I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping
Chapter 1195 - 823 Shadow (First Update)

Chapter 1195: 823 Shadow (First Update)

In his youth, he always hung around with Fu Zili and others, being a rascal, not knowing the first thing about romantic affairs.

Latter on, in high school, perhaps he became somewhat more enlightened in some aspects, and since he had been good-looking from a young age, and kids in their green years are probably not that materialistic, not paying much attention to family backgrounds, theoretically, there might have been girls "admiring" him.

But, regrettably, at that time there was always Qing Mei by his side, which presumably made it so that other girls hesitated to approach him.

Therefore, over more than two decades, Jiang Chen’s love life has amounted to just that one "earth-shattering" affair with Ai Qian.

This lack of experience left him feeling utterly helpless in the face of the current situation.

Of course.

One thing he did understand was that he definitely shouldn’t walk away.

Otherwise, wouldn’t that make him a scumbag?

Even if the other person seemed quite nonchalant about it.

In a quiet moment, Jiang Chen sat down on the couch, keeping a certain distance from Pei Yunxi.

Continuing in silence.

Even though Pei Yunxi herself asserted it was voluntary, as a man, he cannot shirk his responsibility; that’s the least he can do to show accountability.

Before Jiang Chen’s eyes again emerged the image of that winter plum blooming on the snowy white bedsheets.

What would make a woman willing to offer up her most precious gift? It’s definitely not always because of love.

The era where holding hands meant being together for life has long passed.

A bag, a stack of money, or maybe just a drunken meal... might be enough for two people who just met to spend a heated night together.

Of course.

Jiang Chen is not a cynical person.

Everyone has the right to choose their way of life.

But even though he’s currently confused and also feeling the aftereffects of being hungover, he still crystal clearly understands that Pei Yunxi’s actions were definitely not driven by love.

Gratitude?

Not just from yesterday, but considering all causes and consequences since they met, she perhaps truly felt that he had given too much, so much that she might have no way to repay him.

One should know.

This was not the first time Pei Yunxi chose to "sacrifice her body".

It’s just that last time, he was sober, so he refused.

But last night.

Jiang Chen involuntarily pressed his head again.

A social gathering caused the trouble.

The uninvited Young Master who came to "back him up", or rather to back both of them up, might have been the last straw that broke the camel’s back.

If it was about "repaying a favor", it should have been done when he was sober.

Jiang Chen bitterly smiled to himself.

But.

If he had been sober last night, Jiang Chen realized, he might not have been able to guarantee that he could refuse like the last time.

His self-discipline might be good, but he’s still human.

This is Pei Yunxi.

A woman whose name has become an adjective.

"Are you feeling okay?"

The silence in the room was finally broken.

Pei Yunxi, who had just stepped over a major threshold in her life as a woman, wore a slightly unnatural expression, devoid of her previous calmness and serenity.

She didn’t respond.

The ignored Jiang Chen felt a bit awkward.

Logically speaking, wasn’t it him who was taken advantage of when he was vulnerable?

It seems there’s still a long way to go to truly implement gender equality at its core.

"Maybe you and Yang Ni should head back first, take a good rest."

"I’m fine."

She emphasized, as if to affirm.

It showed that her heart wasn’t as indifferent as her facade suggested.

Indeed.

Just like what she said earlier.

Throughout her journey, she had encountered countless demons and monsters coveting her ’Piece of Tang Monk’s flesh.’, and now that she had been "eaten", how could she remain unaffected?

"Have you really never been in love before?"

Jiang Chen couldn’t help but ask.

He wasn’t unaware of Pei Yunxi’s information.

But a celebrity’s persona is just that, a persona. Many who claim to be unmarried might already have children in school.

Looking at Pei Yunxi.

Jiang Chen hurriedly explained: "I’m just making small talk, no other meaning."

"Does it matter?"

"..."

Jiang Chen was left speechless.

Right.

