Chapter 5

I first replied to the unfamiliar number, sending him the address of my rented apartment.

Half an hour later, I replied to my roommate.

Just after sending it, the doorbell rang. I washed my hands and leisurely went to open the door.

Sure enough, it was Wilder.

He was wearing a black T-shirt and jeans, his hair half-dried, his gaze stern, a departure from his usual carefree demeanor, his expression serious.

I blinked at him, “Come in.”

After entering, he looked around my single room, the open kitchen with only an induction cooker.

A small sofa and bed, the balcony for drying clothes connected to a small garden at the back door.

The whole house combined might not even be as big as Wilder’s bedroom.

I had seen comments praising Wilder’s villa for its luxury.

I went to the kitchen to pour him a glass of water.

“Make yourself comfortable, don’t be polite.”

Wilder frowned, sitting somewhat awkwardly on my sofa, which didn’t have good support. He sank right in, his straight legs having nowhere to rest.

I didn’t have any extra chairs at home, so I sat next to Wilder, with only a shallow gap between us.

He unconsciously leaned back, trying to create some distance.

I chuckled, “Sorry, the environment here isn’t great, but I’m working part-time. Next time I change places, I’ll definitely get a good sofa for you to sit on.”

Wilder’s eyes flickered.

I saw the comments beside him going wild.

[The male lead should speak up. Didn’t he regret seeing the female lead cry today?]

[On the way here, he planned to make things clear with Bronte. What’s he hesitating for?]

[I understand the male lead. He’s shocked by Bronte’s place. People can be this poor.]

[First time in his life the young master sank into a sofa, hilarious.]

[I feel if Bronte were to make a bold move, the male lead wouldn’t be able to get up for a while.]

[She dares!! The male lead belongs to our female lead.]

[Hurry up, get straight to the point, say break up and leave.]

[There should be a reason, right? After all, he was the one who pursued Bronte.]

[Can that be called pursuing? Everyone knows he was doing it out of spite against the female lead.]

[Everyone heard him say he was pursuing her, don’t go too far.]

Wilder took a deep breath, his thin lips parted.

“By the way, what’s your name?”

I took Wilder’s hand and wrote my name.

“Bronte.”

“You don’t need to introduce yourself, I know you’re Wilder.”

Wilder withdrew his hand, his gaze evasive, as if he had made up his mind.

“Um… Bronte, sorry, I was impulsive this afternoon, my mistake, just don’t take what I said to heart.”

My hand offering fruit to Wilder froze, tears slid down immediately, and I quickly wiped them away, avoiding Wilder’s gaze, asking softly.

“What words?”

Saying this, I wiped my tears and smiled.

“Wilder, I know you look down on me. I’m not pretty, nor as excellent as your ex-girlfriend.”

“But,” I said, slowly lowering my head, “But, I genuinely agreed to you.”

Wilder’s eyes grew impatient, dark and pressing, somewhat hurried, “Sorry, but we’re really not suitable.”

“So, are you breaking up with me?”

I asked softly, turning to look directly at Wilder.

He froze for a moment, his sharp jawline tense, the word ‘breakup’ stuck in his throat.

I knew in Wilder’s mind, it was just a casual remark about pursuing me in the afternoon.

It didn’t really count as dating, let alone breaking up.

Wilder sighed lightly, “If you think so, then yes, my mistake, I’ll make it up to you…”

“With what?”

I interrupted Wilder, his brows furrowing deeper, unable to tell if I was after him or his money.

But his expression relaxed considerably.

“How much do you want, say it clearly, then we can forget about today.”

[Oh my, I knew Bronte wasn’t simple, turns out she’s after the money.]

[Should’ve said you wanted money earlier, why kiss the male lead, annoying!]

[Gold digger, male lead quickly dismiss her and go comfort the female lead.]

[What about the kiss, sob sob sob.]

[Ha, if he’s disgusted, let the male lead use disinfectant himself.]

I raised my hand, showing a 1.

“100,000?” Wilder asked.

I shook my head.

His expression grew more relaxed, his beautiful eyes finally showing some ease, “You want 1 million?”

“Alright, let’s settle it once.”

“No.”

I finished speaking.

He stared at me, somewhat incredulous, “You want 10 million??”

I looked at the slender figure walking past the balcony screen, smirked, hesitated to speak.

“None of those.”

Wilder’s beautiful eyes lost patience, “Then just say it, I have things to do.”

I spoke slowly, “I want to kiss you again. After the kiss, I’ll break up with you.”