Li Jing was stunned for a moment, raised an eyebrow at the other party, and jokingly said, "You, a big beauty, smart and pretty, don't tell me you've never been in love."
"I have, but that was a long time ago, and I realized that the attraction back then was simple, like it's different from the love after growing up."
Seeing that An Tong was genuinely asking, Li Jing glanced at her a few times, carefully chose his words, then continued picking up food and said, "Isn't being in a relationship all about mutual attraction? Like thinking about the other person until you can't sleep, getting jealous or angry over small things because of them, putting most of your focus on that person..."
Li Jing casually gave a few examples in one breath, shrugged, and said, "In my opinion, being in love should be like this. If you have these signs, it's very likely that you've fallen for someone."
After listening, An Tong's gaze became more intense as she stared at him.
Thinking about someone until you can't sleep...
Last night, she tossed and turned because she couldn't stop thinking about having dinner with Li Jing today, falling asleep late.
Getting jealous or angry over small things...
Over the past few days, because of Zhang Xinxin being with Li Jing, she'd been more jealous than she'd been in the past few years combined.
Putting most of your focus on them...
For the past few days, despite not trying to think about him, Li Jing's image would still occasionally pop into her mind.
Oh no, could it be that I've really fallen for him...
Thinking about this, An Tong secretly gritted her teeth, looked at him with incredibly complex eyes, with occasional hints of shyness and hesitation playing across her features.
"What's wrong? Did you drink too much?"
Noticing that An Tong's complexion wasn't quite right, Li Jing looked at her in confusion, "Maybe you should stop drinking, this baijiu is quite strong, no need to finish it all."
Actually, with An Tong, maybe because they'd known each other before, Li Jing now saw her more as a friend.
Moreover, he understood clearly that her life's goal was to find a well-off local guy to marry and then live a stable life.
So, he never considered that she might have other thoughts about him, especially since he didn't meet her criteria for a partner.
Compared to the passionate Zhang Xinxin, An Tong's attitude toward him was obviously much calmer and more ordinary, which is why Li Jing never thought in that direction.
He clearly knew he wasn't some heartthrob that would make every girl around him fall for him.
It's just that these days, with the "wealthy" label, the number of women around him had gradually increased.
Honestly, based on these few days of experience, Li Jing found that money is indeed the best cosmetic surgery for men, and if it isn't, it just means there's not enough money yet.
"Ah, nothing, it's just a bit warm."
At this point, An Tong averted her gaze and quickly explained, then took off her jacket, revealing a tight-fitting camisole underneath that perfectly highlighted her figure.
Paired with the super short home shorts she wore, exposing two long, fair legs, she looked both homely and sexy.
Li Jing couldn't help but glance a few more times, especially under her collarbone, snow white like frozen cream, and those perfectly toned long legs made his heart race.
Feigning to wipe sweat from her forehead, An Tong noticed him eyeing her body and instinctively wanted to cover up.
But just as she raised her hand, without knowing why, she acted like nothing was happening, bit her lower lip lightly, blushing, letting him appreciate as he pleased.
After Li Jing withdrew his gaze, she inexplicably felt a bit disappointed, then asked again, "What if I like someone, should I take the initiative to confess?"
"You like someone?"
Li Jing was surprised, then replied, "If you really like him and he meets your criteria, then give it a try. Regardless of the outcome, life's just a few decades, as long as there's no regret."
"No regret..."
An Tong muttered to herself, looking down, then raised her head and asked, "What if... he's potentially a player?"
"???"
Hearing this, Li Jing immediately looked up at her, a strong sixth sense telling him she might be referring to him.
As for why when she mentioned 'player', it instantly felt to Li Jing like she was talking about him, even he might not know the reason.
But he did have a premonition that An Tong seemed to be about to confess to him...
No, he couldn't be too passive; he needed to take the initiative.
Thinking this, Li Jing immediately laughed and playfully said, "An Tong, why do I feel like when you said 'player', you were looking at me? Don't tell me I'm the person you like, because I'm not planning on falling in love again."
Hearing this, a trace of disappointment quickly flashed in An Tong's eyes, then she smiled and said, "You're overthinking, of course I meant someone who meets my criteria, and you're not even a local, don't be too conceited."
"That's good then, because the thing I fear most now is falling in love... Hmm, I'm full, that was satisfying!"
Saying this, Li Jing patted his belly and rubbed his head, which was a bit dizzy from the alcohol, "The alcohol percentage in this drink of yours is a bit high, just a few glasses and I'm feeling dizzy, I need to lie down on the sofa."
With that said, Li Jing didn't wait for her response, directly headed to the living room sofa and lay down.
"Hey, wait, if you're really dizzy, rest in the bedroom instead..."
But before she finished speaking, Li Jing was already asleep, the only sound in response being his even breathing.
"Do all men just fall asleep instantly?"
Seeing Li Jing like that, An Tong was a bit helpless. After failing to wake him, she picked up a nearby blanket and covered his abdomen.
Then she put on her apron again and began cleaning up the leftovers Li Jing had left.
Half an hour passed, and An Tong took off her waterproof gloves after doing the chores, raising her hand to tie her slightly messy hair back up.
Returning to the living room, she saw Li Jing, already deep in sleep, hesitated for a moment, then instinctively walked to his side, quietly sat on the ground, and propped her chin up with her hand, looking at his face.
Do I really like him...
Or is it his money...
Or perhaps it's both.
An Tong's long eyelashes fluttered gently, her eyes continuously focusing on Li Jing's face, trying to find an answer from above.
And in her mind, memories of her previous encounters with Li Jing gradually resurfaced, watching him transform from being high-spirited, to being unemployed and downcast, and finally to being wealthy and imposing. The changes in his aura over time were vividly playing out in her mind.
It was precisely this process of seeing someone grow and change that gave her a unique feeling toward Li Jing.
Honestly, whether it be education, capability, or current financial prowess, Li Jing was much better than she was.
If not for Li Jing not being a local resident, she might have considered him a target for pursuit well before his sudden wealth.
But now...
"I probably can't match up to you anymore..."
An Tong looked at the sleeping Li Jing on the sofa with a complicated expression, softly murmured, "Just like Xinxin said, we both know, neither of us could really be with you.
Xinxin is just looking for a moment of thrill, to act how she pleases, without thinking about the future.
And I..."
As she spoke, her brow furrowed slightly, remembering Li Jing's words earlier, if you like someone, you should try to pursue it, to have no regrets.
Her gaze gradually became resolute, biting her lower lip slightly, "Since you're leaving, life is but a wilderness, perhaps I can try to be bold, just this once."
Thinking this, An Tong took a deep breath, her beautiful face slowly moving closer to him, her heart racing, gently lifted her jelly-like red lips, softly pressing them against his.
"Mmm?"
Just as An Tong intended to pull away after the kiss, she was startled, only to feel two arms suddenly embracing her, her expression changing drastically.
It turned out that Li Jing had woken up at some point, that kiss ignited a spark of desire within him, pulling her into his embrace.
Feeling the warmth and humidity on her lips and the broad chest, An Tong, long not embraced by a man, gradually felt overwhelmed and also embraced him actively, setting aside any reservations, indulging in this long-awaited passionate kiss.