Chapter 76.3

Jing Li, feeling taken aback by Jing Ran’s father’s suggestion of going to Hong Kong, and asked, “Me going to Hong Kong?”

Jing Ran’s father nodded.

Feeling unsure, Jing Li asked, “What can I do there? I’ve just started at the hotel, and there’s a lot I don’t understand.”

Jing Ran’s father opened a folder and said, “This is from the HR department, your evaluations during the internship and probation period. They mentioned that you work diligently, are polite and humble, and among the new staff, you’ve performed the best.”

Jing Li felt a bit embarrassed by Jing Ran’s father’s praise.

Jing Ran’s father continued, “While the new hotel needs experienced staff to guide, it also requires fresh energy. I want you to join the new hotel’s HR department, responsible for training new employees, familiarizing them with the hotel’s working environment as quickly as possible. I believe you’re capable of this role. What do you think?”

Jing Li couldn’t give an immediate answer. Even though Hong Kong isn’t far from G City, just a two-hour drive, working there isn’t solely her decision. She needs to discuss it with her parents and, more importantly, seek Jing Ran’s opinion.

Being a couple together all the time, suddenly having to separate might upset Little Prince.

Jing Li said, “Uncle, I think I should discuss this with Ranran.”

Jing Ran’s father replied, “That’s right, you should discuss it with Ranran. The time working in Hong Kong won’t be long, just about six months. However, if you go to the hotel in Hong Kong, you’ll learn a lot, which will greatly benefit your future career plans. Take some time to consider it.”

Jing Li nodded, “I will consider it.”

After finishing dinner at home that evening, the young couple, having taken their showers, sat on the living room sofa watching TV. Jing Li suddenly picked up the remote, turned off the TV, and said, “Ranran, I need to discuss something with you.”

“What’s the matter?”

“Today, your dad talked to me and mentioned recommending me to work at the new hotel in Hong Kong for six months.”

Jing Ran puzzled, “Why?”

“He thinks I’m a suitable candidate, and having experience working in a Hong Kong hotel would be beneficial for my future career plans.”

Jing Ran dismissively said, “Don’t listen to him. He barely sees my mom a few times a month. He’s just jealous that I get to see my girlfriend every day.”

Jing Li looked frustrated, saying, “Can you please not be so childish? Your dad is just providing me with a good opportunity. Jealous of you? Seriously?”

Jing Ran somewhat casually responded, “Oh, okay, I got it.”

Jing Li asked, “So, what do you mean?”

“Isn’t it good working at Haiyue? Why go to work in Hong Kong?”

Jing Li didn’t like Jing Ran’s attitude and said, “Ranran, I’m discussing and consulting with you. Please don’t just dismiss everything like that, okay?”

What’s there to discuss when your girlfriend is going to work in another city?

Jing Ran became somewhat anxious, “Lili, I don’t like the idea of you being far away from me. Please don’t listen to my dad.”

“Ranran, please don’t be like this. I’m telling you something important, can you not be childish? You’re smarter than me, and I want you to help me analyze the learning and promotion opportunities if I stay at Haiyue or go to work in Hong Kong. If you resist like this, how can we communicate?”

Jing Ran remained silent for a while and calmly said, “Lili, I really don’t want to be like my parents. I don’t like it at all. My parents have always been busy with work, leaving me in the care of my grandparents. Sometimes I don’t see my parents for a whole month.”

Jing Li understood Jing Ran’s feelings, as she had also been taken care of by her grandparents when she was young and later attended boarding school after returning to her parents in the country. She understood the loneliness of not seeing parents for long periods during childhood.

Other people’s parents would personally pick up their children, while she had to carry her heavy suitcase and take a taxi home alone.

“Lili, I know that if you go to work in Hong Kong, you will have great opportunities for advancement. If you come back to Haiyue, you might even get promoted. But I don’t like the idea of you becoming busier and busier with work. I’m afraid you’ll end up like my mom or my mother-in-law. I’ve been thinking that in the future, I’ll take care of the work and money-earning, and you can stay at home with the children. At least our children won’t spend their childhood without parental companionship.”

