The small profit from his recent investment felt like a breath of fresh air to Li Wei. It wasn't much, but enough to lift the weight that had been pressing on his chest for weeks. Eager to share a moment of relief, he reached out to Chen Yue and invited her to dinner. Not just any dinner — he took her to the most expensive restaurant in the city, a place far beyond their usual means.
Chen Yue's eyes widened as they stepped inside. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting warm light on white linen tables set with polished silverware. The faint murmur of well-dressed patrons filled the air. She hesitated, her brows furrowing in disbelief. "This place… it's so expensive. We shouldn't eat here. Let's go somewhere else."
But Li Wei's expression was calm, confident. "It's okay. I can afford it."
The hostess led them to a secluded corner, and Li Wei settled into his chair, his gaze steady on Chen Yue. The waiter approached with the menu, and Li Wei's eyes scanned it quickly before placing an order: the Imperial Bird's Nest Soup — the most luxurious and costly dish on the menu.
Chen Yue stared, stunned. Even the waiter seemed uncertain, his polite voice tinged with hesitation. "Sir, this is our signature dish, but it's quite expensive. Are you sure?"
Li Wei smiled gently. "Yes, I'm sure."
As the meal arrived, its delicate aroma filling the air, Chen Yue felt a strange mixture of awe and discomfort. She stole a glance at Li Wei, who looked remarkably at ease despite the lavish surroundings.
After a few bites, she found herself breaking the silence. "Why are you being so nice to me? We hardly know each other."
Li Wei's lips curled into a soft smile, and he met her eyes. "I have a keen eye for people. I know you're good."
A small laugh escaped Chen Yue's lips. "You're funny."
He couldn't help but watch her laugh — the way her eyes crinkled, the warmth in her voice — and suddenly, something shifted inside him. He realized he was falling for her.
Clearing his throat, Li Wei pushed back his chair and went to pay the bill. The total came to nearly 6000 yuan.
Chen Yue, still stunned, whispered, "What do you do to afford all this?"
He shrugged modestly. "I have some savings and invest in stocks. That's how I made a little money."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, skeptical. "Sure."
They walked side by side toward the train station, the cool night air wrapping around them. Suddenly, Li Wei stopped, reached out, and brushed a stray lock of hair from Chen Yue's forehead.
She froze, heart pounding.
"I knew you were beautiful," he said softly.
Her cheeks flamed. "Wha… what? Don't tell anyone, or you're dead."
Li Wei chuckled. "Why not? You're pretty."
"I'm not," she whispered, looking down.
"Why would I lie?" he said with a gentle smile.
They walked on in silence until they reached the station. Chen Yue turned, stepped closer, and pressed a quick, shy kiss to his cheek. The warmth of her lips sent a shock through him.
She blushed fiercely as the train doors slid open. Without another word, she boarded, leaving Li Wei standing alone, a smile tugging at his lips.
Back home, he found his old computer buried in the storeroom, broken beyond repair. Determined, he resolved to buy a new one for trading. That night, he fell asleep with a lightness in his chest — a hope for what tomorrow might bring.