After being reborn, the school beauty's entire family knelt down to repent.

"Cunning?" Boss Li smiled contemptuously, his face showing disdain for Zhao Rou.

"I think you're just too stupid. You can't even handle such a small thing, and you still have the nerve to say you've tried your best?"

Zhao Rou trembled with fear. She knew Mr. Li's temper; if she couldn't satisfy him, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Mr. Li, I...I'll definitely do it next time..."

"There won't be a next time!" Boss Li slammed his hand on the table, startling Zhao Rou so much that she screamed and collapsed to the ground.

"Do you think I'll give you another chance? You ruined my big plan, and you'll have to pay the price!"

Upon seeing this, Fatty Wang immediately stepped forward, rubbing his hands together and smiling obsequiously.

"Mr. Li, this woman is useless. How about... we let her serve you properly and calm you down?"

Boss Li glanced at Fatty Wang sideways, a look of disgust flashing in his eyes.

"With her like this? You think too highly of her."

"Take her away and give her a proper 'welcome,' let her know what rules are."

Fatty Wang smiled knowingly and immediately ordered his men to drag Zhao Rou out.

His men immediately swarmed forward like hungry wolves, and Zhao Rou's screams echoed in the room before being quickly choked in her throat.

She struggled desperately, powerless to resist what was happening.

After being dragged out of the room, Zhao Rou went limp and lay on the ground, her face covered in tears and dust.

In her despair, a name flashed through Zhao Rou's mind—Chen Ming.

The neon lights flickered, reflecting on Zhao Rou's face, but the dim light could not hide the despair in her eyes.

She clutched the few crumpled bills in her hand tightly; they were her last hope.

Tonight, she had to get the money, otherwise... Zhao Rou dared not think any further; Boss Li's fierce gaze lingered in her mind.

That day, Zhao Rou found out Chen Ming's itinerary and hurriedly stepped forward to stop him.

"Chen Ming, please, please help me..." Zhao Rou's voice trembled, even sounding like she was crying.

Chen Ming rode the bicycle, casually playing with the bell, without even looking up.

"I've already said, I have no money."

"No... I don't want your money..." Zhao Rou bit her lip, almost drawing blood.

"Just please talk to my uncle and ask him to give me a few more days..."

Chen Ming finally raised his head, his eyes full of mockery.

"Do you think I'm stupid? Have you forgotten what you did before?"

"If I help you, it's like throwing a meat bun to a dog—gone and never to return. What tricks are you planning this time?"

Zhao Rou's face turned pale; she hadn't expected Chen Ming to be so heartless.

She pleaded in a low voice, "Chen Ming, I beg you, this time it's really different... I really will pay it back..."

"Don't give me that!" Chen Ming interrupted her impatiently.

"You think I'm still that naive kid you used to be, someone you can manipulate? Don't dream about it!"

He slammed on the pedals and sped away, leaving Zhao Rou standing alone by the roadside, tears streaming down her face.

What should she do? Is she really going to be at their mercy?

No, she is not reconciled!

Zhao Rou wiped away her tears, took a deep breath, and realized she still had one last glimmer of hope—Chen Ming's father.

The Chen family home was brightly lit. Zhao Rou stood at the door, hesitated for a moment, and finally pressed the doorbell.

"Who is it?" A woman opened the door.

"I'm looking for Uncle Chen," Zhao Rou said, her voice a little hoarse.

The woman sized her up, her eyes wary. "What do you want with him?"

“I…” Zhao Rou lowered her head, nervously twisting her fingers.

This woman was a neighbor from across the street who came to visit; everyone in the neighborhood called her Aunt Wang.

Seeing that Zhao Rou was being hesitant and wouldn't say anything, Aunt Wang wanted to close the door directly.

"Wait a minute!" Zhao Rou quickly reached out to stop him. "I have something very important to discuss with him, please let me know..."

Aunt Wang said impatiently, "Then tell me what you want to see him about..."

Just then, a deep voice came from inside the house: "Who's outside?"

Mr. Chen came out and immediately saw Zhao Rou standing at the door.

He frowned slightly: "It's you? What's the matter so late?"

Upon seeing Chen's father, Zhao Rou's tears welled up again. "Uncle Chen, please help me..."

She cried so hard her tears fell like raindrops, and I felt sorry for her.

Seeing that something was wrong, Aunt Wang spoke up.

"Hey, Old Chen, if you have something to do, I'll head back now. The fire's still burning at home."

At this point, Mr. Chen had no choice but to agree, saying, "Alright, remember to come often."

Although Mr. Chen was somewhat dissatisfied with Zhao Rou's previous behavior, she was, after all, a student at the same school as his son, so he couldn't be too indifferent.

"Come in first," Mr. Chen sighed and led Zhao Rou into the house.

Zhao Rou told Chen's father the whole story, but of course, she concealed the true relationship between herself and Boss Li, only saying that she had incurred huge debts due to failed investments.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Chen's expression also turned serious.

He pondered for a moment and said, "I will talk to Chen Ming about this."

"But whether Chen Ming agrees or not depends on his attitude."

With tears welling in her eyes, Zhao Rou choked out, "Uncle Chen, I know I was wrong before, I shouldn't have... I shouldn't have..."

She hesitated, unable to bring herself to speak about her past outrageous behavior.

Zhao Rou lowered her head, her shoulders trembling slightly, looking pitiful.

Seeing Zhao Rou's appearance, Chen's father was also somewhat moved.

Although he had some reservations about Zhao Rou's previous behavior, she was, after all, a young girl, and it was quite pitiful that she had fallen to such a state.

Besides, if something happens to one of their son's classmates, it wouldn't sound good if word got out that the Chen family is cold-blooded.

"Sigh," Mr. Chen sighed, "What's past is past. This time, I'll ask Chen Ming for help."

Zhao Rou raised her head and looked expectantly at Chen's father.

He pondered for a moment and said, "How about this, I'll lend you some money first, so you can get through this difficult time."

"As for Chen Ming, I will talk to him, but as you know, he's all grown up now, and I can't control him too much."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Rou was overjoyed and immediately said with tears of gratitude, "Thank you, Uncle Chen! Thank you, Uncle Chen! You are truly my savior!"

Mr. Chen waved his hand, "Don't thank me yet. This money isn't given to you for nothing. You have to write an IOU and pay it back later."

Zhao Rou agreed without hesitation, "No problem! I will definitely pay it back!"

Mr. Chen found paper and pen and asked her to write down an IOU.

Zhao Rou took the pen and signed her name on the IOU without hesitation.

After receiving the money, Zhao Rou left the Chen family with profuse thanks.

Watching her departing figure, Mr. Chen's brows remained furrowed.

He always felt that things weren't so simple, and that Zhao Rou seemed to be hiding something.

As Zhao Rou left the Chen family villa, hope was rekindled in her heart.

She had to seize this last chance, or she would be finished.

The next day, Chen's father called Chen Ming to his study and told him about Zhao Rou.

Upon hearing this, Chen Ming scoffed dismissively, "Dad, you actually believe her nonsense? She's a complete fraud! Before, she..."