Chapter 33 Reaching a Consensus
When Xie Ling came out of the room, this was the scene she saw.
Xu Qingyao, as if struck by lightning and unable to recover, stared blankly at Lian Yi, while Lian Yi looked down at her phone, humming a tune intermittently.
"You haven't eaten dinner yet, have you? I'm not in a hurry. Why don't you go make something to eat first, and then we can start tutoring after you've eaten?" Lian Yi noticed Xie Ling standing at his bedroom door watching them, and glanced up. "Xu Qingyao and I have something to discuss."
"Okay, sure."
Xie Ling was about to walk to the kitchen, which was connected to the balcony, when she suddenly stopped, turned around to look at her, and her eyes showed some hesitation.
"...Have you eaten yet? And Xu Qingyao, I'm planning to cook noodles. Do you need me to cook some for you too?"
Looking at Xu Qingyao, who was still in shock, Lian Yi shook her head and said, "No need."
Xie Ling nodded slightly and did not hesitate any longer.
Soon, the sound of washing the pot came from the other end. Water gushed into the pot. Lian Yi looked away and waved her phone in front of Xu Qingyao.
"Miss Lian Yi!" Xu Qingyao snapped out of her daze, instinctively raising her hand to her chest and taking a deep breath.
"I told you not to use the suffix 'Miss' in this. Forget it, wake up and take a look at this thing." Lian Yi clicked her tongue.
“I know, but…”
As Xu Qingyao spoke, her eyes shifted from her heart to the screen. She had expected a long, dense text, or at least a PowerPoint presentation outlining a solution.
As a result, on Lianyi's phone screen, there was only a square object with rather sloppy lines, which looked as if it had just been drawn casually.
Xu Qingyao paused for a moment, then asked, "Miss Lianyi, what is this?"
"Hey!"
Lian Yi narrowed her eyes in displeasure and leaned back slightly. "What kind of look is that? Can't you see that this is a very artistic design?"
“…Hmm.” Xu Qingyao’s forehead was slightly sweaty as she forced herself to look at it carefully again.
After a long pause, she slumped her shoulders in defeat, on the verge of tears, and said, "I... I can't tell."
Lian Yi glanced at the screen and felt that the drawing was very lifelike. However, she was quite satisfied with Xu Qingyao's reaction. It was good that she didn't understand. If she understood and tried to do it, wouldn't she be able to create a good effect?
"This is the project I'm going to work on next: a glass conservatory!"
Under Xu Qingyao's gaze, which was neither shocked nor confused, Lian Yi briefly summarized her thoughts.
After listening, Xu Qingyao fell silent.
She tried hard to understand what Lian Yi had said, but racked her brains and still couldn't figure out where this idea could make money.
But as soon as Xu Qingyao's eyes met Lian Yi's, she could see that her amber pupils seemed to be sparkling, full of confidence and pride, and she immediately felt pressure.
It's not that simple.
It's definitely not that simple; she must not have grasped the key point yet.
Xu Qingyao was having a frantic brainstorming session. She knew this was Lian Yi's test for her. If Lian Yi explained everything clearly, what use would she be?
Therefore, even if you have doubts, you must ask something useful.
"Miss Lian Yi..."
"Um?"
"Now that I understand the specific business strategies and plans for the project, I'd like to ask first, how many people are currently involved in and responsible for this project?" Xu Qingyao tried to calm herself down and asked seriously, "Have General Manager Lian and General Manager Wu provided any personnel assistance?"
There's no reason to give money but not people when you have 200 million.
Although she felt both apprehensive and excited that Lian Yi was entrusting this task to her, Xu Qingyao calmed down and was willing to accept the test, knowing that the Lian couple were there to support her.
"No, the current arrangement is that I'm the boss, and you're the only project manager!" Lian Yi said readily.
Xu Qingyao's facial expression was quite interesting.
"ah?"
