Episode 5 The Auspicious Date
A staff member in a crisp uniform led the three of them into a private VVIP zone. The interior was so silent that the only sound was the thud of footsteps on the plush carpet. Dim golden lights reflected off the floor-to-ceiling mirrors, adding a layer of luxury that made Lin feel strangely suffocated. Rows of crimson bridal gowns modernized Qipaos stood before her. Their bold, vibrant color seemed to challenge her taste and her defiance all at once.
Lin stood with her arms crossed, her eyes scanning the racks with indifference. She was looking for something that felt like her, but the rebellion simmering in her chest made everything look wrong.
This one is too much. That one is annoyingly sweet...
As the silence stretched on, Nam-Wan, who was lounging on a Louis XIV sofa, finally snapped.
"Just pick one, friend! I'm about to fall asleep on this upholstery."
"I'm choosing," Lin replied curtly, her back straight and stubborn.
Then, a smooth, mocking voice drifted from right behind her closer than before.
"That's how it is... 'Seniors' always take a long time to choose."
Lin didn't even have to turn around to know who it was. Her body temperature spiked at the word senior.
"Shut up, brat... I didn't ask for your opinion." Her voice was cold enough to drop the room's temperature instantly.
"Is that so?" Chen moved closer, until Lin could catch the faint scent of his cologne. Ignoring her bite, he reached out and pulled a deep red, contemporary Qipao from the rack. He studied it for a moment before holding it up in front of her.
"I think this one is better. It suits you, P'Lin."
Lin glanced at his choice in spite of herself. It was a form-fitting silk dress, exquisitely tailored simple, yet powerful and expensive-looking. She had to admit internally that it wasn't bad at all. But her mouth always outran her brain when it came to this man.
"Mind your own business," she spat, hoping to shut him down.
Normally, Chen would laugh or toss back a sarcastic quip. Surprisingly, he went quiet. The atmosphere around him shifted, turning suddenly solemn. He took a step toward her until they were eye-to-level.
"Speak nicely, please."
His voice had dropped an octave, and the serious intensity in his eyes made Lin freeze. Her heart skipped a beat, completely out of her control.
Wait, this is weird... why is he being so serious all of a sudden?
She searched his eyes for a punchline, but there was no trace of a joke. Was he just a good actor? Regardless, the sheer awkwardness made her cave. Lin let out an aggressive sigh and snatched the dress from his hand.
"Fine! I'll try it on just to get this over with!"
She turned on her heel and marched toward the fitting room without looking back, hiding the chaos in her mind. If this looks ugly... I'm going to flame him so hard he won't find his way home.
Chen stood still, watching her figure disappear behind the velvet curtains. A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he adjusted his glasses. He didn't need to win the argument. He just wanted to see how a stubborn woman who always played tough would look in a dress he chose for her and if she'd be beautiful enough to finally be speechless.
The heavy red velvet curtain slid open with the metallic ring of the rods cutting through the silence. Lin stepped out, feeling a level of self-consciousness she hadn't felt in years. The modern Qipao Chen had selected hugged her curves perfectly, as if it had been stitched onto her skin. The high collar accentuated her elegant neck, while the premium silk caught the golden light, making her fair skin practically glow.
Nam-Wan, who had been scrolling through her phone, let her device slip onto her lap. Her jaw dropped as if she were looking at a living painting.
"Holy... Lin... you're gorgeous," her best friend whispered. "That dress was literally made for you."
Lin didn't care about her friend's praise as much as the reaction of the man standing in front of her. She slowly looked up at Chen, who stood as still as a statue. The normally confident and teasing CEO was speechless. His sharp eyes behind his glasses swept over her from head to toe. His throat went dry at the sight of the
"Red-Lipped Big Sis" looking so regal, alluring, and breathtaking.
"Well? Are you satisfied?" Lin played it cool, trying to mask her embarrassment with a tone of feigned annoyance.
"I told you, if it was ugly, I'd destroy you."
