Chapter Twenty-Seven: Taking Another Step Forward (Requesting recommendations and bookmarks)

After the media disseminated Li Jie’s remarks from the press conference, it caused a massive stir in society. Countless people reached out to Li Jie, demanding an explanation and questioning his motives. Li Jie dismissed them all with the same excuse. In the time that followed, the harassment only intensified as more news outlets swarmed in. After a few more interviews, however, the fervor gradually faded as time passed, and after six months, he finally found peace.

Seeing that Li Jie was entering his senior year, Lu Changzheng suggested he take over the group’s asset management department. Li Jie had previously met these team members during seminars on internet enterprise investments. Initially, although these elites were superficially respectful, they did not truly value a young man with no commercial experience, even if he was a well-known writer. However, Li Jie gradually earned their respect in subsequent seminars, and with the rich returns achieved from their recent investments, these elites were completely won over. Thus, joining the asset management department was a natural progression.

While finding great success in the investment market, Lu Changzheng rapidly established branches in several first-tier cities. Currently, the headquarters was based in Yanjing. Staff members who had previously worked in Harbin began relocating to their new posts. Qian Weiming, the head of the Yanjing headquarters, was a veteran who had been with Lu Changzheng since he started his business; his deployment to Yanjing was also intended to ensure a smoother transition for Li Jie’s eventual rise.

Li Jie was reviewing documents sent by the group when his phone rang.

"Xinghe, when do you plan to start working? The young men in the investment department are waiting eagerly; they admire your investment maneuvers immensely," Qian Weiming asked with a chuckle.

"In about three to five days. I still have some matters to handle here at the university."

"Understood. Give me a call when you’re ready, and I’ll come to pick you up myself."

They then chatted about some of the investment plans the company was currently undertaking or preparing for. Qian Weiming promised to fill him in on the details once he arrived. After a brief discussion, they hung up.

By the time Li Jie finished reviewing the documents, the sky had already darkened. He put his work aside and headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Geng Geng had also started her internship as a photographer for "People," a renowned fashion magazine in the industry, and she was often kept busy until late in the evening.

When Geng Geng returned home and caught the scent of food, a slight smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. However, thinking that she might not be able to enjoy these home-cooked meals once Li Jie started his job, she pouted, realizing she would likely have to eat out from then on.

Watching Geng Geng devour the food without any pretense of manners, Li Jie smiled contentedly. Eating leisurely, he asked, "How was work today? Anything happy happen? You seem to be in a particularly good mood."

"Mm... mm... My department head spoke with me today. He said my performance was excellent and that I could join the firm directly after graduation. I’m the first one in my cohort to get an offer. I’m so happy!" Geng Geng said excitedly before hurriedly swallowing her food.

"Isn't it only natural that you were kept on? Your photography skills are so impressive; I can't compete with you anymore. Now I can only carry your equipment for you."

"Didn't you say you were going to intern at your family's company? How is the preparation going?"

"I just finished looking through the materials today. I had some prior understanding, so it shouldn't be a problem. You’re off tomorrow; how about we go see a movie? We haven't been in a long time." Li Jie planned to officially propose to Geng Geng the next day and had been preparing for it for quite a while.

"That sounds great! It has been a long time. It seems 'Inception' is very popular; my colleagues have been talking about it constantly," Geng Geng said cheerfully.

"Alright, then we’ll go see 'Inception' tomorrow."

***

After putting the dishes in the dishwasher, Li Jie saw Geng Geng sprawled on the sofa and walked over to massage her legs to help her relax. Enjoying his touch, Geng Geng wore a happy smile, gazing at Li Jie with adoration. She thought about how lucky she was to have met him; he had pampered her ever since high school, and even after all these years, he remained the same. Her friends were incredibly envious.

The next day, Li Jie woke up to find Geng Geng staring at him blankly. After some playful morning antics, they didn't get out of bed until near noon. They then drove to the Global Harbor Mall, where Li Jie intended to make his official proposal.

By the time they arrived at the theater, the movie had already begun. The dark auditorium was filled with silhouettes. Geng Geng found it strange that no one else was sitting in their row. After they sat down, more people continued to enter the theater.

Watching the spinning top on the screen as the screen faded to black and the credits rolled, Geng Geng prepared to leave. Li Jie grabbed her hand and said, "Wait, there’s a post-credits scene. Let’s watch it."

The screen went dark.

"On the first day of school in 2003, I bumped into a silly girl who had gotten her head stuck in an iron gate. At first, I thought she was just foolishly cute, but through our time together, I was gradually drawn to this silly girl."

As the voiceover played, the screen displayed sand art depicting everything they had experienced since high school, interspersed with photos they had taken during their holidays. Watching the familiar scenes on the screen, Geng Geng smiled. Seeing these images felt like reliving the green, innocent days of high school. Back then, she had secretly liked him but stubbornly insisted that there was nothing between them. Looking back now, it truly was a wonderful time.

"In 2004, we spent our first month apart. After we reunited, we held hands for the first time."

...

"In 2005, our first embrace..."

...

"In 2006, the first time we left home..."

...

"In 2006, our first kiss..."

...

As the footage ended, Li Jie picked up a microphone.

"We will spend our lives together! Just like I sang at the orientation party, no matter how the seasons change, I hope to have your company for the rest of my life. From 2003 to 2010—seven years of knowing each other, four years of being in love—I think I’m ready. Geng Geng, will you marry me?"

***

The lights suddenly flickered on. Hearing Li Jie’s words, Geng Geng burst into tears instantly. Looking around, she realized that the people who had walked in when the movie started were all their classmates and friends. Seeing Li Jie kneeling on one knee with a bouquet of roses, she nodded vigorously and shouted, "I will! I will!"

*Pop! Pop!* Confetti rained down from above.

Hearing her answer, Li Jie slowly opened a jewelry box, took out the custom-made diamond ring, and held Geng Geng’s hand, sliding the ring onto her ring finger. As he stood up, Geng Geng threw her arms around him.

"Be happy! What a perfect match!"

"Geng Geng! Congratulations! Congratulations!"

...

"Kiss her! Kiss her!"

Listening to the cheers, blessings, and teasing from those around them, the two shared a gentle kiss, then turned hand-in-hand to thank everyone for their well-wishes.

"It's all your fault! You always move me to tears; I’m a complete mess every time!" Geng Geng said with a playful pout, gently hitting Li Jie.

"I promise this is the last time!"

"Hmph! A man’s words are like a deceiver’s ghost! You said the same thing last time," Geng Geng insisted stubbornly.

Li Jie smiled without a word. Surrounded by the crowd, they left the theater. A photographer had recorded the entire scene. After they left, the theater required a thorough cleaning, and the group headed toward the hotel they had booked beforehand.