Chapter 264
"Alright, even if it was just a chat that day, did you come to our school and meet Kelsey at the library two weeks ago?"
"How did you know?" I was genuinely surprised. "Did Kelsey tell you?"
Mya replied, "No, I was at the library that day! I saw you! So when you came looking for me, I pretended I wasn't there."
Caught off guard, I said, "Don't overthink it. I just needed her help."
Mya wasn't buying it. "Don't lie to me."
I sighed, "No matter what I say, you won't believe me anyway."
Guess I need to be more careful next time. Who knew she'd actually see me?
"John, call me old-fashioned, but that's how I was raised!" Mya said. "Don't use misunderstandings as an excuse to deceive me. I don't believe it."
I was speechless, pushed to this point by a girl.
"Are you still willing even if I am fickle?" I asked.
"Saying I am is a lie, but I can try to change your mind," Mya said.
I paused. 'Change someone's mind?'
Changing someone's perspective is one of the hardest things to do. It's almost naive.
"Since you're willing, I won't hold back." I took a deep breath. "But I don't want anyone to know about us. It's for your protection, so if we break up, no one will know."
Mya said, "Okay, I promise, but I won't leave."
I asked, "Aren't you afraid I might be violent or cheat?"
Mya said, "Someone who risks their life to save others wouldn't hit a girl. I don't believe it!"
She added, "Even if you do, I'll accept it. You saved my life."
I admired her. "You win, I surrender."
I sighed and collapsed on the carpet. Being with her would make me even busier.
Or maybe, this was a blessing in disguise?
Suddenly, Mya pounced on me, staring intently.
"What do you want to do?" I asked.
Blushing, she leaned in and kissed me. I was shocked.
The seemingly conservative Mya was actually so bold!
I pushed her away. "Are you crazy? What if Ms. Foster walks in?"
She blushed, her eyes misting up again. She got up and locked the door. "Now no one will see."
I said, "Why lock the door? Isn't that just asking for trouble?"
She didn't respond and kissed me again.
I kissed her back.
She clearly wasn't my match, but she refused to give up. Her determination scared me a bit.
I asked, "Hey, are you kissing me or fighting for your life?"
"I'm seeking revenge!" She panted. "You bullied me twice before, so I'm getting back at you!"
I couldn't help but laugh. "Isn't it usually the guy who takes advantage?"
"I don't care. You forced me to kiss you twice, so I'm doing the same." She was vengeful and strong-willed.
She forced a kiss on me, which was fine.
After some fooling around, we didn't dare go too far. It would be awkward if Scarlett walked in.
So, before Scarlett came knocking, I decided to help her with something.
At dinner, Scarlett raised her glass. "John, thank you. I'll toast to you."
It was red wine, not too strong, and even had beauty benefits.
I stood up excitedly. "Ms. Foster, you're too kind."
Mya also raised her glass, taking a small sip, her face turning red.
After drinking, Scarlett said, "John, I've talked to the school about what we discussed, and they approved it!"
"Thank you, Ms. Foster!" I stood up excitedly. "I'll toast you with a glass of red wine."
Besides our earlier collaboration, I also replicated the Sevan City Art Academy model at Dance Fusion Hall, aiming to make it a designated partner for Sevan City University's Dance Department, promising at least thirty internship positions annually.
With three companies, thirty internship spots wasn't much, while Ruyi Cosmetics could also recruit from there in the future.
After clinking glasses, I said, "How about I donate a million dollars?"
Scarlett replied, "That's more than enough. Even tens of thousands would do."
I insisted, "No, it has to be a million."
Gratitude aside, some things need to be clear. Plus, I don't need those tens of thousands, so why waste goodwill?
After dinner, Scarlett and I went to the school, and Lucy brought some people over too.
Dance Fusion Hal is a partner of both the Dance Association and Sevan City Art Academy. With these endorsements and Scarlett Foster's involvement, everything went smoothly.
With a million-dollar donation and a signed cooperation agreement, the number of applicants surged that afternoon.
Most came because of Ruby, a well-known name in the dance community, along with Sophia, Chloe, and others who are experts in the field.
Studying under their names would look great on a resume.
Even Scarlett was surprised. "John, I underestimated you."
I just smiled. Dance Fusion Hal was a complete success.
During a break, Lucy said, "What should we do? Even if we stagger the schedules, our venue might not be enough."
"Don't worry, we'll manage for now. Lauren's side isn't done yet. It's a good chance to open another branch."
Lucy was surprised. "This company hasn't even opened yet, and you're planning a second one?"
"Money isn't an issue. We can't compromise the members' experience for profit. We need to give them the best," I said. "Also, it's better to keep Sevan City Art Academy students and Sevan City University teachers separate for a better learning atmosphere."
We hired so many experts to show that Dance Fusion Hal was unmatched and to make them realize the opportunities they had were rare.
"How about we check out Liberty?" Lucy asked.
Liberty Square was close to Sevan City University and was quite popular.
I said, "Sure, go ahead and execute the plan. If you need money, talk to finance."
Currently, Dance Fusion Hal shared finances with WY Media Company.
But I wasn't comfortable with money in someone else's hands. After much thought, I decided to have Rita take control for security.
She had an accounting background and had left that media company. With Ruyi Cosmetics in the works, I asked her to set up a finance department to manage the finances.
The companies wouldn't merge, but Rita would oversee the accounts.
"Are you coming over to my place tonight?" she asked expectantly.
I replied, "Sure, but it'll be a bit late. I have to visit another company first."
After leaving the recruitment site, I went straight to the physics department lecture hall.
I hadn't forgotten, Ella's class was this afternoon.
I didn't call Kelsey, just found a conspicuous spot to sit.
As soon as I entered, Ella saw me and smiled. I nodded back.
The classroom atmosphere was good, and Ella's lecture was lively.
Of course, my gaze was always on her.
At four o'clock, the class ended, and I followed her out. "Ms. Martinez, wait!"
Ella stopped. "What's up, John?"
"Um... do you have time this weekend?" I asked.
"What do you want?" Ella asked.
"I want to invite you to dinner," I said.
Ella smiled and shook her head. "No need for dinner, I have other plans."
"Ms. Martinez, please don't misunderstand. I have a favor to ask!" I said.
"Is it related to studying?" Ella asked.