I'm at your service whenever you need me

"Lu Haiqiao, I have 30,000 yuan here. It should be enough for you and that woman to cover a year's living expenses. I'll transfer the money to your WeChat later. Consider a token of gratitude from me and Dad."

As she finished speaking, the corners of Lu Haiqiao's lips curled up slightly. "No need; we don't need it."

Su Qingya paused, her fingers hovering over the keypad to enter the password.

She put down her phone and looked at Lu Haiqiao. "You don't have to pretend to be strong in front of me. Do you think I don't know what kind of situation you and that woman are in?"

A few days ago, the household servants mentioned that they often saw Lu Wanxin bargaining with the market vendors when buying groceries. If it was as she said — she 'didn't need' the money — then there was no need to haggle over a few yuan when buying groceries, right?

Thinking of this, Su Qingya added, "Being too proud doesn't benefit you. Just accept the money so that you can live a more comfortable life. After all, 30,000 yuan is not enough for me…"

Before she could finish, a male voice interrupted, "Do you need anything else? Our cheesecake today is quite delicious. Would you like to try a piece?"

Su Qingya, who was interrupted, looked displeased.

She tilted her head up, about to scold the person, but her eyes met a flawless and handsome face.

The curse words that were about to come out of her mouth instantly disappeared, and her expression softened.

Su Qingya smiled pretentiously and looked at Xie Xuan with her hand supporting her chin. "Little brother, I want to know if today's cheesecake tastes better or if you taste better."

Xie Xuan remained silent.

His gaze was fixed on Lu Haiqiao as if his earlier comment about the cheesecake being delicious was meant for her.

"Thank you, but not now," the girl's voice was sweet and polite, "We still have some matters to discuss. Can you please come back when we're ready to order?"

What a soft and nice marshmallow!

Xie Xuan put away the drink menu and smiled, "Sure, I'm at your service whenever you need me."

Back at the counter, the owner asked, "No orders?"

Xie Xuan replied, "No."

The owner raised an eyebrow, "Not even from the one who came later?"

Xie Xuan shook his head.

The owner's gaze briefly swept over the elegantly dressed Su Qingya, and he let out a small "hmph," muttering, "There's a saying that's proven. The richer the person, the stingier they become!"

…

At the dining table.

On the other side of the table, Su Qingya finally shifted her gaze as she realized Xie Xuan had disappeared into the back room.

She opened her purse, took out a cigarette, and lit it skillfully.

Taking a slow drag, Su Qingya lifted her chin, casting a sideways glance at Lu Haiqiao. "Back to the topic, do you want the money or not?"

"No." Lu Haiqiao refused without hesitation.

"If you don't want it, then forget it. Just don't blame me, your sister, for not taking care of you in the future." Su Qingya casually waved her hand, with the cigarette between her fingers, releasing a cloud of white smoke. Lu Haiqiao, who disliked the smell of smoke, instinctively frowned.

At that moment, the phone on the table rang.

Su Qingya switched the cigarette to her other hand and picked up the phone.

It was a call from their father, Su Jinchang.

"Hello, Dad…"

Su Qingya's voice on the phone was crisp and clear. "Got it. I won't forget the banquet tonight."

"Now? I've got something to attend to right now."

"You don't have to pick me up. Just meet me at the entrance later."

Su Jinchang said something that had Su Qingya's gaze suddenly shifting to Lu Haiqiao.

"Lu Haiqiao? No way, you have such an arrangement?"