Just as Qiu Mang was about to say something more, Ji Lun strode over and said earnestly, "Old Lu, don't bring up the matter of giving it to me. I know you're not having an easy time either. We're all just working nine-to-five jobs. Just tell me how much this watch costs, and I'll transfer it to you right away! I absolutely cannot take advantage of you!"
Lu Yanting looked troubled and declined several times, but Ji Lun remained adamant and insisted on transferring the money to him.
After a moment's thought, Lu Yanting hesitated slightly before slowly saying, "Thirty...thirty thousand."
When Ji Lun heard the number "thirty thousand", a look of surprise flashed across his face at first, but then he gritted his teeth and turned it over to him.
Lu Yanting casually offered a price that he considered to be as low as it could possibly be, but to his surprise, Ji Lun still looked somewhat troubled.
Qiu Mang's gaze fell on Ji Lun, her eyes filled with worry. She gently advised, "Senior, actually, this watch isn't a necessity. If you're short on money, you don't have to buy it."
Ji Lun waved his hand dismissively, a hint of stubbornness and disdain on his face: "For this quality alone, the price is really not much. It's rare to come across a watch that can be mistaken for the real thing, I'm definitely going to take it."
After saying that, Ji Lun's expression immediately fell. He lowered his voice, as if he were talking to himself, "With this, I won't be afraid of being ridiculed when I go out to discuss business..."
His voice was very soft, but Qiu Mang and Lu Yanting could hear it clearly.
After finishing their meal, since it was still early, Qiu Li enthusiastically suggested going out for a stroll, and everyone went out together.
The group arrived at the cloud. As soon as they entered, Ji Lun, as if he had discovered a new continent, excitedly dragged Lu Yanting to a huge screen and pointed excitedly at the advertisements on it.
"Old Lu, look at this, isn't it exactly the same as mine? You're amazing!"
Lu Yanting sighed and glanced at him. Ji Lun then realized what was happening and immediately let go of his arm, laughing awkwardly, "Sorry, Lao Lu, I got too excited and forgot you don't like physical contact with others."
Qiu Mang pointed to another shop and said with a smile, "Look! I'll be working there from now on!"
Ji Lun looked in the direction she was pointing, his eyes filled with delight, and exclaimed, "Wow, Aman, this store looks high-end and classy. I've heard that these kinds of luxury stores either don't open at all, or if they do, they can live comfortably for three years!"
Qiu Mang glanced at him, a smile playing on her lips: "It's not as exaggerated as you make it out to be."
“Don’t you believe me!” Ji Lun said seriously. “These kinds of shops cater specifically to rich people. A tiny bit of money that rich people casually let slip through their fingers is enough for us ordinary people to eat and drink for several years.”
"Senior, since you're so knowledgeable about this field, why don't you come work here? If you did, we could look out for each other," Qiu Mang teased, raising an eyebrow.
Ji Lun's face fell instantly, and he waved his hand with a wry smile: "I'm not picky, but you know, in this kind of place, it's not just about looks, it's also about youth. I'm afraid that one day when I'm old and past my prime, I'll be kicked out, and then it will be hard to find another job."
Upon hearing this, Qiu Mang retorted somewhat indignantly, "What? Do you think I won't get old and lose my looks?"
Ji Lun waved his hands repeatedly, hurriedly explaining, "It's different..."
After saying that, he sighed heavily, his face full of disappointment: "This society has different requirements for men and women. If you girls want to get married, you can always choose someone who has a house and a car and is financially well-off."
But it's different for men, especially those from poor families like mine. We have to work hard to buy a car and a house. If I can't afford that, I probably won't be able to start a family in this lifetime.
"Right? Old Lu?"
As Ji Lun spoke, he looked at Lu Yanting. In his mind, they were all men, and Lu Yanting should be the one who understood his feelings at this moment the most.
Lu Yanting stiffened slightly. He had been surrounded by girls since childhood and had no idea about the hardships of life. However, after listening to Ji Lun's heartfelt words, he nodded thoughtfully.
Qiu Mang was full of doubt and couldn't help but frown: "Didn't you say you had a girl you liked?"
Ji Lun gave a wry smile, a hint of helplessness in his eyes: "Yes, I really like her. I went through a lot of trouble to pursue her. Some time ago, she finally relented. She said that she wants to take the civil service exam. As long as I am willing to provide her with some material support so that she can focus on preparing for the exam, she is willing to be with me once she passes the exam."
Qiu Mang's eyes widened in astonishment: "You two aren't together yet? Didn't you say you'd been pursuing me for four years?"
Ji Lun shrugged, comforting himself, "Girls are all the same, it's normal for them to be reserved. Besides, she's so beautiful, if I didn't have some real skills and strength, why would she be with me?"
This kind of dating was far beyond Lu Yanting's comprehension. He had been favored by girls since childhood and was never short of suitors, so he couldn't understand Ji Lun's idea. He simply teased Qiu Li from the side.
Qiu Mang took a deep breath to calm herself down, and then asked, "So, where is she now? Do you two usually go shopping or see a movie together?"
Ji Lun's face flushed red instantly, and he scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly: "She's back in her hometown, and we haven't gone on a date alone yet. She said she's still evaluating me, which is why she gave me this opportunity. I just transferred six thousand yuan to her last month, and she even praised me for doing well."
Qiu Mang was speechless. Anyone with eyes could see that the girl was manipulating him, but Qiu Mang also believed that even if he said it, Ji Lun would not give up. After all, this love-struck brain was completely welded to his head.
Qiu Mang looked at Qiu Li and Lu Yanting not far away. The little girl seemed to be attracted by something and suddenly ran towards the exit.
Lu Yanting took a long stride and chased after him, and Qiu Mang panicked and followed closely behind.
A moment later, Xiao Qiuli stopped in front of a huge shop window, which was filled with all kinds of exquisite necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry.
"Wow, this necklace is so pretty! Sister, can you buy it for me?" The little girl loved beauty, and her eyes lit up when she saw these pretty things.
Qiu Mang leaned closer to the glass display window, and after seeing the prices marked inside, she sighed helplessly. Then she squatted down in front of Qiu Li and said gently, "This is a little pricey, okay? Let me find you something similar online, alright?"
Qiu Li didn't take it seriously and obediently nodded: "Okay."
At this moment, Ji Lun also rushed over. Following the little girl's gaze, a joyful smile instantly bloomed on his face.
He looked at Qiu Mang and said, "Ali has good taste. Jingjing sent me a picture the other day and said she wanted this necklace. I searched everywhere for a long time but couldn't find it. Turns out it's sold here."
Ji Lun was about to go into the store when he said that.
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