One second.
Two seconds.
Three seconds...
The two remained frozen in their positions,
silently reading each other's intentions through their gazes.
—Until the door was suddenly pushed open.
"Oh dear, it seems I've arrived at an awkward moment."
Liu Qingyue, who had just entered, took in the intimate scene between them and flashed a knowing smile before retreating from the room and closing the door behind her.
"Come back."
Ji Qingyi suppressed her emotions and commanded in a low voice.
"Huh? Young Mistress, did you need something?"
Liu Qingyue reopened the door, poking her head in with wide, innocent eyes, feigning ignorance.
"Senior, I was only trying to wipe the corner of the president's mouth, but it seems my action upset her," Su Cheng quickly explained, keeping his words simple and straightforward.
"Oh, I see."
Liu Qingyue nodded thoughtfully, then turned her gaze to Ji Qingyi inside the room, her tone meaningful. "Young Mistress, I imagine he mustered quite some courage to act this way. I won’t intrude further."
"Don’t listen to his nonsense!"
Ji Qingyi’s expression darkened, but she restrained her anger, speaking coldly instead. "He clearly has ulterior motives!"
Su Cheng lowered his head slightly and murmured in protest, "I don’t see anything improper about my actions. If anything, President, you’ve been unusually irritable today. Could it be because..."
His voice trailed off deliberately, as if inviting speculation.
"Alright."
Seeing the tension, the physically strong Liu Qingyue stepped forward, gripping each of their wrists and gently pulling them apart to break the stalemate. "You’re both sticking to your own versions, arguing endlessly. If outsiders hear, they’ll think you two are quarreling—how embarrassing."
"And, Young Mistress..."
She suddenly leaned closer to Ji Qingyi’s ear, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Gu Ruoxue asked me to relay a message to you. Would you like to hear it?"
"Since the president and senior have matters to discuss, I’ll take my leave."
With that, Su Cheng stood and walked toward the door, while the two women inside watched his retreating figure in silence.
Just as he reached the doorway, he paused abruptly, slipping a finger into his mouth and lightly licking it. Then, with a slow turn of his head, he cast a smirk in Ji Qingyi’s direction before finally exiting.
"This... how outrageous!"
Ji Qingyi’s face grew even more displeased at the sight.
"Young Mistress, don’t let anger cloud your judgment!"
Liu Qingyue hurriedly soothed her. "I understand—Su Cheng must have provoked you with that mocking gesture."
Ji Qingyi’s expression calmed slightly, though her tone remained icy. "Yes, he’s grown increasingly audacious toward me..."
"Young Mistress, please stay composed."
Liu Qingyue interjected firmly. "Try looking at this from its core. Analyze his behavior logically, and you’ll uncover his true intentions."
Ji Qingyi frowned but was willing to entertain the suggestion. "Go on."
"If I’m not mistaken..."
Liu Qingyue recalled Su Cheng’s departure and her mistress’s reaction, piecing together what had transpired. "Did he use his finger to wipe your mouth?"
At this, Ji Qingyi stiffened, an uncharacteristic flush of shame coloring her features.
"...Yes."
She admitted through gritted teeth.
"Just as I thought."
Liu Qingyue nodded and pressed further. "An intimate act like that—isn’t it essentially an expression of affection?"
Ji Qingyi didn’t deny it. "But his actions just now were blatant teasing!"
"If he behaved the same way toward someone else," Liu Qingyue narrowed her eyes and sighed, "I doubt they’d react as strongly as you did."
"Just shamelessness, that’s all."
Ji Qingyi scoffed, as if implying others lacked self-respect for not taking offense.
Liu Qingyue shook her head. "Do you truly believe he acted this way purely out of mischief, just to toy with you?"
"What other reason could there be?!"
Ji Qingyi’s delicate face hardened.
"Actually, this could be quite romantic and playful."
Liu Qingyue glanced meaningfully at the faint traces of powder still lingering on Ji Qingyi’s lips. "It’s your pride that’s overly sensitive, making you misinterpret his actions as mockery."
"Just look at the smirk he wore when he left!"
Ji Qingyi pointed at the door, her eyes wide. "How is that not provocation? Go and confess to him right now—he needs to be disciplined!"
"No, no, you’re misunderstanding."
Liu Qingyue spoke leisurely. "What I mean is, do you want to cling to your pride and suffer, or turn this pain into something enjoyable?"
"Enjoyable?"
Ji Qingyi fell silent, brows knitted in contemplation.
"He targets your pride precisely because you refuse to take the initiative!"
Liu Qingyue pressed on. "So my suggestion is this: next time he deliberately challenges your dignity, boldly ask him if he harbors feelings for you."
Her tone turned earnest. "If he does, then you can use that to redefine your dynamic. That way, you won’t need to confess—instead, the tables will turn, and he’ll be the one pursuing you. Doesn’t that sound better?"
Ji Qingyi froze momentarily, her expression cooling, though doubt lingered. "But what if he denies it?"
"It seems Young Mistress would rather endure the torment of pride. In that case, I’ll say no more."
