单选题 Although Simpson was ingenious at ______ to appear innovative and spontaneous, beneath the ruse he remained uninspired and rigid in his approach to problem-solving.

【正确答案】 B
【答案解析】根据句首的“although”可推断前后两句是转折关系，后半句说他办事死板，说明他的灵活与创新是伪装的，是用计谋达到的。contrive to以计谋达成。intend to打算。forbear to忍耐，克制。decline to婉拒。