Xia Fu felt a bit surreal.

In business, the biggest taboo was revealing one’s true identity, especially as a woman—one slip and she’d be tied up in all sorts of complicated relationships, which could affect her pricing power. That’s why she carefully studied the boys’ chats in her class, purposely disguising her side account as just another passerby—someone with no ties. “Double Cheeseburger” was a high-achieving, diligent student with no younger brother, no worries, and it allowed her to relax.

Unexpectedly, before she even had to speak up, Fang Jingcheng brought up the issue of money himself. Xia Fu wasn’t sure how to react, so she just stared blankly at him, waiting for further instructions.

“But if we’re teaming up, I have conditions. To avoid complications, it’s just the two of us, and I get to choose the company for our project. Is that okay?”

With a bright smile, Fang Jingcheng laid out his conditions, which oddly reassured Xia Fu.

She responded straightforwardly, “No problem. I can do it alone.” Reflecting on the last disastrous group project, she actually felt that working solo might be easier.

As for the topic, any company shortlisted for the F University competition would likely top a graduate’s dream job list. As long as it could sustain her, Xia Fu didn’t have a strong preference.

If it was just the two of them, did that mean they’d split the prize money too?

With the task division done, it was time to talk money. Xia Fu swallowed quietly, her gaze flickering as she nervously asked, “I can handle the modeling and the thesis, so how are we going to manage the prize money and compensation?” She wondered if the prize money was considered part of the compensation.

No, Fang Jingcheng had been quite generous before; he’d paid her three thousand for just one paper. He probably wouldn’t shortchange her.

Her fingers fidgeted anxiously, and her dark eyes seemed to shimmer with unease. Her fair ears had already turned a rosy red from excitement.

Anyone who didn’t know better might’ve thought she was confessing to him.

Fang Jingcheng couldn’t help but marvel internally. This candidness had its charm, after all.

He met Xia Fu’s expectant gaze, wearing a thoughtful expression and drawing out his words, “Prize money, huh?”

“Honestly, that kind of stuff doesn’t really matter, does it?”

It was like the box of cookies on the table—still full even after Xia Fu took one. Fang Jingcheng couldn’t care less about what tiny slice an ant could bite off his cake.

On the contrary, he wanted to carefully assess Xia Fu’s limits. Slowly boiling a frog required gradually increasing the temperature.

“Considering the extra work, I’ll also increase the payment. First place pays ten thousand, which we can split—so you take that. And I’ll give you eight times your bonus as your compensation—eighty-eight thousand, eight hundred. Lucky number, right?”

He lowered his eyes as he nonchalantly tossed out the figure, which shook Xia Fu to her core.

So much money!

A tiny squeal escaped her throat, sounding like a frightened little animal.

The allure of money made her instantly dismiss thoughts of “What if we don’t win?” She straightened up, eagerly declaring her determination to win, her voice rising slightly.

“Leave it to me, I’ll give it my all!”

The acknowledgment of her abilities delighted Xia Fu more than anything else. She’d always dreamed of being self-sufficient and living with dignity after graduation, so she didn’t want Fang Jingcheng’s pity.

Fang Jingcheng could almost see a blooming tail behind her. So easy to satisfy; that much couldn’t even buy a decent handbag.

“I believe in your ability. I was planning on partnering with you if we were competing anyway.”

He remembered Xia Fu’s profile in the group—midterms, finals, college entrance exams. She was incredibly talented in some areas but not all. If it weren’t for her small-town resources, she might have had a shot at B City.

He picked up his phone, switched to their chat, and tapped a few times.

“This is the deposit. From now on, this is our little secret, okay?” As the “ding ding” of notifications sounded, he brought a finger to his lips in a “shh” gesture, flashing a playful and mischievous smile, his blue eyes twinkling.

Trust was crucial in cooperation; he couldn’t let Xia Fu be disappointed.

He really was incredibly generous…

Staring at the transfer notification, Xia Fu’s eyes widened—she might just hiccup in shock!

No, no! She couldn’t let it out this time—she had to keep this secret!

Quickly, she covered her mouth with both hands. She nodded firmly at Fang Jingcheng, indicating her tight-lipped commitment.

From that moment, they officially became co-conspirators.

