First update, asking for subscriptions~~

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A forced smile crept across Roddick's face, but it looked so painfully strained… honestly, even if his father had died, his expression probably wouldn't look as grim as it did now.

What Qin Fang was demanding was no longer about pushing someone to their limits—it was practically akin to asking for Roddick's life.

This guy had deceived countless women, many of whom weren't just average but strikingly beautiful, some even comparable to Tang Feifei. Yet, he always followed the same routine: sweet-talk, cheat, then vanish… never once had he stayed for anyone.

And this time was no different. The so-called engagement was nothing but a charade, merely a ploy to con that gullible Stone Ye. Just as his plan was about to succeed, Qin Fang inserted himself into the picture.

Not only did he disrupt his scheme, but he also hit him with a brutal blow…

But the problem was, did he have a choice?

At the sight of Qin Fang's chilling smile—one that sent shivers down the spine—Roddick felt as if he were submerged in an ice cellar, almost frozen stiff…

Cheating women? That Roddick didn't mind. That was his specialty, his bread and butter. No hardship there, only ease.

But to marry a woman he had not one shred of affection for? He'd rather be dead—it would be a quicker death!

Of course, that prerequisite required Roddick to actually have the guts to accept death.

And it was glaringly obvious—this guy was a hedonist through and through, living the high life in comfort. Just roll over and accept death? No way in hell he'd agree to that.

Unwilling to die, he had no choice but to powerlessly nod his head and reluctantly agree to the arrangement before him.

"Good, good… I'm quite satisfied with your answer! Don't let me down now…"

Seeing Roddick obediently give his response, Qin Fang seemed to believe him on the spot and even patted his shoulder with a smile.

"Y-Yes, of course, definitely!"

Roddick bowed his head, wearing an expression of utter submission as if he had been completely subdued by Qin Fang. But beneath his lowered head, his eyes gleamed with a strange light.

"Think I'll submit to you so easily? Not a chance."

As a masterful conman, Roddick's targets might always have been women, but that didn't mean he couldn't deceive men. The art of deception transcends age and gender… and right now, Qin Fang happened to be his mark.

However, Roddick himself hadn't noticed that when Qin Fang patted his shoulder earlier, a subtle sting radiated from the spot…

The sensation was so fleeting that he either didn't register it at all or simply brushed it aside. Add to that his preoccupied state of mind, and it was no surprise he failed to notice.

Of course, he also missed the faint smirk lurking beneath Qin Fang's calm tone as he spoke earlier.

"Alright, enough time-wasting. We should head back; otherwise, suspicions might arise."

Checking the time, Qin Fang realized they had been away for a while. If they stayed any longer, it would be hard for the women waiting for them not to suspect something.

With that, he casually pushed the door of the small stall open and walked out. Roddick quickly followed, though thankfully the restroom was mostly empty. Otherwise, someone might've suspected the two men were engaging in something unusual.

When they reached the sink, Qin Fang suddenly paused mid-step as if a thought had struck him. Turning to Roddick behind him, his action made Roddick jump in fright.

"Oh, I almost forgot. I meddled with you earlier, you see. Let's call it… a slow-acting poison. Don't bother thinking about running to the hospital for stomach pumping; that won't work at all. So, my advice is: be a good boy, follow my lead, and every month, I'll provide you with the antidote. That's the only way you'll stay alive."

As he said this, Qin Fang's tone was frighteningly casual, as if all of this was just a lighthearted conversation, devoid of the malice that came with poisoning someone.

"Y-You poisoned me?!"

Roddick's face morphed instantly, and he reflexively began patting his body—especially recalling events earlier. In a panic, he yanked his shirt collar open and spotted a purplish-red bump on his shoulder…

The bump had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Thinking back to Qin Fang's words, there was no question—it was his doing.

"Poison you? Haha, you've clearly overthought this… Consider it an insurance policy, if you will."

