Chapter 39.2

Tang Shirong saw that Zhou Ziyi and Sheffield were indeed not getting along and quickly went over to ask, “What’s the matter, Ziyi? What did that guy say to you again?”

Zhou Ziyi was furious, but he couldn’t explode. His face turned as cold as ice: “He actually dared to say those things to my face!”

Tang Shirong didn’t understand at first: “What things?”

Zhou Ziyi replied, “One million per year.”

Tang Shirong exclaimed, “…What the hell?!”

He exploded, “How dare he… How dare he?! I’ll f***ing…!” Tang Shirong really wanted to hit someone, but he knew that many people were watching Zhou Ziyi, so it wouldn’t be wise to resort to violence. He glared fiercely at Sheffield’s back and then leaned in close to Zhou Ziyi, saying, “What do you say? Should we leave?”

“No.” Zhou Ziyi sneered, “Why should I leave first? It’s like I’m afraid of him. If he continues to be shameless, I’ll confront him directly. Why should I be afraid of an outsider on my own turf?!”

Listening to his words, Tang Shirong felt that Zhou Ziyi was already furious, “Are you sure? I’m afraid you’ll be mad to death before you get home.”

“That’s also necessary,” Zhou Ziyi said, “President Yan has said that I must not lose face for him.”

“…” Tang Shirong felt that Zhou Ziyi was so furious that even Yan Xiuzhi was brought into the conversation.

In fact, at this moment, Zhou Ziyi didn’t suddenly think of Yan Xiuzhi.

Just now, Sheffield mentioned his marriage, and the image of Yan Xiuzhi flashed in his mind. Then, somehow, no matter what Sheffield said, Zhou Ziyi always unconsciously placed Yan Xiuzhi in this environment for comparison and assumption.

Sheffield said, “Your husband helps you pay off your debts,” but in fact, Yan Xiuzhi, apart from saying something when sending money, did not usually bring up the matter of Zhou Ziyi repaying the debt.

Sheffield said, “You married a men for money,” but after signing the marriage contract, Yan Xiuzhi never insulted Zhou Ziyi with similar words.

Yan Xiuzhi wouldn’t see Zhou Ziyi as a pitiful person burdened with a huge debt, nor would he treat the youth from the perspective of a benefactor. He treated Zhou Ziyi with equality and maintained normal respect when they were together. Even sometimes when Zhou Ziyi joked about himself being “performing for money” and “showing affection for pay,” Yan Xiuzhi would look at him with a disapproving expression.

In the past, Zhou Ziyi felt fortunate for finding the source of thirty million.

Now I think he should be deeply grateful for “being able to get money and maintain basic dignity.”

The important factor in being able to “maintain dignity” is Yan Xiuzhi’s respect for him.

Even though Zhou Ziyi doesn’t like to listen, he also knows how others would view his marriage with Yan Xiuzhi. It’s already easy to be criticized for marrying into a wealthy family when one comes from humble origins, let alone for Zhou Ziyi, who is burdened with huge debts. Zhou Ziyi is not foolish; he understands that others’ views of him are often filled with sarcasm, disdain, and insult. Sheffield simply embodies the attitudes of others while adding his own desires.

Zhou Ziyi had already admired and appreciated Yan Xiuzhi before, and when Sheffield uttered those disgusting words, it further highlighted the preciousness of Yan Xiuzhi.
Compared to the despicable Sheffield, Yan Xiuzhi is truly strong and upright person.

In Zhou Ziyi’s eyes, under the “contrast of colleagues” presented by Sheffield, President Yan is truly shining with brilliance.

How could Sheffield compare to Yan Xiuzhi?

Even Yan Xiuzhi’s usual coldness, lack of sentiment, and seriousness are considered endearing in Zhou Ziyi’s eyes.

Even a thought crossed Zhou Ziyi’s mind: Taking a step back, even if he had to buy a cola(make love) with a man for money… he would rather choose President Yan!

President Yan’s looks are top-notch, no doubt about it!
…

When Zhou Ziyi’s thoughts were running wild, Tang Shirong still thought that he was left out of anger.

“Fine, then just leave it.” Tang Shirong sighed, “Anyway, I’ll show you the place. If he dares to mess with you, we’ll gang up on him, don’t be afraid!”

In fact, Sheffield did not bother Zhou Ziyi again afterwards – probably to demonstrate his so-called gentlemanly demeanor.

He would just pass by from time to time, giving Zhou Ziyi a meaningful look. If Zhou Ziyi noticed this look, he would get goosebumps all over his body.

*
Finally, as the party was about to end, someone suggested a second round – to go play pool.

As soon as this proposal came out, Sheffield put on a “nostalgic” expression and stopped Zhou Ziyi and Tang Shirong, who wanted to leave.

“I used to want to play ball with you, never managed to. Can’t we do it this time?”
Zhou Ziyi glanced at him and said coldly, “No.”

“Not for nothing,” Sheffield smiled, “If you said no to a thousand, how about five thousand for a game? Regardless of the outcome.”

Tang Shirong beside him was almost about to punch Sheffield in his drunken state: “Sheffield, I…”

But Zhou Ziyi, with his eyes half closed as if lost in thought, suddenly asked, “One-on-one snooker? What if I win?”

“Ha ha ha, you never play pool ball with me, so you don’t understand my skills, right?” Sheffield said, “If you win against me, I’ll give you ten thousand dollars for a game!”

Zhou Ziyi actually remembered his skill level, but didn’t mention it, just said, “Lose five thousand, win ten thousand?”

Sheffield looked casual and extravagant, “Yes, you have to work hard!”

“Alright then,” Zhou Ziyi chuckled with his hands in his pockets, “Let’s go.”

Tang Shirong was shocked, leaning over to Zhou Ziyi and whispered, “No way, are you really going to play with him?”

“If someone is giving away money, why wouldn’t I take it?” Zhou Ziyi sneered, lowered his eyes, and a fleeting light flashed in his eyes.

“I can… bankrupt him.”