Chapter 4 Art Fund? Isn't that just a sugar daddy's fee?
Chapter 4 Art Fund? Isn't that just a sugar daddy's fee?
At 6:50 p.m., Zhou Kang sat in the seat reserved by Jiang Yirou.
For today's blind date, he specially went to the IFC Mall to buy a Giorgio Armani suit, and on the recommendation of the sales assistant, he also picked up an Omega Constellation watch.
After all, judging from Jiang Yirou's social circle, she is portrayed as a sophisticated socialite.
If you dress too casually, you might scare away the God of Wealth, which would be a huge loss.
With that thought in mind, Zhou Kang placed the Porsche keys on the table again.
Just because I can't drive doesn't mean I can't install it.
As I was lost in thought, a fragrant breeze wafted over.
"Sorry, there was a bit of traffic on the way, I'm late." A sweet voice with a hint of apology came from inside.
It's Jiang Yirou.
Zhou Kang looked up and his eyes lit up.
Jiang Yirou was dressed very beautifully.
She was wearing a black velvet slip dress, with a beige knitted cardigan over it, and carrying a pale white Gucci handbag.
Her chestnut-brown wavy hair was casually draped over her shoulders, and her makeup was so light it was almost nonexistent, making her look natural and sexy.
"It's alright, I just arrived too." Zhou Kang stood up and gentlemanly pulled out a chair for her.
"Thanks." Jiang Yirou smiled sweetly at him and sat down gracefully.
Her gaze inadvertently swept over the car keys on the table, and her pupils immediately contracted.
Porsche?
Then his gaze fell on Zhou Kang's wrist.
Omega Constellation Series?
Now take a look at this well-tailored suit.
This outfit alone costs at least 100,000!
Is my aunt really that reliable this time?
Did he actually introduce me to a rich second-generation?
Jiang Yirou had her own plans in mind, and the smile on her face became more sincere.
"You're dressed so formally today." Her tone was full of surprise. "My aunt said you study mechanical engineering, I thought you would dress...more casually."
"After all, it's our first meeting, so we should be more mindful of it." Zhou Kang smiled. "You look beautiful too, much more elegant than in the photos."
"No way," Jiang Yirou said, her cheeks slightly flushed.
At that moment, the waiter came over with the menu.
Zhou Kang couldn't understand English very well, so he returned the menu to the waiter.
"Let that lady order; I'll eat whatever she orders."
Jiang Yirou smiled as she took the menu and skillfully ordered several dishes in English.
Because he was terrible at English, Zhou Kang could only keep smiling throughout, but he still managed to hear the words M9 and Philip.
After ordering, she looked at Zhou Kang and said, "I ordered this restaurant's signature dish. It tastes great, but it's a bit pricey."
Zhou Kang smiled and nodded: "I'm glad you like it."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yirou was overjoyed and raised her rating of Zhou Kang by two points.
Those dishes cost nearly five thousand yuan, and he didn't even flinch.
What does this tell us?
Either they don't understand English, or they simply don't care.
Jiang Yirou prefers the latter.
The light screen unfolded above Jiang Yirou's head.
[Dating System]
[Blind date: Jiang Yirou]
[Time spent together: 01 minutes and 38 seconds / 30 minutes]
Zhou Kang glanced at the system and decided to take the initiative.
"I'm quite curious, a girl like you shouldn't lack suitors, right? Why did you decide to go on a blind date?"
"No way," Jiang Yirou waved her hand dismissively. "It's mainly because my family is pressuring me. They say girls should find a reliable man as soon as possible."
She sighed: "Actually, I'm not in a hurry, but you know how our parents' generation views things... But if it's really a good match, starting as boyfriend and girlfriend is fine too. I don't want to be too hasty."
"I understand, matters of the heart really can't be rushed."
Zhou Kang nodded and went straight to the point: "So, what are your expectations for your other half?"
Jiang Yirou's eyes lit up; this question was exactly what she wanted to hear.
"Actually, I don't ask for much." Jiang Yirou took a sip of ice water. "I mainly hope that the other person can understand me and support me in doing what I like."
"Do what you love?"
"Yes, as you know, I studied photography. So, I want to become an independent photographer." Jiang Yirou's eyes became serious.
"But photography is quite expensive. You have to invest in everything, like equipment, exhibitions, and field trips."
She glanced tentatively at Zhou Kang: "So I hope my partner, at least... can give me some art funding as support. That way I can focus on creating art without worrying about making a living."
They're here; let's start talking money!
Zhou Kang agreed, saying, "That's a reasonable request. So, how much do you think this arts fund should be?"
"Really? Is that really what you think? My previous blind date didn't quite understand me when I said that." Jiang Yirou looked aggrieved.
"That's because they don't know how to seize opportunities or invest," Zhou Kang said sincerely.
Hearing this, Jiang Yirou's gaze towards Zhou Kang softened even more.
