Chapter 9

Ha, he actually claims to be magnanimous! This narcissistic posture is truly too beautiful.

Shuxing is a bilingual kindergarten, where there are foreign teacher classes every day. Simple English conversations are a piece of cake for Huo Tongtong. This question is not difficult; Huo Tongtong understands it, but cannot respond. Breakfast is fine, as she has learned about bread and milk, but how does one say 'eight-treasure porridge' and 'steamed bass' in the evening

She turned her head and smiled faintly: "I apologize, Mr. Huo, my university diploma was purchased, and I do not understand English."

Huo Yiting said slowly: "You said one again."

Huo Yiting remained silent for about a few seconds without speaking

It is rare for Huo Yiting to be away from home for an entire afternoon, and he has not returned for dinner either. Jiang Luting and Huo Tongtong are enjoying their time freely. After taking a walk post-dinner, they lie on the sofa watching cartoons, and Aunt Liu secretly brings a box of potato chips for Tongtong. Huo Yiting is particularly strict with Tongtong; after dinner, he is not allowed to eat snacks.

Huo Yiting stopped in his tracks, looking at her with his hands behind his back

Jiang Luting is inexplicable

Then why didn't you tell me yesterday

Such gossiping and prying into others' private matters is truly not in line with Huo Yiting's character

After feeling refreshed for a moment, she suddenly woke up: he apologized to her, clearly indicating that he did not intend to dismiss her

Yes

With a casual remark, Jiang Luting was so infuriated that her eyes turned dark and her head felt dizzy. Today was just the day she got her period, and her temper was a bit volatile, prompting her to suddenly stand up and leave the living room

Ah, Mr. Huo, you certainly are not

"Well, I originally did not intend to mention it, but you think I am inappropriate." Shen Zhuo suppressed his smile and said seriously, "Therefore, I think that perhaps if I bring this matter up, you might reconsider."

Such a rich and handsome man, undoubtedly a tall, handsome, and wealthy individual. If one were to say that Jiang Luting's heart was not the slightest bit shaken, that would be too far from the truth. However, after experiencing the relationship with Fu Mingcong and suffering a significant blow, she has become very rational. If there could be no outcome with Fu Mingcong, how could there be any with Shen Zhuo

Huo Yiting stopped in his tracks, looking at her with a blank expression: "Has Shen Zhuo left?"

She said candidly: "Mr. Shen, in fact, I believe you are not suitable; it's merely an excuse. You are excellent, impeccable even, but I simply do not intend to find a boyfriend at this moment"

Due to his usual taciturn nature, Jiang Luting had developed a skill for reading minds through his gaze. At this moment, she was completely at a loss, unsure whether he was still angry. Regardless, she adopted a mindset of trying anything as a last resort, forced a smile, and apologized to him: "I am sorry, Mr. Huo, my attitude was a bit harsh just now"

Tong Tong was munching on potato chips like a little hamster, making a crunching sound as she enjoyed her snack. Just then, Huo Yiting walked in from outside.

Jiang Luting was on the verge of tears; how could he have discovered this flaw of hers? Why had no one else noticed it? This was truly bizarre

That is good. Huo Yiting turned around and walked towards the garage, his steps so swift that they almost stirred up a cold breeze

Jiang Luting went on seven blind dates. Due to Gu Miao personally overseeing the arrangements, Shen Zhuo was the only one who was informed of her family situation before their first meeting. In the previous six instances, as soon as she disclosed her family background, she would hardly get a chance for a second meeting, as the other party would simply avoid her.

Of course I know the person I introduced to you! Did he come to see you today? I gave him your phone number and the address of the Huo family

She felt a wave of frustration and walked away. After all, she was going to be dismissed anyway, so there was no need to endure another round of his cold jabs and criticisms before leaving

She continued to chuckle with a flushed face: "You won't be angry, will you"

The cool breeze outside brought her back to her senses somewhat. Just now, in a moment of anger, she had not considered the consequences. Once she calmed down, she realized that she seemed to have acted a bit recklessly. No matter how harshly he spoke, he was still her boss. He was known for being cold and domineering, not to be defied, yet she had dared to leave in a huff right in front of him, showing him her displeasure. It seemed that the situation was dire, and she was likely to be dismissed.

She unexpectedly did not take the opportunity to step down and even audaciously retaliated.

Indeed. Jiang Luting held her phone, her smile radiant, with dimples at the corners of her lips resembling the ripples of raindrops

As the punishment loomed again, Huo Tongtong cast a pitiful glance at Jiang Luting, seeking help

Jiang Luting shook her head with a smile and said earnestly, "I do not wish to burden others. If emotions are entangled with too many practical factors, it will only add to troubles and leave hidden dangers." For example, her relationship with Fu Mingcong

Huo Yiting spoke up. Jiang Luting could never have imagined that he would actually apologize to her in English

Shen Zhuowen said with a hint of sarcasm: "Had I known earlier, I would not have said anything. You treat me with such deference, as if I were a benefactor, that I feel as if I have aged several decades in an instant. Instead, it only serves to widen the distance between us. Alas, getting to know you has truly been a misstep that is not worth the cost."

