**Chapter 48: Your Husband**

Despite having a face like a Bodhisattva, Qin Yan didn’t believe in gods or Buddha.

Qin Han, on the other hand, who spent his days in front of his deceased wife’s spirit tablet, chanting scriptures and praying for her health and longevity in every lifetime, was someone Qin Yan could never understand.

Every year before Qin Mang’s birthday, Qin Yan would visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple.

Each time, it was to ask Qin Han to go see Qin Mang.

Because he knew best that Qin Mang still cared deeply about her father.

Qin Yan let out a soft breath and said suddenly, “You just shut your eyes and left everything behind. Left me with a money-burning daughter to raise.”

“Just covering the expenses for you, little ancestor, I’ll have to work myself to death.”

“Shouldn’t your father take some responsibility and teach you properly?”

Silence surrounded him.

Only the faint, sweet voice of a girl playfully whining echoed in his ears.

Qin Yan: “…”

Another failure.

It seemed that little lion of his might never see her father in this lifetime.

The next second.

Qin Han suddenly spoke. “Benefactor Qin.”

Qin Yan: “…”

“I’m not called Benefactor Qin.”

He turned his wheelchair to leave the temple.

His brother was beyond help.

Qin Han lowered his gaze.

He handed over a tablet.

With a faint sigh, like a breeze drifting in from a distant mountain, he said, “Little brother.”

“Transfer all the assets under my name to her.”

“Heh, with your tiny pile of assets? Not even enough for your daughter to spend in a year.”

“It’s chilly on the mountain, and your legs are weak. Don’t come again.”

Qin Han didn’t reply. His pale, bony fingers took hold of the wheelchair and personally pushed Qin Yan out of the temple.

He handed him over to the assistant waiting outside.

The weathered temple doors closed behind them.

As if separating two worlds.

Qin Yan’s face darkened deeply.

This time, his brother was truly cutting ties with the Qin family, even giving up the family’s legacy.

Understandable.

He’d given up his life already—why not worldly possessions too?

The assistant didn’t dare make a sound.

Carefully taking over the wheelchair, he pushed Qin Yan down the mountain.

Once Qin Yan had a signal—

He called Qin Mang: “Starting today, your surname is mine.”

Qin Mang was on her way to her first variety show recording and was startled by the call. “Uncle, are you getting senile?”

“When did I *not* have your surname?”

“No, from now on, your surname is Qin as in Qin Yan, not Qin Han.”

Qin Yan coldly dropped the line and hung up.

It wasn’t a request.

It was a command.

Qin Mang: “?”

What’s wrong with these men?

Why are they all flying into random fits of temper?

Soon after.

A transfer notification came in.

Meng Ting happened to glance at it: “123…78…”

“What the—?”

“How many zeroes is that? Am I seeing things?!”

“Could it be a scam message?”

Qin Mang glanced at it again. Sure enough, it was from her uncle’s account.

Her red lips curved lazily as she locked her phone. “Who scams people by giving *you* money?”

Forget it, forget it.

Men with a little temper are actually kind of cute.

It’s called personality.

She liked it when men got a little worked up.

Oh, right.

Meng Ting suddenly remembered.

How could he forget—this filthy rich person!

He scrolled on his phone.

Today was the release of the pilot episode, and the response was overwhelming.

The editing team was impressive, including the entire segment of Qin Mang in the gemstone collection room.

Among the online viewers, there were definitely people with sharp eyes.

So when some haters questioned whether the gems were just flashy and worthless—

“Are you kidding? As a certified gem appraiser, I can say responsibly that every stone shown in the pilot episode’s close-ups is a priceless treasure—none of it is available even if you have money.”

“Stones of this level are reserved the moment they’re discovered—never shown to the public.”

“That huge piece of pigeon’s blood ruby is insane!”

“So… who said Qin Mang was being sugar-daddied? Honestly, you don’t see this level of spoiling even among top stars internationally.”

“Let’s be real—just that ruby alone could ‘sugar-daddy’ several people.”

“Didn’t you hear? The goddess said her uncle raised her.”

“So touching. They depended on each other growing up.”

“But I’m sensing a little pampering.”

“Does Uncle still need another niece? One who eats and drinks a lot?”

Not just netizens.

Even Meng Ting wanted to beg Qin Mang to ask President Qin if he needed a nephew—

He could be an *old* nephew!

The girl turned her face slightly to the window. A profile view is the ultimate test of bone structure, and Qin Mang’s was undoubtedly perfection.

She wasn’t too interested in the online chatter. Instead, her mind replayed Qin Yan’s words. Her uncle rarely mentioned Qin Han.

But she’d learned from the old butler that Qin Yan visited the temple every year before her birthday—to see him.

