CHAPTER 208: CHAPTER 208: STARTED CRYING WHILE LAUGHING 1_1

"Have you really sponsored so many women through college with big money that you can’t even count them on both hands?"

Wan Donglin’s heart skipped a beat.

Zhou Ting stared at him, seeing him more clearly at this close distance. He wore a black cashmere coat and a snow-white shirt. If not for the faint hint of illness on his face, he might even have appeared quite imposing.

Nevertheless, this playboy had countless women, including one named Yan Xixi, whom he had sponsored through college. It was said that to ensure this woman graduated, he had donated a large sum of money to the university in the guise of a contribution.

Why would he go to such lengths?

His expression remained unchanged, his smile unwavering as he said, "Who are you talking about? Ha, I’d nearly forgotten..."

He spread his hands. "These days, some women want houses, some want cars, some want jewelry and bags, and others want to buy a diploma to gild their status. If you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have truly forgotten."

"Why did you sponsor her through college in the first place?"

"She wanted to go, so she went."

"Why didn’t other women go?"

"You’d have to ask them. I only know women by their appearance; I never understand what’s truly in their hearts."

"Isn’t she special to you at all?"

He countered, "Do you think I consider any woman special?"

If Zhou Ting hadn’t known for sure that those two had broken up long ago, her doubts would have deepened. However, they had split up a long time ago, and there were no signs of their relationship rekindling. Just like any other woman Wan Donglin had tired of, there would be no further contact.

She had never truly understood Wan Donglin. So what if he had sponsored a woman through college? Perhaps, in his eyes, no woman in the entire world was special!

Lately, Zhou Ting’s father had been viciously attacked by some political rivals, with rumors even spreading repeatedly that he might be forced out of office. The actual situation wasn’t that severe, but they couldn’t afford to be careless.

Wan Donglin’s late father had been a good friend of Zhou Ting’s father. Therefore, Zhou Ting’s father naturally wished to continue receiving Lady Liu Daqing’s support. Previously, the two families were tied by marriage, sharing weal and woe, so there was nothing to worry about. Now, however, with Wan Donglin’s illness and the called-off engagement to Zhou Ting, Zhou Ting’s father naturally had concerns.

She mused, "Donglin, you must have heard something about what’s happening with my family. My father is having a hard time lately. His political enemies are launching non-stop attacks. While these attacks aren’t critically damaging, they are still frustrating. If our engagement is canceled at this moment, my father’s adversaries might start spreading rumors. They might suggest your mother intentionally wants to distance herself from my father, sending certain signals to the public..."

Wan Donglin understood immediately. This was Zhou Ting’s main reason for visiting today. It was also why she had decisively left last time but had always been reluctant to announce the cancellation of the engagement. For this reason, she had even posted several of their old wedding photos on her Facebook. These were long shots, all selected so their faces weren’t clearly visible. Her intention was to tell the outside world that all was well between the Zhou and Wan families, that the children’s betrothal was secure, and their alliance firm.

Wan Donglin replied slowly, "What do you want me to do?"

"Don’t publicly announce your illness or the cancellation of our engagement."

Wan Donglin agreed readily, "Alright then. I’ll leave it all up to you. Announce it whenever you deem it convenient."

Zhou Ting’s eyes brightened. "Thank you."

"You’re welcome."

Not until Zhou Ting’s figure had completely disappeared did Wan Donglin slowly stand up. Sure enough, no woman in this world could be underestimated. He had never asked her how many boyfriends she had, yet she had dared to investigate his past.