In the freezing cold, people preferred to stay indoors.
Lin Chen and a lion strolled leisurely, expecting not to encounter anyone, but unexpectedly, a large group of ladies and young women suddenly filed out.
Joining the crowd, they overheard that everything was related to Wenzel.
“Duke Howard is at the polo field, and His Highness Nilfgaard, Earl William…”
“What a wonderful day it is today! Duke Howard is here too?”
“I think you should be more impressed by His Highness Nilfgaard’s arrival.”
A few giggles followed, and the discussion continued.
“His Highness Nilfgaard is only eighteen. He’s too young for me. I prefer a man like Duke Howard.”
“Look at you! Who wouldn’t like a man like Duke Howard?”
It seems everyone’s taste is remarkably consistent. Yes, who wouldn’t like a man like Duke Howard?
Young, handsome, powerful, and influential.
Lin Chen, a man, couldn’t help but feel a ripple in his heart when he thought of Wenzel’s captivating face.
It was an appreciation of beauty, and a natural pleasure arising from the satisfaction of a visual need.
But he wouldn’t think more about it because it was unrealistic.
On the way to the polo field, he was inevitably ‘forced’ to hear some information about Wenzel.
It was said that the man was twenty-eight years old and hadn’t had his first lover yet, which was very rare. These days, young masters and ladies had already had several relationships by the time they turned eighteen, and at the latest, they had lost their virginity by twenty.
People were very curious about what kind of lover this unattainable Duke preferred.
Was it a man or a woman, youthful or mature, alluring or innocent? No one knew.
It was also said that Duke Howard once had a childhood sweetheart he admired, but she had a fiancé, and Duke Howard, unwilling to be just a mistress, had broken off all contact with her.
Ultimately, everyone concluded that Duke Howard was heartbroken and hadn’t yet moved on from his childhood sweetheart, hence his lack of a lover.
The story was captivating, and Lin Chen listened with rapt attention, but unfortunately, they had already arrived at the polo field.
There were several dashing and powerful men on horseback. Their imposing figures preparing for polo firmly held the attention of the ladies, leaving no time for gossip.
Lin Chen, standing on the sidelines, watched the highly anticipated Duke Howard. His blond hair was dazzling, his face like jade, his expression languid and indifferent, and every gesture exuded an air of nobility beyond the reach of ordinary people.
He wore a newly changed riding outfit. The well-fitting cut highlighted his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs—a veritable double weapon.
His black horse, riding in perfect harmony with him, clearly showed that polo was a piece of cake for him.
Lin Chen glanced at another boy on the polo field. He was handsome but still somewhat immature with medium-length flaxen hair tied back in a cool way. This was probably the eighteen-year-old Prince Nilfgaard that the ladies had been talking about.
The others were a mix of familiar faces—some he remembered seeing in the room earlier, and others complete strangers.
Spencer, who hadn’t bothered Lin Chen, was probably too injured to play polo, presumably because his companion beast was injured.
William, the brown bear’s owner, brandished his polo mallet from horseback and said, “Hey! Gentlemen, how about we make a bet?”
Nilfgaard, still a child, perked up. “What kind of bet?”
William grinned mischievously. “The losing team gets to kiss one spectator at random, how about that?”
The participants fell silent. “…”
So risqué?
However, this wasn’t too extreme. Compared to the games they played in private, it was nothing.
William: “So? Want to bet?!”
Everyone shrugged, indicating indifference: “If the ladies don’t mind.”
Some dashing young men had already ridden to the sidelines, winking at the spectators: “What do you say, beautiful ladies?”
The ladies and young women outside the field, hearing about the bet, some covered their faces and laughed, and others were quite open.
“His Excellency Duke Howard is also participating.” The men were playing their trump card.
“Alright, it’s settled then.” The ladies reluctantly agreed.
Considering that everyone on the field was a young and promising man—and indeed, any slightly overweight middle-aged man wouldn’t dare ride a horse to play polo in the dead of winter—it seemed like a sure win for them.
