Chapter 424 - 221: Chen Sheng, You Wouldn’t Want...

Chapter 424: Chapter 221: Chen Sheng, You Wouldn’t Want...

Nie Lingshan originally had no real interest in Chen Sheng, much less any intention of fighting her younger sister for a husband.

She had come only to ask for help, hoping Chen Sheng might do her a small favor.

Her earlier, seemingly considerate words were merely a way to tease her ever-so-proper sister.

But she never imagined that after she had acted so considerate and charming, Chen Sheng would still choose Nie Lingxi right in front of her.

How was that any different from a slap in the face?

Nie Lingshan and Nie Lingxi were twin sisters, like twin lotus blossoms on a single stalk. Since they were children, they had competed over everything—from clothes, food, and toys to the praise of their elders.

Her aim wasn’t to be superior, merely never to be outdone.

To be rejected so bluntly in front of her sister made Nie Lingshan’s cheeks burn, and a sudden, nameless anger flared within her.

Her composure shattered instantly.

"That’s not quite it."

But Chen Sheng just smiled, his expression serene:

"In my eyes, Miss Lingshan, your beauty and talent are in no way inferior to Miss Lingxi’s."

"Then why did you choose her instead of me?!"

Nie Lingshan’s brow arched as she pressed him.

"If I had chosen you,"

Chen Sheng took a light sip of his tea, then looked up at her.

"would you really have agreed to this marriage alliance?"

"You... What do you mean by that?"

Nie Lingshan’s expression froze for a moment. She forced herself to remain composed.

"As a legitimate daughter of the Nie Family, a marriage alliance is my duty. How could I shirk it? If you chose me, I would naturally... give it serious consideration."

"Does Chen Zhenfu believe my sister is unwilling to go through with the alliance?"

A flash of surprise crossed Nie Lingxi’s eyes as she murmured the question.

’Could he actually see what my sister is thinking?’

’But...that’s impossible.’

’This is the first time they’ve ever met.’

’Could it be that Chen Sheng has a treasure like the Heart Inquiry Talisman that can read minds?’

"I am somewhat aware of the Nie Family’s arrangements. I know that one of you two young ladies is destined to be joined with me in this marriage alliance."

Chen Sheng set down his teacup, his tone even:

"Throughout our conversation, it has been Miss Lingxi asking the probing questions. Miss Lingshan, though she’d chime in, was clearly disinterested. If she were truly considering this, would she be so unconcerned about the fact that I already have a female companion by my side?

If I’m not mistaken, Miss Lingxi is the one who is genuinely deliberating over this marriage alliance.

As for you, Miss Lingshan..."

Chen Sheng’s gaze turned to Nie Lingshan, and he smiled faintly.

"You either have no intention of going through with this alliance, or you simply have no interest in me. That being the case, I should naturally choose the person with whom an alliance is more likely to be successful."

Long before the two had arrived, Chen Sheng had already gleaned the truth from the prompts of his Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil Celestial Book. As a result, his explanation now was perfectly clear and logical, leaving no room for doubt.

Though Chen Sheng’s tone was mild, his words struck the Nie sisters like a clap of thunder.

He could actually see through their thoughts?!

His deduction might have been slightly off in the details, but the general gist was spot on.

Nie Lingshan’s heart was filled with shock and doubt.

’Was I that obvious?’

’But I was so warm and even admiring in my words just now. How did that make him suspicious instead?’

Nie Lingxi’s eyes, however, brightened. As she looked at Chen Sheng, her gaze held a new layer of scrutiny and approval.

’What Aunt said was true; this man is indeed extraordinary.’

’He saw through my sister’s true intentions with just a few words. And he stated it so plainly, without being demeaning or patronizing, that it didn’t cause her any embarrassment.’

"You... You’re just guessing..."

Nie Lingshan started to argue.

"That’s enough, Sister."

Nie Lingxi interrupted her gently, her tone warm:

"Since Chen has seen through it all, there’s no need to keep arguing."

Nie Lingshan was rendered speechless. She shot her sister a glance, let out a soft hmph, and turned her head away.

"Chen."

Nie Lingxi turned to Chen Sheng and spoke candidly:

"My sister truly has no interest in the marriage alliance. She came here hoping to ask for your help, Chen. Most of what she said earlier was just in jest, so you needn’t pay it too much mind."

"Oh?"

Chen Sheng feigned surprise.

"As legitimate daughters of the prestigious Nie Family, I wonder what you could possibly need my help with?"

"My sister wants to put on an act to make our clan elders believe that both of us are interested in you, Chen. Your part would be simple. If the elders ask, you just need to act as if you’re finding it difficult to choose. Or you could say you find both of us to your liking. Would that be possible?"

Nie Lingxi explained slowly, her gaze limpid.

"This plan... seems a bit farcical."

Chen Sheng’s brow furrowed as he mulled it over.

"Besides, if I were to state that ’I like them both,’ I fear it would infuriate the Nie Family elders. The entire marriage alliance could be jeopardized. So, forgive me, but I must refuse."

"To be honest, I also feel the plan isn’t foolproof. The clan elders may not be so easily convinced, and they certainly might not approve."

Nie Lingxi sighed softly, a look of apology on her face.

"It’s just that my sister is so unwilling to go through with this alliance that she wanted to give it a try. You may not know this, Chen, but the Great Elder has always doted on us. My sister was hoping to find some room to maneuver with him.

As for any blame from the clan... if it comes to that, my sister and I will explain the whole story to the Great Elder. We would never let you be implicated, Chen."

Nie Lingshan, who had been standing by, quickly chimed in:

"Chen Zhenfu, Lingxi is quite fond of you. You’ll likely be my brother-in-law someday, which would make us family. So, how about it? A small favor for your future sister-in-law?"

"Sister!"

Nie Lingxi’s cheeks flushed, and she shot her a reproachful glare.

"I understand both of your intentions."

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Sheng slowly shook his head.

"However, on this matter, forgive me, but I cannot agree."

’He wasn’t one to agree to something that brought him no benefit.’

"Brother-in-law, don’t be so quick to refuse."

Seeing Chen Sheng’s resolute stance, Nie Lingshan said quickly:

"You’re different from other people. The Nie Family has already decided on this marriage alliance with you. Even if your behavior is a little unconventional, the elders won’t dare do anything to you. Who knows... the clan might even end up agreeing to let both of us marry you."