CHAPTER 502: CHAPTER 371: THE LAST MEMORIAL

He turned his attention to Zhou Li and asked, "How have you been lately? Don’t overwork yourself.

If there’s nothing special going on with my parents, you don’t have to accompany them every day."

Zhou Li responded, "It’s nothing, no need for formality between us.

Besides, your parents are very nice. Every time I go to your house, they make a whole table of delicious food.

Your mom’s cooking skills are amazing, and she treats me like her own daughter. I really enjoy going to your house.

Don’t worry about me; I can handle my own affairs well."

Hearing this, a warm feeling surged in Li Jing’s heart, yet he didn’t know how to thank Zhou Li.

After pondering for a moment, he asked, "Is there anything you particularly want recently? How about I buy you some gifts?"

"No need, really no need. You know my spending habits."

Zhou Li refused without a second thought.

Hearing this tone, Li Jing seemed to visualize Zhou Li seriously shaking her head on the other end of the phone.

Zhou Li continued, "I don’t spend much, and my salary is enough now. I really don’t lack anything.

If you really want to thank me, just remember to visit me when you return to Tianhai. Don’t forget me."

Li Jing knew Zhou Li was speaking sincerely, so he nodded and promised:

"Sure, I’ll definitely let you know in advance when I come back to Tianhai."

Zhou Li, hearing this, happily said:

"That’s great, don’t forget what you said."

The two chatted casually for another seven or eight minutes.

Then, Zhou Li seemed to suddenly think of something and asked:

"Oh, by the way, do you remember Ge Qin? I heard from your parents that your relationship with her was pretty good last year."

Upon hearing this, for some reason, Li Jing keenly detected a faint hint of jealousy in Zhou Li’s words, as if there were subtle emotions hidden within.

Hearing the name Ge Qin, Li Jing was momentarily taken aback, and his thoughts instantly returned to last year.

In his mind, the image of the girl who stayed by his side during the last New Year at his hometown appeared involuntarily.

Ge Qin had a stable job at a bank in their hometown, her family conditions were good, and she was considered beautiful, a "goddess" in the eyes of the locals.

Originally, in accordance with her life trajectory, Ge Qin could lead a peaceful life, always remaining in the spotlight within her familiar circle.

However, Li Jing’s presence completely disrupted her previously tranquil life rhythm.

Perhaps it was due to Li Jing’s nice economic conditions, or maybe during that trip to Tianhai, Ge Qin was captivated by a different lifestyle, drawn to wealth, and developed a liking for Li Jing.

And in the subsequent interactions, this fondness gradually evolved into genuine affection.

For this girl from the hometown, Li Jing had a deep impression, since those moments together had left quite an impression on his life too.

Especially later, Li Jing could clearly feel that Ge Qin’s emotions toward him were very sincere; she wasn’t just attracted to money but genuinely liked him.

For this reason, Ge Qin became the only woman Li Jing actively and definitively cut ties with.

Li Jing understood that Ge Qin’s life was destined to belong to that tranquil small town.

She had a calm personality, desiring a peaceful and authentic life.

Li Jing knew his life was full of uncertainties, wandering across locations; he didn’t want his carefree lifestyle to ruin Ge Qin’s previously possible stable life.

Ge Qin was quite different from An Tong and Zhang Xinxin.

An Tong and Zhang Xinxin prioritized financial stability, and even living alone, they could embrace the prosperity of big cities as long as material comfort was assured.

While Ge Qin had some pursuit of money, deep down she held traditional views.

She yearned to build a simple and warm family, supporting her husband, raising children, living safely and happily — this was the life trajectory she idealized.

Li Jing deeply understood this; he didn’t want to delay Ge Qin from pursuing her true happiness.

So, before returning to Tianhai at the end of last year, Li Jing decisively severed ties with Ge Qin, hoping she could soon find the stable life that belonged to her.

Hearing Zhou Li mention her, Li Jing furrowed his eyebrows slightly and asked with confusion:

"Why? Did Ge Qin come to my house looking for me?"

Little did he expect that having not been in contact for a year, Ge Qin still hadn’t forgotten him.

Zhou Li answered, "Yes, I happened to run into her when I was with your parents. She seemed a bit surprised to see me.

Later, I explained that both you and I are in Tianhai, that I’m your classmate.

Though she looked me up and down several times, it seemed like she misunderstood something, but she didn’t show it; that’s just my guess.

Then she gave your parents an invitation card."

"An invitation?" Li Jing was somewhat surprised and asked, "Is her family hosting a banquet?"

"Yes," Zhou Li replied, "She personally came over, so she must have wanted to invite you in particular.

But I told her you wouldn’t be returning this year, and she looked quite disappointed.

The invitation states she’s getting married today. I meant to tell you a couple of days ago, but I got busy and forgot.

What’s your relationship with Ge Qin exactly? Your parents seem to have a deep impression of her; they’re planning to attend the wedding.

Luckily, I remembered today. Would you want to give her a call?"

Zhou Li wasn’t aware of the relationship between Li Jing and Ge Qin, only learning through conversations with Li Jing’s parents that Ge Qin had some familial ties with Li Jing’s uncle’s family.