Chapter 151: Game of Strategies

Strictly speaking, it was indeed calculated.

When the indecent photos blackmail surfaced, it threw that family into a frenzy and added insult to injury.

I have to say, it was a great relief!

But…

As for giving credit, I don't know how to put it.

Moreover, Leng Jian Yue is using this to claim credit, inviting her to a private dinner.

That's absolutely impossible.

She… has no reason to have a private dinner with Leng Jian Yue.

After thinking, Song Huan Yan felt a slight headache, shook her head, "I… don't know. He… is complicated. Too complicated."

Last night, she twice wanted to ask Nan Gong Yu what Leng Jian Yue's words meant.

But in the end… she didn't ask.

Her relationship with Nan Gong Yu grew better, happy and warm.

She actually didn't want to ruin it.

At first, they agreed not to have any romantic hopes.

So she… also didn't want past matters to interfere with them…

She even thought… even if Nan Gong Yu has some feelings for Leng Bai Wei, that's normal, right?

After all, they broke up peacefully and left with dignity.

Unlike her and Qin Zi Mo, Nan Gong Jue and Qiao An, whose quarrels are so bitter.

So… she didn't ask.

Hearing that, Sang Wan said, "Then just ignore him."

Song Huan Yan nodded.

Qin Jiao Jiao was at a dead end here, collapsing in shattered dreams and tangled over money and face.

In the end, having no choice, Qin Jiao Jiao could only sell all the luxury items Leng Jian Yue had bought for her, plus some that Qiao An had once bought for her.

She could scrape together whatever she could.

Fortunately, the batch of luxury goods Leng Jian Yue bought hadn't depreciated much; the ones Qiao An bought before weren't very valuable, but any cash was welcome.

Still short of over three million.

Eventually, Qin Jiao Jiao could only sell the house and car Qin Zi Mo had bought for her, plus almost all the couple's savings.

That finally added up to thirty million.

But now she's truly emptied, nothing left, even the savings are only a few thousand yuan.

Fortunately, Li Zihang hasn't lost his job.

Qin Zi Mo also promised that the drama would wrap up in a few days.

Now the online drama's popularity is skyrocketing; once it airs and becomes even hotter, he can take many events and endorsements, and then… won't worry about money.

Qin Jiao Jiao's emotions finally steadied a bit.

But she feels like she's lost her soul, ignores everyone, like a walking corpse.

From time to time she laughs to herself, saying she's a big star.

Their house was sold, leaving no place to live, so they had to move into the elderly couple's three‑bedroom apartment.

Now this tiny three‑bedroom is bustling.

Qin Zi Mo and Qiao An share one room, Li Zihang and Qin Jiao Jiao share another, the elderly couple with their grandchild share the third…

Thinking back to when they lived in that big Bieshu, spacious and luxurious, each had a floor…

The garden was beautiful, both indoor and outdoor had pools…

When idle, they could leisurely swim and work out.

Now… there's nothing.

Truly… nothing left.

In the blink of an eye, it's Saturday.

It's the day Song Qicheng is to set the wedding date.

The appointment is for dinner.

At Nangong Hotel, Nan Gong Yu's exclusive VIP private room.

It was booked by Song Huan Yan.

Of course, it's also Nan Gong Yu's wish.

Since the etiquette is decided to be thorough, this level of decorum is required.

Song Huan Yan belongs to a High Marriage, so it must have the decorum of a High Marriage.

Song Huan Yan also ordered a set of jewelry, intending to give to the future Elder Sister-in-law.

This wedding date is fixed, nailed to the board.

Should say it's the prospective Elder Sister-in-law.

Since it's about decorum, the jewelry can't be cheap or petty; it's not necessary for it to be overly expensive.

Song Huan Yan chose a set, a New Year's limited edition from a renowned top luxury brand.

In two months, it will be the New Year.

According to the scheduled time, Song Huan Yan and Nan Gong Yu walked hand in hand into the private room.

The girl's surname is Bai, named Bai Xiu.

This family, of course, heard that Song Huan Yan is now Nan Gong's lady and is in such a luxurious private room.

At the sight of the couple, they enthusiastically held them up as if they had just seen their ancestors.

Bai Xiu seemed to have a quiet, restrained personality.

