Chapter 356
Even if he did, he was too skilled at it for her to detect. But even if he had ulterior motives, targeting her or Jaylene made no sense–they held no value worth such elaborate schemes.
Second: At least for now, Nie Guanyu and Roschelle Whitaker had minimal contact.
Third: Nie Guanyu remained trustworthy. He couldn’t disguise himself; every flicker of intention showed plainly on his face, clear to Alarieka at a glance.
Jaylene suddenly moved closer, peering suspiciously at Guan: “Guan, why’s your face red?”
Jaylene widened her eyes, disbelief flooding her gaze: “Guan, you don’t like Rose, do you?”
Panic flashed in Guan’s eyes as he shook his head violently: “N–no, you’ve got it wrong… I don’t-”
“You still say you don’t!”
Jaylene jabbed her finger hard against Guan’s cheek: “If not, why’s your face red? If not, why care whether Rose might be depressed?”
Jaylene felt utterly betrayed.
She glared at Guan: “You don’t actually like Rose, do you? Don’t you know what Rose has done? Want me to tell you? That Rose isn’t even-”
Guan’s face flushed crimson as he frantically gestured for Jaylene to lower her voice: “No, stop talking, really not…”
Jaylene kept glaring relentlessly, forcing Guan to throw a pleading look at Alarieka.
Alarieka simply smiled: “Actually, I’m curious too about your connection with Rose.”
Guan’s panicked eyes darted between them before he slumped forward, head hanging low.
“It’s not what you think,” he mumbled, voice thick with emotion, “I don’t like her.”
Alarieka arched an eyebrow.
Guan lifted his head, meeting their eyes earnestly: “Really, she helped me once. I’ve remembered it ever since, always wanting to repay her. That’s why I care. Not what you imagine. How could I ever deserve her?”
Alarieka stayed silent.
Jaylene eyed him skeptically: “You serious? If that’s all, why blush?”
Guan answered solemnly: “I hate being teased. It’s embarrassing. I blush when embarrassed. Remember when you kicked me out in front of everyone? I blushed then too. You just didn’t notice…”
Mentioning that incident deflated Jaylene’s anger.
She cleared her throat: “Wasn’t that because you kept pestering me? I told you to leave but you wouldn’t, so I made you go? Your fault entirely.”
Guan murmured softly: “But back then, you-”
“Enough,” Jaylene cut in, “it’s over. No point digging up old fights.”
Guan obediently clamped his mouth shut.
He turned cautiously to Alarieka: “Anything else you want to ask?”
Alarieka studied him: “You’ve seen what’s online. Don’t you resent me? Netizens call me the reason Rose might be depressed. No hard feelings?”
Guan dropped his head. “Not sure, I think…”
He looked up at her carefully: “You don’t seem like that person they describe. Your eyes… they’re clear.”
Alarieka raised an eyebrow: “I see.”
Guan nodded vigorously: “Yes, believe me. I truly hold nothing against you. Trust me.”
Alarieka gave a curt nod: “Fine.”
She still needed Guan’s cooperation. Best to keep him calm for now.
She shot Jaylene a meaningful glance, and Jaylene jumped in immediately: “Alright, enough! Time for actual business.”
Guan nodded: “Got it. Did you bring the Fried Oreos?”
Saying this, Nie Guanyu straightened up, peering intently at Jaylene’s left and right hands.
Jaylene said: “…Stop looking, I didn’t bring it.”
Nie Guanyu lowered his head disappointedly.
Alarieka chuckled and shook her head, explaining her and Jaylene’s plan to Nie Guanyu.
After hearing this, Nie Guanyu blinked. “You want lessons too?”
Alarieka replied, “Since you’re teaching Jaylene anyway, just include me. I’ll pay market rate for tutoring–is that a problem?”
Nie Guanyu shifted his gaze, looking uneasy as he stammered, “You know I only graduated from a second-tier college. I’m not exactly top-tier material.”