Reborn with Consumption System-Chapter 407 - 201: Eyes Pulling Threads

Lü Shuli rented a place on Shengping Street, in a very old neighborhood.

Han Lie followed her up to the fourth floor and watched her open the brand-new security door, which contrasted sharply with the worn interior that greeted them.

The apartment was tiny, with two rooms, one kitchen, and one bathroom; there was no living room, only a hallway.

"Come in, the room on the left is mine."

Lü Shuli generously let Han Lie into her bedroom and pulled over the computer chair for him.

"I’m afraid this is the only seat I can offer you."

After Han Lie sat down, he turned his head to look around the room, not in a hurry to respond.

The bedroom was about 12 square meters, a bit larger than he had anticipated.

The walls were covered in pretty, pale blue-patterned wallpaper, and a square LED white light adorned the ceiling. A 1.5-meter-wide double bed was placed by the window. At the foot of the bed was a desk that also served as a computer table, and opposite these, an old wooden wardrobe stood side-by-side with a simple modular one.

Next to the door, a row of pull-out storage boxes was stacked against the wall.

The room was packed full, making it appear even smaller and more crowded, but, unexpectedly, it was clean, with none of the usual clutter scattered about.

Single professional women are generally quite untidy, but she was an exception.

"It’s quite cozy, not bad at all."

Han Lie spoke the truth. He was reminded of his own rented room from six months ago, which, although similarly sized, was dilapidated, dirty, and hovel-like.

However, Lü Shuli seemed not to believe him and did not continue on this topic, simply smiling before turning to open a storage box.

"I’ll make you some tea. I wasn’t lying to you earlier; I really did get two bags of quite good tea leaves through Liu Minghao."

Not only did Lü Shuli have tea leaves, but she also had a rather exquisite tea set.

She pulled out a folding table from the side of the wardrobe, took a kettle from under the bed, and then produced a large jug of mineral water from under the cloth wardrobe...

Before this moment, Han Lie would never have imagined that her clean little bedroom would contain everything one might need—truly magical.

As she started bustling about, Han Lie took the initiative to strike up a casual conversation.

"That Liu Minghao really does take good care of you."

Han Lie and she weren’t really acquaintances. Including today, the number of times they’d met could be counted on one hand, and this was their first time being alone together.

So, some icebreaking was in order.

And the best way to break the ice was to start by discussing someone both were familiar with and trusted, finding common ground in the process.

Lü Shuli’s spirits lifted, and she tilted her chin up slightly. "Teacher Liu rarely takes on newbies these days. I guess I’m a bit lucky that he values me."

Han Lie nodded with a smile. "Liu Minghao’s judgment is trustworthy; you really do have the potential to become the face of the firm."

The compliment sounded sincere, but Lü Shuli couldn’t help but feel a twinge in her heart.

The term "face" was craftily used; it could be interpreted as representing beauty or as a sign of ability. Typically, though, it leaned more towards the former.

Not wanting to be looked down upon by Han Lie, Lü Shuli thought of a way to explain.

"There are at least three other girls in the firm who are prettier than me; how could I qualify to be the ’face’ of it? Maybe Teacher Liu is willing to mentor me because I’m single and willing to work hard, like one of the guys!"

Actually, the Red Circle Firm is quite competitive, not falling short of the finance industry.

But the meaning Lü Shuli wanted to convey was not so simple; only someone at a master level of understanding would fully grasp it.

Her underlying message was:

First, I didn’t get close to Liu Minghao because of my looks—there are three other girls in the firm just as pretty as me. I impressed Liu Minghao with my effort. (As for those supposedly prettier than her, take it with a grain of salt; don’t actually believe it.)

Second, there’s nothing more between me and Liu Minghao; he treats me like one of the men.

Third, I’m single.

Her explanation wasn’t necessarily intended to lead anywhere; it was just a matter of pride for a young woman in front of someone she considered a "big brother."

The more accomplished a young woman is, the stronger her self-respect. They might not care about being misunderstood by fawning admirers, but they certainly don’t want to lose points in front of important people, so they will always try to maintain their image.

But the issue is, truly confident people seldom explain themselves; such behavior itself signifies insecurity and a fear of loss.

Caring too much about someone else’s opinion means devaluing oneself, and smart people never do such a thing.

Lü Shuli was not foolish. However, the gap between her and Han Lie was just too great. He even had the power to decide her future, so she had to care. There was no other choice.

The crafty man chuckled softly, his anticipated effect achieved, his skill in the push-and-pull dynamic skyrocketing by 138 points.

"Being the face of the firm isn’t a bad thing."

He smoothed things over with deliberate ease, pushing and pulling, jabbing lightly, and then he needed to draw back—how else could he truly relish it?

"Beauty doesn’t hinder your ability to perform; on the contrary, it can amplify it. Regardless of why people notice you, when you have a chance to showcase yourself, you must seize it.

Wu Guijun says in *In Love with Someone*: ’It starts with appearance, deepens with talent, and endures due to character.’

You see, everyone has long acknowledged the powerful impact of the ’beauty dividend.’ Why do you need to resist it so fiercely?

There are many kinds of genetic advantages—my talent for stock trading and your natural beauty, is there any difference between them?

Actually, there isn’t.

I understand your desire not to be seen as just a pretty face. Rest assured, you’ll have plenty of time to prove yourself, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing your talent and character."

A surge of pleasure suddenly filled Lü Shuli’s mind, as if she were being gently caressed and warmed.

She adored that saying and felt a sincere admiration for Han Lie’s eloquence.

"You must have read a lot of books. I’ve heard many words of comfort and advice, but yours today were the most pleasant to hear and the most soothing."