CH 44.3

So, after a brief moment of hesitation, he went along with Ji Fanyin’s script.

“It’s just a dream. Go back to sleep,” he said.

“I dreamt that you were unable to move at all, just like back then.” Ji Xinxin ignored his words and continued sobbing sorrowfully. “I’m scared. I’m scared that your condition will suddenly deteriorate back to how it was those days. I know that I shouldn’t be calling you at this hour, but I can’t help myself from worrying about you. I needed to check if you’re fine. My heart simply won’t calm down until I hear your reassurance…”

Ji Fanyin replied equally fast too: 【Tell her that you’re the same as always, and tell her once more to return to bed】

Li Xiaoxing read her message and did as he was told.

【She’ll continue talking about the past, but you need to hold yourself back. Don’t console her. Don’t reminisce with her. Don’t make any promises】【If you give her what she wants, she’ll have no qualms putting you at a lower priority】

Li Xiaoxing first saw Ji Fanyin’s two messages pop up before hearing Ji Xinxin continue reminiscing about the past. 

It’s almost as if Ji Fanyin is reading Ji Xinxin’s mind. 

It was this ability that continuously deepened Li Xiaoxing’s trust in Ji Fanyin. That was also why the first thing he did upon receiving a call from Ji Xinxin was to contact Ji Fanyin. 

His expectations weren’t let down. Ji Fanyin handled it perfectly. 

Every single word she told him to speak accurately struck at Ji Xinxin’s vital spots, dragging her closer and closer into his net. Regardless of the intentions Ji Fanyin had in mind for helping him, the money was definitely well-spent here. 

Back to the call with three listeners.

Ji Xinxin: “Do you still remember the time we spent in the hospital? I always snuck out to look for you, but you always ignored me. It made me wonder why someone as good-looking as you had such a nasty temper.”

Ji Fanyin: 【Yawn】

It was tough, Li Xiaoxing managed to snap out of his trance and let out a yawn.

Ji Xinxin: “… Are you exhausted? Sorry, I shouldn’t have called you at such a time and disturbed your rest. I know that I shouldn’t have allowed my worry to get the best of my rationality, but I simply couldn’t control myself…”

Ji Fanyin: 【With a cold tone, tell her that you don’t mind and urge her to go back to sleep.】

There was no need for Li Xiaoxing to feign a cold tone at all—that was his default tone. “It’s going to be three o’clock soon. Hurry up and go to bed.”

After such a long tug-o-war over the phone, Ji Xinxin finally unleashed her trump card. She asked, “Will you accompany me till I fall asleep, just like how we did when we were younger?”

Ji Fanyin sent Li Xiaoxing a ‘cat giving a thumbs up’ emoji.

【Heave a sigh and don’t say a word】【You’ll see results soon】

Li Xiaoxing let out a heavy sigh and swallowed the words that were already at the tip of his tongue. 

Ji Xinxin burst into tears. “Li Xiaoxing, I’m begging you, please tell me what I’ve done wrong! We have known each other for so many years. You’re my most treasured friend… I don’t want to lose you!”

Li Xiaoxing’s attention was hooked by the words ‘most treasured’, and it made his blood race in exhilaration. 

Just as Li Xiaoxing was about to succumb and console Ji Xinxin, Ji Fanyin’s message popped out: 【Ask her if she means it】

Li Xiaoxing paused for a moment there. To his surprise, he actually felt a hint of glee from Ji Fanyin’s verbal manipulation skill. He deepened his tone and asked, “Do you mean it?”

“Of course!” exclaimed Ji Xinxin. Following that, her tone lowered a little, as if she felt aggrieved by his doubt. “Do you really need me, a woman, to voice aloud how much you mean to me?”

Ji Fanyin: 【Tell her to meet you tomorrow】

Li Xiaoxing did as he was told.

Ji Xinxin agreed to his request amidst sniffles, saying that she would visit him tomorrow morning.

Ji Fanyin: 【Tell her ‘See you tomorrow’ and hang up the phone】

Li XIaoxing did as he was told yet again.

When he said ‘See you tomorrow’, he felt like he could almost see Ji Xinxin’s flabbergasted expression over the phone. He exhaled deeply and praised Ji Fanyin for the first time, “You’re indeed worth the price.”

Unfazed by his compliment, Ji Fanyin replied emotionlessly, “Prices are rounded up to the nearest hour. The charges are fivefold at this ungodly hour, so please transfer 1,000,000 dollars to my account. Thanks.”