Chapter 119: A Publicly Funded Romance

Qin Jingchen’s gaze was oppressive. Guided by the desperate signals from the agent outside, Tian Boyu lowered his head, but inside, he felt as if a heavy stone was pressing down on his chest, suffocating him with a deep sense of frustration.

At that moment, Su Wanning had a sudden flash of insight.

Qin Jingchen must be retaliating!

The more Su Wanning thought about it, the more it made sense. Her pace slowed as she ate, and those around her seemed to have eyes only for her, quickly adding more dishes to her plate.

That’s right. This guy was deliberately trying to fatten her up, to sabotage her career and get revenge for her last reckless behavior.

No, it was more like drunken indiscretion…

Her mind a whirl of tangled thoughts, Su Wanning’s brow furrowed and relaxed in turn, her expression a vivid display of conflicting emotions.

Meanwhile, sitting at the far end of the long table, Yin Shanshan ate absentmindedly.

Her gaze flickered vaguely toward Su Wanning nearby, filled with a bitter jealousy she could barely conceal.

In her position, Yin Shanshan believed she had seen many fake marriages among the elite. Even couples who appeared affectionate in public treated each other with cold politeness behind closed doors. Some, like herself, were estranged from their husbands, mutually loathing each other.

But Su Wanning’s situation was entirely different. Though her interactions with Qin Jingchen seemed awkward, there was an unmistakable sweetness beneath it all.

“Shanshan, are you alright?”

Before the meal began, Yin Shanshan had sought out Fang Wei, sincerely apologized, and explained the concert's poetry, earning Fang Wei’s forgiveness.

At Fang Wei’s question, Yin Shanshan withdrew her gaze and shook her head casually.

“I’m fine.”

On the other side, Su Wanning pushed away her bowl, determined not to fall into Qin Jingchen’s trap, firmly shaking her head.

“I’m full, I won’t eat any more.”

Nian Nian immediately protested, “But Mom, didn’t you say not to waste food?”

“…”

Su Wanning looked at her innocent, adorable daughter with trembling lips, wishing she could seal her own mouth shut for her earlier words.

“Well… wasting food is wrong, and today Mom was wrong, but I really can’t eat anymore.”

No matter—she would not fall for Qin Jingchen’s scheme. She was determined to carve out her own path in the entertainment industry and live a free and prosperous life in her later years.

---

Qin Jingchen barely reacted, even speaking up for her. “If you can’t eat more, then don’t. Otherwise, your stomach will feel uncomfortable.”

Su Wanning eyed him suspiciously, sensing he had another move up his sleeve.

Sure enough, before long, Qin Jingchen had someone bring out desserts—an array of cakes and fruits, even more sumptuous than the dinner itself.

Then, he looked gently at Su Wanning. “Have some fruit. It can help with digestion and ease the heaviness.”

Su Wanning sneered inwardly.

As if! Fruits are full of sugar; eating them will only make her gain weight. She would never be fooled!

“No, thank you. You all enjoy.”

Su Wanning smiled politely as she declined, while Mingming beside her gleamed with excitement, grabbing a cake in one hand and an apple in the other, biting into both with delight.

“Uncle Qin, you’re so kind! I haven’t seen so many delicious things in a long time!”

“Yeah, yeah. As soon as President Qin arrived, our lives improved immediately!” Yu Xin flattered him from the side. Only Tian Boyu, like Su Wanning, didn’t eat anything.

Qin Jingchen glanced at him impassively and asked, “Why aren’t you eating? Doesn’t it suit your taste?”

Tian Boyu smiled, ignoring the agent’s frantic signals outside. “I’m a model; I have to maintain my figure and can’t eat so many sweets at night. But this dish reminds me of the low-fat ice cream Sister Su made before—no burden, still satisfies cravings, and tastes great. By the way, President Qin, have you tried it?”

Su Wanning frowned slightly. That line sounded so familiar—like a cliché from an old romance novel’s scheming supporting female character.

Yet coming from Tian Boyu in this setting, it didn’t sound out of place at all. Qin Jingchen chuckled softly and turned to look at her.

His eyes darkened, filled with unfathomable emotions that no one could decipher.

“I haven’t tried it, but I wonder if I might have the chance to?”

[Help! Brother-in-law’s words sound so formal!]

[Such a strong old-school bureaucrat vibe.]

[Me and my old-school bureaucrat husband…]

[He speaks like he’s filing a report. It’s strangely sweet—a charming contrast!]

Su Wanning beside them was utterly speechless.

---

Here was a proud CEO, neglecting work, negotiations, and contracts, coming to this little event to ask her for ice cream! What would happen to his status if this got out?

“Mommy, mommy, that ice cream is really delicious! I want some too!”

Luckily, Su Wanning’s angelic daughter spoke up just in time, and she immediately turned her head, nodding and pinching her daughter’s chubby cheeks.

“Of course, no problem. I’ll make it for you tomorrow!”

After that, she no longer looked at Qin Jingchen, treating it as if she had answered his earlier question.

Dinner finished, and in the blink of an eye, Qin Jingchen disappeared. Su Wanning paid him no mind, returning to her tent and staring at the black suitcase still sitting there. Suddenly, an impulse surged within her to throw it out.

Nian Nian and Suisui had been playing together for a while. Seeing Su Wanning silently staring at the suitcase, uncharacteristically quiet, Nian Nian trotted over.

“Mommy, what’s wrong? Are you missing Daddy?”

Heh, I’m thinking about making Daddy disappear, she thought bitterly but kept her lips sealed.

“No, I just haven’t seen him since dinner. I wonder where he went.”

If he left, she’d have the luggage sent over and hope never to see him again.

Yet, contrary to her wishes, as soon as she finished speaking, the tent zipper was pulled open from outside. Qin Jingchen entered holding a tray.

“Daddy’s back! Mommy missed you so much—just now I was asking where you went!”

Nian Nian smiled brightly, unwittingly betraying Su Wanning.

Qin Jingchen immediately looked at Su Wanning, who turned her face away, wishing she could sink into the ground.

The man chuckled softly, placing the tray on the table before her.

“Since you didn’t eat any dessert tonight, I had someone prepare bird’s nest soup for you just now. It’s good for beauty and skin nourishment. Drinking it before bed is best for your complexion.”

[Oh my, I want a dozen of such considerate husbands.]

[Su Wanning looks so shy, and somehow even more beautiful than before.]