Arthur Evans's Scheming Ways

Miss Lucy smiled sweetly, almost to the point of being cloying: "Arthur Evans, your family is truly wealthy—just like mine. We’re a perfect match, aren’t we?"

Arthur Evans smiled with unusual gentleness: "Once we’re married, I’ll earn my scholarly title and become an official. You’ll manage the household and bear our children. We’re the perfect pair—talented gentleman and beautiful lady—truly made for each other."

Miss Lucy giggled and gently leaned her head on Arthur Evans’s shoulder: "Arthur, if I marry you, you must treat me well... I know your family is rich and it’s common to take concubines, but we’re the legitimate couple. Promise you’ll always keep me close to your heart."

Arthur Evans laughed, "If I marry you, Lucy, of course I won’t take any concubines. Having you is more than enough."

"Arthur, you’re so wonderful." Miss Lucy smiled seductively and planted a light kiss on Arthur Evans’s cheek.

From a distance, Lily Evans felt goosebumps rise. Arthur Evans pretending to be a rich young master just to trick a wealthy young lady into marriage? That’s downright shameless!

But thinking back to what Arthur Evans said earlier—ignoring money and food—he’s so bad at pretending to be rich, it’s almost laughable.

After finishing their wontons, Arthur Evans went to pay for the soup. The total was eighteen copper coins. He painfully handed over twenty coins and, trying to act generous, said, "Keep the change."

Miss Lucy watched Arthur Evans’s back as he paid, her gaze growing even more passionate. She walked over and linked arms with him, the two strolling off affectionately.

As the hour approached, Lily Evans and Lucky headed to the carriage where they’d agreed to meet Mark Hunter and the others. They saw Mark and Cynthia Wu arriving just in time as well.