"Jake, can I have your contact information?" As Jake and Xenia were about to leave, Winni caught up with them and said.
Although there was a hint of embarrassment on Winni's face, there was even more anticipation. After entering society following graduation, she realized how harsh the reality could be, far from what she had imagined in school. Someone like her, without an education or background, was facing a tough life. Now, seeing her classmate suddenly become well-off, she really wanted to attach herself to this potential benefactor. Even if it meant paying a price, Winni felt she could accept it.
Jake hesitated. Their relationship during university wasn't great, and they hadn't stayed in touch after graduation. He didn't really want any involvement with Winni in the future, so leaving his contact information didn't seem necessary.
"Jake, I know I wasn't good during college. I was immature back then. Please forgive me and let go of the past. We were classmates, and we're both staying in J City for our careers. Leaving your contact information would make it easier to stay in touch for future matters." Winni pleaded as she looked at Jake. Although it was a bit embarrassing, she understood that face was insignificant in comparison to money, interests, and connections.
"Alright." Jake didn't refuse again.
While Winni wasn't the nicest person and her words weren't pleasant, their relationship didn't have deep-seated hatred. Although leaving contact information seemed acceptable, he didn't have any intention of actively reaching out to her in the future.
Hearing Jake's agreement, Winni was overjoyed. She quickly and earnestly stored Jake's number in her phone. Afterwards, she escorted Jake and Xenia away with a courteous demeanor.
"Your classmate seems quite eager for connections," Xenia remarked as they left the store.
"Yeah," Jake didn't deny it. After a year in the real world, he could easily see through Winni's intentions. "This year hasn't been easy for Jake. He naturally understood Winni's actions.
"Is there something special between you two?" Xenia asked.
"How is that possible?" Jake said. "During college, we had some disagreements, but there's no special relationship as you're thinking."
"And by the way, could you let go of me now?" Jake asked, redirecting the conversation. Although he appreciated Xenia's help, he didn't want to be in this intimate situation in public.
"Being held by me, are you at a disadvantage?" Xenia rolled her eyes at Jake but still let go of his arm. "I helped you, and yet you look like you're Wronged."
"Thank you," Jake expressed his gratitude. Even though he hadn't requested her help, Xenia had indeed been kind to him, and Jake felt obligated to acknowledge that.
"No need to thank me," Xenia squinted her eyes and smiled mischievously. "Jake, honestly, don't you feel proud to have a girlfriend like me?"
Thinking of the envious looks he received earlier when people assumed he and Xenia were a couple at the clothing and watch stores, Jake earnestly nodded. "Yeah, it does make me feel proud."
"Well, how about making our act real?" Xenia's smile became even more tempting, exuding a foxy charm. "As long as you're interested, I won't refuse."
Staring at Xenia's enticing face so close to him, Jake's heart skipped a beat, and he awkwardly replied, "Don't joke around."
"How do you know I'm joking? Maybe I'm serious," Xenia's tone was playful but had a hint of challenge. Jake felt overwhelmed by her intense gaze and quickly changed the topic, saying, "It's getting late, let's head back."
"Coward," Xenia murmured as she watched Jake's retreating figure. "But this situation is getting more interesting."
At Princeton University's entrance, once the car stopped, Jake eagerly got out as if he were avoiding a disaster.
"Wait!" Xenia called after Jake. "Am I really that scary? You seem so eager to leave."
"It's not that. I have something to do," Jake explained.
"Take this," Xenia didn't press further and handed Jake a box. "Thanks for accompanying me today. This is a gift from me to you."
"No, I can't accept this," Jake refused.
Jake recognized the box. It contained the men's watch worth eight hundred thousand that Xenia had bought earlier at the watch store. Initially, Jake assumed it was for one of Xenia's friends, so he didn't expect her to give it to him.
"There's a trash bin on the side of the road. If you don't want it, you can throw it away. I never take back something I've given." After saying this, Xenia rolled up the car window, started the car, and drove away.
Holding the watch, Jake looked in the direction Xenia had left and then at the nearby trash bin. Ultimately, he decided not to discard the item. "Indeed, she's a wealthy person. She can casually throw away something worth hundreds of thousands."
After parting ways with Xenia, Jake took a taxi to the "Starlight" archery club, practiced archery for two hours, and then went to buy ingredients for skewers. He had to continue his barbecue venture until the payment arrived.
In the evening, when Jake and Alan brought their supplies to their stall, they were surprised to see that the adjacent barbecue stalls' owners hadn't arrived yet. Usually, they arrived earlier than Jake.
However, Jake didn't pay much attention to this. He focused on his business and wasn't particularly concerned about other matters. It wasn't until after eight o'clock that the sounds of Hanson and his group shouting reached them. Jake realized that the other barbecue stall owners weren't late today; they simply weren't coming. Not only were they not coming today, but they might not come in the future either.
"You bunch of jerks, you ran away pretty fast. Don't let me catch you again, or I'll make you pay!" Hanson angrily yelled.
Originally, those stall owners promised to pay Hanson today for their debts, and Hanson readily agreed. However, he hadn't anticipated that they would leave without a trace, relocating their stalls elsewhere. Now, he couldn't retrieve the remaining payments, compensation for his injuries, emotional distress, and other costs. Naturally, he was furious. Still, since he didn't know where those stall owners went, all he could do was vent his anger on the spot.
Jake didn't expect the stall owners to disappear so completely. Upon further thought, it didn't seem so surprising after all.