In the mall, a sales assistant enthusiastically handed over several paper bags printed with brand logos, containing several sets of seasonal clothes for Ji Fanyin, from head to toe.

He carried the bag, feeling somewhat absurd. Just hours ago, they had been completely open and passionately entangled; now, he was acting like an ordinary boyfriend. Or more accurately, like a sugar daddy, buying her clothes.

As Lei Guoliang left the mall, he was still thinking about how to handle his relationship with Ji Fanyin.

Last night, things got out of control.

At twenty-five, a body brimming with youthful vigor crumbles before the allure of alcohol, the darkness of night, and a vibrant, untamed body that actively approaches. There's no denying that.

But the question is, what happens next?

His rebirth gave him a god-like perspective on the economic trends of the next twenty years and a clear map of the path to wealth accumulation.

However, in matters of the heart and intimate relationships, the trauma from the past life did not heal with rebirth. Instead, it remained like a deep, old scar that was always painful.

He remembered his wife from his past life, with whom he had made vows of eternal love.

They fell in love freely, overcame obstacles to get married, had children, and shared countless warm and ordinary days and nights.

He thought that was his life. But when the 2008 financial crisis hit, the mahogany furniture factory he had bought with all his savings and even in debt collapsed.

Expensive rosewood bought at high prices depreciates significantly, and even after being turned into exquisite furniture, it cannot be sold at a loss.

When the enormous debt pressed down like a mountain... those who had promised to share joys and sorrows chose the most resolute way to leave, abandoning their two innocent and young children.

"Husbands and wives are like birds in the same forest; when disaster strikes, they fly away separately." The ancients have already said it all. Many can share wealth and honor, but few can share hardship.

In his past life, he proved this point in the most painful way. What love, what vows, are laughably pale in the face of the pressure of survival and the instinct of human nature to seek advantage and avoid harm.

Having been given a second chance at life, his goal is to seize the opportunities of the times, accumulate enormous wealth, and completely take control of his own destiny.

Marriage? He no longer needed it, nor did he believe in it. It was more like a risky partnership, one in which he had already lost all his capital and trust.

Ji Fanyin… He closed his eyes. Young, beautiful, with a well-proportioned and attractive figure, her eyes were clear and still held a hint of student-like innocence. Her awkward reaction last night also proved the simplicity of her romantic experience.

By any worldly standard, she was a good girl, even good enough to make many men's hearts flutter. And she was already his woman.

so what?

His momentary urge to release his desires might have been fueled by the atmosphere of the previous night and her seductive advances, but ultimately, it was because he couldn't control himself. This doesn't change his fundamental thoughts.

He wouldn't easily promise marriage based on a single physical relationship, nor would he readily make a promise of love. That's too heavy a burden, and too unreliable.

So, how should we handle the current situation?

Giving money directly and drawing a clear line seems too heartless and would be a waste of a talent that he had already initially assessed and deemed usable.

Moreover, deep down, he wasn't completely indifferent to her; it was a complex emotion mixed with admiration, possessiveness, and a touch of pity.

Continuing the ambiguous cohabitation relationship? That would be even worse, only making things more complicated and affecting his judgment and important matters.

His gaze returned to its calm and sharp intensity. He had a plan.

Since I can't give her the emotional support she deserves, and I can't trust the contract of marriage, I'll use a more practical and solid way to bind her to me: my career.

Give her a platform, a promising career, so that she can devote her energy and emotions to it.

At the same time, this is also the best way to leverage her value and make her a truly useful part of his business empire. For him at this stage, this is more meaningful and more controllable than a simple romantic or marital relationship.

Having figured this out, Lei Guoliang no longer hesitated, flagged down a motorcycle taxi, and returned to the main entrance of Future Coast Phase III.

Back in apartment 1701 of building 33, Ji Fanyin quickly changed into a white shirt and black midi skirt he had bought, and stood somewhat awkwardly in the living room.

