Chapter 50 - The Classic Moves of a Veteran Casanova
Chapter 50 - The Classic Moves of a Veteran Casanova
“Of course, I can. If you want to see, I can write a poem for you right now,” Jiang Che replied with a somewhat shameless smile.
He had no actual skill in poetry, but since this world lacked poets like Du Fu and Li Bai, he could easily replicate poems from his memory.
“What type of poem would you like?” he asked.
“Something about love,” Lin Xiyuan replied after some thought, harboring her own romantic ideals.
“About love?” Jiang Che chuckled. It was as if Lin Xiyuan had walked right into his trap. He might struggle with other themes, but writing about love was simple for him.
Without further ado, Jiang Che went to a desk nearby, picked up a brush, and started recalling romantic poems he knew. Soon, he began to write:
“Delicate clouds create skillful shapes, shooting stars carry sorrow, the Milky Way silently flows far away. A single meeting during the golden autumn dew, surpasses countless others in this human world.”
“Tenderness like water, a dream of a promised time, hard to look back at the Magpie Bridge.
If two hearts are forever in love, why lament about the endlessness of day and night.”
Jiang Che’s movements were fluid and confident, and the poem flowed effortlessly from his brush.
Lin Xiyuan approached to read the poem, surprised by Jiang Che’s unrestrained and bold handwriting. The last two lines of the poem left her particularly impressed, feeling like they could rival the classics.
As she murmured the lines, Lin Xiyuan was visibly moved. She hadn’t expected such poetic talent from Jiang Che. The poem seemed to reveal a deeply romantic nature, sparking curiosity about him in her heart.
“Ding, Lin Xiyuan experiences a significant emotional impact and becomes curious about the host, awarding 1000 villain points.”
“Do you also have someone you love but can’t have?” Lin Xiyuan asked Jiang Che, surprised at her own forwardness.
“It’s not exactly unrequited love, as I never truly confessed,” Jiang Che shrugged, appearing somewhat resigned.
“Why not boldly try if you like her?” Lin Xiyuan inquired, intrigued by his admission.
“Because it’s a relationship destined to have no future,” Jiang Che sighed, shaking his head with a sense of helplessness.
“Is it because of your senior sister?” Lin Xiyuan looked thoughtful, realizing that Jiang Che was a hopeless romantic.
“Sort of. After all, she is technically my fiancée. I can’t betray her,” Jiang Che replied, his face showing a struggle as if reluctant to talk about it.
“Can you tell me who this girl is?” Lin Xiyuan asked, now fully led astray by Jiang Che’s narrative.
“She loves poetry, wine, flowers, and tea. She’s gentle and generous, kind and brave. The most perfect girl in my heart…” Jiang Che spoke with a touch of melancholy and resignation. “Sadly, we’re destined not to be together in this lifetime.”
“Likes poetry and songs…” Lin Xiyan frowned in thought, sensing something off. This guy couldn’t be talking about her, could he?
That seemed unlikely; after all, they had only met three times, including the time at Wang Shao’s party. Could there really be such a thing as love at first sight in this world?
“Alright, I’ve said too much. I shouldn’t have. I have some things to attend to, so I’ll be going,” said Jiang Che, about to turn and leave, but Lin Xiyan stopped him.
“Wait!”
“What’s the matter?” Jiang Che turned back, looking puzzled at Lin Xiyan.
“Jiang Che… are you talking about me just now?” Lin Xiyan asked, trying to calm her racing heart.
“Miss Lin, when did I realize you’re so narcissistic?” Jiang Che asked teasingly, though he had been making up everything. He needed to wrap up the story neatly.
“You…” Lin Xiyan’s face turned red with anger. This scoundrel, claiming not to like her yet had kissed her in front of so many people last time! Her reputation was ruined because of him!
“Have you forgotten what you did to me last time?” Lin Xiyan questioned, visibly annoyed.
As she spoke, the expressions of the surrounding wealthy young ladies instantly became animated. Their eyes flitted between Jiang Che and Lin Xiyan, wondering if there was some juicy gossip.
“Miss Lin, please don’t make up stories. I haven’t done anything to you,” Jiang Che responded.
“Hmph, I don’t want to talk to you!” Lin Xiyan huffed, returning to her seat to drink sullenly, no longer paying Jiang Che any attention. She felt played by him.
Jiang Che didn’t pursue the matter further, knowing that Lin Xiyan had indeed been momentarily moved. After all, who can clearly define matters of the heart?
But he refused to admit anything, keeping Lin Xiyan on the hook. This was his game, a classic case of leading on without commitment.
…
“Lin Sister, do you and this young Master Jiang have an enviable past?”
“Sister Lin, I’m so envious of you. Young Master Jiang is so handsome.”
After Jiang Che left, several wealthy young ladies began to gossip eagerly. Listening to their bold and enthusiastic words, Lin Xiyan felt a bit embarrassed. What past could she have with that scoundrel? It was nothing more than that forced kiss last time…