It is difficult to eliminate hidden dangers after they have materialized.

The Archery Club.

Ji Qingyi's private domain.

This was a place no outsider could trespass upon. Even among the club members, few were granted a glimpse inside. Unless permitted by Ji Qingyi herself, not even the heavens themselves could force their way in.

Yet, there was one exception.

"Go in. The young mistress is waiting in the dining hall."

After the two entered, Liu Qingyue spoke to Su Cheng, who stood beside her, visibly nervous and uneasy.

However, upon hearing this, Su Cheng hesitated, torn between speaking up and holding back.

Yesterday, he had sent the club president those annoying and embarrassing stickers—how was he supposed to face her now?

He might already be labeled as frivolous and rude in her eyes. The memory of Ji Qingyi's flushed, furious expression still sent a shiver down his spine.

"Come on, the food's getting cold."

Liu Qingyue gave him a push, urging him forward. "If you keep dawdling, the young mistress really will get angry."

Su Cheng jumped at her words and hurriedly knocked on the door.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Come in."

Hearing that familiar, icy voice, he turned the knob and stepped inside.

...

Before him was a dining table, laden with an array of exquisite and delicious dishes.

At that moment, Ji Qingyi sat at the head of the table. Dressed in her school uniform, her jet-black hair cascaded like a waterfall, her beauty as ethereal as ever—aloof, untouchable, noble and transcendent.

When she noticed his arrival, she merely cast a fleeting glance in Su Cheng's direction before rising from her seat. She brushed past him, leaving behind a faint, intoxicating fragrance, as elusive as mist.

Only after Ji Qingyi had left did Su Cheng snap out of his daze.

The silent treatment—this must be the legendary silent treatment!

He thought to himself, feeling both wronged and confused. He had already properly explained himself over text and apologized to the club president. Why was she still giving him the cold shoulder?

With that in mind, he took a look around the dining hall—no, not a dining hall, more like a cold palace. The room was a classic, antique-style space, meticulously decorated. At first glance, it appeared ordinary, but upon closer inspection, every piece of furniture, every utensil, was of immense value, crafted from rare and luxurious materials—understated yet elegant, enough to leave anyone in awe.

"It seems you'll have to find a way to cheer her up."

Just then, Liu Qingyue placed a large bowl of rice in front of Su Cheng, speaking with a tone of earnest advice.

"Oh? Where did the president go?" Su Cheng instinctively accepted the rice, then pointed at the untouched dishes on the table. "She didn't even take a bite—is she already full?"

"The young mistress waited for you for ten minutes, so she ate by herself. She only ever eats to taste, not to fill up."

Liu Qingyue pulled out a chair and sat down at the table, adding, "So next time, make sure to come straight to the club after class. Otherwise, she might get upset again."

"Uh, got it."

"Then, this servant shall take her leave. Please enjoy your meal, young master."

Liu Qingyue smiled.

"What kind of self-introduction is that?"

Su Cheng stopped her. "Aren’t you going to eat with me?"

"A 'servant' refers to someone who has lost their freedom and labors for their master without compensation," Liu Qingyue explained matter-of-factly. "So you can think of me as a maid. Feel free to order me around as you please."

"You say it so seriously," Su Cheng said suspiciously, "but something feels off."

Liu Qingyue grinned. "What feels off?"

Su Cheng pondered for a moment. "It's like... there's a wave of resentment filling the entire room."

"Is there?" Liu Qingyue replied nonchalantly. "Must be your imagination."

"Is that so?"

Su Cheng pretended to think it over before suddenly realizing something. "Want to eat together?"

"Servants aren’t allowed to dine with their masters. It's the rules." Liu Qingyue shook her head. "This servant will excuse herself now. Please take your time, young master."

With that, she turned and left the dining hall.

"Hey—" Su Cheng sighed in frustration and sat down to eat.

He found Liu Qingyue's sudden self-proclaimed "servant" act very strange.

Does she not like this job?

No freedom?

Well, it does seem pretty restrictive.

But... unpaid labor?

Ah, right—her salary got docked because of me!

Is she hinting that I should talk to the president for her?

Yeah, that must be it.

