Pursuing Her Best Friend after Confession Failed-Chapter 91 - 82 "Datang Hao" Sets Sail, "White Jade Capital" Studio (Please Subscribe)
Is Xia Zhijin foolish? That was hardly a question.
It’s often said that the children of the poor mature quickly. Perhaps due to her circumstances, Xia Zhijin wasn’t good at communication and was somewhat insecure, shy, and introverted, but her intelligence was undeniable.
During their conversations in the dorm, Shen Xiyu had learned that Xia Zhijin was at a natural disadvantage when it came to English because of her family and living environment. She had done poorly on the college entrance exam, scoring just under 120. Yet, even with that, her overall score was on par with the rest of them.
There was no question about her IQ, and her EQ was also quite good. Among her roommates, Shen Xiyu felt that Xia Zhijin had the highest EQ. She was attentive to everyone’s feelings and had never gotten into even the slightest argument with anyone. Of course, this could also be interpreted as Xia Zhijin being somewhat meek, insecure, and timid, never daring to argue with anyone...
Ge Chenchen pursed her lips, speechless for a moment, then spoke impatiently, "Just let her be. I can’t stand people who prioritize romance over friendship anyway. There are six of us in the dorm, and on the rare occasion we all go shopping together, she’s the only one missing. If she wants to be with her boyfriend, she can do that any time."
Shen Xiyu recalled the previous night when Xia Zhijin had been sitting in front of the computer, seemingly working on something until very, very late. She suspected that perhaps something important really was going on between her and Li Yuan.
Furthermore, Li Yuan’s attire was quite strange today. For the past half a month, he had consistently worn simple sportswear and sneakers, projecting an athletic vibe. He rarely wore formal clothing like a suit and a white shirt.
Could it be?
Shen Xiyu asked, "Do you guys know what Li Yuan’s family does?"
Ge Chenchen waved her hand dismissively. "How would I know something so private? If I had to guess, they’re either in business or politics. He’s probably a second-generation rich kid."
Li Lanrong, being more observant, had also noticed Li Yuan’s unusual attire. She also recalled Xia Zhijin’s hesitant expression in the dorm last night as she worked on a spreadsheet late into the night. This situation didn’t seem like a date.
Who gets dressed up in formal wear for a date?
"I also find it strange," Li Lanrong added. "Maybe Li Yuan and Zhijin really do have something important to do today."
Shen Xiyu giggled. "I knew it. Zhijin isn’t the kind of girl who would prioritize a guy over her friends."
The thought of the sweet affection between Li Yuan and Xia Zhijin irritated Ge Chenchen. She had never been in a relationship herself and held a beautiful yearning for a campus romance. And her university classmate, Li Yuan, perfectly matched her aesthetic and her standards for a partner.
Yet here she was, a native Modu girl, losing to an ordinary girl from the mountains of Shancheng. What irritated her even more was that, from start to finish, Xia Zhijin probably didn’t even know her "rival in love" existed. Whenever Li Yuan visited the girls’ dorm, he never gave her a proper look. All of his attention was focused on Xia Zhijin, making her feel like a background character.
...
Li Yuan waited quietly. Soon, a girl who immediately caught his eye walked over with her head lowered.
Today, Xia Zhijin was wearing the clothes Li Yuan had bought for her at the mall before their military training. She had on tight jeans, white flats, and a casual, coffee-colored jacket over a white shirt. She carried a stylish handbag, and her hair wasn’t tied up in its usual high ponytail but was instead draped over her shoulders. Combined with her pure, flawless beauty, the sight left Li Yuan utterly entranced.
As she walked, she turned heads everywhere she went, which was precisely why she kept her own gaze lowered. Otherwise, she would have undoubtedly sparked a frenzy among the creeps.
Xia Zhijin shyly approached Li Yuan. Her lips parted slightly, and she asked with a bashful apprehension, "Li Yuan, where are we going?"
Li Yuan stared blankly at Xia Zhijin, his heart inexplicably quickening as his gaze remained fixed on her.
"Zhijin, you look exceptionally beautiful today."
"Thank you!"
Xia Zhijin glanced up at Li Yuan, her cheeks still flushed. She was fine when they chatted online, but whenever they met in person, she became extremely shy.
"Get in the car. We’re going to the Longyu Building. I’ve already scheduled the applicants; we’re holding the interviews there today."
"Okay, sure."
Li Yuan, playing the gentleman, opened the passenger door. It was a shame the car wasn’t his; there was nothing to boast about.
Seated in the passenger seat, Xia Zhijin sat ramrod straight, looking extremely tense.
Seeing her like this, Li Yuan assumed she was nervous about the upcoming interviews and said cheerfully, "Zhijin, don’t be nervous. During the interviews, you just need to listen and take some notes. I’ll handle everything."
Xia Zhijin hummed a soft "mhm" in reply, but what she really wanted to say was that she wasn’t nervous because of the interviews, but because of...
Her gaze fell to Li Yuan’s hand on the center console. It was resting right up against her thigh, brushing against it from time to time.
"L-Li Yuan," she stammered, "could you... please not touch my leg...?"
With a perfectly composed expression, Li Yuan withdrew his mischievous hand, muttering, "This hand... it doesn’t listen to me. It’s got a mind of its own."
Xia Zhijin’s pretty face flushed crimson.
...
Less than ten minutes later, they arrived at the Longyu Building. After parking the car, Li Yuan first led Xia Zhijin to his company office.
Three days ago, the installation of the company’s office equipment, wiring, and other facilities had been completed.
Now, everything was ready; they were only missing the employees.
Once today’s interviews were over and they had selected suitable employees, the company could officially begin operations. The great ship Datang was about to set sail.
