Chapter 51: Chapter 51: Treating He Jingwen to Dinner

He Jingwen was completely stunned when he saw Yun Zijin get out of a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

’Didn’t they say Junior Sister Yun grew up in an orphanage? How can she afford a Rolls-Royce when she’s only just started her internship?’

’Even if this model isn’t one of the more expensive ones for Rolls-Royce, it still has to cost several million, right?’

’What kind of job lets you earn several million right after starting an internship?’

"Yun... Junior Sister Yun, your car..."

He Jingwen pointed at Yun Zijin’s car, his gaze shifting to Ling Qi, who had followed her out.

’And a bodyguard, too? Does Junior Sister Yun go out with such a grand entourage now?’

’He felt as if the Yun Zijin before him and the one from his memories were two completely different people.’

"Oh, I just bought it. This is the sample I brought. Sorry to trouble you, senior.

Just tell me how much it costs, and I’ll transfer you the money."

Yun Zijin didn’t want to talk too much about herself, so she just gave a vague answer.

Hearing from her tone that she didn’t want to elaborate, He Jingwen didn’t press the matter.

He took the Rose Essential Oil sample from Yun Zijin. "Don’t worry about the money. It’s just a test; it won’t take much time.

I’ll run the test for you when I have a moment, and I’ll let you know the second the results are in."

He Jingwen genuinely didn’t think it was a big deal. They were friends, and accepting money for a simple test would feel too distant.

"You should still take the money. After all, it’s not your personal lab. It’s only right to pay for using its resources. Just charge me the standard rate. That way, if your advisor asks, you’ll have an explanation."

Yun Zijin didn’t want He Jingwen to get reprimanded by his advisor because of her.

But He Jingwen refused to take the money no matter what. He said others in the lab often helped friends and classmates with tests, and no one ever charged for it. Their advisor always turned a blind eye.

Unable to convince him, Yun Zijin had to give up.

Still, the thought of getting a favor for free didn’t sit right with Yun Zijin.

"I know. To thank you for your help, senior, how about I treat you to a meal?

You can pick the time and place; I’m free whenever."

’He won’t take money, but treating him to a meal should be fine, right?’

Hearing that Yun Zijin wanted to have a meal with him, He Jingwen’s eyes lit up. "In that case, it would be rude to refuse. I happen to be finishing early today. Junior Sister Yun, just wait a moment. I’ll go put this away and be right out."

The Rose Essential Oil was a sample, so He Jingwen felt it would be safer to leave it in the lab.

Besides, it was unlikely anyone would mess with it.

He Jingwen was quick. He put the sample away and came back out moments later.

"The usual place?"

The "usual place" was a restaurant they often went to for their student club gatherings.

It was a private kitchen-style restaurant near campus. At 200 yuan per person, it was considered quite affordable for university students.

It was a top choice for gatherings for many of the school’s clubs and dormitories.

Yun Zijin wanted to say he could pick somewhere more expensive, but considering He Jingwen didn’t know her current financial situation, she kept it to herself.

"Sounds good. But we agreed it’s my treat, so you can’t find an excuse to pay the bill early, senior."

As club president, He Jingwen had often done that during their past gatherings.

While it was nice to be treated, Yun Zijin felt it wasn’t right when it happened too often.

They were all students; there was no reason to keep taking advantage of one person.

"Alright. I’ll listen to you."

He Jingwen was so happy just to be having a meal alone with Yun Zijin that he was on cloud nine; of course, he would agree to whatever she said.

"Get in."

Ling Qi had already opened the rear door. Yun Zijin got in first, and He Jingwen followed right behind her without any hesitation.

The private restaurant wasn’t far from Dijing University, so they arrived after a short drive.

Seeing Yun Zijin and He Jingwen, the owner quickly came over to greet them.

The two of them were regulars, so the owner recognized them immediately.

"Sister Yun, Brother He, it’s been a while! Do you want to eat in the main dining area or a private room?"

"It’s just the two of us today, so the main dining area is fine. What do you think, senior?"

Since Yun Zijin was the one treating, she had to consider her guest’s opinion.

"The main dining area is fine." ’A private room would cost extra,’ He Jingwen thought, not wanting Yun Zijin to waste the money.

"You got it! I’ll find a quiet table for you!"

The owner led them to a table in a corner by the window. "How’s this spot for you two?"

It wasn’t the dinner rush yet, so the restaurant wasn’t crowded, leaving them plenty of tables to choose from.

Neither of them was particularly picky, so they sat down right away.

"Take a look and see what you’d like. Just call me over when you’re ready to order."

The owner handed them menus and then went to greet another guest.

Having eaten together many times because of their club, they knew each other’s tastes fairly well. They each ordered two dishes.

After the owner came over to confirm their order, he went to have the kitchen start cooking.

"I never got around to asking, where are you doing your internship now, Junior Sister Yun?"

Yun Zijin was speechless.

’How should I answer that?’

"Ah... I was interning at a company, but I’ve since quit. For now, I’m just unemployed."

Yun Zijin didn’t want to lie, but she also didn’t want to bluntly reveal her entire situation.

She could only tell half the truth and leave out the rest.

He Jingwen was surprised to hear she had quit. ’Hasn’t Junior Sister Yun always been eager to graduate so she could get a job and earn money?’

’She finally landed an internship. If she had stuck with it a bit longer, she might have gotten a permanent position. Why did she suddenly quit?’

He Jingwen was puzzled. "You quit? Was there something wrong with the company? If you need help, I can ask around and see if any companies are still hiring interns."

"No, no, it’s alright! I have my own plans. There’s no need to trouble you, senior."

’No way,’ she thought. ’I quit because the job was getting in the way of completing my system missions. Finding another one would be pointless since I wouldn’t be able to keep it for long.’

’Besides, with ten billion sitting in my bank account, just lying flat is a perfectly viable option.’

"Alright, as long as you have a plan. But if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to come to me."

He Jingwen’s expression was earnest and sincere.

"Thank you, senior, but I really don’t need any help."

"Your food is here!"

The owner came over with the dishes on a tray, and He Jingwen quickly stood up to help him set them on the table.

"Enjoy your meal, you two! Let me know if you need anything!"

With that, he turned to attend to his other guests.

"Let’s eat before the food gets cold."

He Jingwen nodded and didn’t bring up the topic of internships again.

They made small talk, and before they knew it, the plates were empty.

"Like the sky raining when the clouds hang low, my heart stirred when you sang so soft and slow..."

Just as Yun Zijin was about to call for the check, her phone rang.

The caller ID showed the name Sheng Yang.

Yun Zijin raised an eyebrow and swiped to answer.

"Hello?"

"Sister Yun! I think I just saw you near Dijing University, in a private restaurant. Mind if I come over and find you?"

Yun Zijin’s eyebrow twitched upon hearing Sheng Yang’s words.

’What a coincidence.’