"He likes someone, but he’s constantly changing girlfriends. Anyone would find that disgusting," Tan You said lightly. "Let’s not talk about him anymore. It’s boring to have the conversation revolve around a man."

"Anyway, the New Year is just a few days away. Teacher Xu, are you spending it here or going back home? If you’re going back, you should book your tickets in advance. The New Year travel rush is no joke."

Xu Liang’s attention was immediately diverted. "My parents passed away in an accident years ago, so I’ve been alone every New Year. Or is it that you’re sick of seeing me around and want to kick me out, Ali?" 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Tan You shot him a helpless glare. "Don’t twist my words. Of course you can stay here. You can stay as long as you want."

"Besides, I’m planning to do something special for New Year’s Eve dinner, and I probably can’t pull it off without you."

In her dealings with Xu Liang, Tan You had long since figured out a strategy: don’t follow his lead, because he’ll easily pull you into his own conversational world.

As expected, Xu Liang’s interest was piqued. "Tell me, what are you planning to do?"

Tan You immediately thought of a poetic New Year’s Eve dinner video she had once seen, and a smile touched her eyes. "I’ll make a list for you later. There will be ten dishes in total, to symbolize perfection..."

Xu Liang was getting excited. "Great! Anything you make is sure to be amazing."

Tan You promptly threw some cold water on his excitement. "I already said it’s something special. It might just look pretty. As for the taste, I can’t make any guarantees. I only dared to try this because I learned a few basics from Wang Jue these past few days."

Now Xu Liang was really curious. "Tell me, what are they?"

Tan You counted on her fingers. "Sound of Firecrackers, Bamboo Heralds Peace, Blossoms of Wealth, Ruyi Tofu Skin Rolls, A Stroke of Good Fortune, Blooming Flowers Under a Full Moon, Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity, and Joy, A Hall Full of Blessings, Great Fortune and Prosperity, and Brimming with Joy."

Xu Liang mulled over the names for a moment. "The only one I recognize is ’Great Fortune and Prosperity.’ I have no idea what the others are. Oh well, I’ll just wait for you to serve them. By the way... will they really not taste good?"

Tan You smiled. "You’ll find out when the dishes are ready. Like I said, it’s purely for show."

Xu Liang had rarely heard Tan You use a word like "show," which made him even more curious. It felt like an itch he couldn’t scratch. But he also knew her personality; if she said he’d find out on New Year’s Eve, then that’s when he’d find out. There was nothing he could do about it, no matter how antsy he was.

"Wang Jue is pretty efficient. I’ll do some more editing on the footage tonight and send it to you tomorrow." Xu Liang glanced at the several classical beauty dough figurines on the nearby shelf, his admiration genuine. "I wonder if she’s made it home yet."

Tan You said, "She should be there soon. If you’re worried, why don’t you contact her?"

"I am a little worried," Xu Liang sighed. "She seems like the type who gets easily tricked. I’d better give her a call."

Xu Liang didn’t bother being discreet, calling Wang Jue right in front of Tan You.

Wang Jue had just stepped out of the train station. "Teacher Xu? Do you need something?"

Xu Liang cleared his throat. "I figured you’d probably arrived, so I called to check."

Wang Jue laughed. "Thank you for thinking of me, Teacher Xu. My dad’s here to pick me up. Once you’re done editing the video, should you send me a copy, or should I wait for Ali to upload it and then share it?"

Xu Liang pretended to be displeased. "Since it’s your video, you should be the focus. I’m almost done with Ali’s version. The main one left is yours, so I’ll send it to you when I’m finished."

Wang Jue’s expression brightened. "Then I really lucked out this time. Not only do I get to collab with Ali, but I also have Teacher Xu editing my video."

"You sure did, right? My request isn’t much. How about you make a dough figurine for me, too?" Xu Liang said with a grin. "I’m so envious of the ones Ali has. They’re gorgeous."

Wang Jue didn’t hesitate. "Deal. I’ll make one for you later. I’ll be sure to capture your artistic vibe, Teacher Xu."

The two exchanged a few more words before hanging up. Tan You glanced at Xu Liang. "You edited two versions? Aren’t you tired?"

"It’s not so bad. Wang Jue’s video is actually very easy to edit. She’s just sitting there making dough figurines, so it’s basically a static process. Unlike you. Editing your videos is a real headache."

"Have you ever seen a static dancer? So every time, I struggle with how to edit your videos to make them even more beautiful. After all, this face of yours..." Xu Liang said, giving Tan You a critical look. "It’s just too beautiful. Personally, I think you could totally slay in the entertainment industry."

Tan You’s expression was perfectly calm. "Maybe so, but unfortunately, I have absolutely no interest in that world."

Xu Liang leaned closer to Tan You. "By the way, has anyone else tried to scout you for the industry? Any invitations to join a guild?"

"There have definitely been offers," Tan You shrugged. "I’m just not interested in any of it. The entertainment industry isn’t an easy place to be. Streamer circles are even worse—it’s a total bloodbath."

Xu Liang said, "Staying out of it is a wise choice."

"I have a friend who’s a well-known photographer in the industry. And yeah, it really is... a mess."

He hesitated for a moment. "If someone like you were to enter the industry, you’d be targeted easily. The money people... they have plenty of ways to get a hold on you."

"That’s why you work to become the capital, so no one can get a hold on you," Tan You said nonchalantly, recalling the time she was plotted against in her life as Chi Mo.

Xu Liang clinked his glass with Tan You’s. "That’s what I like about you. That drive. It’s captivating. You’re already a top streamer. What else do you want to do? Go into traditional business? Tinker with that milk tea shop of yours?"

"We’ll see. I used to want to go into traditional business; I thought relying on the tea factory would be a good idea." Tan You pursed her lips. "But now I’ve discovered that I prefer investing in others. I’d like to think I have a good eye for talent."

"As for traditional business, I think I’ll put that on hold for now, because I’m really not good at it." At this, Tan You felt a pang of disappointment. ’Why didn’t I think to learn more from all those business tycoons back then?’

’Speaking of which, once Ji Li comes back, maybe I can go and learn from those tycoons? In any case, Ji Li’s life is already great now, so when is she going to wake up anyway?’

Thinking of Ji Li, Tan You fell silent for a moment. ’Ji Li wanted to change her destiny. Have my actions changed it for her? I suppose they have. Ji Li now has a career, beauty, and wealth.’

’As for her entanglement with Wen Zhe, she could never bring herself to be ruthless, could she? It’s fine. I’ll give her a hand. Ji Li doesn’t have to thank me.’ Tan You pursed her lips, feeling completely at ease with her decision.

’And what Ji Li does after she wakes up is her own business. To put it bluntly, once Ji Li is awake, I won’t interfere with any of her decisions. After all, we’ll be two completely separate individuals by then.’