Chapter 43: Money Truly Sustains Life

There was an indescribable strength about Lu Yao. Though undoubtedly a handsome and upright young man, he carried an air of casual nonchalance, unflustered even when facing those of higher status and position. He could engage in a lively back-and-forth exchange, dissecting matters with ease. Jian Xiaojie had seen many male models and nightlife men, but none had the same aura as Lu Yao. That very aura was intoxicating.

At this moment, bathed in the warm golden light of dusk with the gentle rustling of the woods, Lu Yao strolled over in a plain white tee and washed denim jeans, his playful irreverence tugging at her. The youthful, schoolboy charm rushing towards her made Jian Xiaojie dizzy.

Tilting her face up close to his, her breath mingled with the scent of his cologne in a distinctly intimate way. “You’re unlike any man I’ve ever known.”

Unmoved, Lu Yao smiled and replied, “But you’re just like every woman I’ve ever met.”

Jian Xiaojie pouted, refusing to concede. “How am I the same?”

He grinned, “The same in making my heart race.”

Ah! Her gaze softened completely, and she felt as if her very bones had softened, wanting to lean into his embrace. The air thickened with unspoken desire, the atmosphere warming.

She whispered silkily, “Smooth talker!”

Lu Yao chuckled, “Don’t like it?”

She tilted her head with a smile, “I do~ So, do you want to take things further with me?”

He teased back, “Further where?”

She caught on immediately, her expression turning coquettish.

Oh, this was deadly! The conversation had suddenly sped up, catching her off guard! Naughty! But she adored it.

Beneath the satin gown, her long legs entwined like white pythons. She almost regretted bringing Lu Yao to such a birthday dinner—wouldn’t it have been better to just take him home? How could Sister Shu eat so well?

But Lu Yao didn’t continue the playful banter. “By the way, do you remember Zhu Junyan from last time?”

The topic shifted abruptly, and Jian Xiaojie was momentarily stunned. “Huh?”

He went on, “He contacted me at NFA before, said if there’s an event at Miss Rong’s side, to bring him along. So I wanted to ask if you could take him too.”

Tsk, that guy. Jian Xiaojie was still a bit annoyed about what happened last time. Bringing Rong Nianqing and Gan Xiaoxi along wasn’t just to help Lu Yao hold the scene—it was also to show off in front of Zhu Junyan. Now that he was trying to get close through Lu Yao, that schemer really couldn’t resist any chance to ingratiate himself.

But Jian Xiaojie’s gaze shifted and she said, “Then you owe me a favor.”

Lu Yao said calmly, “You can just refuse. I’m not the one making the arrangements.”

She felt a bit tickled. “Cheap.”

Then she pulled out her phone and texted Zhu Junyan: “Lu Yao said you owe me a favor.”

Since she couldn’t get a favor from Lu Yao, she’d get it from Zhu Junyan instead!

Zhu Junyan replied instantly: “No problem!”

He had long known about Rong Nianqing’s birthday, but the invitation-only party was nearly impossible to get into. He had tried everything, but no luck. He had almost given up hope—until Lu Yao, whom he had befriended earlier, managed to secure the invitation!

Lu Yao was no ordinary man. Jian Xiaojie was no ordinary woman. Zhu Junyan was eager to be indebted to them.

How does friendship grow? It’s always through owing each other favors.

Zhu Junyan never feared being asked for help; he just feared those whose help he wanted to offer but had no right to.

With Zhu Junyan’s assurance, Jian Xiaojie resumed typing on her phone.

About ten minutes later, she shook her phone. “Done. The invitation has been expedited and delivered. Let’s go.”

Lu Yao said, “I need to change clothes.”

She raised an eyebrow. “I’ve already prepared your outfit. When you’re with me, you don’t have to worry about spending money! Get in the car!”

Lu Yao laughed. Rich women really were bold.

He first retrieved some things from his own car, then took the passenger seat beside Jian Xiaojie.

She brought Lu Yao to a tailor’s shop that Sister Shu had taken him to before. They had his measurements on file, and Jian Xiaojie had already arranged for a complete outfit to be ready.

After changing, Lu Yao stood before the full-length mirror, appraising his reflection.

A double-breasted, dark blue pinstripe suit made of Scottish wool, with peaked lapels.

Gold-plated cuffs, a silk pocket square.

And a pair of polished black Oxford shoes.

Under the light, the suit gleamed with just the right amount of luster.

Unlike Sister Wang’s preference for Italian-style suits, Jian Xiaojie favored the British vintage style.

And this outfit suited Lu Yao perfectly, making him look especially dashing and refined.

Jian Xiaojie admired him from both sides, then gave her verdict: “Looks great.”

Lu Yao glanced at the bill casually.

So expensive!

Looking at the stylish man in the mirror, he sighed sincerely—money truly sustains life!

And being supported by a rich woman’s money was all the more delightful.

Finally, Jian Xiaojie picked out a pair of black-framed, non-prescription glasses as an accessory for him.

The young and sharp edge in Lu Yao’s aura was immediately subdued by the glasses, lending him a steadier, more balanced style.

Jian Xiaojie was very pleased. “Okay~ Let’s go.”

...

Lu Yao spent over two hours trying on the outfit in the tailor’s shop. By the time they left, night had fallen.

When Jian Xiaojie and Lu Yao arrived at an estate near Zhongshan, Zhu Junyan had already been there waiting for some time.

Jian Xiaojie stopped the car at the estate gate, handed the keys to the valet, then gave the gift to Lu Yao to carry, and the two of them walked inside.

At the invitation check, Lu Yao and Jian Xiaojie saw Zhu Junyan waiting outside.

He was accompanied by a female companion and a sturdy assistant in a suit.

The assistant held a sizable box made of rosewood.

Noticing this, Jian Xiaojie greeted, “Wow, what kind of gift is that big box?”

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