C117 Fiance and Boyfriend?

This isn't just a mansion—it's a full-blown estate!

The expansive courtyard was meticulously landscaped with verdant plants.

At the heart of the estate stood several villas, all exuding European elegance and grandeur.

Han Qiqi didn't give it much thought. She simply linked arms with Zhang Chen and strolled toward the villa.

They quickly arrived at the entrance.

Han Qiqi tapped lightly on the door, and soon, the sound of hastening footsteps approached.

The door swung open, revealing a nanny.

"Miss, you've returned," the nanny greeted warmly with a benevolent smile.

"I'm back, Mrs. Wang," Han Qiqi responded with a radiant smile.

Zhang Chen was taken aback by her courteous demeanor; he hadn't expected Han Qiqi to be so gracious.

With a respectful bow, the nanny stepped aside, and Han Qiqi, still holding onto Zhang Chen's arm, led him inside.

Zhang Chen took in his surroundings—the villa's interior was opulent, reminiscent of a European royal palace.

Three individuals were already seated on the central sofa.

Zhang Chen's brow furrowed.

Weren't there supposed to be five people? Why only three?

The man at the helm had a square jaw, short hair tinged with gray, and an air of authority that was palpable even in his silence.

Despite being past fifty, his physique was remarkably robust.

A scar on his left cheek lent him an added air of intimidation.

Clearly, this man was Ningzhou's underground boss, Han Tianhua!

Beside Han Tianhua sat a woman whose allure had not faded with time—his wife, Zhu Jiuyan.

Across from them, a young man dressed in lavish attire exuded a composed demeanor.

Han Tianhua, upon hearing the noise, didn't bother to look up. He barked, "Qiqi, you're growing more and more disobedient!"

"How dare you gallivant when we have guests?"

Han Qiqi pouted and retorted, "I'm about to have a blind date. Naturally, I wanted my boyfriend to see for himself."

Zhang Chen nearly choked—what was she implying?

At her words, the three people on the sofa whipped their heads around.

Only then did they take notice of Zhang Chen, standing by Han Qiqi's side.

Everyone was momentarily speechless.

Finally, Han Tianhua roared in frustration, "Ridiculous!"

His voice boomed like thunder, and in an instant, the temperature in the living room plummeted, casting a chill over everything.

Zhang Chen's heart skipped a beat in shock. The underground boss truly had a reputation that preceded him.

The young man opposite him narrowed his eyes, a flicker of anger crossing his face.

Zhu Jiuyan, however, regarded Zhang Chen with a curious gaze, as if pondering something.

Han Qiqi ignored the others and pulled Zhang Chen down onto the sofa beside her.

She assertively took his hand in hers.

Zhang Chen's mouth quirked in a grimace, his heart sinking with resignation.

It was clear she had brought him here for a confrontation.

Han Tianhua's eyes narrowed, his voice icy. "Brother, I don't care who you are. We have private matters to discuss. Please leave us."

Zhang Chen could only shake his head in silent frustration.

But Han Qiqi countered, "I've finally managed to bring my boyfriend here. How can you ask him to leave?"

She clung to Zhang Chen's hand, her face etched with feigned reluctance.

Han Tianhua clenched his jaw, a cold glint in his eyes as a menacing presence filled the room.

The young man, however, smiled smoothly and said, "Uncle, there's no need for anger. Qiqi is young; it's natural for her to be playful."

Zhang Chen arched an eyebrow.

He cast the young man a surprised glance, redefining his understanding of the term 'rich second generation.'

After a long moment, Han Tianhua reined in his temper.

Han Qiqi grinned, "Zhao Kuo isn't bothered, so why are you?"

Han Tianhua's anger flared anew.

Zhu Jiuyan called out sharply, "Qiqi!"

Han Qiqi playfully stuck out her tongue but then settled down.

Zhao Kuo smiled warmly, "Qiqi, it's been a while. Have you missed me?"

Without missing a beat, Han Qiqi replied, "No. I've been too preoccupied with thoughts of my boyfriend to spare any for you."

She leaned in closer to Zhang Chen, who, despite feeling uncomfortable, endured the moment.

A flash of coldness passed through Zhao Kuo's eyes, yet his smile remained. "Brother, you seem unfamiliar. Which family do you belong to?"

Zhang Chen offered a smile tinged with effort and said, "I'm from deep in the mountains."

Zhao Kuo's face eased at once.

Could someone from the mountains really compete with him?

Without betraying any emotion, Zhao Kuo pressed on, "Where are you employed?"

Zhang Chen was at a loss for words.

He had thought this time would be different, yet it seemed to be the same old routine.

Zhang Chen flashed a wry smile.

But before he could speak, Han Qiqi cut in, "He's in the same line of work as you, running a hotel."

That revelation took Zhang Chen aback.

Was Zhao Kuo's family in the hotel business too?

That explained Han Qiqi's familiarity with hotel design.

Zhao Kuo arched an eyebrow and remarked casually, "Oh? Then we should definitely share insights sometime. My family has been in the hotel business for many years."

Zhang Chen nodded with a smile, yet remained silent.

He had absolutely no interest.

Zhao Kuo was taken aback. Not a single question from him?

He had hoped to flaunt his family's prestige when Zhang Chen inquired.

Amidst his discomfort, Han Tianhua's voice emerged, "Zhao Kuo, how large is your hotel enterprise?"

Grateful for the lifeline, Zhao Kuo responded eagerly, "With your blessing, we have about fifty or sixty five-star hotels nationwide."

"And just under ten seven-star hotels."

The financial power of their hotels alone could overshadow most of Ningzhou's second-tier families.

Zhang Chen's eyebrows lifted.

Was Zhao Kuo's family really that influential?

With a congenial smile, Zhao Kuo asked, "And how many hotels do you own?"

Zhang Chen, clearly irked, rolled his eyes but replied, "Just the one."

A smirk of condescension played on Zhao Kuo's lips.

Yet Han Qiqi countered with pride, "But he built that one hotel on his own merit."

Of course, his hotel had actually been a gift from Su Mang.

Zhao Kuo's smile stiffened.

Clearly, Han Qiqi's barb was aimed at his reliance on family wealth.

Seamlessly, Han Tianhua chimed in, "Family heritage is a form of status in itself. If you weren't my daughter, do you think you'd be able to throw your weight around like you do today?"

Han Qiqi couldn't hide her dissatisfaction as she retorted, "If I weren't your daughter, I wouldn't be spending my days steeped in unhappiness like I am now."

Han Tianhua was left without words.

Zhao Kuo, however, was unfazed. He grinned and said, "Qiqi, the main reason I'm back is to discuss our wedding date. What day do you think would be best?"

He completely disregarded Zhang Chen in his remarks.

Han Qiqi rolled her eyes and covertly nudged Zhang Chen.

His words had been quite forward; wasn't it time for you to step up as her boyfriend?

Zhang Chen quickly caught on.

After a brief moment of thought, he responded with a chuckle, "Don't you think it's a bit inappropriate to be talking about marrying my girlfriend right in front of me?"