Courtyard House: A Start with Black Gold Swallowing 100,000 Silver Dollars

Absurd! How could she like a man who always stares at her waist and hips and has a wife at home?

Although he saved her from danger that night, when she closed her eyes at night, that figure appeared uninvited...

A life-saving grace is not a reason for developing deep feelings!

Song Caidie was not the kind of girl who would easily fall for a hero who saves a damsel in distress.

no way!

Absolutely not!

"squeak--!"

The piercing sound of brakes abruptly cut in, interrupting her reverie.

Looking up, I saw a gleaming car parked steadily in front of me.

The car window rolled down, and Li Wenguo leaned out.

Upon seeing Song Caidie wearing a pure black strapless dress, his gaze immediately froze.

Her skin, as black as ink, made it appear as fresh as newly formed snow; her exposed neck was long and slender, and her shoulders were as white as jade with a subtle glow.

A pair of long black velvet gloves covered her forearms, adding a touch of calm and nobility; the skirt was fitted at the waist and trailed on the ground, making her figure slender and graceful, especially the undulating curve when she turned around, which was alluring but not ostentatious.

Tsk!

If it weren't for the lack of ample bosom...

I really want to marry her right now and lock her in the house to pamper her!

Li Wenguo's Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he swallowed a mouthful of hot air.

He then got out of the car, quickly walked around to her side, opened the car door, and gently shielded her head with one hand. His movements were swift and appropriate, without the slightest hint of deliberate effort.

This was the first time Song Caidie had ever seen him treat her so considerately. Her ears burned, and her heart felt like it was pounding with a little sparrow.

"Miss Song, I really didn't expect you to be so dazzling tonight—I dare say, everyone with eyes on the dance floor would be vying to invite you to dance. You're going to be so busy tonight."

These words were straightforward yet not frivolous, and even carried a touch of playfulness, which made her heart flutter.

He feigned modesty, saying, "Then you'll have to keep an eye out for me and not let too many people get close."

"Oh dear, no way!" Li Wenguo waved his hand. "Everyone here today is someone who can shake three provinces with a stomp of their foot. I'm just a leisurely person with a bit more money than I need; how dare I stand in for you?"

"If I offend a bunch of big shots while trying to protect you, I might not even know how I died."

"Besides, you are Director Song's precious daughter. Who would dare to disrespect you? Just push her away; no one will dare to take it seriously."

He had already tasted the bitterness of the phrase "beauty is a curse." Didn't that section chief, Dong Haitang, suffer a terrible fate because of her? He didn't want to repeat the same mistake.

Unless he truly intends to marry her, don't expect him to risk everything to take a bullet for you.

"Huh? What... what do you mean by that?"

Song Caidie was stunned, completely unexpected that he would refuse so readily—wasn't it only right to protect a beautiful female companion?

"You coward! I'm the person you brought along, and you're just going to treat me like this?"

She put her hands on her hips, glared at him angrily, her chest heaving noticeably, like two clouds gently swaying in the wind.

"At most, I'm just running errands for President Song," Li Wenguo said casually. "Strictly speaking, we're not really partners."

"Stop the car! Ding Xiaoqi!"

She turned to the driver and shouted, her voice tinged with annoyance and embarrassment, "I'm not going!"

Ding Xiaoqi immediately released the accelerator, and the car gradually slowed down, waiting for Li Wenguo to make a decision.

"Alright, alright, I give up—I'll take the job of protecting the flower!"

Li Wenguo had no choice but to nod in agreement.

This was personally ordered by Song Qingzhi. Song Caidie was not only the young lady of the Song family, but also the face of the Song family—how would the organizers view her leaving without notice and missing the ball? What would the guests say? Li Wenguo dared not take the blame for this.

"Hmph! They won't give up until they've reached the Yellow River!"

Seeing Li Wenguo bow his head and give in, Song Caidie's lips curled up, her words were barbed, and her eyes gleamed.

She had been holding back for so long, and this time she finally got her revenge, her pride almost overflowing.

"Miss Song, let me give you a suggestion—once we're on the dance floor, after we finish our dance, you clutch your stomach and cry out in pain, and I'll take you home immediately. That way, anyone wanting to invite you to dance will have to get past the 'sick person' hurdle first. Isn't that brilliant?"

Li Wenguo winked at her, his tone as sincere as if he were presenting a treasure.

