Chapter 943: A Breakup fee
Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Shaohua, where are you?” Zhou Cui’an’s voice echoed through the phone as soon as the call connected. “Why haven’t I been able to reach you? What’s going on?”
On the other end of the line, Huangfu Shaohua’s face twisted with impatience at Zhou Cui’an’s barrage of questions. “Zhou Cui’an, could you please be quiet? You’re really annoying!”
Startled by the sudden rebuke, Zhou Cui’an hesitated but refrained from expressing her frustration. Instead, she spoke humbly, “Shaohua, are you feeling alright? If something’s bothering you, please tell me.”
“Tell you?” Huangfu Shaohua’s voice dripped with sarcasm as if he found Zhou Cui’an’s concern utterly ridiculous. “Do you think you can actually help me with my troubles, Zhou Cui’an? Understand your place. What exactly do you think you can do for me?”
These words left Zhou Cui’an speechless, flooding her with a wave of self-doubt and anguish. She hadn’t expected such hurtful words from the person she had relied on so completely, especially after being abandoned once before.
His words felt like daggers piercing her heart.
Zhou Cui’an’s silence failed to elicit any sympathy from Huangfu Shaohua, who coldly declared, “Fifteen minutes. Blue Mountain Cafe. Be there. If you’re late, there’s no need for us to meet again.”
With that icy remark, he hung up.
Zhou Cui’an didn’t have time to dwell on her emotions. She hurriedly prepared herself and dashed to the Blue Mountain Cafe. She was genuinely afraid that any delay would spell the end of her relationship with Huangfu Shaohua.
Upon entering the cafe, Zhou Cui’an spotted Huangfu Shaohua sitting conspicuously, appearing nonchalant as he idly played with his phone.
Taking a moment to check her appearance in the mirror, Zhou Cui’an approached Huangfu Shaohua with a gentle smile. “Shaohua, I’m here. I’m sorry for keeping you waiting.”
Her demeanor, so obedient and sweet, betrayed no hint of the scolding she had received earlier.
She understood her position all too well now and knew she had no leverage over Huangfu Shaohua. She was, after all, at a disadvantage in their relationship.
Seeing Zhou Cui’an’s arrival, Huangfu Shaohua glanced up but made no move to stand. Instead, he simply gestured towards the empty seat across from him. “Sit.”
Once seated, Zhou Cui’an ordered a cup of coffee.
When it arrived, however, she didn’t touch it, her mind preoccupied with unease.
Though initially elated by Huangfu Shaohua’s call, her journey to the café had left her with a sense of foreboding. She couldn’t fathom why he had avoided her until now or why he sought her out immediately after the lawsuit.
Zhou Cui’an remained silent as Huangfu Shaohua slid a check across the table towards her.
Her eyes widened at the sight of the million check, her expression devoid of joy. The ominous feeling in her heart grew stronger as she forced a smile. “Shaohua, what’s this? Why suddenly give me money? I have enough.”
“We’re both adults,” Huangfu Shaohua replied, his gaze cold. “I don’t believe you’re oblivious to what this is.”
“Shaohua, what do you mean?” Zhou Cui’an’s voice trembled as she dared to voice her suspicion, unwilling as she was to accept it.
“A breakup fee,” Huangfu Shaohua stated plainly. “Although our time together was short, we were happy. Consider this one million a parting gift. And I’ll settle your credit card debts from these past months. Let’s part ways amicably.”
“No!” Zhou Cui’an shook her head, her eyes pleading with Huangfu Shaohua. “Have I done something wrong? Tell me, and I’ll change. Give me a chance. I’ll do anything, but please don’t leave me.”
But Huangfu Shaohua remained unmoved by her pleas. He met her gaze with indifference. “Zhou Cui’an, I thought you were smart. You should understand that once I’ve made up my mind, there’s no turning back.”
“No, Shaohua, don’t leave me,” Zhou Cui’an implored, pushing the check away. “I can’t live without you.”
“You mean you can’t live without my wealth and power, right?” Huangfu Shaohua’s expression remained unchanged, but his words dripped with sarcasm. “You know why you’re with me. You’ve spent a lot of my money these past months.”
These words caused Zhou Cui’an’s expression to darken. She hadn’t realized Huangfu Shaohua had always viewed her in this light. Yet, at this moment, she found herself unable to offer any reb.u.t.tal.
“I suggest you accept this gracefully,” Huangfu Shaohua continued, glancing at the check on the table. “For you, a million is a significant sum. And considering the money I’ve spent on you, it’s fair to say we’re parting on good terms.”
He felt no deep attachment to Zhou Cui’an. After all, she wasn’t particularly outstanding. He had only pursued her for amus.e.m.e.nt. Unfortunately, she had offended someone she shouldn’t have, and he was on the brink of marriage, necessitating an end to such dalliances.
Otherwise, he might have considered prolonging their affair.
“Shaohua, may I ask why?” Zhou Cui’an looked up at Huangfu Shaohua earnestly. “Why did you suddenly decide to break up with me?”
“Does it matter?” Huangfu Shaohua replied indifferently. “Even if I tell you, what difference would it make? Regardless, my decision to end things with you won’t change.”