After a long journey, the train finally slowly pulled into Shenzhen Railway Station.
Shenzhen Railway Station in 2000, though not very modern, was bustling with activity.
The square outside the station was bustling with people.
Small vendors were busy hawking their wares, and various snack stalls and taxi drivers lined up at the entrance.
Liu Feng and Yu Jingya stepped off the platform and looked at this city, which was so different from their hometown, and couldn't help but feel a sense of unfamiliarity and novelty.
Shortly after exiting the station, Yu Jingya found her cousin, Gao Ting.
Gao Ting was dressed fashionably, with light makeup and large sunglasses, giving her a smart and capable look.
Her clothing and behavior made Yu Jingya and Liu Feng realize that she had integrated into the life of the big city.
"Jingya, why did you bring someone else with you?" Gao Ting frowned, clearly somewhat displeased.
"Cousin, this is my classmate Liu Feng. He's just here with me, not looking for a job," Yu Jingya quickly explained.
Gao Ting looked Liu Feng up and down and said disdainfully, "I can't arrange jobs for boys. Shenzhen isn't an easy place to make a living."
Liu Feng smiled and replied, "I'm just accompanying Jingya to come and have some fun. Don't worry, I won't cause you any trouble."
Gao Ting said no more and led the two onto a bus, where they bumped along and changed buses.
Finally, we arrived at an old residential area.
The houses there are old, the corridors are narrow and dark, and the air is filled with the smell of dampness and cooking fumes.
Gao Ting lives in a small rented room.
The room was crammed with two simple beds and some personal belongings, a stark contrast to her glamorous public image.
Gao Ting introduced Yu Jingya to the job she was about to go to, saying it was a place where she could "make a lot of money".
However, the job description was not detailed.
As Liu Feng listened, a sense of unease crept into his heart. The way these people dared to tell everyone they could "make a lot of money" made him think of pyramid schemes.
He glanced at Gao Ting a few times and wrinkled his nose.
I could smell a unique perfume emanating from her. The perfume wasn't overpowering, but it had a strong presence and carried a subtle, alluring scent.
At the high neckline of Gao Ting's chest.
Liu Feng noticed a bright red tattoo. Although only a corner of it was visible, he knew it was a 'red rose'.
Not long after.
Gao Ting led them downstairs, through several narrow alleys, to her usual restaurant.
The restaurant wasn't big; there were a few greasy round tables set up at the entrance, and the air was filled with the aroma of stir-fried dishes.
Although the restaurant was simple, it was full of the everyday life of migrant workers.
Most of the customers in the area are migrant workers from the neighborhood who come here looking for an affordable and delicious dinner.
"This place is simple, but the food is pretty good. Jingya, Liufeng, you're not picky, are you?" Gao Ting asked casually as she sat down at a table by the window.
"I'm not picky, anything is fine," Yu Jingya replied casually, her eyes sparkling with curiosity about her surroundings. Compared to her hometown, this place was full of high-rise buildings and dazzling neon lights, very prosperous.
As for what to eat, Liu Feng nodded, indicating that he was not picky about food.
Gao Ting skillfully ordered several dishes and then asked the owner to bring out a few bottles of beer.
She leaned back in her chair, squinting as she looked at Yu Jingya and Liu Feng:
“In Shenzhen, you have to learn to adapt to the fast-paced life here. Jingya, you have to work hard in the future and not be as pampered as you are at home.”
Yu Jingya nodded silently, her eyes filled with both anticipation and unease.
The dishes were served quickly.
While eating, Gao Ting recounted her experiences in Shenzhen.
Her words were filled with love for the city and hope for the future.
Liu Feng ate quietly without saying a word.
But he saw a hint of weariness and confusion in Gao Ting's eyes.
Yu Jingya looked at her cousin and felt a little awkward.
She was a little unaccustomed to her cousin's current appearance, always feeling that she had become more shrewd and worldly.
"Jingya," Gao Ting suddenly spoke, interrupting Yu Jingya's thoughts.
"You'd better be more careful in the future. Shenzhen is a dangerous place. Not everyone can do those jobs well. Listen to me, start with something simple and earn some money first."
Yu Jingya hesitated for a moment, then replied in a low voice, "Cousin, I'm still young, and money isn't what I value most right now."
Gao Ting curled her lip dismissively: "Your idea is too naive. In Shenzhen, you can't do anything without money. You have to be realistic."
She paused, then turned her gaze to Liu Feng. "Liu Feng, I advise you not to get involved blindly. A boy should have his own plans; just hanging out with others isn't a long-term solution."
Liu Feng smiled slightly: "Thank you for the reminder, I understand."
He felt that Gao Ting's words contained something she wasn't saying aloud. The job she had mentioned earlier that "could make a lot of money" had made him more wary.
At this moment, he did not want to interfere rashly, nor did he remind Yu Jingya.
For Yu Jingya, the trip to Shenzhen was a test, or a trial.
Next, Liu Feng will secretly protect her.
Everyone ate and chatted, with Gao Ting doing most of the talking and Yu Jingya listening.
Gao Ting drank more than two bottles of beer by herself, while Yu Jingya drank one glass.
After dinner, night fell.
Gao Ting led them back to their lodgings, while Yu Jingya stayed overnight at her cousin's place.
Liu Feng will find a place to stay on his own.
As Yu Jingya saw Liu Feng off, she held his hand, her voice filled with reluctance: "Liu Feng, wait for me..."
Liu Feng comforted him, "Don't be afraid, I'm always here for you. I'll be there for you the moment you need me."
As he spoke, he took a cell phone out of his pocket and handed it to Yu Jingya: "Call me if you need anything."
Yu Jingya gripped her phone tightly, watching Liu Feng turn and leave, feeling somewhat at ease.
Liu Feng was not worried that Yu Jingya would get into trouble.
Around her neck was a pendant given to her by Liu Feng, which not only had a protective function, but also allowed Liu Feng to sense when Yu Jingya was in danger.
Only after Liu Feng's figure disappeared at the alley entrance did Yu Jingya slowly walk back to Gao Ting's residence.
Gao Ting was standing by the window, looking down at everything with a complicated expression.
She seemed to be thinking about something.
Once Yu Jingya returned inside, she finally couldn't help but ask, "Jingya, is Liu Feng your boyfriend?"
Yu Jingya nodded frankly: "Yes, cousin, I like him."
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