Can We Only Be Friends?

Just as Lin Chen was about to explain, the property manager beside him smiled and spoke first. "Ma'am, although I don't know what relationship you have with Mr. Lin, I can guarantee this with my character and profession."

"You can rest assured and let Mr. Lin sign this lease agreement, because he is the owner of this villa."

"What did you just say? You said this villa belongs to Lin Chen?!"

"Th... that's impossible!"

The property manager's words were like a bolt from the blue, stirring up raging waves in Qin Xueqing's heart.

She had never imagined that Star River Bay, Zhonghai's famous villa, would actually belong to Lin Chen.

One had to know that this villa was priced at a full three billion yuan. Even Zhonghai Richest Man's Son could only look upon it with longing.

If someone told her there were ghosts in this world, Qin Xueqing might believe it. But if they said this villa belonged to her old classmate Lin Chen, she would not believe it even if beaten to death.

It sounded absurd, but it was the truth.

Qin Xueqing knew Lin Chen's family circumstances better than anyone. His parents were both assembly-line workers at a factory, and that had long ceased to be a secret in their class.

Leaving aside how Lin Chen had performed academically, even a Harvard graduate probably could not earn three billion yuan within three years of entering society.

Seeing Qin Xueqing's shocked disbelief, Lin Chen smiled helplessly. He sent the property manager away before saying, "Although it's hard to believe, it is indeed true. This villa is mine."

After saying that, he even took out the property ownership certificate. When Qin Xueqing saw Lin Chen's name on it, she had no choice but to believe it, no matter how unwilling she was to accept it.

"Lin Chen... y-you're not some rich second-generation heir, are you? Were you deliberately hiding everything before? Even your parents' jobs?"

"Mm... I guess you could say that."

To avoid giving himself away, Lin Chen could only go along with her assumption.

"No wonder..."

Even now, Qin Xueqing was still deeply shaken. Only this possibility could explain why Lin Chen had been so low-key throughout their four years of university.

At the same time, she gained an entirely new understanding of him.

Despite coming from such an exceptional family background, he had not acted high and mighty like other rich heirs. Instead, he was remarkably approachable.

Even having grown up in such circumstances, he still understood that money did not come easily. His clothes alone made that clear. He was truly someone without airs.

For some reason, when Qin Xueqing met the gaze Lin Chen cast her way, her heart began pounding faster on its own.

"Lin Chen... w-why are you looking at me like that?"

Qin Xueqing said, her cheeks growing slightly warm. Especially when Lin Chen continued staring after hearing her words, her heart beat even faster, and she thought:

He... he doesn't like me, does he?

But he's so outstanding. Am I good enough for him?

And when I invited him to dinner before, will he think I was being too forward? But I'm usually not like that. I hope he doesn't misunderstand me.

Because of Lin Chen's unusual behavior, countless guesses and self-doubts flashed through Qin Xueqing's mind. In short, her thoughts were a complete mess.

However, Lin Chen was merely lost in thought and puzzled at the moment. He was not actually staring at Qin Xueqing.

That's not right. Logically speaking, once the contract is signed, the matter should be resolved. Why does the system mission still exist? Could it be that Qin Xueqing has other troubles she hasn't mentioned?

No, I have to ask. Otherwise, the system reward will be gone. What a waste that would be.

Lin Chen thought to himself. Just as he was about to look up and ask Qin Xueqing, the sight before him completely stunned him.

Qin Xueqing's face was flushed pink, like a rose that had just bloomed, making people unable to resist wanting to pinch it.

That bashful appearance, combined with her peerless beauty, would inspire envy not only in men but even in women. Qin Xueqing's looks were simply too perfect.

If measured by percentage, she surpassed at least ninety-eight percent of people her age.

"Why did your face suddenly turn so red? Are you okay?"

"N-no... I'm fine."

Seemingly realizing something was off with her, Qin Xueqing hurriedly replied. However, because she was too nervous, even her voice had become soft and weak. At the same time, she thought bitterly:

You blockhead, isn't my face this red because of you?

What kind of guy stares at a girl like that? Even an ordinary girl would be embarrassed after being stared at for so long, let alone when it's a handsome guy like you.

What a foolish blockhead.

The moment this thought appeared in her mind, even Qin Xueqing herself was startled.

Weren't those thoughts something only lovers would have? Why would I... Could it be that I really... like him?

But he's so outstanding. Am I... good enough for him?

"Are you... really okay?"

"N-no... I'm fine."

Seeing that the redness on Qin Xueqing's face had just faded a little before returning again, Lin Chen was somewhat uncertain.

But since she said she was fine, she should be fine. They were adults, after all; surely she knew whether there was anything wrong with her body.

The two fell silent again. About thirty seconds later, Lin Chen was the first to break the silence. "Xue Qing, do you not consider me a friend?"

"Huh? Huh?!"

Caught off guard by Lin Chen's sudden question, Qin Xueqing did not react at first. But to avoid any misunderstanding, she quickly replied, "No. We're classmates, so of course we're friends."

As she said this, an inexplicable sense of helplessness rose in Qin Xueqing's heart.

Can we only be friends?

She felt somewhat disappointed, but before long, Lin Chen's next words rekindled her hope.

"No? Then why haven't you told me everything that's on your mind? That way, I can help you too."

Lin Chen looked directly into Qin Xueqing's eyes, making her heart pound wildly, as if it were about to burst out of her chest.

Did he even see through that matter? It seems like he... really cares about me.

Hearing Lin Chen's words, hope rose once more in Qin Xueqing's heart. She said, "I still couldn't hide it from you. Since that's the case, I'll tell you everything."

"Actually, I came out this time for two reasons. The first was the housing matter, and the second was work."

At the mention of work, Qin Xueqing's improved mood sank once again.