"I know! But you've already signed a contract with me. From today until this day twenty years from now, you are all my employees. However! Your boss is kind-hearted and is giving you a night off today. Starting tomorrow, you can officially start screwing in bolts."
Xing Yuan's expression was cheerful, but the two of them were on the verge of collapse. According to her words, they were completely unqualified to return to school, meaning all of Yu Wennian's plans were shattered.
"Work hard!" Xing Yuan patted their shoulders and gave them an encouraging look.
She left with a flourish, leaving the two of them in a state of extreme despair.
They wailed, and endless regret washed over them. Why on earth had they provoked her back then? They thought she would be easy to deal with, as she looked like a rebellious girl starved for affection. But they never expected her to be a ravenous wolf that devoured without spitting out bones.
They naturally wanted to ask for help, but Xing Yuan's network, accumulated over so many years, was not to be trifled with. Moreover, the contract even included a clause for monthly parental support.
Don't mistake Xing Yuan's actions for kindness. Her intention was singular: she had effectively bought them, and they no longer needed to contact anyone outside.
Money couldn't buy her happiness. Every year thereafter, the manager of her factory would send her a video of the two of them diligently screwing in bolts, a way for the manager to show their boss how responsible they were.
The past issues were now completely resolved. Xing Yuan had no intention of supporting them for the rest of their lives; twenty years was enough. She wondered if, after twenty years, with their freedom restored and their lives completely detached from society, they would still be able to find a profession better than screwing in bolts.
Xing Yuan would wait and see!
The next day, at the high-speed train station.
Yan Xiyue tried to take the luggage from her father, but he suddenly hugged her. His eyes were red with worry for his daughter leaving home.
They say mothers worry when their children travel far, but in their family, it was the complete opposite.
Mother Yan played the role of the strict parent, while Father Yan was more emotional, which was also related to their upbringing.
"Alright! If you don't let me through the gate soon, it'll be too late. I'll call you when I get to school, and I'll be with friends, so you really don't need to worry so much." Although Yan Xiyue understood, she still felt a bit helpless.
She had been strictly controlled since childhood. In fact, choosing a city so far from home was partly for her own selfish reasons; she wanted to be her true self, not just the obedient child in her parents' eyes.
"Okay, okay! Then remember to call Dad after you report to school. Really, we wanted to drive you, but you refused, insisting on taking the high-speed train." Father Yan reluctantly pushed the suitcase towards her.
"Oh! Isn't this just an early exercise in my self-reliance? I can't rely on you for everything!" Yan Xiyue's face was bright with a smile, and a hint of her longing for university life could be seen.
"Alright, alright, if you don't go in now, you'll miss the train." Although Mother Yan was also reluctant, she agreed with Yan Xiyue's desire to practice self-reliance.
As children grow up, having their own opinions is a good thing; at least they won't be easily deceived by those with ill intentions.
"Go quickly!" The two waved at Yan Xiyue as she entered through security.
Yan Xiyue turned and walked with determined steps to enter and check her ticket.
The train hadn't arrived yet. Yan Xiyue found her carriage number from the station sign and then saw Xing Yuan, dressed entirely in black. Her mouth twitched.
Ever since Xing Yuan's hair grew longer, she had been dressing like a normal girl. Suddenly appearing in this more masculine attire, Yan Xiyue found it hard to understand.
The train arrived, and Yan Xiyue joined the crowd to board the carriage.
After storing her luggage and settling in, Yan Xiyue looked at Xing Yuan, whose face clearly conveyed an unapproachable demeanor. She tentatively touched her and asked, "What's wrong? Did you suffer a blow? Why the sudden change in attire?"
Xing Yuan let out a soft hum and didn't answer her question, only saying, "I wanted to dress like this, so I did. What, you don't like it?"
As she said the last sentence, Xing Yuan leaned closer to Yan Xiyue, as if about to kiss her.
"No, there are other people here!" No matter how many times, Yan Xiyue still felt shy. Being teased like this, she immediately forgot about Xing Yuan's attire.
Xing Yuan sat up straight again. She liked her "Ajie" (older sister), but she didn't want to be a spectacle for others.
Xing Yuan's sudden change in appearance had a reason. Last night, while researching fun places near the school, she stumbled upon a freshman welcoming tradition.
Every year, outstanding senior students volunteer to help freshmen. But that wasn't the main point.
The main point was that over the years, many mentor-mentee pairs had ended up together. Although Xing Yuan was confident in herself, she couldn't help but worry. She wanted to eliminate any possibility of people affecting her relationship with her "Ajie."
So, after careful consideration, she made a decision: if she dressed as a boy, then whether it was helping with moving things or other tasks, she wouldn't need to rely on others, thus leaving no room for others to take advantage.
Xing Yuan thought she was quite clever. Of course, there was no need to let her "Ajie" know about this, in case she thought Xing Yuan didn't trust her. Although, she really didn't trust her much.
After all, her "Ajie" was so beautiful, and some reckless individuals would always come to compete for her! o(*≧д≦)o!!
Around three o'clock in the afternoon, the high-speed train arrived. As soon as the two of them stepped out of the station, they saw the senior students holding signs to welcome new students.
However, the two of them had no intention of joining the welcoming party. They were waiting for someone, which usually took a long time. They might as well go directly to the school themselves.
Upon arriving at the school, there were indeed many volunteers with signs near the school gate.
These people's eyes lit up when they saw beautiful junior students, and they rushed forward first. Love of beauty is universal, after all.
Yan Xiyue was also targeted, but Xing Yuan instantly turned into a human wall, standing between them. The person immediately turned and left.
Anyone with eyes could see that this was clearly a couple! These people were generally moral. If they were single, they might have fought for happiness, but it's not good to ruin someone's relationship when they are already in one.
Thus, Xing Yuan escorted Yan Xiyue all the way to the dormitory, deliberately lingering around her roommates to prove her legitimate status. She even bought a bag of delicious snacks from somewhere and gave them to the roommates, instructing them to get along well with Yan Xiyue.