Lost in thought, he picked up his chopsticks and took a bite.

But after just a few mouthfuls, he frowned.

Because it was delicious.

He set the dish aside and tried another. Yet the more he ate, the more conflicted he felt.

Why does it have to taste this good?

I'm supposed to be cutting back on carbs for training—how am I supposed to resist eating more bowls of rice when it's this tasty?

About fifteen minutes later, he finished his meal and stepped out of the dining hall, spotting Ji Qingyi seated at the tea table.

She sat gracefully, quietly brewing tea.

"P-President..."

Su Cheng called out timidly.

"Sit."

Ji Qingyi spoke without looking up, continuing to focus on the tea.

"Uh, okay."

Su Cheng shuffled over and took a seat across from her.

He watched her movements, unconsciously swallowing hard. Truth be told, the way she prepared tea was truly refined. The liquid was a clear, jade-green, flowing like a gentle stream, the leaves releasing a fragrant aroma.

"President, about those stickers yesterday..."

Su Cheng tried to explain, but Ji Qingyi simply handed him a cup of tea, signaling for him to drink first.

Not daring to refuse, Su Cheng obediently took a sip.

Instantly, a rich, intoxicating tea fragrance enveloped his senses.

"Amazing tea, amazing tea, amazing tea!" he praised three times in a row, unable to hold back. "You're incredible, President!"

Yet Ji Qingyi remained silent.

Su Cheng coughed awkwardly and finally wiped the smile off his face. If she was going to be cold, he wasn’t about to keep groveling.

After all, he had his pride too.

"Then tell me—what makes this tea good?"

Ji Qingyi lifted her own cup, blew lightly on the surface, and took a small sip. Her tone carried no discernible emotion as she posed the question directly.

"Uh..." Su Cheng was stumped.

Since when do I know anything about tea?!

He racked his brain for words to describe it.

"This brew... sweet but not bitter," Su Cheng began, lifting his cup and pretending to savor the aroma. "Smooth, not astringent. The color is light, yet the flavor is rich. Even before drinking, the fragrance already fills the lungs."

Ji Qingyi let out a soft scoff. "Weren’t you the one who once claimed you never flattered others? Look at you now."

At this, Su Cheng's face paled, then flushed with embarrassment. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay composed. "President, this isn’t flattery. I just wanted to make you happy, so I tried my best to find the right words. Besides... didn’t we sign a marriage agreement?"

At the mention of marriage, Ji Qingyi turned to face him, her gaze flickering. "That document is nothing but empty words. We both know that."

With that, she stood up, hands clasped behind her back, and circled the tea table until she stood right in front of Su Cheng. "Since you brought it up, let me ask you this—are you satisfied with the arrangement now?"

Su Cheng froze for a moment, then lowered his gaze, avoiding eye contact as he replied softly, "Of course, it’s agreeable."

"Since you have no objections, we’ll proceed with arranging the engagement first. After that, you’ll go for recuperation and training, followed by lessons in etiquette and duties."

Su Cheng was stunned. Hadn’t he just come for a meal? Why had things suddenly escalated to such a significant matter? Was this the consequence of her anger?

Flustered, he quickly asked, "W-why are we suddenly talking about an engagement? President Ji, didn’t you say you wanted to evaluate things first?!"

"Even marriages can end in divorce, let alone an engagement. At its core, this is just a statement of intent."

Ji Qingyi fixed him with a cold smile before shifting her tone. "More importantly, do you remember your promise to stay away from other women?"

"I… I remember. What about it?"

"If you remember, then think carefully—have you kept that promise these past few days?"

A chill ran down Su Cheng’s spine. Upon reflection, he had indeed interacted frequently with female classmates recently. But in his view, it was just normal socializing—most of the time, they approached him, leaving him little choice. Just as he was about to argue, Ji Qingyi cut him off.

"Of course, I understand not all the blame falls on you. So, I’ve decided to use this opportunity to clarify your status—to give them a sense of propriety."

With that, she stepped closer, lifting his chin with her fingers, forcing him to meet her gaze.

"And to give you a legitimate reason to turn them away—openly and without guilt."