Both Riko and Sayana were left wide-eyed and astounded as Zhang Fan produced a brilliantly luminous top-grade yellow sapphire from his pocket. The size and quality of the gemstone suggested it was worth a fortune. Sayana, having never seen such wealth, was utterly stunned, and even Riko, well-versed in the ways of the world, was taken aback. Such a premium gemstone was bound to cause a significant stir upon its introduction to the market.
"Xiao Ya, where on earth did you acquire such a gemstone?" Riko, an A-level detective, could easily discern its authenticity and was understandably astonished at its sudden appearance.
"Consider it a family heirloom of sorts. What do you think? Can you help me find a buyer for it?" Zhang Fan asked casually, handing the gemstone to Riko. He had deliberately chosen not to reveal even more valuable items to avoid excessive shock. The mere sight of this sapphire had already overwhelmed them; a more precious gem, like the Heart of Africa, would likely have been too much.
"I suppose so, but are you sure about selling your family heirloom?" Riko questioned, her face etched with confusion. She understood Zhang Fan's intention to help Sayana through her family's crisis, but wondered if selling an heirloom was too extreme. Or did Xiao Ya have special feelings for Sayana? This thought soured Riko's mood.
"Yes, I have many heirlooms, so parting with one isn't a big deal," Zhang Fan replied nonchalantly, though Riko and Sayana mistook his honesty for bravado. Sometimes, a man's feigned strength can be quite alluring.
"Master..." Sayana, deeply moved, struggled to express her gratitude. She never expected her master to go to such lengths to help her. How could she ever repay his kindness?
"Since you call me master, it's only right that I act the part," Zhang Fan said, smiling as he gently patted her head. She was a resilient and optimistic soul, having faced undue hardship since birth. Her spirit was a constant inspiration to him.
"Thank you, master, thank you so much!" Overwhelmed with emotion, Sayana threw herself into Zhang Fan's arms, finally allowing herself to release pent-up tears. In his embrace, she felt safe and reassured, confident that with her master by her side, she could face any challenge.
"You're quite the sentimental one, aren't you?" Zhang Fan soothed her, but soon felt awkward as they attracted curious stares in the public setting. Even Riko was giving him a somewhat hostile look.
"Sayana, stop crying now. We've finished our meal, so let's leave," he suggested, clearing his throat. It seemed best to depart from this place of awkward encounters.
Sayana, though reluctant, complied with Zhang Fan's suggestion, her cheeks flushed as she followed him. She chastised herself internally for being so impulsive, despite the comfort she found in her master's presence.
Riko, meanwhile, watched Zhang Fan in silence, her gaze intense enough to make him uncomfortable. What was she planning?
"Xiao Ya, sometimes being too kind can be a fault, don't you think?" Riko said with a coy smile as they left the restaurant, though Zhang Fan couldn't help but sense a darker undertone to her words. Was this the onset of her 'blackening'?
"Riko... are you... jealous?" Zhang Fan blurted out without thinking, immediately regretting his words. He cursed his own foolishness for even suggesting it.
"Jealous? Me?" Riko's face flushed a deeper shade of red. Was she actually jealous? Perhaps she was.
The trio stood awkwardly outside the restaurant, with Sayana too shy to speak. At that moment, Mutou appeared, seemingly by chance. Upon seeing the situation, his expression froze. He waved awkwardly at the group before attempting to make a quick exit.
"Catch you later, Mutou. How about a drink? My treat!" Zhang Fan called out, unwilling to let this perfect opportunity to escape the awkwardness pass by.
"Sayana, you head home first. Here's some money for now. It's not much, but it should help with the immediate needs. I'll be in touch once we sort out the rest with Riko. As for you, Riko, thank you for today. Mutou and I are going to catch up over a drink," Zhang Fan said, handing Sayana a bundle of fresh banknotes. He had just withdrawn them, not expecting to use them so soon.
Riko, though displeased with the excuse, could do little to object. She knew the law prohibited under-20s from drinking. Was Xiao Ya trying to deceive someone? And why mention catching up, when he had just seen Mutou yesterday?
After a stern glance at Mutou, Riko said her goodbyes and left. Trusting Zhang Fan's judgment, she began pondering potential buyers for the gemstone.
After her departure, Sayana also said farewell, aware of her father's urgent need for the funds. Zhang Fan's generosity would help alleviate their immediate crisis. She resolved to repay his kindness one day.
"You're using me as a scapegoat!" Mutou realized, albeit unclear about the specifics.
"Relax, it's good for you. It might even improve your immunity to female company," Zhang Fan laughed heartily, especially remembering Mutou's stiff reaction to Riko's glare.
"Forget it. I doubt I'll ever be able to face girls," Mutou lamented, his spirits deflated.