Dancing? Of course we have to dance. What's the difference between a dance party without dancing and a hot pot meal without tripe? Not dancing is just ruining the party.

"you--!"

Song Caidie's fingertips clenched in anger. Pretending to have a stomachache? Why don't you just pretend to die suddenly? So the whole audience could observe three minutes of silence and then just leave?

She had initially held a sliver of hope, imagining herself entering the venue side-by-side with Li Wenguo; but in that instant, all of that hope was burned away by her anger.

Only one thought remained in my mind: I must not let him be comfortable.

With a quick glance, an idea popped into his head.

Sure!

If you don't let me have my way, I'll make you restless later!

Seeing that her eyebrows relaxed and the corners of her lips slightly raised, Li Wenguo assumed that the matter was settled.

The car came to a complete stop.

The ball was located in the heart of the embassy district, just a five-minute walk from the Song family's residence, a short walk away.

Li Wenguo deftly pushed open the door and got out of the car. He turned around and walked to the other side, gently supporting the top edge of the car door with one hand and slightly raising the other hand with his palm facing up, his smile warm and gentle.

Song Caidie didn't hesitate. She placed her slender fingers on the back of his hand and used the leverage to land lightly—it was indeed much less strenuous than jumping down on her own. No wonder the older generation often said: when you marry, you should marry someone who is rich and knows how to behave.

After landing, she naturally took his arm, her smile gentle and her eyes sparkling, as if they were truly a perfect couple, and slowly stepped into the hall.

Two waiters in scarlet vests pushed open the double doors in unison—

"Whoosh!"

A bright beam of light cleaved through the shadows and struck the two people precisely.

The rule is simple: the lights must be on when the door opens. It's both to welcome guests and to show support—who wouldn't want to take the most dignified step under the watchful eyes of everyone?

I rely on!

Such a grand display?!

Li Wenguo maintained a forced smile, but his mind was in turmoil.

To make matters worse, most of the gazes coming from all directions were fixed on Song Caidie, burning like a branding iron fresh out of the furnace.

Those eyes were like those of a pack of lone wolves who had been starving for thirty years, suddenly spotting the only white deer in the forest.

He understood perfectly—if he truly married Song Caidie, his future would be paved with gold bricks, and even his footprints would gleam.

He forced his wildly beating heart to stop and stepped inside, where he was greeted by a middle-aged man in his early forties with a straight posture, who approached with a smile.

He was surrounded by a group of outstanding young men: some with impeccably tailored ties, others with gleaming epaulettes, each with a composed demeanor and extraordinary bearing.

"Haha, my niece Cai Die is here? Why didn't Old Song show up today?"

The man had a loud voice and a warm smile.

"Hello, Uncle Chen! My uncle had something come up unexpectedly, so he asked Li Wenguo to come with me."

Song Caidie lowered her eyes and smiled gently, her obedience impeccable.

"Oh? I see."

The man nodded, his gaze sliding to Li Wenguo, his smile undiminished: "Cai Die, this young master...won't you introduce me to him?"

The group of young people behind him all perked up their ears.

No one had ever seen Li Wenguo—either they were insiders or their connections were still shallow.

After all, this circle is the most concentrated group of second-generation rich kids in Beijing.

"Okay, Uncle Chen. This is Li Wenguo, my fiancé."

I rely on! ! !

fiancé? ? ?

Are you trying to plant a landmine for me here?!

Li Wenguo's smile almost cracked open, and his heart felt like it was being clenched and then suddenly sank.

really--

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent.

Immediately afterwards, with a "whoosh," countless gazes, sharp as knives and arrows, were fixed on him. The air suddenly tightened, and even breathing paused for a moment.

Fuck!

This fire is burning way too brightly!

He turned his head to stare at Song Caidie, a smile still on his lips, but his eyes were so cold they could freeze.

"Wen Guo, this is Uncle Chen Jianbin, an old friend of my uncle for many years."

Song Caidie met Li Wenguo's gaze, secretly delighted: Hmph, always teasing me? Let's see how you handle this!

She had it all figured out—using him as a shield was the perfect solution. Lately, matchmakers had been practically wearing down her doorstep trying to propose to her uncle, and she was already quite annoyed by it all.

Now that I've been given the title of "fiancé," I can finally have a few days of peace and quiet.