"Why are you so easily startled tonight? How can you be my number one contributor like this?" Lian Yi was satisfied with Xu Qingyao's performance, but still put on an unhappy expression.
Xu Qingyao was so nervous and excited that she broke out in a cold sweat, but she still tried to calm herself down after hearing her words.
“Ms. Lianyi, I don’t mean to be unwilling, but I might not be able to handle such a big project on my own.” Xu Qingyao actually wanted to say yes, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it when facing Lianyi.
Lian Yi suppressed her displeasure and smiled slightly at her, "That's why I entrusted such an important matter to you."
Xu Qingyao looked slightly taken aback, somewhat puzzled, "Why...why?"
"You are special."
Lian Yi's eyes flickered as she stared at her and said, word by word, "Perhaps others can't see it, but from the first time I met you, I knew that you are a very special girl. Your abilities and your intelligence are only limited by your age and experience."
"Think about it carefully. You only have six months left in high school and four years in college. Even if you don't consider continuing your studies, how long will it take before you can get involved in projects like this again?"
"When will we be able to reach the core?"
"Ask yourself honestly, do you think that by then, there won't be more capable people around me to assist me?"
Xu Qingyao was dizzy from listening, but she felt that it made a lot of sense. The pressure from Lian Yi's words struck her heart, and a serious look appeared on her delicate and beautiful face.
"If you don't know how, you can learn. If you don't understand, you can ask for help. If you don't even have the courage to take on this project now, how can I believe that you will have the courage and ability to work for me in the future?"
Lian Yi gave a persuasive speech: "Smart people are already thinking about how to build a team, while fools are still worrying about their lack of ability. Opportunities are only for those who dare to take risks!"
"Daring to take risks..."
Xu Qingyao's long eyelashes trembled slightly, and her misty eyes beneath the butterfly-wing-like lashes gradually cleared. From a confused murmur to a firm resolve, it only took a few seconds.
“Miss Lianyi, you are right.”
She lowered her head in shame. Compared to Lian Yi's unwavering trust in her, her hesitation felt like a denial of the other person.
You always have to take the first step, even if that first step seems absurd—
Xu Qingyao's usually shy and timid eyes sparkled with confidence as she met Lian Yi's gaze—something she rarely did. "Ms. Lian Yi, I'd like to first understand your thoughts on this project."
"Please rest assured, I will have the plan ready by next week at the latest and submit a business plan to you."
Lian Yi smiled slightly and nodded in satisfaction, "That's right."
"The project is called the Glass Greenhouse. Come on, let me tell you why I wanted to build this thing..."
“This idea is quite novel.” Xu Qingyao frowned in thought. “From the idea itself, there is sufficient funding to support it. As long as we define our target audience as mid-to-high-end, focusing on ‘customization’ and ‘oil painting gardens in the city,’ we can promote the glass conservatory as a high-end style to the public…”
"Not promoting it."
Lian Yi interrupted her train of thought, "I don't plan to spend a single penny on promoting this project."
"..."
Xu Qingyao no longer showed surprise, her mind racing as she pondered the underlying meaning of Lian Yi's words.
“I understand. Ms. Lianyi, you want to rely on word-of-mouth from customers as a promotional method. The glass greenhouse is bound to attract attention from the moment it is built. Once it is unveiled, not promoting it will only arouse public curiosity.”
"With the internet so readily available now, if an online celebrity comes to visit, it will inevitably attract even more people."
Xu Qingyao vaguely felt that something was not quite right. This kind of publicity, which was based on a certain degree of chance, required a lot of confidence in the project to make such a decision.
She was startled when she realized that she was negating Lian Yi's idea.
It's not that simple.
Xu Qingyao thought for a moment and asked, "Ms. Lianyi, shall I wait until I have finished the first draft of the proposal and business plan for you to review?"
"No need. I said I'd leave everything to you, so I won't interfere." Seeing that she couldn't offer any constructive ideas, Lian Yi smiled with a sense of relief.
