Chapter 4 — My Amnesiac Benefactor Wants to Marry Me

Having said that, he practically bolted out the door. I could not help but think—Zhou Shi Jun truly loves that mysterious first love of his with every fiber of his being. Even I, merely his surrogate, am pampered to an excessive degree. Knowing I harbor a fondness for the snacks sold outside the university gates, he personally ventures out to buy them for me. Who could ever imagine a wealthy CEO, draped in bespoke high-end attire, standing amidst a crowd of students—not producing a black credit card, but digging out loose change—and in his Maybach, instead of hundred-million-dollar contracts, one finds fried chicken skewers, takoyaki, egg tarts, chilled noodles, crepes, and flour-battered sausages? Then, navigating through the throng of students departing campus to drive home... For such a CEO, it is difficult not to feel a stir of affection. Yet, I still sense... that something is amiss. I scratch my cheek, unable to pinpoint the nagging thought. Just then, my editor sends a barrage of urgent messages demanding the manuscript, and my train of thought is abruptly shattered. Since graduating from university, I have eschewed further studies to become an internet novelist, achieving modest success. In one sense, I am capable of supporting myself; in another, I have managed to realize a dream of my own.

As I am busy typing away to my editor, a sudden knock echoes at my door. I assume it is the milk tea I ordered. I open the door—and immediately attempt to slam it shut again. However, I fail. A hand wedges firmly into the gap. "Rong Rong, please, just listen to me!" "That day, I was simply too cowardly; I failed you. I swear I will never abandon you again. Can we please start over?" Looking at his impeccably tailored suit and the bouquet of roses held with obsessive fervor, I roll my eyes so hard it hurts. "Get lost!" Ren Jing Yao persists, frantic: "Back then, you stayed with Zhou Shi Jun because of money. Now, I have money too. Won't you give me a chance to make it up to you?" I freeze, as memories I have long suppressed come flooding back.

I was once just a standard "poor student who studies hard." I strained every nerve to get into a prestigious university from the countryside. My college life was beautiful. I strove to improve myself and met Ren Jing Yao—he was my senior, he treated me with great kindness, and we naturally fell in love. But the tragedy struck too suddenly. My parents were in a car accident. On a rural road, the perpetrator fled, and there were no cameras. Both were rushed to intensive care. It cost ten thousand per person, twenty thousand a day. Upon learning this, Ren Jing Yao broke up with me. His family consisted of ordinary civil servants, and he feared I would become a burden. I understood. Even married couples "fly away when disaster strikes," let alone young lovers. If he helped, it was out of affection; if not, it was only human. But in that situation... how could I not harbor resentment? The money I had saved from part-time jobs was a drop in the ocean. Everything of value in our home was sold, yet it was not enough to cover the mountain of expenses. Only I remained. I possessed a pure appearance and a decent frame. Clean, obedient, and from a prestigious school. With such conditions, my "first night" could fetch two hundred thousand. Enough to keep my parents alive for ten more days. What if, in those ten days... a miracle occurred? So, I agreed. Walking down the dim hallway of the club, I collided with someone. It was Zhou Shi Jun. He was breathing heavily, as if hurried by something. But when he saw me, his eyes lit up, and he gripped my wrist firmly. "So... so identical." Only later did I learn—it was because I bore a terrifying resemblance to his first love. Compared to the pot-bellied tycoon who had paid to buy me that day, his model-like stature, broad shoulders, and narrow waist were like comparing heaven to hell. Since I had already determined that I must trade my body for money that night... I would rather "treat myself" a little better. I never expected that Zhou Shi Jun would not take me to a hotel. Instead, he took me back to my hometown and arranged for my parents to be transferred to the top hospital in the province. He not only covered all the medical bills but also pulled strings to invite a team of experts for a consultation. Later, he brought me to this high-end apartment, telling me to focus on my studies, and that if I wanted to pursue a master's degree, he would pay for it as well. However, the experience after my parents were hospitalized taught me that in this world, there is no such thing as unconditional kindness—everything has a price. Thus, we signed a support contract. Even though my parents held on for six months before passing away, the arrangement persisted. On the day of my graduation, I let alcohol embolden me and threw myself at him. I thought I had merely fallen into the mindset of "I have nothing to repay you with, so I will pay you with my body." But perhaps... during those days living with Zhou Shi Jun, I had fallen for him with eyes wide open.

While I am lost in thought, Ren Jing Yao seizes the opportunity to hold me tightly, refusing to let go. I am trembling with rage, straining to break free. I regret not wearing high heels today—otherwise, I would have kicked this scumbag to death! As we struggle, the elevator door opens. I panic. There is only one unit per floor. I can almost imagine the expression on Zhou Shi Jun's face if he were to see this. "Song Rong! That day at the hospital you were so enthusiastic about pushing your sister with Brother Zhou, who would have thought you would dare to give him a green hat! You are done for! I am going to tell Brother Zhou!" It is Su Xiao Xiao. My heart, which had just begun to settle, jumps back into my throat at those words. Su Xiao Xiao, as if having grasped damning evidence, turns and leaves, even snapping a photo for proof. This time... I am truly unemployed! I bolt out to chase after her, but Ren Jing Yao keeps a tight grip on me: "That rich kid Zhou Shi Jun is just playing with you! These past few years, I have been filled with regret, which is why I came to find you! Come with me; I don't care that he has slept with you for three years! We will get surgery to repair things, get married, and have children. I will act as if none of this ever happened!" I stare at him: "..." I truly want to smash a slipper into his face. Thank you, but I am actually quite close to vomiting! Furthermore, the history between me and Zhou Shi Jun... is it his place to feel such disdain?