Female lead’s Delusion of Starting Over - Chapter 18

Chapter 18: What Do You Want to Do

Words of reproach sounded like the most beautiful language to Chen Xiaoyi. After her parents passed away, every relative turned into a wolf, crazily demanding she repay them. What could she do? Paying debts is only natural.

Money at home was spent long ago during her illness. To complete her college education, she relied on financial aid for impoverished students and worked part-time.

Now graduated, burdened with huge debt, working multiple jobs was her only option.

“Getting sick and not properly recuperating, harboring frustration in your heart, your current condition is very dangerous!” Lu Li spoke frankly, furrowing his brows in concern. Chen Xiaoyi’s health was terrible, it was a miracle she hadn’t collapsed yet.

“Thank you, Mr. Lu Li, for your concern, but I’m fine.” She smiled brightly, like a ray of warm sunlight.

No matter how life battered her, she remained strong in this world.

“I can help you. Can you tell me what’s causing you trouble? Sometimes, sharing can be a good way to heal the heart.”

“…”

Chen Xiaoyi fell silent, her strong gaze softening momentarily. For her, Lu Li, a stranger she had only known for a short while, showed a mysterious trust because of his previous help and seemingly reproachful yet caring words.

“Maybe, saying some things out loud does make one feel better.” She comforted herself inwardly, indeed needing a place to confide.

Glancing at the nearly empty store, Chen Xiaoyi took a seat in front of Lu Li.

She began to speak slowly, recounting her illness, her parents’ death, and the indifference of her relatives. By the end, the strong girl couldn’t help but shed tears.

“I can cover your debts for you and provide the care you need, but of course, there are conditions… I want you…” Lu Li’s smile gradually turned sinister as he appraised the woman before him.

Chen Xiaoyi, sensing Lu Li’s gaze, felt a flush of shyness. The man’s look seemed to pierce through her clothes, biting her lip in silent disappointment.

Her voice cooled, “I’m sorry, Mr. Lu Li, you’re mistaken. I’m not that kind of person.”

If it weren’t for Lu Li’s previous help, she would have driven him away by now.

She turned to leave but was once again grabbed by Lu Li.

“Hey, hey, hey, don’t overreact. I was just joking.”

Chen Xiaoyi looked at Lu Li, no longer as friendly as before, showing a hint of wariness.

“Indeed a heroine, with that die-hard attitude.” Just like Zhang Ziqin in his previous life, who would never love him no matter what.

But now, he was no longer a puppet controlled by the system.

“You mentioned you graduated from the finance department of Zhejiang University? How were your grades?” Ignoring Chen Xiaoyi’s wary seriousness, Lu Li suddenly became serious, causing her to pause.

“My grades were good. I received scholarships.” Chen Xiaoyi responded truthfully.

Perhaps she too was longing for a chance to change her fate but didn’t mean she was willing to sell herself.

“Why didn’t you apply for those big companies? With your grades, they should have wanted you.” Lu Li asked, puzzled.

Chen Xiaoyi’s gaze shifted, then she lowered her head in dejection, “Those big companies have several months of probation with low pay, not enough to support my daily expenses, let alone pay rent and debts.”

“I see, no wonder.”

A girl in Hangzhou without even a place to live, how could she afford to participate in such probation periods?

“Come work at my company. I’ll cover your debts first and find you a suitable position. Also, I can help you get some medical treatment.”

Chen Xiaoyi abruptly looked up, “Are you serious?”

“Of course.”

“…but why are you being so nice to me, especially when…” we haven’t known each other for long.

“If I say it’s not because I’m attracted to you, you’d probably find it hard to believe. Just think I find you pretty, unfortunate yet capable, and I want to give you a hand,” Lu Li said with a smile, offering a blunt truth.

“So, you do want my body.” Chen Xiaoyi nervously covered her chest, wary of Lu Li.

But not as defensive as before.

“If you want to think that way, I don’t mind. Here’s my business card, you can report to my company tomorrow.” Nonchalantly placing down a business card, Lu Li checked his watch.

“Alright, it’s about time for me to leave. You can think it over.”

If he doesn’t see Chen Xiaoyi tomorrow, Lu Li will decisively give up. If he can’t win her over, she’ll end up on the protagonist’s side sooner or later. Best to resolve it early.

“Um…”

Chen Xiaoyi hadn’t realized this matter would concern her very life, still glaring at Lu Li with flushed, tearful eyes.

Only after Lu Li left did Chen Xiaoyi pick up the business card on the table.

“Lu Li, General Manager of Lu Corporation.” Seeing the name on the card, Chen Xiaoyi was shocked, covering her mouth. She had thought it might be someone with the same name, but it turned out to be that Lu family’s young master!

There’s only one Lu Corporation in all of Hangzhou.

She didn’t expect the Lu family’s young master to be so sunny and handsome. Wasn’t he said to be a wastrel?

Chen Xiaoyi fell into thought.

In her imagination, this bad young master should have been smirking, speaking rudely, indulging in debauchery. How could he be so… good-looking?

Lu Corporation?

Biting her lip, the reputation of Lu Li, known throughout Hangzhou as a wastrel, still pressured her, but this could be her only chance to change her fate.

“Chen Xiaoyi, what are you thinking? Even if he helps you clear your debts, just work hard and repay him later. Could he really take your body?” she thought to herself, setting her bottom line. Unless it was someone she liked, she wouldn’t give herself away.

But deep down, wasn’t there a sliver of hope? Even if the hope was slim, she wanted to try.