45: Li Na's change of mindset

Li Na laughed, a laugh that carried a hint of compromise with life and mockery of her crumbling beliefs.

She claimed she didn't care about money, yet she was sobbing uncontrollably—wasn't it all because of money?

She had worked hard for her savings, naively believing that she could be free from the constraints of money in the future.

Unexpectedly, life was like a play; a single sentence from her parents had made all her efforts go down the drain. Life was always like this, with cruel truths hidden beneath peaceful days.

Like a little squirrel that worked hard all summer to collect pine cones, only to have its hard-earned stash stolen by a mouse in winter—how heartbreaking that would be for the squirrel.

But at that moment, a soft-hearted god passed by and casually gave the squirrel ten times as many pine cones. Now, how to survive the winter no longer mattered to the squirrel, because from now on, there would be no more winter in its life.

What could a god possibly want from a little squirrel? It was simply out of pity and affection.

Li Na took two cans of Snow Beer from the fridge and paired them with instant noodles, drinking until her pretty face turned flush red. The rosy hue spread down to her snowy-white neck, making her look like a delicious, tempting red apple.

Her first time letting go came so late for Li Na; the self-discipline she had maintained for years vanished completely tonight. Can after can of beer followed, and soon she was in a daze, her vision becoming blurry.

In her drunken stupor, she took off her stockings and her floral bra, revealing her graceful body.

Li Na stood before the mirror, staring blankly at herself. Besides this beautiful body bestowed by heaven, what else did she have to repay Cao Lang's kindness?

Besides, Cao Lang was a young man under thirty, while she was an "older leftover woman" over thirty-five. What right did she have to act all high and mighty? To be picky about him?

Ring, ring~

Her mother called again.

Li Na answered.

"Nana, Mom and Dad are sorry. Even if we have to sell everything we own, we'll pay you back that million."

Her mother's heartbroken voice came from the other end of the line; she knew the family had wronged Li Na over the years.

Yet Li Na was surprisingly clear-headed. She still said softly, "Mom, I don't want you to pay back that million. I only ask you to agree to one thing."

"Child, tell me. Mom will agree to anything."

"I'm never getting married in my life. Don't pressure me anymore."

"Nana, don't do anything rash... How can you not get married?"

"My mind is made up. If you try to persuade me again, we'll sever our mother-daughter relationship."

...A long silence followed from the other end. Her mother seemed to have aged significantly as she said, "It's your father who wronged you. Mom will listen to you. We only want you to be healthy. As long as you're happy, it doesn't matter if you get married or not."

Li Na hung up. She walked barefoot to the bathroom and took a refreshing hot shower, washing her curvaceous and seductive body. This body had never been possessed by any man, but now, in Li Na's heart, it had already been reserved.

Li Na was a devoted and traditional woman; in her heart, her body would only be given to one man.

Before, that spot belonged to Robin.

After tonight, that spot belonged to Cao Lang.

Li Na knew, of course, that Cao Lang would never marry her, so she had warned her family in advance, stating that she would never marry.

After her shower, she dried herself with a towel and lay down on her soft little bed, falling asleep with the thoughts of a young girl.

She was no longer conflicted. Tomorrow, she would go to work as usual. She would still be the omnipotent secretary Li Na, and Cao Lang would still be the playboy Cao Lang, living life as he pleased.

And all she had to do was give her everything and work desperately to complete the tasks Cao Lang assigned.

As for the equity acquisition, she would no longer follow Robin's instructions; she would go all out to secure the project.

She would accept that ten million! She would treat it as an advance on her salary for the next thirty years!

She was prepared to work for Cao Lang for the rest of her life! To be his mistress forever!

Cao Lang, of course, didn't know about Li Na's complex inner changes, nor did he know about Jiang Mengyuan's little schemes... The next day.

When Cao Lang woke up, the massive bed was empty.

Chen Yongqiu had already left to make room for Cao Lang and Liu Qingqin's date.

The entire dining room was cleaned spotless, and a bouquet of fresh red roses sat on the table. Chen Yongqiu had bought them in a rush to add a romantic atmosphere to their date.

After getting up, Cao Lang checked his phone and saw a message from Chen Yongqiu.

"Big Brother, there are sliced vegetables and meat in the kitchen fridge. Just put them in the pan with some oil and stir-fry them. When Liu Qingqin arrives, show off your cooking skills—it'll earn you extra points!"

Cao Lang opened the fridge and found many plates of fresh vegetables: shredded potatoes, tomatoes, lean meat strips, and all the green onions, ginger, and garlic he needed.

"This little girl is quite attentive, even starting to teach me how to pick up girls."

Soon the doorbell rang. Liu Qingqin was here!

Chen Yongqiu had already spoken with the security guards. They were diligent and responsible, remembering the owner's instructions. Upon seeing Liu Qingqin and confirming her name, they immediately let her through.

Cao Lang opened the door and was instantly stunned; it was as if a beautiful female elf was standing there.

Cao Lang looked her up and down. Today, Liu Qingqin had her hair in cute twin tails, wearing a tight red shirt with buttons that looked like they were about to burst, a black JK pleated skirt, and over-the-knee white socks, revealing a smooth, white absolute territory. She stood shyly at the door, holding a small gift box.

"Big Brother, these are Sugar-roasted chestnuts from the school gate. They're delicious, try some."

Liu Qingqin lowered her head and handed over a box of packaged chestnuts, her expression a bit bashful. Her legs were pressed tightly together, and her toes gently rubbed against the ground.

She seemed to feel guilty about her little tantrum yesterday.

"Come in, Qingqin. Thanks for the chestnuts."

Cao Lang took the chestnuts and extended his arm, lightly guiding Liu Qingqin by her back as he invited her in.

This gentlemanly gesture made Liu Qingqin feel warm inside.

Upon entering the foyer, she was met with a whole wall of Pop Mart figures, which looked quite impressive.

This was property left behind by the previous owner. Chen Yongqiu liked them very much too, so she had bought them along with the house.

"Wow! So many pretty little dolls!"

Seeing the wall of Pop Mart figures, Liu Qingqin's girlish heart was instantly triggered. She stood before the wall, unable to look away.

"This is the Molly series, so cute! I like this magician one the most. And they even have this limited edition SpongeBob one!"

"This is the Labubu rabbit series, this is the fruit series, this is the elf series..."

...The nervous and timid state Liu Qingqin had felt before arriving vanished instantly upon seeing her favorite dolls. She squatted down to look, then stood on her tiptoes, as excited as a child in a zoo.

Seeing this gorgeous little lolita so happy, the corners of Cao Lang's mouth curled up slightly.

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