Director Xia, What a Pro

"I do have connections for collaboration between the enterprise and the research team, but it’ll take some time to arrange. I can reach out to your girlfriend and Professor Luo in advance to ease the workload… Professor Luo is indeed quite demanding with his students."

"True, assigning tasks last minute in the middle of the night is harsh."

"Just leave it to me to handle. You focus on your own work."

Xia Lin spoke slowly, her words clear and deliberate, carrying a soothing, storytelling quality.

She was so reliable.

Su Bai took the cue and said gratefully, "That’s a huge help. How can I thank you, sis?"

"Cooperate with me on one thing."

"What is it?"

"Here’s what I’m thinking—that aunt from your hometown, the one who acted as your guardian, probably doesn’t know about your recent financial situation, right?"

"You even know about that…"

"As a counselor, it’s my responsibility to understand students’ basic family circumstances."

This wasn’t exactly a standard counselor’s duty, though. It was more like Xia Lin’s special way—a wealthy, elegant older sister’s method—of winning over a handsome younger guy.

Su Bai felt an unspoken understanding. Indeed, he’d been wondering how to explain his current situation to Aunt Jiang.

His original plan was to visit his hometown during the National Day holiday, make up an excuse, and then—

Send Aunt Jiang some money!

Maybe a few hundred thousand to start, not too much to scare her.

Enough to improve her daily life—at least let her afford fresh produce, fruits, and cosmetics without worry.

You’ve got to be grateful, after all.

But convincing Aunt Jiang that his money came from legitimate sources was tricky.

Since Xia Lin had brought it up, she must have a plan.

"What’s your suggestion, sis?" Su Bai asked earnestly.

"If you trust me, I can call Aunt Jiang as your counselor and casually mention that I’ve been guiding you in investments. You know, like those bosses who recruit young geniuses for quantitative trading—just say you’re a trader."

"Sounds good."

For a college student to earn a large sum quickly, there weren’t many believable explanations.

But with a counselor backing him up, things would go much smoother.

Xia Lin didn’t fully grasp Su Bai’s ties to his "overseas family" (her personal speculation) or the specifics of his relationship with Aunt Jiang.

She just sensed that Su Bai needed her help.

"You’re really thoughtful, sis."

"Took you long enough to notice. Tch. From now on, you can strut around campus—you’ve got someone watching your back everywhere."

Of course, her comment about "strutting around" was more about offering him small conveniences.

Xia Lin also knew Su Bai was independent and quiet by nature, not the type to stir up trouble.

They reached a silent agreement.

Yet Su Bai felt a faint twinge of guilt.

Xia Lin had framed it as a request, but in reality, she was helping him yet again.

Still, neither seemed in a hurry to cross any lines.

They simply savored the warmth between them.

"Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me…"

Su Bai mumbled drowsily.

Before he knew it, he’d dozed off.

Resting his head on the beautiful older sister’s lap, lulled by her gentle strokes through his hair, it was all too easy to fall asleep.

Readers who are curious about this—feel free to try it sometime!

Eventually, Su Bai’s breathing grew deep and steady.

Xia Lin confirmed he was truly asleep.

…

[Ding! Detected S-tier goddess Xia Lin’s affection has surpassed 80. Binding consumption rebate system.]

Su Bai was roused by the system notification.

Not that the system was particularly loud—it was just that Su Bai was a light sleeper, easily awakened by the slightest sound.

His eyelids felt heavy, so he kept them shut, feigning sleep.

Xia Lin’s scalp massage was pure bliss, and Su Bai leaned into it, playing dead a little longer.

…

A few minutes later.

Su Bai slowly opened his eyes and yawned.

"Ah… Xia Lin, how long was I out?"

"Not long. Twenty minutes? Half an hour at most. Don’t worry, it didn’t delay anything."

Xia Lin’s voice was as gentle as ever, though there was a hint of flustered evasion.

…

"Honestly, Xia Lin, you’ve fulfilled a wish of mine."

"What wish?"

"Having an older, gentle woman I can act spoiled around… My mom passed away early, and Aunt Jiang—well, we’re both the no-nonsense type. It never felt natural. But with you, it’s different. You make me feel at ease."

Su Bai’s candid words caught Xia Lin off guard.

Strangely, it moved her.