Chen adjusted his glasses to hide a sudden flash of nervousness. He took a moment to gather his scattered thoughts before walking toward her until they were only inches apart.
"It's... not bad," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady. But his gaze was undeniably shaky and deep.
"Just 'not bad'?" Lin scoffed.
"Fine, I'm going to change then, you uncultured brat."
But before she could turn back, Chen's hand reached out and gently caught her wrist. The warmth from his palm sent a jolt like an electric current through her skin.
"I wasn't finished..." Chen leaned down to whisper near her ear, his voice softer than she'd ever heard it.
"I said it's 'not bad' because I can't find a word that means more than beautiful to describe you right now."
The blunt honesty made Lin's face erupt in heat, the blush spreading all the way to her ears. Her traitorous heart hammered against her ribs. She yanked her wrist away to hide the fact that she was totally flustered.
"Smooth talker... I thought you only knew how to insult people," she grumbled, turning away. But the tiny smile tugging at the corner of her mouth didn't escape Chen's notice.
"This is the one. We'll take this," Chen told the staff firmly. He turned back to Lin with a mischievous glint.
"Get ready, Jee. On the wedding day... you're going to be exhausted dealing with all the eyes on you. Including mine."
Lin bolted back into the fitting room. She leaned her back against the door, clutching her racing heart.
This kid is getting more dangerous by the day!
After the fitting, the three of them parted ways. Lin drove a non-stop-talking Nam-Wan home, enduring her friend's endless commentary on how handsome the groom-to-be was. It wasn't until she was alone in her car that silence finally returned.
Lin pushed through her exhaustion and made it back to her luxury condo. The moment the door clicked shut, the "tough woman" persona she'd maintained all day collapsed. She dropped her bag and collapsed onto the long sofa, closing her eyes to escape the chaos.
But peace was a luxury she couldn't afford. Her phone vibrated in her pocket. She answered without looking.
"Yes, Ma..."
(How was it, Muay Lek? Did the fitting go well?) Ma sounded breathless with excitement.
"It's done... I went with the one Ah-Gong picked," Lin lied, not wanting to admit it was the "Brat's" choice.
(Wonderful! I called to tell you that I've got the auspicious date. It's in two weeks. Get yourself ready, dear!)
Lin's eyes snapped open. She sat bolt upright.
"What?! Why so soon, Ma? It's only two weeks away! I haven't even prepared my mind yet!"
(Oh, hush... Ah-Gong wants to see you two married quickly. He says he wants to hold a great-grandchild before he loses his strength. Just do it for him, okay?)
Lin rolled her eyes at the same old excuse.
"Fine, fine... I get it, Ma. I'm going to sleep now. I'm exhausted."
She hung up and tossed the expensive phone onto the sofa. She slumped back, staring at the dim ceiling.
Two weeks.
Her cherished single life was expiring in fourteen days. After that, she would have to wake up and see the face of the man who calls her Jee every morning and night in her private sanctuary. The mere thought sent a sharp throb through her temples. She rubbed them gently,trying to keep herself from losing it completely.What a cliffhanger! The wedding is only 14 days away.
E-Book "The Villainous Rival's Love Ledger" is Now Available! Hello to all my lovely readers! At last, the E-Book has officially been released. For those who've been waiting to read the full story in one go and enjoy every moment without interruptions now's your chance!
💸 Full Price: 299 THB
🔥 Special Price: Only 171 THB until May 5, 2026 ⏰
📱 For iOS users:It's recommended to purchase through Safari or directly via the MEB website to get a better price than buying through the app.
🌐 www.mebmarket.com
🛒 Add it to your library here:https://www.mebmarket.com/web/index.php?action=BookDetails&data=YToyOntzOjc6InVzZXJfaWQiO3M6ODoiMTU1MDI1MzUiO3M6NzoiYm9va19pZ
📖 Book Details:
Complete volume with all special chapters included 27 chapters total Length: 455 pages (approximately 39,
825 words)