180 Completely Fallen for Her 8 (2/2)
”That's because the trainers are credible and extraordinary world champions. I just need you to tell me if you're interested. Don't worry about the cost, I'll pay for it.”
”Sis, I can't waste your money like that. 300 thousand dollars is a huge sum to me, I guess I'd better take a rain check. Besides, someone has to tend to the store anyway,” said a touched Mei Yangyang.
An Xiaoning could tell that Mei Yangyang actually wanted to sign up, but the hefty price tag and her responsibilities at the clothing store were holding her back from saying ”yes.” However, An Xiaoning did not want the latter to give up the opportunity.
Besides, Mei Yangyang was practically the only close friend she had, and she did not want her to miss the chance to pick up some useful self-defense skills just because of the costly price. Although An Xiaoning indeed loved money, she would still be willing to spend on things she deemed worthy. In this case, that would be paying for her close friend, Mei Yangyang.
”Yangyang, I've come to realize after surviving such an ordeal that your very own life is far more important than money. I hope you'll understand that too. I believe you see me as your own sister, just like I do you. Don't worry about the store, it'll be alright since we have surveillance cameras. We'll replenish stocks by ordering directly from the supplier online and hand the store over to the two of them to keep the business running. It'll be boring for me to sign up alone, just take it as an invite from me to you. We'll look out for each other, alright?” An Xiaoning said in a tone of persuasion.
Mei Yangyang was incredibly touched upon hearing her words, for even her biological sister did not treat her as well as An Xiaoning did. In fact, no one else, apart from her parents, could match up to how good An Xiaoning was to her.
”Okay, I'll listen to you, Sis.”
”It'll commence a week from now. I'll proceed to sign us up now, gotta go.”
”Alright.”
An Xiaoning proceeded to sign up right away after ending the call and paid the entire sum of 600 thousand dollars in one go, without any delay or hesitation at all.
Xiao Ke was surprised to see that An Xiaoning was both pretty and wealthy. ”We'll give you a call in a week's time. Remember to bring along a small suitcase containing your personal belongings, such as some clothes and daily necessities. We'll tabulate the food and accommodation costs altogether later on,” said Xiao Ke while writing An Xiaoning an invoice.
”Thank you.”
An Xiaoning turned around to leave afterwards.
She then arrived back at the Gu family home. All the members of the Gu family were terribly shocked to hear that she would be joining an exercise boot camp that would be commencing in a week's time.
”Xiaoning, I doubt even Beicheng can survive such a strenuous and high-intensity boot camp. Are you sure you want to go?” Mrs. Gu asked in disbelief.
”I'll be joining together with a friend of mine and I've already paid for it. I'll listen to you and rest at home for the remaining week, Mother. Since I've already decided to join, I'll definitely make it home safe. Mother, did you know? I managed to save my own life previously, all thanks to just a few swimming lessons. I'm determined to overcome every life threat I face. The more skills I pick up, the better I'll be equipped and the greater the chance that I'd be able to defend myself.”
Mrs. Gu gave her an applaud for her courage and bravery before continuing to speak, ”Xiaoning, you've really impressed me. But, isn't four months a little too long?”
”Not at all. Within four months, I'd be able to achieve what others would only after three years of normal training. Money is not an issue, what matters is that I'll get to pick up something useful.”
”Alright, you have all of my support.”
An Xiaoning pulled Mrs. Gu into an embrace and thanked her. ”Thank you, Mother.”
”You're already a big girl, yet you're still so chummy with me. My greatest regret in this life is not having a daughter, but it's splendid that I have you now. You've really made up for my utmost regret. Xiaoning, it's truly a great blessing to have you as my daughter.”
An Xiaoning nodded and said, ”I don't know who my biological parents are. You guys are my parents.”
”Why am I feeling bitter about the fact that my mother has a newly-found daughter? I'm going to lose my place in Mother's heart from now on, aren't I?” Gu Beicheng interjected, pretending to be jealous.
”You're all grown up, why are you still so jealous?” said Mrs. Gu, giving him a smack.
”I'm still your son no matter how old I may be.”