"Just come to me when you need funding. As for this project, talk to me after the glass greenhouse is built. You can make all the decisions, big or small."
Lian Yi paused for a moment, then decided to continue the deception, leaning slightly forward to stare into Xu Qingyao's eyes.
"I believe in you, and I'm sure you'll surprise me. But even if you fail, it's okay. What I value is your growth during this process."
"……Um!"
“But remember, the glass greenhouse doesn’t make a profit from selling flowers. The value-added services attached to the ticket must be provided, even if the customers don’t need them.” Lian Yi added, “And donate 30 percent of the monthly turnover to charity. Remember, this must be done in secret.”
The ticket price is 999, but the labor costs and rent far exceed that amount, and 30% of the revenue is donated.
Xu Qingyao didn't raise any questions about this point, and thinking about this, Lian Yi had only one thought.
The advantage lies with her.
Xu Qingyao nodded. Lian Yi's request was very challenging for her, but such a project idea that seemed impossible to make money could not possibly be as it appeared on the surface.
This is probably the key to Lian Yi's training of her.
Ten minutes ago, Xu Qingyao would have been confused and troubled, but after Lian Yi's words, she had come to understand.
Finding that sliver of possibility amidst the impossible—that must be Lian Yi's true intention in testing her.
All materials must be the best; flowers, handicrafts, charity, no promotion...
Xu Qingyao's brain was working at lightning speed, and she vaguely felt that she was about to grasp that spark of inspiration.
"Alright, that's all I have to tell you. You can go back now." Lian Yi looked at Xu Qingyao, who was deep in thought, with a relaxed expression. "The driver is still waiting at the entrance of the community. Go back and eat. You'll need energy to do your work if you're full."
Xu Qingyao was stunned for a moment, "But, tutoring..."
"Xie Ling is tutoring me, and you're staying here as a third wheel?" Lian Yi glanced at her impatiently.
"oh……"
Xu Qingyao lowered her head, thinking of the bet Lian Yi had made with her friend about pursuing Xie Ling. She nodded somewhat aggrievedly, got up, and slowly picked up her schoolbag, her movements much slower than usual.
"Hurry up, what are you dawdling for?"
After being urged mercilessly by Lian Yi, her thin shoulders trembled slightly, and she could only lower her head and slowly walk out step by step.
"Miss Lianyi, please come back soon." Xu Qingyao said softly as she reached the door.
Receiving no reply, she sighed and silently cursed Xie Ling in her heart.
Why should I?!
As Xu Qingyao walked out of the dimly lit hallway, she was still a little dizzy. She couldn't help but think about the scene of Lian Yi and Xie Ling alone in the room, while she was also excited about being entrusted with such an important responsibility.
Lian Yi's every word echoed in her heart.
Emotional excitement can only serve as motivation; to truly get things done well, more professional knowledge is still needed.
As Xu Qingyao pondered how to build a team to run the project, Lian Yi's words suddenly came to mind: "You need to be well-fed to have the energy to do things."
Walking on the road, which lacks streetlights and is only dimly lit by the lights shining from the houses.
Xu Qingyao paused in her steps.
Exquisite flowers, exquisite glass architecture, luxurious decorations, and top-quality custom-made crystal and glass materials—all these elements combined to create a high-end, luxurious brand image in Xu Qingyao's mind.
But high-end luxury brands need a concept, a story, and to gain recognition and popularity.
charitable……
Xu Qingyao's heart beat faster and faster, and the chaotic thoughts in her mind became inexplicably clear. Lian Yi's idea seemed to be so casual as to be outrageous, but wasn't this exactly the tone that a brand needed?
She felt that she had guessed Lian Yi's true thoughts.
Xu Qingyao's expression suddenly faltered.
"Should I tell Miss Lianyi about these thoughts?" she murmured to herself, conflicted.
But the next moment, Xu Qingyao patted her face.
How could we forget what Lian Yi said? The project was entrusted to her full responsibility. Apart from asking for money, there was no need to use things that Lian Yi had already thought of to claim credit.
