Love Bet - Chapter 5 - An Accidental Bet

After much hesitation that afternoon, Qiao Shuqi finally put on the white princess dress Mo Tianchen had sent her. Zhou Xiaoyu then insisted on applying a light, fresh makeup on her. Letting Zhou Xiaoyu push her in front of the full-length mirror, she was momentarily stunned. The girl in the reflection had a soft, elegant face accentuated by the natural makeup, her waist-length black hair cascading down like silk. The daisy-style evening dress further highlighted her striking purity and created an almost otherworldly beauty.

When Mo Tianchen pushed open the dormitory door, his gaze immediately fell on the figure standing with her back to him. But then, his eyes moved to the full-length mirror, where he caught sight of her face-clean, fresh, and as pure as a blooming daisy. His heart clenched. In a world filled with noise, she was his only clarity. A fleeting thought passed through his mind: he didn’t want to take her to the banquet anymore. He didn’t want anyone else to see her like this-she was his alone.

“Does this… work?” Qiao Shuqi stuttered nervously, her cheeks flushing as she felt the intensity of Mo Tianchen’s gaze.

Snapping back to reality, Mo Tianchen’s lips curved into a smile. He walked up to her and gently took her hand.

“Much better than the last three times,” he teased before pulling her along. “Let’s go, my princess!”

Hearing his playful tone, Qiao Shuqi muttered under her breath, “This Cinderella can’t compare to a real princess.”

Arriving at Mo Tianchen’s home, Qiao Shuqi was utterly awestruck by the sight before her. All her life, the most luxurious place she had seen was the villa Mo Tianchen liked to take her to on their countryside outings-the same one where they had celebrated her birthday for the first time. Yet the building in front of her now made that villa look insignificant. Comparing the two was like comparing a royal palace to a humble cottage. Qiao Shuqi couldn’t help but silently marvel, This isn’t just a house; it’s a park-a luxury park you’d expect to charge an entrance fee!

At that moment, she truly felt like a Cinderella pretending to be a princess, someone who didn’t belong in this world. In the garden, there were already a few girls dressed in elegant evening dresses, their looks flawless. Nervously, Qiao Shuqi clung to Mo Tianchen’s hand, feeling his broad palm wrap protectively around hers, yet she still couldn’t shake off the unease churning inside her.

Compared to such a formal birthday banquet, she much preferred casual, carefree parties with friends joking around.

The hall was lavishly decorated, adorned with various wines, cakes, and cozy sofas scattered throughout. Guests wearing polished and refined outfits moved gracefully, their every movement exuding an unmistakable aura of sophistication. Qiao Shuqi silently sighed to herself, So art really does imitate life. Not even the hotel banquets in TV dramas look this luxurious.

Mo Tianchen led her toward a sofa tucked in a quieter corner. Sitting her down, he leaned in slightly and smiled. “Wait for me here. I have something to take care of.”

Before turning to leave, he picked up a glass of juice from a nearby table and placed it into Qiao Shuqi’s unsure hands. With a gentle smile, he whispered, “I’ll be back,” then disappeared upstairs.

Qiao Shuqi held the cold wine glass in both hands, occasionally taking small sips of her drink. From a distance, she watched as more and more guests arrived, clustering in twos and threes, their hushed chatter and polite smiles filling the air. Her grip on the wine glass tightened gradually, and her petite, delicate face revealed a trace of unease. Her dark eyes flickered with a hint of nervousness and helplessness.

“Hey, Qiao…” A playful voice broke through her thoughts as the couch next to her sank slightly. Startled, Qiao Shuqi turned her head and found herself face-to-face with a familiar, handsome face.

“Well, don’t you look stunning today!” Bi Ziyao teased, raising an eyebrow and lightly swirling the wine glass in his hand, a glimmer of surprise flashing in his eyes.

“Bi Ziyao… when will this banquet finally end?” Qiao Shuqi groaned, her expression one of sheer exhaustion. The moment she saw him, it was as if she had spotted her savior. She scooted closer to him on the couch, nearly clinging to his arm like a lifeline.

