Zhou Yi echoed her tone and said, "But I don't think Sis would be interested in a man who depends on a woman for support. With your qualities, you could have any kind of man you desire."
Kong Huaijin raised an eyebrow and turned her head to glance at him. "And how do you know I don't already have a boyfriend?"
"Most accomplished and successful women tend to remain single."
"Hmm, and do you happen to know why that is?" she asked.
Zhou Yi feigned ignorance and shook his head. "No idea."
When interacting with strong-willed women, it's important to leave space for them to take the lead in the conversation. Occasionally showing a touch of vulnerability in front of them isn't a bad thing—it's crucial to ensure they find enjoyment in the interaction. Zhou Yi's question was carefully designed to prompt Kong Huaijin to share her views on relationships.
"My mother once told me something," Kong Huaijin began. "She said that women must endure loneliness. If there isn't a high-quality man by your side, never lower your standards to settle for someone beneath you—not even for casual intimacy. Because women are deeply emotional beings, and sooner or later, they'll grow too attached."
Kong Huaijin was undeniably proud. She wanted men to understand that not just anyone could pursue her. Even the opportunity to do so required holding a metaphorical "ticket of love."
Indeed, as Su Ning's brother had mentioned, Kong Huaijin exuded an air of unattainability.
So, what constituted a high-quality man in her eyes? Wealth?
Certainly not.
When it came to money, she had more than enough. Her standards for men were exceedingly high—they needed to excel in every aspect: integrity, temperament, and capability. Only then might she consider them worthy of her attention.
If such a man didn't exist, she'd rather stay single forever. Alternatively, she might opt for a marriage of convenience, where her partner would merely be a business associate, not a romantic lover.
She was a clear-headed and rational woman who would never allow herself to fall into any precarious situation for the sake of so-called love.
Her mother had been the same way, which was how she ended up with her father. They married in their thirties, built on mutual admiration, and supported each other through thick and thin.
If a man was wealthy but failed to earn her genuine respect, how could she ever fall in love with him?
From her words, Zhou Yi had already discerned her preferences and perspectives on love.
"So, in your eyes, what kind of man am I? Would you say I qualify as a high-quality candidate?"
Zhou Yi's unexpected question momentarily caught Kong Huaijin off guard.
By her own criteria, Zhou Yi undoubtedly fit the mold of an ideal partner.
Yet, she couldn't shake the inexplicable feeling that there was no future between them. It was simply an instinctive intuition—one that women often trusted implicitly.
She smiled faintly, paused for thought, and replied, "Hmm... well, you're excellent in every way—just a bit young."
Zhou Yi chuckled softly. "Isn't youth a good thing? Does Sis dislike younger partners?"
To his surprise, Kong Huaijin blurted out, "Are you suggesting you want to date me?"
Zhou Yi pretended to be flustered by her directness. He lowered his gaze and stammered, "No, I... I don't know how we ended up discussing this."
Zhou Yi's occasional display of awkwardness made Kong Huaijin see him in a slightly endearing light.
This boy has quite the contrasting charm, she mused.
Since Zhou Yi was still just a college student, his youthful demeanor was perfectly natural. She didn't overthink it and felt no need to be guarded around him.
As they continued walking, they eventually reached the car.
"Well, here we are. Get in," Kong Huaijin said.