The Rebirth of a soul : Redemption Story ( eng ver )

"It's only eleven."

Serena mumbled as she glanced at her watch after class ended.

As she stepped out of the lecture hall, her mind started to fill with plans. She had no classes for the next three days.

"Should I work instead? So I can earn more! Then I can pay off my debts faster!"

Serena added enthusiastically.

A wide smile spread across her face as she imagined the amount of money she could earn working from eight to five. Her eyes sparkled just thinking about it.

Suddenly, her phone rang. When she saw the caller ID, she immediately answered without hesitation.

"Hi, Boss!"

she greeted cheerfully.

Ren, who was about to speak, fell silent for a moment at her greeting.

"I've told you many times, just call me by my name,"

Ren protested, sounding slightly annoyed.

"Oh… sorry, habit!"

Serena smiled, then asked, "What's up?"

"I'm going on an overseas business trip today, so—"

"SERENA!" A man's voice suddenly called out loudly, cutting Ren off mid-sentence.

Serena turned and saw someone she recognized: Dean, a student from her department, approaching with a big smile.

"Dean!" Serena greeted him.

"Are you free tomorrow?"

Dean asked, standing right in front of her.

"Um... why?"

"There's a research project. An extracurricular activity. We need more people,"

Dean said, hopeful.

Serena paused. In a past experience, she had joined the same project and regretted it. A girl from another department had been unpleasant to her. Serena didn't want to go through that again.

"Sorry, I don't think I can join. I have something I can't skip,"

Serena replied gently.

"Oh... I see."

Dean looked disappointed but tried to smile. "Alright, no problem."

He seemed like he wanted to say something more, but Serena's phone voice came back on.

"Serena," Ren called softly.

Serena instinctively slapped her forehead.

"Oh no! I totally forgot I was still on the phone with you, Ren. Just a sec."

Then she turned to Dean.

"If there's nothing else, I'll get going, Dean."

"Okay..." Dean forced a smile this time.

Serena walked away, refocusing on her phone.

"Sorry, what were you saying?" she asked Ren.

"I'm at the front gate of your campus."

"Oh, alright. I'll come now."

Serena headed to Ren's car, which she recognized, parked near the entrance. When she arrived, she got in and sat in the back seat.

"Afternoon!" she greeted cheerfully.

"Hm." Ren replied briefly.

Serena glanced forward and saw Rendy sitting in the front passenger seat.

"How long will your business trip be?" Serena asked to start a conversation.

"Two days."

"Then, my tasks while you're away—"

"You're coming with me." Ren cut her off.

Serena was stunned and looked at him.

"Ren!" she said seriously. "I can't go. I'm working part-time with you in secret. My mom doesn't know. If I disappear for two days, she'll definitely get suspicious."

Ren looked at her calmly.

"Just tell her you're joining a campus research project for two days."

Serena opened her mouth to refuse but froze when she heard Ren's next words.

"If you come, I'll give you a bonus… not just double, but triple your usual pay."

Serena's eyes widened, then sparkled.

"Actually… you don't even need to offer a bonus. Your face alone is enough reason for me to work hard."

Serena smiled sweetly.

Ren held back a laugh. If Serena's eyes hadn't sparkled at the word "bonus," he might've believed she meant that sincerely.

"In that case, the bonus—"

"Since you already said bonus, how could I refuse? That'd be rude. So… I'd be happy to join!"

Serena quickly cut him off.

Ren finally chuckled.

"She's always adorable when teased about money," he thought.

Rendy and the driver up front could only exchange glances. As long as they'd known Ren, they'd never heard him laugh like that.

Rendy (in his mind): They're totally flirting.

Driver: Mr. Shield is being sweet to Ms. Shine.

"You know?" Serena suddenly said. "You look way more handsome when you smile and laugh."

Ren turned to look at Serena.

"In your opinion, who's more handsome? Me or that guy who talked to you earlier?"

he asked in a flat tone, but a hint of jealousy slipped through.

Serena fell silent. They stared at each other for a few seconds. Rendy and the driver subtly tuned in. They were curious too.

Serena finally looked away and played with her phone.

"Serena," Ren called when she didn't answer.

Serena sighed deeply, then looked at him again.

"Obviously you. Even compared to celebrities, I think you're the most handsome."

Ren stared into her eyes, searching for a lie. But there wasn't any. Serena was being honest. A smile slowly appeared on Ren's face.

"Good,"

he said shortly, then returned to reading the document in his hand.

Serena smiled softly. She never imagined Ren could be sweet and cute like that.

"By the way, Ren…"

"Yes?"

"I need to go home first. I need to pack for the trip."

Ren glanced at his watch, then took out his wallet. He pulled out his black card and handed it to Serena.

"We're running late. Just buy everything you need with this."

Serena stared at the card, surprised.

"Seriously, Ren?"

"Of course," Ren said without hesitation. "Take it."

Serena was still hesitant as she accepted the card.

"Um… what's the limit?"

"You mean the card's balance or—"

"My spending limit," Serena quickly cut in.

"None. No limit. Just get whatever you need."

Serena gave Ren an unsure look. Rendy and the driver were equally shocked—and envious.

"Special treatment for someone he likes really hits different..."

they both thought silently.