"Many people are ashamed of talking about money," he began. "They think that talking about money hurts relationships the most, not realizing that being afraid to discuss money is actually what damages relationships the most. The best relationships are those where money isn’t a feared topic, where discussing it openly is much more comfortable than having an awkward relationship. Moreover, I’m earning money through my own efforts. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
"I believe that diligently earning money, openly discussing money, and seriously saving money provide the best confidence for a person. You can sit here and look down on me now only because the money gives you that confidence, right? But that money isn’t yours; it was earned by your parents. So, your confidence isn’t coming from yourself but from them. What will happen when one day they stop letting you spend their money? Do you think you’ll still have this confidence?"
"So, young man, study hard. When you start earning your own money, then come and discuss with me whether talking about money is vulgar."
He was at a loss for words!
As night fell, the bar gradually filled with people.
The three of them sipped their beers and beverages while enjoying a performance on stage.
During the performance, Qin Zhen dragged Shen Weiyi to take a photo together.
Shen Jingqi suddenly thought of something, also pulled out his phone, and snapped a selfie to post on his social circle. In the photo, besides himself, he intentionally exposed half of Shen Weiyi’s face.
Thinking that someone might not check their social media, he also sent the photo to him separately.
While Sheng Ting was writing his thesis halfway through, he saw the sudden pop-up photo on his phone and mindlessly clicked it open. When he clearly saw the people in the photo, his hands involuntarily stopped moving.
Sheng Ting picked up his phone, carefully examined the background in the photo, and his eyebrows unconsciously furrowed slightly. Moments later, he stood up from in front of his computer.
In the living room, Situ Jing was binge-watching a drama, and Little Douding was building his LEGO toys.
"Mom, I’m going out for a bit," Sheng Ting called out and then grabbed the car keys from the table, ready to leave.
"So late?" Situ Jing’s gaze shifted from the TV to him. It was rare for him to go out at night.
"Just something to do!" Sheng Ting said.
Situ Jing didn’t ask further, only told him, "Be careful on the road!"
"Oh," Situ Jing suddenly remembered something, and added, "Yiyi should be getting her test scores back soon, right? I don’t know how that girl did. It’s been a while since we’ve seen her. If you have time later, send her a message and ask about it. Invite her over for dinner as well, and tell her that Little Bao and I miss her."
Half an hour later, Sheng Ting showed up at the bar.
"Why are you here?" the bartender greeted him as soon as he spotted him.
"Just something up," Sheng Ting replied, his gaze sweeping through the bar.
At this point, the bar was filling up with people. He looked around and finally spotted a familiar figure in one of the booths.
He immediately walked in that direction.
"Hey, where are you going?" A questioning voice came from behind.
Sheng Ting didn’t respond, just waved his hand back and continued walking toward Shen Weiyi and her group.
Qin Zhen was the first to spot him, quickly nudging Shen Weiyi next to her, "Look, a handsome guy!!!"
Shen Weiyi followed her gaze, paused for a moment, and when he approached, she finally greeted, "What a coincidence, you’re here too? Not filling in for a friend again today, are you?"