Anan

002 One Billion Anan (2)

Li Xinyuan returned to her workstation, her eyes fixed on the computer screen, lost in thought.

She and Xie Zhilu were classmates, having been together since their junior year. At that time, Xie Zhilu pursued her persistently. Li Xinyuan always felt that Xie Zhilu was a determined individual, stern with himself and even more so with his studies. Coming from humble beginnings, he managed to enter a prestigious university from a poverty-stricken county. Throughout his four years of university, he consistently ranked among the top ten in the department, served as the vice president of the student union, and pursued postgraduate studies under the guidance of the most esteemed mentor.

Had it not been for his dedication, he might not have been able to secure a place in the authoritative department with an acceptance rate of one in a thousand.

During their five years together, they had experienced many tender moments, especially during their junior and senior years. One prepared for postgraduate studies while the other searched for employment. They supported each other through thick and thin, sharing both joys and sorrows, experiencing the essence of youth together. While it might fall short of being unforgettable, it was undoubtedly a time of unwavering commitment and youthful passion.

However, over the past three years, while Li Xinyuan worked and rented a house, he lived on campus pursuing his postgraduate studies. Both of them were extremely busy, often barely having time to spare. Gradually, they spent less and less time together, with Li Xinyuan sometimes going a whole month without seeing him.

There had been grievances and arguments. Li Xinyuan faced considerable work pressure and often worked overtime on weekends. She hoped that he, as a student, could spare more time and accompany her. However, Xie Zhilu had always been a composed and reserved individual. He believed that a girlfriend should align her schedule with his own and revolve around him. After a few arguments, they stopped quarreling. They both avoided the topic of who sacrificed more or who accommodated whom. They met once or twice a week, cherishing their time together calmly and peacefully. Thus, their relationship continued in such a plain yet stable manner.

But what important matter did he have to discuss with her? Although his attitude on the phone just now seemed ambiguous, it might be because he was busy. Whenever he was preoccupied, he became absent-minded when answering calls, a true career-oriented man. Recalling their last meeting a month and a half ago, walking together in the cold streets after dinner, with him wrapping her in his coat, the faint scent of his embrace, and his passionate kiss... Li Xinyuan's heart softened, dispelling any doubts.

Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind... Could he be planning to propose?

Is that why he didn't immediately tell her that he had secured a permanent position, and instead opted for an unclear message, wanting to discuss it in person?

In the afternoon, after finishing her tasks, Li Xinyuan followed Auntie Zhou to the headquarters building to submit reports. Despite the electronic office system, some extremely important documents still required submission in physical form for approval by various levels of management.

When they arrived at the lobby of the building, Li Xinyuan blushed and whispered softly to Auntie Zhou, "Auntie Zhou, my boyfriend passed the exam."

Auntie Zhou was very happy for her. "That's great! Remember what I told you. How about I intentionally ask you in front of the leaders tomorrow?"

Li Xinyuan replied, "Sure! Thank you, Auntie Zhou! You're so considerate. We'll treat you to a meal later."

Auntie Zhou laughed heartily. She also liked this diligent, clever, and considerate girl. She handled matters with just the right balance, being adorable and sincere, making her quite likable. She hoped to continue working with Li Xinyuan. As for herself, she wasn't worried about layoffs at all, considering her husband was a director at the headquarters.

As they entered the lobby, while registering at the front desk, a secretary led two men and a woman past them. Auntie Zhou nudged Li Xinyuan with her elbow, and Li Xinyuan looked up.

No wonder her gaze was immediately drawn to the man walking in front. He appeared to be in his late twenties, wearing a charcoal gray suit and a black shirt, without a tie. His features were sharp, his demeanor imposing, yet there was a certain elegance to him despite his lean frame.

Li Xinyuan whispered, "Who is he? He's quite handsome."

Auntie Zhou, being well-informed, shared the appreciation for this striking figure beside her, saying, "He's Zhang Yanan, the boss of Huicui Technology. Handsome, isn't he? He's quite famous in the city's business circle. They say he's only twenty-seven this year, yet he's already renowned in the local business community. But, don't envy him. There's nothing to admire about him. His fame doesn't stem from his wealth over the years, but because... Do you know? My husband told me that none of the city's socialites, daughters of the wealthy, his employees, business partners, or even women in the entire city of Xiangcheng, are willing to marry him."

