Initially, Zhou Xing didn't know exactly what Min Sishi was thinking.
Until just now... after everything had been made clear.
Regarding Min Sishi's experiences, he didn't want to judge them too much.
However, from his perspective, she had done quite well; even he couldn't have done better than her if he were in her shoes.
A kidney transplant costing four hundred thousand.
For an average family, it was indeed an astronomical sum.
Enough to crush countless people.
He didn't mind providing the money; saving a life was worth it.
Besides... he'd get a beautiful senior for free.
This was just too sweet.
After all, during the fifteen days of Military Training.
Having an exceptionally beautiful girl, brimming with youthful energy, constantly looking after him and bringing him water and fruit...
...it would be a lie to say he wasn't moved.
Rather than watching Min Sishi reach a dead end and choose to bow to the world...
...it was better that he provide the money.
Anyway, the thing he lacked least... was money.
"Are you pitying me?"
The smile on Min Sishi's face faded as she looked at Zhou Xing calmly.
"Why do you say that?"
Zhou Xing asked in return.
"If it's out of pity... then forget it."
Min Sishi shook her head and said, "After all this time, I've survived. I don't think I'm pitiful, so I don't need anyone's pity."
"The only thing of value I have is my body. Other than that, I really couldn't think of any other way."
"Zhou Xing... really, please. We know each other now. I've already lost so much dignity in front of you by saying everything I had to say. Please let me keep this last shred of self-respect."
With her straightforward personality, Min Sishi's tone was already pleading.
Feelings grow over time.
This saying wasn't false.
Having been in contact with Zhou Xing for so long, facing a handsome, cheerful, kind-hearted, and wealthy boy...
...it was hard for any girl not to develop feelings.
Min Sishi was no exception.
Showing her vulnerable side to Zhou Xing, she had tried her best not to look too miserable.
Even she didn't want to lose all her dignity in front of the person she liked.
That was why she felt so inferior after dinner tonight.
Realizing the chasm between her and Zhou Xing, she chose to give up.
"The money for your mother's kidney transplant—while part of it is because I want to help, most of it is because of you."
Zhou Xing said.
"You mean..."
Min Sishi hesitated and asked, "You're interested in me too?"
"You could say that."
Zhou Xing nodded.
"You're not just saying that because you're afraid of hurting my pride, are you?"
Min Sishi looked skeptical.
"I never lie."
"Then why were you so indifferent to me before?"
Min Sishi asked, puzzled.
"Don't you know why?"
Zhou Xing smiled.
Min Sishi knew, of course, that Zhou Xing had been wary of her. It was only after she told him the truth that his attitude softened.
"Are you rich people always this cautious?"
Min Sishi couldn't help but mutter.
"That's because you were acting too strangely."
Zhou Xing looked at her and chuckled, "I'm not so narcissistic as to think I could make a Campus Goddess fall in love at first sight and actively pursue me."
"Actually... I do think you're quite handsome. It's easy to be moved by you."
Min Sishi said directly.
Zhou Xing smiled without saying anything. Min Sishi lowered her head guiltily. "Fine, although I approached you partly because of the money, getting to know you... even though you were indifferent, you give off a very comfortable vibe, and you are very handsome."
"Otherwise, I wouldn't have persisted for so long without giving up."
Zhou Xing remained silent, but Min Sishi asked curiously, "So, does this mean I'm being kept by you? But something still feels a bit off."
"Something feels off?"
Zhou Xing pondered for a moment and then said, "Follow me."
Puzzled, Min Sishi followed Zhou Xing as they walked along the streets of The Bund.
There were a dazzling array of shops here.
Zhou Xing stopped in front of a store.
It had an Apple logo on it.
However, it wasn't an official Apple Store.
But to Zhou Xing, it didn't make much difference.
He led Min Sishi inside and said directly to the clerk, "Give me a full set of Apple products."
"Sir, do you need the iPad Pro and the iPhone?"
The clerk was stunned for a moment and then confirmed.
"That's right."
Zhou Xing nodded.
"Then please confirm the storage configuration and choose the colors."
The clerk said politely.
"What colors do you like?"
Zhou Xing turned to ask Min Sishi, who was startled.
"Never mind."
Ignoring Min Sishi, Zhou Xing told the clerk, "Max out all the storage. Black for the tablet, rose gold for the phone, and silver for the laptop."
"Alright, please wait a moment while I get the items. Please make the payment over here."
The clerk didn't hesitate and guided Zhou Xing to the front desk.
"Hello, the models you've selected come to a total of 54,664 yuan."
Zhou Xing handed over his bank card.
The transaction was completed.
Another clerk brought over the unopened devices. "These are the machines you purchased. Please check if everything is alright."
Zhou Xing looked at the items on the table, rubbed his chin, and nodded.
A full Apple set in 2016 was indeed a bit sparse.
Although things like AirPods had been unveiled at this year's launch event, it would still be a while before they went on sale.
But these items were at least enough for now.
"What are you standing there for? Take the things."
Zhou Xing spoke to the dazed Min Sishi beside him.
"These are for me?"
Min Sishi pointed to herself.
"Who else would they be for?"
Zhou Xing asked back, then prepared to walk out.
He had no intention of helping to carry them.
Min Sishi looked at Zhou Xing, then at the equipment packed by the clerk, and could only reach out to carry them.
The items were somewhat heavy.
After all, with a laptop included, it was a bit of a struggle for her to carry everything together.
Carrying the bags, Min Sishi quickly caught up with Zhou Xing.
"Zhou Xing, this is too heavy. Can you help me carry it?"
Min Sishi called out coquettishly.
Zhou Xing stopped and took the heaviest item, the laptop, from her.
Min Sishi shook her hands, then looked up with a puzzled face and asked, "Why did you suddenly buy me so many things?"
"Didn't you say that if someone gave you an iPad, you'd be happy for half a month? Now that I've given you the whole set, you should be happy for a long time."
Zhou Xing laughed, "So, does this feel like being kept?"