The shift from ordinary classmates to the paid companion of a princely employer gave Xia Fu a strange sense of comfort.

After all, classmates needed boundaries, so she wouldn’t meddle in matters involving Bao Zhiwei. But her boss? He’d want her on call 24/7, solely focused on her work, so he’d pay close attention to her.

This mutually beneficial bond felt like a form of protection for her.

I might be taking advantage of him.

Looking at his bright, carefree face, a faint sense of guilt arose in Xia Fu’s heart. From the beginning, her feelings for this benefactor weren’t entirely pure.

But it wasn’t her choice…

Pressing her lips together, she forced this personal sentiment down. Instead of overthinking, she decided to focus on winning the competition. It was the best way to relieve her anxiety!

True to her decision, Xia Fu’s expression tensed up as she entered “work mode,” making her look like the most reliable partner in the world.

“This is my class schedule. Can you send me yours too? We could plan discussion times in advance.”

Fang Jingcheng lowered his head at her voice, seeing the clear screenshot of her schedule sent by Double Cheeseburger. It was a popular scheduling app, with courses neatly color-coded for easy reference.

F University was a top national institution, and they took academics seriously, with packed schedules for students.

Xia Fu, for instance, had Probability Theory until eleven on Mondays, followed by Advanced Mathematics and University English. Sometimes, she even had elective courses scheduled for credit in the evenings.

Even though he’d gotten the image from the administrative office last night, Fang Jingcheng still pretended to study the schedule for a moment.

“We can attend Advanced Math together, but not English. I’m in Translation and English Writing.”

He leaned on the table, scrolling slowly through his phone. Xia Fu, looking down at him, noticed how his fluffy silver hair swayed slightly with his movements, looking soft and inviting to touch.

She stared for a while before remembering that this adorable head was attached to a man over six feet tall, and she quickly felt self-conscious.

Forcing herself to look away, she complimented, “Your English must be really good.”

In their first year, the school administered proficiency tests in subjects like math and English for placement purposes. Students with strong English skills, like Fang Jingcheng, could skip basic English courses and go straight into specialized training.

“I like traveling, so I’ve practiced a bit, and I’ve also taken the IELTS. If it wasn’t for my family’s arrangements, I’d have gone abroad to study.”

Xia Fu, on the other hand, struggled with speaking.

Her county had a thick dialect that even her English teacher couldn’t avoid, and she was a quiet, reserved type, making her an “English mute.” In highly internationalized S City, it was quite limiting.

Many of the companies in the competition were foreign firms, so an English presentation was inevitable.

Luckily, Fang Jingcheng’s schedule included “Financial English for the Workplace,” making the two of them oddly complementary. Plus, his background in the elite class meant he had access to professors in his field every week and plenty of resources.

Comparing herself and Bao Zhiwei, who were in the regular class, Xia Fu felt she had an edge.

She praised Fang Jingcheng earnestly, “With your language skills, you’ll be great at presenting. Could I trouble you to check the professional terms on the company background? Since we don’t have many overlapping classes, how about we study at the library together after class? I’m free during lunch breaks, too.” She was fully committed, seeing him as her bridge to success.

The screenshot also revealed her part-time tutoring sessions in math twice a week.

Fang Jingcheng looked up at Xia Fu’s expectant face, her downcast lashes like willow branches along a riverbank, half-veiling her bright eyes, making her look both gentle and focused. She genuinely believed he could handle it.

He couldn’t help but admire her internally: timid as she seemed, Xia Fu had managed to find a steady tutoring gig and keep it up for so long.

“Sure, you’re the boss here; I’ll follow your schedule.”

Fang Jingcheng’s lips curved slightly as he straightened, gesturing to the clock above the blackboard. The minute hand had reached thirty, meaning the cafeteria was about to hit its peak.

“No rush, shall we talk over lunch?”

They headed to the nearby second cafeteria, where most of the students from Probability Theory had already cleared out, leaving shorter lines at the counters.

Fang Jingcheng ordered a steak with rice, the sizzling pepper-sauce aroma filling the air, accompanied by a sunny-side-up egg, broccoli, lettuce salad, and milk.

Xia Fu, on the other hand, kept it simple. After a free spicy hotpot on the weekend, she went for something light today—stir-fried bean sprouts, shredded pork in garlic sauce, a complimentary tomato egg drop soup, and plenty of rice.

