Feigning Compliance (Bonus Chapter for Alliance Leader "Bamboo Leaf Seed Crisp")

Cousin?

Hearing Zhang Gaqi's words, Zhang Chen's expression turned strange. "It can't be that much of a coincidence, can it?"

Zhang Gaqi's voice was full of warmth. Zhang Chen could tell that he was genuinely sincere and truly wanted to take better care of him.

"Could it be that he wants to take my place in the Political Marriage?" Zhang Chen asked.

"Since you have now arrived in Jinling City, the Political Marriage is naturally off. Later, I will mediate the dispute between the two of you and have him withdraw from these muddy waters of his own accord," Zhang Gaqi said.

Zhang Chen glanced at Zhang Gaqi. He felt that Zhang Gaqi was being rather too wishful. Zhang Gaoqiu had been discussing with Shen Qiu how to frame him—how could he possibly give up so easily?

Just as he was about to refuse Zhang Gaqi, Zhang Gaqi looked out the window. "What a coincidence. He has already arrived."

Zhang Chen turned to look outside. Sure enough, he saw a familiar figure appear at the street corner. It was the very man who had discussed how to frame him in front of the Shen Family Ancestral Hall.

Zhang Gaoqiu made his way to the private room. Before he even arrived, his voice carried in from afar. "Fourth Uncle, when did you arrive? Why didn't you notify me earlier? I could have prepared to receive you properly."

As the words fell, Zhang Gaoqiu pushed open the door to the private room. He saw Zhang Chen seated opposite Zhang Gaqi, and his movements could not help but pause.

"Come in quickly. I have something to tell you," Zhang Gaqi called, inviting Zhang Gaoqiu to sit.

Zhang Gaoqiu stared at Zhang Chen, a trace of gloom surfacing in his eyes as a faint