The reason was obvious.

But that man—

Had never once appeared before her.

Qin Mang closed her eyes briefly.

She could barely remember what the man who once held her like a precious gem even looked like.

They lived in the same city.

Yet for over a decade, never crossed paths.

Qin Mang was very rational when it came to emotions. She didn’t understand the kind of love her parents had.

And she couldn’t imagine ever being so emotionally extreme for a man.

She was terrified of such obsessive love.

Because it cost her both her mother—

And her father.

…

The first episode of *“Are You the Killer?”* was set in a fantasy cultivation world, with luxurious, ethereal sets.

Clearly, this season’s production budget was top-tier.

Previous seasons didn’t have Bai Huo.

Qin Mang drew the character card for the “Most Beautiful Being Across the Four Seas”—a seductive demoness.

Her mission? Seduce an ascetic cultivator into dual cultivation.

The one who drew the cultivator card was Tan Guannan.

Variety shows were essentially acting.

Qin Mang was only a little surprised.

But she didn’t throw a fit or refuse.

It was just a character card after all.

They didn’t even have a shared scene—

The plot was simply a joint search for the murderer of the cultivator’s closest friend. They had to enter mini-worlds to collect the friend’s soul fragments and resurrect them.

However, when Ruan Qizhuo saw the character assignments—

He immediately raised an objection.

After all, he owed their sponsor. Helping Madam He avoid trouble was his duty.

He had to protect her interests.

No other man was allowed an opening.

Even if it was just a character role, Tan Guannan couldn’t get the benefit.

So, Ruan Qizhuo righteously said, “Are you guys deliberately not giving the lead role to a non-celebrity?”

“I don’t care. I want to be the lead too.”

The chief director looked utterly speechless. “…”

Isn’t it obvious? Of course the most popular person gets the lead.

Otherwise, what would the audience even watch?

“Whose card do you want?”

Ruan Qizhuo originally wanted Tan Guannan’s, but—wait, that would mean *he* was the one being seduced by the demoness.

No way.

Brother He would kill him.

After a quick mental calculation.

Wearing a face that said “If not me, then who,” he snatched Qin Mang’s card: “I’ll be… the beautiful demoness.”

The room: “?”

Does he have… issues?

But staring at Ruan Qizhuo’s top-tier omega features, the group fell silent.

It might actually work?

Only Qin Mang, twirling the pet card of the female lead between pale fingers, had a faint smile in her eyes.

No wonder he was He Zong’s most trusted little sweetheart—he really would do anything.

But—

The director didn’t approve.

He declined on the grounds that it was a detective show, not a comedy.

All character settings were tailored to the current cast.

They couldn’t just change them on a whim.

Qin Mang changed into a red demoness costume adorned with bells, looking like a blazing lotus blooming in a sacred immortal realm. She lazily lifted her lashes and looked at the stunned crowd. “Are we starting or not?”

“Yes, yes, starting now.”

Many staff members present were fans of Qin Mang’s looks. Naturally, they had watched her debut video countless times.

Wuwuwu. This demoness character and that dress—it’s as if they were tailor-made for Goddess Qin! It totally brings back memories of the Desert White Lion Dance. The soft jingling of tiny bells rang out crisp and melodious. The pale gold ornate accessories paired with the vivid crimson sheer dance dress looked enchanting and captivating. When Tan Guannan appeared in his flowing white immortal robes, the sense of a story reached its climax.

The two of them simply stood there. Without saying a word or doing anything, every frame looked like a classic movie scene. That’s the charm of top-tier film actors. And Qin Mang—she wasn’t overshadowed in the least. On the contrary, their presence enhanced each other.

The assistant turned to the chief director and said, “Director, maybe switch careers. Why are you making variety shows? Just film a short movie instead. Might even be nominated for Best Short Film.” The chief director rolled his eyes. “You think being a film director is easy?”

“Places, everyone. Teacher Qin, can you open with a dance?”
“Teacher Tan, how about playing the guqin?”
“If you can’t, just pretend.”

What a coincidence—Tan Guannan actually could. Because he once played a guqin master in a role and had specifically learned from a guqin teacher. When that scene was released, it triggered a new peak of “TanQin CP” shippers. Especially when Tan Guannan played the guqin while gazing at Qin Mang dancing in a snow-covered world. Among the whiteness of the snow, only that rich vermillion hue stirred the heart.

Ruan Qizhuo hid quietly in a corner. “Brother He, I really did my best.”
“Please make sure I get paid.”
He Lingji said two light words.
Ruan Qizhuo’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Got it! I’ll handle it right away!”