She didn’t splurge on food, wore simple clothes, and worked hard to earn her keep. Why, then, had she been starving that night?

She was really busy.

Even as she sat down, Xia Fu didn’t start eating right away, instead focusing on replying to a message on her phone, her brow furrowing slightly as she seemed to concentrate on something urgent.

Ten minutes ago, Xia Changqing had sent a series of messages.

“So annoying, Dad got me up at five to help in the kitchen, saying I needed to learn how hard it is to earn money. I worked until after seven before I could even go to school.”

“He took my phone, emptied my balance, and told me to eat at home and relax online for a bit.”

“So I’m just now catching up with you, but this ‘eat at home’ nonsense just means I’m helping out during mealtimes. There’re so many customers; I’ll probably get lunch just as break ends.”

“I’m so hungry! Sis, did you eat? What are you having?”

Since Xia Fu hadn’t checked her phone while getting food, he’d spammed her with three voice calls in just ten minutes, showing no intention of stopping.

To end the call barrage, she quickly typed a reply: “Just sat down. Didn’t see your message while getting food. I’m really hungry too after morning classes… why don’t you tell Mom? She’ll let you eat a little early.” She wanted to redirect her brother to their mom.

Xia Changqing, seemingly glued to his phone, instantly replied, “What are you eating? Send me a pic.”

“It’s just regular food.”

Xia Fu didn’t usually record daily details and didn’t want to photograph her meal in front of Fang Jingcheng.

But Changqing wouldn’t relent. “But I’m starving here! Can’t I at least get a visual treat? So unfair! I send you red envelopes after work, but next time I won’t bother.”

“Fine, I’ll take one.”

Reluctantly, Xia Fu turned red as she raised her phone to snap a photo.

By the time she finally started eating, her food had cooled slightly. She apologized sheepishly to Fang Jingcheng, saying, “Sorry, my brother needed something…”

During her call, Fang Jingcheng hadn’t touched his food either, his hands neatly placed on the table like a gentleman.

He’d noticed her look of exasperation and wondered if the other end of the line held the reason for her starving that night.

Curious, he asked directly, “You two seem close. Is your brother also a college student? Calling you right at lunchtime?”

…Are we close?

Xia Fu paused, the good mood she’d had for her meal evaporating. Fiddling with the table’s ad stand, she bypassed the first question.

“He’s not in college yet. Still in vocational school, living with my parents.”

“I thought with you tutoring him, he’d be more of a whiz kid.”

“No, he’s not very academically inclined.”

Xia Fu forced a smile, looking just like a doting sister, though she knew the bitterness hidden beneath that smile.

Unlike her mother, who sighed over a “not-so-bright” son, she didn’t mind admitting his weaknesses.

He’d been given the advantages of being the “cherished son,” but not the brains to use them well. Xia Fu was relieved by this. She couldn’t imagine how high he’d reach with her same skills and resources.

B City’s top university? Her parents would fully support him in becoming a scientist, teacher, doctor, or lawyer, fulfilling all his dreams without a second thought.

Just imagining it made Xia Fu feel a tightness in her chest.

She didn’t fully understand her own emotions. She was annoyed by his immaturity and hoped he’d grow up, yet she also feared his success.

While her brother sent her messages filled with affection, she couldn’t help but feel bitter about him in front of a stranger. Beneath the close sibling bond lurked jealousy, a part of her nature she was reluctant to face.

Observing her expression, Fang Jingcheng’s smile grew even brighter.

He casually shared, “Funny, my older brother and I aren’t exactly alike either. He’s one of those praised, model students. It’s really annoying being compared to him all the time. If he called me at lunch, I’d ignore it,” he said, slicing into his steak with a smooth stroke.

Xia Fu clearly heard the knife scrape against the plate.

Watching the steak’s juices slowly seep out, she realized that some things were simply hard to conceal—

Did Fang Jingcheng not get along with his brother either? He seemed so carefree, like a cherished child himself.

“Oh… I see,” she murmured.

All these negative things lay before her, but somehow her heart skipped a beat in relief. Could she actually let go of the “good sister” act, even for a bit, while she was with Fang Jingcheng?