There is a happy inn in the capital.

Chapter 339 Robbed While Shopping

"Young Master Cheng? Which Young Master Cheng?"

Li Shuchen couldn't help but step forward and ask.

"Cheng Zhi'an, a student of Hanhua Academy."

Cheng Zhi'an? He was so ill, yet he still managed to become the top scholar in the imperial examination. His strength is simply too formidable!

Li Shuchen clicked his tongue, thinking Cheng Zhian was a pervert.

After the Deer Cry Banquet, Cheng Zhi'an's fame soared even higher, simply because he received a few words of praise from his superior at the banquet.

To become the most sought-after figure in the micro-capital city.

One day, as Li Shuchen was serving dishes, a highly sought-after person came to the guest room.

"Shu Chen"

As soon as Cheng Zhi'an entered, he was surrounded by a crowd, especially matchmakers, who chattered incessantly, making it quite a spectacle.

The young man in the middle was forced to stand still, looking pitifully at Li Shuchen.

Li Shuchen rushed forward and pulled Cheng Zhian behind him.

"Excuse me, everyone, I have an appointment with Scholar Cheng to discuss something today. Please come back another day."

After saying that, he went up to the third floor.

Cheng Zhian's lips curled into a smile, and he followed closely behind.

Three Treasures Hall

Li Shuchen sat down and poured tea: "Did you come to see me for something?"

"Shu Chen is extremely intelligent; he immediately guessed the purpose of my trip."

Cheng Zhian accepted the tea offered by Li Shuchen and savored it.

Li Shuchen: Stop flattering me, just tell me what it is.

Cheng Zhian said calmly, "Pretend to be my couple."

"puff"

Li Shuchen spat out the tea he was drinking, making a mess all over the ground.

"What did you say? Pretend to be a couple? You don't like me either, so who are you trying to impress by pretending to be a couple?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Zhian lowered his head slightly, his gaze fixed on the teacup, a hint of melancholy in his eyes.

"Who says I don't like Shu Chen? I like him too, it's just..."

Cheng Zhian stopped mid-sentence, making Li Shuchen extremely anxious.

"Just what? Tell me the whole story."

Cheng Zhian looked up helplessly and said, "I can't say right now, but Shu Chen, only you can help me, and I only trust you."

Li Shuchen toyed with his teacup, then scoffed, "Your feelings for me are just friendly liking, nothing romantic. Otherwise, I wouldn't always hang out with you."

Cheng Zhi'an blushed slightly and said somewhat embarrassedly, "You figured it out. Since you already know about the fake couple thing?"

Upon hearing this, Li Shuchen thought and pondered for a long time before finally speaking.

"I haven't properly thanked you for making the essential oil extractor for me before, so this is how I repay your kindness."

"So, you agreed?"

Cheng Zhian's eyes sparkled with joy.

Li Shuchen nodded: "Okay, but you can't do anything inappropriate to me. You can't hold my hand, hug me, or kiss me. At most, you can tug at my sleeve."

Cheng Zhian readily agreed: "No problem, I promise you. I just wanted to escape those noisy matchmakers. You don't know, they've been making a ruckus in front of my house every day, preventing me from concentrating on my studies. That's why I had no choice but to come to you."

Li Shuchen: "Don't worry, I'm good at acting. Since I promised you, I'll definitely act well and not let those matchmakers see through my act. But how long do I need to act?"

Cheng Zhian: "Just wait until the matchmakers stop paying attention to me and stop introducing girls to me."

Li Shuchen rested his chin on his hand and said, "Alright, it'll only take three to five days anyway, let's start the performance today."

Cheng Zhian: "Shall we begin today?"

Li Shuchen raised an eyebrow: "What, you can't do it?"

Cheng Zhian raised an eyebrow in return: "Whether I can do it or not, Shu Chen will know after he tries."

Li Shuchen rolled her eyes upon hearing this.

"Hmph, let's go boating on Swan Lake. The scenery is beautiful, and there are lots of people. We can enjoy the scenery and get things done at the same time."

"I'll do whatever you say, Chenchen."

Cheng Zhian spoke softly, her eyes overflowing with affection.