Filming for the day ended at midnight. As usual, the director had arranged a small gathering at the hotel, convenient for filming some behind-the-scenes clips too. Qin Mang came late after her shower and vaguely heard staff mentioning that some investor was visiting the set. Tan Guannan stood by the balcony. His hair at the forehead was still damp. He seemed a little less cold and distant, and a little more like a clean, youthful boy.

The moment Qin Mang entered, he saw her. She wore a flowing ink-gradient traditional dress, and the embroidered belt highlighted her slender waist. Even without revealing a hint of skin, she exuded a radiant elegance that was impossible to look away from. Tan Guannan downed his glass of champagne in one go. He stepped forward. But the next second, he suddenly stopped.

Meanwhile, Qin Mang was so sleepy she could barely keep her eyes open, but Meng Ting had kept calling and urging her to show up—worried that skipping the first day would make her seem arrogant to the crew. In Meng Ting’s words:
“Showing up, even briefly, is better than not coming at all. It’s all part of networking.”

Just then—
The previously noisy banquet hall suddenly went silent for a second. Then it exploded again.

A Tong: “Holy crap, holy crap, who did I just see!”
“Mang-jie, quick, look!”

Qin Mang took a sip of the cold fruit juice. The intense sourness made her pretty face scrunch up. Ew, so sour. Her eyes misted up unconsciously. As she recovered, she realized a familiar figure was now standing in front of her. As Qin Mang looked up, a flash of delight crossed her eyes—**My yacht has arrived!**

Madam He’s expression was written all over her face. Absolutely no sign of missing him. He Lingji walked left. Qin Mang moved left. He Lingji went right. Qin Mang followed right. He Lingji’s lips curled into a cool smirk and he said, half-smiling, “Miss, you’re in the way.”

Qin Mang listened to his cold, meticulous tone. **‘Miss’?** Who was he calling ‘Miss’?

Qin Mang’s hopeful little face instantly crumpled:
“You’re the ‘Miss’!”
Tomorrow was her birthday. She had thought He Lingji came back today to celebrate with his beautiful, delicate fairy-like wife. She’d even felt a little pleased. Turns out—He was just here to make her angry.

The onlookers: “…”
?
No wonder netizens had guessed they might be enemies. Looks like it’s true. Mortal enemies, even. Still, Teacher Qin truly lived up to her identity as the rich heiress with an entire gemstone collection—Even facing a bigwig like President He, she remained composed and commanding.

Just as the two locked eyes—
Tan Guannan walked over with a glass of wine. His usually aloof face now smiling, he stood beside Qin Mang and extended a hand to He Lingji. “President He, it’s an honor.”

…
He Lingji didn’t move. His gaze slowly shifted from Tan’s well-proportioned hand to his wildly popular face. But what he really thought about was that photo Ruan Qizhuo had sent earlier that day. The white-clad immortal playing the guqin and the red-dressed demoness dancing—So—perfectly—matched.

His thin lips curved slightly with indifference. “An honor.” At this point, Secretary Cong stepped forward and shook Tan Guannan’s hand. “Mr. Tan.”
“Our President He has a severe cleanliness obsession and doesn’t shake hands. Hope you understand.”
“I understand.”

Tan Guannan was good-natured. Having been in the industry for years, he knew better than anyone—Some people you can offend, and some you absolutely cannot. He Lingji was the latter. Besides, he wasn’t offended. It was normal for these rich elites to have their quirks.

The banquet hall wasn’t large. Everyone noticed the tension. And gossiped:
“Oh my god, they say Tan Guannan is the best-looking guy in the industry, but President He isn’t even a celebrity and he’s outshining him?”
“Is President He’s face and figure for real?”
They wanted to scream *husband*,
But—
Knowing that He Lingji didn’t allow even online fans to call him that, let alone in person—They all stayed silent, controlling their excitement.

Then, Tan Guannan leaned slightly toward Qin Mang and asked gently, “Little junior sister, do you know President He?” His posture was casual, as if they were the ones who belonged together.

Qin Mang didn’t notice his movements—she was still mad at He Lingji. Gone on a trip for so long, and now he comes back and calls her “Miss”? He didn’t even say “Miss Qin”!

Qin Mang crossed her arms and glanced coldly at the man she knew better than anyone, then slowly said three words:
**“I don’t.”**

When those words dropped—The only two people in the room who knew the truth broke into cold sweat. But A Tong’s eyes sparkled. Ahhh, what a dramatic showdown! Go, President He!

Tan Guannan politely said to He Lingji,
“If you’re not busy, I’ll take my junior sister elsewhere, so as not to disturb you.”

