Noticing Lin Fan's odd expression, Xiao Rou tilted her head. "What's wrong?"
Lin Fan shook his head with an awkward smile. "Nothing. I'm just a freelancer. Hard to say exactly what I do. But trust me, sticking with me is a good choice."
Freelancer? Can't say?
Xiao Rou's lips twitched. Was he serious? It sounded like he didn't even know what he did!
She'd thought he was some rich kid, given his wealth and youth. But now? She was even more curious. His vagueness made him seem mysterious, and it only drew her in more.
Xiao Rou nodded. "Okay, I'll follow you. But I need to tell my mom first so she doesn't worry."
Lin Fan smiled. He knew about Xiao Rou's tough life and felt for her. He'd had it rough too, but Grandpa Zhou had taken him in, giving him a decent life. Xiao Rou, though, was still struggling.
As the saying goes, good things come after hard times. Maybe fate brought them together. Since they'd met, Lin Fan vowed to protect her from harm.
The night in Shanghai was alive with bright neon lights. The city was a dreamland for the rich, drawing young people chasing fame and fortune. But for the poor, it was a harsh place, spitting out those who couldn't make it.
Lin Fan wanted to take a taxi to drop Xiao Rou off, but it was rush hour. The streets were packed with stylish young people and rich kids cruising in fancy cars, showing off. Getting a taxi was impossible.
After waiting ten minutes with no luck, Xiao Rou said softly, "Why don't you go? I'll take a taxi myself."
Lin Fan shook his head. "No way. I'm taking you home myself. It's safer."
A girl like Xiao Rou wasn't safe alone at night, especially after they'd crossed Da Han. Lin Fan wasn't worried about the Qinglong Gang finding him—he'd used a fake name. But Xiao Rou was different.
Seeing his insistence, Xiao Rou didn't argue. Her heart warmed. Since her dad's injury, she'd carried her family's burdens alone. She'd given up on love, thinking it wasn't for her. But now, this man cared about her deeply.
She smiled, her heart fluttering.
*Roar! Roar!* A red Ferrari F8 screeched to a stop in front of them, tires sparking and rubber burning.
Lin Fan and Xiao Rou looked confused as the car door opened. A young man stepped out, decked in designer clothes worth a fortune. He had dyed yellow hair, a cigar in his mouth, and a handsome face hidden behind sunglasses. A total playboy.
His arrival turned heads. Girls on the street stared, some boldly approaching to flirt and ask for his number. Money attracted attention—it was just how the world worked, and Lin Fan believed it too.
But the young man ignored the girls and walked straight to Xiao Rou. He took off his sunglasses, revealing sharp, charming features that made the girls nearby swoon.
"Oh my gosh, he's so hot!"
"I'd give everything for one night with him!"
"He's my dream guy!"
Lin Fan was good-looking too, but his charm grew over time. This guy was a showstopper.
Ignoring Lin Fan, the young man flashed Xiao Rou a warm smile. "Hey, beautiful, trying to get a taxi?"
Xiao Rou glanced at Lin Fan and nodded. "Yeah."
She wasn't fazed. Working at a fancy hotel, she'd seen plenty of rich and powerful people.
The young man grinned wider. "Taxis are tough to get at night in Shanghai." He pointed to his Ferrari, smirking proudly. "I've got a car. How about I give you a ride?"
He shot Lin Fan a smug look, as if saying, *Poor guy. No car, yet you've got a girl like her? What a waste.*
Lin Fan raised an eyebrow. A Ferrari F8? A few million yuan? Big deal. Like he couldn't afford one.
Xiao Rou sensed the tension and shook her head, hooking her arm through Lin Fan's. "No, thanks. My boyfriend and I will keep waiting."
She'd been with Lin Fan that night for money, but she wasn't shallow. To her, finding the right person was true happiness. She didn't even glance at the young man.
Lin Fan stood tall, grinning smugly. *Got a fancy car? So what? You can't steal my girl.*
The young man's smile faded, his fists clenching. He felt humiliated. Turning to Lin Fan, he sneered, "No car, and you still scored a girlfriend like her? Lucky break."
Lin Fan shrugged, unfazed. "Yeah, I got lucky. Jealous? Too bad—this is true love. You can't touch that."
The young man's face turned dark with anger, completely speechless.
Suddenly, he looked at Xiao Rou. "I'll give you 100,000 yuan to spend the night with me."
As the young master of the Qinglong Gang, he was used to getting what he wanted. He'd been with plenty of women, but Xiao Rou's pure vibe was new. After Lin Fan's taunt, he was determined to win. True love? He didn't buy it. Money could solve anything. If not, more money would.
He stared at Lin Fan with a cocky grin, as if saying, *Your girlfriend's mine tonight.*
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