Zhang Ziwen gently disentangled himself from Tang Shu's embrace and, lifting the blanket, turned over and sat up, only to realize he was wearing nothing but his underwear. Seeing no sign of his clothes, he hurried to the bathroom and wrapped a towel around his waist.
The call was from the New Australia Group. It seemed to be from Xu Ying, informing him to start work on Monday and emphatically reminding him not to be late. The voice on the other end sounded even more excited than he was.
Elated by the job confirmation, Zhang Ziwen glanced back at the bed to see Tang Shu watching him with her beautiful eyes. As their gazes met, she shyly covered her face with the thin blanket, her endearing attempt at concealment bringing a smile to his face.
Zhang Ziwen walked to the bed, playfully patting her on the bottom. "Get up, little girl, still lazing around?"
Tang Shu peeked out from under the blanket, her lovely eyes visible. "I'm not lazing around! Brother Wen, you're so annoying calling me a little girl."
"Alright," Zhang Ziwen replied with a drawn-out tone. "It's Brother Wen's fault. I should call you Little Shu. Will you forgive me if I admit my mistake?"
"And how should I punish you?" Tang Shu asked playfully.
After a moment of thought, Zhang Ziwen suggested, "How about I treat you to some delicious food and drinks?"
"Alright, but one meal isn't enough. You have to keep treating me," Tang Shu sat up, excitement lighting her eyes.
"Fine, fine, I'll keep treating you. Now, hurry up and get out of bed," Zhang Ziwen noticed a gleam of triumph in her eyes, puzzled over her apparent delight. Why would she be so pleased about a few meals?
He had no idea Tang Shu was elated at the prospect of spending more time with him. The intricate thoughts of a young girl's heart were beyond his understanding, especially given his natural insensitivity towards women.
"Brother Wen," Tang Shu's voice was soft and somewhat coquettish from the bed.
Zhang Ziwen felt a familiar stirring in his heart but maintained a calm expression. "What now? Still not getting up?"
"No," Tang Shu's face reddened. "Can you turn around? I need to put on my dress." Her embarrassment almost made her hide under the blanket again.
Zhang Ziwen nodded and asked, "Where are my clothes? I'll change in the bathroom."
"They're washed, but I bought you a new set. They're on the sofa," Tang Shu replied, her face flushing as she recalled helping him undress the night before.
"Alright, I'll change in the bathroom. Call me when you're done," Zhang Ziwen retrieved the clothes from the sofa and went to the bathroom. After changing, he glanced at himself in the mirror. The clothes Tang Shu had bought fit well. He mused to himself, "Did she really undress me last night? Did she see everything?" Judging by her bashful demeanor, she probably did. He felt a bit embarrassed.
"Brother Wen," Tang Shu's sweet voice called from outside, "you can come out now. There's a call for you."
Zhang Ziwen checked the time; it wasn't yet 11. His friends knew he liked to sleep late and rarely called at this hour, especially on a weekend. He suspected it might be He Li, the only one likely to call so early.
Tang Shu had already changed into a fashionable light green spaghetti-strap dress, accentuating her graceful figure. She greeted Zhang Ziwen with a sweet smile, looking adorable and charming.
Zhang Ziwen picked up his phone from the bedside table and saw an unfamiliar number. He answered, unsure of who it might be.
The caller was Lawyer Han, informing him that the case had been resolved. Evidence showed that the injured policeman, who had failed to present his badge or fire a warning shot while apprehending Zhang Ziwen, had been hurt as a result. Additionally, two girls testified that Zhang Ziwen acted in self-defense, invalidating the charges of assaulting an officer and inciting a disturbance.
Lawyer Han had negotiated an agreement with the police, who decided not to press charges regarding the accidental injuries. However, it was clear they expected Zhang Ziwen to visit the two seriously injured officers as a gesture of goodwill, implying that he should cover some of their medical expenses.
After consulting with his client, Lawyer Han agreed to this resolution and paid 80,000 yuan on Zhang Ziwen's behalf as compensation. Zhang Ziwen only needed to buy some fruit or similar gifts and visit the injured officers in the hospital today to conclude the matter satisfactorily.
Hanging up, Zhang Ziwen felt extremely displeased. Not only did he not receive a reward for his act of bravery, but he also had to pay compensation for the police's mistake. Eighty thousand yuan was a substantial amount, especially for someone unemployed like him.
Zhang Ziwen pondered over the mysterious benefactor who had provided him with legal assistance and covered the medical expenses. Why was this person helping him? How did they know he was at the police station that night? The benefactor's motives remained unclear, but Zhang Ziwen was sure they weren't doing it out of pure kindness. Given his recent streak of bad luck, he doubted any good fortune would come his way without strings attached.
With a sigh, Zhang Ziwen resigned himself to the situation. The mysterious benefactor would reveal themselves in due time. For now, he had neither money to spare nor the inclination to worry. At least he had secured a job and resolved the legal issue. With these thoughts, he felt a bit more at ease.
The hotel expenses had been charged to Tang Shu's card. Zhang Ziwen had less than 2,000 yuan left, barely enough for his new outfit, which appeared to be a designer brand he couldn't recognize. Feeling a bit ashamed, he reflected on how a student like Tang Shu had paid for him, which pricked his pride.
Noticing his unease, Tang Shu sweetly asked, "Brother Wen, where shall we eat? You did promise to treat me."
Her words alleviated much of Zhang Ziwen's embarrassment. He decided to treat her to a nice meal, reasoning that it couldn't cost more than 2,000 yuan. Her understanding nature was something he deeply appreciated.
"What would you like to eat, Little Shu? Just tell me, and Brother Wen will treat you. Don't be shy."
Determined to be generous, Zhang Ziwen prepared to spend everything he had to thank the considerate Tang Shu.
"I'm not shy at all," Tang Shu replied playfully. "I've been craving Pizza Hut. Can you take me there?"
"Just that?" Zhang Ziwen was surprised. "Is that really what you want?"
Tang Shu took his arm and said coquettishly, "Yes, I haven't been there in a while. Are you regretting your offer already?" She shook his arm, her playful manner impossible to resist.
Secretly delighted, Zhang Ziwen thought, "Pizza Hut? We can get away with spending less than 100 yuan for two. I was ready to spend over a thousand on a big meal." Considering his financial situation, he was relieved. Tang Shu's modest request saved him from having to ask He Li for more money.
Feeling even more grateful for Tang Shu's understanding, he realized his good fortune. Zhang Ziwen was hungry, having emptied his stomach the night before. The prospect of lunch with a beautiful girl made him eager, and he devoured two servings of pizza.
Tang Shu, eating daintily, left two pieces of her small pizza, which Zhang Ziwen happily finished, muttering about the waste.
Watching Zhang Ziwen eat with such a hearty appetite, Tang Shu smiled, her eyes reflecting her admiration.
After the meal, Tang Shu insisted on accompanying Zhang Ziwen to the hospital. Her cheerful presence was welcome, and he agreed without hesitation.
Near the hospital, they bought fruit and nutritional supplements. Tang Shu, like a joyful little bird, clung to his arm affectionately. Her closeness made Zhang Ziwen's heart race. Her alluring presence, with her flowing black hair, graceful neck and arms, stunning beauty, and the faint scent of her youthful fragrance, stirred his senses profoundly.