Chapter Sixty-five: Yu Qing’s Agony

She had never thought much of those Arabs who relied solely on resources, and she felt even more disdain for this man, who not only lived off resources but was also the illegitimate son of a former king. So, when they first met at the airport a few days ago, she had formed a poor opinion of him.

“Oh, no, I mean, who knows what kind of people are tossing all these cigarette butts on the ground? It’s such a disgrace, a total lack of social decency and shame. Do they not understand how hard the cleaners work? I’m picking these up out of a sense of civic duty—caring for the environment starts with me,” Liu Yunfei shamelessly declared.

Bettya felt an even deeper contempt in her heart: I just saw you ripping them up and scattering them everywhere, and now you have the nerve to speak so righteously. Anyone new here might actually be fooled by you.

“Yes, exactly, such people have no sense of social responsibility, no shame—just like some people who can’t even admit to what they’ve done. Hardly worthy of being called a man,” Bettya said, her words pointed.

Liu Yunfei thought to himself, “Whether I’m a man or not, you’ll find out one day, you little brat.” But aloud, he only said, “You’re right, you’re right. Well, I’ll keep at my environmental work. Would you care to join me so we can clean up together? Good deeds are easier when men and women work side by side.”

“I’ve got things to do, you take your time doing good.” Bettya had no desire to talk any further; she’d rather go see the piano prodigy. She spun around and strode off, her legs moving with a certain tightness.

Watching her walk away, Liu Yunfei couldn’t help but recall how she had trapped him between her thighs the other day. He was just about to indulge in another daydream when the piano class ended. From a distance, he saw Yu Qing and Ram descending the stairs and quickly drove the car over.

To his surprise, Yu Qing didn’t get in. She said to Liu Yunfei, “I have something to do today. You two go ahead, I’ll be back later on my own.”

Liu Yunfei didn’t argue and drove off with Ram. He suspected Yu Qing was heading to that Arab restaurant for a secret rendezvous. Should he follow her? He was nearly certain she was the traitor, but he couldn’t rest until he saw it with his own eyes. Still, what should he do with Ram? As Yu Qing was about to disappear from sight, he made his decision.

“Ram, you know Bettya, right? Go to her and have her take you back to the Knight’s Castle. Your brother has some business to attend to.”

Ram, sharp as ever, had already sensed something was off between Liu Yunfei and Yu Qing today. He nodded eagerly, got out of the car, and ran upstairs. Liu Yunfei instantly transformed and followed Yu Qing’s trail.

Sure enough, Yu Qing went to the same Arab restaurant as before. This time Liu Yunfei was smarter; he slipped inside invisibly, following her through the lobby, past the kitchen, and finally to a small back room where a middle-aged Arab man was waiting.

“He’s already beginning to suspect me. I sensed something was off with him since last night,” Yu Qing said bluntly.

“It’s fine, Miss Yu. Your performance is flawless. Not only has he been fooled, but even the staff here think you’re a devoted girlfriend. Hahaha!” The man’s laughter made Liu Yunfei itch to punch him.

“Where’s David? I want to see him.” Yu Qing’s expression grew cold.

“I’ll have someone bring him in,” the man replied, picking up the phone and pressing a button. “Bring David over.”

Soon, Liu Yunfei saw his rival: a white man, even taller and more handsome than in the photo from yesterday, with bold brows, a high forehead, deep blue eyes, and a straight nose. His shoulder-length hair and dark, sharp-collared shirt made him look like a young Brad Pitt. Living off a woman, you worthless freeloader—just because you survive on women’s money doesn’t mean you’re better than me, Liu Yunfei fumed inwardly.

“Yu Qing, are you alright? Has he been making things difficult for you? I’m so sorry, so sorry,” David said as he walked in, taking Yu Qing’s hand with deep affection.

Liu Yunfei couldn’t help but find it funny. What a perfect pair—both of them were such good actors, reciting their lines with such feeling.

“I don’t want to do this anymore. I can’t keep deceiving him. My conscience torments me every moment,” Yu Qing murmured, head bowed. Hearing this, Liu Yunfei felt somewhat comforted. Just for these words, he could forgive Yu Qing for deceiving him.

“No, no, your task isn’t over. If you quit now, all our efforts will be wasted. Your boyfriend will be sacrificed on the altar,” the Arab man said coldly, his gaze as sharp as a blade as he looked at David.

“Qing.” David whispered her name, his eyes pleading with fear, nearly dropping to his knees. Liu Yunfei wanted nothing more than to give him a good kick.

“Please, don’t hurt David,” Yu Qing pleaded softly.

Now things were becoming clearer to Liu Yunfei. So this couple was innocent after all—David had been kidnapped, and the Temple of the Sun used him to blackmail Yu Qing into getting close to Liu Yunfei as an undercover agent. But why choose a Chinese girl? Only the old prince and the king knew he was Chinese. Silly girl, why didn’t you tell me? With my abilities, rescuing someone like him would be no trouble at all. I’d help you, even if you weren’t involved with me. For the sake of you being Chinese, I’d help you no matter what. Even if you were a foreigner, I wouldn’t just leave you to die.

Suddenly, Liu Yunfei realized how hard Yu Qing must have had it—acting every day, worrying about her boyfriend, yet having to smile and play along with someone she didn’t love, even sharing a bed. Who could understand the pain and the guilt she endured? Hadi and your lackeys, I’ll make you pay one day.

In the end, the frail Yu Qing agreed to continue her undercover role, and David was led away. Liu Yunfei followed them to the door, memorized the location where David was held, and planned to rescue the hapless man that very night to surprise Yu Qing. Still worried about her, he watched until he was certain of her safety, then made his way back to her side.

Yu Qing was reporting to the man about the old prince and Belgrade’s departure, and the man reminded her to call if Owari ever went out alone, or to find an excuse to bring him out herself, or, if possible, to distract Liu Yunfei when their defenses were weak, so his men could strike.

To avoid being discovered, Liu Yunfei left the restaurant ahead of Yu Qing, hurried back to the piano school—only to find it locked—then rushed to the Knight’s Castle by car.

He arrived home just before Yu Qing, but Bettya was already there—she had brought Ram back and hadn’t left. “Piano Prince, why didn’t you finish your good deed before you left?” Though she now knew that this shameless Awahid was the piano prodigy, Bettya still had little liking for him.

“What good deed?” Liu Yunfei, now relieved to know Yu Qing hadn’t deceived him on purpose, was in high spirits and had nearly forgotten the cigarette butt incident.

“Oh, that. Well, doing good is everyone’s responsibility. I suddenly had something urgent to do. Why didn’t you set an example yourself? I had to leave some good deeds for those who want to do them but don’t get the chance. If I did everything myself, what would you, someone who wants to do good, have left to do?”

“I’m not worried about missing out. I’m not like some people who act with no sense of social responsibility or shame.” Bettya remembered his earlier words.

“No worries, no worries. There will be chances, plenty of chances. One day, you and I can do good deeds till you’re as happy as a god,” Liu Yunfei said, his words layered with meaning as he shamelessly eyed Bettya’s ample chest. In such a good mood, and no longer wanting anything to do with Yu Qing, he flirted with abandon.