“The banquet hasn’t even officially started, and you’re already thinking about its end? Come on, give me a break! And… do you mind keeping a little distance? If Mo Tianchen catches sight of us like this, he’ll come over and finish me off in an instant!” Bi Ziyao glanced nervously at her, his tone a mixture of exaggeration and genuine worry.

Qiao Shuqi ignored his protests, remaining firmly glued to his side.

“Ugh… something about all of this feels so unnatural…” Qiao Shuqi murmured softly, her grip tightening around her wine glass. Bi Ziyao took a slow sip of his red wine, utterly unfazed.

“Of course, it feels unnatural. That’s exactly how it’s supposed to be,” he said with a casual shrug. “Flattery, pretense, deception-it’s all part of the package. The moment you gather a crowd of business moguls and aristocratic socialites, a banquet like this basically turns into a live-action palace intrigue drama.”

He paused briefly, then added with a knowing smirk, “Oh, one more thing-if someone strikes up a conversation with you, just play along for appearances’ sake. Don’t go around naively calling people friends or sisters. Not everyone is as simple-minded as Zhou Xiaoyu.”

“Got it,” Qiao Shuqi replied in a low, muffled voice. After a moment, she tilted her head, puzzled. “Wait… are you saying Xiaoyu is simple-minded? You seem to know her pretty well.”

“Ah… uh…” Bi Ziyao stammered, caught off guard. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he quickly deflected, “Qiao, I’m gonna go check on Mo Tianchen and see if he needs help with anything. I’ll bring him over to find you, alright? Just sit tight.”

Before she could press him further, he grabbed his wine glass and made a swift escape, leaving Qiao Shuqi staring after him with an exasperated expression. Who didn’t know that Bi Ziyao had a thing for Zhou Xiaoyu? Did he really think he was fooling anyone?

Left on her own, Qiao Shuqi began to feel the unbearable monotony of waiting. She kept herself occupied by sipping her drink in silence. Finally, the banquet officially began. The crowd gradually moved toward the center of the hall, drawn towards the stage. Setting down her glass, Qiao Shuqi rose to her feet and followed the flow of people toward the high platform.

On the stage stood a strikingly elegant woman, dressed in an exquisite gown, her beauty dazzling under the bright lights. She smiled gracefully as she stood behind the microphone. To her side was Mo Tianchen, composed and dashing in his finely tailored suit, his polite smile radiating charm and confidence.

Qiao Shuqi couldn’t help but marvel at the sight. Mo Tianchen’s mother… She looks so young!

After delivering her elegant speech, the madam stepped down from the stage with a graceful smile. Adjusting the microphone with a leisurely air, Mo Tianchen smiled as his gaze shifted toward Qiao Shuqi in the hall.

“Thank you all so much for attending my birthday banquet. I hope you’re all having a wonderful time. On that note, for the first dance of the night, I’d like to invite someone to join me in completing this moment.” As he finished speaking, Mo Tianchen’s calm, confident eyes fell on Qiao Shuqi. With steady steps, he descended the stage, walking directly toward her. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he extended his hand toward her with a gentle smile.

Looking up at Mo Tianchen’s smiling face, Qiao Shuqi hesitated only briefly before, as if under some kind of spell, she lifted her hand and placed it in his warm palm. Without realizing it, she allowed herself to be led into the center of the dance floor.

For the rest of the evening, Qiao Shuqi found herself following Mo Tianchen’s lead closely, as he hardly left her side. Even when others tried to offer her a toast, Mo Tianchen would step in to drink on her behalf without question. After making a round through the hall, Mo Tianchen’s face was faintly flushed from all the alcohol.

“Mo Tianchen… are you okay?” Qiao Shuqi asked softly, noticing the slight redness in his face.

“I’m fine,” Mo Tianchen replied with ease, casually ruffling her hair. His gaze shifted downward as his sharp eyes caught the sight of her high heels. Noticing her discomfort, his brows furrowed slightly as he loosened his grasp on her hand.

