Sudden Shift

Shen Yi looked at Lu Xinyi, who was lost in thought, and felt a wave of irritation. Without another word, he turned and strode away.

The streets were bustling with people, and Shen Yi quickly blended into the crowd. Just as he was about to disappear into the sea of faces, Lu Xinyi suddenly snapped out of her daze. Her eyes widened in panic, and without hesitation, she chased after him. Weaving through the crowd, she called out frantically, "Xiao Yi! Xiao Yi!" Finally catching up to him, she grabbed his hand.

Shen Yi's hand was warm and strong, but at that moment, it only made Lu Xinyi's heart ache. She had truly thought he would abandon her without a second thought, and the feeling of being cast aside washed over her like a tidal wave. "Xiao Yi, don't leave me behind, okay?" Her voice trembled, on the verge of tears, like a wounded fawn.

Her tearful plea instantly drew the attention of passersby. People turned to look, their gazes filled with judgment as they scrutinized Shen Yi.

"That guy must be a scumbag! If I had such a beautiful girlfriend, I'd be willing to drive a luxury car and live in a mansion!" a young man whispered to his companion.

"Tsk, your greed is showing," his friend teased.

"He doesn't want such a pretty girl? This guy could teach a masterclass—I'd kneel and take notes!"

Shen Yi felt uncomfortable under the weight of everyone's stares. He turned to Lu Xinyi, who looked fragile and vulnerable, and said impatiently, "What do you want?" His brows were furrowed, his face filled with exasperation.

"Xiao Yi... don't leave me, okay? Our cards have been frozen. You still have school, and I can take care of you." Lu Xinyi clung tightly to Shen Yi's arm. She had been cast out of the Lu family, and everything she once had was gone. In this world, she felt like Shen Yi was all she had left. She was filled with the desire to make up for the years she had wronged him, unable to bear the thought of him struggling alone. She wanted to use her abilities to make his life easier and hoped he would forgive her past mistakes.

Hearing the word "sister," the onlookers suddenly lost interest, assuming it was just a family dispute, and went about their business.

Shen Yi pulled Lu Xinyi to a quieter corner and said seriously, "Lu Xinyi, I can take care of myself. You don't need to follow me." His eyes were firm, locking onto hers, trying to make her understand his resolve.

Lu Xinyi's eyes were red, her body trembling slightly, her voice choked with tears. "Xiao Yi, I... I want to make up for the years I wronged you. I can take care of you. You're a student, and working part-time every day won't let you focus on your studies. I have a high degree—I can apply for jobs and support you through school." As she spoke, her hands unconsciously gripped the hem of Shen Yi's shirt, as if that would keep him from leaving.

"Lu Xinyi, I'm begging you, I really don't need you to follow me! Just go back to the Lu family! Apologize to your dad, and everything will be fine. I don't need you to take care of me. I've managed all these years—do you think I can't survive without the Lu family?" Shen Yi was on the verge of breaking down. He never expected leaving the Lu family would be so difficult. He shook his head helplessly, his face filled with exhaustion.

Lu Xinyi could no longer hold back her tears. She had never cried so much in her life. "Xiao Yi... are you still mad at me? I... I only have you now. Don't leave me behind, okay? I don't have any money left. You don't want me to starve, do you?"

Shen Yi couldn't help but laugh at her words. Was she actually trying to threaten him? "Yes, I'm still mad at you, so I don't want to see you anymore. Got it?" With that, he forcefully shook off her hand and turned to leave.

Lu Xinyi, as if anticipating his move, quickly grabbed him again, wrapping her arms around his and starting to whine, "Xiao Yi, just let me stay, okay? Please~" Her voice was soft and sweet, her body swaying slightly like a child throwing a tantrum.

Feeling the softness of her body against his arm, Shen Yi stiffened, his mind racing: What the hell? Is she trying to seduce me?

Lu Xinyi seemed to sense his thoughts, her face instantly turning red. She quickly let go of his arm and took a step back, her expression filled with embarrassment.