If they could get a kiss from Duke Howard, that would be even better.
“Let’s start the match!”
“Duke Howard, you can lose once today!”
A passionate shout drew laughter from everyone, but the person being heckled remained expressionless as if he weren’t the one being discussed.
In reality, it wasn’t him.
These people knew very little about him. Their so-called liking was merely for his appearance and power. It was extremely superficial.
Of course, Wenzel had no problem with superficial liking; he was simply stating a fact.
Drawing the lots, Wenzel was placed in a group of mediocre players. His teammates were already imagining him unwillingly, yet forced to kiss a lady.
Those close to Wenzel knew he hated physical contact, so today might be one of the few times he’d suffered a setback, making it all the more significant.
Wenzel’s polo skills were impeccable, but unfortunately, his teammates were a real liability.
The score gap widened, and the opposing team members looked at him with schadenfreude, though none dared to utter a word of mockery due to their status.
Except for Nilfgaard, this noble prince, who lightly teased Wenzel, “Looks like you’re going to lose.”
Wenzel looked at him.
Nifergaard smiled, “I wonder which lucky person will receive Duke Howard’s kiss.”
Wenzel replied, “Are you sure it’s a lucky one?”
Uncertainty was possible; it could be a disaster. Human jealousy was terrifying; sometimes it could be devastating.
Nifergaard shrugged. Who cared? It wasn’t him being envied anyway.
The spectators also noticed that Duke Howard might really be going to lose, meaning that someone would indeed be chosen today to receive Duke Howard’s kiss.
This conclusion wasn’t exactly maddening but it certainly stirred something within them.
People had begun to envy the lucky winner; after all, no one believed they could be that person’s chosen one.
The polo match finally ended, and although Wenzel rallied to score two goals, the score was too wide, and even his brilliant performance couldn’t turn the tide.
The team members, feeling they had dragged the Duke down, dared not look at his face.
However, a bet’s a bet, and someone boldly asked the Duke to choose first.
This was truly audacious.
William, who had proposed the bet, rode up to Wenzel, grinning obsequiously, “Wenzel, if you really don’t want to, you can change the bet.”
Everyone had witnessed Wenzel’s performance; he only lost because his team was incompetent.
“No need,” Wenzel declined calmly. Given his status, how could he command respect if he couldn’t even honor a bet?
William hesitated, then stopped himself.
Wenzel tugged at the reins, and his horse moved slowly along the curved fence. Every face Wenzel scanned smiled shyly, hoping to be chosen, only to fall into disappointment as his gaze left, knowing they wouldn’t.
The onlookers included both women and men, mostly there for the spectacle, and not really feeling the stakes were theirs.
Lin Chen, for example, stood alone in a corner with a less-than-ideal view. Because of Parker’s presence, he was surrounded by empty space, making him, in a way, conspicuous in a unique way.
As the tall, sturdy black horse approached, Lin Chen instinctively looked up at the man on its back. He was the kind of man every man dreamed of being—so handsome.
Lin Chen’s eyes were filled with admiration.
This was also the first time he had made eye contact with the master of the black panther. He saw him, and the other saw him.
Wenzel’s eyes were grey-blue. The moment Lin Chen was gazed upon, he felt as if he had fallen into a vast, silent, and profound ocean, capable of swallowing everything.
While he was still stunned, the man on horseback bent down, reached out, lifted his chin, and placed a cold, brief kiss on his cheek.
Instantly, all sorts of gazes fell from all directions—jealousy, shock, curiosity, doubt—none of them friendly.
Lin Chen’s first reaction: This guy is getting revenge on me.
Even so, when that flawless, handsome face suddenly magnified before Lin Chen’s eyes, filling his vision and mind, he still uncontrollably held his breath, his pupils dilating.
This man is really handsome but he’s got ulterior motives!
Before Lin Chen could even question him, the man rode away without a second thought. He’s truly a tool, used and discarded.
Outrageous!
But what could he do? He had no power or influence.
