Adding Feet to a Snake: A Misguided Success

"What?!"

Su Cheng exclaimed in shock, "So that's what you meant? I completely misunderstood!"

"Have you been reading too many web novels?" Liu Qingyue rolled her eyes and sighed helplessly. "How could you come up with such a clichéd idea?"

"Then I’ll go back and clarify things with them." Su Cheng turned to leave but was stopped by Liu Qingyue.

"The more you explain, the more it looks like you’re trying to hide something. Just let things take their course." Liu Qingyue cleared her throat and averted her gaze before continuing, "Since things have come to this, we’ll have to go along with your plan. As long as you can convince the young mistress, I’ll play my part in this little act."

Su Cheng noticed Liu Qingyue’s unusual expression and hesitated before tentatively asking, "So… will the president agree?"

"Who knows?" Liu Qingyue turned back with a faint smile. "But now that I think about it, your idea is quite interesting. Haven’t you always wanted to prove yourself?"

"How does this prove anything?" Su Cheng blinked in confusion, completely unaware of what she was getting at.

"This idea of yours showcases your unique way of thinking and problem-solving. Neither the young mistress nor I would’ve come up with something like this. It just goes to show how special you are."

Liu Qingyue praised him deliberately, word by word. "You might as well go and enlighten the young mistress right now!"

As she spoke, she looked at him with admiration, as if his idea were some earth-shattering masterstroke.

"I don’t deserve such praise."

Su Cheng felt awkward under her fervent gaze and coughed awkwardly. "Well, honestly, this idea just popped into my head out of nowhere."

By the end, his expression turned sheepish. "It’s mostly because I misunderstood you. You’re the one who inspired me—I can’t take credit for any brilliance."

"Alright, no need to be so modest." Liu Qingyue shook her head and spoke earnestly. "The words are already out—there’s no taking them back now. I’m only agreeing to help you for the young mistress’s sake. So, you’d better make the most of this opportunity."

Su Cheng opened his mouth but hesitated.

Something felt off, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

Finally, he sighed and said, "Fine."

"Mhm. In that case, club activities are about to start." Liu Qingyue glanced at her nonexistent watch and reminded him, "When you face the young mistress later, act confident. Don’t be nervous."

Seeing how serious she was, Su Cheng took a deep breath and nodded. "We’ll see how it goes."

After exchanging a few more words, Su Cheng immediately headed to the changing room to prepare for archery club.

Meanwhile, Liu Qingyue stood there, watching his retreating figure with a gleam of amusement in her eyes.

Giving advice to others was common, but giving advice to someone who thought they were a genius? That was a first. And she was looking forward to it.

………………

Archery Club

By a tea table.

Ji Qingyi and Su Cheng sat across from each other in silence, the air thick with the aroma of tea.

Another day of so-called "quiet contemplation."

"Is there something you want to say to me?" After a while, Ji Qingyi broke the silence.

She had noticed Su Cheng’s hesitation.

Clearly, he had something on his mind.

Su Cheng picked up his teacup, took a sip, and closed his eyes, savoring the lingering taste.

When he opened his eyes again, he looked at Ji Qingyi calmly and said, "I’ve given the matter of our engagement some thought."

Ji Qingyi raised an eyebrow, intrigued, but didn’t rush him to continue.

"I’ve come up with a better solution." Su Cheng took another sip of tea, his tone composed.

His demeanor carried an air of unshakable wisdom, so much so that Ji Qingyi couldn’t help but study him more closely, feeling a strange sense of déjà vu.

It was almost as if Su Cheng had regained his memories.

But upon closer inspection, his temperament and gaze remained unchanged—still the same silly, clueless Su Cheng.

However,

One thing was certain: Su Cheng was different today.

Ji Qingyi smiled faintly and stared at him for a long moment before leisurely asking, "A better solution?"

Su Cheng set down his cup and met her gaze steadily. "A win-win approach. One that not only gives me a legitimate identity without exposing the truth but also provides a valid reason to prevent complications."

Hearing this, Ji Qingyi fell into thought, as if pondering what this so-called "win-win approach" could possibly be.

Su Cheng, meanwhile, silently drank his tea, waiting patiently for her response.

After a long pause, Ji Qingyi finally spoke. "Oh? Then, pray tell, what exactly is this ‘win-win approach’ of yours?"

Su Cheng placed his teacup down and said calmly, "First, I must ask—does Liu Qingyue speak for you, President?"

At this, Ji Qingyi’s brows furrowed slightly, as if she had already guessed his so-called "solution." Her expression darkened as she said in a low voice, "You intend to involve her?"

Unaware of the icy undertone in her words, Su Cheng remained confidently composed, replying matter-of-factly, "Yes. We simply announce to the public that Liu Qingyue is my fiancée, making her my shield."

The moment these words left his mouth, the temperature in the room seemed to plummet. Though Ji Qingyi’s stunning face remained expressionless, an oppressive chill filled the air, making Su Cheng instinctively reach for his hot tea again.

Ji Qingyi was silent, but her silence was deafening.

"President, in my humble opinion,"

Still oblivious to the situation, Su Cheng assumed Ji Qingyi was simply awestruck by his genius plan. Smiling, he asked, "I believe this is feasible. What do you think?"

Ji Qingyi picked up her teacup, took a sip, and set it down with a sharp clink.

"Whose idea was this?"

Her tone carried a dangerous edge.

"Of course, it was mine." Su Cheng, still oblivious, puffed out his chest proudly. "If you agree, then it’s settled. After club activities, I’ll discuss it with Liu Qingyue."

Ji Qingyi fell silent again, but this silence was even more unsettling—like the calm before a storm.

Yet Su Cheng merely lowered his head bashfully, wearing the eager expression of a child waiting for praise.

Ji Qingyi turned her gaze to him, her face unreadable. Su Cheng looked back with hopeful eyes, seeking approval.

Their eyes locked.

Neither spoke.

The air grew heavier by the second.

"Get out."

"Huh?"