“Go sit over there and rest for a bit. I’ll come find you shortly,” he said, his tone soft but firm. After walking around the entire hall, Qiao Shuqi’s feet were indeed sore and aching. She nodded obediently and turned to find the couch she had spotted earlier.

“Miss, the madam would like to see you.” Just as she settled into a quieter corner, a respectful voice interrupted her thoughts. Qiao Shuqi turned her head to find a sharply dressed server standing politely before her.

“Me?” she asked in surprise, pointing at herself in confusion.

“Yes,” the server confirmed, maintaining his polite tone.

“Oh… well, okay, let’s go,” Qiao Shuqi replied, feeling a little uneasy but following the server nonetheless. They walked up to the second floor and entered a room. Inside, an elegant figure stood with her back to the door. As Qiao Shuqi stepped in, the server quietly exited, leaving her alone with the figure.

“Miss Qiao,” the woman said as she turned around, revealing a stunningly beautiful face adorned with a faint smile. Qiao Shuqi immediately recognized her as Mo Tianchen’s mother, Chen Yue. Though the smile on her face was soft, it exuded an air of distance, making Qiao Shuqi feel strangely cold.

“Hello, madam,” Qiao Shuqi greeted her with polite decorum, despite the thinly veiled tension.

“Are you Tianchen’s girlfriend?” Chen Yue asked, narrowing her eyes slightly as she observed Qiao Shuqi.

“I… yes,” Qiao Shuqi answered hesitantly, lowering her head, feeling a heavy sense of pressure.

“How long have you and Tianchen been together?” Chen Yue inquired further.

“Four years,” Qiao Shuqi replied softly, her nerves causing a slight tremor in her voice.

Chen Yue raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise momentarily flashing in her eyes.

“Four years? Hah, that boy certainly has some patience,” Chen Yue remarked with a faint chuckle, her tone carrying a mix of amusement and subtle condescension. Her sharp gaze traveled over Qiao Shuqi’s timid posture-the lowered head, the minimal makeup, and the quiet demeanor. To Chen Yue, she seemed far too plain and unrefined, hardly someone who belonged in the grander schemes of high society.

“I heard that Miss Qiao only has her mother at home?”

Qiao Shuqi’s heart twinged slightly at the question, but she maintained her composure and replied politely, “Yes, my father passed away a long time ago. It’s just my mother and me at home.”

“Raising such a well-mannered and charming young lady must not have been easy for Mrs. Qiao,” Chen Yue commented with a soft smile. “It’s rare to see such dedication from parents. I also heard that Miss Qiao’s family is… involved in rice farming?” Although her tone was gentle, the words carried a dismissive undertone that stung like a thorn. The implication was clear-that Qiao Shuqi’s family worked the fields. Pressing her lips together, Qiao Shuqi’s grip on her emotions grew tighter.

“My mother…” Qiao Shuqi answered after a pause, “…runs an alteration shop now.”

“An alteration shop…” Chen Yue echoed with deliberate emphasis, smiling as if amused. “How’s business these days? Honestly, we’ve never had to take any of our clothes to an alteration shop before.”

Qiao Shuqi exhaled slowly and looked up, meeting Chen Yue’s gaze head-on. “Auntie, why not just get to the point? My time is limited, and I don’t want Mo Tianchen looking for me later because I’m not where I should be.”

Chen Yue’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a colder expression. “Well, I do appreciate people who are straightforward. I’ll be clear, then.” She leaned back, her voice firm but measured. “Miss Qiao, while I didn’t interfere with your relationship with Tianchen during your university years, now that you’re both about to graduate, it’s a different story. After graduation, Tianchen will immediately join his father’s company and begin preparing to inherit the Mo Family’s entire estate. While we wouldn’t claim to be unrivaled in wealth, the Mo Family name carries significant weight in the business world. Surely, Miss Qiao, you’ve heard of the phrase ‘a well-matched marriage,’ haven’t you?” Chen Yue’s eyes flickered with a hint of amusement as she noted the sudden pallor of Qiao Shuqi’s face. Her lips curled into a faint smirk.