However, she wasn't entirely disregarding Li Wenguo's safety. On the contrary, she had already considered the consequences: who would dare to touch the Song family's chosen son-in-law? If something really happened, the Song family would lose face, and that would be no laughing matter.

Back to the point.

"Hello Uncle Chen, I'm Li Wenguo. I'm currently working for Uncle Song. As for what we do... I'm really sorry, Uncle Song has strictly ordered me to keep it a secret. It will be revealed in a few days. I hope you'll understand!"

Li Wenguo bowed respectfully, his tone gentle yet measured, casually bringing up Song Qingzhi, which both emphasized his importance and added a touch of unfathomable mystery.

This explanation both silenced any inquiries from others and subtly protected oneself.

As for embarrassing Song Caidie on the spot? Absolutely not. Unless he's completely out of his mind, why would he do something so stupid and courting death?

If he really did that, the Song family might not immediately turn against him, but the young talents who were eyeing him covetously would probably be eager to tear him apart so that he could show his face in front of Song Caidie and gain some favor.

After a few pleasantries, Li Wenguo smiled apologetically, took Song Caidie's wrist, and turned to leave.

"Song Caidie, do you know—you're playing with fire?"

When they were a little further away from the crowd, he lowered his voice and leaned close to her ear, his tone containing three parts annoyance and seven parts urgency.

"Go ahead and play with fire! Who gave you the right to provoke me every day?"

"And he kept staring at me... making me feel hot down there."

The youngest daughter holds grudges, remembering each one clearly and meticulously.

So what if I play with fire? At worst... at worst I'll just marry you!

Huh? Why would I have such a thought?

"Then you can't go back on your word!"

He whispered something in her ear, like a burning ember.

"No regrets!" She raised her chin, arched her eyebrows, and said nonchalantly.

"You said those words yourself!"

The two stood very close, their eyes sparkling, their gestures intimate; to onlookers, they were already deeply in love.

Just then, Li Wenguo caught a glimpse of a woman passing by and stopped in his tracks—it was Xu Wanqing, whom he had spoken to at the Williams Diplomatic Dinner. What surprised him even more was that she and Song Caidie seemed quite familiar with each other.

"Wanqing! You're here!"

Upon seeing it, Song Caidie immediately called out.

"Yes, Cai Die, you are truly dazzling today! I arrived early and looked at all the female guests, but none of them were as eye-catching as you."

Xu Wanqing smiled broadly, praising him frankly and comfortingly.

Li Wenguo glanced at the rise and fall of her chest without making a sound, and sighed inwardly: No, in my opinion, you are more dazzling than her.

The two women were roughly equal in appearance, but Song Caidie, bearing the name of the Song family, seemed to be coated with a golden light, naturally appearing superior in the eyes of others—this is what is meant by a filter.

"Oh, Wanqing, stop flattering me! There are plenty of people who are better than me."

Song Caidie smiled and declined.

"By the way, Butterfly, who is this?"

Xu Wanqing turned her gaze to Li Wenguo, her eyes clear as if they were meeting for the first time.

Li Wenguo thought to himself with a slight admiration: What a composed woman!

They had met before, yet they handled the situation perfectly, without crossing any lines.

"His name is Li Wenguo, and he's attending in place of my uncle today. And..." she paused, her voice suddenly brightening, "...he's my fiancé!"

Originally, I only intended to use a pretext to get by, but the words just slipped out.

Xu Wanqing's eyes flashed as she quickly glanced at Li Wenguo's face, a jolt running through her mind: This guy's got some tricks up his sleeve! He tried to curry favor with me last time but failed, and now he's already snagged the Song family's daughter?

Her fingertips curled slightly as she hesitated for a moment—should she find a moment to remind Song Caidie? But she was also afraid of being misunderstood as sowing discord, which would only damage their relationship.

"Hello, Mr. Li."

She extended her hand with grace and poise.

"Miss Xu, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Li Wenguo nodded in response, his expression unchanged, as if it were truly their first meeting.

Just then, music suddenly began, melodious and graceful—this was the signal that the ball was about to begin.

"Cai Die, Mr. Li, please excuse me."

Xu Wanqing smiled faintly and took her leave.

"Let's go dancing!"

Song Caidie, with her sharp eyes, noticed several young men strolling towards them, clearly there to invite them to dance. She quickly grabbed Li Wenguo's wrist and hurriedly stepped onto the dance floor.