Evelyn Clark quickly poured the sunflower seeds into his pocket, stuffed two pieces of pastry into his mouth, picked up his tea and took a big gulp, then mumbled, “Okay.”

　　Helen Green saw Evelyn Clark’s behavior and felt that bringing Evelyn Clark out today was truly a mistake. She said angrily, “Country bumpkin.”

　　Evelyn Clark didn’t mind at all. Since he had paid, he naturally couldn’t leave anything behind. If Helen Green weren’t in such a hurry, he would have wanted to eat all the tea leaves.

　　Looking at Evelyn Clark, Helen Green suddenly understood a little why Evelyn Clark insisted on staying at her house. How could someone so stingy pass up the chance to live in a Western-style villa? People like this are destined never to achieve great things.

　　All of a sudden, Helen Green inexplicably felt relieved. She secretly laughed at herself, wondering if she was being too sensitive.

　　On the way to the factory, Helen Green wanted several times to bring up her “shield” plan, but after thinking about it, she held back.

　　Evelyn Clark also noticed that Helen Green opened her mouth several times, but each time the words stopped at her lips.

　　After Helen Green met her father, George Green didn’t hide anything and admitted everything openly. Helen Green had grown up and could take on family matters.

　　George Green said earnestly, “With our family going bankrupt, what worries me most is your marriage. Evelyn’s sudden arrival has put my mind at ease.”

　　Helen Green coming to the factory to ask about business matters actually made him very pleased. It showed that Helen Green had finally grown up.

　　Helen Green blushed and said shyly, “Dad, I don’t want to get married yet.”

　　George Green smiled, “A girl grows up, and eventually she has to get married.”

　　He let Evelyn Clark stay at their house also to help the two get to know each other better. He knew that someone was pursuing his daughter, but Helen Green didn’t seem to like him.

　　George Green usually didn’t go out for social events at night, so Evelyn Clark didn’t have to work either. He sat under the electric light in his room, carefully studying the map of Shanghai.

　　Before coming to Shanghai, Evelyn Clark had already studied the map, and was familiar with every street and alley. But he still had to look at the map often in front of Helen Green, otherwise he couldn’t explain how he was so familiar with Shanghai as a newcomer.

　　“Click.”

　　The door suddenly opened, and Helen Green burst in.

　　Evelyn Clark was about to speak, but she cut him off: “I have something to tell you. Let’s go to Jiufeng Teahouse.”

　　At night, Jiufeng Teahouse was much livelier than in the morning. The upstairs was packed, and vendors selling snacks and treats came and went in a steady stream. Evelyn Clark even saw female waiters, which was definitely a unique sight in Shanghai. They found a seat at the very end of the first floor.

　　The one serving them was the same waiter from the morning. Seeing them, he greeted them with a sincere smile: “You two are back! One cup of Longjing, one cup of jasmine?”

　　After the waiter left, Helen Green questioned, “Since you know my family is about to go bankrupt, why haven’t you left?”

　　When something is abnormal, there must be something fishy. She was very worried that Evelyn Clark had ulterior motives.

　　Evelyn Clark replied calmly, “Others might leave, but what is our relationship? I will do my best to help Uncle Green out of this predicament.”

　　His voice wasn’t loud, but his words were firm and resolute.

　　Helen Green shook her head. “No need, I’ll handle my family’s affairs. I asked you out to tell you something. I have a friend who’s looking for an accountant. The salary is enough for you to live in Shanghai.”

　　Evelyn Clark shook his head. “No need, I don’t live off women.”

　　It had been so hard to move into the Green household—how could he leave now?

　　“Miss Green…”

　　Just as Helen Green was about to speak, someone suddenly called out.

　　Evelyn Clark turned to look. It was a man in his twenties, dressed in a suit and tie, his leather shoes so shiny they could be used as a mirror. But his looks were ordinary, the kind you’d forget after a glance. When he saw Helen Green, his face lit up with a happy smile.

　　Helen Green frowned slightly, hesitated, and said, “Hello, Brooks… Mr.”

　　This was Michael Brooks, who had always admired Helen Green.

　　Helen Green didn’t wear makeup or fashionable clothes, mostly to deal with suitors like this.

　　Michael Brooks saw there was an empty seat next to them and sat down directly. “Miss Green, this is…”

　　Helen Green introduced helplessly, “His name is Evelyn Clark.”

　　Michael Brooks glanced sideways at Evelyn Clark, then cupped his hands in greeting: “I am Michael Brooks, a friend of Miss Green.”

　　Evelyn Clark was dressed very plainly. If he hadn’t been sitting with Helen Green, Michael Brooks wouldn’t have given him a second look.

　　Evelyn Clark smiled, “I am Evelyn Clark. Since Mr. Brooks is Helen’s friend, he is naturally my friend as well.”

　　When Michael Brooks heard Evelyn Clark call her “Helen,” his smile froze for a moment. He and Helen Green were both from No. 76, but he wasn’t close enough to use such an intimate form of address.

　　Helen Green heard Evelyn Clark call her that. Normally, she would have been quite unhappy, but tonight was an exception. Evelyn Clark’s “Helen” could save her a lot of trouble. She thought to herself, so the shield plan has started in this way.

　　Helen Green glanced at Michael Brooks and deliberately asked, “Don’t you have ‘business’ tonight?”

　　There was an operation tonight, and Michael Brooks had already told her about it.