CHAPTER 183: CHAPTER 183 A DIFFERENT KIND OF CLIENT

Their meal clearly showed a difference in status.

Zhang Ling expressed her respect towards Li Jing in every way, whether handing food, pouring tea, or even chatting, she took a humble stance, yet was able to naturally follow Li Jing’s lead in topics.

It must be said, Zhang Ling’s work capability is indeed outstanding.

Although her education was just an ordinary college degree, she seemed to have a talent in interpersonal relations, extremely good at reading people and conversing.

Li Jing even felt that if it weren’t for Zhang Ling’s lower background, perhaps her career achievements would be even higher by now.

"I didn’t expect President Li to be acting in movies recently, it’s really enviable."

Hearing Li Jing mention a few things about the production crew, Zhang Ling sighed, "When we were children, we all dreamed of becoming big stars, standing under the spotlight. But when we grew up, we found those dreams were too far from us, and just surviving well in this society is already hard enough."

Li Jing glanced at her, took a sip of tea, "Actually, living isn’t hard; it’s living well that’s hard. Have you ever thought about what your ultimate goal is for working so hard? Settling in Tianhai? Or achieving financial freedom?"

"Goal?"

Hearing this, Zhang Ling’s eyes slightly lost focus, a few traces of bewilderment appeared on her face, then she smiled wryly, "I don’t know either, I just know I came from a small town to fight in Tianhai to make a name for myself, to avoid being looked down upon by those at home, and not wanting to return home because I couldn’t make it here.

As for what goal I really want to achieve in Tianhai, I don’t seem to know either, just that I should work hard, strive upwards..."

Seeing the slightly lost look in her eyes, Li Jing knew she was speaking from the heart.

Actually, many who come to Tianhai to fight are just like her, most don’t know what they specifically want.

They just know Tianhai is a big city, with many opportunities, more money, so they come.

As for how far they want to go once they arrive, they haven’t thought about it.

They just keep working hard, constantly involved in the rat race, desperately climbing up, until they can’t climb anymore.

When they are old and look back, they find they spent their whole lives hurrying down a path, without even a moment to stop and enjoy the scenery around them.

This might be the life of most working people.

Li Jing believed that if he didn’t have the system, he would likely be the same.

As for enjoying life?

Ordinary people have it hard enough just living; where is there room for enjoyment?

Thinking this, looking at Zhang Ling at the table, Li Jing inexplicably recalled how he once cautiously dined with clients, equally respectful and careful.

Unexpectedly, in just a few months, he is sitting opposite where he once was.

Looking at Zhang Ling’s face, Li Jing raised the teacup in his hand and smiled, "We won’t drink alcohol today; I will use tea in place of wine to toast you."

"Toast me?"

Zhang Ling’s beautiful eyes slightly widened, looking at Li Jing with some confusion, but her hands still subconsciously raised her teacup, not daring to let Li Jing raise his cup alone.

"Yes, a toast to you."

Li Jing smiled faintly, "Here’s to hard work and conscientious effort."

After the words, he added in his heart, a toast to his former self.

Although he enjoys his current life, he also understands that this prosperous society is built by countless diligent workers like Zhang Ling.

And he is merely using money to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

So he wants to toast everyone like Zhang Ling.

Hearing Li Jing’s words, Zhang Ling was first taken aback, then moved subtly, took a deep breath, and earnestly raised her teacup with both hands, gratefully, "Thank you, Brother Li, here’s to everyone living earnestly."

Li Jing just took a sip of tea, while Zhang Ling lifted her head and drank the hot tea in one go, as if venting all the pent-up frustration from battling in Tianhai these years.

Seeing Zhang Ling seem to relax a little, Li Jing smiled, "Hurry up and eat, there’s so much food, it’ll soon get cold."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ling also smiled, the original tense mood inexplicably relaxed a bit, and she began to enjoy this unusual dinner with Li Jing.

...

Their conversation in the restaurant didn’t last long, just an hour before they finished their dinner.

At checkout, Li Jing originally wanted to pay, but Zhang Ling firmly took the lead and settled the bill.

Their meal cost nearly two thousand yuan, without any drinks.

This meal wasn’t cheap for Zhang Ling.

But when she paid, she didn’t even blink because, in her heart, Li Jing was well worth the meal.

Before coming, she just thought Li Jing was wealthy.

But after talking for an hour at the table, Zhang Ling increasingly felt Li Jing was extraordinary.

Not to mention the Patek Philippe on his wrist and luxury clothing, the occasional mention of private banking events and film crew investments during the conversation, all made her truly realize Li Jing’s strong financial power.

For such a person, Zhang Ling knew maintaining a good relationship with him would only benefit her.

Moreover, Li Jing’s displayed charm and aura were particularly attractive to someone her age.

There were times when she fantasized in her mind about being with Li Jing, but once these thoughts appeared, her rationality would swiftly erase them.

She deeply understood there could never be any outcome between her and him.

If she were foolish enough not to understand this, she wouldn’t end up with him, and could even strain their relationship.

On the contrary, maintaining this current relationship, even if she suffered a little, might lead him to lend her a hand if she ever hit a low point in the future.

Although Zhang Ling knew most wealthy people are selfish and indifferent, she felt Li Jing was different.

Among the wealthy individuals she’s met, Li Jing is the only one worth her effort and who would reciprocate.

Regarding such individuals, she understood that she shouldn’t have any expectations; she just needed to serve him well, and he would have his own balance in mind.

Outside the restaurant was a bustling commercial street.

There were malls, pedestrian streets, hotels, and office buildings.

Li Jing turned and looked at Zhang Ling, who followed him out, and asked, "After the meal, do you have any other plans?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ling’s expression changed, followed by a brief internal conflict, then her cheeks flushed slightly as she softly spoke, "Brother Li, it’s getting late, I booked a king-size room at the hotel in front. If you’re tired, you can go there to rest..."

After the words, Li Jing raised an eyebrow and looked at her somewhat unnatural expression, before asking, "Is this your regular way of treating clients?"

"Of course not!"

Seeing his misunderstanding, Zhang Ling quickly raised her head to explain, "I only do this for you, I’ve never done this for other clients."

Seeing her sincere and serious gaze, Li Jing observed for a while, then chuckled, "Alright, let’s go then."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ling secretly let out a sigh of relief, then subconsciously clenched her fingers, feeling somewhat nervous about what might come next.

Afterwards, they arrived at the hotel room.

Before Li Jing could speak, Zhang Ling had already helped him remove his coat, saying softly, "Brother Li, let me help you take a bath first..."