CHAPTER 63: CHAPTER 63: ONE OVERSIGHT IN A HUNDRED CAUTIONS 1_1

Wan Donglin seemed not to notice her action, smiling warmly. "Xixi, I’ll take you out for a meal. What do you feel like eating?"

"Whatever you choose is fine."

This was her first outing with Wan Donglin. The restaurant was a members-only club; there weren’t many customers, but it exuded an air of understated luxury.

This was the first time in Yan Xixi’s life she had ever been to such a legendary high-end club. Yan Xixi wasn’t timid; she knew she wouldn’t run into any acquaintances here. Wan Donglin was right; his circle was a world apart from her former life.

The dishes arrived, exceptionally exquisite. Yan Xixi said little, merely lowering her head and starting to eat.

Wan Donglin ate sparingly. He sipped his red wine, watched her eat, and commented leisurely, "Other beautiful women eat only a few mouthfuls of salad and a couple of pieces of fruit per meal to maintain their figures. Xixi, aren’t you afraid of gaining weight by eating so much?"

She was slightly taken aback. "When there’s food, shouldn’t one eat it? There’s no guarantee of the next meal."

Wan Donglin laughed heartily, and she laughed too.

"Do you feel lonely?"

She paused.

"Outside of studying, you have no other world, no other hobbies. Don’t you feel lonely?"

She was astonished. How could I be lonely?! I’m so busy every day I can barely breathe, with no time for self-pity or wistful musings. I wish a day had forty-eight hours instead of twenty-four!

"No! As long as I have my computer, I won’t feel lonely."

He looked slightly puzzled but didn’t press the issue.

"Is your computer still good enough? A new model is out. Would you like a new one?"

"It’s more than enough; it’s already very good."

When they returned home that day, Wan Donglin seemed particularly cheerful. He took something out and handed it to her. "Xixi, I’ve opened an account for you."

That was the first time he had given her cash.

She carefully checked the amount and, for a moment, held her breath. Could this game finally be over? Wan Donglin, is this the end of our deal?

With this money, I could support myself until university graduation. Then, everything could start anew. My future is already looking bright; I can start over with a clean slate, can’t I? She felt a sudden surge of elation.

Her heart pounded, but she forcibly suppressed her excitement and said slowly, "Mr. Wan, I can move into the university dormitory."

He chuckled, casually slinging an arm around her shoulder. "Are you that eager to get rid of me? It’s still early. I donated tens of millions to your school because I want to see you graduate from university, to see you wearing your cap for photos on that day. Don’t worry, I won’t delay your marriage. Once you graduate from university, I’ll set you free."

A wave of disappointment washed over her, but she showed no sign of it.

"This is a red envelope for you. New Year’s has passed, so it’s time for New Year’s money. I don’t usually see you spending much. During the winter break, you should go out, browse a bit, and buy whatever you like."

"Thank you, Mr. Wan."

The boss was giving out New Year’s money; it would be impolite for an employee to refuse. She accepted it very politely, without any pretense of declining.

"Xixi, about that 15,000 you withdrew from the credit card last time—that was my oversight. You should have cash on hand for spending. From now on, you won’t need to make cash withdrawals..."

A chill ran down her spine, but she still answered honestly, "I’m very sorry, Mr. Wan. Xu Xiaoya asked to borrow money from me to buy a house. I didn’t have any extra, so I had to withdraw cash. Xu Xiaoya helped me a lot when my mom was sick, so I wanted to repay her kindness as best I could... This won’t happen again in the future."