If she were as beautiful as Mr. Huo, she might think that Shen Zhuo fell in love with her at first sight. However, given Shen Zhuo's status, he is surrounded by stunning beauties and is not lacking in wealthy young ladies. She truly has no outstanding qualities that would make him remember her, so whether he is pursuing her, she really cannot understand

The afternoon sunlight illuminated her fair and delicate face, her gaze as pure as a stream

Jiang Luting felt her face burning with embarrassment, silently gritting her teeth: When my sister has money, I will definitely show you some backbone, Mr. Huo

This question is indeed easy to answer, Jiang Luting quickly replied with a "no"

Huo Yiting casually said this sentence and turned to leave

Jiang Luting responded with a smile, neither affirming nor denying. After breaking up with Fu Mingcong, she no longer made promises lightly regarding both major and minor matters, for there is too much unpredictability in this world

Huo Yiting noticed her blushing and silent, furrowing his brow, and asked again: "Are you planning to date him?"

Jiang Luting Road: "I have a younger brother named Lanzhou, who was diagnosed with an incurable disease a few years ago and sought medical help everywhere without success. At that time, feeling desperate and in a state of panic due to his illness, he tried every possible remedy he heard of. Two years ago, I came to Wujue Temple, bringing his birth date and time to have his jade pendant consecrated, hoping that the Bodhisattva would bless him with recovery. Unfortunately, in the end, it still ... " Two years ago, I came to Wujue Temple, bringing his birth date and time to have his jade pendant consecrated, hoping that the Bodhisattva would bless him with recovery. Unfortunately, in the end, it still ... "

After a two-year interval, by a stroke of luck, Jiang Luting unexpectedly found the benefactor from that day. She released a burden from her heart, entered the Huo residence, and eagerly took out her phone to call Gu Miao

Huo Yiting is not a gossipy man; he has always been taciturn and often prefers to express himself through his expressions rather than words. When he occasionally engages in conversation with her, the topics are limited to Huo Tongtong

Shen Zhuo paused in silence for a moment, then slowly smiled: "There is plenty of time ahead, how about we let everything take its course?"

Gu Miao exclaimed: "Really?"

Her footsteps came to an abrupt halt, as if she were in a dream, feeling somewhat unreal. This was simply as incredible as hearing that "the sun rises in the west, the world is rectangular, and humanity migrated from another planet," astonishing and earth-shattering

After speaking, she suddenly remembered that he had once said that before she lied, she liked to use interjections like "um," "ah," and "oh." This statement made it seem as if she were a woman who enjoyed lying for no reason, often talking nonsense and speaking carelessly.

Is it you!" Jiang Luting's voice trembled with excitement

After Lanzhou left, my mother was heartbroken and fell seriously ill several times. The family's savings were exhausted, and we still owed a considerable amount of money. My father had already passed away, and my mother had retired, leaving the responsibility of repaying the debts entirely on me. Based on my current earning rate, it will take approximately five years to pay off the debts. In the past, during blind dates, I honestly informed the other party that I owed a lot of money, which resulted in only fleeting encounters, scaring people away.

Am I such a stingy person

Shen Zhuo looked at her, smiling silently

How could it be such a coincidence? How did you know, did he tell you?

However, it seems that she has never seen Huo Yiting be warm towards anyone. His face is as cold as a thousand miles of ice and ten thousand miles of drifting snow, as if everyone owes him money

Jiang Luting expressed his gratitude once again for the assistance he received that day

Huo Yiting was just behind her, and she called out softly and timidly, "Mr. Huo"

Why did Shen Zhuo ask?

Jiang Luting felt that this time was particularly long, anxiously wanting to turn back.

Jiang Luting : `` ... ... ''

Huo Yiting's gaze carried a scrutinizing quality as it swept across her face and then landed on Tong Tong's face, asking: "Have you recited the Disciples' Regulations today?"

Your thoughts are quite impure

In the past two years, Jiang Luting had imagined many scenarios of finding this "benefactor," yet she never expected it to be in such a situation before her eyes. He actually became her blind date. This situation was so bizarre that it seemed like a story from her own writing, coincidental to the point of being astonishing

In the past, Jiang Luting always felt a bit afraid of him, viewing him as both a boss and a golden opportunity. At this moment, thinking that she would be dismissed anyway, why should she still be afraid of him? Apart from being wealthy and tall, he was not remarkable in any other aspect.

Well, he said it himself. You ask how I should thank him; with his wealth, I fear that any gift I buy would not even catch his eye

Jiang Luting looked at his tearful expression, feeling a pang in her heart, and hurriedly explained: "Mr. Huo, for dinner we had eight-treasure porridge and steamed bass. These have not been learned yet; I don't even know the word for bass, let alone Tongtong."

