The Glory of the Harmony Joy Sect Disciple: He Jing Takes the Bait

He Jing’s smile brightened further at Lin Yu’s words.

She shook her head and said,

“Thank you, handsome, but I’ve already eaten.”

“Just take good care of your Auntie Qimeng. Don’t worry about me.”

After speaking, she cast a meaningful glance at Chen Qimeng.

Lin Yu had a rough understanding of the unspoken banter between mature women.

In the past, he might not have been able to handle it.

But now, even if they revved up the speed, he could keep up effortlessly.

Chen Qimeng, at this moment, felt both touched and moved.

Since she started running the flower shop, Lin Yu had only visited a handful of times.

For him to come today of his own accord and even bring her a meal filled her with joy.

The boy she had taken in had finally grown up…

“Xiao Yu, thank you for making the trip.”

“Just leave it on the table. I’ll eat after I finish wrapping these flowers.”

“If… you’re free, you can look around the shop.”

Her last words were spoken with extreme caution.

She wasn’t entirely sure if Lin Yu would want to stay long.

A young man’s thoughts could sometimes be harder to decipher than a girl’s.

What if he had only come to drop off the food and had other plans?

Wouldn’t her words just be adding to his burden?

Lin Yu sighed inwardly.

Ah.

In his past life, he really would have turned and left without a second thought.

Especially with others around, he’d never linger.

Yet here was Auntie Qimeng, tiptoeing around even the simple hope that he might stay.

It made his heart ache.

Instead of answering directly, he walked straight up to Chen Qimeng.

Taking her hand, he placed the insulated lunchbox in her palm:

“What do you mean ‘later’? Are you planning to combine lunch and dinner?”

“Eat now. I’ll take care of the flowers.”

Chen Qimeng’s eyes widened in surprise. “Huh?!”

Beside them, He Jing watched the young man’s domineering gesture with an amused, knowing smile.

Lin Yu continued,

“It doesn’t look too hard to learn. Don’t worry, I’m quick on the uptake.”

“Sis Jing seems to be great at it. I’ll ask her for tips.”

“By the time you finish eating, we might already be done.”

“Go on, eat while it’s still hot.”

Whether it was the lingering habit from his earlier conversation with Ye Mengfu or an instinct awakening within him, by the end, his tone had taken on an almost commanding edge.

[Ding!]

[Masterful move! Your genuine, forceful care has sent the acting sect master’s heart aflutter!]

[Reward: 20 spirit stones.]

The sudden assertiveness stirred something unfamiliar in Chen Qimeng’s heart.

In the past, Lin Yu had been firm too—but mostly in cold rejection.

Today, however, his firmness carried warmth and concern.

Clutching the lunchbox, she nearly agreed immediately.

But remembering He Jing’s presence, she hesitated and glanced back.

He Jing rested her hands on Chen Qimeng’s shoulders and chimed in,

“Go on and eat, or this handsome young man will start worrying.”

“Leave it to the two of us. I’ll have him trained in three minutes flat.”

“Between sisters like us, do we even need to say more?”

Lin Yu observed He Jing’s actions closely.

Impressive.

Truly impressive!

Without his memories from his past life and the system’s hints, even if he were reborn a dozen times, he’d never suspect anything unusual about He Jing and Auntie Qimeng’s relationship.

Right now, they seemed as close as real sisters.

Chen Qimeng said gratefully,

“Then… I’ll leave it to you two for now.”

“Xiao Yu, take your time learning. I’ll finish quickly.”

Once Chen Qimeng went to eat, Lin Yu began learning flower arrangement from He Jing.

The order was for 300 roses, bundled into 30 bouquets of 10 each.

Not an overwhelming task, but not trivial either.

The last-minute urgency was what had delayed Chen Qimeng’s lunch.

Through casual conversation with He Jing, Lin Yu gleaned quite a bit of information.

He Jing had been divorced for three years, remained single, and had no steady job—instead, she dabbled in entrepreneurship from home.

She mentioned taking inspiration from Auntie Qimeng and hinted at an upcoming “new venture.”

Between the lines, it was clear she was positioning herself as Chen Qimeng’s soon-to-be “business partner.”

Perhaps assuming Lin Yu was just a kid, she didn’t spell it out.

Lin Yu also learned that the “big client” today wasn’t He Jing herself, but someone else entirely.

“Handsome, now you see how close your auntie and I are, right?”

“We’re practically sisters forged in battle. I really ought to thank her for giving me this opportunity.”

Chen Qimeng, still eating, quickly interjected,

“Jingjing, don’t say that! If anything, I should be thanking you.”

“Without your introduction, I’d never have met a big client like Boss Yi.”

“Business at this little flower shop hasn’t been great. I desperately need more customers!”

Lin Yu shook his head in frustration.

For someone who’d been in society this long, Auntie Qimeng was far too trusting.

In this world, nothing came for free.

Every “selfless” favor hid unseen motives.

The Boss Yi she mentioned was likely another one of the “culprits.”

Whether his hunch was right or not, the system would confirm once they met.

“Auntie Qimeng, where do these flowers need to be delivered?”

“Since I’m free this afternoon, why don’t I handle it? You can stay and mind the shop.”

Lin Yu volunteered eagerly.

He was itching to meet this “Boss Yi” and verify his identity.

Before Chen Qimeng could reply, He Jing rested a hand on Lin Yu’s shoulder and said,

“No need for delivery, handsome. Boss Yi always comes by to pick them up himself—and he’s never late.”

As she leaned in, a wave of strong perfume hit him.

The seemingly casual touch, the perfectly timed smile, the sultry gaze…

It all felt familiar.

Auntie’s “good friend,” huh?

He Jing’s skills ran deep!

Even for someone as experienced as Lin Yu, it was hard to tell whether He Jing was just naturally flirtatious or actually setting her sights on him.

If it was the latter…

He’d have to thank the [Radiant Jade Marrow Pill] for his transformation.

With his old, average looks, a “vixen” like her would’ve never glanced his way twice.

If He Jing truly had designs on him, he might just find an opening to dismantle “their” scheme.

Lin Yu pretended to fluster and looked away.

After all, his current persona was that of an innocent college boy—hardly a match for a seasoned seductress.

The more convincingly he played the role, the more intrigued she’d be.

He might not know what decent folks thought, but he was an expert on the minds of the less savory.

Nothing tempted them more than a shy, flustered young man…

[Ding!]

[Flawless deception! As a disciple of the Joyous Harmony Sect, born to bewitch the world, you’ve successfully piqued the “Thousand-Faced Vixen’s” desire. Proceed with caution—do not reveal your true identity!]

[Reward: 20 spirit stones.]

Hearing the system's notification, Lin Yu smirked inwardly without showing a trace.

Not only does she want to steal her sister's shop, but she also wants to steal her sister's man?

Tsk, women.

Your name is greed!