The world of film and television begins with university lecturers

This was the first time in Jiang Lai's life that she had been rejected like this.

But instead of being annoyed or angry, she stubbornly kept her gaze fixed on the man beside her, refusing to give up.

"Then... if I promise that from now on I will never involve you in any of my private affairs again, and will never cause you any trouble, is that alright?"

"Do you even believe that yourself?" Han Tao's tone was calm, yet tinged with a certain clarity: "Even if you can guarantee it for a while, can you guarantee it for a lifetime?"

"It's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature. Your upbringing and social circle have long determined that our life trajectories can never intersect for long."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lai remained silent for a moment, her stubbornness undiminished, but on the surface she returned to her usual carefree and easygoing demeanor: "Fine, forced love is never sweet, and I will no longer force you."

However, I dislike owing favors to others. You saved my life today, so if you ever need anything in the future, just give me a call, and I, Jiang Lai, will definitely help without hesitation.

Also, since you treated me to dinner tonight, I'll treat you to a meal tomorrow. It's a give-and-take, so neither of us owes the other anything!

"I'm moving tomorrow, so I won't have time to go out for dinner."

Han Tao gently shook his head, refusing again: "So I appreciate your kind gesture, but there's no need for a meal."

"Moving? Where are you moving to?" Jiang Lai keenly grasped this key information, and a glimmer of light instantly appeared in her eyes.

Han Tao didn't try to hide anything and casually said, "I moved from the faculty and staff apartments at the school to an old villa in the city."

The moment Jiang Lai heard the words "old-style house," she was slightly taken aback.

Most of the old-style villas in Shanghai are located in prime locations, where land is incredibly valuable, making them assets that an ordinary university teacher cannot easily afford.

She couldn't understand this man in front of her even more. He was unremarkable in appearance and acted in a low-key and reserved manner, yet he actually possessed such a considerable fortune.

It seems I should check him out first. Also, his previous claim that he was just an ordinary teacher now seems full of holes.

"Hehe, you've really been hiding your true abilities!" Jiang Lai's eyes were full of inquiry as she looked at him.

"Since you own an old-style house, you're no longer an ordinary person, so why would you be afraid of being burdened by my life?"

"This house was acquired by chance and does not conflict with my own life pursuits."

Han Tao was unwilling to explain too much about the origin of his assets; the existence of the system was his biggest secret, and he could only lightly brush the topic aside with a single sentence.

Jiang Lai frowned, about to ask further questions, when the car was suddenly stopped by the community security guard.

She rolled down her car window impatiently, exchanged a few words with the security guard, and then the barrier slowly rose.

A gray Audi Q7 slowly drove past the grand gate of a villa, passing through lush greenery and detached houses, and finally came to a steady stop in front of one of the villas.

After turning off the engine, the driver turned around and politely reminded them, "Gentlemen, we've arrived at our destination."

  

Jiang Lai unbuckled her seatbelt, but didn't immediately push open the door and get out of the car. She turned to look at Han Tao seriously, her tone filled with an unyielding stubbornness:

"I won't let this go so easily. The more you deliberately avoid and distance yourself from me, the less I will give up. Sooner or later, I will change your mind."

Without waiting for Han Tao's response, she pushed open the car door and got out.

But just before closing the car door, she turned back again and added:

"If you need help moving, you can call me for assistance. Consider it my way of repaying you for dinner tonight."

Han Tao didn't answer, but instead instructed the designated driver, "Sir, please turn the car around and take me to Fuxing Road."

However, before he could finish speaking, two bodyguards in black suddenly emerged from behind a sycamore tree and quickly stepped forward to block the front of the car.

Immediately afterwards, a middle-aged man in a well-tailored suit walked into the villa. He had a cold face and exuded an aura of intimidation, typical of a domineering CEO.

The man completely ignored Jiang Lai standing to the side and walked directly towards Han Tao's car. He then raised his right hand and tapped lightly on the back window a few times.

Han Tao slowly lowered the car window and calmly looked at the person who had just arrived. It was Jiang Lai's older brother, Jiang Haokun, the head of the Jiang Group and the true heir of the Jiang family.

Jiang Haokun's gaze was also firmly fixed on Han Tao. At first, a hint of surprise flashed across his eyes, but it quickly turned into cold scrutiny and hostility.

His extremely aggressive gaze would probably have made an ordinary person with a weaker constitution feel uneasy and intimidated.

Han Tao maintained a faint smile, calmly meeting his gaze without flinching.

Facing this financial tycoon from the top echelons of Shanghai, a business mogul who could stand on equal footing with Tan Zongming, he felt no pressure whatsoever.

"Are you kidding me? We were already exploited by capitalists before the cheats were available, but now that we have cheats, we're still going to be bullied? No matter how powerful Jiang Haokun is, he's just a businessman!"

Jiang Haokun turned to look at Jiang Lai, and asked in an icy tone, "Who is he?"

"My new boyfriend," Jiang Lai blurted out almost habitually.

She had long been used to going against her domineering brother; the more he forbade her from dating, the more she would rebel.

As expected, upon hearing his sister's reply, Jiang Haokun once again turned his cold gaze to Han Tao.

He didn't say anything, just stared intently, no one knew what he was thinking.

Han Tao couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at his brother's helpless and furious expression.

Then, glancing sideways at Jiang Lai beside Jiang Haokun, he spoke calmly:

"See, I just told you that your promises were useless, and now trouble has come knocking on our door."

Jiang Lai's face stiffened. She knew that it was indeed her casual remark that had caused trouble for Han Tao, but the words had already been spoken and could not be taken back.

Jiang Haokun frowned even more as he watched Han Tao speak to his sister: "Lai Lai, you go back to the villa first. I want to talk to him alone."

"I'm not leaving. You're complete strangers, why should he stay and talk to you?"

Jiang Lai immediately spoke up to stop him, "If you have any questions, just ask me. Let him go first!"

Han Tao glanced at Jiang Lai in surprise and said reassuringly, "Go inside first. If you stay here, it will only make things more complicated and difficult to handle."

"..." Jiang Lai opened her mouth, but after meeting his firm gaze, she hesitated for a long time before finally nodding and turning to walk towards the villa's entrance hall.

However, she did not go directly into the villa, but stopped at the entrance and watched the commotion from a distance.