This will only make her seem impatient and restless.
She felt a little ashamed that her first reaction was to seek credit, but she was also happy that she could keep up with Lian Yi's train of thought so quickly.
After standing there in a daze for a while, Xu Qingyao took another step. Her steps were firm and powerful, and her slender figure exuded a strong sense of confidence as she straightened her back.
…
…
When Xie Ling brought out the soup pot, she was not surprised by Xu Qingyao's departure.
There was no soundproofing between the balcony and the living room, but the sounds of the range hood and the boiling soup pot drowned out Lian Yi and Xu Qingyao's conversation. However, Lian Yi's final urging of Xu Qingyao to leave was a bit loud, and Xie Ling could hear it clearly while cooking noodles on the balcony.
Although he was somewhat unaccustomed to being alone with Lian Yi in this private space at home, he still kept a blank expression on his face.
Xie Ling knew that if she asked a question or showed a different expression, things would change.
He would only provoke Lian Yi into saying random things and deliberately teasing him.
Xie Ling took out the bamboo heat-insulating mat and placed the soup pot on it, waiting for the freshly cooked soup noodles to cool down slightly. The sofa was occupied by Lian Yi, who sat on the stool, slightly bent over, with his legs resting on the coffee table.
"Is this all you're having for dinner?"
Lian Yi acted as if she were at home, her gaze slightly lowered, landing on the coffee table.
The noodles in the soup pot looked like they were in a thin broth with only a few drops of oil floating on top; they didn't even bother to chop up some scallions to add as seasoning.
She knew Xie Ling's family wasn't well-off, but she didn't expect them to be this poor.
But then he thought about it again. His father had been sick for nearly two years, and the cost of examinations and initial dialysis alone had exhausted the family's savings, leaving them heavily in debt and unable to work.
Otherwise, given Xie Ling's personality, he probably wouldn't have accepted the part-time job at the club. He should know very well why the club made an exception and asked him to work as a waiter.
It's all because of his face.
Xie Ling paused slightly, nodded, and picked up her chopsticks.
"Go cook another bowl, and I'll eat this one." Lian Yi leaned forward, holding the soup pot and pulling its handle towards her.
"……OK."
Xie Ling didn't argue with her about why she didn't say yes when she asked earlier. Perhaps because he had gotten to know Lian Yi's personality after spending time together, he put down his chopsticks, got up and went to the balcony to get a soup bowl, and poured the noodles from the pot into it.
He took the pot back and cooked the noodles again.
Lian Yi leaned closer to the soup bowl and smelled it. Apart from a slight smell of stainless steel, it was just the combined smell of noodles, water, salt, and a little cooking oil.
She took out her phone and made a call, asking the driver waiting outside the residential area to bring over the prepared items.
As Xie Ling put a handful of noodles into the pot, she heard the door open and close. Her gaze shifted, and through the window separating the balcony from the living room, she saw Lian Yi carrying a bag of takeout containers as she walked to the sofa and sat down.
When Lian Yi came out carrying the freshly cooked soup noodles, she looked at him, slightly raised her chin, and nodded towards the tea table.
"I had the driver bring over some food, let's open it and eat together."
Xie Ling hadn't even taken off her apron yet. Seeing her waiting with her eyes open after giving the instructions, it was hard to tell whether she sighed or not. She lowered her eyes, put down the pot, and bent down to unpack and arrange the takeout boxes one by one.
The dishes all looked like light and simple home-style dishes. One of the steamed chickens, which had been shredded, smelled very fragrant. The tender meat was soaked in the golden broth from steaming and was garnished with a few goji berries.
Lian Yi deliberately switched the position of this dish with the stir-fried broccoli in front of Xie Ling.
"Eat more of this, you're too thin, you need to eat more." After saying that, he didn't forget to glance at Xie Ling's body.