Li Shuchen got goosebumps all over.

"You're already acting before you've even left the house? You're really into acting."

After she finished complaining, her expression changed, and she looked at Cheng Zhi'an with tender affection, speaking in a soft, delicate voice.

"Cheng Lang, I want to eat coconut milk jam cake."

Cheng Zhi'an smiled broadly: "I'll buy it for Chenchen right away. The carriage is waiting downstairs. Chenchen, please."

Li Shuchen: "Cheng Lang, please."

The two walked down the stairs side by side, their sleeves touching, attracting the attention of many onlookers.

Li Shuchen's eyes remained unchanged, still full of affection, and the corners of her mouth maintained a just-right curve.

Anyone who saw it would think that Li Shuchen was in love with Cheng Zhi'an.

In contrast, Cheng Zhi'an acted much better, constantly holding Li Shuchen's arm and thoughtfully helping her lift her skirt, while occasionally saying...

"Chenchen, watch your step on the stairs, go down slowly."

"Yes, Cheng Lang."

The two, all lovey-dovey, boarded the carriage.

The group of people in the living room were still staring at them, as if they wanted to see right through them.

Li Shuchen entered the carriage, his gaze shifting as he calmly looked at Cheng Zhian.

"Go three alleys forward and buy coconut milk jam cake. Turn right into the first alley and buy grape wine. Then turn left into the second alley and buy pig's head meat. You'll cover all the expenses for pretending to be a couple."

Cheng Zhi'an fanned Li Shuchen with a silver-threaded fan and said with a smile, "Of course, it's just food. Even if you wanted the house deed, I would give it to you."

Li Shuchen: "You're generous, good-looking, and capable. You have a bright future ahead of you. You're not promiscuous and have no bad habits. You'd make a good candidate for a relationship."

Cheng Zhi'an: "Then you might as well seriously consider me. All my vast wealth can be transferred to your name."

Li Shuchen said calmly, "No, I have my own money, and I'm not interested in you."

Cheng Zhi'an: "So who are you interested in? Prince Xu?"

Upon hearing this, Li Shuchen sighed softly, "You've heard about it too?"

Cheng Zhi'an nodded: "Yes, it's said throughout the capital that Prince Xu fell in love with you at first sight. He even stopped wearing his favorite pink dress for you, and he's become more self-disciplined and composed. He's even hired the most famous tutor in the capital to study under you in seclusion. It's clear he's truly in love."

Li Shuchen rarely spoke so seriously: "Love isn't something you can have just by wishing for it. Even if he likes me, what can I do if I don't like him? I hope he can realize his mistake soon and find a good girl."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Zhian laughed and said, "You usually seem so silly and cute, but I never expected you to have such a clear understanding of matters of the heart."

"You're the stupid one, I'm just honest and simple-minded."

Li Shuchen glared at Cheng Zhian, and Cheng Zhian immediately became obedient.

"Okay, okay, I misspoke. I'll buy Chenchen extra food later to apologize."

“That’s pretty much it”

The carriage wound its way through several alleys, and Cheng Zhi'an bought so much food that he couldn't carry it all before leaving the bustling city and arriving at Swan Lake.

Cheng Zhian lifted the carriage curtain and glanced around. The area was densely packed with tourists, and a satisfied smile appeared on his lips.

"Remember to act when you get off the carriage."

"I know"

Cheng Zhi'an stepped off the carriage first, raising one arm gentlemanly, speaking softly and gently.

"Chenchen, we've arrived at Swan Lake. Let me help you down from the carriage."

"Thank you, Mr. Cheng."

A soft, white hand reached out from inside the car and gently rested on Cheng Zhi'an's arm. Then, a sweet-smiling, round-faced young woman stepped out.

A handsome young man and a charming and lovely young woman

The two looked very well-matched standing together, attracting the attention of many passersby.

"Oh my, look who those two are! They're so sweet together."

"Isn't that Scholar Cheng and Miss Li? They were friends before, and they were very close. I even saw them going to a mutton restaurant together."

"How sweet! I hope God will grant me a lover like Cheng Jieyuan."