From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of life

I do not deny what she said.

I don't think my childhood was worse than others', but I'm referring to the state of mind.

I looked at her gently and said earnestly, "What I admire is their confidence—their never-feeling inferiority complex and their composure in the face of adversity, just like yours."

"Same as me?"

Su Qing was taken aback for a moment, then laughed: "Then don't worry, our future children will definitely be more confident and outstanding than me."

I was amused by her straightforward yet heartwarming words: "You're already starting to imagine our child?"

"Otherwise what?" Su Qing raised an eyebrow frankly, without any shyness.

I then asked softly, "So, do you prefer a boy or a girl?"

She thought for a moment and said seriously, "I prefer boys. Girls are too sensitive and fragile, and they are easily wronged and bullied. Boys are more resilient and can better protect themselves."

I looked at her, both amused and exasperated: "You're a girl yourself, how come you think girls are fragile? I don't think you're fragile at all."

Su Qing shrugged nonchalantly and said very seriously, "I just look carefree on the outside, but I'm actually very fragile inside. I just don't like to show it. I even secretly shed tears when watching a touching romance movie."

"I really didn't notice."

"That's because you don't know me well enough yet." She smiled sweetly. "As you get to know me better, you'll see all of me."

We chatted and laughed all the way, and soon arrived at the apartment building where Leng Shanshan lived.

This area consists of low-density villas, with the tallest being only ten stories, offering an extremely high level of living comfort.

The elevator stopped on the eighth floor, and Su Qing and I stepped out of the elevator side by side.

There are only four households on the entire floor. The apartments are large, single-level, and the common areas are spacious and bright.

Upon arriving at the door, Su Qing raised her hand, ready to enter the password to open the door.

I quickly called out to her softly, "Wait a minute, didn't you tell Shanshan beforehand? What if she's not available if we show up like this?"

Su Qing turned to look at me, and said with a helpless expression, "I've always been like this when I come to her place, coming and going as I please. What's inconvenient about it?"

I smiled wryly and reminded her, "Of course it's fine since you're a girl. But if I, a guy, suddenly come over, it would be so embarrassing if she was wearing pajamas and it wasn't convenient for her to walk by."

Hearing this, Su Qing burst out laughing: "You're overthinking it. Shanshan isn't that casual. Besides, I already messaged her on the way here; she knows we're coming."

I was relieved and watched as Su Qing entered the password and opened the door.

The interior layout is exactly as I imagined; it's a super-large, fully-furnished single-level apartment.

The living room alone is estimated to be seventy or eighty square meters, spacious, airy, simple, and elegant.

Hearing the door open, Leng Shanshan, who had been busy in the kitchen, quickly came out.

She first greeted Su Qing with a smile, then her gaze fell on me, and she greeted me warmly:

"You're back! One last dish will be ready soon, just two more minutes."

"My Shanshan is the most thoughtful! Every time we come, we're always in for a treat." Su Qing walked over and affectionately took her arm.

Leng Shanshan smiled faintly and said gently, "I didn't make anything too complicated today. You said Lin Ye is back, and I was thinking that after being in the no-man's-land for so long, his stomach must have gotten used to the dry rations he ate on the road. It's not appropriate for him to eat too well all at once."

Su Qing exclaimed repeatedly, "You're so thoughtful! You even thought of such a small thing. Whoever marries you is truly blessed."

"Alright, you guys go sit on the sofa and rest. I'll be done tidying up soon."

Leng Shanshan smiled and waved her hand, then turned around and went back to the kitchen to continue her work.

Su Qing acted as if she were at home, immediately collapsing onto the sofa and sinking into its soft, fluffy texture.

She patted her side and said casually, "Come sit down, just wait for dinner."

I nodded gently, then turned and called out towards the kitchen, "Shanshan, thank you for cooking this special meal for us."

Leng Shanshan, who was busy at the stove, turned around, smiled slightly, and shook her head, indicating that I didn't need to be polite.

She then turned around and continued to methodically tend to the food in the pot.

I sat down next to Su Qing. With nothing else to do, I slowly scanned the entire house with my eyes.

The living room's huge floor-to-ceiling windows were mostly open, and the cool evening breeze slowly seeped in through the gaps, gently stirring the edges of the thin curtains, creating a wonderful atmosphere.

The entire house features a minimalist yet luxurious decor style, without any ostentatious or expensive decorative items; every layout and soft furnishing is just right.

Understated yet exquisite, it showcases the owner's refined taste in every detail.

Even though Leng Shanshan lives alone in the spacious living room, it doesn't feel cold or empty.

Several potted green plants were placed in the corner, adding vitality and a touch of everyday life.

The custom-made bookshelf against the wall is packed full, half of it filled with all kinds of books, and the other half neatly arranged with professional cameras and storage hard drives.

It's clear that the owner leads a refined, self-disciplined life and loves life.

In my memory, Leng Shanshan has always been such an extremely refined woman.

She never wears luxury brands, yet her outfits are always clean and appropriate, with a gentle and refined demeanor, and every gesture exudes the elegance of a well-bred lady.

Su Qing, sitting beside him, showed no signs of being a guest, lounging on the sofa in a relaxed and languid manner.

She casually picked up the exquisite fruit plate on the coffee table, pinched a plump grape, popped it into her mouth, and chewed it with relish.

Only in front of her best friend can she let down all pretenses and be so unrestrained.

I sat quietly beside her, looking at all the warm and exquisite things before me, and couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

The places I used to live in were mostly simple, cramped, and messy, just places to shelter from the wind and rain.

The living environment I'm in now is something I've only ever seen in movies and TV shows; it's a completely different social circle.

The sound of bowls and chopsticks clinking came from the kitchen. Soon after, Leng Shanshan came out carrying plates of steaming hot home-cooked dishes and neatly arranged them on the dining table.

The table was set with only light dishes, none of them oily or spicy, which was clearly taken into consideration for my sensitive stomach, which had just returned from the desert area.

This thoughtful arrangement fully demonstrates Leng Shanshan's meticulousness and thoughtfulness.

"Alright, come wash your hands and eat." Leng Shanshan dried her hands and waved to us with a smile.

Su Qing immediately sprang up from the sofa, strode to the dining table, and didn't forget to turn back and urge me on:

"Lin Ye, come quick! Shan Shan's cooking is amazing!"

I smiled and got up to sit down next to her.

Leng Shanshan handed over two clean bowls and chopsticks in a natural manner.

Su Qing, unable to contain her anticipation any longer, picked up her chopsticks, grabbed a mouthful of food, and stuffed it into her mouth, nodding repeatedly in praise:

"This is delicious! Your cooking skills are getting better and better."

Leng Shanshan pulled out a chair, sat down, glanced at me, and said:

"Look at you, you've really suffered a lot. You've lost a lot of weight, and there are still red marks on your face from the high altitude."

I picked up my bowl and chopsticks, and smiled faintly: "It's all just physical hardship, nothing to worry about. At least I came back safe and sound."