Jiang Cheng smiled, not directly responding to Xiaoxia, but instead said, "Don't care too much about what others think, and there's no need to explain yourself to anyone. It's impossible to please everyone in this world."
Xiaoxia replied, "I know they always secretly mock me for being from the mountains, and I know I'm a bit clumsy, but I really am studying very seriously. Although I learn quite slowly, I..."
Seeing Xiaoxia constantly explaining herself, Jiang Cheng smacked his lips and then interrupted her, "I wonder if you've ever heard this saying."
"In reality, those who are sentimental and easily self-pitying are the most likely to achieve nothing."
"As a person, don't become complacent over a small achievement, but also don't wallow in self-pity and sadness over a little bit of fatigue. And don't spend half your life sitting in the well you dug for yourself. This world is actually very big."
"Let me tell you a cruel truth about human relationships: Since you chose to enter the great vat of society, put away your so-called self-esteem."
"In this society, your relationship with anyone isn't determined by how good they are to you, or how good you are to them, but by your ability, your strength, and how many chips you hold."
"In the real world, everyone worships the strong, and their tolerance for them tends to be relatively high. Conversely, if you are weak, even if you work diligently and conscientiously every day, you will unconsciously be treated harshly. This world doesn't give you respect just because you work hard. If you want respect, first make yourself strong."
Xiaoxia watched Jiang Cheng say these words with a cold expression.
Xiaoxia was speechless for a moment, because she knew that although Jiang Cheng's words were cruel and harsh, they were all true.
She suddenly felt that she was indeed too sentimental, just as Jiang Cheng had said.
She always wanted to use her own hands to earn her share of effort.
Regarding Jiang Cheng's help, she was always afraid of becoming a burden to him, or being looked down upon by him.
But in reality, those things were completely insignificant in Jiang Cheng's eyes.
Yet, for her, they were crucial turning points for advancing in life.
It was Jiang Cheng who gave her the first pot of gold, allowing her to gain a foothold in this prosperous city.
It was Jiang Cheng who allowed her to enjoy the luxury goods that most people only dreamed of.
It was he who showed her a world she had never seen before.
Moreover, only Jiang Cheng would say these words to her, forcing her to see reality clearly.
While Jiang Cheng was giving to her, he was also carefully protecting her worthless self-esteem, yet she had been resisting all along. She was indeed being ungrateful.
Xiaoxia felt that Jiang Cheng was truly a very good person.
Xiaoxia: favorability value +3!
The sudden increase in favorability value greatly surprised Jiang Cheng. Xiaoxia's favorability value had actually reached 91 points!
He hadn't expected his words to be so powerful. In fact, he had spoken with a hint of impatience, as nobody likes being around someone full of negative energy. He had his own little worries every day, didn't he?
For instance, not having enough time, and not knowing whether to visit Yu Xiaoxiao, Wang Yuyan, or Qiao Yinyin.
Or perhaps, what to do when he has too much money? Worries like these... *cough* *cough*... If he had known that the favorability value was so easy to increase, Jiang Cheng wouldn't have bothered taking her around doing all those things yesterday. He could have just woken her up with a dose of realism.
Looking at the favorability value, the corner of Jiang Cheng's mouth curved into a subtle Little Nike checkmark.
He suddenly became somewhat expectant about using the Descendants Devour Card.
This card was rewarded when Yu Xiaoxiao's favorability value towards him exceeded 99 points.
He wondered what the effect would be after using it.
Xiaoxia took a deep breath, looking reborn, and said to Mr. Jiang with a gentle smile playing on her lips, "Mr. Jiang, thank you. Your words were truly enlightening. I understand what I need to do..."
"Don't overthink it. Let's go eat first. What do you want to eat?"
Jiang Cheng was in a pleasant mood right now, as he discovered that the system's mission progress had directly loaded to eighty-eight percent.
He only needed twelve percent more to complete the mission.
Xiaoxia rolled her eyes, and slightly embarrassed, said, "I want to eat Sushi. I've never had it before, but I hear it's delicious."
Jiang Cheng was surprised to see Xiaoxia proactively state her needs and thoughts.
When a person states their needs without fearing inconvenience to others, it signifies the process of rebuilding self-confidence.
"Alright then. I know this area of Chengdu well. I'll take you to a delicious Japanese restaurant."
Looking at Jiang Cheng's handsome profile, Xiaoxia slowly covered her slightly beating heart.
At this moment, she thought of what Jiang Cheng had said to her the first time they met.
The general meaning was to seize opportunities when they arise... opportunities aren't available all the time.
