This was no longer about face; it was about salvaging his assets.
The money he owed Feng Jin hadn't been repaid yet, and adding this debt would mean he'd never finish paying it off, no matter how long it took.
It was better to shed his pride now and avoid settling this debt. That was the most practical approach.
"You're truly shameless. How did I not realize you were such a person before!"
Feng Jin was now greatly impressed by Chu Chenyi's thick skin. He was acting like a dead pig that feared no boiling water, completely refusing to acknowledge the debt and resorting to outright rascality.
Chu Chenyi awkwardly cleared his throat. It was the first time in his life he had felt so disgraced. He never imagined he would one day shamelessly deny a debt.
Lin Yuwei, watching Chu Chenyi's actions, felt deeply embarrassed and turned her head away.
She genuinely wished she could distance herself from Chu Chenyi. He was too disgraceful. In all her life, she had never done anything so humiliating, nor had she ever felt such awkwardness.
Finally, unable to bear the shame any longer, she fabricated an excuse and wanted to leave.
"Sister Feng Jin, I'm feeling tired and want to go to sleep. You two can chat slowly."
Without waiting for Feng Jin's reply, Lin Yuwei quickly stood up from her chair and hurried out as if fleeing.
It was too embarrassing. She didn't want to stay a second longer. This kind of disgrace was something Chu Chenyi should deal with alone.
After Lin Yuwei left, Feng Jin's gaze returned to Chu Chenyi. She spoke calmly, "Your Highness Prince Jing, since everyone else has left, there's no need to hide anything. Let's be direct: when do you intend to repay this money?"
Since there were no outsiders present and Lin Yuwei had left, he no longer had to worry about being ridiculed. He might as well discard the last shred of his pride.
"This money, this Prince will absolutely not produce it. Furthermore, I believe your ledger is fake. You clearly fabricated it to trick this Prince!"
Feng Jin rolled her eyes, her gaze filled with contempt. She couldn't believe such a shameless person actually existed in this world.
"You are truly shameless!"
She couldn't think of any other words to describe Chu Chenyi's actions. This sort of behavior should be written into a storybook and spread far and wide, so that everyone could see what a shameless person Chu Chenyi was.
"This Prince is merely discussing the matter at hand. You will not attempt to pin any blame on this Prince."
He didn't have the money to pay, so rather than stubbornly cling to his pride and suffer, it was better to act like a rogue.
Besides, who could be sure that Feng Jin's ledger didn't contain random entries, including debts that weren't his? He refused to be the one fooled.
"I'll ask you one last time: are you truly not going to repay the money?"
Feng Jin's patience was wearing thin. This was her last chance to give Chu Chenyi. It was up to him whether he would cherish it.
"This Prince will also tell you clearly: this ledger, this Prince does not acknowledge, and therefore will not repay!"
Chu Chenyi stated with absolute certainty, displaying an attitude of fearing nothing. He perfectly embodied the saying that the debtor acts like the master, clearly intending to act like a scoundrel.
"Very well. Since Your Highness Prince Jing refuses to accept a polite invitation, then do not blame me for showing no mercy."
If he wouldn't accept a toast, he'd be forced to drink a forfeit. Then she couldn't be blamed for acting without restraint. The consequences would be solely for Chu Chenyi to bear.
When Chu Chenyi caught sight of Feng Jin's expression, his heart trembled. He felt that Feng Jin's look was terrifying, as if she were plotting something wicked. Suddenly, he lost his confidence.
He hastily stepped forward and blocked Feng Jin, who was about to leave. Chu Chenyi eagerly asked, "What exactly do you want to do!"
Feng Jin maintained a faint smile. Her red lips parted, and her gentle tone emerged from her throat: "Of course, I don't want to do anything. I just want everyone to know of Your Highness Prince Jing's good deeds, to let everyone have a good laugh together."
"You speak nonsense, do you really think anyone will believe you!"
He was a dignified prince, officially enfeoffed as a prince. That he owed Feng Jin money and refused to repay it, how could anyone believe that?
This was merely Feng Jin's petty trick, intended to force him to compromise. He certainly wouldn't be intimidated by Feng Jin's petty maneuvers.
"Opinions vary. I don't care whether people believe me or not. As long as Your Highness Prince Jing's deeds spread throughout the land, and your reputation reaches the streets and alleys, I will be content."
Feng Jin's lips curled into a mischievous, mocking smile. Seeing Chu Chenyi's frustrated and speechless expression brought her immense satisfaction. She had finally found an opportunity to teach Chu Chenyi a lesson.
"You… you…"
Chu Chenyi pointed at Feng Jin, so enraged that he didn't know what to say. How could he be so unlucky as to encounter Feng Jin?
He even suspected that Feng Jin was his fated nemesis, sent by heaven specifically to torment him.
"What 'you'? Don't point at me!"
Feng Jin's eyes narrowed slightly. She stepped forward and sharply slapped the finger Chu Chenyi was pointing at her with.
"I… I was wrong, alright? It's all my fault. I admit my mistake. I beg you, please let me off. Stop tormenting me."
Chu Chenyi's tone was extremely humble as he admitted his errors, almost to the point of kneeling. As long as Feng Jin could be magnanimous and forgive his minor mistake, he was willing to do anything.
Feng Jin's eyes narrowed slightly. How did Chu Chenyi's attitude not seem entirely respectful? It was as if he were still plotting something devious.
"Do you truly know you were wrong?"
"I truly know I was wrong. It's all my fault. Please be magnanimous and don't hold it against me."
If Feng Jin were to lose her temper and spread the word, especially if it reached the palace, he would truly be in deep trouble.
In comparison, financial losses were insignificant.
Feng Jin coughed lightly, her expression softening. It was better this way; she wouldn't have to go through so much trouble. In the end, it would have all been for naught.
"Forget it. I am magnanimous and will not hold it against you."