Shen Yi sighed in relief and took a few more steps back, putting distance between them. "Miss, please spare me! What do you mean you only have me? Don't you have four sisters? Go find them! Why are you clinging to me?" He spread his hands, his face full of helplessness.

"That won't work," Lu Xinyi shook her head, her hair swaying gently. "You know how my dad is. He would never let them help us. If he did, freezing our cards would be pointless." She grabbed Shen Yi's hand again, her eyes pleading. "So, Xiao Yi, just let me stay with you, okay?"

Shen Yi's heart softened slightly as he seemed to understand her predicament. He took out his phone, opened his Bank Card, and checked his balance: 5,721 yuan. This was the money the original owner of his body had painstakingly saved through part-time work, every penny hard-earned.

He showed the screen to Lu Xinyi and said, "Five thousand seven hundred twenty-one. I'll transfer you 2,500, okay? Will that make you leave me alone?" His eyes held a hint of hope, wishing she would accept the offer.

Lu Xinyi was stunned. She stared at the screen, then felt a heavy weight press against her chest, as if a boulder had been placed on her heart. A wave of sadness washed over her.

"Xiao Yi... do you really think I'm clinging to you for your money? Is that how you see me?" Her voice was filled with sorrow, her eyes brimming with hurt as she stared at Shen Yi, searching for an answer in his gaze.

"Isn't that the case?" Shen Yi retorted, his face showing a hint of confusion. "I don't have anything else to offer you." Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, his eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait... are you after my body?! I mean, I know I'm good-looking, and we're not related by blood, but..." He looked himself up and down, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

Lu Xinyi's face darkened at his words, her frustration and helplessness reaching their peak. She couldn't help but pinch Shen Yi's waist hard, as if venting all her pent-up emotions.

"Ouch! That hurts!" Shen Yi grimaced, swatting her hand away and shrinking back, his face contorted in pain.

Lu Xinyi smoothed her hair, trying to appear calm, and said seriously, "Don't flatter yourself. I'm not interested in you. But... Xiao Yi, I really don't want your money. I just want to stay with you. Is that too much to ask? After all, I was kicked out because I stood up for you. Can't you just let me stay?" Her eyes were sincere, her tone gentle.

Shen Yi sensed the rare sincerity in her words, and his resolve began to waver. He looked at Lu Xinyi, recalling how she had defended him earlier that day. The resistance in his heart slowly faded.

Seeing his hesitation, Lu Xinyi pressed on, "Xiao Yi, think about it. I went from being a billionaire CEO to an ordinary person, kicked out of my home, my cards frozen. And now you won't even let me stay with you... Are you trying to push me to my death? Wuwu... Shen Yi, how can you be so heartless..." She began to cry again, her tears flowing freely, her appearance pitiful.

Shen Yi's head was spinning. He noticed the curious glances from passersby and quickly tried to calm her down. "Alright, alright, stop crying! A beautiful woman like you, crying in public—what will people think? They'll think I'm bullying you!" He gently patted her shoulder.

"So, will you let me stay?" Lu Xinyi looked up at him, her eyes tearful but filled with hope.

"No," Shen Yi hesitated, still conflicted.

"Wuwu..." Lu Xinyi started sobbing again, her tears falling like broken strings of pearls.

"I must owe you from a past life!" Shen Yi sighed in exasperation, his face a mix of frustration and helplessness.

"Waaah—" Lu Xinyi cried even louder.

"Fine! I agree, okay?!" Shen Yi finally gave in, unable to take it anymore.

"Okay~" Lu Xinyi's tears stopped instantly, and a bright smile spread across her face, as radiant as a flower blooming in spring.

"Huh?" Shen Yi was dumbfounded. He hadn't expected her emotions to shift so quickly. Her face had gone from tear-stricken to beaming in an instant. He stared at her in shock, completely caught off guard.

"If it weren't for all the nice things you said for me today, I wouldn't even bother with you."