Gu Xiaoer, in her excitement, suddenly hugged Han Luoli and planted a fierce kiss on her.
A row of saliva marks remained on the beautiful face.
Han Luoli's lips curved up in amusement as she watched Gu Xiaoer, who resembled a child, then casually pointed out another spot, "I suggest you add this area."
With several tips from Han Luoli, Gu Xiaoer's subsequent design work went smoothly. Han Luoli squinted at the busy little woman with increasing admiration in his eyes.
She knew that if she asked, he would certainly help her design the drafts personally, but ever since he gave her some critiques the last time, she refused to let him lift a pen.
Only when she encountered professional questions did she pore over books and turn to him for advice.
This stubbornness was unique to Gu Xiaoer. She might appear to be a delicate Jiaojiao, yet she had a heart that was resilient and optimistic.
When she grew tired of drawing, Gu Xiaoer ran to the living room to sprawl out, lazily leaning on Han Luoli, her gaze fixated on something until suddenly, out of the blue, she blurted out, "If only you had a proper job, I could legitimately bring you home..."
Han Luoli clearly paused upon hearing this, his calm deep eyes lighting up like stars, instantly radiant.
"Silly girl, we've always been legitimate!" he couldn't help but retort.
"Enough with the rental boyfriend act! You're just sweet-talking..." She turned over, nestling into a comfortable position on him, her voice heavy with sleepiness as she managed to reply. "If my mom knew, she'd probably come running up from underground to settle scores with me..."
Gu Xiaoer's mom? Han Luoli looked down at the girl who had slipped into a daze of sleep, his brows slightly furrowed. This was the first time he heard her mention her family. Coming up from underground?
Han Luoli seemed to understand something and gently kissed the girl's hair with his lips.
March 21st was a bright afternoon. After days of drafting, Gu Xiaoer was forcibly dragged out of her home by her best friend Ai Le.
"Lele, isn't it better to stay home and watch shows?"
"You homebody, have you forgotten what tomorrow is?" Ai Le shook Gu Xiaoer's shoulders, urging her to snap back to reality.
Gu Xiaoer shook her head, "Of course, I know."
"Then you should take better care of yourself!" Ai Le pulled Gu Xiaoer, deeply concerned.
Gu Xiaoer pouted, "It's just a birthday, after all..."
"Heh," Ai Le gave Gu Xiaoer a lifeless response, "But it's also the anniversary of your mom's passing."
"I really don't like the phrase 'your mom'..."
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Ai Le took three deep breaths, "Is that the point? Can't you clean up for once a year? When you see your mom tomorrow, do you think she'd want to see you like this?"
"..." Gu Xiaoer glanced at herself, unswervingly sticking to her approachable style, also known as street stall goods. She was about to graduate and couldn't possibly continue wearing these clothes for work.
She nodded vehemently, "Lele, you're right!"
Rambling through the vast Lumba International Mall, Ai Le chatted while pulling Gu Xiaoer along.
Gu Xiaoer acted like a wronged little wife, daring not to glance at the stores on either side. This was an international mall, after all, where even a glance could cost you, and Lele had brought her here. Without comparison, there's no harm!