Chapter 31: Hope... Is
Wenbo Wang wasn’t going back, so Cheng Yao didn’t feel like returning either.
As a teenager in the midst of adolescence, Cheng Yao felt he had to do something befitting his age; otherwise, it would be a wasted youth. Honestly, having held out until today, he thought he could rival the Ninja Turtles in endurance.
It wasn’t like he was falling in love, anyway—
Wasn’t any day as good as another?
Naturally, Cheng Yao wasn’t about to prepare any ceremonious rituals for this. After leaving the restroom and returning to his seat, he saw Lu Mengyao gazing at him with a plaintive look. He chose to ignore her and instead opened an app to check out the best hotels nearby. The closest one, Platinum Hanju Hotel, looked promising—its environment was said to rival luxury hotels, boasting excellent value for money.
Cheng Yao clicked in for a closer look; the bathtub was spacious, large enough for two to bathe together. There was no need to make a trek to a five-star. After booking the hotel, he ordered a few cups of the newly released milk tea from Haidilao, which tasted quite good—one for each person.
“You’re not going back either?” The two girls glanced at Lu Mengyao, their expressions oddly amused.
Chen Qian was understandable, but you too?
Lu Mengyao said, “I’ve got an appointment.”
“With a guy?”
“With a girl.”
“You expect us to believe that?” Her two dormmates were utterly unconvinced.
Lu Mengyao laughed helplessly and replied earnestly, “It’s really not what you think. I took some jobs through the forum: tutoring, teaching piano to a kid. She only has time in the evenings. Her family is strict, but the conditions are great—they even have special side rooms for tutors and maids.”
“Wow, how much do they pay per session?”
“Five hundred including travel, plus meals and lodging. Anyway, I have to go now—being late isn’t good. It’s just one class a week, I’ll be back tomorrow morning. Don’t forget to bring me breakfast.”
“Then hurry, that’s not easy.”
“Bye-bye.” With a wave, Lu Mengyao left.
Once she exited the Golden Eagle, she finally opened her phone to check the address Cheng Yao had sent: Platinum Hanju. She hailed a car straight to the hotel.
At the entrance, Zhang Lei and Zhu Huiyang exchanged glances. “Damn, envy—Wenbo Wang, that bastard!”
“Cheng Yao’s going back too?”
“His sister called, something came up apparently.”
“Oh, well, let’s go home and play games.” Zhang Lei nodded.
...
Before leaving Golden Eagle, Cheng Yao had already bought everything he needed. Arriving at the Platinum Hanju, he found the place genuinely upscale; the entrance was packed with cars, the lobby spacious and dazzling, exuding a sense of luxury.
Still, it was a notch below a five-star.
Waiting at the entrance for a while, Cheng Yao saw Lu Mengyao step out of the car and walk over slowly. She seemed a bit nervous, a little restrained. Cheng Yao chuckled, “What’s wrong? Not willing?”
“No…” Lu Mengyao bit her lip and shook her head, her heart fluttering with anxiety.
Cheng Yao pulled out his phone and transferred one hundred thousand yuan to her right before her eyes.
Ding—
Seeing the message and her new balance, Lu Mengyao was utterly stunned.
Then, like a puppet on strings, she was led by Cheng Yao into the hotel. When she came to her senses, her cheeks were as red as dawn, no more timid hesitation. “Cheng Yao, did you buy…?”
“Already taken care of. The hotel probably has some as well.”
After registering at the front desk, they headed toward the elevator. Cheng Yao glanced around, “This hotel isn’t bad.”
“Yeah.”
Ding—
Leaving the elevator, Cheng Yao found their room and opened the door—it was undeniably lavish. Lu Mengyao wandered inside, eyeing the bathtub in surprise; it was quite luxurious. But when she saw the items laid out on the vanity, her expression turned awkward.
Honestly,
A mid-range hotel,
And they prepared these things for guests!
Lu Mengyao’s heart was racing—her chest felt like a deer bounding within. Although her thoughts had never been entirely pure, she was still a maiden. Facing the unknown, she felt a mix of curiosity and fear.
Just like many girls long for romance, yet dread actually falling in love!
Why?
Because they fear being taken advantage of!
...
What is the Planet of Happiness?
If you want to know, let me guide you in your research!
Cheng Yao hadn’t tasted pork but had seen pigs run; he was already a veteran researcher, lacking only practical experience. Besides, the urge to explore mysteries is a human instinct; to him, Lu Mengyao was an undiscovered continent.
Unknowingly, night had deepened.
Cheng Yao tossed the soiled bedsheets onto the floor—they interfered with sleep.
He felt a little drained, and his stomach rumbled. Opening the cabinet, he asked, “There’s instant noodles and drinks here. Want some?”
“No…”
At the mention of food, Lu Mengyao shook her head.
Cheng Yao nodded, made himself some noodles, showered, then ate as he spoke, “Don’t underestimate yourself—it’s… very… satisfying.”
“…”
Was that word really appropriate here?
And she hadn’t underestimated herself,
It just hurt a little.
“If nothing goes wrong, keeping this kind of relationship isn’t bad.”
Hearing this, Lu Mengyao felt it was worth it.
“Mm…”
She pursed her lips, words stuck in her throat.
Cheng Yao drank some soup. He needed her to earn money for him—after all, girls who both meet male fantasies and have clever minds are hard to find. Most want to climb higher, but look at her—what professionalism!
After finishing his noodles and replenishing some energy, Cheng Yao stretched lazily.
“When your driver’s license is ready, I’ll take you to pick up a car.”
Lu Mengyao perked up, no longer whining, and hesitated before asking, “So…”
“Not tonight,” Cheng Yao understood her intent.
“Mm…”
“Tomorrow morning, then.”
“…” Lu Mengyao.
...
Next morning, Cheng Yao’s legs were sore and heavy, as if he’d run dozens of laps on the track yesterday.
His physical fitness was terrible—here came the aftermath.
Such are the consequences of not exercising: a sudden burst, and who can handle it?
Exercise—
He must start exercising!
Lu Mengyao stood at the vanity, carefully checking her neck and collarbone for any marks. Seeing none, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to explain it at school.
After checking out, Cheng Yao doubted he'd get much of the five hundred deposit back.
At the building’s entrance, he took a deep breath of morning air and asked, “Want me to take you to school?”
“No, I’ll go by myself. Besides, you’re not really serious about it.” Lu Mengyao shook her head and sniffed.
“Tch.”
Cheng Yao put on his mask and smiled, “I’ll wait until you’re in the car before I leave.”
“Okay.”
At that, Lu Mengyao hugged his arm.
Moments later, she got into a taxi and headed back to school, and Cheng Yao took a taxi as well.
When he returned to school, Cheng Yao brought back several breakfasts.
He entered the classroom, where Zhang Lei and Zhu Huiyang were already present. Cheng Yao said, “Jianbing with egg, this one’s mildly spicy. Where’s Wenbo Wang, still not back?”
“That bastard’s probably still in Chen Qian’s arms.”
“Envy.”
Zhang Lei took a bite of his jianbing.
...