Lian Yi was secretly amazed, wondering which of Wang Hai's talents had decided to customize the school uniforms for the students.
Solid-color shirts aren't really fitted; they're all custom-made in standard sizes. If you can't get them altered, you can only try to choose the right size.
The shirt was a little too small for Xie Ling's shoulders and a little too big for his waist, but the belt of his red and black apron made it fit snugly at the back.
With his black hair and black eyes, he had a refined and aloof appearance. Dressed like this, he sat on a small stool in front of the coffee table with long arms and legs. He could only bend his legs and lower his eyes to carefully put the open lid aside, planning to close it again after he finished eating.
Lian Yi suddenly had the illusion that she had ordered a top-tier hostess from a club to serve her.
The top courtesan was beautiful, but her cooking skills were really terrible. She took a bite of the bland noodles, and the smile on her lips vanished instantly.
After picking up a few bites of the dishes from Dingfenglou in the takeout box and putting them in her mouth, Lian Yi finally managed to swallow the slightly mushy noodles.
She glanced at Xie Ling, who was focused on eating her soup noodles and barely touched the takeout container with her chopsticks, and chuckled softly, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Why didn't you send any vegetables? Are you afraid I'll put something in there?"
"I just like eating noodles without any side dishes," Xie Ling said calmly.
Lian Yi said "Oh," and added, "But I want you to eat it, or I'll get angry."
"..."
Xie Ling's expression remained unchanged. She picked up a piece of green vegetable with her chopsticks and slowly put it into her mouth, chewing it carefully.
Lian Yi snorted softly. She knew that Xie Ling was unwilling to be with her, but so what? He had his eye on her. When he was twisting the melon, he didn't think about this or that. Who cared whether it was sweet or not?
"These dishes are also for your dinner tonight," she said with a smile, putting down her chopsticks and not eating any more noodles.
Xie Ling paused, and although she didn't speak, the way she looked at her changed.
"The food in the hospital cafeteria is alright, but for better nutrition, a special menu is definitely better," Lian Yi said with a smile. "Don't worry, the delivery people will tell them that it's included in the agreement and won't cost extra."
"……Thanks."
Xie Ling was not ungrateful; his pride and self-respect were not used to pointlessly bully those who showed him kindness.
He knew that his words of thanks would seem weak and ineffective, but in the instant his eyes met Lian Yi's, he instinctively avoided her gaze and couldn't say anything more.
Her eyes were beautiful; even in dim lighting, her amber pupils shone like sparkling gemstones, reflecting a pure light that was almost blinding.
His eyes, which always held a hint of arrogance, were tinged with a smile, yet they seemed to see right through him.
They laughed at his awkward attempt to appear reserved.
"Eat quickly, you still have to tutor me after you finish eating." Lian Yi admired his handsome face and felt a surge of emotion.
He truly deserves to be a candidate for the male lead. His face and physique, along with the raw, innocent charm of an eighteen-year-old boy, create a beauty that is completely different from the mature charm he gains after experiencing various trials.
Otherwise, even though she's digging her own grave, she'd still be enjoying it.
Eighteen-year-old male high school students, once missed, are gone forever.
Xie Ling still rarely picked up food after that.
The dishes were indeed delicious, and although he wasn't particularly fond of good food, he couldn't deny that.
But he knew even better that for a long time to come, boiled noodles would be his only source of sustenance, and these dishes were things he couldn't eat regularly, at least not regularly.
Rather than feeling uncomfortable or occasionally reminiscing afterward, it's better to exercise restraint from the very beginning.
After finishing the soup noodles in the pot, seeing that Lian Yi showed no intention of touching her chopsticks, Xie Ling picked up the bowl of noodles and the soup pot together and took them to the balcony.
"Keep these in the fridge, I'm too lazy to take them with me," Lian Yi said lazily, noticing his questioning gaze.
The lighting wasn't bright enough, and I felt inexplicably sleepy even while curled up on the sofa.