Does it matter.

The mark on the bedsheets is the clearest answer.

Pei Yunxi lowered her head to drink water.

Jiang Chen suddenly scooted his butt this way, leaving only the space of one person between them.

"What are you doing?"

Women.

Truly a strange creature.

Even Pei Yunxi couldn’t escape being typical.

This was nothing like two people who had just gotten out of the same bed.

Jiang Chen didn’t look at her; his gaze fell neutrally on the coffee table as he said evenly and sincerely, "I drank too much yesterday; if I hurt you, I apologize."

...

"...!"

Pei Yunxi’s breath hitched, and she immediately said, "No need!"

Immediately after.

She realized her answer seemed a bit off and quickly corrected herself, "You didn’t hurt me."

Jiang Chen lifted his head, looking at her.

Pei Yunxi immediately averted her gaze, drinking water.

"Heh."

Someone suddenly laughed.

"What are you laughing at?"

Jiang Chen looked at her cup, "There’s no water left in your cup."

Pei Yunxi’s cheeks turned a slight shade of red, and she found herself at a loss for words.

Jiang Chen did not tease her about her impeccable acting, considerately stood up, took the cup from her hand, and poured her a cup of hot water.

Pei Yunxi’s lips, not enhanced with makeup, moved slightly, and when she finally took the cup, she still said, "Thank you."

"The one who should say thanks is me."

Pei Yunxi looked at him.

Jiang Chen’s eyes met those captivating ones, and self-mockingly chuckled, speaking in a joking tone, "Thank you for choosing me."

Pei Yunxi pretended not to hear and changed the subject.

"You don’t have to worry. I won’t cause you any trouble."

It sounded very much like the line from a city romance drama, where a female subordinate says to her boss after something that shouldn’t have happened, has happened.

"Are you not worried that I’ll cause you trouble?"

Jiang Chen asked, his emotions indescribable.

"..."

Pei Yunxi looked away, holding the teacup, "You won’t cause me any trouble either."

"But that’s not for sure."

Jiang Chen smiled faintly, "I know you’re doing this to repay me, but it’s not fair."

"What’s not fair?"

"I was drunk; I didn’t feel much, and I thought it was all a dream."

Real·dead!

What does he mean by... not feeling much?

Pei Yunxi’s lips suddenly tightened, her fingers unintentionally gripping the teacup tightened as well.

Jiang Chen suddenly reached out.

His action caused Pei Yunxi to reflexively stand up immediately, keeping a close watch on him despite the unique discomfort in her body.

Jiang Chen’s hand stopped mid-air, "Your neck..."

Pei Yunxi realized, hurriedly pulled up the neckline of her knit sweater, covering the red marks.

The fragments of memory were not mistaken.

Last night’s him had not exactly been tender and considerate.

Jiang Chen withdrew his hand, stood up, and apologized again.

"I’m sorry."

This apology could have been fine, quite sincere and gentlemanly, but then he added something else.

"Actually, when I’m sober, I’m not like that. I hope you won’t get a complex from it."

That "hope you won’t get a complex from it" was just brilliantly absurd.

"Bang!"

A couch cushion was swiftly thrown at him.

"Get out!"

The usually cool and aloof Pei Yunxi completely lost her composure.

Jiang Chen wanted to explain, but a second cushion came flying at him.

To avoid using the water cup as a shield, Boss Jiang could only back out awkwardly, with a cushion still in his hand as he opened the door.

"Bang."

The door closed.

Just before he could catch his breath, Jiang Chen turned his head as if he sensed something.

There he saw Yang Ni leaning against the wall, looking at him oddly.

It was unclear whether it was a coincidence or she had been eavesdropping without leaving.

"It’s dirty; let me take it to the cleaning crew."

Boss Jiang lifted the cushion in his hand, truly smooth with his words.

"Understood."

Yang Ni nodded with a meaningful smile and then turned to go back to her room.