Chapter 14: Tell the Truth
Lin Xiaoxiao snapped out of her daze when Zhou Yang called her, flustered.
“Huh? What’s up?”
Zhou Yang squinted, exasperated.
“What’re you thinking about, so lost in it?”
She shook her head.
“Nothing. Oh, your dad’s company address… can you give it to me?”
Zhou Yang, mouth full, mumbled in confusion, “Why do you need that? Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask—how’d you convince my dad to sponsor you?”
“I know him. He’s not some bleeding heart. He’s a ruthless capitalist.”
Lin Xiaoxiao broke a sweat. Was it okay to talk about your dad like that?
Caught off guard, she couldn’t tell the truth, so she fibbed, “I… agreed to help him with something, so he’s sponsoring me.”
She felt a pang of guilt.
Zhou Yang paused, eyeing her up and down—clear eyes, arched brows, soft lips, flawless skin…
He zoned out for a few seconds before coughing awkwardly.
“Help my dad? With what?”
Lin Xiaoxiao quickly changed the subject.
“You still haven’t given me the address.”
Zhou Yang set down his chopsticks, losing interest.
“Man, you’re boring to talk to. Fine, I’m gaming. I’ll send you the address.”
Watching him head to his room, Lin Xiaoxiao’s expression was complicated.
To avoid shocking him further, she had to hide the truth. She sighed, “Thanks.”
Zhou Yang waved dismissively, saying nothing more.
In his room, he sank into his gaming chair, Lin Xiaoxiao’s face flashing in his mind…
“Damn it! Why’s a guy so good-looking?”
He used to find it off-putting, but after a closer look today, that feeling faded a bit.
“Born with that face—guess Lin Xiaoxiao can’t help it.”
Meanwhile, with Zhou Ting’s company address in hand, Lin Xiaoxiao steeled herself and made up her mind.
She took a bus to the location.
Seeing the towering office building, she was awestruck.
In this prime commercial district, where even a single floor’s rent was exorbitant, Zhou Ting had leased the entire building for his company’s headquarters.
Beyond shock, Lin Xiaoxiao felt she’d truly crossed someone she shouldn’t have.
She and Zhou Ting were from different worlds, their paths crossing only because of a rainstorm and a car accident…
Steadying herself, she called Zhou Ting.
It took a while for him to answer.
“What’s up?”
“Are you free right now?”
Zhou Ting raised an eyebrow, gesturing to his secretary, who’d just come to report.
“Bit busy, but I’ve got time to sort out your issues.”
Lin Xiaoxiao hesitated, flustered.
“If you’re busy, never mind. I won’t bother you…”
She started to hang up, but his low voice stopped her.
“Hang up now, and I’ll come back to deal with you.”
Her finger froze above the end-call button.
“Lin Xiaoxiao, my time’s valuable. What’s the matter? Speak.”
She pouted. Fine, she’d say it! Why so harsh?
Taking a deep breath, she said, “I’m downstairs at your company…”
Soon, Zhou Ting’s secretary brought her to his office.
He sat at his desk, typing, his distinct knuckles moving as his brow furrowed.
Seeing her, he removed his gold-rimmed glasses and beckoned.
“Come here.”
Lin Xiaoxiao approached hesitantly, a strange feeling stirring.
Truth be told, Zhou Ting at work had a certain… allure.
But she snapped out of it. Pfft, allure? Wrong word. More like the intimidating aura of a big shot.
“Why come to the company? You could’ve texted. I’d see it.”
Lin Xiaoxiao wasn’t sure if her sudden visit annoyed him, but she’d mustered all her courage.
“It’s hard to explain in a message…”
Zhou Ting raised an eyebrow.
“That important? Let’s hear it.”
Fidgeting, she hesitated for several seconds before taking a deep breath.
“Uncle, I’m here to discuss… can we end our deal?”
Zhou Ting’s expression froze, his gaze piercing the nervous girl, surprised.
“Do you know what you’re saying?”
She avoided his eyes but stood firm.
“I know what I’m saying.”
“Then why? Why end it?”
Her body trembled, memories of recent days flashing through, fear in her eyes.
“I… I…”
Before she could finish, Zhou Ting swung a verbal hammer, striking her heart.
“Your grandma’s surgery? You don’t need it anymore?”
Lin Xiaoxiao clung to a shred of hope, struggling.
“I can find another way…”
But Zhou Ting stood, striding toward her, grabbing her chin, shattering her illusions.
“You have no other way. Who else would help you besides me?”
She froze. The next moment, her vision blurred as he pinned her to the desk, forcing a kiss on her.
After a long while, as she gasped for breath, he pulled back, sitting her on his lap, saying leisurely, “Now, be honest. What’s this stunt about?”
Her ears reddened, and she avoided his gaze.
“It’s not…”
But a single hum from him silenced her.
Looking at his half-smiling face, tears welled up, and she whispered, aggrieved, “C-can you… not so often? I can’t take it…”
Yes, her visit was to plead with this overly vigorous man to ease up.
If this kept up, she felt she’d break…
Zhou Ting couldn’t help but laugh. So that’s what this was about?
Amused, he teased, “And if I don’t agree? Don’t forget, you’re my woman now. I do what I want…”