Qin Fang chuckled mildly and said nonchalantly, "Of course, if you don't believe me, feel free to turn your back and leave right now. But just know this: when a month passes and something feels wrong with your body, even if you crawl back to beg me, I won't show you an ounce of mercy."

"The choice is yours. Do as you see fit."

With that, Qin Fang casually waved his hand, a relaxed grin on his face. But Roddick's expression had gone entirely green.

He couldn't deny it—his plan was to temporarily appease Qin Fang and wait for an opening to escape.

Qin Fang might have been tight with Elder Long, but if Roddick bolted now, he had full confidence in his ability to slip away unscathed.

As a skilled conman, he had numerous aliases to fall back on. Leaving Roddick behind was no big deal—he had plenty of backup identities he could assume at any time.

Once he was off Hong Kong Island and far from Elder Long's reach, he'd be free again, free to enjoy his life of luxury. But he underestimated Qin Fang's vigilance toward him. Knowing he was a conman, how could Qin Fang possibly trust anything he said so easily?

Qin Fang never believed him for a second and certainly wouldn't let himself be duped. His earlier act had merely been to help Roddick let down his guard a little.

It made it easier for Qin Fang to act and also allowed the poison to circulate more freely in a relaxed system.

And now, this warning served to prevent Roddick from panicking and attempting escape, which could very well cost him his life.

Qin Fang wasn't bluffing. Though the poison wasn't extremely toxic, prolonged exposure without the antidote could severely damage one's body—maybe even fatally.

"Take care of yourself."

With these parting words, Qin Fang turned, washed his hands, and left the restroom, heading back to the dining area where Tang Feifei and Stone Ye were waiting. Sure enough, the two women appeared to have grown restless.

"Qin Fang, why'd it take you so long?"

Tang Feifei asked, curious and suspicious, as Qin Fang approached the table.

"Dick…"

Before Qin Fang could answer, Stone Ye looked past him and called out.

Ultimately, Roddick hadn't dared to flee. Forced to bow to the circumstances, he returned with a stiff smile that didn't quite mask his inner turmoil.

"Oh, it's nothing. I had a little chat with Mr. Luo in the restroom. We hit it off so well that we lost track of time… isn't that right, Mr. Luo?"

Qin Fang grinned, composed as he turned to Roddick, pulling him in as an unwitting accomplice.

"Y-Yes, exactly… I lost track of time. My apologies."

Roddick exhaled sharply. With no options left and his life quite literally in Qin Fang's hands, he had no choice but to play along.

"That explains it. As long as you're getting along, I'm relieved!"

Tang Feifei remained skeptical, but Stone Ye seemed oblivious, smiling warmly and keeping her shining eyes on Roddick, thoroughly delighted.

"By the way, Miss Shi, during our chat, Mr. Luo mentioned something interesting. Turns out, he feels the engagement is a bit unnecessary. He'd much rather skip ahead and marry you sooner."

Tang Feifei's eyes widened in shock. She glanced between Qin Fang and Roddick, sensing that something was amiss.

"Stone Ye, will you marry me?"

Roddick really was laying it all on the line. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a diamond ring and got down on one knee, proposing to Stone Ye right then and there!

"I… I… I will! Mwah~~"

Roddick's honeyed words were too powerful. Stone Ye, a perfectly good girl, had fallen head over heels for him, completely entranced.

The original engagement had already made her brim with happiness—she had been telling everyone she knew, basking in the blessing of their well-wishes, proud to share her joy.

And now…

Her Prince Charming wanted to bypass the engagement altogether, jumping straight into marriage. It was the stuff of her dreams. How could she refuse? Ecstatic, she grabbed the ring and immediately slid it onto her ring finger!

The quality of the ring, the size of the diamond—none of that mattered. Even if the diamond were mere glass, she'd still say yes without hesitation.

Women are creatures of emotion, and in moments like this, they can disregard everything—status, wealth, power… all can be cast aside in the face of love.

"Wow, Yezi! Congratulations!" (To be continued. If you enjoy this story, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast votes and support the author. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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