"At the very least, we should invite them for a meal, otherwise, I truly don't know how to repay this favor," said Hu Jingtang, lifting the medicine brewed by Xiao Yifei and sipping it slowly.

Hearing Hu Jingtang's words, Liu Rui felt a bit at a loss because if they had to invite Qianxi for a meal, the promise he made to Qianxi would undoubtedly be known by everyone. If they didn't mind, that would be fine, but if they did, where would he put his dignity?

However, since she helped him, it seemed inappropriate not to do something in return. So now Liu Rui was caught in a difficult position, not knowing what to do.

Xiao Yifei, being very perceptive, immediately noticed Liu Rui's dilemma but didn't point it out in front of Hu Jingtang. "Sisi, take care of Mr. Hu," Xiao Yifei said to Liu Sisi who was standing to the side. After that, he turned to Liu Rui, who was visibly troubled, and said, "Liu Rui, I need to talk to you about something. Let's step outside so we don't disturb Mr. Hu."

With that, Xiao Yifei walked out of the room, and Liu Rui followed him.

"Brother Fei, what do you want to talk about?" Liu Rui asked as he followed Xiao Yifei into the courtyard. Upon hearing him, Xiao Yifei stopped, turned around, and looked at Liu Rui seriously.

Being stared at like this, Liu Rui couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. After a while, Xiao Yifei slowly asked, "Liu Rui, did you promise something to that woman? And was it something that can't be known to others?"

Xiao Yifei's straightforward question left Liu Rui momentarily stunned; he hadn't expected Xiao Yifei to see through his thoughts. For a moment, Liu Rui stammered.

Seeing this, Xiao Yifei continued, "Just tell me what's going on, it's alright, I won't tell anyone else. Besides, considering our friendship, can't you confide in me?"

Hearing these words, Liu Rui, who had been somewhat conflicted, sighed and slowly revealed the truth. "What? You agreed to be her man?" Xiao Yifei couldn't help but exclaim after hearing Liu Rui's confession.

Seeing Xiao Yifei's reaction, Liu Rui hurriedly covered Xiao Yifei's mouth, "Don't shout." Liu Rui nervously glanced around, as if afraid someone might be nearby. After seeing no one, Liu Rui slowly released Xiao Yifei.

"How could you just agree to her like that?" Xiao Yifei said somewhat reproachfully. Upon hearing this, Liu Rui sighed and said, "Well, I got caught up in the moment back then. Besides, I don't think I'm losing out. She's a beautiful woman who has the means to get me out of prison, wouldn't you say?"

Hearing this, Xiao Yifei was both amused and exasperated. Indeed, he profited, as she was the granddaughter of Yuan Shuai, after all.

"Since you don't mind yourself, I won't blame you. Just think about how to explain it to Mr. Hu and Liu Sisi," Xiao Yifei said, shaking his head helplessly. Hearing this, Liu Rui thought for a moment and also shook his head, "Let's keep it a secret for now."

"Alright." Xiao Yifei nodded, "I'll go get busy, you go accompany your sister and Mr. Hu." With that, Xiao Yifei turned and went back into the house.

Watching Xiao Yifei's retreating figure, Liu Rui felt a mix of emotions in his heart, unsure whether his decision was right or wrong. He also walked into the house with these thoughts.

Over the past few days, Mr. Hu's health had gradually improved. As he got better, Hu Jingtang naturally wanted to invite Qianxi for a meal. So on this day, Mr. Hu arranged a grand banquet, and Liu Rui, who couldn't object, could only hope that his secret wouldn't be exposed.

Since Mr. Hu had been staying at the Hoa family's home these days, he also invited Mr. Hoa to the feast to express his gratitude, and Mr. Hoa attended the banquet.

"I'm sorry for my granddaughter's lack of punctuality," Mr. Hoa said apologetically to Mr. Hu, as everyone was already seated except for Qianxi.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Hu smiled, waved his hand, and said, "No worries, no worries. Your granddaughter is so capable, it's understandable that she's busy. A little delay is not a big issue."

"I'm glad Mr. Hu doesn't mind." Mr. Hoa said, picking up the tea on the table, "My health doesn't permit alcohol, so I'll toast with tea instead and apologize on my granddaughter's behalf." With that, he drank it all in one go.

Hearing this, Mr. Hu also quickly picked up the tea in front of him and drank it, saying, "I said there's no need to apologize. Mr. Hoa, what are you doing?"

"Haha, it seems I was being petty," Mr. Hoa laughed. As the two of them chatted, the door to the private room opened, drawing everyone's attention, including the tense Liu Rui, who looked toward the entrance.

At the door stood a stunning woman, none other than Qianxi. Today, Qianxi wasn't dressed formally; instead, she wore a light yellow strapless gown that perfectly highlighted her fair skin, making her a remarkable sight.

However, Qianxi's face was still cold, not at all like someone attending a banquet. So, this is Mr. Hoa's granddaughter Qianxi? Quite beautiful, no wonder Liu Rui was caught up in the moment, thought Xiao Yifei.

"Qianxi, you've kept everyone waiting so long, hurry and apologize," Mr. Hoa said as soon as he saw Qianxi.

Upon hearing this, Hu Jingtang was the first to speak, "No need, no need. Miss Qianxi's presence is already a great honor to me, please, have a seat."

"No need to sit, I'm not here to join the banquet," Qianxi said, unexpectedly, in front of everyone.

"What did you say!" Mr. Hoa angrily responded to Qianxi's words. This was, after all, a banquet in her honor; she could at least sit down, but instead, she outright stated that she was not here to participate, which naturally irritated Mr. Hoa.

Mr. Hu's face showed a hint of embarrassment. He had extended the invitation, yet the guest refused it, putting Mr. Hu in an awkward position.

And at this time, Liu Rui was perhaps the most embarrassed. Initially, he thought the worst case would be Qianxi revealing their agreement, but who would have thought she would figuratively slap Mr. Hu right from the start.

"This…" Xiao Yifei observed the scene, unsure what to say.

"I said I'm not here to participate in the banquet today," Qianxi maintained her cold expression. "What do you intend to do?" Mr. Hoa asked angrily, upon seeing Qianxi's attitude.

Mr. Hu hurriedly tried to calm Mr. Hoa down, but Qianxi walked directly over to Liu Rui, naturally draping a hand over his neck. Feeling the touch on his neck, Liu Rui froze, not knowing what to do as cold sweat broke out.

"I'm here today," Qianxi said with her alluring voice, "to let everyone know that Liu Rui is now mine, and I intend to have him engage with me immediately!" With that, Qianxi looked proudly at everyone present, her cold tone brooking no refusal.

"What!" Hu Jingtang exclaimed at Qianxi's words, eyes widening as he looked at her in disbelief. It wasn't just him; everyone gazed at Qianxi in shock, including Lin Mu, who, although aware of the situation, hadn't expected this woman to be so overbearing and arrogant.

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