Chapter 13

Cooperation usually requires mutual benefit.
Looking at the current situation, cooperating with Fu Xiling clearly only benefited Shi Zhi.
And she'd already fooled Fu Xiling once. In his eyes, she should have no credibility.
Shi Zhi had been thinking about how to convince Fu Xiling.
Should she learn from aunt and give vouchers?
Unexpectedly, Fu Xiling came to her himself.
Not only came to her, but spoke unhurriedly, with such a good temper that even knowing he'd be used, he wouldn't get angry. Relaxed, legs spread, sitting on the steps, looking completely at ease.
Fu Xiling's actions were too strange. Shi Zhi didn't respond immediately.
He definitely wasn't here to care if she'd committed suicide because of the breakup, and definitely not just to right wrongs...
Shi Zhi lowered her head, secretly wondering what scheme Fu Xiling was up to.
Then she was surprised to discover that since Fu Xiling appeared in her life, she hadn't been able to figure out a single one of his behaviors.
Shi Zhi was getting a bit impatient.
She hadn't slept well for several days and really didn't want to waste brainpower: "This matter shouldn't have any benefit for you, right? Why do I feel you're quite enthusiastic?"
The steps they sat on were directly under an old tree by the lake.
The old tree was over fifty years old, well cared for by school staff.
Thick trunk with an IV bag hanging, lush branches and leaves.
Tree shadows fell mottled on Fu Xiling's face, making it impossible to see the emotion in his eyes. Shi Zhi only heard him say: "People don't get up early without benefit. Who said there's no benefit for me?"
Shi Zhi's eyes moved slightly.
If he also had ulterior motives, that would be even better.
Fu Xiling said: "On my side, there's currently a rather tricky situation."
Recently, the elders suddenly became enthusiastic about introducing him to potential matches, but Fu Xiling was used to freedom and didn't like constrained emotional relationships.
Shi Zhi found it strange: "What does that have to do with me?"
"Let me put it this way. The girl they introduced me to is quite stubborn, can't be reasoned with..."
Shi Zhi thought about it and roughly understood.
The girl they introduced to Fu Xiling probably believed in 'sincerity can move mountains' and thought everything could be achieved through effort. As long as she was willing to work hard and give, someday Fu Xiling would be moved.
This kind of sticky pursuer like rice cake, Shi Zhi had encountered before.
Saying things like "liking you is my own business," then looking at Shi Zhi with affectionate eyes all day, giving her care she didn't need, indulging in self-moved feelings...
Shi Zhi said with experience: "In this situation, saying harsh words a few more times should work."
Fu Xiling seemed to remember something, suddenly turned his head and laughed, cleared his throat, then continued: "I'd like to."
What was he laughing at?
Shi Zhi looked at him puzzled.
Fu Xiling opened another can of beer and explained the pros and cons to Shi Zhi: "Not to mention business partnerships, the two families' elders know each other, and she's just a young girl. I can't be too harsh, or it'll affect the elders' relationship..."
"So... you need a shield by your side?"
"Can say that. I think you're quite suitable. How about we help each other out?"
Shi Zhi was quite suspicious of his words.
Fu Xiling's conditions weren't bad—broad shoulders, long legs, good-looking, and a rich second-generation driving a supercar.
Someone like that, wouldn't there be women he regularly interacted with?
If there were, couldn't he ask anyone for help?
Did it have to be her, someone he'd only met a few times?
Fu Xiling seemed to know her doubts and directly took out his phone, found a phone number in his contacts, and dialed.
He turned on speakerphone and put the phone on the empty step between them, about half a meter away.
After the busy signal, someone quickly answered. The voice was very proper, almost operatic, talking to themselves: "Hey, Xiling, okay, okay, got it. The valuation thing, right? Wait a moment, let me change clothes and come out right away..."
Fu Xiling laughed and interrupted: "Where are you coming out to? Not asking you for supper, just asking you something."
"Damn, I thought you were asking me out. My dad's throwing a tantrum at home, just finished scolding me. I was about to make up an excuse to slip away..."
The voice lowered, then after a door closing sound, returned to normal volume: "What do you want to ask? Go ahead."
"About Yaoyao, can you help me find someone to pretend to be my girlfriend?"
"Come on, do you really think Yaoyao is stupid?"
The person on the phone spoke quite fast: "The girls we usually hang out with are all in this circle. Even if Yaoyao doesn't know them, she can easily find out their background with a little asking around. Can't she tell if it's fake? That girl's head works well, not easy to fool..."
Fu Xiling looked at Shi Zhi and raised an eyebrow.
As if saying: See, useless.
"If you can't beat them, join them."
The friend started being cheeky: "I say, just make do with Yaoyao. Yaoyao's just a bit domineering in personality, other aspects are still..."