Chapter 17:
Chapter 17:
Qin Fei saw Zhao Muxin approaching and couldn’t help but smile bitterly. He knew trouble was brewing again. “Miss, why aren’t you staying in your castle? Why are you looking for me?”
“That’s none of your business. Just get in the car!” Zhao Muxin scrunched her nose—not in disdain, but in an adorably stubborn way. Her fair hand grabbed Qin Fei’s wrist as if she were afraid he’d escape, pulling him into a luxurious Mercedes-Benz 600.
The driver was a kind-looking middle-aged man dressed in a white shirt and gray vest, the quintessential butler figure. He turned back with a gentle smile toward Qin Fei.
“Uncle Tang, take us to the Connally flagship store,” Zhao Muxin said, closing the car door.
“Understood,” the man replied, starting the car and smoothly merging onto the main road.
“Hey, you big liar!” Zhao Muxin puffed up her cheeks, glaring at Qin Fei. “This time, you can’t refuse. You have to help me with something.”
“What is it?” Qin Fei scratched his head, sounding a bit exasperated.
“First, promise me you’ll do it,” Zhao Muxin demanded.
“Well, as long as it’s within my abilities, I’ll help,” Qin Fei said after thinking for a moment. He still felt guilty for upsetting Zhao Muxin the last time they met, so this time, he wanted to make amends.
“Good! It’s definitely something you can handle. But first, I’m taking you to get some new clothes. You’re my hero, and I don’t want others looking down on you,” Zhao Muxin said, crossing her long, fair legs as she looked at Qin Fei with sparkling eyes filled with admiration.
Qin Fei hesitated for a moment and then nodded. “Alright, I could use a change of clothes.” He appreciated her trust, even though she had a bit of a princess complex. That trust made him feel at ease.
Half an hour later, the Mercedes-Benz pulled up to a bustling street lined with high-end stores, stopping in front of the Connally flagship store, known for its upscale Italian menswear.
At the top of the steps stood a saleswoman dressed in a fitted blazer and pencil skirt, her long, alluring legs on display. She looked polished and confident. Seeing the Mercedes-Benz 600, her eyes lit up. However, when a disheveled young man stepped out of the car, her expression faltered for a moment. Still, she maintained her professional smile. “Welcome.”
Unbothered by the saleswoman’s initial reaction, Zhao Muxin took Qin Fei’s arm and walked confidently up the steps. “You have one hour. I want him completely transformed,” she declared, handing over a sleek black credit card.
The saleswoman immediately recognized the exclusive black card and dared not underestimate Qin Fei. Smiling brightly, she led them into the store and relayed Zhao Muxin’s instructions to the manager.
This flagship store wasn’t just about selling clothes; it offered a full range of image consulting services—provided the customer had enough money. And with Zhao Muxin’s black card, which allowed a five-million-yuan overdraft, money clearly wasn’t an issue.
An hour later, the store manager respectfully handed the card back to Zhao Muxin with a flattering smile. “Miss, you don’t need to pay anything. This store is part of your family’s business.”
“Alright, thank you for your hard work,” Zhao Muxin said casually, tucking the card back into her Chanel purse. She then took out a stack of cash and handed it over. “Here, for tea.”
“Thank you, Miss!” The manager accepted the money gratefully and stepped aside.
At this moment, Qin Fei emerged from the back.
After a hot shower and an essential oil massage, he felt thoroughly refreshed.
As for his attire, he had opted for simple T-shirts and jeans, avoiding the flashy handmade suits the store offered. He preferred to keep a low profile, considering his current circumstances.
Zhao Muxin looked him over and nodded approvingly. “Not bad. You look handsome.”
Qin Fei smiled faintly, running his hand over his freshly trimmed buzz cut. “So, where to now?”
“To my house for dinner!” Zhao Muxin declared. Before Qin Fei could protest, she hooked her arm around his and practically dragged him out of the store.
“Uh, can you let go of me?” Qin Fei asked awkwardly as they reached the street. Despite his formidable past, he was inexperienced in matters of romance and felt flustered by Zhao Muxin’s boldness.
Zhao Muxin shot him a sly glance, her tone teasing. “Big liar, are you blushing?”
“I’m not blushing,” Qin Fei replied, trying to maintain his composure.
“Sure, your face is practically glowing. Aren’t you supposed to be Yang Ruoxi’s husband? Don’t tell me you two haven’t even… you know,” Zhao Muxin said mischievously.
Hearing Yang Ruoxi’s name, Qin Fei felt a pang in his heart. The image of her cold, stubborn face flashed in his mind, and he sighed. “That’s none of your business.”
“Hmph, I bet she kicked you out. But no worries. I fully support your divorce. I’ll marry you instead!” Zhao Muxin announced with a grin.
“Forget it. I can’t afford to take care of you,” Qin Fei replied, dismissing her words lightly. Though Zhao Muxin was undeniably charming, he didn’t feel romantically drawn to her.
“Wooden block!” Zhao Muxin pouted, clearly displeased by his lack of reaction.
Before long, the Mercedes-Benz pulled into a grand villa. After parking, Zhao Muxin led Qin Fei inside.
In the living room, Zhao Zhongyi was sitting on the sofa. He smiled warmly when he saw his daughter but frowned slightly at the sight of Qin Fei. His tone was calm but slightly disapproving. “Xiner, it’s fine to bring guests home, but you should at least inform me first.”
“Come on, Dad, Qin Fei isn’t an outsider. If the food isn’t enough, let Aunt Wu cook a couple more dishes—or I’ll cook myself,” Zhao Muxin said in her usual headstrong manner.
“Alright, let’s eat,” Zhao Zhongyi said, suppressing his annoyance. He walked to the dining table and gestured for the housekeeper to prepare additional dishes.
“Make yourself at home,” he said to Qin Fei, though his polite tone barely concealed his disdain. Zhao Zhongyi’s mind was racing. So this is Qin Yifei—the infamous freeloader? First, he mooched off the Yang family for twenty years, and now he’s targeting my daughter?
Determined to get to the bottom of things, Zhao Zhongyi feigned casual interest. “So, Mr. Qin, feel free to visit often. By the way, who was that young lady I saw with you last time at the villa?”
Qin Fei immediately saw through Zhao Zhongyi’s intentions.
Still, out of respect for Zhao Muxin, he replied calmly, “That’s my wife.”
“Oh? How long have you been married? Do you have children?” Zhao Zhongyi asked with a hint of sarcasm.
Before Qin Fei could respond, Zhao Muxin interrupted angrily. “Dad! I brought him here to help you, not to interrogate him!”
“Fine, fine. Just making conversation,” Zhao Zhongyi replied, feeling helpless. His daughter was usually sharp, but she seemed utterly irrational when it came to Qin Fei.
Qin Fei remained unfazed.
He had grown accustomed to skeptical looks and probing questions over the past weeks. Turning to Zhao Muxin, he asked, “What exactly do you need my help with?”
Zhao Muxin crossed her arms and pouted. “Dad’s been in trouble lately. Someone’s been threatening him, and I don’t trust anyone else to keep him safe. So you’re staying here to protect him.”
Zhao Zhongyi hesitated. The threats against him were real, but he had been relying on Long Zaitian for protection. Was this man really up to the task?
Before he could object, a tall figure entered the room. With a sneer, he declared, “As long as I’m here, there’s no need for any frauds to stick around!”