Standing beside Song Qicheng, blushing, they said nothing, just watching their parents hold Song Huan Yan and Nan Gong Yu.

Nan Gong Yu spoke, "Everyone, sit down."

He then said to Song Huaiguo and Ning Shuyue, "Mom and dad, sit first."

He also escorted Song Huan Yan with his parents to their seats, being filial and considerate.

The Bai family parents lavished another round of high praise.

Everyone sat down.

Bai Xiu sat beside Song Qicheng, seemingly curious about Song Huan Yan and Nan Gong Yu, so she looked at them.

Earlier the Bai family parents were overly flamboyant, so Nan Gong Yu and Song Huan Yan hadn't noticed Bai Xiu.

Now that they saw Bai Xiu....

Nan Gong Yu's handsome face instantly darkened without hesitation.

Song Huan Yan subconsciously frowned slightly, but she didn't think much, or rather didn't intend to overthink.

Nan Gong Yu took her hand, gripping it tightly, then leaned close to her ear, his tone clearly displeased, "This is your good big brother."

Song Huan Yan's heart lurched, and she hurriedly leaned to his ear, "Lord Yu, please... don't overthink."

Nan Gong Yu whispered, "Huan Yan, I can't allow myself not to overthink."

Song Huan Yan took a deep breath, still not knowing what to say.

This Bai Xiu....

actually looks a bit like her.

It's not that their features are alike, nor that she's equally beautiful.

Not at all.

She just has that clear‑broth‑over‑noodles, light‑faced appearance.

That look naturally carries a hint of coolness.

If she were a generous, lively type, it would be fine.

The key is... her temperament also seems to be that of a girl who says little.

From the moment the two entered the private room, the girl hadn't said a word.

Thus, she seemed even more "similar" to her.

Especially considering Song Qicheng's thoughts.

Choosing a girl like this, without caring about family background....

It's hard to tell whether it's as obvious as Sima Zhao's intentions, known to all.

Or what should one say.

A stand‑in?

Or something else.

Nan Gong Yu being extremely displeased is understandable.

His own wife is his big uncle's White Moonlight; his big uncle found a wife who bears a slight resemblance to his own wife.

Who would feel comfortable with that?

And so, Nan Gong Yu didn't utter a single word.

Of course, the main venue also involved both sets of parents, chatting warmly and discussing the wedding date.

Song Huan Yan felt a bit uneasy; she had already chosen a gift for the prospective Elder Sister-in-law but wasn't sure whether to give it or not.

It should be given.

It was already prepared to be given.

If not given, then what for?

Keep it for herself?

Song Huan Yan wasn't accustomed to keeping something meant for others for herself.

Just give it.

But facing a girl who somewhat "resembles" her, Song Huan Yan couldn't articulate her feelings.

Today is the wedding date setting; the date is fixed, and the two will marry.

The wedding date has been mostly settled; Song Qicheng means they'll arrange it on the next auspicious day.

In short, the sooner the better.

The Bai family naturally smiled so broadly their mouths stretched to their ears.

Bai Xiu looked rather shy, still saying little.

Ning Shuyue laughed, "Bai Xiu is truly nice, quiet and restrained, a bit like our Yan Yan; this temperament is the best, steady."

Ning Shuyue didn't realize that this remark made both Song Huan Yan and Nan Gong Yu feel uneasy.

Nan Gong Yu kept a composed face and said to Song Huan Yan, "Huan Yan, come with me; I have something to discuss with you."

Having said that, he was the first to stand up.

Song Huan Yan slightly furrowed her brows and also stood, "Alright."

Nan Gong Yu stepped forward first.

Ning Shuyue assumed the two had something to handle.

After all, Nan Gong Yu's work is very busy, occasional sudden tasks are normal, so he said, "We'll eat; Yan Yan and Yi Han might have something."

Nan Gong Yu led Song Huan Yan into the private room's lounge.

As soon as he entered, he forcefully pressed Song Huan Yan against the door and said, "Huan Yan, you saw it, didn't you?"

Song Huan Yan didn't know what to say for a moment.

Nan Gong Yu said, "He deliberately chose a woman who looks a bit like you, wants to marry her into the Song Family, enjoy everything of the Song Family, and also wants to marry her, have children, and sleep together every day! Song Huan Yan, what do you want me to think?"