Shen Zhuo nodded and said, "I see, however, your words make me feel even more that you are an open and honest person"

Tong Tong blinked her big eyes and obediently nodded

The light in the corridor of the small building cast a cold and slender shadow on him. Due to the warm orange light, Huo Yiting's gaze appeared somewhat softer than usual, yet it remained deep and profound, as if it held countless untold stories and inscrutable thoughts

Jiang Luting was smiling radiantly like a flower when she suddenly saw Huo Yiting walking over from the eastern corridor, holding car keys in his hand, seemingly about to go out

Jiang Luting laughed out loud as she saw him off to the car, watching him leave

Huo Yiting turned his face to look at her, "Is Teacher Jiang really a university graduate?"

Upon seeing her, he halted his steps and stood beneath the begonia tree

Ah, you are indeed strange

The moonlight was like water; even though he stood in the shadows, Jiang Luting spotted him at a glance. However, she pretended not to see him, lowering her eyelids and walking forward with her head down

No, there is not

Jiang Luting had no choice but to stop and watch him walk over from the shadows

Could it be that he has a grudge against Shen Zhuo? Otherwise, why would he be so concerned about her relationship with Shen Zhuo

"That's good"

Although two years have passed, mentioning Lanzhou still makes her feel very sad, and what is even more sorrowful is her mother

Huo Yiting gazed at her face and asked, "Are you still angry?"

At this moment, the two stood together under the sycamore tree behind the mansion. In the dim light, his features could be seen, yet his pair of eyes were dark and devoid of any expression.

Jiang Luting smiled and said, "He is the person who saved me two years ago in Meishan"

Huo Yiting fell silent for a few more seconds without speaking. This kind of confrontation is truly torturous for a person

Is he pursuing you

She returned to her room, lost in thought, convinced that tonight would be her last night at the Huo family residence. At 8:30, she absentmindedly went downstairs to the main house to tell Tongtong a story, perhaps for the last time.

Yet he still stands in the shadows, making it impossible to discern the meaning behind his gaze

Jiang Luting quickly put away her phone, simultaneously concealing her smile, and respectfully addressed him as "Mr. Huo"

Now is the opportunity

Jiang Luting excelled in language studies from a young age, publishing articles at a tender age. She was originally quite proud, but could not escape the pressures of life; poverty stifled her ambitions. Over the years, she cultivated her temperament to the point of having no temper at all. After enduring months of sharp-tongued remarks from Huo Yiting, she never responded, treating it as a form of personal growth. However, today he finally crossed her bottom line, causing her to lose her composure and engage in a conflict with him

Jiang Luting quickly took the potato chips into her own hands, explaining that she was the one eating them, and casually fed Tongtong two pieces

In fact, I am only going on blind dates to reassure my mother; I do not currently intend to find a boyfriend. If you do not mind, I would like to be your friend, and I also hope to have the opportunity to repay you for the kindness you showed me that day.

Jiang Luting smiled awkwardly, a faint blush rising to her face. In the sunlight, this layer of pale pink appeared almost translucent.

Having spoken, he looked at her with anticipation

In his presence, silence is golden, and it is best to focus on work without distraction. Speaking too much can lead to mistakes, and if one is not careful, they may be struck by the piercing gaze that condemns "too much nonsense".

Huo Yiting said coldly: "Let me test you."

She slightly tilted her face upward, revealing her lofty nature for the first time in front of him, indeed demonstrating that a lack of desire leads to strength

As he stepped down the stairs, Huo Yiting happened to come out of the garden, looking as if he had just been taking a walk in the garden

Jiang Luting recalled the day he encountered him at the café. When Shen Zhuo greeted him, he responded indifferently, displaying an air of aloofness and arrogance.

Do you know who Shen Zhuo is

There are very few people in this world who are more magnanimous than I am

Although Jiang Luting was filled with doubts, he would never ask Huo Yiting about the details.

Huo Yiting said slowly, "I was just about to praise you for your strong character"

However, this manner of apology is indeed too aloof

Jiang Luting quickly turned around after realizing the harsh reality that he was a poor wretch in the shortest time possible

Gu Miao joked with a smile, "What gift to buy? Just wrap yourself up and send yourself over as a token of devotion."

Because Tong Tong was punished yesterday, Jiang Luting specifically taught him for a long time today. Initially, he thought there would be no issues, but to his surprise, Huo Yiting spoke up and asked in English: What did we have for dinner today

After she spoke, she strode away without even glancing at Huo Yiting's expression, feeling an unprecedented sense of relief in her heart. Finally, just before her dismissal, she made a counterattack. Once the pent-up dissatisfaction was released, her mood truly became refreshing and invigorating

Teacher Jiang

What she actually wants to say is, you will not dismiss me, will you

Where can one find such a job that offers a high salary, includes meals and accommodation, and provides vacation time? Bah, what good is being tough when you have no money? Can arguing with others lead to wealth? Being heavily in debt, what is there to boast about?

Jiang Luting did not expect him to ask her this question so directly, her face flushed, unsure of how to respond, as if it were the case, yet also as if it were not.

Upon returning from Wujue Temple, the two stopped in front of the Huo residence