Chapter 75: I Am a Rather Simple Person

The night passed without incident.

When the sun was high, Zhang Long woke naturally, stretched with a jolt as if electrified, and got up to wash. Glancing at the time, he decided to skip lunch, just nibbling a little to tide himself over.

He had plans to meet Liang Xue that afternoon—eat, drink, and play at a mall near Century Park, and catch a movie together.

…

“Sweetheart, why are you leaving so soon?”

At the lunch table in a residential apartment, Qin Miaotong pouted, her little face creased with disappointment. “We only see each other once or twice a month. Can’t you spend time with me properly? Are we even best friends anymore?”

“Stay till tomorrow, won’t you?”

“Hmph, wishful thinking.”

Liang Xue rolled her eyes. “Last time I helped you clean your place from top to bottom. This time, I’m not lifting a finger. If you don’t tidy up before I come next time, I just won’t visit. It’s too messy.”

“What mess?” Qin Miaotong retorted stubbornly. “It’s not that dirty or chaotic. You just have obsessive compulsive cleanliness.”

“Yes, I do,” Liang Xue nodded with a smile. “The lazier girls get, the more hopeless they become. You’re not particularly pretty; if you don’t work harder, how will you find a boyfriend? Planning to be a leftover woman?”

“Is that my fault?” Qin Miaotong didn’t get angry—bantering was routine between them. She pursed her lips, “My parents gave me this face, can’t change it.”

“I’m not exactly ugly, but people never seem to remember me. Face-blindness, I suppose.”

“It’s just not fair,” Qin Miaotong pouted in frustration. Liang Xue regarded her friend’s indistinct features and smacked her lips. “Maybe you should get some cosmetic work done. Your face shape and features combined are a bit too neutral, lacking distinctiveness.”

“And your hairstyle needs a change, too.”

“You’ve worked at HSBC all these years and haven’t attracted a single suitor. That’s a failure.”

“Hmph, you’re no better,” Qin Miaotong protested, pouting. “Isn’t it because office romances are forbidden? We’re two of a kind—otherwise, how could we be best friends?”

“Honestly, at our age, we ought to be dating. If we don’t fall in love soon, our youth will slip away.”

“We both need to put in some effort.”

…

Most companies forbid office romances. The honeymoon phase might not affect work, but once conflicts arise, efficiency inevitably suffers.

Whether at Shengxin or HSBC, the policy was the same, but rules often come with loopholes.

Secret affairs—just keep it discreet.

Liang Xue had a gentle and composed temperament; she didn’t compete or pursue aggressively, her demeanor was truly graceful. Even if Shengxin didn’t prohibit office romances, she’d never actively chase after any man. Even if she felt a stir, she’d likely suppress it—a classic passive introvert.

Zhang Long, in Liang Xue’s eyes, was even more introverted. He was quiet and rarely spoke.

But since his breakup, provoked by his ex-girlfriend’s family, he had changed dramatically.

He still didn’t talk much, but when advising clients or guiding trades, he was confident and decisive. The light in his eyes became increasingly captivating, drawing others in.

A man who works with focus is undeniably attractive. Before mid-September, Liang Xue hadn’t thought much of him. But afterward?

As Zhang Long’s performance soared, old clients traded more and added funds—handsome!

Promoted to Trading Manager in October, he led the Blizzard, Pioneer, and Eagle teams to new heights. Liang Xue witnessed all these transformations firsthand, and felt inexplicably moved.

Maybe, somewhere along the way, a curious, budding seed took root in her heart.

She understood her own feelings.

Whether you like someone or not, you can sense it when you quiet your mind. Even if it’s not certain love, you know you’re moved—you think of them, miss them sometimes.

Regarding Zhang Long, Liang Xue was a little confused. Early September, she met Luo Man and added her as a friend.

Luo Man proactively asked about Zhang Long’s experiences and preferences at Shengxin over the past two years. At the time, Liang Xue felt nothing for Zhang Long and answered freely, eager to play matchmaker. Now, she regretted it—a little.