Jing Li’s thoughts were still in the stage of being in a relationship with Jing Ran and her career planning was still unclear, relying on the guidance given by Jing Ran’s father. She didn’t expect Jing Ran to have already thought so far ahead, planning both their careers and family.

Jing Li could sense that Jing Ran’s intention was for her to become a housewife after marriage, taking care of the children at home. Jing Li was still young and had always considered housewives as non-working parasites. But Jing Ran’s words made her realize that housewives play an important role in the family as well. They sacrifice their own careers to accompany their children’s growth. She was willing to reduce her workload in her career after having children and be there for them. As someone who had been through it, she knew how it felt for children to have busy parents and didn’t want her own children to live in boarding schools all the time.

However, it’s still early to start preparing for marriage and having children.

Jing Li’s desire for recognition and promotion in her career stems from the disparity between her and Jing Ran. Jing Ran comes from an influential family, holds a prominent position, excels in academics, and performs well in his job. Deep down, Jing Li might feel that she’s not on par with Jing Ran.

Lately, Jing Ran’s grandfather has been considering stepping down, allowing Jing Ran’s father to take on the role of chairman. At that point, Jing Ran would step into his father’s former position as the general manager, overseeing all aspects of the group’s affairs. By then, everyone in the company would know Jing Ran’s status, while Jing Li would remain a relatively unknown sales department clerk, fearing that she might be looked down upon and considered unworthy of Jing Ran.

After discussing with Jing Ran’s father, Jing Li also contemplated that working in Hong Kong presents an opportunity for her. It could expose her to numerous challenges, enabling rapid growth and allowing her to stand more confidently by Jing Ran’s side.

Jing Ran fails to understand Jing Li’s perspective – why she doesn’t just stay at home and let him take care of her. Meanwhile, Jing Li doesn’t comprehend why Jing Ran is reluctant to give her any time in the relationship.

Both of them fell into silence, not in a pleasant mood, and went back to their room to sleep. It was their first time sharing a bed, yet they didn’t hug each other, both facing away.

“Ranran, do you know?” Jing Li lay at the edge of the bed, softly speaking her mind, “Right now, I’m not confident at all in front of you. I haven’t done many things so well, but I still want to strive to narrow the gap between us.”

“…I feel that going to Hong Kong could enhance my job and make me a bit more confident.”

“…Forget it, I’ll follow your lead. Whether I go to Hong Kong or not, if I don’t study well, it’s futile even if I’m given a good opportunity.”

Jing Ran drew closer to Jing Li, hugged her, and said apologetically, “Lili, I’m sorry. I was immature and childish. I didn’t consider your feelings.”

“You should still go to Hong Kong. In fact, Hong Kong isn’t far from G city. I can come to see you every week, and six months will pass by quickly, actually.”

Jing Li didn’t expect Jing Ran to agree so easily, turning to face him, she asked, “Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Reluctant?”

“Not reluctant!”

Jing Li reached out to touch his hair and said, “Baby, you’re being wronged. How can I comfort you?”

Jing Ran remained silent for a moment before speaking, “Lili…”

Jing Li: “Yeah?”

“It’s been six months…”

Jing Li: “Yeah?”

Jing Ran: “You mentioned something after six months, and now it has passed…”

Jing Li: “…”

Yesterday, when he went out for work, she asked him to bring back a cake, but he returned empty-handed, saying he forgot. How could he remember such things so clearly!

Jing Li’s tone carried a hint of disdain, “Ranran, are you counting down the days every day?”

Jing Ran’s subtle intentions were exposed, making him slightly embarrassed. He pretended casually, “Lili, if you’re not willing, we can wait for another six months.”

“And then, are you counting down the days every day?”

Jing Ran: “…”

Jing Li sighed and said, “Well, the spare raincoat(condom) at home will expire if kept for too long. Let’s use it in advance.”

Jing Ran nodded vigorously, his hands exploring inside Jing Li’s clothes.

“But, I’m having my period today, so maybe next week.”

Jing Ran: “…”

The enthusiasm was mercilessly extinguished by a bucket of cold water.