Just then, He Lingji’s phone rang.
Qin Mang hadn’t intended to go with Tan Guannan. She was sleepy and wanted to go to bed. But Tan Guannan whispered, “Junior sister, I have something I’d like to discuss with you privately.”
Could it be about the script? Qin Mang remembered Fu Yuan had said the depression-themed movie she was reviewing was also being considered by Tan Guannan’s team. But nothing had been confirmed yet. So she assumed it was work-related and followed him to the balcony. It connected directly to the hallway. Qin Mang liked the location—it meant she could go straight back to her room afterward.

Three minutes later—On the quiet, softly lit balcony.
“Junior sister, have you ever thought about getting married?”
Qin Mang was caught off guard. “Huh?”
*Did he find out something?!*
*Was it that obvious between me and He Lingji?!*

While her brain was spinning—Tan Guannan politely brought over some dessert and drinks, then continued:

“With our kind of career, it’s best to marry someone in the industry.”

His tone was honest and heartfelt.

But the more Qin Mang listened, the stranger she felt. “So?”

It wasn’t until she finished an entire glass of champagne that Tan Guannan let out a soft breath and looked seriously at Qin Mang. “I’m sorry if I offended you, but in all my years in this industry, you’re the first person who’s ever made me think about marriage.”

It all started from that—

That accidental moment when he overheard the word “husband.”

If Qin Mang had been calling him that—Tan Guannan realized that he might be willing to give her anything, even marriage.

“I don’t want to miss this chance.”

“I can wait for you. You can go public whenever you’re ready.”

“I can also give you the best resources.”

The more Qin Mang listened, the more off she felt.

Was Senior Brother Tan confessing and proposing to her?

This was Tan Guannan’s first time confessing to a girl, and he was actually quite nervous.

He hadn’t planned to be this hasty, but the way He Lingji had just looked at Qin Mang gave him an inexplicable sense of crisis, as if if he didn’t say it now, he’d never have the chance.

“So—”

“If you ever break up, could you consider me first…?”

Tan Guannan wasn’t trying to steal someone’s girl.

Qin Mang was still young—surely she wouldn’t marry the first person she dated.

If she broke up,

He hoped she would at least consider him.

Qin Mang finally sorted through his meaning.

She was just about to respond—

The next second,

A bone-chilling voice suddenly rang out:

Word by word: “No.”

Qin Mang recognized the voice instantly.

She instinctively turned her head.

He Lingji had taken off the coat he wore when he entered, revealing a clean, noble-looking suit. His expression was as calm as the moon, his gray-blue eyes deep and cold like ancient glaciers—his very presence exuded an aloof indifference.

Meeting those eyes, Qin Mang’s own dark, clear pupils flickered with guilt.

Wait.

Why did she feel guilty?

She hadn’t cheated.

She was just being proposed to, that’s all.

It’s perfectly normal for a beautiful, talented, and charming actress to be proposed to—right?

The more Qin Mang thought about it, the more she felt there was no need to feel guilty.

Her beautiful eyes turned and looked straight at He Lingji.

Tan Guannan furrowed his brows. “President He, do you… need something?”

What he really wanted to say was: what does this have to do with you?

But He Lingji didn’t even spare Tan Guannan a glance. When his gaze swept past, it was full of disdain.

His long, cold-white fingers slowly toyed with the wedding ring on his ring finger.

Round and round.

“Come here.”

Two simple and emotionless words rang out on the quiet terrace.

Who he was calling—was obvious.

Qin Mang stayed rooted in place.

She was still brainstorming.

Going over there immediately would be a bit humiliating. After all, he told her to move, and she moved; now he was telling her to come, and she’d just go?

Like she was some kind of pet.

But if she didn’t go—

Wouldn’t it look like she was siding with her “affair partner” in front of her own husband? That wouldn’t be appropriate either.

Qin Mang was torn.

But He Lingji’s patience had run out.

Right in front of Tan Guannan, He Lingji simply reached out and slung her over his shoulder, effortlessly carrying her away.

Qin Mang let out a startled cry: “Ah…”

The next second,

The hem of her red, ink-wash-style dress brushed against the man’s cold, ascetic suit pants.

“Junior Sister…”

Tan Guannan’s expression changed.

Just as he was about to stop him,

Secretary Cong appeared with several bodyguards, smiling politely to block his way. “Please stop here, Mr. Tan. Miss Qin is not someone you can covet.”

Even someone as gentlemanly as Tan Guannan had a drastic change of expression.

Meanwhile, in the nearby glass corridor—

Qin Mang clutched the shirt of the man who held her, her soft voice laced with protest and a hint of coquettishness: “He Lingji!”

“Are you a bandit?”

The man, carrying her with one arm, lazily loosened his tie a little.

No longer cold and restrained, he was now all wild dominance:

His perfectly sculpted jaw tightened slightly. He Lingji’s thin lips curled into a faint, mocking smile as he uttered coolly:

“I’m your husband.”