Magnate Tycoon: How Did Simply Enjoying Life Make Me a Male God?-Chapter 637 - 433: Goodbye, Zhou Li (2)

He paused and continued, "In Tianhai, you can't buy such authentic hometown flavors at all.

Driving all the way back, the car was filled with the aroma of cured meat. Every time I stopped at a rest area, people would approach and ask if I had just come out of the mountains, saying that the smell was too enticing."

Upon hearing that it was all local specialties, Zhou Li visibly breathed a sigh of relief, a sweet smile emerging on her face, her enticing dimples subtly appearing and disappearing: "Did Auntie make it herself?"

"Indeed she did."

Li Jing nodded with a smile, "During New Year's, you helped my family prepare the New Year's Eve dinner and ran around looking after my sick second uncle; my parents were beyond satisfied with you and talked about it for a long time.

This time, as soon as I got home, my mom put on her reading glasses and was busy in the kitchen for several days. Even the sealing mud at the mouth of the jar was hammered out bit by bit by herself, just to let you have authentic hometown flavors."

Zhou Li couldn't help but cover her mouth with a chuckle, a faint blush appearing on the tips of her ears, her dangling pearl earrings gently swaying along:

"Thank you so much! I never expected Auntie to be so thoughtful. Next time I go back home, I must bring more gifts to visit her."

Li Jing couldn't help but marvel at her words: "You really are as considerate as ever; no wonder my parents like you so much.

Such a virtuous and sensible woman, I don't know which man will have the good fortune to marry you; surely, he will be happy for a lifetime."

As soon as he finished speaking, he realized it was inappropriate but couldn't take it back, and could only look at Zhou Li somewhat awkwardly.

Sure enough, Zhou Li was initially stunned, and her smile gradually diminished, her expression changing slightly.

However, as if not wanting the atmosphere to become awkward, she soon took the initiative to break the stiffness, laughing as she said:

"Actually, I don't plan to get married. In Tianhai and Linshui over the years, I haven't met the right person. I think it's quite good to continue alone like this, without the pressure of raising a family and kids, living freely."

Li Jing felt a slight stir in his heart but also understood he had no right to dictate her life's decisions, so he gently nodded and then changed the topic:

"By the way, why don't we go to the mall in the afternoon? I have a membership card with quite a bit of money stored; I can buy you a few pieces of clothing as thanks for all the help you gave my family during the New Year."

Zhou Li shook her head decisively, her black ponytail swaying along: "No need for clothes; I know you are wealthy and generous, but I can't get used to those luxury brands.

On the contrary, the clothes I have now, even though they are ordinary, are comfortable and relaxing."

She looked down at her somewhat outdated clothes and continued,

"I don't have high material demands; as long as things are comfortable and practical, that's enough.

I prefer to devote most of my energy to work, just like when I was in school, not very talkative and just focused on studying hard."

Yet Li Jing still couldn't help but say: "If you ever encounter financial difficulties or need money urgently, feel free to come to me; don't be afraid to trouble me. I can't boast much, but money is the last thing I lack."

Zhou Li shook her head with a clear and firm gaze, smiling: "My salary is not low, and I don't have major expenses usually. Plus, my work unit has provided a dormitory, not to mention the pressure of buying a house—it's just that I don't plan to start a family anytime soon. This money is enough for me."

At this point, sensing Li Jing's insistence, worried her refusal might leave him resentful, she added, "But rest assured, if something comes up, I'll definitely reach out to you, just don't dislike the trouble when the time comes."

Upon hearing this, Li Jing nodded, looking at Zhou Li's familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar smile, he couldn't help but feel moved. The once shy and introverted girl had truly matured and become much more steady, having carved out her own place in this city.

Only after the clock firmly pointed past 12 did Zhou Li finish her work.

She and Li Jing walked out of the government office building side by side, heading towards a nearby small restaurant.

Zhou Li smiled: "The food here is very authentic; we often come here when working overtime. Hopefully, you don't mind its simplicity."

Li Jing raised his eyes, surveying the restaurant's plain exterior, its faded curtain hanging loosely at the door. Inside, the place was bustling with chatter and steam, carried along with the aroma of stir-fried food.

Watching the spatulas flipping and the stove fire flickering in the kitchen, he suddenly felt a bit lost.

It had been too long, so long that he almost forgot the unique bustling charm of small shops, the homely flavors hidden beneath the crystal chandeliers of upscale restaurants. At this moment, they gradually revived in his memory.

Until Zhou Li gently tugged his sleeve and softly said: "Let's go inside."

Only then did Li Jing come back to his senses, following her through the crowded hall.

Zhou Li had clearly reserved a seat in advance, and they walked familiarly to the window-side seats.

Watching her naturally greet the owner and jovially chat about today's seasonal dishes, Li Jing was convinced she spoke the truth.

This was a typical couple-run eatery, the owner creating sparks in the kitchen while the owner's wife moved among the tables, her apron pocket always holding a stack of note paper.

"Section Chief Zhou is here!" The owner's wife, sharp-eyed, smiled brightly as she approached.

Her gaze lingered on Li Jing for a few seconds, joking as she assessed, "Is this Section Chief Zhou's friend? What a handsome guy! You both complement each other perfectly!"

Zhou Li's cheeks flushed slightly red, playfully rebuking: "Sister Wang, stop teasing me! We are just old classmates, no need for wild guesses."

The owner's wife winked and, while taking the menu, didn't forget to jest: "Alright, alright, just friends then. So, the usual today? Or want to try the freshly stewed ribs?"

After a brief discussion between Zhou Li and Li Jing, the owner's wife cheerfully turned towards the kitchen, calling out the dish names as she left.

Li Jing watched as Zhou Li gracefully chatted and joked with the owner's wife, and couldn't help but recall her former reserved and shy nature, genuinely admiring:

"In such a short time, you've indeed changed a lot."

Zhou Li curved her lips in a smile, her eyes showing relief: "One must always move forward, can't forever stay in the same place."

She tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes: "Do you think the current me is better than before?"

Li Jing nodded without hesitation: "Of course, the current you is better. Bold, confident, able to handle things on your own. With your skills, you'll definitely go far in your career."

Zhou Li gently shook her head, her smile tender: "I don't care much for those empty titles; just being able to live well here in Tianhai is enough."

Just then, the owner's wife swiftly brought over the steaming dishes, specially adding a carafe of freshly squeezed juice to the table, smiling warmly:

"These are for you! It's the first time Section Chief Zhou has brought a friend here; it must be celebrated!"

She winked at Li Jing, teasing: "Section Chief Zhou is beautiful and capable; young man, you must cherish her well!"

Zhou Li's cheeks suddenly reddened, waving her hands quickly: "Owner's wife, stop saying things like that!"

The owner's wife laughed even more joyfully: "I've eaten more salt than you've eaten rice—trust my insights!"

She then waved to them: "I won't disrupt you young folks' conversation!"

Watching the owner's wife walk away, Zhou Li sighed helplessly: "She's very kind, just loves to tease. Every time it makes me quite embarrassed."

Li Jing smiled consolingly: "It shows you have good rapport; kind-hearted people always attract each other."

Zhou Li suddenly asked seriously: "What's your plan afterwards? Staying in Tianhai or going elsewhere?"

Li Jing was silent for a moment before candidly saying: "I plan to go abroad for a while."

Zhou Li froze momentarily, her eyes full of surprise: "Abroad? Is it for work?"

"Just want to go out, see the world."

Li Jing looked out the window with longing in his voice, "The world is so big, can't just stay in one place forever. But rest assured, it's just for travel; when I return, we'll still be able to meet."