Chapter 33: The Crown Prince’s Irresistible Charm

The lunch banquet began with a variety of dishes, including delicate Western cuisine served in small portions and hearty Chinese dishes full of flavor. It concluded with a dessert and a glass of sweet red wine.

“Since the young master is on a sugar-free diet for his fitness regime, we didn’t prepare a cake.”

Qin Mohuai didn’t comment. He hadn’t had a birthday cake in years.

When Mr. and Mrs. Qin were alive, they were always busy with work. Celebrating Qin Mohuai’s birthday was something they squeezed into their schedules, and there was never time for elaborate preparations. After their passing, his birthday turned into a large business gathering. Everyone would hold a glass of champagne, saying “Happy Birthday” while no one even cared whether there was a cake or not.

After the lunch banquet, no one seemed eager to leave. Pei Jingchen suggested a game of hide-and-seek, with a twist: whoever got caught had to accept a punishment unconditionally. These punishments ranged from streaking, a sexy wet dance, to calling an ex and confessing love…

Surprisingly, this outrageous idea garnered support from most of the group.

“Seriously, is this how the upper class entertains themselves?”

Well, if they want to play, let them play. Watch them fall silent once the game begins.

Xia Yuan didn’t want to participate in this absurd game. She tried to sneak away, but Qin Mohuai grabbed her wrist.

His deep, husky voice brushed against her ear, “It’ll be fun. Join us.”

Pei Jingchen narrowed his fox-like eyes and mischievously said, “The birthday boy will be the seeker, and we’ll hide! Those in favor, raise your hand!”

Xia Yuan immediately raised her hand and glanced at Qin Mohuai. Serves you right.

Qin Mohuai swallowed the words on his lips, his voice dragging out smoothly, “Alright.”

Though Qin Mohuai had been in a position of power for a long time and usually remained composed, his temper wasn’t the best. When he agreed with such casual indulgence, it carried a hint of warmth and doting charm that captivated everyone.

Xia Yuan’s heart skipped a beat.

She wasn’t the only one feeling a little flustered.

The whole place was filled with a pink, romantic atmosphere.

Except for Pei Jingchen, who had already put on his metaphorical clown mask.

The mansion was enormous, with three or four villas alone. Not to mention the golf course and outdoor pool—it would take a car to explore the entire property.

Having Qin Mohuai as the seeker made perfect sense. Xia Yuan initially wanted to blindfold him, but someone conveniently handed over a blue-striped tie. It covered his deep brow bones and part of his cold, perfectly shaped nose, adding a touch of sensuality and playfulness.

Everyone gasped in surprise. They had always been intimidated by Qin Mohuai’s unfathomable, icy gaze, so they never paid attention to how well-built he was.

Now, with a quick glance, they could see the man wearing a Cuban-collar shirt, the V-neck revealing a glimpse of his strong, sexy collarbone. His broad shoulders, muscular narrow waist, and long fingers wrapped in veins—everything about him exuded a potent sex appeal, his body brimming with raw masculine energy that sent another wave of excitement through the crowd.

Xia Yuan was the first to leave the villa. Only then did the others finally snap out of their daze and scramble to find hiding spots.

Xia Yuan walked a few steps outside, then returned to the villa.

She had been waiting for weeks for Qin Mohuai’s birthday. She had something important to do—there was no way she would focus only on playing games.

Pei Jingchen rubbed his chin and followed her.

Yang Yi, worried that Pei Jingchen might do something to Xia Yuan and anger Qin Mohuai, potentially ruining their friendship, decided to follow as well.

Xia Yuan tiptoed upstairs, only to realize she had two followers.

“You—”

She covered her mouth and whispered, “Why are you following me?”

Pei Jingchen said, “Whatever you’re doing, we’ll do too.”

Xia Yuan sighed, “…Then hide well. Don’t let Qin Mohuai find you.”

Pei Jingchen’s fox-like eyes gleamed with nonchalance as he whispered, “If he dares to punish me, I’ll leak the photos of his childhood bare bottom.”

Yang Yi didn’t say a word, but his bright smile showed he was thinking the same thing.

Xia Yuan felt she could use a picture of Qin Mohuai’s bare bottom too. “Can you guys share them with me? Send them to my WeChat.”

Pei Jingchen smirked, “That’s our life insurance. If we give them to you, they’re worthless. Unless you have something to trade.”

Yang Yi nudged Pei Jingchen. Flirting with socialites was one thing, but it was a death wish to mess with Qin Mohuai’s little darling.

Xia Yuan thought for a moment. “I’ve prepared a surprise for Qin Mohuai.”

Ten minutes later…

In the second-floor walk-in closet, Xia Yuan hid inside a natural rattan wardrobe, holding a birthday cake on her lap. Just as she picked up the lighter, the wardrobe door swung open.

Instinctively, Xia Yuan flicked the lighter on, and the small flame illuminated the dim closet. Her long, jet-black hair was tied up, and her delicate face beamed up at him like a gentle spring breeze that nourished everything in its path. Qin Mohuai felt something growing wildly inside his chest—painful yet powerful.

System: Love meter increased by 91!

“You found me,” Xia Yuan said as she lit the two candles on the cake. “Make a wish!”

“Alright.” Qin Mohuai kept his eyes open while making his wish. It was almost dangerous—he couldn’t tear his gaze away from her face.

Just then, Pei Jingchen, Yang Yi, and Butler Wang entered the closet, singing an embarrassingly corny birthday song.

Qin Mohuai interrupted, “…Stop singing. Let’s cut the cake.”

The birthday cake was handed to Butler Wang, but Qin Mohuai immediately grabbed his wife from the wardrobe and kissed her forehead.

Butler Wang said, “The first slice of cake should go to the young master, as this cake was specially made by Miss Xia for your birthday.”

Upon hearing that the cake was made by his wife, Qin Mohuai instantly took it back, his thick-skinned demeanor showing through as he said authoritatively, “You all already had dessert after lunch. This cake is small, and I can finish it by myself.”

Everyone: “…”

Pei Jingchen gritted his teeth and urged Qin Mohuai to finish the game and eat the cake later.

Yang Yi, not wanting to endure any more of the lovey-dovey atmosphere, teamed up with Pei Jingchen to drag Qin Mohuai back to the game.

Xia Yuan was in high spirits. The love meter of the crazy male lead had risen to 91, bringing her one step closer to going home and seeing her grandma!

She strolled leisurely behind the three men. As they passed a row of tall palm trees, Xia Yuan overheard the name “Zhou Weiqi.”

Zhou Weiqi was the fitness coach who ruined Yang Ying’s reputation, cheated after marriage, and abandoned his wife and child!

Xia Yuan thought she might’ve misheard, but then she spotted a glimpse of Yang Ying behind one of the palm trees.

Fate’s gears were turning once again. No matter how much you try to avoid it, what’s meant to happen will always find its way. The only option is to face it.

Xia Yuan approached Yang Ying and greeted her casually, “I found a great hiding spot. Want to hide together?”

Yang Ying nodded, quickly ending her phone call. The happiness of a woman in love was written all over her face.

Xia Yuan’s heart sank. How long had it been? Zhou Weiqi had already managed to win Yang Ying over—this scumbag really had a way with women.

But how could Xia Yuan help her? There wasn’t much detail about Yang Ying in the original story. Xia Yuan only remembered that Yang Ying was terrible at sports, and in order to date her fitness coach, she signed up for memberships and gave him gifts, essentially throwing herself at him to become his girlfriend.

“Yang Ying, I’ve been thinking about getting into shape. Do you have any good gym recommendations?”