Can We Only Be Friends?

Just as Lin Chen was about to explain, the property manager beside him smiled and spoke up first. "Ma'am, I don't know what your relationship is with Mr. Lin, but I can vouch with my character and professional integrity."

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

"What did you just say? You're saying this villa belongs to Lin Chen?!"

"This... how is that possible?!"

The property manager's words were like a thunderclap from a clear sky, stirring up a storm in Qin Xueqing's heart.

She never imagined that this famous Zhonghai villa, Star River Bay, actually belonged to Lin Chen.

After all, this villa was priced at a full three billion yuan—even the richest son of Zhonghai's wealthiest family could only gaze at it longingly.

Even if someone told her there were ghosts in the world, Qin Xueqing might still believe it. But saying this villa belonged to her old classmate Lin Chen? She would sooner die than believe it.

It sounded absurd, but that was the truth.

She knew all too well about Lin Chen's family background. Both his parents were assembly line workers in a factory—that had long been an open secret in their class.

Not to mention Lin Chen's academic performance in class; even a Harvard graduate, three years into society, probably couldn't earn three billion yuan.

Seeing Qin Xueqing's shock and disbelief, Lin Chen smiled helplessly. He dismissed the property manager and said, "I know it's hard to believe, but it's the truth. This villa is mine."

With that, he pulled out the property deed. When Qin Xueqing saw Lin Chen's name on it, no matter how unwilling she was to believe, she had no choice but to accept it.

"Lin Chen... you, you're not secretly a rich second-generation, are you? Was everything before just you hiding it? Including your parents' jobs?"

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

To avoid slipping up, Lin Chen went along with that explanation.

"That explains it..."

Even now, Qin Xueqing was still stunned. Only this possibility could explain why Lin Chen had kept such a low profile throughout all four years of college.

At the same time, she gained a whole new understanding of his character.

Someone from such a privileged background, who not only didn't look down on others like other rich kids, but was exceptionally approachable.

Even growing up in that environment, he still understood that money didn't come easy—that was clear from the way he dressed. He was truly a man without any airs.

For some reason, at this moment, when Qin Xueqing met Lin Chen's gaze, her heart began pounding uncontrollably.

"Lin Chen... why are you staring at me like that?"

Qin Xueqing's cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke. Especially when she saw that Lin Chen was still staring at her even after she said that, her heart raced even faster. Thoughts flooded her mind:

"Could he... like me?"

"But he's so outstanding... am I worthy of him?"

"And that time I invited him to dinner, did he think I was too forward? I'm not usually like that. I hope he doesn't misunderstand."

Because of Lin Chen's unusual behavior, countless guesses and self-questioning raced through Qin Xueqing's mind. In short, she was a complete mess.

But Lin Chen was just spacing out and feeling puzzled—he wasn't actually staring at Qin Xueqing.

"That's not right. Logically, signing the contract should mean the matter is resolved. So why is the system task still there? Does Qin Xueqing have other troubles she hasn't mentioned?"

"No, I have to ask. Otherwise, I'll lose the system reward. That would be a huge loss."

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

Qin Xueqing's face was flushed pink, like a freshly bloomed rose, making one want to reach out and touch it.

Her shy expression, paired with her stunning beauty—even a woman would feel envious, let alone a man. Qin Xueqing's face was simply too perfect.

If measured in percentages, she could surpass at least ninety-eight percent of her peers.

"Why is your face so red all of a sudden? Are you okay?"

"No... I'm fine."

Sensing her own unusual state, Qin Xueqing quickly replied. But because she was too nervous, her voice came out soft and weak. At the same time, she cursed inwardly:

"You big blockhead. My face is red because of you."

"What kind of guy stares at a girl like that? Even a normal girl would get shy being stared at for so long, let alone being stared at by a handsome guy like you."

"What a dense, stupid blockhead."

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

"That kind of inner thought... isn't that something only couples have? Could I really... have fallen for him?"

"But he's so outstanding... am I... worthy of him?"

"Are you... really okay?"

"No... I'm fine."

Seeing Qin Xueqing's face cool down slightly only to flush again, Lin Chen wasn't so sure anymore.

But since she said she was fine, she probably was. After all, she was a grown woman—she should know whether something was wrong with her own body.

The two paused again. After about thirty seconds, Lin Chen broke the silence first, asking, "Xueqing, do you not see me as a friend?"

"Huh? Huh?!"

Caught off guard by Lin Chen's sudden question, Qin Xueqing was a bit slow to react. But to avoid any misunderstanding, she quickly replied, "No, we're classmates, so of course we're friends."

As she said this, a wave of helplessness rose unbidden in Qin Xueqing's heart.

Can it only be friends?

A pang of disappointment hit her, but before it could linger, Lin Chen's next words reignited her hope.

"No? Then why won't you tell me all your troubles? That way I can help you."

Lin Chen looked straight into Qin Xueqing's eyes, making her heart thump wildly in her chest, as if it might burst through.

Did he see through that matter too? It seems... he really does care about me.

Hearing Lin Chen's words, hope flickered back to life in Qin Xueqing's heart. She said, "I can't hide it from you. Since that's the case, I'll tell you everything."

"Actually, coming out this time—first, it's about the house, and second, it's about work."

When she mentioned work, Qin Xueqing's briefly lifted spirits sank again.