Why would Peninsula want to date a lazy dog ​​like me?

Wei Wu stood in front of an extremely upscale real estate agency, holding an umbrella and a cup of iced Americano in his hand, taking a deep breath of the moist air filled with the aroma of coffee.

"Cool!"

Wei Wu sighed deeply in his heart.

Although his eyes still retained the bloodshot veins from three consecutive nights of staying up all night, a pure joy of sudden wealth shone in his dead fish eyes.

This morning, he received a text message on his phone.

[Your account ending in xxxx received 20,000,000 Korean Won on June 30th. Current balance...]

Starship Entertainment's money arrived in full.

Moreover, what made Wei Wu feel most refreshed was that the crazy woman who was like a time bomb had miraculously disappeared in the past few days. There were no more phone calls, no more Kakao harassment, and no more sudden outbursts into her sister's study.

Wei Wu felt that his extreme operation of "delivering goods and running away, then blocking the other party to ensure safety" was a textbook example of crisis public relations.

"Sure enough, to deal with a lunatic, you have to outrun her."

Wei Wu, with a straw in his mouth, pushed open the door of the real estate agency in high spirits.

"Annyeonghaseyo! Hello sir, how can I help you?" A female real estate agent in a business suit with a sweet smile immediately came up to him.

"Rent an apartment. It should be in Gangnam or Seocho district, with good soundproofing, preferably on a high floor. As for the budget..." Wei Wu paused, feeling the confidence emanating from the 20 million won in his bank account, then waved his hand dismissively, "Anything under 2 million won per month, take your pick."

For a worker who previously lived in a dilapidated low-rent apartment with a monthly rent of 300,000 yuan that leaked even when it rained, a monthly rent of 2 million yuan was simply a royal experience.

Wei Wu had had enough of that dilapidated place where even the door locks were a bit loose. Now that he had money, his first priority was to move to a new, fortress-like safe home, completely eliminating any possibility of being approached by strange clients.

For the rest of the day, Wei Wu, guided by the real estate agent, shuttled between various high-end apartments in Seoul.

He took a liking to a high-rise apartment in Seocho district.

The views are fantastic, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of half of Seoul's nightscape. Most importantly, the security system here is simply outrageous. You need facial recognition to enter the main gate, a special access card to take the elevator, and even takeout can only be delivered to a designated storage area on the first floor, then carried upstairs by a building management robot.

"This is the one. We'll sign the contract tomorrow."

Wei Wu readily agreed.

His term as an exchange student at Seoul National University is less than nine months at most.

This money, plus what I saved from working, after deducting rent, is still a huge sum.

Then he can take the remaining money, pack his bags, and head back to China, completely ending this magical exchange student experience abroad.

"This lousy place, Seoul, has such weird feng shui. When I get back to China, I'll definitely have to go to a temple and burn some incense to get rid of this bad luck."

Wei Wu stood in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window of his new apartment, looking down at the bustling street below, where cars and people moved like ants, a relaxed and contented smile playing on his lips.

He felt that his life was finally back on track.

During the day, I look for apartments and occasionally go to school to handle roll call; in the evening, I teach Chinese at the home of that quiet, generous, and emotionally stable young lady, earning 50,000 per hour—easy and enjoyable.

perfect.

This is the lifestyle that Wei Wu should have.

……

7:50 p.m.

Chengbei Cave, Zhang Family Villa on the Hillside.

Wei Wu, wearing a brand-new, wrinkle-free white shirt and a pair of brand-new sneakers, rang the villa's doorbell precisely on time.

The door slowly opened, and the butler respectfully welcomed him inside.

"Teacher Wei, Miss is already waiting for you in the study."

"OK, thanks."

Wei Wu strode through the luxurious corridor with practiced ease and arrived at the heavy oak door at the end of the second-floor corridor.

He knocked gently on the door.

"Enter."

From inside the door came Zhang Zhenying's ever-cool, elegant voice, which carried a hint of superiority yet was not overly distant.

Wei Wu pushed open the door.

The study was still filled with the calming aroma of top-grade agarwood.

Zhang Zhenying sat behind the huge rosewood desk. Today she was wearing a loungewear outfit, her long hair casually tied back, with a few strands falling beside her fair and slender neck. Under the dim, retro desk lamp, she exuded a breathtaking mature charm.

She was holding a Chinese version of "Zizhi Tongjian" in her hand, seemingly studying it intently.

But in fact.

From the moment Wei Wu knocked on the door, Zhang Zhenying's entire world was ignited.

She heard his footsteps, that steady, unhurried rhythm.

She smelled a faint scent on him, a mixture of a summer evening breeze and some unknown laundry detergent.

The moment Wei Wu pushed open the door, Zhang Zhenying needed immense willpower to grip her book tightly in order to suppress the urge to leap over the desk, pull the man into her arms, and greedily inhale every inch of his essence.

"Good evening, Teacher Wei."

Zhang Zhenying raised her head, her deep, narrow eyes perfectly concealing a morbid infatuation capable of burning everything, while on the surface, only a perfectly measured gentleness and politeness remained.

