Tiankuo Garden Residential Complex.

The slightly old security door opened with a creak. He Liting, carrying her handbag and shopping bags, walked in. After putting her things away, she pushed open the door of the guest bedroom just a crack. Seeing the light on, she knew her cousin was still awake.

"Qianqian," she called softly, pushing the door open and walking in. In the less-than-ten-square-meter room, Zhao Yaqian was wearing the new dress she had just bought, lying on the desk and staring at the Citizen watch in a daze. Seeing He Liting enter, she quickly sat up and hid the watch in her makeup bag.

He Liting's heart sank, and she bit her lip hard. People really shouldn't be compared.

The girl who went on a date with Tang Song tonight wore a Burberry dress worth over thirty thousand yuan and was casually gifted a watch worth tens of thousands. Meanwhile, Qianqian could only afford a discounted dress costing one or two hundred yuan and hesitated for a long time over a thousand-yuan watch.

Seeing her cousin remain silent, Zhao Yaqian looked aggrieved and said, "Did you bring me anything tasty? I made egg soup for dinner, but I'm still hungry."

"I bought you some snacks. They're on the coffee table, go ahead and eat," He Liting said, sighing.

Zhao Yaqian's eyes lit up instantly. She dashed to the living room in her slippers, and soon, delighted exclamations followed, "Oh my gosh! AD calcium milk, red date walnut snacks, dried mango, preserved fruits, tofu snacks..."

Taking a deep breath, He Liting walked out of the bedroom, saying, "They're all yours. Eat as much as you want."

Zhao Yaqian cheered, munching on the snacks, and rushed back to give He Liting a tight hug. She kissed her several times on the cheek, leaving a mixture of saliva and food crumbs.

"Sis, I love you! When I make lots of money in the future, I'll treat you to a five-star hotel dinner!"

He Liting wiped her face, laughing, "You've said that dozens of times already."

Zhao Yaqian, with a thick skin around the family, replied, "That shows I'm sincere!"

"Don't drink the AD calcium milk cold. Heat it up first."

"Got it, got it!" Zhao Yaqian warmed the milk with hot water, then suddenly remembered something, "Ting Ting, I have good news to share."

"What good news?"

"Do you remember Sister Li, who used to mentor me?"

"Yes, the one who left with a bucket of money, asking you to understand her."

Zhao Yaqian, chewing on tofu snacks, said excitedly, "She joined a professional beauty salon that only serves female clients. They happen to be short-staffed, especially busy during the May Day holiday. The manager agreed to let me try for two weeks, and if I perform well, I might get a permanent position."

He Liting was momentarily stunned, then vigorously rubbed Zhao Yaqian's head, encouraging her, "That's a great opportunity. Go for it!"

"Yes, and they use high-end skincare products there. The pay and benefits are good, with meal and phone allowances. After three months, they'll start paying social security. If I can get a permanent position, I'll have local medical insurance and earn much more than at Yizi Beauty."

"See? I told you you'd find a better job."

Sitting on the sofa, Zhao Yaqian munched on snacks and shared her future dreams. Her goals were simple and short-term: repay her debts, buy lots of beautiful clothes and makeup, treat friends to meals, and give gifts.

When talking about Tang Song, her voice involuntarily lowered, "Since last night, Brother Song hasn't contacted me. He didn't chat about skincare this morning, nor did he send me selfies. Ting Ting, do you think we can't be as close as before?"

She had been holding this in for a long time, wanting to repair her relationship with Tang Song but not knowing how. This was also why she insisted on buying the watch.

He Liting bit her lip, her voice dry, "Qianqian... I think Tang Song is a great guy. Maybe you should consider him as a boyfriend. Why not chat with him more on WeChat and see how he feels about you now?"

Zhao Yaqian looked puzzled, not understanding her cousin's sudden change in stance. She had always advised against getting close to Tang Song, citing better future prospects.

The living room fell into silence. He Liting handed her the warmed AD calcium milk, took a sip, and then offered it to Zhao Yaqian. In a low voice, she said, "Since you care so much about him and don't want to lose him as a friend, focus on restoring your relationship first. I was too one-sided before, having never interacted with him. Get to know him better before deciding."

She didn't dare show the photos from Tang Song's date. Seeing the rich beauty would crush Qianqian's confidence, especially since she had already rejected him. Gathering the courage to reach out would be even harder.

Zhao Yaqian took a sip of the milk and instinctively asked, "What should I do?"

"If he doesn't contact you, you should message him. Do you have something to share with him?"

"My new dress is pretty. I want him to see it."

"Then send a photo! It's a good way to ease the tension."

"Oh, okay!" Zhao Yaqian nodded, put down her snacks, and ran to her room. After a quick touch-up and fixing her hair, she returned with her phone, "Ting Ting, help me take the photo."

He Liting adjusted the angle and exposure, taking a beautiful full-body shot. Zhao Yaqian's figure and looks were comparable to the rich beauty, just in a different style. Many guys might prefer Qianqian's long legs.

Thinking further, He Liting said, "Sit on the sofa. Let me take another shot."

"Okay."

"Relax, don't cover your legs with your hands. Lift the dress a bit."

Blushing, Zhao Yaqian protested, "Hey, hey! I'm just sharing my outfit! And I'm not wearing tights. Lifting it more would be revealing!"

"Just move your hands, lift the dress a bit, and stretch your legs. I'll adjust the angle... there, done. Look at the result."

"Oh my! Ting Ting, this is too suggestive! My butt's almost showing! Why don't you show yours instead?"

"If you send my leg photos to Tang Song, I wouldn't mind."

"Shameless!"

...

Watching the Porsche Cayenne drive away, Tang Song walked back to his car. Just as he was about to start it, his phone vibrated several times.

【Zhao Yaqian: "(#smiley) I just bought a new dress today. Want to see if it looks good."】

【Zhao Yaqian: Standing full-body.jpg】

【Zhao Yaqian: Sofa leg-exposed.jpg】 Read complete version only at novel·fire.net

"Hiss~" Tang Song took a sharp breath, "Beautician friend, what are you up to!"

The first picture was fine, but the second was over the top. Who taught you to pose like this!

Tang Song double-tapped to zoom in. Her smooth, full thighs showed clear muscle lines, with long, slender calves, perfectly proportioned. It was the first time he had such a comprehensive view of Zhao Yaqian.

Taking a deep breath, he quickly replied, "The front looks great and suits you well. Can I see the back?"

After a moment, the phone vibrated again.

【Zhao Yaqian: Lying on bed.jpg】

Tang Song felt a surge of excitement. Was this a new pose unlocked by mutual attraction?