Chapter 43: What did you say?

But repaying a favor is something that definitely needs to be done. However, it can’t be repaid under the covers—how is that any different from using one’s looks to earn money?

Repaying a favor? Of course, it must be done. It’s just that I need to find another way, not by offering my body as repayment.

“Since you want to repay me, I have an idea!”

“An idea? What kind of idea? I’m all ears, but if you ask me, my way is the quickest. After all, I’ve helped you so much already. If I want some interest, that’s only natural, right?”

Bai Ningbing’s words made it clear she was determined to go that route. But how could Lin Guanqi just sit and wait for disaster? Of course, he had to refuse, or else would he really end up in bed?

“Aiya, as for repaying you, let’s talk about it later. I haven’t even recruited enough people yet. When the company is truly up and running, I’ll definitely repay you in some way. But the way you’re talking about is absolutely out of the question.”

Now, the world was about to level up. He really didn’t want to be stuck in bed for three days straight; then how would his company ever get off the ground?

“My company has only just started operations, and you’re already demanding that kind of reward. Are you trying to see me fail so you can threaten me in every way possible, isn’t that right?”

Sometimes, Bai Ningbing really wondered what went on in Lin Guanqi’s head.

She even suspected he’d read too many “Domineering CEO Falls for Me” stories.

How could anyone have such outrageous ideas?

“What are you thinking? I’m just saying that you can repay me once everything’s settled for you. Isn’t that fine?”

Bai Ningbing put on a pitiful expression. Truthfully, it wasn’t unreasonable—she had helped him so much, wanting a little repayment was normal. In fact, he was the petty one!

“All right, then. When my company is running smoothly, I’ll agree to your condition. But don’t go overboard, understand?”

Seeing her plan succeed, Bai Ningbing naturally agreed at once.

“Of course! No problem!”

He had the nagging feeling he’d fallen into a trap, yet had no proof. It was as if Bai Ningbing’s schemes had always led in this direction.

And he himself was like a lamb being led to slaughter, step by step, right into that trap.

No, no, no—it definitely wasn’t like that. It must be because he was too smart, so he’d thought of all the possible outcomes. Yes, that must be it.

Only Bai Ningbing knew that this was all her plan. If she hadn’t said it this way, he never would have agreed. But if she started with this as her point of departure, he’d definitely accept. This was a rule. Rather than waiting for him to be mentally prepared, it was better to set his expectations early and then let him agree. That was much more effective.

Once everything and everyone was in place, Lin Guanqi’s journey as an entrepreneur officially began.

But this initial investment was no small sum—it was honestly painful.

If you’re not willing to part with the child, you can’t catch the wolf. Only by spending can you earn.

After preparing all the bits and pieces, snacks and drinks, she finally transformed this ordinary office building into a 5A-grade workspace.

Who wouldn’t be dazzled by this office environment? Let’s just say, even if the company boss came by, they’d want to stay for two days.

“Jiaojiao, sometimes I really don’t get you. You decorated this office building so nicely, but it seems like we hardly have any starting capital left?”

Bai Ningbing couldn’t understand this move. If money was tight, shouldn’t every cent be spent where it counted most? What was this about?

“Aiya, you don’t understand. If your front office isn’t well decorated, how will the staff be motivated to work hard? And if you had to choose between two office environments—one in a 5A-grade area, one inside a factory—which would you pick?”

If forced to choose, it would definitely be the 5A-grade one.

“If you really made me pick, of course I’d choose the nicer environment. It would make me feel happier at work.”

Lin Guanqi suddenly slapped his thigh.

“Right? You know it yourself. If it were you, you’d choose the better environment. My employees will think the same.”

“If their workspace is better, they’ll work harder for me, and I’m already paying higher-than-average salaries.”

That reasoning was flawless.

“I don’t know if I’m losing my mind, but I actually think what you’re saying makes sense?”

“Aiya, what do you mean ‘think’ it makes sense? It absolutely makes sense! If even you think so, others will too.”

Seeing there was no point in dragging things out, and realizing he couldn’t out-argue her, Bai Ningbing conceded.

“All right, all right. In short, I only have one demand—if we lose money, that’s fine, I’ll cover you. But if you get all flirty with someone else in the company, I’ll kill you.”

That damn suffocating possessiveness.

In the past, he would have thought Bai Ningbing was nuts.

But now, he just felt Bai Ningbing was especially fond of him.

“All right, all right. I definitely won’t get flirty with anyone else. After all, we’re the ones who are truly in love, right?”

“Good. As long as you know. If I ever catch you flirting with someone else, your fate will be very, very, very miserable!”

He’d almost grown tired of hearing this, but he still behaved himself. He knew perfectly well that in a relationship, there are things you just shouldn’t do, so he always kept himself in check.

Though, to be honest, maybe only she believed that.

“You’d better stick to that. Anyway, have you decided which platform your company will sign with? There are a lot of streaming platforms nowadays, but only a few are really well-known.”

“Platform? I’m planning to partner with Yinfu Platform. What do you think?”

Yinfu… This platform wasn’t bad, but among the top-tier options, their streaming side hadn’t really developed yet. Plus, their business model was the opposite of Jiaojiao’s startup. She actually didn’t recommend it.

But everyone has their own ideas. She shouldn’t interfere too much. As long as she could pull him back from the edge when things got dangerous, that was enough.

“No problem. As long as you have your plan, just go ahead and do everything you want—I’ll take care of the rest.”