Chapter 2

Professor Wang sounded genuinely surprised and pleased on the phone.

"Wan Yi, you've finally come around! Don't worry, I understand your difficulties. I'll help you apply for financial aid to cover your tuition, and I'll also help find a way to pay for your boyfriend's medical expenses. If needed, we can even start a fundraiser at school... "

"No need, Teacher Wang, " Xia Wanyi gently interrupted, declining the kind offer.

"I can pay the tuition myself. Please leave the grant for someone who needs it more. As for the medical expenses... they won't be necessary."

Teacher Wang didn't think much of it, assuming Xia Wanyi had found a source of funds, and was genuinely happy for her.

"That's great. Now you can focus on your studies abroad. There's half a month before you leave, so make sure to handle everything here first."

"Thank you, Teacher."

Without further explanation, Xia Wanyi hung up and clutched her backpack tighter.

Without wasting any more time, she left the hospital, deposited all the money from her backpack into her account for tuition, and bought a plane ticket for her departure abroad in two weeks. Out of the fifty thousand dollars, only two thousand remained.

Clutching her still aching stomach, Xia Wanyi looked at her account balance and managed a bitter smile.

She felt oddly grateful, grateful that she had learned the truth before handing over the fifty thousand to Lu Qi'an.

Returning to the hospital room, she found only Lu Qi'an lying in bed.

Xia Wanyi pursed her lips and finally turned the handle.

Lu Qi'an had already discarded his usual carefree demeanor, reverting to the considerate boyfriend she remembered.

"Wan Yi, why so late today?"

Xia Wanyi's fingers curled slightly, and she lowered her gaze.

"There was something at school that delayed me."

Lu Qi'an didn't doubt her, and he held her hand, unable to hide the excitement in his eyes.

"I have good news to tell you."

Xia Wanyi paused for a moment before asking, "What good news?"

"The doctor just came by and told me that my cancer diagnosis was a mistake. I'm not sick!"

Of course.

Xia Wanyi closed her eyes, recalling the glimpse of his phone screen earlier. Her heart was filled with a sense of mockery.

A message from someone named "Ning Ning" had appeared in their private social media group chat: "Dear Qi'an, quickly tell that poor girl that your cancer was a misdiagnosis. I want to see how she reacts when she finds out all her money was wasted. It must be hilarious!"

Others in the group chimed in, agreeing that it was a brilliant idea.

Some even bet on whether she'd take her anger out on Lu Qi'an.

The last message was frozen on Lu Qi'an's reply: "As you wish, my lady."

For the past two years, Lu Qi'an had been nothing but accommodating to her, and she thought she had found the perfect boyfriend.

Little did she know, his compliance was all at the command of An Jianing, and she was merely a toy in their eyes.

Xia Wanyi smiled and spoke with genuine sincerity, "I'm glad you're okay."

Her calm reaction took Lu Qi'an by surprise. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke with a tone of self-reproach.

"It's my fault for not going to more hospitals for check-ups. That way, your hard-earned money wouldn't have been wasted."

Xia Wanyi shook her head.

"Spending it on you was worth it."

She considered that money as payment for the two years spent with Lu Qi'an.

Six hundred thousand, in exchange for two years of companionship with the heir of the Lu family, was an unexpected deal for a student with nothing to her name.

Her words were like a heavy blow to Lu Qi'an's heart.

As the heir of the Lu family, he was used to being surrounded by flattery and feigned concern. He was immune to insincere words.

But Xia Wanyi was different. She didn't know his true identity, and every word she spoke came from the heart.

She was even willing to spend all her savings from four years on him.

Even when it was all for nothing, she had no complaints.

Complex emotions surged in Lu Qi'an's eyes as he held Xia Wanyi tightly.

"Thank you, Wan Yi."

Xia Wanyi lowered her eyes, hiding the derision in them.

Back at the suburban rental, Lu Qi'an lay on the narrow bed with a sigh.

"Beds at home are more comfortable."

Xia Wanyi spoke softly, "It must have been tough for you."

Indeed, he had worked hard, living in a mansion and sleeping on a king-sized bed, yet choosing to squeeze into this tiny bed with her for two years.

But don't worry, soon enough, we'll both be free.