The day before the exam, Yao Nian returned to her dormitory and was instantly struck by a wave of disbelief as soon as she stepped inside.
Fang Yiran had covered her desk with three empty Starbucks cups, while the fourth cup still held half of its contents. Slumped in a chair, she was immersed in political theory, only managing to lift her hand weakly when Yao Nian entered, her mental state clearly concerning.
Lin Mo was no better off; her hair looked like it hadn’t been washed in three days, and she was loudly reciting definitions towards the balcony. One might have thought she was arguing with someone, attempting to force knowledge into her brain through sheer volume.
With exams lasting three days, followed immediately by summer vacation, Yao Nian had already decided that this slap wouldn’t go unpunished. She would temporarily avoid returning to Huaibei, at least until she had let Yao Zhantong stew for a while.
During Yao Nian’s two days of exams, Shen Du had arranged his work in advance and prepared to head to Huaibei. His purpose was to have a serious talk with Yao Zhantong. However, he hadn’t mentioned this to Yao Nian; he merely told her he would be on a business trip for two days. The young girl was worried he might face difficulties and would surely want to tag along if she knew the truth.
Although Yao Nian usually appeared carefree, Shen Du understood that she cared deeply about how Yao Zhantong viewed him—or perhaps how he viewed Yao Zhantong. He couldn’t keep letting the girl shield him from everything.
Shen Du typically didn’t engage in uncertain matters, but given Yao Zhantong’s current attitude, he felt somewhat uneasy. After exiting the highway, he should have called Yao Zhantong out of courtesy, but fearing that he might not want to see him, Shen Du drove straight to the villa instead.
He adjusted his collar and rang the doorbell. After the third ring, the villa door opened.
Wasn’t it said that deliveries should be left at the door?
Seeing the person before him, Yao Zhantong’s expression darkened.
“Mr. Yao,” Shen Du smiled and said, “Long time no see.”
In the tea room on the basement level of the villa, the sound of boiling water mingled with the click of a lighter as neither man spoke first.
After a long pause, it was Shen Du who broke the silence. “Mr. Yao, I came here uninvited this time to apologize.”
This statement seemed to open a floodgate. Yao Zhantong took a deep drag from his cigarette and stared directly at him. “I have many friends around me, but there are few I truly trust.”
His eyes narrowed slightly as his words carried an undeniable pressure. “Shen Du, I’ve always considered you a true friend.”
“I know,” Shen Du nodded.
Although Yao Zhantong was angry, he spoke with restraint. “Little Nian is still young and doesn’t understand much; that’s forgivable. But you’re in your thirties—why are you indulging her antics? Don’t forget that there’s quite an age difference between you two.”
Shen Du did not rush to refute. He pulled out a card from his pocket and said coldly, "This is the money you helped me pay for the fine, including the lawyer's fees. I appreciate your help this time, but if you think I will agree to your request, that is absolutely impossible. That child has a stubborn temperament. You should take the initiative and end this sooner rather than later."
After a moment of silence, Shen Du took out some prepared documents and placed them on the tea table. "These are the financial statements from my company, which include my earnings and the firm's bonuses, as well as my personal credit record. Please take a look."
Before Yao Zhantong could respond, Shen Du continued, "Additionally, these are details about several properties I own in Shanghai and some commercial leases. The agreements have already been signed without any preconditions. I am willing to gift everything to Yao Nian."
A flicker of surprise flashed in Yao Zhantong's eyes, quickly followed by a frown. This was not just about money.
"I know that this amount may not mean much to you," Shen Du explained. "I am doing this to prove that my feelings for Yao Nian are not a whim and that I have the ability to provide her with a good life."
Shen Du smiled slightly. "You can express any dissatisfaction you have towards me, but one thing is for sure: I cannot agree to separate from her."
Yao Zhantong narrowed his eyes. "Are you saying that even if I don't agree, you will still be with her?"
Their gazes locked; the man's eyes were clear and resolute, without a hint of hesitation. "Yes."
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