People are like that. Often, even when we know something is impossible, we can't help but fantasize, especially women.
Tang Nannan was no longer young. Despite experiencing so much hardship, she had managed to fall for a man within days.
Sitting in the taxi, watching the silent Hu Jiasheng and the distance he maintained, she couldn't help but feel foolish.
He was only here on a short business trip, doing something that was a mere trifle for him. And yet, she was already contemplating a lifelong commitment.
Tang Nannan, Tang Nannan, you haven't even secured basic necessities yet, and you're already lost in idle thoughts. Wake up!
Not knowing where Hu Jiasheng was going to eat, Tang Nannan followed silently. However, as they passed by Wanda Plaza, Hu Jiasheng signaled for the car to stop.
They got out and walked in, one after the other. Tang Nannan wanted to ask him why they were at the mall several times, but he always kept his back to her, so she held back.
As Hu Jiasheng walked, his eyes flickered, and he easily found the directional sign for the women's clothing section.
They went upstairs, and Hu Jiasheng picked a brand he recognized, telling Tang Nannan to choose clothes.
Tang Nannan was astonished.
He had actually brought her to buy clothes?
Hu Jiasheng looked her up and down with a look of disdain.
"From the time I've known you, I haven't seen you change your clothes. You're going to a new environment tomorrow, are you really planning to stay like this?"
Tang Nannan's face immediately turned as red as a tomato.
"But, it's not necessary to buy something so nice..."
"Seeing your good work attitude today, and that you helped me this morning, this is your reward."
Hu Jiasheng acted like a parent taking a child shopping for toys.
"I said, when you have the means in the future, you can pay me back everything you owe, together. For now, consider it an advance."
"If you think you're worth it, then you are. If you don't, we can go somewhere else."
How could she not be worth it?
From childhood to adulthood, she had always shopped in high-end malls like this.
She knew every single clothing brand in this mall like the back of her hand.
She was already accustomed to wearing these things, so how could she not feel she was worth it?
Moreover, Hu Jiasheng's words, like reverse psychology, successfully ignited Tang Nannan's defiance.
"I am worth it. Then I'll go pick them out."
She chose two elegant outfits suitable for work and a pair of high heels. Hu Jiasheng then picked out a little dress for her.
He probably thought she might need it for a date with Wang Tengfei, so he was giving it to her in advance.
"Change into them. I'll take you to eat later."
Many high-end Western restaurants in Sucheng had dress codes.
Men were required to wear suits and ties, and women had to wear makeup and a cocktail dress to be admitted.
Hu Jiasheng always had a high consumption level. He had been accompanying her to roadside eateries for the past two days, so it seemed he intended to show his true capacity tonight.
Tang Nannan dared not let him down, so she changed.
The store staff helped her style her hair and apply light makeup.
Emerging from the fitting room, the once gentle and charming Miss Tang was alive again.
Hu Jiasheng knew that with a little grooming, Tang Nannan's overall capability would shine through.
He had seen many beautiful women, yet even so, he was momentarily dazzled when she appeared.
However, he was adept at concealing his emotions.
Seeing that he had no exaggerated gaze, no eager physical gestures, and no intention of flattering her, he seemed no different than before they arrived.
As Tang Nannan walked, she felt less self-conscious.
She walked up to him and turned around naturally.
"How is it? Does it fit?"
Hu Jiasheng handed his card to the sales assistant, answering her question with his actions.
It was indeed a Western meal.
Sitting in a familiar environment, eating familiar food, and savoring familiar wine, Tang Nannan secretly vowed to work hard and reclaim this lifestyle as soon as possible.
To repay the debt she owed him as soon as possible.
Hu Jiasheng was simply there to eat; her improved appearance had no effect on him.
During the meal, not a word was wasted. Tang Nannan tried to strike up a conversation with him several times, but seeing him meticulously cutting his steak, she restrained herself.
After they returned home, Tang Nannan went to wash up. When she came out, she saw him operating a computer with one hand and walked over to him.
"I've finished washing. Do you want to wash up?"
Hu Jiasheng gave a faint "Mm."
"Showering might get your arm wet. Shall I draw hot water for you in the bathtub?"
Hu Jiasheng closed his laptop and turned his gaze back to her.
"Did you forget what I said yesterday so quickly?"
"You are a smart person. Why do you think President Wang and his son are so enthusiastically inviting you, who has no work experience, to join the company?"
The topic shifted so abruptly, Tang Nannan paused.
"What do you mean, Mr. Hu?"
"I mean nothing. I just want to tell you that beauty is not a scarce resource. Relying on looks often leads to poor outcomes."
"But if a person possesses beauty, capability, and emotional intelligence, then it's different."
"If I'm not mistaken, the reason President Wang invited you is, firstly, out of consideration for his past friendship with your father, and secondly, because he recognized your intrinsic qualities."
"Remember not to be arrogant, and don't lose your strengths. They are the foundation of your livelihood. You must keep improving, without pause."
Tang Nannan's face turned red at his words, as if the Wang family had already taken a liking to her and intended to make her their daughter-in-law.
In front of the man she secretly admired, he was so solemnly pushing her towards someone else...
"Mr. Hu, are you helping me find a husband? Do you think Wang Tengfei is a good match for me?"
"What is 'suitable' and what is 'unsuitable'?"
Hu Jiasheng spoke with the tone of someone with experience.
"If you have no intention of getting married in this lifetime, and you stick to that view, then you are not suitable for him."
"If you will get married eventually, then, at least in my opinion, Wang Tengfei is a good candidate."
"How so?"
"He likes you. It's obvious. When a man likes a woman, all his energy is focused on her. He's willing to listen to her, perform for her, and make sacrifices for her. This is your first advantage in this relationship."
"Second, his father likes you. As long as you keep improving and maintain this advantage, and later have children to solidify things, you will live the life you desire."
Although his words made sense, Tang Nannan did not like hearing them at all. She even felt like laughing.
She thought she had misjudged him, that he was also such a common person.
Marriage is merely the result of weighing interests? Hmph.
"I didn't realize Mr. Hu held such an attitude towards marriage. Thank you for the reminder, may I ask you a question?"
Hu Jiasheng knew what she was going to ask.
"I am single. And I have no plans to get married in the future."
"Do you not like women?"
Hu Jiasheng stood up. "I refuse to answer that question."
But Tang Nannan couldn't help but ask. He interrupted her.
"Alright, go to bed."