C7 How Could This Be?

Well, she gets to relive her life and flirt with some fresh faces. It seems like she's not losing out at all.

Bai Chongyuan paused, his gaze deep and thoughtful as he looked at her.

Mrs. Wang felt a chill run down her spine. Was the lady openly flirting with the gentleman?

"Sir, Ma'am, Miss Qin has arrived," the butler suddenly announced from the doorway.

Bai Chongyuan withdrew his gaze. "Let her in."

Lin Ci's smile faded slightly.

Qin Shuangning, her uncle's daughter, was both her cousin and her most trusted friend in her past life. Yet, during her years in prison, this trusted friend never visited. After her release, she heard Qin Shuangning was thriving while working for Lin Ya. Most importantly, Qin Shuangning was present when she fell into the sea.

A flood of suspicions rushed through Lin Ci's mind.

"Ci, you're finally awake!" Qin Shuangning exclaimed, her eyes red as she hugged Lin Ci tightly. "You have no idea how scared I was when I saw you fall into the sea. Luckily, I noticed some fishermen nearby who managed to save you in time. Please be more careful from now on; don't scare me like that again."

Every word expressed her concern and informed everyone present that she was the one who saved Lin Ci.

In her past life, Lin Ci never doubted Qin Shuangning. Since she was rescued, she didn't think much of it and simply treated Qin Shuangning even better in the days that followed.

This is good, mostly in a material sense.

The Qin family had gone bankrupt long ago. After she married Bai Chongyuan, he didn't provide her with much cash, but he did shower her with jewelry and other valuables, piling them into her storage like they were free. Most of the money Qin Shuangning used to start her business came from her.

However, no matter how much she gave, it probably wasn't as much as Lin Ya received. Lin Ya had Lin's Group, and Bai Chongyuan was likely more generous with her. After all, Lin Ya was the real deal, family, while she was bound to be pushed out eventually. How could it be the same?

Thinking of this, her gaze turned colder. She gently pushed Qin Shuangning away. "I understand. I'll definitely be more careful in the future. Have you eaten? Would you like to sit down and join me?"

"Not yet. I came over as soon as I heard you were awake."

As she spoke, she hesitantly glanced at Bai Chongyuan. Although she had a good relationship with Lin Ci and was her cousin, Bai Chongyuan never extended his affection to her. He was always indifferent, not very welcoming.

This time, she heard he was the one who asked for her to come, and a hint of joy crept into her heart, though she dared not show it. Seeing the shy and hesitant look on her face, Lin Ci paused for a moment, pretending not to notice, and instructed Mrs. Wang, "Set another place at the table, please."

As they spoke, she couldn't help but take a closer look at Qin Shuangning. Qin was naturally attractive, with an elegant and tasteful style. Her makeup was meticulously done, striking a perfect balance between alluring and refined, with a captivating charm that could easily stir a man's interest.

Mrs. Wang glanced at Bai Chongyuan, and since he didn't say anything, she assumed he agreed.

As soon as Qin Shuangning sat down, Lin Ci said, "You don't like spicy food, right? Would you prefer to sit over there?"

The dining table was a long American-style one, with Bai Chongyuan seated across from Lin Ci. She was pointing to the seat next to him.

"Is that... okay?" Qin Shuangning glanced over, clearly tempted.

"Of course! It's just dinner. Sit wherever you're comfortable."

"Alright then." Qin Shuangning nervously took the seat next to Bai Chongyuan, keeping her head down, too shy to look at him.