Wenzel kissed the cheek of a dark-haired, dark-eyed youth. This outcome shocked not only the onlookers but also those who knew Lin Chen’s identity.
They also believed that Wenzel might be deliberately teasing him.
Because today, Si Ang had acted far too arrogantly in front of him. Even if Spencer wasn’t good, he was still their family’s ally.
If they didn’t do something, Si Ang would inevitably take advantage of them. So, Si Ang’s little lover became the arena. Spencer went up to fight and lost. Now it was Wenzel’s turn. Now it was up to Si Ang to see if he dared to retaliate against Wenzel.
Lin Chen felt like he was being pierced by the gazes of the ladies, and the men were also scrutinizing him as if trying to figure out what was so special about him, and why Wenzel had chosen him.
He had practically become a tourist attraction.
This was no place to linger. Lin Chen took a deep breath, calmed himself, and then, feigning composure, led Parker away.
Once they were in a secluded spot, he grabbed the lion’s ear: “Parker! Someone was harassing me just now, why didn’t you stop them?”
Wasn’t Parker usually most sensitive to people getting close to him?
How come he failed just now!
Luckily, the other person only kissed his cheek, otherwise, losing his first kiss, which he had guarded for twenty years, would have been too heartbreaking.
The lion blinked innocently: “…”
It wanted to stop them too, but the other person’s mental strength was even stronger than its master’s; it had been caught off guard for a moment.
“Roar…” the lion whimpered.
“Never mind, it’s not your fault.” Lin Chen touched his face; it was just a kiss, it wouldn’t hurt him.
Because of what had just happened, Lin Chen obediently returned to Si Ang’s side and stayed close, not daring to wander off again.
Si Ang didn’t know that Lin Chen had been kissed by Wenzel. He frowned when he heard others talking about it and asked Lin Chen, “Wenzel kissed you?”
It was very awkward.
Lin Chen quickly recounted the story of the group betting on polo, seriously stroking his chin as he analyzed, “It feels like he did it on purpose to retaliate against you and annoy you.”
In short, there wasn’t a single element of ambiguity in this matter.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t Si Ang’s lover; their relationship was purely platonic. The other party’s plan was going to fail.
“Brother Ang, don’t fall for his tricks. It’s not like I’m missing a piece of my flesh,” Lin Chen said nonchalantly. “Besides, I don’t think I’m the only one who’s annoyed. He was unwilling too, so I’m still the one who came out ahead.”
“Came out ahead?” Si Ang squinted, looking at Lin Chen suspiciously.
Lin Chen hummed in agreement, “He’s better looking than me, has a higher status, and he was the one who initiated the kiss. So I came out ahead.”
Si Ang immediately slapped his little brother on the back of the head, correcting him speechlessly, “Next time you encounter a thug like that, you should slap him back.”
“That won’t do, Brother Ang,” Lin Chen smiled good-naturedly, “If he tears me apart on the spot, you won’t even have time to save me.”
Emotional intelligence might not solve problems, but sometimes it can alleviate them.
Surviving in the cracks isn’t shameful.
Si Ang fell silent, and felt a pang of regret. Perhaps he shouldn’t have dragged Lin Chen into this cutthroat world of fame and fortune.
He himself was the one vying for power and profit, the one unwilling to be inferior to others; Lin Chen had never been an ambitious person.
Living doesn’t necessarily mean climbing the social ladder; being a simple, ordinary person is quite good too.
“Why don’t you stop associating with Madam Sandy? Dealing with nobles isn’t suitable for you,” Si Ang said. He thought he could protect Lin Chen, but now it seemed danger was unavoidable.
Today, in just a brief separation, Lin Chen was either intimidated or harassed…
Lin Chen shook his head: “Didn’t you say that as long as you have something special, you’ll get in the way of certain people? I have no ambition, but I don’t want to be subservient.”
Believe it or not, once he lost Si Ang’s protection, he would be swallowed up immediately.
The menacing Lu family, his increasingly outstanding appearance as he grew older, and his abilities that could be exposed at any moment—these were all ticking time bombs.
