He tricked the female lead into becoming his boyfriend, but then went on to criticize the male lead.

Wen Zhaoci looked at Sang Jiuning, who was clearly not angry but was pretending to be furious. A smile flashed in her eyes, so quick that it was impossible to catch.

He stopped and turned to face her. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on his sharply defined face, softening his usually aloof features.

"That's not what I meant." His voice was deep and gentle, with a soothing quality. "I just thought you looked tired today. If this job is making you feel stressed, I don't want you to push yourself. As for the money..."

He paused, looking earnestly at Sang Jiuning, "My girlfriend, of course I want her to have an easier time and not have to work so hard. This isn't charity, it's a boyfriend's responsibility."

"Who...who's your girlfriend?!" Sang Jiuning's heart skipped a beat at his words about "boyfriend's responsibilities," and her face burned even hotter, but she still retorted, "Didn't we agree...to keep our distance? What are you doing today?"

"Keeping our distance doesn't mean I can't care about you." Wen Zhaoci stepped forward and gently grasped her wrist again. This time, Sang Jiuning struggled a bit but couldn't break free, so she let him have his way.

"And," he leaned closer, lowering his voice and adding a hint of mockery, "this is the first time I've seen you since you announced these rules."

"What...what first time!" Sang Jiuning's heart skipped a beat, her eyes darting away, not daring to look into his eyes which were so close to hers.

We just met yesterday.

"Yes, it's not the first time." Wen Zhaoci followed her words, but a faint smile appeared on her lips. "Then the reason I waited for you here to get off work today was because I accidentally took advantage of the number of times we could meet in the future. In advance... I wanted to hold your hand."

His words, one after another, were like feathers gently tickling Sang Jiuning's heart, making her instantly forget all the "dramatic" lines she had prepared.

She opened her mouth, wanting to refute, but found that she didn't seem to have any reason to refute.

This guy... he's really good at it!

Sang Jiuning let out a wail in her heart, feeling that her "breakup cooling-off plan" seemed to be heading in a completely out-of-control direction.

She originally thought Wen Zhaoci was the aloof and difficult type who would become impatient if provoked, but she never expected him to be like this... He was impervious to reason and always managed to easily defuse her attacks, even making her heart race in the process.

"You..." Sang Jiuning took a deep breath, trying to keep her tone angry, "Don't think I'll forgive you just because you said that! I still think you're a nuisance!"

"Yes, I know." Wen Zhaoci nodded, but her expression was not affected at all. Instead, it became even gentler. "It's okay. It's a little trouble so that you'll remember me, right? Let's go eat. If we don't go now, there really won't be any seats left."

Without saying a word, he took Sang Jiuning's hand and continued walking forward.

Sang Jiuning stumbled slightly as he pulled her along, feeling a mix of anger, helplessness, and a hint of something sweet that she herself didn't want to admit.

She stole a glance at Wen Zhaoci's hand holding hers; his palm was large and warm, carrying a reassuring strength.

Forget it, let's go eat first!

She comforted herself, thinking, "Just consider it... just consider it a preview of the treatment the female lead in the book receives!"

Since her plans have already been disrupted, she might as well enjoy this feast first!

Sang Jiuning silently found a way to save face in her heart, and gradually caught up with Wen Zhaoci's pace.

"Get in the car." Wen Zhaoci opened the passenger door in front of a black sports car.

Sang Jiuning then noticed the car in front of her. It had smooth lines, a shiny finish, and was cool and stylish, clearly worth a lot of money.

She instinctively took a step back, somewhat flustered: "This...this is your car?"

In the book, Wen Zhaoci's wealthy family background is a setting, but Sang Jiuning never expected to feel it so directly.

He usually dresses simply and acts in a low-key manner, not at all like someone who would drive such an flashy sports car.

Wen Zhaoci hummed in agreement, his gaze falling on her slightly changed expression, and explained, "I drove it here today; I rarely use it. Get in the car, the restaurant is a bit far."

Sang Jiuning hesitated for a moment, then bent down and sat in the passenger seat.

The seats were soft and comfortable, and the car was filled with a faint, refreshing fragrance, much like his own scent.

She buckled her seatbelt somewhat awkwardly, stealing glances at the car's interior—simple yet exquisitely decorated.

Wen Zhaoci started the car, and the sports car smoothly drove out of the street.

The scenery outside the window rushed past, and Sang Jiuning watched the neon lights flash by, feeling a mix of emotions.

She had originally intended to give Wen Zhaoci the cold shoulder by "breaking up," but now she was sitting in his car, about to go to the restaurant he had booked.

All of this went against her plans.

"What are you thinking about?" Wen Zhaoci's voice broke the silence.

Sang Jiuning snapped out of her daze and shook her head: "It's nothing."

She didn't want him to know about her inner struggles.

Wen Zhaoci glanced at her, but didn't ask any further questions. He simply turned the music in the car down a bit. Soft, soothing music filled the car, creating a subtly quiet atmosphere.

About twenty minutes later, the car stopped in front of a very upscale-looking restaurant.

The waiter at the door respectfully stepped forward and opened the car door. Wen Zhaoci got out of the car first, then went around to the passenger side and opened the car door for Sang Jiuning.

Sang Jiuning got out of the car and looked at the brightly lit restaurant in front of her, feeling even more panicked.

She was wearing a simple blue dress, the kind of outfit a schoolgirl would wear, which was completely out of place with the atmosphere here.

"Do we... really have to eat here? It seems so expensive..." she said softly, sounding a little hesitant.

Wen Zhaoci naturally took her hand and walked into the restaurant: "Don't worry, it's on me. I know the owner here, and I can get a 50% discount."

His warm, dry palms gave Sang Jiuning a strange sense of courage.

He led her through the lavishly decorated hall to a window seat.

Through the window, you can see the beautiful night view outside.

The waiter handed over the menu, and Sang Jiuning looked at the unfamiliar dish names and expensive prices, feeling somewhat at a loss.

She secretly tugged at Wen Zhaoci's sleeve and whispered, "The food here is still so expensive even with the discount. Shall we go somewhere else?"

Wen Zhaoci looked up at her, a smile in his eyes: "Since you're here, try it. Order whatever you like." He pushed the menu in front of Sang Jiuning.

Sang Jiuning bit her lip, really not knowing what to order, so she pushed the menu back: "You order, I'm fine with anything."