"Good evening." Wei Wu pulled out a chair, sat down, and placed the textbook on the table.

Zhang Zhenying noticed Wei Wu's difference.

His clothes were new. His shoes were new.

Most importantly, his eyes, which usually radiated a dead fish-like weariness with the world, surprisingly held a hint of relaxation and joy today.

He didn't even have the same irritable aura he had a few days ago, which stemmed from lack of sleep.

"Teacher Wei seems to be in a good mood today?" Zhang Zhenying tilted her head slightly, a graceful smile curving her lips, and asked casually, "Did something happy happen?"

Wei Wu paused for a moment, then touched his nose and chuckled twice.

"Is it that obvious?" He didn't hide anything, after all, it wasn't anything shameful. "I guess so. I went to see a new house today, and I'm getting ready to move."

"Oh? Moving?"

A dangerous glint flashed deep in Zhang Zhenying's eyes, but her tone remained calm and even showed a hint of concern.

"Is Professor Wei dissatisfied with his current accommodation? If you need any help, I have several vacant properties in Seoul. The environment and security are excellent. If Professor Wei doesn't mind..."

"No need, no need!" Wei Wu immediately waved his hand in refusal.

What a joke! Although Wei Wu loves money, he hates owing favors the most. Especially this kind of favor—can you just casually owe someone a favor? You might end up paying for it with your life later.

"I've already found a house in Seocho District. I'll sign the contract tomorrow," Wei Wu said in a rational, contractor-like tone. "I appreciate your kindness. Let's begin today's lesson."

Looking at Wei Wu's desperate attempt to distance himself and keep everyone at arm's length, Zhang Zhenying felt as if her heart was being squeezed tightly by an invisible hand.

He doesn't need her.

When he had money, his first instinct was to build a safe haven for himself, rather than seeking refuge with her.

This realization filled Zhang Zhenying with an indescribable sense of jealousy and anger.

But she still smiled and opened the textbook in front of her.

"Okay, Teacher Wei. Where are we going to learn today?"

For the next hour, the study echoed with Wei Wu's deep voice lecturing and Zhang Zhenying's occasional questions.

On the surface, this appears to be a harmonious and heartwarming scene of teachers and students.

But in reality, Zhang Zhenying didn't hear a single word.

Her gaze remained fixed and greedily fixed on Wei Wu's opening and closing lips, on his slender fingers as he turned the pages of his book, and on his brows that occasionally furrowed slightly as he pondered.

She was enjoying the blissful feeling of being able to truly see him, hear him, and feel his presence.

This feeling of happiness was so intense that every cell in her body trembled slightly.

but.

Accompanying this extreme sense of happiness is an ever-growing fear, like a persistent, deep-seated affliction.

A tremendous fear that threatened to drag her into an abyss.

The course is nearing its end.

Wei Wu closed the textbook and glanced at his watch.

"That's all for today, Zhang Zhenying. Your sense of language is getting better and better." Wei Wu gave a fair assessment and prepared to get up and take his leave.

"Teacher Wei."

Zhang Zhenying suddenly spoke, her voice soft yet possessing an undeniable penetrating power.

"Hmm? Is there any other problem?" Wei Wu stopped what he was doing and looked at her with a puzzled expression.

Zhang Zhenying placed her hands on the table, leaning slightly forward. In the shadow of the retro table lamp, her eyes appeared particularly deep.

"I just suddenly thought of something," Zhang Zhenying said, looking into Wei Wu's eyes, her tone still casual and conversational. "Professor Wei is an exchange student at Ewha Womans University, right?"

Wei Wu's heart skipped a beat.

He looked at Zhang Zhenying with some wariness, wondering why this woman had suddenly become concerned about his studies.

But he still answered truthfully.

"Yes. A one-year exchange student."

"Well..." Zhang Zhenying's lips still held a perfect smile, but her eyes seemed to be brewing a terrifying storm, "How much longer is Teacher Wei's exchange period?"

"There are still nine months left. Aren't you also from Ewha Womans University?" Wei Wu answered crisply.

"Nine months..."

Zhang Zhenying softly repeated the number.

nine months.

Two hundred and seventy-four days.

Six thousand five hundred and seventy-six hours.

This number was like a rusty saw, tearing back and forth violently at Zhang Zhenying's nerves, causing her to bleed profusely and suffer unbearable pain.

It's too short.

It's too short!!!

She had only just found the man who could make her parched soul beat again, and she had only just begun to savor the ultimate pleasure of keeping him within her sight.

"Then... what happens after the exchange period ends?" Zhang Zhenying's voice was slightly tense, but she tried her best to control her vocal cords so that Wei Wu wouldn't notice anything unusual.

"What are Professor Wei's plans? Will you continue your studies in Seoul, or... find a job here?"

Zhang Zhenying stared intently at Wei Wu, awaiting his answer.

She prayed frantically in her heart.

Stay.

As long as you say you're willing to stay, even if you only have the slightest thought of wanting to stay in Seoul, I can pave all the way for you immediately.

