C108 At the Family Gathering Lin Dong's New Identity

Zhang Xinrui certainly wasn't short on suitors!

In fact, if she so much as hinted at being available, a line of eager potential boyfriends would form all the way to the gates of Jiangyang University!

Yet, for some reason, Zhang Xinrui had set her sights on him—Lin Dong, the guy who daydreamed in class and had inadvertently disrupted her blind date. And to top it off, he was a fellow classmate. It simply didn't add up!

"Have you made up your mind?"

Zhang Xinrui closed in on Lin Dong with a determined air.

Their noses were nearly touching, their gazes locking without any barrier between them.

Lin Dong could even see the deep, gem-like sparkle in Zhang Xinrui's eyes.

"I agree!"

Lin Dong gave in. He had wanted to hold out, but he was no match for Zhang Xinrui's intense stare.

Zhang Xinrui let out a chuckle and straightened up.

Her long black hair shimmered slightly, looking sleek and lovely.

"That's better! I'll take good care of you," she said.

Zhang Xinrui playfully pinched Lin Dong's cheek.

Lin Dong grimaced in response.

He inhaled deeply, trying to regain his composure.

"Ms. Zhang, let's get one thing straight. I'll go along with your plans, even if it means playing your boyfriend. But please, no more of this—I just can't handle it."

"How could you say that? I really do like you!" Zhang Xinrui replied, her smile beaming.

"Cut it out, Ms. Zhang. Let's be clear here. We're not cut from the same cloth!"

"You wouldn't give me a second glance, and it's impossible for me to have any romantic feelings for you, Ms. Zhang!"

"If you spell things out for me, I can cooperate better. But if you leave me in the dark and things go awry, don't blame me for not warning you beforehand."

Lin Dong expressed his thoughts candidly to Zhang Xinrui.

Zhang Xinrui just laughed—a sound that was surprisingly warm and approachable. Years of teaching had refined her demeanor, giving her an air of distinction and grace.

After her laughter subsided, she looked at Lin Dong and said, "You're quite clever. I thought you'd naively enjoy playing the happy couple with me."

Lin Dong couldn't help but mentally roll his eyes: "You're the fool! Your whole family is foolish!"

Zhang Xinrui continued, "I have a family gathering at noon. As you know, I'm not interested in getting married. To avoid my family's constant nagging, I'd like you to pretend to be my boyfriend for the day!"

"How much will I get paid?" Lin Dong asked bluntly.

Zhang Xinrui glared at him and retorted, "You're asking for payment from your teacher? Just being my boyfriend for a day is payment enough! Others would jump at the chance, and I wouldn't even consider them!"

"But you won't find another boyfriend who has no ulterior motives, who's also handsome and obedient!" Lin Dong stated confidently, unfazed by her reaction.

"You're quite something, aren't you? It looks like I'll have to dock your credits," Zhang Xinrui said with a sly grin, threatening Lin Dong.

Her tactic worked like a charm.

With a resigned sigh, Lin Dong gave in, "Fine, I'll do it for free. Please, Ms. Zhang, show some mercy and forget about docking my credits, okay?"

"Now you're being good!" Zhang Xinrui nodded with satisfaction, her mood lifted by Lin Dong's submission.

She tugged at Lin Dong's arm, saying, "Cheer up. Help me out this time, and I'll look after you in the future. I'll even introduce you to some nice girls!"

Lin Dong was at a loss for words. How about sorting out your issues before worrying about mine?

With no classes left for the day, Zhang Xinrui casually led Lin Dong to the parking lot.

"What are we doing, Ms. Zhang?" Lin Dong inquired.

"We're going clothes shopping. You can't go looking like a student. It pains me to spend the money, but I'll buy you a new outfit. Consider it your compensation!" she declared, then skipped off towards her car, exuding childlike excitement.

Lin Dong couldn't help but smile. After all, Zhang Xinrui was only a few years his senior—a young adult herself.

Helping her out seemed like a fair trade. Not only would Zhang Xinrui stop giving him a hard time, but he'd also score a new outfit for free.