If she hadn’t gotten involved, hadn’t become half-friends with Luo Man, maybe she wouldn’t feel so conflicted. Helping Luo Man pursue Zhang Long, only to find herself falling for him—it felt wrong.

So lately, Liang Xue’s heart was restless and troubled. But unexpectedly—

Her feelings suddenly found a turning point.

…

“Did you break up with your girlfriend?”

That afternoon, in a tea restaurant at a Century Park mall, Liang Xue took a sip of milk tea, teasing, “It’s Saturday. Why aren’t you with your girl, but here with me? Scoundrel…”

“Broke up, or maybe not,” Zhang Long shrugged, nibbling on a pastry and sipping hot milk. “Somewhere between together and apart.”

“Anyway, I haven’t had time lately.”

Liang Xue’s gaze flickered, unimpressed. “So you don’t really like her, do you? You’re not working—you’re at home every day. If you took the initiative, how exhausting could it be? Don’t tell me you’re waiting for the girl to make the move…”

“What are you really thinking?”

That stumped Zhang Long. He scratched his head. “Honestly, I haven’t thought much about it. If it’s right, I’ll date her. If not, I won’t force it.”

“We’ve had some conflicts and misunderstandings. They’re mostly resolved, nothing serious.”

“We’ll patch things up soon.”

Liang Xue nodded, a strange undertone in her voice. “You’re remarkably calm. I’ve met your old classmate when she came to Shengxin for a credit card—she’s quite beautiful. Aren’t you afraid someone else will snatch her away?”

“And you’re seeing a lot of me lately. Aren’t you worried she’ll get jealous? Don’t be so unconcerned.”

“Relax, she won’t,” Zhang Long waved his hand immediately. “It’s not something that can be explained in a few words. Even if she knows I’m having dinner with you, she won’t be jealous.”

“We’re not at that stage yet.”

You only get jealous if you truly like someone—and Zhang Long was sure Luo Man didn’t really care for him.

If Luo Man were out with another man now, whether for a meal or a date, Zhang Long wouldn’t feel jealous.

Whether he might in the future, only time would tell.

…

“What kind of girl do you like?”

Suddenly, Liang Xue blinked and asked, curiosity in her eyes. Zhang Long met her gaze and gave a dry cough, chuckling. “I’m pretty straightforward—I like attractive girls.”

“The kind that makes your heart skip at first glance.”

“Ha, so you’re just shallow—falling for looks…” Liang Xue rolled her eyes, speechless. “Men are all the same—always judging by appearance.”

“Xue, you’re mistaken,” Zhang Long shook his head, rebuffing her. “That’s most men, but I’m different. I look at appearance, but I also look at what’s inside. As they say, beautiful faces are common, but an interesting soul is one in a million.”

“When body and soul unite, that’s the most beautiful.”

“Alright, enough nonsense,” Liang Xue waved her hand, ending the topic. If he’s shallow, so be it.

Even if the soul is interesting, it all starts with whether the face is pleasing—otherwise, who bothers to look deeper?

Men value looks; women value talent or wealth!

Whether Zhang Long had wealth, Liang Xue didn’t know, but he had plenty of talent. With a CFA finance certification, finding a good job wouldn’t be hard. At the very least, Cai Ying’s Hongze kept inviting him, never giving up.

Besides, Zhang Long was tall and handsome. If he were wealthy, he’d be the perfect catch—a rich bachelor, a diamond dragon.

“Come on, it’s starting.”

Suddenly, Liang Xue glanced at the time and called Zhang Long to his feet—the movie was about to begin.

A city romance, an artsy film.

Thus, Zhang Long and Liang Xue’s afternoon slipped quietly by. Nothing unexpected or romantic happened, but their mutual trust deepened once more.

With time and frequent contact, attraction inevitably grows between a man and a woman.

A silent stirring, an unspeakable emotion.

“Let’s go, I’ve got a place to take you.”

The next day, Sunday, after driving school, Zhang Long was about to leave when Lin Yuan grabbed him. “You’re free anyway, come along. Let’s enjoy some excitement.”

“Hey, I guarantee you’ll have a blast.”