After Rebirth, I Only Cherish the Pure Girl, and the Campus Belle Starts to Panic - Chapter 3:

Chapter 3: What Can You Use to Repay Me? Money? Or Yourself?

Lang Man’s home was a traditional single-story house. There was no second floor. The outer walls were unadorned, and the bricks had clearly weathered many years, their color faded and dull, marked by time.

There were no elaborate decorations around the house, only a simple fence and a few scattered flowers and plants.

Because it had not been properly maintained for years, the roof looked especially worn. Some tiles were missing, and in certain places, moonlight could even slip through the cracks.

Before Lang Man returned home, the lights were already on inside. Her mother should have been there.

The luxury car parked outside looked extremely out of place against the shabby house.

Lang Man no longer bothered to think about what Bu Yu wanted. After entering the house, she casually closed the door.

Bu Yu did not get out and walk in. It would have been excessive. Trespassing into someone’s home was clearly inappropriate.

“Young Master, aren’t we leaving?” the butler asked, glancing at Bu Yu in the back seat.

Bu Yu shook his head. “We’ll wait here for a while.”

…

“Mom, I’m back,” Lang Man called out.

She walked into the house and saw her mother busy cooking.

“You’re back? You’re a bit late today. Did something happen?”

Bu Yu’s face suddenly flashed across Lang Man’s mind. She immediately forced the image away and shook her head. “No.”

“That’s good. Go wash your hands and get ready to eat,” her mother said with a smile.

After washing her hands, Lang Man helped bring the dishes to the table.

Mother and daughter sat facing each other and began eating.

Her mother picked up some food with her chopsticks and placed it in Lang Man’s bowl. “How has your studying been lately?”

“It’s fine. I ranked first in the grade on this mock exam,” Lang Man replied.

“Mm… keep it up.”

Then they fell silent.

This was not the first time. They always seemed unable to find topics to talk about.

Every meal was the same. A few simple exchanges, then nothing more.

This dinner was no exception. They ate quietly, occasionally lifting their heads to glance at each other, then quickly lowering their eyes again.

The meal felt more like a routine than genuine interaction. It was awkward and dull.

“Mom, go rest in your room first. Don’t forget to take your medicine.”

After dinner, her mother returned to her room while Lang Man stayed behind to clean the dishes.

The entire house was filled with the strong smell of medicine. The heavy scent made the air feel suffocating. Only the sound of running water and clinking dishes echoed from the kitchen.

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting mottled shadows across the room like a beautiful painting. Yet beneath the calm appearance, there was an oppressive atmosphere hanging in the air.

There had been no arguments between mother and daughter, yet the quiet detachment between them felt heavy.

Bang!

Suddenly, a sharp crashing sound came from her mother’s room, like a bowl shattering on the floor. The noise pierced through the house.

“Not good!”

Lang Man’s heart skipped. A deep, indescribable dread surged through her.

She rushed toward her mother’s room, anxiety flooding her chest.

When she pushed open the door and saw what was inside, her strength nearly gave out. She almost collapsed to the ground.

“Mom!”

…

Inside the luxury car outside, Bu Yu sat quietly, his gaze fixed on Lang Man’s house.

The butler was beginning to feel bored. He occasionally glanced at his young master. Seeing Bu Yu staring calmly at the house, as if lost in thought, he chose not to interrupt.

“Could it be that the Young Master has fallen in love?” the butler muttered to himself.

At that moment, Bu Yu suddenly frowned and pushed open the car door.

“Young Master, where are you going?” the butler asked in confusion, then looked outside.

Lang Man’s small frame was carrying her mother on her back. Her mother’s face was twisted in pain, her body limp and unconscious against Lang Man’s shoulders.

Lang Man’s once cold eyes were now red and swollen from crying. Tears streamed down her face. Her eyes were filled with helplessness and fear.

She stood there, staring blankly at Bu Yu, who had just stepped out of the car.

“Get in.”

Bu Yu did not say anything more. He simply motioned for Lang Man to bring her mother into the car.

…

…

Jinling First Hospital, outside the emergency room.

“Are you the patient’s family?” A doctor in a white coat walked out, removing his mask.

Lang Man stared at him and nodded stiffly.

The doctor smiled reassuringly. “Don’t be nervous, young lady. Your family member is out of danger.”

As soon as the words fell, the weight in Lang Man’s heart finally dropped. She let out a long breath.

The doctor continued, “Fortunately, she was brought in on time. If it had been 10 or 15 minutes later, the consequences would have been unimaginable.”

Hearing this, Lang Man instinctively turned to look at Bu Yu. Her gaze toward him was complicated, tinged with something unusual.

She walked up to him, turned her head slightly away, and said in a low voice, “Thank you.”

Although Lang Man was usually reserved and distant, in the face of such a sudden crisis, she had been overwhelmed.

Bu Yu vividly remembered the way her eyes had been swollen from crying.

“In the end, she’s still just a little girl…”

Looking at her now, he could not resist teasing her. With a mischievous grin, he said, “Huh? What did you say? I didn’t hear clearly. Say it again.”

“You!”

Lang Man’s face flushed faintly.

“Alright, alright. I’m joking. We’re classmates. Helping each other is natural, and it was just a small effort. As long as Aunt is fine.”

“How much…”

Lang Man suddenly lowered her head and spoke.

“Hm?” Bu Yu did not immediately understand.

“The surgery cost. How much was it? I’ll repay you.”

She raised her head, her expression returning to its usual cold composure.

Bu Yu was silent for a moment.

“It’s not just the surgery fee. But the surgery alone cost 250,000.”

He finally said the number.

Even though Lang Man had been mentally prepared, her fists tightened when she heard it.

“But don’t worry. I’ve already paid everything in full. You don’t need to repay it. Just focus on your studies.”

For Bu Yu, 250,000 was not a large sum. If that money could save her mother’s life, he would consider it atonement for his guilt from his previous life.

“I will repay it. I promise.”

Lang Man knew what she owed him was not just 250,000, but a debt of gratitude far beyond measure.

“Repay?” Bu Yu murmured. He could not help wondering what she could possibly use to repay him.

“What can you use? Money?”

Lang Man fell silent. She lowered her head, unsure how to answer.

“Or are you going to offer yourself?”

Bu Yu stepped closer and said it with a teasing tone.

Lang Man frowned slightly and took half a step back.

“Relax, I’m joking. But if you really want to repay me…” Bu Yu paused, then continued, “Then agree to one request of mine.”