Chapter 113: The Cannon Fodder in a Dogblood Novel (113)
Shen Tangqing lowered his eyes. Qin Yizhou’s words left him with a sense of powerlessness, as if he wanted to argue but had no grounds to do so.
He had never thought he would like men. In his mind, men should be with women. When he was forced by Li Qiulan, his heart was filled only with disgust and shame. Half of that disgust stemmed from the anger of being deceived, and half from the humiliation of having his will violated.
Yet he couldn’t deny that when Li Qiulan was serving him, it did feel good. It was just that his technique was too poor; those two times had felt quite bad.
Wait, that’s not right. At first it was bad, but later he still—
Shen Tangqing felt his brain turning into a mess. He asked himself: Do I really not accept men at all?
He thought of the diary Zhou Shuli left behind, filled with profound love. He thought of the will he made before he died. That feeling of being respected, cherished, and kept in mind at all times… Shen Tangqing suddenly felt that he wasn’t entirely unable to accept it.
He didn’t like men, and he had never liked anyone. But facing such a passionate and pure love, he felt he could try to accept it. However, his acceptance was based on respect and equality, not like Li Qiulan’s constant forcing and plundering.
…
After a moment, Shen Tangqing looked up at Qin Yizhou, his tone polite but clearly distant. “Mr. Qin, what you said might make sense, but I don’t have any thoughts about you other than as a friend. I’m very grateful for the many times you’ve helped me, but gratitude isn’t love.”
Qin Yizhou’s gaze darkened. His fingertips unconsciously stroked the armrest of the sofa. He didn’t rush to argue but instead gave a low chuckle, his tone carrying the composure of an adult.
“Shen Tangqing, not having such thoughts before doesn’t mean you can’t have them now. I have power, money, and looks. Being with me won’t be a loss for you.” He paused, slowing his speech as if weighing his words. “As long as you’re willing, I’m willing to marry you. Naturally, in terms of material security, I can give you the best.”
Qin Yizhou was always rational. He believed his liking for Shen Tangqing wasn’t just physical; he truly wanted to be with him. Marriage was the bargaining chip and most realistic promise he could think of to bind Shen Tangqing to him. And of course, money was another factor. In his view, there was nothing that couldn’t be solved with money; if there was, it was because not enough was given.
Shen Tangqing never expected Qin Yizhou to have such a crazy idea. He felt that even calling them friends was a bit of a stretch. How did it jump to marriage? He couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth. “Mr. Qin, let’s forget about the marrying me part. I really don’t have any thoughts about you beyond being friends.”
Qin Yizhou lowered his eyes, his sharp brows furrowed slightly as his knuckles tapped his knee. A few seconds later, he looked up at Shen Tangqing and spoke slowly, “Shen Tangqing, you don’t need to be in a hurry to refuse. You might not know the specifics of my assets. I’ll have my assistant organize a list for you later… I can give you any life you want.”
Shen Tangqing: “…”
He knew Qin Yizhou was rich and powerful. After all, in the original novel, Qin Yizhou was the most prominent in terms of status and wealth among all of Xiao Yu’s “husbands”—a figure whose every step made Jing City tremble.
But leaving aside that he only saw Qin Yizhou as a friend, he still had to complete the mission later. He had to drug Xiao Yu and deliver him to Qin Yizhou. Just thinking about that final mission line, which hadn’t been done yet, made Shen Tangqing feel guilty toward Qin Yizhou.
Shen Tangqing rejected Qin Yizhou once again. “Mr. Qin, I know you’re wealthy and powerful. But I believe that for two people to be together, liking each other is the foundation. I don’t have that feeling for you. I’m sorry.”
Shen Tangqing stood up. “Mr. Qin, it’s late. I won’t disturb you anymore.”