I can give you anything.

As long as you stay.

however.

Wei Wu's answer was like a bucket of liquid nitrogen mixed with ice shards poured over Zhang Zhenying's wildly burning heart.

"Going back to China, of course we'll go back to China."

Wei Wu answered matter-of-factly, without even a second of hesitation.

As he packed his canvas bag, he gazed at the Seoul night view outside the window with a slightly disdainful, dead fish-like look.

"Staying in Seoul for too long will shorten your lifespan. Prices are outrageously high, there are an insane number of rules, and besides..."

The image of that crazy woman flashed through Wei Wu's mind, and he couldn't help but shudder.

"Besides, there are too many mentally ill people here. For an ordinary citizen like me, it's better to go back to China as soon as possible, find a stable job, and live a normal life."

Wei Wu turned his head, looked at Zhang Zhenying, and gave her a sincere smile that was full of longing for a normal life in the future.

"I'll treat these nine months as an experience. Once it's over, I won't stay a single day longer."

Zhang Zhenying felt as if something in her mind suddenly exploded.

Back home.

I won't stay even a day longer.

A normal person's life.

Every word and every sentence Wei Wu uttered was like a sharp scalpel, precisely piercing Zhang Zhenying's most vulnerable and fearful nerve center, shattering her heart, which was filled with morbid possessiveness, into pieces.

He's leaving.

He wants to leave her.

He wanted to return to that country she couldn't reach or control, to live what he called "a normal life."

He will marry an ordinary woman, have an ordinary child, and completely erase from this world any trace of his past as Zhang Zhenying.

"Unforgivable..."

In Zhang Zhenying's mind, it was as if ten thousand wild beasts were roaring and tearing at her.

Her breathing stopped completely at that moment.

Her hands, clenched into tight fists under the table, were deeply embedded in the flesh of her palms, drawing blood, yet she felt no pain whatsoever.

Because the pain in her heart was ten thousand times stronger than this!

but.

The more extreme her fear and anger, the more unbreakable her reason became, like an iceberg.

"So that's how it is."

Zhang Zhenying raised her head, her smile still flawless, even gentler and more understanding than before.

"Professor Wei is a very nostalgic and pragmatic person. Returning to China to develop his career is indeed a very safe choice. After all, this is not your hometown."

"Yes." Wei Wu slung his canvas bag over his shoulder, completely unaware of the turmoil churning within the elegant woman before him. "I'll be going now. See you tomorrow night."

See you tomorrow night, Professor Wei. Take care on your journey.

Zhang Zhenying stood up and watched Wei Wu leave the study.

"Click".

The oak door to the study was gently closed.

Wei Wu's footsteps gradually faded into the distance in the corridor.

The study fell into a deathly silence once again.

Zhang Zhenying stood there, the perfect, gentle mask on her face shattering and peeling away like dried soil the moment the door closed.

Instead, there is a chilling, extremely twisted gloom and madness.

She slowly walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window.

Through the bulletproof glass, she watched Wei Wu's somewhat thin figure walk out the door and gradually disappear into the deep night.

"Going back to China..."

A low, hoarse laugh, as if it came from the depths of hell, escaped Zhang Zhenying's throat.

"Hehe... Hahaha..."

Her shoulders trembled violently as she laughed, but there was no laughter in her eyes, only a darkness that could swallow all light.

"Cao Cao, Cao Cao..."

"Do you think you can still get away?"

Zhang Zhenying pressed her forehead against the cold glass, staring greedily in the direction where Wei Wu had disappeared.

The sense of happiness has completely faded away.

What now occupies her entire being is the devastating fear of losing something she is about to lose.

She absolutely will not allow this to happen!

Absolutely not!

But how can we keep him here?

Kidnap him? Lock him in the basement, chain his limbs, and make him forever only able to look at her?

No.

Zhang Zhenying immediately rejected this extremely tempting but base idea.

Wei Wu was a wolf. A wolf that looked like a dead fish, but was extremely proud and realistic at heart.

If you force him, he will definitely resist. He will go on a hunger strike, he will harm himself, he will look at her coldly with his lifeless eyes until the last bit of life in his eyes is completely extinguished.

Zhang Zhenying didn't want a soulless shell; she wanted Wei Wu, a vibrant and alive man who could confront people with deadpan eyes!

Use money to buy it?

Give him 10 billion? 100 billion?

Not at all.

Although Wei Wu loved money, his desire for it was limited. If he received twenty million today, his first reaction would be to rent a nice house to improve his life, not to squander it. He was very clear-headed and knew what he wanted.

Once he feels he has earned enough, or feels that the cost of taking the money exceeds his tolerance limit (such as encountering trouble), he will not hesitate to give up the money and withdraw.

Money cannot buy his "willingness," much less his "forever."

"legitimate……"

Zhang Zhenying muttered to herself in the darkness.

"It must be legal...it must be reasonable...it must be something he can't refuse, even...willing."

She needs a net.

A seamless, giant web woven from laws, rules, human weaknesses, and irresistible interests.