4 PM.

Tiankuo Garden Residential Complex.

"Qianqian, why are you so distracted today? It’s just a job loss. Get yourself together. The next job will be better. Cheer up!" He Liting patted her head.

Zhao Yaqian responded with an "Oh" and lay down on the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling.

"Sigh, you..." He Liting rubbed her temples and continued to comfort her, "At least you got a month's salary. You're a little rich lady now with over 5000 yuan in savings. How about we go shopping? Maybe have a nice meal?" The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the novelfire(.)net

"I don't want to move." Zhao Yaqian turned over, picked up her phone from the coffee table, and somehow opened Tang Song's chat. She stared blankly at the photo of fried skewers and milk tea.

Obviously, Tang Song bought her favorite food to visit her last night and discovered that Yizi Beauty had closed down. Then he called to check on her and comfort her.

As they chatted... it just...

Thinking about this, she immediately recalled Tang Song's words:

【"Zhao Yaqian, do you have feelings for me? I mean the kind between a boyfriend and girlfriend."】

【"Is it that difficult? Alright, I think I know the answer."】

For some reason, every time she thought about that last sentence, she felt a bit panicked. It was like the feeling of failing an exam—fearful and anxious, yet hoping for a retake. But if she retook it, what would the correct answer be?

Zhao Yaqian scratched her head, her eyes drooping, her lips pouting in a look of grievance.

After a moment, she suddenly stood up from the sofa, startling He Liting.

"Ting Ting, let’s go to Liyuan Mall later. I need to take a shower first."

He Liting laughed, "Have you come around? That’s the spirit. I'll help you style your hair later."

Zhao Yaqian exhaled, her mind drifting to the men's watch she had her eye on earlier. Tang Song had previously given her a Swarovski bracelet, and she had always wanted to give him something in return.

When she was out shopping with friends, she noticed a watch she thought would be perfect for him. But back then, she didn't have the money to buy it. Now, for some reason, she felt a strong urge to buy it for him.

After putting on makeup and styling her hair, He Liting said, "Qianqian, you haven't bought clothes for two months. Your seasonal clothes are still from last year. Since we're going to Liyuan Mall, you should pick out a new outfit. The store we frequent has a promotion for May Day with good discounts."

"We'll see." Zhao Yaqian replied absentmindedly, putting on the chosen clothes and the bracelet Tang Song gave her. She wore a gray tight-fitting top, loose jeans, and black-and-white sneakers. Her good figure made even a simple outfit look sexy and beautiful.

The two grabbed their bags and left the apartment, walking down the tree-lined path. Liyuan Mall was less than a kilometer away, a ten-minute walk.

He Liting noticed Zhao Yaqian's unusual behavior and tried to cheer her up by sharing funny stories from her company. Normally carefree and bold, her distant cousin would cry and laugh her way through tough times but never this sullen and downcast, which worried her.

As they joined the throngs entering the mall, Zhao Yaqian headed straight for the southeast corner of the first floor. He Liting, puzzled, quickly followed.

Entering the Citizen store, Zhao Yaqian's eyes scanned the watches through the clear glass counter.

"Qianqian, why are you suddenly buying a watch?" He Liting asked curiously.

"It's for someone." Zhao Yaqian bit her lip and asked the sales assistant, "Hi, I was interested in a men's watch here before. I don't remember the model, but it had a date display and was priced at 899 yuan. I don't see it in the case now?"

The sales assistant smiled, "Sorry, miss, that watch was a special offer, and we only had one or two of them. They've been sold out."

Zhao Yaqian's expression froze, her eyes reddening, "How could it be sold out?"

Seeing this, He Liting's eyes flashed and said, "Qianqian, are you buying this watch for that programmer friend? If it's sold out, let's forget it. You can buy it next time there's a sale."

"I'll keep looking." Zhao Yaqian leaned forward, continuing to browse. Finally, she took a deep breath and pointed at one, "Can I see this one?"

The sales assistant took out the watch and handed it to her enthusiastically, "This is one of our bestsellers this year, a 40mm mechanical watch with reinforced glass, a stainless steel case, and a calfskin strap. It also has a date display, priced at 1099 yuan, a great deal."

He Liting quickly tugged her arm, signaling with her eyes. Given her own debt, buying such an expensive gift as a return for the bracelet seemed inappropriate.

After carefully examining it and trying it on, Zhao Yaqian took a deep breath and said, "I'll take this one. Please wrap it in a gift box for me."

"Sure, miss. You have great taste!"

He Liting opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing.

"Beep—" After paying 1099 yuan, Zhao Yaqian felt a sense of relief and smiled happily, admiring the exquisite black gift bag in her hand.

For some reason, she felt an unbearable discomfort if she didn't do something.

...

Yanjing Huating, a luxury flat.

Tian Jing, carrying a bunch of shopping bags, had just walked in the door.

Her father, Tian Chengye, who was sitting in the living room, called out, "Jingjing, come over here. I need to talk to you."

Tian Jing skipped over playfully, "What's up, Old Tian?"

"The new board of Jinxiu Commerce has been elected. Next Thursday, after the May Day holiday, the first board meeting will be held."

Hearing it was about work, Tian Jing's smile disappeared, "Dad, I've been busy for so long, finally got a holiday, and you, as a shareholder, still arrange work for me. It's so annoying!"

Ignoring his daughter's complaints, Tian Chengye sipped his tea and smiled, "This meeting will comprehensively adjust the company's development strategy, and there will be some personnel changes. As the compensation manager..."

As soon as he finished, Tian Jing stood up quickly and said, "Dad, I've got it. Bye."

She grabbed her shopping bags and darted into her room.

"Bang!" The door slammed shut and locked.

Tian Jing threw the shopping bags onto the bed and pulled out an exquisite watch box. Opening it carefully, she smiled with satisfaction.

A Longines men's watch from the fashion series, combining business and fashion elements, minimalist style, elegant and refined, all stainless steel, and waterproof.

At just over ten thousand yuan, it wasn't too expensive. She initially planned to buy a man's bracelet casually and, under the pretext of helping him put it on, make a small request to read his palm. But nothing satisfied her; his hands were too beautiful for anything inferior.

In the end, she went all out and chose a good one.

Next, she pulled out a white dress from another shopping bag—a new Burberry little dress—very pretty. Hugging the dress, she flopped onto the pale pink round bed, thinking about the boy she was going to see today—and his hands.

After a while, she rolled on the soft bed and stood barefoot on the carpet.

The sound of clothes rustling filled the room. Her glowing white skin brightened the bedroom. She tried the white dress in front of her, twirling several times in front of the floor mirror. It looked great.

Humming, she tiptoed to the bathroom to start her bath, skincare, and makeup routine.