Chapter 53: No Thanks

It was not just Bai Yan. Leaving aside the Child favoured by the Heavens, Lu Qingyuan, and Peng Fei, who cruised through life, the remaining three were completely dumbstruck.

When Jinli’s casual ‘no thanks’ echoed, an ‘I want it!’ almost burst out from Xu Zhiyi and He Ye. Their pupils stretched wide as their lines of sight whipped back and forth from the crazy woman to the dazzling necklace.

This was especially for He Ye, being a die-hard K.D. fan, his frenzied craving shone from his eyes as they burnt at The Dearest Star. Under his breath, a soft mutter was heard, “If anyone could get me this, I would give my entire life to him.”

As crazy as she seemed, Xu Zhiyi wasn’t as maniacal. Still, she fell prey to her innate thirst for beautiful accessories. Losing her physical control, her eyes fixed on those sparkles immovably.

Indeed, everyone present who heard the rejection thought Jinli was mad. Even when they turned a blind eye to the fact that The Dearest Star was the rare incarnation of pure flawless aesthetics, they were still befuddled.

How could she turn Lu Zhengya down? The very fact that a man would purchase such an exorbitant, unequalled gift for a lady was incredibly touching and romantic. Everyone was sure that this could overwhelm any woman’s heart.

Yet, it did not move Jinli. With his head tilted, Bai Yan’s eyes blinked rapidly as he examined Jinli, “Miss Jinli, is there something you aren’t satisfied with?”

Smiling, Jinli clarified, “No! It’s beautiful, I love it!”

“Uhm. Then… Er…”

Jinli returned the question, “You’re asking why I don’t want it? Mr Bai, do you really not understand?”

Bai Yan choked on his words.

“Me and you, me and your Sir, we are completely unrelated. Should I accept this extravagant gift then we would be tied indefinitely, stuck together for eternity.”

Jinli glanced one last time at the necklace, sighed lightly, hints of reluctance seeping through her. “I am unable to bring out anything comparable at this moment… So… Please take it back.”

Jinli never took advantage of anyone. Not once.

This was a principle she had stood by ever since her time in the Heavens. It was how the Gods lived.

Interpersonal relations, money and possessions. All of this she had clearly defined.

She was not a Human. She was a Goddess. As a Celestial Being, she could not owe favours to others.

For what they owed were not favours. They were owed karma.

Everything demanded an equivalent exchange. For every favour a God received, there would eventually be a payment needed.

When the time came, Heavenly judgement would dictate the form of payment. It was no longer up to themselves. Jin Li knew that she might not be able to afford it.

An urge to force the gift onto Jinli surged within Bai Yan. He had to suppress his urge to yell “Sir does not want anything in return. Just a simple meal with him will do!” Yet, in front of Jinli’s bright, clear eyes, his mouth gapped but no words formed.

Lu Zhengya’s aim, Bai Yan knew very well. At the same time, Jinli’s mind was crystal clear too.

Just a simple meal? Who was he kidding? Deep down, he knew what he was doing. Jinli was right. If she was uninterested, she had to make it clear from the start, not taking a single drop of Sir’s favour.

Should there be a taint on her, they would be forced together perpetually.

A heavy sigh escaped him.

Sir, looks like Miss Jinli is a tough nut to crack.

Alas, the stratagem of jewels and riches we planned failed before it began.

“In that case, I shall not interrupt Miss Jin Li any further.” Bai Yan swiftly picked up the box and courteously said his farewells to Lu Qingyuan. As silent as the breeze, he left stealthily, just as he had arrived.

Nothing but the distant murmur of the air conditioning was heard. The crowd was still intoxicated by the shock and daze.

Stretching her neck lazily, an adorable yawn came from Jinli. “If there’s nothing else, Im going back, I have my daily Weibo to worry about.”

Everyone couldn’t believe their eyes.

She got caught in such a ruckus. How is the victim more composed than the spectators?

How can her expression be so plain? Why is her behaviour so seemingly normal? How can she be so thoroughly unaffected?

Perplexed, Xu Zhiyi poked some fun, “Don’t you regret it?”

Jinli’s steps halted, turning to ask, evidently confused, “Regret what?”