He Mo had long known that Li Jing wasn't going to find a girlfriend, so she dared to provoke him like this on purpose.
From his relationship with Zhang Xinxin that night, He Mo could see that Li Jing wouldn't easily give true feelings to a girl.
In her eyes, Li Jing seemed to be playing with life, which is why he exudes a sense of relaxation from top to bottom, and definitely wouldn't confine himself to any specific matter, including women.
So He Mo didn't plan on waiting for Li Jing to respond, and waved her hand, saying: "Forget it, you definitely wouldn't dare."
With that, He Mo turned around and began to tidy up her art studio.
Upon hearing that, Li Jing was noncommittal, just quietly watching her tidy up.
He found that He Mo was a very capable and smart girl. Even after just a few encounters, she understood his thoughts and knew his attitude toward relationships.
But precisely because she knew his thoughts and still didn't reject him, Li Jing believed that there must be something about him that attracted her.
Money?
Li Jing didn't think money was the main factor, though He Mo loved money, she didn't put it above all else like Zhang Xinxin did.
Perhaps it's my attitude toward life?
Li Jing pondered over it and thought that the only thing that could make her have a good impression of him might just be that.
And interestingly, Li Jing was fascinated by He Mo not only because of her naturally refined appearance but also because of her uniqueness that differed greatly from his impression of literary girls.
In Li Jing's stereotypical impression, a literary girl wouldn't have the strong mental fortitude to turn the tables after being sneakily kissed by him, unlike He Mo.
From this, it's evident that He Mo is indeed a unique girl—so unique that Li Jing wanted to have deeper contact and interaction with her.
For Li Jing, interacting with interesting people, especially beautiful women, is a very important part of his plan to enjoy life.
Li Jing's past dream was to, after gaining financial freedom, have romantic encounters with various beautiful women, which seems like a perfect life experience.
Click.
There was a sound as the lock clicked.
Seeing He Mo lock up her small art studio, Li Jing was surprised: "You're not planning to paint today?"
"I lost my mood after what Liu Da did."
He Mo lifted her hands to casually tie her long hair behind her head, appearing natural and beautiful, as she continued to explain: "I need a good mood to paint. If my mood is bad, I can't paint well at all."
"Then what are you planning to do?"
Li Jing glanced at her curiously: "Are you just going home to rest?"
"What, can't bear to see me go home?"
He Mo lifted her painting case filled with tools and artworks, her lips slightly curling as she teased: "Why not let me take you for a stroll in the city?"
"The city?"
Li Jing frowned, recalling that the town was in the suburban area of a third-tier city, and when she said "city," she should be referring to the city center of that metropolis.
"Yes, in Huangli City, there are many interesting places. Compared to the ancient town that has become a tourist spot, the city center actually has more local charm."
He Mo raised her naturally beautiful eyebrows, inviting: "I'll show you around, and you'll cover the expenses, how's that?"
Seeing she really had such plans, Li Jing also smiled: "Alright, since you, the great beauty He Mo, have invited me, it would be rude not to accept."
Hold on, I'll call the driver."
"You have a driver?" He Mo was curious, not understanding his meaning.
But soon, as the two of them reached the road outside the ancient town, a middle-aged man quickly got out of an SUV and greeted them enthusiastically.
"Good afternoon, boss! Didn't expect to meet you again so soon!"
Seeing the driver's excitement at meeting Li Jing, He Mo felt even more perplexed.
It's already absurd enough that Li Jing brought a private driver on a trip. How come this driver is so happy to see his boss?
Is this the typical mentality of a chosen worker?
"I'll charter your vehicle to the city center later, one thousand in total, how about that?"
Immediately, Li Jing began discussing the price with the driver.
As soon as he finished speaking, the driver nodded like a pecking chick, excitedly saying: "Sure, sure, guaranteed to serve the boss well!"
And upon hearing that, He Mo's eyes widened: "Chartering the car? One thousand? So you're temporarily chartering the vehicle?
But this price could charter ten cars! Is your money blown by the wind?"
Just after paying, having received a ten thousand rewards from the system, Li Jing instinctively replied: "Ah, yes, how did you know my money is blown by the wind?"
He Mo: "..."
Only then did the driver notice He Mo standing nearby, and couldn't help but be struck by her beauty.
Whoa, the boss has changed girlfriends again?
Not only is the boss generous, but his taste is top-notch!
...
As the two arrived in the city by car, the sky gradually darkened.
The afterglow of the sunset spread over the earth, as if covering the city in a thin layer of golden veil.
He Mo led the way, taking Li Jing directly to the bustling street of food stalls in the city center.
Even though it was just past six o'clock, the street of food stalls was already teeming with noise and excitement.
As the sky gradually darkened, the bright lights from various stalls illuminated the entire street.
In front of the stalls, steam rose, the scent filled the air, and the clattering of spatulas against iron woks was unceasing. Some shops were selling barbecues, and the meat skewers on the grills sizzled as the oil dripped, making one's mouth water.
