Spellbound Hearts - Chapter 45 - Guilty Conscience

Bo Xi.

The alias used by the person who had once sponsored Ji Xuan.

No one else knew about this name-not even Mother Ji.

So when Liao Bei uttered those two words, Ji Xuan believed him without a shred of doubt.

Liao Bei had only been testing the waters, never expecting her to actually fall for it.

Seeing the genuine delight on Ji Xuan’s face, an inexplicable pang of guilt crept up on him. He let out an awkward chuckle and quickly changed the subject. “Is that your friend over there?”

Ji Xuan nodded honestly. “Yes, she’s my best friend.”

Liao Bei hesitated. “Your friend…”

He had been about to say “is quite bold,” but considering the lofty image he had inadvertently built in Ji Xuan’s mind, he opted for a more diplomatic approach. “…is very loyal.”

Ji Xuan could easily discern how forced that “compliment” was. She apologized, “I’m sorry, Manager Liao. She didn’t mean to cause trouble.”

After a brief pause, she added, “Don’t worry, we’ll compensate you for the damages. Every penny. It’s just… it might take some time.”

Whether it was the four million Liao Bei had mentioned or the actual five-million-yuan price tag of the car, it was no small amount for either Wu Shu or Ji Xuan.

Even if they pooled their resources and worked tirelessly, it would still take three to five years to scrape together that kind of money.

Liao Bei could see right through Ji Xuan’s thoughts. Instead of addressing her directly, he turned to the seasoned officer taking notes. “Officer Wei, I’ve decided not to press charges.”

The officer was visibly pleased. “Not pressing charges?”

Liao Bei smirked. “What, do you want me to send a young girl straight to jail?”

The officer set his pen down and pushed the paperwork toward Liao Bei. “Don’t pin this on me. Here, sign this and be on your way.”

With a faint smile, Liao Bei bent down to sign the document. Once done, he stood up and said to the officer, “Uncle Wei, I’ll treat you to a meal sometime.”

The shift in address-from “Officer Wei” while seated to “Uncle Wei” upon standing-was a subtle nod to the situation’s formality and informality.

Uncle Wei’s lips twitched. “No need. Just don’t bring me any more trouble.”

He then handed the case file to a younger officer nearby. “Case closed.”

The young officer took it and responded, “Got it, Officer Wei.”

With the case officially dropped, Liao Bei left the station, Ji Xuan and Wu Shu trailing behind him.

Outside, Liao Bei pulled out his phone and made a quick call to his driver. After a brief exchange, he hung up and turned to Ji Xuan. “Forget the compensation. It’s not that much money.”

Ji Xuan protested, “How could we possibly do that?”

Liao Bei chuckled lightly. “Consider it a favor for your sake.”

Ji Xuan remained firm. “No, that’s not right. It’s still a significant amount.”

Liao Bei glanced at Wu Shu and smiled. “Alright then, how about this? You can work as my housekeeper for two months, and we’ll call it even.”

Wu Shu, visibly nervous, stammered, “Two months… isn’t that too short?”

Four million for two months of work-she had never earned anything close to that in her twenty-six years of life.

Liao Bei couldn’t help but laugh at the two of them. “Alright, how about six months?”

Wu Shu replied earnestly, “I still have my day job, Manager Liao. Could I just handle your meals and cleaning?”

Liao Bei had only been offering a way for them to save face and hadn’t intended to push the matter further. He nodded with a smile. “That works.”

As he spoke, a Bentley pulled up in front of them.

Liao Bei waved at the two women before getting into the car.

Just as the car was about to drive off, Ji Xuan suddenly stepped forward and knocked on the window.

The window rolled down, and Ji Xuan pulled out her phone. “Manager Liao, could I have your contact information?”

Liao Bei froze for a moment, feigning surprise. “Hmm?”

Ji Xuan pressed her lips together briefly before explaining, “I want to repay you.”

The mention of repayment made Liao Bei feel even guiltier. “No need.”

Ji Xuan assumed he was worried she might have ulterior motives and quickly clarified, “Don’t worry, I won’t bother you unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

Liao Bei’s face was a mix of embarrassment and reluctance. He wanted to refuse but couldn’t find a way to do so without seeming impolite. “Alright then.”

After a pause, he added, “I’ll give you my contact info, but let’s be clear-no repayments.”

Ji Xuan understood that Liao Bei wasn’t in need of money and simply wanted to repay his kindness. “Alright. If you ever need anything from me, just let me know.”

Liao Bei nodded. “Sure.”

The two exchanged contact information. Liao Bei didn’t linger for even a moment longer than necessary. While maintaining a polite smile for Ji Xuan, he discreetly kicked the back of the driver’s seat.

The driver, confused, asked, “Manager Liao?”

Through gritted teeth, Liao Bei muttered, “Drive!”

The driver, catching on, floored the gas pedal, and the car sped off.

Ji Xuan stood there, speechless.

Behind her, Wu Shu muttered, equally stunned, “…”