Qin Yizhou’s gaze fell heavily on Shen Tangqing’s face. A sense of frustration suddenly rose in his heart. Was he not excellent enough to attract him? He even began to seriously consider if his style of dress wasn’t the type Shen Tangqing liked…
After a few seconds of hesitation, he asked softly, “Shen Tangqing, am I not good enough for your eyes?”
Shen Tangqing froze for a moment, then gave a light smile. “No, Mr. Qin. You’re very excellent. It’s just that that isn’t the measure of love.”
“Meow~” Xiao Tang sprang out from somewhere, the soft meow interrupting their conversation. With a light hop, it landed on Qin Yizhou’s lap and nuzzled its little head against his chest.
Qin Yizhou reached out and gently stroked its head. He suddenly looked up at Shen Tangqing. “If Xiao Tang could do a backflip, would you be willing to give it a try with me?”
Shen Tangqing: “…” Xiao Tang: “…” (Meow meow meow?)
“Mr. Qin, what kind of joke are you making?”
Qin Yizhou was silent for a few seconds before suddenly saying softly, “Shen Tangqing, the ‘Tang’ in Xiao Tang is the same ‘Tang’ from your name.”
Shen Tangqing was stunned for a moment, instantly understanding Qin Yizhou’s intentions… He looked at Xiao Tang for a moment before speaking. “Thank you for your misplaced affection, Mr. Qin.”
After placing Xiao Tang on the sofa, Qin Yizhou stood up. “Shen Tangqing, I’ve never liked to force anyone…” He paused before continuing, “I like you very much, and I am sincerely wishing to marry you. What I said remains valid; if you ever change your mind, you can call me anytime.”
After saying that, he stepped forward, picked up the flowers from the table, and handed them to Shen Tangqing. “Even if you don’t accept my feelings for now, take the flowers. It’s my first time giving someone flowers; give me some face…”
Shen Tangqing looked at the fiery red roses and finally took them. “Thank you, Mr. Qin.”
A flash of regret crossed Qin Yizhou’s eyes. He didn’t want to force Shen Tangqing; if forcing him worked, Li Qiulan wouldn’t be lying in the hospital. To truly make someone stay by your side willingly, it could only be in the name of love.
Moreover, he was a Party member; he couldn’t do anything harmful or illegal.
But he was still regretful. From the moment he was born until now, there had never been anything he wanted that he couldn’t get—except for hitting a wall with Shen Tangqing. Even after hitting a wall, he couldn’t bear to pressure him.
In the end, Qin Yizhou sighed in his heart. However, he didn’t plan to give up just like that. He would start as friends. Like a gentle rain, he would slowly win him over. Anyway, Shen Tangqing didn’t have a partner right now; he still had a chance.
“Sit for a few minutes. I’ll get you a coat and send you back.” Qin Yizhou added apologetically, “Without your permission, I had the servants wash your sweater and coat. I’ll send them over to you when they’re ready.”
“It’s fine. Thank you, Mr. Qin. I’ll just get a taxi at the intersection myself.”
“Shen Tangqing, you can call me Yizhou or… Qin-ge. Even if you’ve rejected my proposal, we’re still friends, aren’t we?”
Shen Tangqing’s toes curled slightly in his shoes, but he still called out, “Qin-ge.”
Qin Yizhou was several years older than him; calling him Yizhou felt inappropriate and too intimate.
That one “Qin-ge” nearly made Qin Yizhou’s mouth curl into a grin. A pure yet repressed older man—it felt like if Shen Tangqing acted a bit more spoiled, he could become a modern-day King Zhou, throwing all his principles out the window. This massive contrast made it hard to believe he was the Crown Prince in charge of the Qin Group. It didn’t fit his supposed character setting at all.
[Translator’s Note: “King Zhou” (纣王) was a legendary tyrant known for being obsessed with his consort Daji. Qin Yizhou is definitely falling hard! Also, the “backflip” line is a hilarious modern Chinese meme—asking if someone’s cat can do a backflip is a common (and silly) way to invite someone over or flirt.]
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