Local people gathered in groups around simple tables and chairs, laughing and chatting merrily.
Some were talking loudly, some laughing heartily, and some even stood up passionately gesticulating. The clinking of wine glasses was crisp and pleasant, and the conversation seemed endless, as if all the pressures of life were vanishing in this lively and relaxed atmosphere.
"How about this old street? It's my favorite place to come in the city center."
He Mo looked at the bustling scene on the street and said to Li Jing beside him, "To be honest, every time I come here, I get the urge to draw. In fact, I've already painted this scene over ten times."
Li Jing raised an eyebrow; it seemed He Mo genuinely liked this place.
Actually, it wasn't just He Mo; as soon as Li Jing stepped onto this street, he felt a rush of vibrant life energy.
The enthusiasm of ordinary people for life and vitality was like waves crashing against Li Jing's senses, reminding him of the lively scenes from his hometown during childhood.
"Hmm, not bad. I also like it here."
Upon hearing Li Jing's response, He Mo looked at him with surprise but still pursed her lips disbelievingly, "Don't deliberately cater to me just to win me over; your tactics won't work on me.
This place, as someone who would spend tens of thousands on a hotel stay, would you usually appreciate it?"
Facing the skepticism, Li Jing didn't explain but directly walked towards a restaurant he had eyed.
Originally intending to stop Li Jing from randomly entering the restaurant, He Mo was slightly taken aback to find that he had picked her favorite stir-fry shop.
This guy actually understands food stalls?
Impossible; it must be a coincidence!
With an attitude of doubt, He Mo secretly followed behind Li Jing, quietly observing, wanting to see if he truly understood places like this.
"Boss!"
Li Jing knew there was no high-end restaurant service here, so without waiting for someone to attend him, he directly walked to the colorful ingredient section and shouted, "Order!"
"Coming right up!"
Hearing Li Jing's loud voice, the boss came quickly, full of enthusiasm, and greeted loudly, "Hey handsome, what would you like to eat?"
Li Jing stood at the food stall, scanning the fresh ingredients with his eyes.
After noticing the crabs and crayfish in the seafood section, Li Jing slightly raised an eyebrow, pointed at the crayfish, and said, "These were just brought in, right? Crayfish this season should be big and with hard shells, only then they taste right; let's start with a serve."
The boss's eyes lit up, noting it on his pad, he said, "Hey, you're an expert! Yes, indeed, just arrived, guaranteed fresh."
Li Jing looked at the snails and nearby vegetable section next, "These snails are good too, let's have a serve, remember to add more spice.
For vegetables, let's have a stir-fried pea shoot, cook it hot and keep it crispy."
Finally, he turned his gaze to the barbecue grill, "Add twenty lamb skewers, twenty beef skewers, five chicken wings, ten leeks, and one eggplant. Lamb skewers should have a mix of fatty and lean, beef should be tender, and chicken wings should be a bit charred."
The boss quickly noted the order while shouting towards the kitchen, "One serving of crayfish, one serving of snails, stir-fried pea shoots! Ten lamb skewers, ten beef skewers, five chicken wings, start grilling!"
"Coming right up!"
Upon hearing the kitchen's response, the boss looked at Li Jing with an increasingly radiant smile and asked with anticipation, "Want something to drink? We have beer, beverages."
Li Jing had already turned back to his seat, waving his hand casually, "Bring a case of chilled beer and a pitcher of plum juice; the beer should be extra cold."
"Alright! Just a moment, preparing for the two of you!"
After noting all orders, the boss turned swiftly to attend to another table of new customers.
Having watched Li Jing place the orders the whole time, He Mo opened her eyes wide in surprise, "How do you know so much about this place?"
"Why, can't a rich person come and eat here? What's the logic in that?"
Li Jing looked at her with a half-smile, "So, do you still have biases against me?"
He Mo sized him up again before asking, "You're wearing this brand-name short sleeve, aren't you afraid it'll get dirty here?"
"Afraid of what? If it gets dirty, you'll have to compensate since you brought me here."
"Hey, that's not fair! If you get it dirty while eating, what does it have to do with me?!"
"Isn't that settled, what are you worried about?"
Li Jing shrugged, then picked up the beer delivered by the boss, opened two bottles, and jokingly said, "You're a girl, want me to get you a small glass?"
"Looking down on who? If you're drinking straight from the bottle, then I can do it too!"
"Alright!"
Li Jing laughed heartily, raised his beer bottle, and said jubilantly, "Cheers to life!"
Seeing this, He Mo's mood was inexplicably lifted by him, she raised her hand and cheerfully shouted, "Cheers to life!"
Bam!
The two beer bottles clashed, and with a gulp of beer down their throats, the distance between them unknowingly narrowed.
Through the warm yellow, steamy lights of the stall, He Mo's gaze fell on Li Jing's bold drinking form, her eyes subtly moved.
The slight ripple that had emerged in her heart deepened further at this moment, like the surface of a lake being skimmed by a gentle breeze, layers of ripples spreading wide, carrying an indescribable sentiment.