TCFGBH Chapter 16

One billion US dollars, six billion RMB.

Zhao Wenxiu was offering such an enormous sum to make Xia Yan scum his own brother? Xia Yan was left speechless, struggling to process the absurdity of the situation.

Noticing Xia Yan’s bewildered expression, Zhao Wenxiu felt frustrated. His frown deepened, reflecting his helplessness. Over the past few days, Zhao Wenxiu had observed that what Zhao Wenhan thought was a romantic relationship was merely a one-sided infatuation. Xia Yan had never truly cared for Zhao Wenhan.

Even if Zhao Wenxiu used the money to make Xia Yan be with his brother, how long could such a relationship last? Xia Yan had many people around him and countless wealthy admirers. Zhao’s family might be powerful, but they couldn’t afford to oppose everyone.

When Xia Yan got bored and no longer wanted to play the role of a loving partner, he could easily leave. Zhao Wenhan, on the other hand, would be left heartbroken and trapped in unrequited love.

Zhao Wenxiu was determined: “You don’t need much time, just one month.”

“…”

“In that month, you can do whatever you want, be as difficult as you like,” Zhao Wenxiu said coldly. “After a month, find a reason to break up with him, make him give up on you completely.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

The sea breeze carried warmth, and the sun above was bright and intense, casting dappled shadows on the man’s face through the lush greenery.

Xia Yan slowly began to understand Zhao Wenxiu’s intention. If this were in his past life, during financial ruin, he would have accepted such an offer without hesitation. Hesitation would be a sign of disrespect toward one billion dollars.

But now…

Even if he were offered a hundred billion, it wouldn’t matter, as he would leave this world after completing his tasks. According to the plot, as a scumbag male lead, his future involved cheating, being dumped by the protagonist, and then falling into despair, ending up in disgrace.

Hilarious.

How could he fall into disgrace after getting one billion?

However, he couldn’t refuse too bluntly.

Doing so would make him appear righteous and unyielding to money, which didn’t fit his character.

Xia Yan’s eyes sparkled with mischief, and he leaned closer, his voice low and sultry, “Mr. Zhao, it’s impressive that you can casually offer one billion dollars.”

“I’ve only been a celebrity for three years, and my total assets amount to only twenty million.” His voice was soft, like a private whisper.

There was a hint of admiration and envy in his words, making the sum of six billion RMB seem colossal to him.

Zhao Wenxiu sighed with relief. It seemed that Tu Xi’s statements weren’t as challenging as he had anticipated.

“I’ll give you thirty million as a deposit. ” The rest of the payment will be due upon completion of the task.

Before Zhao Wenxiu could finish, Xia Yan abruptly interrupted. He looked up with a playful smile, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

“But…” He extended the word, moving closer, and grabbed Zhao Wenxiu’s collar, pulling him down.

Zhao Wenxiu caught off guard, bent down.

Their faces were inches apart, their breaths mingling.

“…I’m more interested in you than in Zhao Wenhan,” Xia Yan said softly, his red lips slightly parted, his tongue barely visible.

His skin was as pale as warm jade, and his lips were red, like a touch of rouge on snow.

Zhao Wenxiu’s eyes were fixed on Xia Yan’s lips, mesmerized.

“Your handsome face, tall stature, everything is just right. I really like it.”

“…”

“How about we change the terms? You give me a billion, and I’ll break up with Tu Xi and date you instead.” The young man enthusiastically said, “Zhao Wenhan wouldn’t resort to stealing his brother’s partner, would he?”

“…I…”

Zhao Wenxiu’s lips parted and closed again. He was about to say something when he was interrupted by the young man’s exclamation.

“Ah! I just realized, if we were together, wouldn’t it be double betrayal for young master Zhao?” He laughed maliciously, taking pleasure in others’ pain. “Zhao Wenhan would probably cry like a rabbit. To be honest, he looks quite good when he cries.”

“…”

Like a bucket of cold water thrown over his head, Zhao Wenxiu suddenly came to his senses.

He pushed the young man away with force, his breath slightly rapid, and furiously said, “Xia Yan, recognize your position. You’re just a tool I hired. Don’t overstep your boundaries.”

“Tool, huh…”

“…”

The young man’s smile grew even wider. “But it seems like you’re wavering.”

“Stop talking nonsense!!!!”

“Upset?”

“…”

“Can’t handle a little teasing? How boring.” Xia Yan shrugged, losing interest, and seemed to yawn. “I’m done playing.”

“Wait, about what you just said—”

In a moment of panic, Zhao Wenxiu grabbed the young man’s wrist.

In the sweltering summer, everyone was dressed lightly.

The young man’s skin was delicate and smooth, making it irresistible to touch, especially when he shivered slightly.

Zhao Wenxiu’s breathing became erratic.

Faintly, there was a subtle fragrance wafting through, captivating and enchanting.

“Mr. Zhao.” Xia Yan struggled not to pull away, and although he was smiling, there was a hint of panic in his eyes. “Are you trying to play some kind of kink with me now?”

“Sorry!” The man released his grip as if shocked, “I just—”

He had been so high and mighty just moments before; now, he seemed like a clumsy young man.
Zhao Wenxiu himself didn’t know what was happening. His aura had suddenly weakened: “I just wanted to talk about the billion.”

“…”

“…”

“Hmm?” The young man pondered for a moment. “Although I already gave an answer earlier, after what just happened, I’ve changed my mind.”

Agreed?

Zhao Wenxiu sighed in relief but also felt a hint of subtle disappointment.

However—

“Even if you agree to my terms now, I still won’t date you or help your brother get over his unrequited love.” The young man said firmly.

Zhao Wenxiu was incredulous: “Why?”

A month for a billion dollars.

No one could reject it.

“Because I dislike you.” The young man said without hesitation.

“…”

Zhao Wenxiu was speechless.

The young man’s likes and dislikes were plainly expressed on his face, extravagantly displaying his charm. His rejection had probably hurt Zhao Wenxiu’s pride.

He watched Xia Yan leave, with a faint fragrance lingering in his palm.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Zhao Wenxiu leaned dejectedly against a tree.

He closed his eyes, and the scene of the young man pulling his collar flashed in his mind. He could have kissed those soft lips if he had just lowered his head.

He questioned himself: did he not feel a stir of emotions? Was there no wavering?

Perhaps it was because of the fantasies, so when the young man mentioned Zhao Wenhan, the guilt, self-blame, and shame that erupted from the bottom of his heart caused him to lose his usual calmness and become a ridiculous, angry person.

In a daze, it seemed like a poisonous snake appeared at his feet.

It flicked its tongue with icy yellow eyes, tempting him to take the forbidden apple and step into an irretrievable abyss.

No!

Zhao Wenxiu shook his head vigorously.

He had been following his brother for the past few days, constantly watching Xia Yan. That’s why he was swayed. It was someone his brother liked. Even if Zhao Wenhan couldn’t be with Xia Yan, he couldn’t let himself be moved.

Zhao Wenxiu called his assistant and filled his schedule for the next two days, hastily leaving the island.

Meanwhile—

Fang Xihua watched the video on his phone, his heart racing rapidly.