Song Huan Yan was startled for a moment, then asked directly, "Then what do you want to do?"

Nan Gong Yu thought for a second, his expression cold as ice, and said, "Tell your parents directly."

Song Huan Yan widened her eyes slightly and asked, "What does that mean?"

Nan Gong Yu said, "His paternal and maternal families aren't without inheritance. If the adoptive‑son relationship is terminated, he can return to whichever family he wishes."

Song Huan Yan frowned.

Nan Gong Yu added, "You previously spoke well of him. Do you think what he's doing is ordinary? He's still pressuring you! When you see that woman, can your heart be at ease?"

Song Huan Yan took a deep breath and said, "But… what if he really likes her?"

Nan Gong Yu laughed, "He does like her. He likes this type, right?"

Song Huan Yan said nothing.

Nan Gong Yu lifted her jaw and kissed her.

Song Huan Yan was still thinking, but after a while the kiss threw her off, and she became a bit dazed.

Later… Song Huan Yan sensed something was wrong.

He actually wanted to… here…

Song Huan Yan pushed him away, pressing her voice, "What are you doing? This… is inappropriate."

This private room is just a door away, separated by a wall!

Although the soundproofing is excellent.

But… this is too…

Nan Gong Yu locked the door and asked, "What is inappropriate?"

Song Huan Yan could not speak.

Nan Gong Yu pressed her against the door and said, "Huan Yan, you are my wife."

Song Huan Yan truly couldn't resist him.

Unexpectedly, most of the time he restrains himself and observes propriety.

Occasionally he loses control…

When he does lose control… it's dominant and crazy.

It's happened twice.

Because of Song Qicheng.

He actually disregarded everything.

And this time even more…

But Song Huan Yan… couldn't do anything either.

She knows deeply that this door apart is a game of strategy.

He is using his own way, a forceful and domineering strategy.

He is telling Song Qicheng, who is just a door away.

This is his territory.

The private room is his.

The lounge is his.

People… naturally are his too.

Hasn't he always been cold and composed?

Now he wildly declares sovereignty.

Given his status and position, doing such a thing… is simply incomprehensible.

In a daze, a thought rose in Song Huan Yan's mind.

He… does he… kind of like her now?

This feeling is strangely tense…

Song Huan Yan's heartbeat quickened.

Does he really… like her?

The kind of love… like that?

After a moment, it returned to calm.

Nan Gong Yu lightly bit her lip, as if to devour her alive.

When the two left hand in hand, the person whose face was extremely dark turned into Song Qicheng.

Ning Shuyue chatted casually, "Yan Yan, do you and Yi Han have some urgent matter to handle?"

Before Song Huan Yan could speak, Nan Gong Yu calmly said, "It's a work matter, mother, don't worry, it's already taken care of."

Ning Shuyue smiled and nodded, "That's good."

The Bai family parents fawned, "Lord Nan Gong, you're so busy, the matters are numerous and cumbersome; dealing with them takes quite a long time."

Nan Gong Yu gave no reply, just smiled, lifted his wine cup to the Bai family parents and said, "Excuse my rudeness."

The Bai family parents were overjoyed, hurriedly raised their cups, bowed and said, "Not at all! You manage countless affairs daily!"

After finishing this cup.

Nan Gong Yu raised his cup and looked at Song Qicheng, "Congratulations."

Song Qicheng's expression grew even more unpleasant.

It's both black and blue.

But finally (they) also said, "Thank you."

Song Huan Yan, standing nearby, felt a slight headache, but also let out a sigh of relief.

She didn't know that the rivalry between men has always been cruel and bloody.

It was obvious that Nan Gong Yu had won again.

Song Huan Yan, however, looked at Song Qicheng and said plainly, "Big brother, may I chat a bit?"

Song Qicheng was startled and looked at her.

That deep gaze… seemed as if it would pull her into hell!

"Fine." Song Qicheng's throat rolled, and without hesitation he rose immediately.

Nan Gong Yu tightened his grip on her hand, clearly displeased.

Song Huan Yan took the initiative to plant a kiss on his cheek in public, "You stay and chat with Mom and Dad a bit longer."

Nan Gong Yu then seemed to lose his temper, nodded, "Fine."