Xie Ling nodded, cleaned the coffee table, went to the balcony to wash the pot, and then mopped the sides of the coffee table before taking off her apron.
"It's getting late, so let me quickly explain your situation. As for the study plan, you can take it back later. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me."
He stood beside the coffee table, a table's distance from Lian Yi, his voice clear, cold, and low.
"Given your current level, it's unrealistic to expect you to cram for the final exams, but I'll highlight some key points for you. If you can dedicate the next few days to these key points, even if it's just rote memorization, I believe it will be effective."
Lian Yi looked up at him as he spoke; the way the young man got serious was truly a sight to behold.
She suddenly smiled slightly and patted the empty seat next to the sofa. "Why don't you sit down and talk? I have to keep looking up at you like this, and my neck is getting so sore."
Before Xie Ling could even look at the bench, she quickly blocked the way.
"With your height, don't you feel cramped sitting on the bench? It's not like I'm some kind of bad person. Hurry up and stop dawdling."
Lian Yi patted the sofa, her smiling face utterly mischievous, as if she wanted everyone to know what wicked thoughts she was hiding.
His striking appearance, however, makes his wicked expression seem harmless.
“It’s easier to ask questions if you sit here,” Lian Yi blinked, looking at him innocently.
Xie Ling turned her head, nodded, bent down to pick up a stack of books that had been on the table, walked to the sofa, and sat down in this limited space, at least three fists' distance from Lian Yi.
He had barely settled down when Lian Yi leaned over.
"Xie Ling, do you hate me, or are you just shy? Why do you always look like I'm going to eat you up?" Lian Yi's voice was full of genuine curiosity and doubt, yet her half-curved eyes were full of mischief.
Only Xie Ling, with her eyes lowered and eyelashes fluttering slightly up and down, didn't see it.
He instinctively wanted to move to the side, but he was already sitting on the very edge. He paused, then said in a slightly deep voice, "Lian Yi, you don't need to stand so close to me when you're talking to me."
"Answer my question first."
"...I don't dislike you, nor am I shy."
"Then why keep your distance from me? You clearly know the answer, are you waiting for me to speak first?"
"..."
After a long silence, Xie Ling finally came to his senses. He could have simply gotten up, at least that way he could have kept his distance from Lian Yi.
The thought had barely surfaced in his mind when, as if Lian Yi had seen it, his shoulders slumped slightly, and the sofa loosened, making a creaking sound.
Lian Yi stood up, put her hands on his shoulders, and forced Xie Ling to either lower his head or look her in the eye.
The girl's slightly wavy long hair fell down with her movements, swaying excessively lightly within his line of sight.
Even though his gaze had shifted to the side, the unique, rich floral fragrance emanating from Lian Yi was still forcefully asserting her presence.
“Lian Yi…”
"Xie Ling, stop pretending. You know everything, don't you?"
Lian Yi smiled and went straight to the point. She couldn't be bothered to play games with Xie Ling's awkward personality and unspoken feelings. Being rejected was inevitable; she wasn't a real heiress.
But according to Xie Ling's thinking, he probably still hoped that even if she was angry after being rejected, he would still silently remember her kindness and repay her when the time was right.
Therefore, Lian Yi didn't mind finding a different way to erode gratitude while also having some fun for herself.
It was truly beautiful to see the boy's pale skin stained with the color of anger from being forced into this position.
"...Yes, I can guess."
Xie Lingmo's clear black and white eyes looked to one side for a long time, as if slowly calming down. He turned his face and looked directly at Lian Yi, leaning back slightly, but he couldn't break free from Lian Yi's hand on his shoulder.
“But I don’t know why you… like me.” He paused, then said, “But anyway, I’m not worth your time.”
Lian Yi suddenly realized, "Why are you so insecure, Xie Ling?"
"Or are you actually saying one thing and meaning another, and you actually enjoy hearing me confess my feelings to you?"