“His father and I have always planned for him to marry someone from a family of equal standing. Business alliances through marriage are a tradition in our circles and are often mutually beneficial for both families. For instance, our marriage was also one of strategic value,” Chen Yue added coolly, referencing her husband.

Qiao Shuqi clenched her hands under the table, steadying herself. After a moment, she calmly replied, “Auntie, thank you for sharing all this with me, but have you considered asking Mo Tianchen for his opinion on the matter? You’ve said so much, but it’s all about your plans for him. Have you asked for his consent in any of this?” Her voice was firm, each word deliberate, as she stared directly into Chen Yue’s eyes. Her courage didn’t come without fear-she was well aware of the disparity between herself and an aristocratic family like theirs. But under no circumstances would she allow anyone to trample on her dignity.

Chen Yue’s lips curled into a faint smile. “I know my son’s personality well, Miss Qiao. If I didn’t, there would be no need for me to have this conversation with you in the first place.”

Adjusting the silk scarf draped over her shoulders, Chen Yue’s smile returned, this time tinged with cold disdain. “Girls like you-I’ve seen more than I care to count. There are countless women out there trying to claw their way into an aristocratic family. They play every trick imaginable, yet not one has been able to succeed unscathed.”

A long pause followed, and then Chen Yue’s tone softened as she continued, “You’re still young. Don’t be so stubborn. Out of consideration for the four years you’ve spent with Tianchen, here’s something for you.” She reached for her handbag and pulled out a check, setting it lightly on the table beside Qiao Shuqi. “This will let you and your mother live comfortably. Take it, and move on.”

Qiao Shuqi let out a light, almost mocking chuckle. She reached for the check, her fingers surprisingly steady, and then-to everyone’s shock-ripped it apart into tiny shreds without hesitation. The pieces fluttered to the floor like confetti. Her eyes burned with defiant resolve as she met Chen Yue’s startled gaze.

“Does Mrs. Mo think I’m someone who can be bought with money?” Qiao Shuqi asked softly, a trace of fire flickering in her voice. Her lips curled faintly into a smile, but it was anything but friendly.

“Mrs. Mo, I respect you as Mo Tianchen’s mother, but I also want to make it clear that as long as Mo Tianchen does not agree, I will absolutely not leave him.”

“You don’t get to decide that, Qiao Shuqi. One should be sensible about what is gain and what is loss. It’s time for you to understand that the most foolish people are those who refuse the toast only to be forced to drink the forfeit,” Chen Yue said, her stunning face now covered with a layer of cold frost.

“As for profits and losses, Mrs. Mo, you really should be the one to calculate that. You are Mo Tianchen’s mother and know your son’s temperament and personality better than I do. Blocking what he likes and controlling his life and marriage will cost you your son.”

“You have no right to interfere,” Chen Yue replied icily. “If I remember correctly, hasn’t your mother been unwell recently? If you continue to be so obstinate, I can’t guarantee there won’t be a sudden accident concerning her. Qiao Shuqi, don’t blame me. Even if you’ve entered an aristocratic family, even as part of the Mo Family, your background means you’ll never live in peace. Your mother’s fate is in your hands now. Tread carefully.”

“You…” Qiao Shuqi watched Chen Yue walk away gracefully, unable to utter a word as her eyes misted over. She had never imagined someone would so ruthlessly disrupt her peaceful and happy life, even threatening her mother.

Qiao Shuqi closed her eyes, took a moment to calm her breathing, then turned and walked downstairs to the hall. Dressed in lavish attire, the guests moved about, but she suddenly lost all interest and turned to leave the hall, stepping out into the garden. The cool breeze kept blowing, and the bright moon was now obscured by thick clouds. Remembering Chen Yue’s sharp words, Qiao Shuqi felt utterly lost.

“Kid, you’re late, three penalty drinks!” Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice and turned towards the source. Through the floor-to-ceiling window of a room next to the hall, she could see Mo Tianchen’s figure standing out among a group of young masters.

