From her special skills and university major, it could be seen that her family background was indeed extraordinary.
Normally, after reaching this point, people would ask about her family's business and what happened to lead to her current situation.
But Hu Jiasheng was not an ordinary person.
He had no interest in Tang Nannan's personal affairs. He genuinely wanted to compensate for his own psychological void and was sincerely considering her situation.
"Piano Grade 10 certificate? That's very impressive. Have you considered applying to institutions to become a professional piano teacher?"
Students who could afford piano lessons usually came from well-off families. Becoming a piano teacher would surely offer a better income than driving a ride-hailing car.
How could Tang Nannan not understand this logic? It was just that her circumstances didn't permit it.
Although Hu Jiasheng hadn't asked about her family, she felt it necessary to explain.
"Actually, I didn't graduate from university. In my third year, my family experienced a sudden change, and I ran out of money to continue my studies, so I took a leave of absence."
"After the incident, I lost my home and my parents. My uncle's company was also dragged down, and my aunt divorced him because of it, which is why he hates me so much now."
"My brother was studying abroad. When our family incident became a joke in his circle, he couldn't handle the blow and, in anger, developed bipolar disorder..."
"In short, these past two years have been quite chaotic. I haven't had the headspace to settle down and focus on a job. I've had to deal with various emergencies at any moment, so being a ride-hailing driver is the most suitable for me."
Seeing that Hu Jiasheng seemed to have something to say, she quickly spoke again.
"I've done many other things too, like being a show model, a waitress, handing out flyers, and selling houses, but none of them lasted long."
Hu Jiasheng understood and summarized.
"You mean, because of your brother's illness, you have to be prepared to leave your job at any time?"
"You could say that."
"Your uncle doesn't seem to be working either. Have you discussed it with him, asking him to help take care of your brother?"
Tang Nannan gently shook her head. "No."
"My uncle was married before, but he divorced his previous wife when he met this aunt. He loved this aunt very much. Because of me, he lost everything... maybe he feels there's no point in life anymore. His current state is just waiting to die; he won't listen to me."
Hu Jiasheng completely understood.
Apart from an uncle who was just waiting to die and a brother with bipolar disorder, Tang Nannan had nothing else.
As a fellow victim, she hadn't collapsed under the weight of the major change; instead, she had shouldered the burden of life. She was a strong and clear-headed young woman.
As long as her family matters were sorted out, and she had no worries, he believed she would be able to stand up again soon.
Hu Jiasheng made a decision on the spot.
"Have you taken your brother to see a doctor? What did the doctor say?"
Tang Nannan felt a bit awkward. She looked at him and spoke after a two-second pause.
"I consulted a doctor privately. This kind of illness is quite troublesome. It's difficult to treat even with the patient's cooperation, let alone when he completely refuses to cooperate, and I don't have the money..."
As she reached this point, the waiter came to serve the dishes, and they stopped talking.
After all the dishes were placed, the waiter retreated. Tang Nannan waited for Hu Jiasheng to pick up his chopsticks. Hu Jiasheng pushed the two meat dishes towards her.
"Eat more. You need to be healthy to find good solutions to your current predicament. When you have no money, pride is worthless. You don't need to feel embarrassed in front of me."
This was indeed the truth.
She had already incurred debt and he had seen her at her lowest. What could be more embarrassing than last night? What else was there to be ashamed of?
Biting her lip, she removed her mask.
Beyond the mask, her eyes were large and bright, appearing as pure and beautiful as a child's.
Hu Jiasheng had mentally prepared himself for her to be beautiful, but he hadn't expected her to be even more stunning than he imagined once she took off the mask.
After returning to the country, he had only dated Chen Jiaojiao. Moreover, because their breakup was abrupt, he felt a sense of guilt towards her, and Hu Jiasheng often thought of Chen Jiaojiao.
She was a pampered, proud daughter of heaven, confident and overbearing, with a fiery figure and a flamboyant personality.
When they were together, they were the center of attention wherever they went.
When she had an idea, Hu Jiasheng could offer his opinion, but ultimately, she had to comply. Not complying meant she didn't love him enough.
This was also why, just a few months after taking over the Zhan Corporation, Hu Jiasheng was sent to the frontier by Zhan Beijue for covertly transferring benefits to her, violating principles.
Hu Jiasheng had always had a low-key and introverted personality. In theory, someone like Chen Jiaojiao wouldn't fit his ideal partner criteria.
But she was like a fiery rose; when she extended her thorns and hooked onto his clothes, it always made people unable to resist looking down and admiring her.
Although their time together was passionate and mostly joyful, Hu Jiasheng knew that he and Chen Jiaojiao wouldn't last.
Their personalities were too different, and their reactions to problems were entirely contrary, indicating a fundamental incompatibility in their values.
Initially, there was passion, and they could tolerate each other.
However, with time, the issues would inevitably surface.
Therefore, when Chen Jiaojiao found someone better, someone superior to him, he was very willing to let Chen Jiaojiao choose the better option.
It wasn't that he didn't love her; he himself couldn't explain his feelings for her.
It was more like a feeling that transcended friendship and love, akin to family affection, a pure desire for her well-being.
If Chen Jiaojiao was a fiery rose, then what was Tang Nannan?
She was as tranquil as a chrysanthemum, elegant and sweet, instantly bringing to Hu Jiasheng's mind the image of a daisy.
She was a typical beauty from the Jiangnan region.
Her eyes were clear and gentle. Although her attire was plain, even a little disheveled, she exuded a tranquil and indifferent aura from her very soul.
Any further embellishment would have been a desecration of her beauty.
Seeing her appearance, Hu Jiasheng unconsciously slowed his breathing.
He had an inexplicable illusion that any disturbance would shatter her.
Tang Nannan truly hadn't had a proper meal in a long time.
She, who was once so picky, who wouldn't even consider greasy roast duck or braised pork dishes, now found herself salivating at the sight of fatty meat.
Picking up a piece of meat and taking a bite, her mouth was filled with fragrance.
In the past, when she lacked nothing for food and drink, she always felt that the scenes in movies depicting impoverished people frantically pouncing on food after starving for many meals were somewhat exaggerated.
Only now did she truly understand that art indeed originates from life.
Even knowing that the food wouldn't run away and no one would snatch it, when one is starved to a certain point, one is eager to swallow it down.
Although Hu Jiasheng hadn't spent much time in China, he had Chinese chefs accompanying him since childhood, so he had eaten a lot of Chinese food and was quite knowledgeable about it.
He was not only particular about eating but also about the pairings. Tang Nannan couldn't stop eating.