This was quite gossip-worthy. After completing their procedures, Li Xinyuan and Auntie Zhou headed towards the elevator. Seeing the group had already

taken the previous one, Li Xinyuan whispered, "What's wrong with him?"

"Hey, you're quite knowledgeable, huh? It's not for that reason. How would I know? Hahaha! By the way, aren't you from Chen City? Have you heard of Fuming Group?"

Li Xinyuan nodded. Of course, she had heard of it. She remembered it was about eight or nine years ago when she was in high school. The entire Chen City seemed to be bustling with Fuming Group's construction sites and clothing brand stores. She heard they even expanded their business outside the province. She also recalled that Fuming's CEO was the richest man in Chen City at that time.

"This Zhang Yanan is the only son of the former CEO of Fuming Group."

Li Xinyuan was astonished.

Because Fuming Group had gone bankrupt seven or eight years ago, causing quite a stir. It was a significant event as Fuming owed a lot of debt, tens of billions, not just to banks but also to many private lenders. After that, there was no news.

Auntie Zhou wore a mysterious expression. "His father owed 1 billion, and he's still a defaulter today, restricted from spending. Heard he's been through tough times."

Li Xinyuan thought of the imposing and sharp face she had just seen and couldn't help asking, "What about him?"

Auntie Zhou's expression turned admiring. "This Zhang Yanan, Xiao Zhang, is quite something. I heard that before the trouble started, his father divorced early to protect him and his mother, leaving them with nothing. Although they managed to keep some assets, they couldn't escape from the debt. Legally, Zhang Yanan doesn't need to repay the debts, but in recent years, he's started his own company. I heard that he's already paid off 300 to 400 million of his father's debts. However, he still has 600 to 700 million on his shoulders. He's a responsible man, talented and capable, but until the debt is fully repaid, who would be willing to marry him? This bachelor might have to wait until he's thirty or forty."

---

The following evening.

Xie Zhilu had chosen a secluded, upscale Western restaurant, a notch above their usual spots. This made Li Xinyuan's heart race. Fortunately, she was prepared, enduring the chill as she left her thick down jacket behind and donned a wine-red coat. Beneath it, she wore an off-shoulder woolen dress, her freshly washed long hair cascading over her shoulders, her makeup a bit more vibrant than usual.

Despite knowing Li Xinyuan for so many years, Xie Zhilu was momentarily taken aback when she sat down.

Li Xinyuan gave a faint smile.

Xie Zhilu remained solemn, his fingers fidgeting with the menu, thumb constantly rubbing against the surface.

Li Xinyuan's heart swung like a pendulum once more. Upon closer inspection of the man before her, clad in a slightly worn-down down jacket, with his sweater pilling, and mud on his sneakers, there was no hint of solemnity. His every word and action concealed a hidden meaning.

Li Xinyuan ceased smiling as well.

Xie Zhilu's voice grew even more somber. "Let's order first, then we'll talk. What would you like to eat? I'll treat you today."

A tinge of sarcasm suddenly welled up in Li Xinyuan's heart. She thought to herself: Only a man without social experience would emphasize that he's treating and make it a serious affair.

"I'm not hungry." She, too, grew irritated, giving him a cold glance. "Say what you want to say."

Surprisingly, Xie Zhilu hesitated, his tone softening slightly. "I haven't said anything yet, why are you getting upset? Let's eat first. Let's have a good meal together."

Li Xinyuan finally discerned a hint of farewell in his words. But she couldn't fathom what could have gone wrong between them. They had been getting along fine, and everything had been progressing according to their plans for the future. They had even met each other's parents last year, and there were no objections from either side. So where had things gone awry?

Li Xinyuan looked at him incredulously. "Xie Zhilu, are you having an affair?"

This professional monk, busy with exam preparations and projects every day, had managed to find time for an affair?