Last Question

"Well that was another complete failure."

"Don't say that. What happened to all of your bravado from before?"

Xi Yuanjun keeps beating Jian Qingshan at poker until she had no choice by to admit defeats.

He was just too good. And he was not even cheating. The man doesn't think like normal people do.

The audacious confidence with which he approaches games, his ability to read his opponent. Both of those skills are frighteningly advanced. And, perhaps most dangerous of all, he knows how to ensure his opponent is having fun even as they dance even closer to destruction.

Jian Qingshan did not know what the man was trying to accomplish with these questions, but something tells her she should put down her cards before she says something she'll regret.

And so, in the end, there's no miraculous, last second turnaround. Xi Yuanjun wins every single hand.

"You're on a roll, Yuanjun. You look like you're having a lot of fun playing with her. But you have to know when to call it quits. Don't beat her down too much."

"I know. That was the last round, and this will be my last question."

"Well, let it rip. I'm not going anywhere, and I've got nothing to hide. Ask me whatever you want."

"You've got guts. So…" Xi Yuanjun's gaze finds its way to her face before briefly to Wang Zhixin. With a smile of pure amusement on his face, he asked. "Why don't you tell me how far you've gone with Xinxin."

"…" Both Jian Qingshan and Wang Zhixin were flabbergasted.

At this point, Jian Qingshan did not know what to say. Enjoying the distress on her formerly serene face, Yuanjun laughs in delight.

"I'm glad I saved this question for last."

"You're a cruel man. There are some things even I'm embarrassed to discuss."

"Still, a promise is a promise. You lost. That means you have to answer my question. Or are you actually going to try and tell me you haven't even kissed the man?"

"Unlikely. We all know what Xinxin is like."

"Jing Ke, what's that supposed to mean?"

"It's true, isn't it? Don't look so offended."

"Yea. We all know that, while he may act aloof. Xinxin's got the strongest sex drive of all of us."

Wang Zhixin responds to the duo's cheerful harmonizing with a scowl. Jian Qingshan on the other hand, still can't seem to think of the right thing to say.

She needs to calm down. She had lied about her name and her job. She can lie her way through this question too. It's really no big deal for her, but for some reason, she feels like she shouldn't lie about that kiss.

Jian Qingshan finds herself puzzled by her own instincts.

"What's the matter? Have you really not kissed? I though you guys were supposed to be dating."

"Well…" Jian Qingshan hesitate, and when she looks up, her eyes meet Wang Zhixin's.

Captivated by those quiet eyes of his, she suddenly reminded of what happened that faithful day. For just a moment, the personal feelings they so stubbornly kept from each other were revealed. And they shared an unexpectedly passionate kiss.

"Pfft. This isn't like you. Is Yuanjun throwing you off your game? Don't entertain his question. Be your usual smart-mouthed self and tell him where he can stick it."

"It's bad sportsmanship not to honor a bet, Xinxin."

"Then I'll answer. It's going to be the same answer either way."

"Well, this is very unusual. I can't wait to hear what you're going to say. Let us have it. What was it like, kissing her?"

"Well, if I had to say one way or the other. Not bad. We're not incompatible."

Saying just that and nothing more, a devious smile appears on Wang Zhixin's face. He wasn't obvious about it, but he was definitely trying to help her out just now.

"I wanted to see a beautiful girl blush, not your smug face, Xinxin. Still, it's not every day you step up to help a woman. What's the deal? Are you actually serious this time around?"

"Hmph." Wang Zhixin refusing to pay smiling Xi Yuanjun any mind, takes another sip of his drink.

Jian Qingshan watches the movement of Wang Zhixin's Adam's apple as he swallows, and a thrill runs up her spine.

A disaster was avoided just now thanks to Wang Zhixin stepping in and answering the question for her, but what was it that made it so difficult for her to answer honestly right away in the first place?

Was she really that hung up on their kiss?

"Thanks for tonight, Mr. Xi."

"Yuanjun is just find, no need to be formal. And, thank you. I had a great time."

"I bet you did with that winning streak. You're obviously in lady's luck graces."

"Well of course, she's a woman, after all. And if there's one thing I'm good at, it's sweet-talking women."

"Yuanjun, something tells me she wouldn't like being lumped with mere mortals though." Jing Ke's lips curl into a wry smile, and beside him, Xi Yuanjun cuts a check, just like he did during the piano performance.

If she's not seeing things, the check is for 4 million yuan.

"Take this. I owe you for answering all those questions."

"Did you forget about our bet? I can't accept your money. I didn't beat you."

"don't worry about that little detail. This is my way of thanking you for a pleasant evening."

Jian Qingshan had out up a good fight, but that doesn't change the fact that she lost every hand. How could she possibly take his money?

The amount is exorbitant, and what's more, accepting his money would be a blow to her pride. Still, turning him down would probably only make the situation worse. And so, she accepts the check Xi Yuanjun has offer.

"You're free to use it however you like. You could even give it to Xinxin if you feel like it's too much."

"Xinxin will probably just invest it in his rocket project."

"More like definitely."

"Can I really spend this however I want?"

"Of course, I am a man of my word."

"In that case…" She takes the check and stick it right in a nearby charity donation box. "I'll go ahead and do just that."

They did not seem to be that narrow-minded, but she supposed the issue was the amount of money.

Xi Yuanjun and Jing Ke were stunned. Wang Zhixin is as expressionless as ever, but looking at him, she couldn't help but furrow her brow in trepidation.

"I knew you were beautiful, but I think I may have underestimated you slightly. Win or lose, you were brave enough to go along with one of my games. And you're valiant enough to part with millions without so much as blinking an eye. You've got some nerve. I love that in a woman. You're not normal. Not at all. Who on earth are you?"

That had definitely raised suspicions. Although the poker game is over, she's still taking chances. She may had gotten a little carried away.

Her brain switches into high gears, but a heartbeat before she can make her next move, the audiences starts to applaud again.

The next performance had stated and ended? Jian Qingshan was so wrapped up in their poker game that she didn't even notice.

The audience members rise to their feet, sending the performer off with an extended standing ovation. Then, Wang Zhixin stands up along with them.

"Enough with the games. I have something to do. Let's go, Nianzhen."

"What a shame. Let's hang out again soon."

"Guess that means we'll have to continue this conversation later. Goodnight Miss Wu."

Wang Zhixin makes a beeline for the exit, and she follows him. He didn't say anything as he walks, and the silence is deafening.

Jian Qingshan knew she really messed up just now. She unnecessarily drew Xi Yuanjun's attention to her. But, Wang Zhixin still doesn't suspect anything. That was at least what she wanted to believe.

Wu Nianzhen is a woman who knows how to use nice words to deliver cutting insults. She has a saucy, defiant side. That was the way Jian Qingshan had been playing her all along, and she can only hope the way she acted tonight seemed in line with Wu Nianzhen's character.

"Zhixin… when do you think you'll need me next?"

"I'll be in touch in a few days. See you then."

"Ok."

The question in Jian Qingshan's mind was still 'does he suspect she's not who she is' or was that the furthest thing from his mind? Looking at his intelligent face in profile, it's impossible to say.