Xiaoxia couldn't help but wonder if Jiang Cheng himself was her opportunity.
She had been hesitant before due to her inferiority complex, always acting shy and awkward around Jiang Cheng.
Although she knew she was still very self-conscious, she now had a different thought: she longed to stand by Jiang Cheng's side and wished for him to show her a wider world.
After Jiang Cheng's guidance just now, Xiaoxia felt that she should firmly grasp this opportunity.
After all, there must be many women who want to seize this kind of opportunity.
She was already much luckier than others; at least she had the chance to get close to Jiang Cheng. If she pushed this opportunity away again, that would truly be sentimental folly.
Soon, the two arrived at a private Japanese Cuisine restaurant.
It was currently the peak lunch hour, and there were many customers dining inside.
Jiang Cheng and Xiaoxia were led by the Waitress to a window seat.
After sitting down, Jiang Cheng asked again.
"Is there anything you want to eat?"
Xiaoxia shook her head: "I don't know, you order."
Jiang Cheng nodded, looked at the menu, and directly ordered the most expensive set meal, priced at 1588.
"We'll take this one."
Seeing Jiang Cheng order such an expensive set meal, Xiaoxia's beautiful Willow-leaf eyes were filled with slight shock.
What shocked her was not Jiang Cheng's financial power, but the price itself.
She hadn't expected a single Japanese meal to cost 1588.
After ordering, the Waitress quickly served the standard accompaniment for Japanese Cuisine: two cups of Barley Tea.
Xiaoxia picked up the Barley Tea on the table, blew on it, and then sighed emotionally, "After coming here, I realized there are truly many rich people in the city. And the rich truly enjoy themselves, living carefree and doing whatever they please."
"With your conditions, it's actually not hard to live well."
Xiaoxia tucked a strand of hair behind her ear: "Only you say I'm pretty."
"You are naturally pretty; you just never explored it."
Praised suddenly by Jiang Cheng, Xiaoxia's face flushed again, and she didn't quite know how to respond.
She really wanted to ask Jiang Cheng what he meant by all this, but the words died on her lips.
The two ate for over an hour, consuming more than a dozen dishes, but still couldn't finish everything.
Seeing Xiaoxia's satisfied expression, Jiang Cheng spoke, "Oh right, among the five houses I bought, I remember one was a Fully Furnished Unit that hasn't been occupied yet. Should we go take a look?"
Xiaoxia nodded: "That's right. The original Owner bought a Fully Furnished Unit in the complex. The furniture and everything are already set up. No one has lived there yet. It just needs a quick clean before moving in."
After paying the bill, the two arrived at the Residential Complex they mentioned.
They entered the 15th floor and opened the front door.
Jiang Cheng walked in and looked around. It was indeed a fully furnished Model House, just as Xiaoxia had described.
Fully furnished, ready for immediate move-in.
The only drawback was that it was a bit small—just over a hundred square meters and only two rooms.
However, the complex's environment and security were very good. Jiang Cheng looked around, nodded in satisfaction, and then said to Xiaoxia, "I noticed the place you live isn't very safe. Why don't you live here? It's not far from your workplace either."
Seeing Jiang Cheng suddenly say this, Xiaoxia immediately stopped her tour.
Her mouth slightly open, she slowly said, "But my place is cheaper. Given my current financial situation, I can't afford to rent yours."
Jiang Cheng smiled: "If you want to live here, you don't need money."
Seeing Xiaoxia didn't answer, Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow and asked again, "You don't want to?"
Xiaoxia shook her head, took a deep breath, and nervously said, "No, I want to."
Seeing Xiaoxia agree, Jiang Cheng curved his lips into a smile.
"That settles it. I'll leave the keys with you. You can move in later. If you need help moving, I'll find a Moving Company for you."
Xiaoxia shook her head: "No need, I only have two Suitcases and nothing else. I can manage it myself..."
After speaking, she shyly lowered her head.
Jiang Cheng didn't press her, nodding, "I'm meeting up with some classmates tonight. You make your own arrangements. I'll come find you here later."
Seeing Jiang Cheng say this so naturally, Xiaoxia nodded, her face flushed crimson.
Although she had never been in a relationship, she understood some things.
She also understood the implication of Jiang Cheng's words: what else could he be coming over for late at night?
However, Xiaoxia was indeed willing. After all, her favorability value towards Jiang Cheng was already 91 points, a number sufficient for the two of them to start a frank and intimate relationship.
Xiaoxia said softly, "Okay, I understand."