Chapter 5: Eat and Deny the Debt?

Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Eat and Deny the Debt?The moment their eyes met, Qin Miaomiao involuntarily shuddered. Despite being someone who had weathered many storms in the past, she couldn't help but feel a trace of fear when confronted by those piercing eyes, as though her very soul had been penetrated and frozen solid.

Regarding the Lu Family, regarding Lu Qing, in her previous life when she was still Su Jin, their names were as well-known as thunder rolling through the ears. Yet she had never imagined that one day she would meet this enigmatic man—hidden yet omnipresent—in such a way.

The Lu Family was the foremost family in A City, reigning above all others, their authority absolute. Even the distant branches of the Lu Family could still wield influence and command respect using the family name.

As for Lu Qing, he was the helm of this illustrious family. The rumors painted him as a ruthless and domineering man, someone who seamlessly operated in both the legitimate and the underworld circles. Even high-ranking officials had to defer to his whims.

Despite the tales of his formidable nature, he maintained a surprisingly low profile and was so shrouded in mystery that no one had ever seen his true appearance. All that existed was the chilling reputation that preceded him.

But at this moment, Qin Miaomiao had not anticipated that their first encounter would be so embarrassingly awkward, with her standing as a soon-to-be-divorced Mrs. Lu.

Fate truly had a wicked sense of humor.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself against the intimidation radiating from Lu Qing, Qin Miaomiao raised her eyes to look at the most powerful man before her. A ripple of light danced in her gaze—her once dull stare now sparked with vivid emotion—which even compelled Lu Qing to take a second glance.

"Mr. Lu, I think we need to have a proper talk," she said softly.

"There's nothing to discuss." His disdain for Qin Miaomiao was palpable, etched into every word. Even with what had already transpired, he showed her not an ounce of sympathy or affection.

Qin Miaomiao drew in another deep breath. Divorce simply wasn't an option—if she lost this title, her status as the Qin Family's daughter would be utterly worthless!

The Qin Family had already collapsed into a hollow shell, its wealth squandered by the shameless relatives within. How was she supposed to exact her revenge?

"I won't sign the papers. Besides, have you spoken to Grandfather about this? Would he approve?" Qin Miaomiao smiled coolly, her tone calm yet defiant, an air of absolute poise surrounding her.

This demeanor, this manner of speaking—even Lu Qing couldn't help but regard her with a flicker of intrigue. Since when did this troublesome and frivolous woman learn to wield Grandfather as leverage against him?

Yet such a minor change wouldn't shake him at all.

His expression remained as cold as ever. Those deep and strikingly handsome eyes pinned her down, their piercing scrutiny making Qin Miaomiao shiver involuntarily, nearly throwing her off balance.

The next second, the man's lips curved into a fear-inducing smirk as he leaned down, stepping closer to impose himself upon her. The dangerous chill radiating from him drove Qin Miaomiao to shrink back unconsciously, attempting to flee this perilous aura—but escape was impossible.

The suffocating pressure of his chest nearing hers made Qin Miaomiao reflexively close her eyes. Yet the moment she did, his icy voice descended upon her like thunder:

"So now you've learned how to threaten me? You might want to look at this contract before making rash decisions."

She forced herself to steady her fluttering nerves, tilting her face upward to meet his gaze. Her fair, intricate features carried an air of innocence, though her dark eyes glimmered with stubborn defiance and unwavering resolve.

Lu Qing's gaze fell on her obstinate eyes, that flicker of rebellion catching him off guard yet again. This foolish woman—when had she started becoming unpredictable?

Her voice emerged, slightly hoarse yet firm:

"This is my marriage. Whether or not we divorce is up to me alone. Even you, Lu Qing, don't have the authority to decide."

The words "my marriage, my choice" carried a quiet dignity, yet they brimmed with stubborn determination that surprised Lu Qing once more.

But for him, this arranged marriage and the woman who came with it had already long worn out his patience. All traces of tolerance had evaporated.

Raising his hand, his rough palm pressed firmly against her delicate neck, its graceful curve trembling beneath his cool touch. His eyes held no warmth, only icy rage simmering beneath the surface of his smirk.

A woman's intuition sounded alarm bells in Qin Miaomiao's mind—this man was far too dangerous, entirely intolerant of defiance. Anyone who dared anger him would undoubtedly meet a grim fate.

Yet Qin Miaomiao kept her head raised, her expression unyielding, her gaze never backing down.

"Authority? Ha. No one has ever dared speak to me like this. Qin Miaomiao, you're the first. You will bear the consequences."

Though her face remained resolute, Qin Miaomiao couldn't ignore the cold sweat running down her spine as she stared at his frosty eyes and smoldering mouth.

She was all too aware—just a little more pressure from his hand, and she'd lose her life. And he was absolutely capable of doing it; the strength in his grip was already making her breathless.

Even if she wanted to exploit the title of Mrs. Lu, she certainly didn't want to gamble away her life. Right now, regret clawed at her heart!

"Cough... cough... Divorce... isn't entirely out of the question. But—I have one condition." Qin Miaomiao stammered between gasps, patting Lu Qing's hand desperately.

Lu Qing's dark eyes narrowed, his grip loosening slightly. He replied with cool indifference:

"Speak."

"Change the timeline to one year. After one year, the contract will automatically take effect, and we can divorce. How's that?" Qing Miaomiao said hurriedly, taking deep, laborious breaths.

What a joke—this was life and death! She couldn't let herself perish right after being reborn!

Lu Qing lowered his gaze to her, his eyes sweeping across her face, their expression narrowing slightly at the corners.

"One year? Qin Miaomiao, what game are you playing?"