Chapter 576: A Difficult Choice

"Jiang Yanran, you really don't have to be like this."

Zheng Qian lit a cigarette, nodded slightly as he looked at her, and said indifferently, "In my heart, you have always been the type of person who is true to your word. You don't need to change yourself to cater to anyone; that kind of Jiang Yanran wouldn't be the real Jiang Yanran. I wasn't intentionally giving you the cold shoulder, but rather thinking about what kind of relationship we actually have. Alright, let's... leave it at that for today."

"I hope the you I see tomorrow is still the original Jiang Yanran I have in my heart."

Zheng Qian said, then stood up and walked over to Jiang Yanran.

The distance between the two of them was merely a hair's breadth.

She could even smell every breath he took, tinged with the scent of tobacco.

They had never had such close contact in such an ambiguous setting.

Behind him was a soft Simmons mattress, and this was a private room where no one would disturb them.

If Zheng Qian really wanted to do something, Jiang Yanran felt she might be powerless to resist.

"That's right, just keep that stubborn attitude. You are very beautiful like this."

He gently hugged Jiang Yanran.

Although it was only for a split second, she still felt her heart pounding violently.

Jiang Yanran struggled to look up, bit her lip, and said, "Are you serious? Don't you think my personality is annoying? People around me usually give in to me; no one has ever disobeyed me, I..."

Before she could finish, Zheng Qian pressed his lips onto hers.

He gave her a deep French kiss.

He casually patted her butt.

"Be good, get some rest early. There are still many things that need your oversight over the next two days. Since there's no one handy to help, just call your assistant, Secretary Du Bingbing, over. After it's finished, I will reward you properly."

Zheng Qian smiled, pinched Jiang Yanran's cheek, and turned to leave.

"Mmm..."

Behind him came her extremely soft voice.

Jiang Yanran couldn't even believe it herself; she could actually make such a cutesy voice? No, Zheng Qian just said that he likes her original self. Although Zheng Qian still left today, she felt inexplicably happy.

She couldn't tell if it was because Zheng Qian hugged her, or because of that kiss.

Half an hour later.

Zheng Qian returned to his and Jin Lu's Love Nest.

"Hahahaha! I'm dying of laughter! How could he be like that..."

"Exactly! Modern TV dramas are just too fake; in reality, what girl would like such a greasy guy..."

"I'm really speechless..."

Just as he stepped into the entryway, he heard the sounds of several girls laughing together. While it made Zheng Qian feel deeply gratified, he also couldn't help but reflect on himself. Hmm, sometimes one's behavior shouldn't be too greasy, otherwise girls won't like it.

"Yo, tsk tsk tsk, look who's back?"

Wei Rusi had sharp eyes; she caught sight of the sneaky Zheng Qian walking over at a glance.

Cui Ziqing's cheeks were flushed red. This was her first time facing Zheng Qian together with Jin Lu and Wei Rusi, and she suddenly felt awkward sitting on the sofa—neither sitting nor standing felt right. Her head was facing the TV in the living room, but her eyes kept subconsciously drifting toward him.

This scumbag, why do I always think about him so much?

"It seems President Jiang is nothing special after all; she couldn't keep our President Zheng. Her skills still need some honing. President Zheng, tell us, how much of your power did you use during the battle just now? Did you use your ultimate, hidden techniques?"

As Wei Rusi said this, she quickly ran over to Zheng Qian, looking him up and down with a mischievous grin.

Zheng Qian snorted coldly, reached out to grab Wei Rusi, hoisted her onto his shoulder, and smacked her butt hard. Amidst her exclamation, he welcomed...

...

The next morning, Zheng Qian was awakened by Jin Lu's gentle kiss.

Because someone else had shared the burden last night, Jin Lu was in good condition and didn't show any signs of "battle damage". When the two of them walked downstairs, prepared food was already on the table.

"Hey, hey, hey, come over, come over. It's so delicious! This was made by Qingqing herself; I was stunned when I woke up."

Wei Rusi stuffed food into her mouth, speaking unclearly as she waved at Zheng Qian and Jin Lu.

Cui Ziqing, while putting on her high heels, smiled and said, "I'm used to getting up early, and I usually live alone, so I just made it while I was at it. I don't know if it suits your tastes. I have something to attend to, so I'll be leaving first."

"Have you eaten anything? What's so urgent? Don't go on an empty stomach."

Jin Lu frowned slightly and said reprovingly.

"I made it myself, so of course I've eaten! There really is something; I have an appointment with some foreign clients today. They are quite interested in Xunnidi, so I'll go chat with them. It would be best if we can expand internationally. Well, I'm off!"

"Alright, be safe on the road, and come back early tonight."

"Mmm..."

Hearing Jin Lu's gentle words, Cui Ziqing seemed to think of what happened last night and inexplicably blushed again.

"Mmm, the taste is not bad." Zheng Qian also sat down and began to eat heartily. "Shuangshuang, I think you shouldn't bother cooking usually. How about I hire a few chefs for you? Do you prefer French cuisine or Chinese food? I'll make arrangements then."

"I'm still used to cooking for myself, or are you saying..."

"Or are you saying that you don't want to eat the food Shuangshuang makes?"

Before Jin Lu could finish, Wei Rusi grabbed Zheng Qian's ear and said sternly.

Zheng Qian couldn't explain his bitterness; that's not what I meant at all, okay! However, facing the increasingly arrogant Wei Rusi, while Jin Lu was present, he couldn't really do anything.

Seemingly sensing Zheng Qian's fiery gaze, Wei Rusi knew he wouldn't dare act out in front of Jin Lu, so she proudly puffed out her chest and kept making various funny faces.

After the meal, Wei Rusi and Jin Lu went to work separately.

Zheng Qian stayed at home as a homebody.

Now that everything is progressing steadily, he can take a two-day break to think about a very important question.

Today happens to be exactly one month since he met Jin Lu.

It is also the last day of the system's countdown.

To be precise, it is the last day for the system to issue the [Termination Treaty Notice].

He is facing a very difficult choice.

[System Reminder: Host Zheng Qian has found his Eternal Beloved, breaking the system limit, and must make a choice.]

[Option 1: If you choose to bind "Beloved" as Jin Lu and marry her, the system will not disappear, and the Mysterious Shop will continue to exist eternally. However, spending on any other girl will not yield cash back (including Jin Lu). But, spending on Jin Lu will grant 1000 times the "Mysterious Shop Exchange Coins".]

[Option 2: ...]

[Given that this is the system's second "Bind True Love" prompt, please make your choice carefully and provide an answer within one month. Friendly reminder: if a similar choice is triggered next time, the conditions may be extremely harsh, so please proceed with caution.]