Chapter 41: The Wedding Approaches

Ji Yanxi had seen countless women; how could he not discern which type Yu Qingqing belonged to? Accepting her, marrying her, was merely because he had no other choice.

When Yu Qingqing glanced at Shen Yan just now, she naturally didn’t miss the look in his eyes. Ji Yanxi’s inquiry was perfectly normal, yet Yu Qingqing’s eyes reddened instantly. Still, she didn’t forget to cast Shen Yan a few more glances.

“Yanxi, I’m just afraid in a crowd of strangers,” she said at just the right moment, making her request. “I really can’t get involved in your affairs, so could you let me stay by your side? I promise I won’t make a sound.”

Ji Yanxi sighed, glanced at Shen Yan, and said, “Fine.”

And so, the three of them sat together and chatted, tacitly ignoring Yu Qingqing. Her thick skin was impressive; not long ago she had schemed against Bai Mohan, and now she sat beside them without so much as a blush.

After the wedding was settled, Ji Yanxi felt as though a fire burned within him. He kept pouring himself drinks, and though he was famously able to hold his liquor, tonight he was actually drunk.

Yu Qingqing sensed her opportunity.

Both Shen Yan and Bai Mohan, Ji Yanxi’s brothers, noticed something was off. He truly didn’t want to marry.

Seeing Ji Yanxi reaching for another drink, Shen Yan snatched it from his hand. “That’s enough.”

Unexpectedly, Ji Yanxi leaned right into Shen Yan’s arms. The wave of heat and alcohol stench hit, and Shen Yan instinctively shoved him away.

Ji Yanxi crashed into the sofa, but remained muddled.

“What else can I do if not drink?” Ji Yanxi rambled. “I’ve got good news, I have a child now! I finally have a child…”

He staggered, reaching for another bottle.

Shen Yan shot Yu Qingqing a cold look. “Aren’t you going to stop him? Are you just going to let him drink until he causes trouble?”

As he spoke, Shen Yan glanced at her stomach.

Yu Qingqing shivered, then nervously reached out to steady Ji Yanxi.

Though Shen Yan was fierce, his face was so perfect it was impossible to stay angry at him. How could anyone look so flawless?

“Your man is right here. Isn’t it inappropriate for you to stare at Shen Yan like that?” Bai Mohan reminded her.

Only then did Yu Qingqing avert her gaze. “Sorry, I… I was just startled, I…”

“Take Yanxi home. Can you manage on your own?” Bai Mohan had no patience for her act.

“I… I can.”

She said so, but after standing, failed to lift Ji Yanxi.

He was drunk and heavy.

Yu Qingqing tried several times but couldn’t manage. Shen Yan and Bai Mohan made no move to help, coldly watching, confirming their suspicions.

Several times, Yu Qingqing nearly fell, but her first instinct was not to protect her belly. The so-called “mother elevated by her child” was not showing the right behaviors. There was only one possibility.

Shen Yan and Bai Mohan exchanged knowing smiles.

“Enough, let me,” Bai Mohan said, easily hoisting Ji Yanxi.

Yu Qingqing wanted to smile, but was frightened by Bai Mohan’s gaze.

Though there was no evidence for what happened on the mountain, all the parties involved understood.

Bai Mohan tossed Ji Yanxi into the car, gave Yu Qingqing a meaningful look, and left.

Yu Qingqing ordered the driver to take them to the nearest hotel.

She got out first, saw the driver still sitting there, and urged, “What are you waiting for? How could a weak woman like me possibly carry him?”

The driver, grasping her meaning, got out with an “Oh.”

He was bewildered, feeling as if in a dream. Did this woman have two faces? Just moments ago in front of that man, she was gentle beyond measure. Now…

As the driver struggled, Yu Qingqing grew more irritable. Having her weakness exposed, her status as Ji family’s future mistress still unstable, and now encountering such a dimwitted accomplice—it was enough to drive her mad.

“You may not know me, but you certainly know him! He’s the young master of the Ji family! The famous Ji family!” Yu Qingqing slammed the car door, making the whole vehicle tremble. “Get him inside, and you’ll be well paid.”

“Alright.”

The driver helped Ji Yanxi up, and under Yu Qingqing’s arrogant lead, headed toward the presidential suite.

Yu Qingqing took out a wad of bills and tossed them at the driver’s feet. “A little charity for you. Now leave.”

The insult was clear.

The driver’s face flushed as he picked up the money. It was humiliating, but the amount was substantial. No matter what, one couldn’t fall out with money.

When the door closed, Yu Qingqing climbed onto the bed, undid Ji Yanxi’s clothes, kissing and biting him, trying every way to ignite him.

But Ji Yanxi lay there like a corpse, breathing but otherwise unmoving.

Frustrated, Yu Qingqing kicked him, but he didn’t respond.

What was going on?

Wasn’t it true that most men, after drinking, would want to do that?

Why not Ji Yanxi?

With her belly still flat, Yu Qingqing’s anxiety grew. After marriage, they’d have to abstain for at least three months; how would she have another chance?

Besides, nothing had happened yet with Ye Yaoyao—after their encounter at the mall, there’d been no news. If Ye Yaoyao suddenly changed her mind, Yu Qingqing would have no way to respond.

Tonight was one of her few remaining opportunities.

Thanks to the Ji parents’ strict supervision, Ji Yanxi rarely drank, let alone became so disoriented.

These past few days, Yu Qingqing had racked her brains, finally coming up with a feasible plan.

She pulled out her phone, made a call, and moved to the next room.

Afterward, she lay contentedly beside Ji Yanxi.

But this wasn’t something that could succeed in a single attempt.

She needed to increase the frequency, boost her chances.

The Ji family kept a close watch on her; only when Ji Yanxi went out could she follow.

The wedding day drew near.

With a strategy in place, Yu Qingqing felt much more at ease.

One day, she sat in the Ji family’s grand hall, eating fruit and watching “Empresses in the Palace.”

She enjoyed these intricate schemes, always learning a great deal from them.

Ji Yanxi’s mother, Zhan Qiuyi, came down from upstairs and sat beside her. “Qingqing, your wedding with Yanxi is in a few days. When the time comes, your family should send someone…”

Her family?

Yu Qingqing thought of her biological mother, her eyes tinged with disdain.

Thinking of the Yu family, her mood improved. At least they were a nameable clan.

After all, she was about to become the Ji family’s young mistress. If Yu Boyao apologized, she might be willing to forgive.

The Ji family was far superior to the Yu family.

“You’ve severed ties with the Yu family, so just invite your biological mother. You can walk her down the aisle if you like,” Zhan Qiuyi suggested.

Yu Qingqing refused. “That won’t do. The Yu family won’t let my mother come to the city—she’s lived in the countryside all these years. She’d be completely out of place here.”

She herself couldn’t stand that shabby mother, let alone those born to other wealthy families.

“That’s fine. Just let her get used to it ahead of time,” Zhan Qiuyi said, frowning.