The new clothes fit her perfectly, outlining her youthful and beautiful curves, and making her look less childish and more gentle.

Seeing his gaze, her cheeks flushed slightly, and her eyes darted away.

Lei Guoliang's gaze swept calmly over her, as if he were merely assessing whether the clothes fit, before getting straight to the point:

"What happened last night is what it is." His tone was businesslike, without any tenderness or apology.

"But our lives and work must go on. I have a new idea that I need you to implement."

Ji Fanyin was taken aback, seemingly not expecting him to skip over last night so directly, but quickly focused his attention: "Brother Lei, go ahead."

"I'm planning to open a real estate agency." Lei Guoliang walked to the sofa and sat down, gesturing for her to sit as well.

"Our main business will initially focus on rental management, while also providing consulting services for buying and selling secondhand homes. From now on, you will be in charge of the operation and management of this store."

Ji Fanyin's eyes widened in shock: "I...I'll take responsibility? But I don't know anything about this!"

"If you don't understand, learn." Lei Guoliang's tone left no room for doubt: "First, recruit two or three people, one to be in charge of finance and administration, and another one or two experienced people with experience in second-hand housing transactions. You learn from them."

Salary and benefits will be based on market rates, but we can offer slightly higher rates to retain staff. I will handle the shop location selection, decoration, and registration procedures, but you will also need to be involved throughout the process and familiarize yourself with each step.

He looked at her with a deep gaze: "This store is ostensibly an independent real estate agency, but its core business is actually managing the ever-increasing number of properties under my name, including rent collection, maintenance, handling vacancy issues, renewals, and future sales entrustment."

At the same time, it also needs to operate normally, engage with the market, gather information, and even generate profits. This is a platform for you to learn, grow, and truly help share my burden.

"The market looks bad right now, but that's the time to hone our skills. Once the market recovers, it will become our reach and channels. Do you understand what I mean?"

Ji Fanyin's heart pounded. Not because of the intimacy of the previous night, but because of the immense trust and opportunity contained in those words.

He didn't look down on her because of what happened last night, or only want to treat her as a mistress. On the contrary, he wanted to hand over a shop to her to manage! This is a more real appreciation than any sweet words.

"I...I'm afraid I won't do a good job and will make you lose money." She spoke the truth, but her eyes were already burning with anger.

"You won't lose much. I'll control the costs in the initial stage. The key is whether you have the confidence to learn and the determination to do it well," Lei Guoliang said, looking at her.

"If you're content to be a woman who only revolves around the stove or lives off me, then I can say now that I can support you at home."

If you want to have your own career and stand beside me instead of behind me, then seize this opportunity.

These words struck Ji Fanyin like a heavy hammer blow. She remembered her cousin's words, her own uncertainty about the future, and even more so, the longing she felt last night during their intimate moments—a desire to be closer to him, not just physically.

"I want to!" She stood up abruptly, her eyes more determined than ever before. "Brother Lei, I want to do well! I will study and work my hardest to not let you down!"

"Okay." Lei Guoliang also stood up. "Then let's go look at some shops now. I've shortlisted a few locations, mainly in the active rental areas of Futian and Nanshan. Put on your shoes, we'll talk on the way."

He didn't give her any time to linger on the warmth or awkwardness of the previous night, but instead quickly pulled their relationship onto a new track with an urgent and challenging task at hand.

The boss and his capable subordinates, business partners and founders.

Ji Fanyin quickly changed her shoes and followed behind him. Looking at the man's tall and steady back, the subtle unease and shyness she felt from the previous night were strangely replaced by a more vigorous fighting spirit and a sense of belonging.

He might not say sweet words, but he gave her something more precious: a future that she could see, touch, and was worth fighting for.

What she had to do was try her best to keep up with him and become an indispensable piece of his business empire.

Lei Guoliang flagged down a taxi at the entrance of the residential area. After the two got in the car, Lei Guoliang asked the driver to take him to Yuehai Auto City.

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