Qiao Shuqi’s nose tingled, and her eyes quickly filled with tears. She walked quietly to a dark corner by the floor-to-ceiling windows, resting her hands on the cold glass, and watched Mo Tianchen without moving.

“Alright, I’ll take the penalty!” Mo Tianchen’s face was slightly flushed as he picked up the glasses on the table and drank down three cups without hesitation, then collapsed lazily onto a nearby sofa, closing his eyes.

Tears uncontrollably fell down her cheeks as Qiao Shuqi stared at Mo Tianchen’s slightly red face, his brow furrowed, and beads of sweat on his forehead. He must be feeling awful after drinking so much.

What should she do? She couldn’t let her mother be hurt; she was the only family she had left. But looking at his familiar handsome face, he had been her happiness and joy for four long years. She couldn’t bear to let go, not even a little bit.

“Mo Tianchen, you came by yourself? Where’s Qiao?” Bi Ziyao casually asked, looking at Mo Tianchen who had his eyes closed.

“She’s outside the hall.”

“Oh? Hiding here by yourself, thinking about climbing over the wall? Not afraid your wife will make you kneel on a washboard?” Jian Xu joked.

“Climbing over the wall, our Young Master Mo has done that before!” Bi Ziyao, clearly drunk, boomed. “Back in the day, Qiao Shuqi was a bet!”

“No way? Won through a bet?” An uninformed person asked in surprise.

“Haha, back then, we made a bet that if Mo Tianchen could win over Qiao Shuqi, we’d give him a gorgeous woman. Qiao Shuqi is stubborn, but surprisingly, this lad managed to win her over – a sexy beauty and a fresh, clean girl, both absolute stunners! Mo Tianchen, how does it feel to have both?” Bi Ziyao drank another glass of wine and slapped Mo Tianchen on the shoulder.

“It was your bet that thrilled me more!” Mo Tianchen curled his lips, reminiscing about Bi Ziyao’s high-speed limited edition sports car, and the frustrated look on his face back then made him happy.

“Haha, what? Still reminiscing about that brief spring night?” Jian Xu thought he was referring to the sexy woman and burst into laughter.

“Cut it out!” Mo Tianchen frowned and pushed him away. From start to finish, no one noticed the tear-streaked face in the dark corner outside the floor-to-ceiling window.

Qiao Shuqi turned around, slowly squatting down, letting her uncontrollable tears fall. The bet, she was just a bet, all his surprises, romance, his kindness to her, were only because he could win her over, to win others…

“It was your bet that thrilled me more!” Mo Tianchen’s voice echoed over and over in her mind, bet, bet, at this moment in his heart, she was still just a comparative bet, so it was…

Qiao Shuqi slowly stood up, glanced at the familiar figures causing a ruckus inside through the floor-to-ceiling window, and forced a bitter smile.

“Mo Tianchen, you’ve won, you’ve beaten everyone, won the bet, won my love, so seamlessly, holding from both sides, reveling through the night, you played me for four whole years… Ah, you’re so cruel!” Qiao Shuqi closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and walked out of this utterly deceitful place.

Step by step, Qiao Shuqi walked back to the school, barely aware of the time. It was as if she had lost control of her own body. Once back in her dormitory, she collapsed onto her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Time passed unnoticed until she picked up her phone and turned on the screen. 1:00 a.m. Then 1:30. Then 2:00. Then 3:00. Again and again, the screen dimmed, only to be awakened by her tapping the power button. 4:00…

“Ha!” A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she stared at her own stiff, emotionless face in the reflection of the darkened screen. “Qiao Shuqi, what are you still holding on to? The answer is already laid bare in front of you, isn’t it? What are you waiting for? Him to realize you’re gone and frantically call to find you? To worry about you?” She shook her head, mocking herself. “Ha! Is this still not clear? It’s all just a game for this aristocratic family. Can’t you see it? He’s tired of you, Qiao Shuqi. Maybe all he ever wanted was a marriage of convenience, something mutually beneficial. You… you just never understood him, did you…” She covered her face as warm tears slipped from the corners of her eyes.