Opportunities and capital are fleeting.
Even the most naive Lin Chen knew that what could be used must be used to its fullest extent, otherwise, missing out would lead to ruin.
Madam Sandy’s full name was Sandy Orange, the daughter of a prince, and she was greatly favored.
Although nominally a widow, she actually lived a free and independent life on her own estate, and could have lovers whenever she wanted.
The day after the banquet, Lin Chen immediately received an invitation from Madam Sandy to visit her home.
Before going, Lin Chen learned about Madam Sandy’s background and realized Si Ang’s painstaking efforts; his connections were truly impressive.
Jenny, Madam Sandy’s companion red fox, came to Lin Chen again with a pastry in her mouth, placed it in his palm, and squeaked.
“Thank you,” Lin Chen said, flattered. “It seems more lively and cheerful in familiar surroundings.”
As for the pastry, he gladly accepted it.
Madam Sandy, dressed in a purple velvet gown, leaned elegantly against a luxurious chair with a languid smile on her face. “Your focus is always on Jenny’s feelings; no wonder she likes you.”
Lin Chen was shy, and avoided looking directly at Madam Sandy’s curvaceous figure. “I’m used to it.”
“They can’t talk. They don’t say when they’re cold, hot, or uncomfortable.”
“I pay attention to that, and it’s become a habit.”
Madam Sandy’s expression showed appreciation. She did love Jenny, but only her companion animal. Lin Chen’s love for animals seemed to have no such limitation.
“Being your companion animal must be very happy,” Madam Sandy asked curiously. “Where is your companion animal?”
Lin Chen: “Not yet. I’m still a student so it’s not convenient to keep one.”
Madam Sandy was puzzled. “How is it inconvenient to be at school?”
She herself had raised Jenny while completing her studies.
Lin Chen paused, then frankly replied, “Because my family’s financial situation is average, I plan to settle down after graduation when I have a stable job.”
“Well, that’s… “
Madam Sandy’s gaze involuntarily fell on Lin Chen’s wrist. Rumors were circulating that Lin Chen was Si Ang’s lover, and as Si Ang’s lover, he couldn’t possibly be short of money.
But she didn’t want to ask directly, afraid of hurting Lin Chen’s pride.
Lin Chen understood and explained, “Actually, I haven’t known Mr. Si Ang for very long.”
“Oh, I see.” Madam Sandy nodded, seemingly accepting the explanation.
But deep down, she still thought Si Ang wasn’t treating his lover well enough. A tycoon’s heir making his lover work.
Suddenly, her gaze towards Lin Chen held a hint of pity.
“You said you know how to tend to plants?” Madam Sandy didn’t mind giving Lin Chen this opportunity, even if only for Jenny’s sake.
“Yes, Madam.” Lin Chen was poised and confident.
Madam Sandy smiled, quite pleased with Lin Chen’s open and easygoing manner. She rose and said, “Come with me. There are indeed some plants in the garden that need tending. I would be very grateful if you could manage them well.”
Lin Chen bowed slightly, “Thank you for your trust, Madam.”
He followed Madam Sandy into the garden, secretly astonished. No wonder she was the daughter of a prince; her garden was truly breathtaking.
Looking around, roses and other plants were abundant, even more than Lin Chen had seen at the Countess’s residence.
Naturally, there were many gardeners working here. Many were experts hired by Madam Sandy at high salaries; their daily care of the plants was enough to support their entire families.
Being a princess’s gardener was a respectable position.
It was an unfortunate fact that almost every respectable job in every industry was controlled by the nobility.
Countless commoners fought tooth and nail for a job among the nobility.
But what society isn’t cruel? Resources are always controlled by a small group. Lin Chen didn’t think his previous society was much better.
He was lucky; he couldn’t change the times, only adapt.
The rest of the day, Lin Chen tended to his stunted plants. The other gardeners, hearing he was Madam Sandy’s new advisor, gathered to watch but couldn’t discern any special techniques from him.