Liu Qingyue sighed, feigning resignation. She didn’t actually need an answer—Ji Qingyi would arrive at her own decision. She only had to plant the idea.
Meanwhile, Ji Qingyi wrestled with her thoughts. She lifted a teacup to her lips, but the slight tremble in her hands betrayed her inner turmoil.
If she followed Liu Qingyue’s advice, there might indeed be some amusement in it.
Though reluctant to admit it, Ji Qingyi now found herself anticipating Su Cheng’s next provocation—even hoping he’d repeat his actions that very afternoon.
The thought was... oddly intriguing.
Ji Qingyi pursed her lips, hesitating.
She had to concede: if not for her maid’s timely return, Su Cheng would have driven her to misery. Yet with just a few words, Liu Qingyue had shifted her perspective entirely.
"As they say, 'The spectator sees most clearly.'"
Liu Qingyue poured Ji Qingyi another cup of tea, speaking sagely. "Young Mistress, you must stay steady. Though he may have new tricks, you still have me by your side. In essence, the two of you are equals."
"Enough. I’ll handle this my way."
Ji Qingyi waved her hand dismissively, picked up her teacup again, and took an elegant sip of the fragrant tea, shifting the topic: "What did Gu Ruoxue say?"
Liu Qingyue promptly reported, "Well, she’s willing to release him. But she still insists on inviting you, Young Lady, to discuss the matter in person at the Practical Affairs Department."
"Did you explain the situation clearly?"
"I made it clear that I was the one who sent the message last night."
"And she still insists on this…"
Ji Qingyi closed her beautiful eyes and parted her lips lightly. "Fine. Go see her again and arrange a time. Invite her to the estate this weekend. If she refuses, so be it."
"Understood."
Liu Qingyue acknowledged the order and was about to leave when she suddenly hesitated, pausing mid-step. She turned back to look at Ji Qingyi, who was seated in her chair, and after a few seconds of deliberation, tentatively asked, "Young Lady, what about Li Guanqi…? How do you plan to handle that?"
"…………"
Ji Qingyi tapped her fingers on the table, remaining silent for a long moment before finally speaking. "What do you suggest?"
"Gu Ruoxue and I discussed this issue."
Liu Qingyue carefully chose her words as she continued, "Li Guanqi has already chosen to side with Su Cheng."
At this, Ji Qingyi’s expression darkened, her delicate brows furrowing—this development was beyond her expectations.
If that were the case, wouldn’t Su Cheng be able to receive system rewards from Li Guanqi every day?
He could even demand whatever he wanted?!
"However…"
Liu Qingyue’s tone shifted. "Li Guanqi won’t help Su Cheng in that way. She’s not a fool. Otherwise, Gu Ruoxue would have already taken action. There’s no reason she’d let the two of them continue unchecked."
Ji Qingyi’s tense expression softened slightly. She nodded in understanding—if Gu Ruoxue wasn’t worried, why should she be?
"As for Ling Ning… arrange for her to keep her distance from Su Cheng."
After giving the order, Ji Qingyi stood up, rubbing her forehead as if exhausted, and began walking toward her bedroom. "I’m going to rest for a while."
"There’s one more thing I forgot to report, Young Lady…"
"Hmm?"
"Su Cheng’s class is having a gathering this Saturday."
"Oh?"
Ji Qingyi paused mid-step and turned back. "Why bring this up now?"
"From what I’ve heard, Ling Ning has been invited to attend." Liu Qingyue smiled. "And Su Cheng will be there as well."
As she spoke, she pulled out her phone, opened a chat log, and handed it to Ji Qingyi.
"Hmm?"
Though puzzled, Ji Qingyi took the phone and scrolled through the messages, stopping when she saw the name "Xuan Ying" in the notes.
[Xuan Ying: Qingyue-jie, it’s my birthday this Saturday. Can I invite Brother-in-law and Sister Wang Yu to the party?]
[Liu Qingyue: Of course! What time and where? Sister Wang Yu and I will come celebrate with you.]
"Heh…"
Ji Qingyi couldn’t help but let out a rare chuckle, recalling the time she had used the alias "Wang Yu" to interact with them during her stay in Su Cheng’s hometown.
She had long forgotten about it, yet Xuan Ying still remembered—even extending a birthday invitation.
It seemed Su Cheng’s admirer truly held affection for both of them. That was rather commendable.
Ji Qingyi tossed the phone back to Liu Qingyue and lazily stretched her slender arms, rubbing her forehead again.
"Young Lady, this Saturday is bound to be quite lively. Would you consider joining in the fun?"
Ji Qingyi shook her head, declining flatly. "No. I’ve never had any interest in group activities. Besides, you’ll be there."
Liu Qingyue, however, shook her head earnestly. "Young Lady, I think it’ll be very entertaining. If you don’t go, you might miss some interesting scenes."
At this, a flicker of intrigue passed through Ji Qingyi’s eyes. She turned her head slightly, fixing Liu Qingyue with a questioning gaze. "Are you suggesting I disguise myself as Su Cheng’s sister again?"
"No. This time, you’ll be disguised as my husband."