Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
An Xiaxia learned the undisclosed truth from that journal.
–
Song Huan attended the coming-of-age banquet of the eldest daughter of the Zhong family. He fell in love with the startlingly beautiful woman as soon as he set eyes on her.
After the first drink, his gaze lingered on Zhong Yue.
Noticing this, her parents decided to act as the go-between.
Her father went over to him and patted him on the shoulder. “Young man, I heard you have quite a knack for business and haven’t yet been defeated. I was also told that you’re an excellent chess player. Do I have the pleasure of playing a round with you?”
Song Huan nodded. “It would be my pleasure.”
The two chatted as they walked into the study.
Zhong Yue was summoned by her mother. “Your dad is playing chess with a guest. Send them a pot of tea.”
Zhong Yue nodded and brought the tea in herself.
“Why, my neck hurts. I think my cervical vertebra is acting up again…” Father Zhong rubbed at his neck and Zhong Yue complained, “Dad, you know perfectly well playing chess strains your neck! Mum is going to nag you again.”
Father Zhong coughed. “You have a point. Take my place, then. I’m off to bed.”
He left the study promptly, leaving a baffled Zhong Yue behind.
Why did she have the feeling that she had just been… set up?
“Miss Zhong, please.” Song Huan gestured gracefully with a gentle smile.
Zhong Yue said awkwardly, “I’m not good at this. I hope you don’t mind.”
To say that she wasn’t good at it was an understatement. She was annihilated.
“You’re so good at this…” Zhong Yue said in a reverent tone. “Teehee, but maybe that’s because I’m so lousy.”
Her smile was like a spring breeze brushing against Song Huan’s chest and he felt his heart melt.
“No, you’re quite good. How about… we have another round?” Song Huan’s smile looked harmless.
After all, he was a guest here and Zhong Yue found it rude to refuse him. They played again.
This time, she won!
Wait, had she improved over such a short period?
Song Huan feigned frustration. “How did that happen? Miss Zhong, can we have another round?”
“Of course!” By now, Zhong Yue was hooked and they went on playing.
There were wins and losses on both sides and before they realized it, over three hours had passed.
Her parents smiled at each other outside the study.
Looking at the girl deep in thought in front of him, the smile on Song Huan’s face widened.
It was ignoble to trick her in this way, but he had set his mind to it.
–
The courtship that followed only seemed natural. Song Huan sent Zhong Yue flowers and presents, took her to nice restaurants in town, and even made time to go traveling with her.
On Zhong Yue’s college graduation day, he proposed on one knee, which shocked the entire campus.
That night, fireworks lit up the sky, countless candles were arranged in the shape of hearts, and the man in the nice suit prepared 999 roses before going down on one knee. The shiny diamond dazzled all the student onlookers
However, all this seemed to frighten Zhong Yue. She ran away without giving a reply.
Song Huan thought he had just made the biggest fool of himself.
He had stayed frustrated for a while until on a sunny morning, he spotted a familiar figure on his way to work. She was hailing a taxi as she cried.
It was very difficult to get a taxi on this section of the road and she still couldn’t get one after a long time.
An idea struck Song Huan and he pulled over next to her.
“Get in. I’ll give you a ride.”
Seeing his face, Zhong Yue hesitated for a moment, but still got into the car in the end.
