NOVEL WEB Chapter 11: CH: 11 I am saying it was fate, do you believe it?
{Chapter: 11 I am saying it was fate, do you believe it?}
"Thank you for helping me get up," Qiu Wanxi said quickly, her face flushing bright red with embarrassment.
"No problem. But why are you pushing my hand away?" Lin Yuan asked, looking at her curiously as she fumbled nervously to put some distance between them.
"I'm afraid of dirtying your suit. I wouldn't be able to compensate you if it got ruined," Qiu Wanxi murmured, her voice low, yet filled with genuine concern.
Lin Yuan glanced at his pristine, custom-made suit. The fabric shimmered under the sunlight, radiating luxury. Hearing her concern, he couldn't help but chuckle softly, unsure whether to feel amused or exasperated.
"I helped you because I wanted to. Compensation doesn't even enter the picture," he said with a small smile, his voice laced with calm reassurance.
"Oh…" Qiu Wanxi's shoulders relaxed slightly, though her gaze still avoided his.
"Today's weather is unbearable, and that mascot costume is practically a furnace. You'll end up feeling miserable if you keep wearing it. Just take it off," Lin Yuan suggested firmly.
"No… I can't. I'm on a part-time job. If I take it off, the boss won't pay me," Qiu Wanxi replied stubbornly, clutching the oversized bear head protectively.
Lin Yuan's eyes softened at her response, though his tone didn't waver. "That's not a valid excuse. Take it off now, or I'll take it off for you."
"W-what?! No! Okay… fine… I'll do it," Qiu Wanxi stammered, her face reddening further. She couldn't tell if he was joking or serious, but she didn't dare test him.
"I'll cover your salary, so don't worry about that," Lin Yuan added casually, his words cutting off any further resistance.
Hesitantly, Qiu Wanxi began removing the bulky bear costume. Beneath it, she wore a simple white short-sleeved shirt and a pair of old, patched-up shorts. Her entire outfit was drenched in sweat, clinging uncomfortably to her petite frame.
The intense summer heat had turned the inside of the costume into an oven. Qiu Wanxi's flushed skin glistened with perspiration, and her hair stuck to her damp forehead, making her look like a fish freshly pulled out of water.
"Let's go get some ice cream," Lin Yuan said suddenly, his tone light and almost commanding.
"Huh?" Qiu Wanxi froze, her wide eyes blinking in confusion.
Lin Yuan didn't wait for her to process his words. Gently but firmly, he took her hand and began leading her toward his car.
"No… no, it's okay. I… I don't have any money," Qiu Wanxi whispered nervously, trying to pull her hand away but failing.
"I'm inviting you. Do you seriously think I can't afford ice cream?" Lin Yuan asked, raising an eyebrow as a faint smile played on his lips.
Qiu Wanxi timidly glanced at him, her eyes lingering on his tailored suit. Even without knowing the exact value of his watch or car, she could tell he was a man of extraordinary wealth. Of course, he could afford something as trivial as ice cream.
Seeing her hesitation, Lin Yuan gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Come on. Don't overthink it."
Before she knew it, they had reached a sleek silver Lamborghini parked at the curb. The car's gleaming exterior and imposing design left Qiu Wanxi stunned.
Lin Yuan opened the passenger door and gestured for her to get in. She hesitated, her movements awkward and unsure.
"Go ahead. It's just a car," Lin Yuan said, noticing her reluctance. "I have at least a dozen more at home. This one is nothing special, so don't be so nervous."
Despite his words, Qiu Wanxi couldn't bring herself to relax. She carefully lifted her feet, avoiding contact with the car's pristine floor mats as if afraid of sullying them.
Lin Yuan smiled faintly as he helped her adjust her seat. "Just sit back and make yourself comfortable. There's no need to be so stiff."
Still, Qiu Wanxi's posture remained rigid, her hands clutching her lap tightly.
"Why… why are you inviting me for ice cream?" she asked softly, her voice filled with curiosity and caution.
Her large, innocent eyes darted toward him before quickly looking away, as if afraid of his reaction.
Lin Yuan chuckled at her question, finding her nervousness both endearing and amusing. "Let's just call it fate. I happened to pass by, saw you getting knocked down, and decided to lend a hand. It's only natural to follow up with a treat, right?"
"I… I believe in fate," Qiu Wanxi said suddenly, her tone sincere.
Lin Yuan blinked in surprise. He had spoken casually, not expecting her to take his words so seriously.
For Qiu Wanxi, however, the explanation made perfect sense. Someone like Lin Yuan—rich, handsome, and successful—couldn't possibly have genuine interest in her. His kindness had to be a fleeting whim, something easily attributed to fate.
Lin Yuan studied her for a moment. Her flushed face and nervous demeanor made her look even more delicate. Unable to resist, he reached out and gently patted her head.
The unexpected gesture sent a shiver through Qiu Wanxi's body, though she quickly relaxed under his touch. A warm, comforting sensation spread through her, unlike anything she'd felt before.
'It feels… nice. So warm…' she thought absentmindedly, her mind spinning in disarray.
[Ding! Qiu Wanxi's favorability with the host has increased by 10 points! Reward: 50 counterattack points!]
[Hostess detected! Favorability panel unlocked!]
Lin Yuan blinked in surprise as the system's familiar chime echoed in his mind.
"Favorability panel?" he murmured, his curiosity piqued.
*****
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