Chapter 9 Roasted Pig

• "No! I really didn't mean it, Mr. Lawson. Please forgive me," Jojo said, lowering her head, realizing she was in someone else's home and needed to show respect.
• She clasped her hands together, her fair fingertips tapping her chin as she prayed silently. Her big eyes blinked rapidly.
• "Alright, enough with the pitiful look," Shawn said in an unusual tone as he turned away and noticed her luggage.
• It was called a suitcase but was merely a large bag casually placed on the ground. Shawn saw a pillowcase inside patterned with bright red peonies, and his eyes flickered as he recalled that night on the train with the delicate girl under him, her dark hair spread on the pillowcase adorned with bright red peonies.
• He approached to retrieve the pillowcase, but Jojo quickly leaped off the bed and stored all the scattered items into the bag. "Mr. Lawson, these are just cheap feminine things. I won't inconvenience you with them."
• "By the way, you woke me up early this morning. Anything you need?" Jojo's heartbeat was fast but she kept up her composure with her sweetest smile. "How about I change clothes while you treat your injured hand? We can chat afterward."
• Shawn paused and gradually became thoughtful. After a while, he turned and headed for the door but hesitated briefly there.
• "You mentioned a pervert in your sleep." His voice was inquiring
• Oh dear, had he not given up on finding the murderer's accomplice?
• Jojo found the bravery to shake her head quickly. "Never. It's your home which is filled with bodyguards. How can there be a pervert?" she blurted out. "I meant roasted pig. It's so delicious!"
• Shawn's face darkened rapidly, and a loud banging sound made Jojo's heart tremble along with it.
• ...
• An hour later, Jojo rode anxiously in the limited-edition black Rolls-Royce. "Mr. Lawson, where are we going exactly? I have to go to work at the hospital later."
• "To buy a phone."
• "Oh."
• Her phone had died honorably in the incident the day before, and she hadn't expected Shawn to be concerned enough to take her shopping for a phone so early. Jojo felt warmed inside at his consideration belied by his permanently cold demeanor.
• Shawn was preoccupied by his work and resembled a statue with his sharp eyebrows and magnetic eyes; it was no surprise that the hospital nurses were all vying for his attention as he was truly worth staying awake over. Jojo stole a glance at his profile before the car stopped abruptly
• "We're here," informed their driver.
• Shawn put away the documents and glanced at Jojo beside him. "Did you bring your wallet?"
• "You took me shopping for a phone yet expect me to pay?"
• "Is it so hard to understand?" Shawn looked at her as if she were stupid. "I may be rich, but my wealth didn't come so easily. I won't spend money on just any woman."
• Shawn alighted from the car right after.
• "You're cruel!" Jojo gripped her bag hard after seeing the department store sign outside, reluctant to leave the car. "If it's mine, then I won't get it here! There's a phone store round the corner; I'll head there."
• What a joke. A mobile phone at a regular shop only cost fifty bucks, while one here would cost more than five grand. She felt like such an idiot!
• Jojo tried leaving for the shop but suddenly felt a gentle grip on her neck, like she was a chick being grabbed by the scruff.
• She fought back immediately. "Shawn, release me. You're forcing me!"
• Jojo's legs kicked continuously, but she ultimately covered her face, unable to walk away or fight back. "Let me down. I can walk on my own, can't I?"
• "You were being unreasonable."
• "..."
• Thoughts raced across her mind. Were all rich people this bossy, commanding, and proud?
• She glared at Shawn, who commented uncaringly, "You're now my fiancée. Everyone will think I'm treating you horribly if you still use that terrible phone."
• "You're treating me horribly."
• Shawn's eyes narrowed threateningly, making her change her tone quickly. "Ha ha, it was a joke. Mr. Lawson, you really can't take it..."
• She sneaked into the department store, which was the largest in Lison. The first floor was full of electronics and gold jewelry; as Jojo explored the counter, several salesgirls approached her, which embarrassed her.
• She couldn't bear getting anything after seeing the price tags. Were these phones made of gold? Why were they so expensive?
• "Mr. Lawson, we are just a couple in name, so it's unnecessary for me to change phones to suit your habits, right? It's too costly and I can't afford it," admitted Jojo
• Shawn glanced at her indifferently as she toyed with her fingers hesitantly. However, he got a phone call then and summoned the salesgirl before pointing to the newest model. "I want this one. Wrap it up."
• "Alright, sir!"
• "Er..." Jojo watched the salesgirl quickly wrap up the phone and bring the card scanner, while Shawn headed off to answer his phone
• Hang on, do I have to pay for it?
• She pulled slightly at the salesgirl until Shawn returned, making her feel as if she had found her savior. "Mr. Lawson, this is for your reputation, right?"
• "Mm-hmm?"
• "Grandpa is also your actual grandfather, right?"
• "Mm." Shawn nodded.
• Jojo immediately put on a smile. "So, why don't you buy it for me?"
• "Why should I?"
• Saying this all to him was all in vain!
• Jojo pouted and babbled, "Isn't being my husband enough?"
• This shocked them both.
• Shawn's thin lips moved slightly after a pause to ask solemnly, "Who was the one assuring that we were a fake couple before and wanted a million from me to fulfill wifely responsibilities, yet is now addressing me as her husband?"
• Shawn regarded her composedly and watched her redden.
• She whispered, "If you're this petty, then I won't get it!"
• "You wouldn't dare."
• "Why not? I can survive without one, but you? You might have to get someone to pass me a message whenever you have to see me after this. I won't know when I'll get it." Jojo shrugged. "If Grandpa questions this, I can just claim I came from a village and haven't gotten used to using phones."
• Being so close to dying, why should she fear him?
• Shawn laughed in exasperation. "So, I'll be paying?"
• "Mm-hmm."
• "..." She nodded instantly.
• Shawn, preoccupied with work, didn't want to waste time on trivial matters, so he simply signaled the cashier to charge it to his account. Then, he led Jojo to the luxury women's clothing section for a stroll. When Jojo saw the price tags, she immediately tried to drag Shawn out, but being tall and strong, he effortlessly pulled her back.