General Manager Tan; is there any truth to these rumors?

Should you marry General Manager Tan, do you intend to step away from the entertainment industry to dedicate yourself entirely to domestic life?

Allow me to ask, is this upcoming marriage the result of a strategic corporate alliance?

Jiang Yiru and Qin Zhaochuan were tightly hemmed in by a swarm of reporters, and despite the intensely personal nature of the inquiries, both maintained bright, natural smiles without the slightest trace of annoyance.

As for these matters, time shall provide the answers to everything.

That characteristically vague and ambiguous response once again.

Ru Nhu! Do share a few more words with us!

As reporters aggressively pressed forward, Qin Zhaochuan swept her effortlessly into his arms bridal-style, completely blocking the vision of everyone surrounding them. Cheers erupted into the night air as camera flashes illuminated the surroundings as brightly as midday. Kieu Kieu curled her lip in disdain. Truly, a celebrated star adored by multitudes. Before I realized it, Qin Zhaochuan had materialized behind my back, and upon overhearing her, he mistakenly assumed Kieu Kieu was consumed by envy, prompting him to spin yet another grandiose fantasy.

Alin, if only you were willing to let go of the past and return to me, you too could be held safely in my arms just like this, surrounded by media attention, no longer condemned to obscurity.

Hearing those words caused the expression in my eyes toward him to shift entirely. To be held in the arms of a scandal-ridden scoundrel such as yourself—is that genuinely supposed to be a source of pride? Had I possessed the slightest inkling that he was the third young master of the Qin family, I never would have entangled myself with him in the first place. Who throughout high school was unaware of the notorious playboy reputation held by the third young master of the Tan household, whose wild antics only ceased once he was forcefully hauled back to the main estate?

Qin Zhaochuan, I have stated this clearly: I have no need for it.

Besides, have you conveniently forgotten that we broke up?

I took a very deliberate and visible step backward. Therefore, I must ask you to maintain a respectful distance!

Alin... why must you remain so impossibly stubborn?

Qin Zhaochuan looked so utterly bewildered he practically wanted to tear his hair out by the roots.

I love you, can you not comprehend that?

I have already begun organizing our wedding preparations, and even the bridal veil was personally designed by my own hands!

He frantically rummaged through the photo gallery on his phone. Take a look for yourself!

Everything has been crafted precisely to your tastes, I am not deceiving you!

Why must you allow baseless rumors to drive a wedge of doubt between us? Jiang Yiru and I genuinely harbor nothing between us; the only person I have ever loved is you, and it shall forever remain you.

If it is your wish, I swear right now to sever all ties with her, will that suffice?

Upon hearing that declaration, a flicker of genuine surprise washed over me. He actually possessed the audacity to offer such a promise? Noticing my silence, he edged even closer.

Will you forgive me, please?

From this moment onward, it shall be only you and I, living our lives in blissful harmony.

The fleeting emotional turbulence stirred within me had not even lasted a full five seconds before the stark smudge of lipstick visible on the white t-shirt beneath his unzipped jacket violently dragged me back to harsh reality. Cease your foolishness. Was the spectacle upon Northern Mountain not sufficient to jolt you completely awake? Furthermore, at this exact moment, blazing headlines detailing his romance with Jiang Yiru had surged straight to the number one trending spot. Not a single soul issued a correction, and the glowing screens were utterly flooded with fervent messages of congratulations.

Qin Zhaochuan, I have articulated this before: any relationship that requires sharing with another individual is no longer whole.

Do you possess the courage to issue a public correction? To inform everyone unequivocally that you share no romantic entanglement with her whatsoever?

He faltered. Qin Zhaochuan could not even muster the courage to meet my gaze directly.

Hmph.

A soft, cynical laugh escaped my lips, though whether I was mocking him or ridiculing my own foolishness remained entirely unclear. Just moments prior, I had actually entertained the notion that he might possess the integrity to issue a correction, allowing me the pathetic comfort of believing the man I once loved was not entirely devoid of honor. Clearly, I had severely overestimated him. Desperate to salvage the situation, Qin Zhaochuan clutched at straws.

Alin, I can grant you proper status, shall we marry? Let us get married!

Is having one's name inscribed within the household registry of the Qin family supposed to be some monumental privilege?

Suppressing the lingering anger boiling within, I wheeled around and made my way back toward the racing track.

Step aside.

Since I had already arrived here, I needed to vent my frustrations thoroughly, especially after crossing paths with someone who had dragged my mood into the abyss. Racing was the only adequate outlet to burn away my irritation.

It has been quite some time since you last gripped a steering wheel, are you certain you are up to this?

I offered a cold, dismissive smirk. Against this particular track? You vastly underestimate me. Back overseas, I used to race alongside Le Can Ngon and his circle through treacherous terrains far more perilous than this, yet I consistently clinched first place without fail.

If you are hesitating this much, could it possibly be because you lack access to a decent vehicle?

Jiang Yiru clapped her hands sharply, and immediately an attendant hurried forward.

Open access to every single vehicle on the grounds so that Miss Kim may make her selection freely.

Witnessing her ostentatious display of arrogance, as though she had just struck the lottery, I nearly burst into laughter. No one moving in these elite circles was an utter fool; the sudden termination of her endorsement contracts outwardly appeared to be spearheaded by Kieu Kieu, but anyone with a discerning eye could detect the subtle influence of the Kim family. In this industry, everyone knew how to bend with the prevailing winds, and within less than an hour, numerous prominent brands had formally announced the suspension of their partnerships with Jiang Yiru. Even the capital injected by Qin Zhaochuan to salvage her career proved futile, dragging the stock value of the Qin family enterprises down in the process. Consequently, she had grown desperate enough to utilize the media to manufacture hype around their romance. Yet, despite all this, upon laying eyes on me, she stubbornly clung to her defiant refusal to yield.

Jiang Yiru, I have told you before that calling you a fool is an insult to oxygen. I have already issued my warning—do not ever cross my path again.

Though her companions discreetly urged her to back down, Jiang Yiru seemed fiercely determined to fight this battle to the bitter end today.

Very well, I have unlocked the entire fleet for your choosing, let us see if you actually have the funds to pay for the drive.

She beamed with malicious glee, transparently eager to humiliate me publicly. Yet at that exact moment, my cousin—who had supposedly been tied up overseas—made a sudden and unannounced appearance.

With your own brother standing right here, there is certainly no likelihood of Alin needing to reach into her own pocket.