She bit her lip, pondering how much to quote. Quoting too little might result in a loss, while quoting too much might scare people away.
After thinking it over, Jiang Yirou tentatively held up three fingers.
"Hmm... 30,000 a month? Mainly for equipment, exhibitions, and some necessary social expenses..."
"Thirty thousand... This is putting me in a difficult position." Zhou Kang shook his head, looking at Jiang Yirou with a disappointed expression.
That's it? After all that preparation, this is all?
Are you perhaps a naive and ignorant socialite?
Why don't you dare take even a little bit?
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yirou panicked, wondering if she had asked for too much.
Just as he was about to change his mind, Zhou Kang said:
"Photography equipment is so expensive these days; a single lens can cost tens of thousands."
"Huh?" Jiang Yirou was stunned, not quite understanding what Zhou Kang meant.
"Only 30,000 yuan? What kind of impression will that make?" Zhou Kang said with a serious expression.
"I'll give you 300,000!"
"Three...three hundred thousand?!" Jiang Yirou almost slid off her chair.
She was originally prepared to lower the price to 10,000 or 8,000, but Zhou Kang took the initiative to increase it tenfold!
Jiang Yirou felt her heart rate spike and her whole body go numb.
That's 300,000!
What kind of family is this!
He can casually offer his girlfriend 300,000 yuan?!
And it's 300,000 per month!
That's 3.6 million a year!
She could already see a bright future beckoning to her.
[System records requirements[1]: Monthly fixed living expenses/art fund of 30 yuan]
After a long pause, Jiang Yirou finally recovered. Still somewhat incredulous, she asked, "Isn't this...too much?"
"What are you saying? Supporting your girlfriend's dreams, isn't that what you should do?" Zhou Kang said with a sincere expression.
Jiang Yirou excitedly grasped Zhou Kang's hand: "Brother Zhou Kang, you're really... amazing!"
At this point, the dishes ordered earlier were served one after another.
A tower made of various seafood is particularly eye-catching.
Jiang Yirou took out her phone, found the right angle, and took a few photos, even pulling Zhou Kang into the frame.
"Try it, these Gillardeau oysters are very fresh," Jiang Yirou said warmly.
Zhou Kang picked one up and took a bite.
To be honest, he couldn't tell the difference between these Gilardino oysters and regular oysters.
They're all slippery and have an overly salty seafood flavor. If you had to describe them, they'd just be a little whiter.
Perhaps because Zhou Kang's offer of 300,000 yuan was too extravagant, Jiang Yirou's topic of conversation began to escalate.
"Actually, besides financial support, I also really want to have my own studio."
"The dorm is too noisy. Every time I want to edit photos in peace, my roommates disturb me," Jiang Yirou said, somewhat distressed.
"It's true that the dormitory is inconvenient, with too many people and too much chatter." Zhou Kang nodded as he stuffed a black tiger shrimp into his mouth.
"Right! That's why I've always wanted to rent a place near the school."
Jiang Yirou put down her knife and fork, her eyes filled with longing.
"It doesn't need to be too big, but it must have floor-to-ceiling windows, good lighting, and preferably a river view."
She paused abruptly, then smiled somewhat sheepishly: "Oh dear, am I overthinking this?"
Zhou Kang naturally understood the implication in Jiang Yirou's words and thought to himself, "That's right."
You portray yourself as a socialite on social media, whether you're a real socialite or not.
You have to make really high demands on me!
He then continued Jiang Yirou's words: "The kind of house you mentioned is nice, it's really suitable for artists like you."
Jiang Yirou's eyes lit up. Was there another chance?
So she pressed her advantage and said, "When I was looking at apartments before, I saw a LOFT apartment like that on Sun Island. It was over 60 square meters, a duplex, and had huge floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the river."
"When I stood in front of that floor-to-ceiling window, I felt... that was the studio of my dreams."
"But..." her voice suddenly turned somber, "that apartment is too expensive, the rent alone is several thousand. So, I can only dream about it."
After saying this, she secretly glanced at Zhou Kang's reaction.
But Zhou Kang raised an eyebrow: "Then let's not rent it."
Jiang Yirou was stunned. What did Zhou Kang mean by this?
Didn't you just say it was suitable? How come suddenly...?
Before she could think it over, she heard Zhou Kang say:
Why buy a duplex? Just buy two and combine them!
[System records requirements[2]: Two LOFT apartments on Sun Island, with a total area of ≥120㎡]
What?!
Jiang Yirou could hardly believe her ears.
Buy two sets? And connect them together?
She'd heard that an apartment on Sun Island costs over three million!
He just casually mentioned wanting to buy two sets?
"Brother Kang, you...you understand me so well."
An unusual flush appeared on Jiang Yirou's face, and she moved closer.
Overjoyed, this meal was totally worth it!
dkrc