Even Madam Sandy was skeptical, asking, “Is this really effective?”
In her view, it was just repotting.
Lin Chen smiled confidently, “It’s effective. They’ll grow very well, please don’t worry.”
After all, he was someone she trusted, so Madam Sandy was willing to believe Lin Chen, only asking curiously, “What’s the principle behind this? Do you have magic?”
Lin Chen smiled, “Just assume I do.”
As the sun began to set, Lin Chen politely declined Madam Sandy’s dinner invitation. Since they had a boss-employee relationship, it was best to maintain a certain distance.
This self-awareness impressed Madam Sandy, making her feel that Lin Chen was very considerate and hadn’t become arrogant despite her appreciation.
Upon learning that Lin Chen was going back to feed the wild animals in the back mountains, Madam Sandy was surprised but quickly let him go.
She couldn’t let the animals postpone their dinner because of her.
“Squeak…” It was Jenny, who was very reluctant to part with Lin Chen.
Jenny squinted her fox eyes, and nestled affectionately on Lin Chen’s shoulder with her fiery red tail wrapped around the young man’s neck. For a moment, it was hard to tell whether the tail was more beautiful or the young man’s face was more striking.
Jenny was so adorable, one wanted to kiss her. Lin Chen asked her owner, “Madam, may I kiss her?”
After a long day, Madam Sandy was too tired to be jealous and generously nodded, “Of course.”
“Thank you.” Lin Chen kissed Jenny’s forehead: “Goodbye, I’ll come see you again next time.”
This farewell kiss might have held some kind of magic; Jenny finally released Lin Chen’s neck and obediently returned to her master’s arms.
Three days had passed since the banquet. The group of privileged young men centered around Wenzel were all waiting for Si Ang’s reaction. After all, Wenzel had publicly disrespected his lover.
Would Si Ang swallow this insult?
Si Ang was so arrogant; they couldn’t guess, but three days had passed, and Si Ang still hadn’t reacted at all.
“Not surprising,” William said, his expression strange as if remembering something. “I just found out that Si Ang’s little lover went to Madam Sandy’s residence the next day and stayed there for a whole day.”
A lone man and woman spending a whole day together—there were plenty of things they could do.
That’s not the point. The point is, if Si Ang doesn’t mind sharing his lover with others, why would he mind Wenzel giving him a small kiss?
“Why do you think he sent his lover to Madam Sandy?”
“To win over His Highness the Prince?”
“Tsk, doesn’t the Si family disdain associating with nobles?”
“William, His Highness is royalty.”
There’s a difference between royalty and nobility; you can’t try to play along.
William glared at the pseudo-elegant Owen.
“What do we do now?” He turned his head, his gaze sweeping over Wenzel’s captivating profile, then paused.
Even Earl William, who had seen countless people, sometimes lost his composure because of Wenzel’s looks.
But unfortunately, they were friends.
If Wenzel weren’t the high and mighty Duke, perhaps he would be infatuated with the other’s… appearance, but as for his character, well, let’s just say he wasn’t worthy.
In the cold month of January, the capital city welcomed the snow season. Everyone gathered idly around the fireplace, brewing tea and chatting.
Wenzel was also relatively free today, and was patiently cleaning his hunting rifle. His focused expression made it seem as if he wasn’t even paying attention to the conversation around him.
“Wenzel, your plan has failed,” said Owen, the owner of the monitor lizard.
Wenzel finally reacted: “What plan failed?”
William asked with interest: “You kissed Si Ang’s lover hoping to provoke Si Ang but he didn’t react at all.”
Wenzel paused, then retorted: “Who told you I did it to provoke Si Ang?”
“Isn’t that right?” William frowned, puzzled: “Then why did you kiss his lover?”
“Oh,” he answered himself: “Could it be that you’ve fallen for Si Ang’s young lover?”
That couldn’t be, could it?
While Si Ang’s young lover was indeed quite attractive and somewhat unique, it wasn’t enough to make Wenzel fall in love at first sight.