Chapter 478: Chapter 465: Difficulties for the Strong

“This matter… is not major but not minor either…”

“Put it this way, it’s just asking a little favor from Master Chu. If Master Chu deems this favor to be of little effort and is willing to help, then please do. However, if it is considered too difficult, then I wouldn’t want to bother Master Chu.”

At this moment, Zhuang Qingning seemed hesitant and perplexed. Her words were stuttering and her gaze was flickering.

What could possibly make the astute Zhuang Qingning so troubled and embarrassed was a matter that intrigued Chu Jinnian, “What exactly is this favor that Miss Zhuang is referring to?”

“Ahem…”

Zhuang Qingning cleared her throat awkwardly, “It’s somewhat complex to explain, but the premise is simple: I need someone to ward off those misguided admirers, like a shield.”

So this was it.

A keen light flashed in Chu Jinnian’s eyes as a hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

This indeed was just like him. His former words in front of the Empress should have been identical to those of Zhuang Qingning.

This could be called a stroke of synchronicity…

“So, I wanted to ask Master Chu if I could borrow Jing Zhao from his side. I could then announce that Jing Zhao is my fiancé who I have been engaged to since childhood.”

Zhuang Qingning continued somewhat sheepishly, “Jing Zhao is always with Master Chu, spending most of his days in the capital city, rarely coming here. So, even if others wanted to investigate, they wouldn’t find out much.”

“Since we’re far apart, it probably wouldn’t affect Jing Zhao’s reputation in the capital city, nor would it interfere with his marriage talks.”

“I just don’t know if Jing Zhao is already engaged, if this proposal would be a burden on him or if he would agree. So, I also wanted to ask Master Chu to assist in enquiring…”

Zhuang Qingning took a deep breath and put forth all her thoughts.

Seeing that after a lengthy discussion, Chu Jinnian only sat there pensively, showing no sign of response, she sighed, “Perhaps I’ve made unreasonable demands. If Master Chu feels this puts Jing Zhao in a difficult position…”

This was indeed a tough situation.

Chu Jinnian furrowed his eyebrows till they were close to forming a letter “川”, he looked at Zhuang Qingning and managed to utter a sentence, “Miss Zhuang, to be honest, Jing Zhao is already engaged, and his fiancé is even working in his home in the capital city.”

“If the household servants cannot keep a tight lid on this, it might easily create misunderstandings…”

“I see.” Zhuang Qingning nodded in understanding, feeling slightly despondent inside, “I have been rude, Master Chu. Please consider this matter as never having been mentioned.”

As expected, she had been too presumptuous.

Zhuang Qingning felt a pang of annoyance and fell silent, keeping her head low.

Was that the end of it?

Seeing that Zhuang Qingning had no intention of continuing, Chu Jinnian felt compelled to say, “In fact, if Miss Zhuang really wishes to find someone to help, it wouldn’t be a difficult task.”

“Oh?”

Zhuang Qingning’s eyes lit up all of a sudden, “Does Master Chu mean to say that there might be suitable men among his servants or guards who could assist me?”

Chu Jinnian was left speechless.”

If he ever needs to leave home in the future, should he consider going without any servants or guards?

“Actually, Miss Zhuang…” Chu Jinnian scratched his nose, saying, “To be frank, my grandmother constantly pressures me to marry, which is quite annoying. After listening to Miss Zhuang’s suggestion, I feel inspired.”

“Why not have us both lie that we are each other’s betrothed from childhood?”

“From Miss Zhuang’s perspective, once you have a fiancé, you can easily refuse others’ proposals with dignity. And for me, it would help handle my grandmother’s pressure.”

“Once either one of us finds the one we desire, we can announce the cancellation of the engagement, severing any ties.”

“Of course, this is merely a partnership between Miss Zhuang and me. The so-called relationship between fiancé and fiancée is just for show. During this period, I will absolutely not interfere in any of Miss Zhuang’s affairs.”

“However, since our reputation is at stake, if I’m concerned, it’s fine as I’m a man. As for Miss Zhuang, I fear the cancelation of the engagement will tarnish your reputation. Therefore, to express my sincerity, I’m willing to give a shop located in Beijing to Miss Zhuang.”

“Although the shop is not big, it does generate some income every month. As Miss Zhuang is a businesswoman, you might consider using this shop for some small business.”

It took Zhuang Qingning a while to recover from her surprise.

Then, she pinched herself through her sleeve.

Ouch, it hurt, so this wasn’t a dream.

But why did it still feel so surreal…

Not only was the issue of the pretend fiancé taken care of so easily, but she also received a shop in Beijing for free.

Zhuang Qingning, who always believed that there’s no such thing as a free lunch and even if there were, she couldn’t outmatch a dog, felt dazed when such an appealing pie was placed in front of her.

“Does Miss Zhuang find any part of this unsuitable?” Seeing that Zhuang Qingning hadn’t responded for a while, Chu Jinnian pressed.

“There’s nothing unsuitable.” Zhuang Qingning responded resolutely, “Since Master Chu is willing, it’s just as well. We’re both getting what we need.”

“But Master Chu’s gift of a shop in Beijing is overly generous. I haven’t provided any help to Master Chu, so I feel embarrassed to accept such a valuable gift. There’s no need for Master Chu to give me the shop.”

“If I ever have the opportunity to expand my business to Beijing, I would be willing to give it a try if Master Chu grants me the shop. The money I make can be shared with Master Chu afterwards.”

Since it’s far away and the shop in Beijing is somewhat intangible, and since this is an affair where both parties benefit, she shouldn’t just accept it, Zhuang Qingning felt it would be best not to take the unreal advantage for the time being.

“Then let’s proceed as Miss Zhuang suggests.”

Chu Jinnian nodded, removed a jade Bi from his waist and handed it to Zhuang Qingning, “This is a relic from my late mother. My grandmother recognizes this jade Bi. Miss Zhuang, keep it well and just say it was left by your parents as a token of an arranged marriage. Thus, when we present our case, it will be more credible.”

Zhuang Qingning took the jade Bi and examined it carefully.

It was warm to the touch, a high-quality mutton fat jade with a substantial value.

“Master Chu, rest assured, I will take good care of this item.” Zhuang Qingning, taking a handkerchief, wrapped up the jade Bi. She intended to store it in her casket and lock it securely afterwards.

Seeing this, a smile spread across Chu Jinnian’s face, “In the future, I’m afraid that I’ll have to trouble Miss Zhuang from time to time. Let me thank Miss Zhuang in advance.”

“If there’s anything Miss Zhuang needs, feel free to let me know.”

“Well….if in the future Miss Zhuang needs to utilize the status of being my fiancée, you don’t have to be polite. If I can alleviate your troubles, that can be considered a token of my gratitude for your help.”