Wang Yue glanced at Gu Jiusi and saw how sincere he seemed. After a moment's thought, he said, "I could help you come up with a solution, but what's in it for me?"
Chen Xun was displeased that Wang Yue was actually bargaining with them. "Brother Wang, we're friends, aren't we? How can you start talking terms with us? That's hardly the conduct of a gentleman."
Wang Yue curled his lip. "You people are something else. Last time I sincerely tried to befriend you, you thought I had ulterior motives. Now that you need my help, you're calling me 'brother' left and right. You're far too worldly."
Yang Wenchang was a little embarrassed by Wang Yue's words. Seeing that Wang Yue didn't seem angry, he hurriedly tried to smooth things over. "Brother Wang, just tell us what you have in mind. The three of us will throw you a banquet to make amends. But Jiusi's situation is rather urgent. What exactly are you thinking?"
Gu Jiusi had heard his parents mention Wang Yue, and he knew who Wang Yue was. He might have been a wastrel, but he wasn't stupid.
He hurried to his feet and bowed to Wang Yue before saying earnestly, "Young Master Wang, I was blind to your worth. It wasn't that I couldn't tell a good person from a bad one. I hope you'll be magnanimous and forgive me this once."
Seeing that Gu Jiusi was willing to put his pride aside and seemed sincere, Wang Yue thought of their future cooperation. He didn't put on airs and answered frankly, "It's actually simple. If you don't want to get married, just pretend to be ill—too ill to marry."
Yang Wenchang promptly shook his head at Wang Yue's suggestion. "Young Master Wang, that won't work. If Brother