24: Why should you wrong yourself like this?

By the time Chen Li returned from the restroom, everyone in the private booth was still immersed in the shock of that sky-high priced watch.

As soon as he entered, he felt a change in the atmosphere—although everyone was still chatting idly,

the way they looked at him had changed, filled with curiosity, a bit of caution, and perhaps a touch of scrutiny and awe.

Chen Li didn't take it to heart at all, calmly returning to his seat, picking up his teacup, pouring himself a cup of hot tea, and drinking it slowly.

He had eaten too quickly earlier, and after relieving himself, his stomach still felt a bit uncomfortable, so drinking some tea was just right to soothe it.

On the surface, everyone continued to talk and laugh, but their eyes drifted toward Chen Li from time to time.

Watching him sip his tea with such composure, every movement exuding a sense of calm indifference, they finally understood—

to someone at Chen Li's level, their previous provocations were like ants challenging an elephant, simply not worth bothering about.

Chen Li had originally intended to leave directly, but seeing that Tang You's friend had just arrived, he decided to stay a while longer out of politeness.

Anyway, everyone was mostly finished eating, and staying a little longer wouldn't hurt.

Soon, Li Fang finished eating, and Tang You returned to the booth after settling the bill.

Standing by the table, she looked around with a smile: "Is everyone about finished eating?"

"Yes, we're finished, thank you for the treat, President Tang..." Gui Cuicui was the first to respond, her words sounding very intimate.

"Thank you for the hospitality, Youyou..." The others followed suit in expressing their thanks.

Tang You smiled and waved her hand: "We're all classmates, why be so polite?"

As she spoke, she specifically walked over to Chen Li and said sincerely: "Chen Li, I didn't host you well today, please don't mind."

Tang You's attitude toward Chen Li had clearly become much warmer. She quietly sized up this seemingly ordinary young man,

but was secretly shocked—to be able to casually wear a watch worth over five million, what kind of family background must he have?

Strong yet unassuming, this contrast made Tang You feel he was far from simple, and she knew she had to put effort into maintaining this connection.

"Tang You, you're being too polite," Chen Li replied with a smile. "Thank you for dinner. I'll treat you another day."

[Tang You]

[Affection Level: +3]

Looking at the changing numbers on the system panel, this subtle shift stirred his heart. Should he bind her?

Chen Li also had a good impression of her. In this setting where everyone wore masks, she spoke and acted with great propriety.

Unlike some people who acted condescendingly because of their superior family backgrounds, the upbringing radiating from her core made people feel very comfortable.

But binding her still didn't seem quite right.

A girl like her, with a wealthy background and exposure to the world,

having lived in wealth since childhood, money and material goods would likely find it hard to raise her Affection Level.

"Lingyun, Chen Li, where are you two going later? Do you need me to give you a ride?" Tang You, this innocent girl, clearly didn't understand much about couples.

"No need, no need..." Song Lingyun's face turned beet red instantly as she waved her hands. "We... we have some other things to do, we'll just take a taxi."

As she spoke, she quietly tugged on Chen Li's sleeve, stomping her feet in frustration inwardly—this Tang You was far too oblivious.

"Alright then, let's meet up next time."

"Goodbye!"

...Outside the car window, the city's vibrant lights flickered across Song Lingyun's face.

She buried her face in Chen Li's shoulder, her every breath filled with his scent, and she couldn't help but huddle closer into his arms.

"The way they spoke about you earlier..." she said in a muffled voice, her fingertips unconsciously twirling Chen Li's sleeve. "You're not angry, are you?"

Chen Li looked down at the girl in his arms, the streetlights' shadows passing over her slightly trembling eyelashes.

He reached out and stroked her hair, his tone indifferent: "What's there to be angry about? They're just a bunch of self-righteous people."

These words made Song Lingyun's heart tighten, yet she felt inexplicably reassured: "If only... if only it could always be like this."

Before she could finish, she felt Chen Li's body stiffen almost imperceptibly.

A brief silence fell over the car, with only the hum of the engine in their ears. Song Lingyun lowered her eyes, knowing she had overstepped.

They had clearly agreed to each take what they needed at the start, but at some point, she had begun to crave him, to notice his moods and his feelings.

Chen Li gazed at the passing streetscape outside the window, feeling the soft touch of the person in his arms.

It wasn't that he didn't understand her feelings; it was just that some boundaries, once crossed, were hard to return from.

After arriving at the Hotel, Chen Li efficiently handled the check-in. He led Song Lingyun by the hand into the elevator and swiped the card to open the door.

As soon as the door closed, Song Lingyun impatiently kissed him, their warm breaths intertwining... (One hundred thousand words omitted here)

Over an hour later, only the sound of their mingled breathing remained in the room. Song Lingyun's cheeks were flushed like a ripe honey peach,

and she leaned limply in Chen Li's arms, her hair scattered messily across the pillow.

[Song Lingyun]

[Affection Level: +53]

[Figure: 89]

[Appearance: 90]

[number of times kun: 5]

[number of kunners: 1]

Seeing the skyrocketing affection on the system panel, Chen Li secretly thought it was a pity. Why did this woman's emotions suddenly explode?

If he had chosen to bind her as his second target back then, with her current Affection Level, he believed it wouldn't take long to max out her limit.

And she, naturally, would have been able to live the affluent life she dreamed of as she wished, but it was too late for that now.

"Chen Li..." Song Lingyun suddenly looked up, her eyes shimmering with tears. "I don't want the money anymore. Let me stay with you, okay?"

Her voice was very soft, filled with cautious hope.

Chen Li raised his hand to stroke her sweat-dampened forehead: "We agreed not to talk about this."

"I don't care about status." She urgently propped herself up, the silk sheet slipping from her shoulders.

"Even if it's as a secret lover, I'm willing. I promise I won't disturb your life, and I certainly won't appear in front of your girlfriend..."

Seeing her humble posture, a trace of complexity rose in Chen Li's heart.

But he couldn't set this precedent. A relationship like this could be based on mutual needs, but if true feelings were involved, it would only become more troublesome in the future.

"I don't have the time, much less the inclination, to deal with too much emotion."

"It won't require your distraction."

Song Lingyun shook her head quickly. "I only need you to think of me occasionally. Just don't treat me as... an object that can be traded with money."

By the end, her voice trembled slightly, and a thin veil of mist covered her eyes.

Chen Li silent for a moment, finally reaching out to rub the top of her head: "Why wrong yourself like this?"

"Because I like you..." she said softly, lowering her eyes bashfully.

Before Chen Li could respond, she had already taken the initiative to kiss his lips, expressing her full heart with awkward but determined movements.

The gentle light in the room softly enveloped the two overlapping Figures... (One hundred thousand words omitted here)