149 This world feels unreal.

Xiao Yao hoped to win over Yin Xiaoya as quickly as possible. If they were to talk about romance, he would have to pursue her through proper and orthodox means, and how long that would take was anyone's guess.

To shorten the timeline, he decided to bypass romance and talk directly about interests and benefits. Once that was settled, it would undoubtedly be the most time-saving approach. Should this path fail, he would then consider pursuing her through conventional methods.

As for using psychic suggestion, that was something he had never even entertained.

Although doing so would achieve his goal instantly, it crossed his bottom line; he would never resort to such despicable means to fulfill his desires.

Yin Xiaoya was bound to be his lifelong companion anyway. Even if there was no affection between them now, feelings would surely develop in the future. Since it involved genuine emotions, he would never employ psychic suggestion.

Now, he actually felt a bit regretful that Yin Xiaoya wasn't materialistic enough. If she truly were a bonafide gold digger, he could simply overwhelm her with money.

"Xiaoya, we haven't known each other for very long, and what I'm about to say might seem a bit presumptuous, but I still have to say it." Xiao Yao decided to lay his cards on the table.

"Just say whatever is on your mind. I'm a straightforward person who doesn't beat around the bush; I call a spade a spade. If yes, then yes; if no, then let's drop it," Yin Xiaoya replied quite readily.

"It's precisely because I know your straightforward temper that I don't want to hide my thoughts. I'll say exactly what is on my mind."

This was the first time in Xiao Yao's life he had ever engaged in such a negotiation. Although he had already made up his mind, it was still somewhat difficult to utter the words. "You are very pretty, and I like you... Ever since graduation, I haven't had a girlfriend. I am a normal man, and I need a woman... Would you be willing to be my woman?"

Though she had already guessed what Xiao Yao was going to say, hearing him put it so bluntly still made Yin Xiaoya feel immensely embarrassed and distressed. "I... Can I think about it?"

"I said a woman, not a girlfriend. Do you understand what I mean?" Xiao Yao hardened his heart and added.

Just now, Yin Xiaoya indeed hadn't noticed the distinction, but after Xiao Yao repeated it, she naturally grasped the implication.

Understanding this, the rosy flush on Yin Xiaoya's face gradually faded, turning deathly pale, her eyes brimming with tears. "Is that really how you see me?"

"I have no personal prejudice against you whatsoever. In fact, I think you live very genuinely; you aren't annoying at all, only likable. But we haven't known each other long, and if I were to insist that I have romantic feelings for you, I'd certainly be lying. I need a woman right now, and I've taken a fancy to you. That is my true and honest thought at this moment," Xiao Yao said without reservation.

Learning that Xiao Yao didn't look down on her, Yin Xiaoya's mood improved considerably. After a moment of silence, she still said, "I know you're very wealthy, and I really do like money and need money. I've always wanted to find a very rich boyfriend, but that doesn't mean I would sell my body for money. That is my bottom line, and I hope you can respect me."

"Saying this doesn't mean I disrespect you. On the contrary, it's precisely because I respect you that I don't want to deceive you. Sweet words are only meant for deception, and I don't want to win affection through lies."

Switching to the persona of an overbearing CEO, Xiao Yao pressed on, "I've taken a liking to you. Are you willing to be my woman?"

Seeing that Yin Xiaoya was still hesitating, Xiao Yao kept up the pressure. "Haven't you always labeled yourself as a gold digger? Do you think there's any candidate more suitable than me? Look at my personal assets, age, and appearance—do you find a single thing that doesn't meet your requirements? If you're dissatisfied with any aspect of me, you can voice it."

"There's nothing I'm dissatisfied with," Yin Xiaoya answered with certainty.

"There you have it. Now give me your answer."

"I... I..." Yin Xiaoya stammered hesitantly, "Isn't this too fast? Shouldn't we both give it some serious thought?"

"I don't want to wait a single day. Tell me your answer right now."

"With conditions as good as yours, of course I like you—definitely more than you like me. But this is just too sudden; I'm completely unprepared." Xiao Yao's onslaught was so fierce that Yin Xiaoya was left at a loss.

"I know the conditions you laid out for Yang Yunlang. I don't need you to ask for similar terms from me; I can provide you with direct security. Do you feel you need that kind of security? Don't misunderstand me—I just want to give you a little peace of mind."

"There's no need, no need at all," Yin Xiaoya hurriedly shook her head. "Actually, I don't really like Yang Yunlang. I've been hesitating in my heart all along, not wanting to take any further intimate steps with him, which is why I purposely said that to him."

Even though Yin Xiaoya claimed she didn't need such guarantees, Xiao Yao insisted, "In a moment, give me your account number, and I'll wire 50 million to you right away. You can dispose of this money freely and spend it however you like. I'll buy you a villa as soon as possible, put the deed in your name, and you can arrange for your family to move in. Starting this month, I'll give you one million in pocket money every month. Once your consumption habits change, that allowance can increase. This is the security I'm offering you to give you a bit more peace of mind, so don't refuse."

Although Yin Xiaoya hadn't intended to take money from Xiao Yao, the scale of the guarantee he offered still terrified her.

Right now, she had only one thought running through her mind: *He is seriously wealthy!*

She had to admit that the security Xiao Yao offered completely bowled her over. She felt as though she really might be a gold digger; hearing the figures Xiao Yao rattled off made her head spin.

Even without this financial guarantee, she certainly would have agreed anyway. Her hesitation stemmed purely from how sudden it all was—it felt entirely like a dream.

Having a boyfriend like Xiao Yao was thrilling just to think about. Even if they eventually parted ways due to various reasons, she definitely wouldn't regret it.

To have possessed it once was enough.

"Have you made up your mind? I want your answer right now!" Xiao Yao afforded Yin Xiaoya no time for deep contemplation.

"I... I agree!" Yin Xiaoya decided to follow her innermost heart; she would say what she felt. Why bother overthinking everything?

"Good. Give me your card number." Xiao Yao left her no window to back out.

In a daze, Yin Xiaoya unlocked her phone and sent her bank card number to Xiao Yao via WeChat.

Moments later, Yin Xiaoya received a bank text message. Looking at the string of zeros following the digit 5 on the screen, she felt as though this world was profoundly unreal.