Was this… the end? It had to be, didn’t it? How could there be fairy tales in a world like this? A prince only ever wanted a princess of equal status, someone from his world. Not a foolish Cinderella like her.

When she woke up again, it was already the afternoon. There were only half a month left until graduation, and Zhou Xiaoyu had already packed up her belongings and moved back home to prepare for the next chapter of her life. As Qiao Shuqi sat on her bed, staring at the half-empty dormitory, a wave of sadness washed over her. Everyone was leaving. Everyone was moving on.

With a sigh, she tidied the books scattered on her desk and headed for the library to return them. The scenery along the way was as lovely as always, bright and peaceful, full of life. But Qiao Shuqi’s heart was weighed down, her mood so heavy that she couldn’t bring herself to enjoy it. Head down, she quickened her pace toward the library.

“Qi!”

Her arm was suddenly grabbed by a warm, familiar hand. The voice calling her name was one she knew too well. Hearing it made her chest tighten, and before she could stop herself, tears began to gather in her eyes.

“Qi, did you go back last night? Why didn’t you say anything before you left? Do you know how worrying that was?” Mo Tianchen’s voice came from behind her, low and firm, yet filled with frustration.

Turning her head slightly, Qiao Shuqi’s expression remained calm. “I’m standing right in front of you, aren’t I? Looks like your worrying was unnecessary.” Her tone was indifferent, her words cutting. Without waiting for a response, she adjusted the books in her arms and continued walking hurriedly toward the library.

But before she could take more than a few steps, her hand was pulled back again. Mo Tianchen’s footsteps fell into pace behind her.

“I’m sorry,” he began, his tone apologetic, his grip on her hand gentle yet insistent. “I drank too much last night. I… I lost control and fell asleep. I didn’t mean to neglect you. I-”

“It’s fine,” Qiao Shuqi interrupted, tilting her head to look up at him with a faint smile. “I’m okay.” She kept her voice even, light, as though his words had no effect on her. And before he could utter another word, she pulled her hand free, her focus returning to delivering the books in her arms.

For the next half-month, Qiao Shuqi went about her days as usual, returning to her normal routine. But what Mo Tianchen didn’t know was just how much she cherished these fleeting fifteen days. After graduation, everything would come to an end. So she told herself to treasure the few remaining moments. For the first time, Qiao Shuqi realized just how unbearably short half a month could feel.

“All right, get some rest early tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll come pick you up so we can pack and leave campus together,” Mo Tianchen said warmly as they stood outside the dormitory building. He reached out and affectionately ruffled her hair, a gentle smile lighting up his face. “Go on up.”

“You go first,” Qiao Shuqi said, tilting her head to look at him. The soft glow of the nearby lamppost made his sharp, handsome features even more captivating.

“Okay.” Mo Tianchen chuckled softly, then turned and started to walk away.

“Chen…” Qiao Shuqi’s voice suddenly called out his name. Watching his retreating figure, she felt as though he were walking away forever, never to return. Her heart tightened, and his name escaped her lips before she even realized it.

Mo Tianchen stopped in his tracks. It was the first time she had ever called him “Chen”. Something inside him softened as he slowly turned around.

Without hesitation, Qiao Shuqi broke into a run, covering the short distance between them. Rising on tiptoes, she pressed her lips against his. For a moment, both were still, but in the next second, Mo Tianchen’s arms wrapped tightly around her waist, pulling her closer. He deepened the kiss, their lips moving in perfect sync as the world seemed to spin around them. It was intoxicating-an endless whirlpool they couldn’t escape from and didn’t want to.

Tears spilled from the corners of Qiao Shuqi’s eyes, sliding down her cheeks as she clung tightly to Mo Tianchen’s waist, completely immersed in his embrace and the feel of him.

Mo Tianchen, how can I ever forget you? How could I ever let you go? I don’t want to…I don’t want to…