"Li Jing, I have a friend who's hiring, do you want to give it a try?"
"Thanks, but I've decided to stop working and enjoy life. It's much more comfortable."
An Tong, who was leaving the neighborhood with him, watched as Li Jing hung up the phone with his friend. She subconsciously raised her thin willow-shaped eyebrows and curiously glanced at him.
"Have you really... decided to enjoy life?"
Earlier in the elevator, she thought Li Jing was just saying it casually, but now she realized he was serious.
"Why not? Why would I lie to you?"
Li Jing chuckled and walked alongside An Tong.
She must say, An Tong's outfit this time was quite eye-catching.
The fitted strap dress perfectly showcased An Tong's post-workout physique, while the white sneakers on her feet added a few touches of casual youth to the overall style.
Along with the pink baseball cap on her head, it made her look especially trendy and fashionable.
Even someone like Li Jing, who was an amateur photographer, could now easily take stunning portrait photos of An Tong to impress his friends online.
No wonder people say that 70% of portrait photography relies on the model; Li Jing deeply felt this when it came to An Tong.
Perhaps because of his change in mindset, Li Jing, who normally felt nothing when meeting An Tong, was indeed amazed by her beauty this time.
Noticing Li Jing's gaze upon her, An Tong openly displayed herself and struck a simple pose, smiling broadly: "How do I look? Is my outfit pretty?"
Upon hearing this, Li Jing's mood was pleasant, and he had no intent to hold back, nodding earnestly: "Yes, you're already pretty, and with the right outfit, you look truly beautiful."
Unexpectedly, Li Jing answered so directly, taking An Tong by surprise, leaving her momentarily unsure how to respond.
But she quickly reacted, teasing him: "I didn't know you were so good at giving compliments, much more pleasant than those who blindly call every girl a beauty."
Li Jing shrugged indifferently; compared to before, his change in mindset made him much more straightforward and sincere when speaking, without too many reservations.
Perhaps because of the confidence brought by the system, he decided not only in material terms but also in his speech and actions to follow his heart. This allowed him to better enjoy life.
The two strolled together along the street, and An Tong's striking appearance occasionally turned the heads and sparked discussions among nearby pedestrians.
Meanwhile, An Tong focused her attention on Li Jing.
This interaction made her clearly sense that Li Jing had changed significantly.
He was no longer as gloomy as he was during his unemployment phase, and his mindset became more calm and indifferent.
Although Li Jing's appearance hadn't changed much, he gave An Tong a much more pleasant feeling.
It was as if he no longer adorned or closed off his heart but instead embraced his feelings, genuinely trying to enjoy life.
Even though Li Jing still hadn't found a job, compared to when his career was rising, An Tong was surprised to find that the current Li Jing came across as more genuine and comfortable.
And even... An Tong could vaguely sense that Li Jing was gradually exuding his personal charm.
This guy's mindset is really something.
An Tong secretly commented, feeling she understood Li Jing a bit more.
Claiming to have high emotional intelligence, she was adept at interpersonal relationships and friendships, and analyzing those around her was one of her habits.
"I heard you and your girlfriend used to come from campus together, right? Why did you break up?"
An Tong crossed her arms behind her back, slowly walking along the city streets in the sunset: "Since I agreed to accompany you to relax, I wanted to see if I could help you untangle your thoughts. You don't have to answer if you mind."
Li Jing nodded to show he understood her meaning and paused on the sidewalk to wait for the traffic light: "There's not really any knot to untangle. Ever since my work issues started, my ex-girlfriend gradually distanced herself from me.
In the end, I didn't see the point anymore, so we broke up.
Though we only split recently, the relationship had been essentially over months ago."
Because of this experience, Li Jing no longer had an obsession with pure love and came to understand that in the adult world, money is most important, and emotions become pale and fragile in the face of interests.
"Because your work had problems?"
An Tong hadn't expected that reason, subtly raised her good-looking eyebrows, hesitated for a moment, then met his gaze: "So, you don't believe in love anymore?"
Upon hearing this, Li Jing froze for a moment, then smiled without saying yes or no.
Her reaction was as expected. An Tong looked at the green light that appeared and resumed walking: "It's normal; in the adult world, the economic foundation determines many things.
For example, I prioritize housing over feelings."
Noticing Li Jing glance at her, An Tong boldly smiled: "Do you think I dress up and improve myself for nothing?
To be blunt, it's just to make myself more attractive and have more choices for partners.
I don't dream of marrying into wealth, but to stay in this city, my goal is to marry a local, preferably with a house and a car, with parents having stable jobs."
It was the first time hearing An Tong's thoughts, and Li Jing looked at her somewhat surprisingly but soon understood, turning his gaze forward again:
"Right, for us outsiders, the most practical way to stay here is like what you're thinking.
However, locals with houses and cars might not necessarily want someone from a small town like us."
"That's why I strive to improve myself, right? Otherwise, do you think I work so hard to make myself beautiful just to show off photos?"
An Tong had no intention of concealing her inner thoughts, which made Li Jing see her in a new light.
Indeed, An Tong was very clear-minded; compared to other girls who want this and that, it's often people like An Tong with clear goals that most likely succeed in staying in big cities.
As someone who also came from a small town to work, Li Jing didn't see any issue with An Tong's approach; instead, he somewhat admired her.
Everyone dreams of finding someone attractive, wealthy, and genuinely loving as a partner, but do those at the bottom really have the luxury of choice?
"So, do you think of me as a very practical and insincere girl, and now you're repulsed by me?"
An Tong indeed had some of those concerns, so she deliberately bent over and jokingly asked Li Jing with a sideways glance.
Glancing at her expression, Li Jing shook his head sincerely: "No, on the contrary, I think you're smart and see things clearer than I did.
You don't steal or rob, but instead work hard to enhance your appearance and skills, finding ways to stay in this city.
I believe you are already better than many, and I think you will definitely be able to stay in this city."
"Is that what you think?"
An Tong was once again surprised by Li Jing's response, blinking her large, curved eyelashes feeling slightly touched.
Then she showed a sincere smile different from before:
"Thank you; you're the first to affirm me in this way.
Unexpectedly, though I said I was accompanying you to relieve your mind, in the end, it was me who unwound my thoughts."
"Ha ha, we're all outsiders trying to make it here; in essence, we're the same kind of person."
Li Jing chuckled and then looked ahead at the commercial center that appeared in view: "I'm planning to buy some clothes and shoes; you're a fashion blogger, how about helping me pick them out?"
"Sure, this is my area of expertise!"
An Tong's eyes lit up slightly, but upon seeing the enormous, bustling high-end mall ahead, her expression changed, and she couldn't help but remind: "Not to dampen your mood, but the stores here are pretty expensive, are you sure you want to buy here?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
Li Jing strode ahead: "Enjoying life, right? Now I want the pricey stuff!"
Seeing this, An Tong was slightly taken aback, then quickly reached out to catch up.
"Hey wait, Li Jing, it's really expensive there!"