His pale face flushed slightly at those words, but before he could speak with embarrassment or anger, Lian Yi's eyes, which were fixed on his face, curved into crescent moons, and her rosy lips parted slightly.
"Because you're good-looking, and I like good-looking people. Besides, you're a good student; isn't it normal for top students to be popular? And also..."
Lian Yi tilted her head and pondered, "And you're very special."
She paused slightly as she said this, vaguely feeling that the words sounded somewhat familiar.
But busy with the immediate matter of coaxing the boy, he put his mind at ease and continued, "That night when you were protecting that girl, I think you were actually well aware of the consequences."
"But compared to the help a well-paying part-time job could provide for your family's financial difficulties, you still chose to stand up for her."
"He's really handsome, Xie Ling."
"..."
Xie Ling glanced to the side, her hand resting on the sofa in a loose fist, pursed her lips, and said coldly, "But I'm sorry, I can't reciprocate your appreciation."
“I am grateful for everything you have helped me with. These words may not be convincing, but I will remember your help and repay you in the best of my ability.”
"But repaying you doesn't include being with you."
"Why?" Lian Yi looked at him.
“Because I don’t like you, Lian Yi.” Xie Ling looked up to meet her gaze, her expression extremely serious. “We are classmates, and maybe we can be friends, but we will not be in a romantic relationship.”
"Thank you for your interest, but we're not a good match."
Lian Yi let go of his hand, stood up straight, put her hands behind her back, and pondered, "But I don't lack classmates or friends."
"Besides, how do you know it won't suit you if you don't try?"
Xie Ling's eyes were calm. "For a long time, my life plan didn't leave room for romance. You might be right, you'll only know if it's right after you try, but I don't have the extra time and energy to try."
He actually had more cold and realistic things to say to Lian Yi.
For example, family background, the high school life that will end in more than half a year, the life paths that are destined to diverge after that, or personality, grades, and common ground.
But looking into Lian Yi's eyes, he silently let the words he wanted to say disappear between his lips and teeth.
Lian Yi sighed, looking quite troubled, and said, "Teacher Xie makes a lot of sense, but what can I do if I'm not willing to accept this?"
"..."
"How about this?" She leaned down, her eyes brightening as she thought of a good idea, a smile playing on her lips, her joy written all over her face.
"I'll pursue you, you can reject me. If you still don't like me by graduation, I'll willingly give up."
Lian Yi wrinkled her nose, somewhat displeased, and said, "Although I don't lack friends, if you still only want to be my friend at that time, I won't mind having you as well."
Surprisingly, she didn't get angry or lose her temper. Xie Ling looked at her childish behavior, her eyes slightly lowered, and a smile inexplicably arose at this moment.
He felt once again that, beneath Lian Yi's various behaviors, she was just a child who didn't know how to communicate normally with people and could only attract attention through mischievous means.
In stark contrast to her usual arrogant and domineering nature, she always seemed somewhat naive beneath her feigned arrogance.
Xie Ling paused, looked up at her, and said very seriously, "Okay."
As expected of a male lead candidate, he adheres to such traditional male virtues.
Lian Yi smiled, her eyes crinkling. If they were friends, they were friends. She had plenty of cronies who would help her out, enough to let Xie Ling know that even that sentence was nothing more than a malicious joke.
Lian Yi thought with some regret, "It's just wishful thinking. I don't really expect to win over this unattainable beauty."
Even if Xie Ling didn't refuse seriously, she knew that the real heiress's fishpond was not something she, a female supporting character destined to be cannon fodder, could get her hands on. Right now, she was simply taking advantage of the situation.
She suddenly sighed and said seriously to Xie Ling, "Then I'll make a suggestion."
Xie Ling looked at her intently, listening as she continued.
"Could you please stop blushing and turning red in front of me all the time? It's easy for me to misunderstand."
After she uttered those words in her clear, crisp voice.
As expected, Xie Ling's cold face was first taken aback, and then an uncontrollable blush of embarrassment and annoyance reappeared.
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