"Ah? Why an amusement park?"
Kong Huaijin had never been to an amusement park before, and now she had no interest in such places favored by young girls.
From the moment she could remember, she had been busy studying, busy learning how to manage the company. Her leisure activities consisted of swimming, shopping, traveling, and beauty treatments, occasionally meeting friends or attending concerts.
The amusement park was a joy she had missed out on—something she wanted to visit as a child but never had the time for. By the time she finally had the opportunity, she had long outgrown the youthful heart that would have chased such simple pleasures.
"Today is the 10th anniversary of Xingyu Amusement Park, and they’re holding a special event. It’s not far from my company, and since I had nothing else to do, I thought I’d go. I wouldn’t have gone alone, but since you’re here, we can go together."
"I... I’m too old for that kind of place meant for little girls, aren’t I?"
For once, Kong Huaijin looked visibly flustered.
She felt like she wouldn’t fit in there—she wasn’t the type to skip around like a carefree girl. At first, she resisted the idea.
Her usual demeanor in public was that of a poised and elegant woman, not someone who would let loose so freely.
Zhou Yi chuckled. "Sis, that’s just your stereotype talking. Who says someone your age can’t go to an amusement park? People of all ages go there. Besides, you’re only in your twenties—most of the girls there are around your age."
Kong Huaijin blinked. "Really? Well... I guess we can take a look."
She thought to herself that there was no harm in just visiting—she could treat it like sightseeing.
"Let’s go then. Oh, by the way, do you usually drive yourself to school?"
"I usually take a cab. I don’t like driving to campus—it feels a bit too showy."
[Kong Huaijin’s Affection +2]
Kong Huaijin gave Zhou Yi an approving glance. For someone his age, resisting the urge to show off was actually quite rare.
She remembered when she was in college—the wealthy boys at her school practically wore their riches on their sleeves, all for the sake of flaunting and picking up girls.
Back then, she had kept a low profile, and few knew her true background. Most people just saw her as aloof. Some guys had tried to impress her by flaunting luxury cars and watches, but she had only found it laughable.
Having seen so many flashy rich boys, someone like Zhou Yi—humble and unpretentious—was truly a rarity.
As for Kong Xiaohe, the reason he didn’t act like a rich kid was because of his upbringing.
Kong Huaijin herself had lived modestly for the first two decades of her life. But after taking over the family business, money became meaningless to her. Though she never intentionally flaunted her wealth, she naturally exuded the aura of someone who had it.
Some qualities are ingrained by one’s environment, and Kong Huaijin was the perfect example.
She smiled faintly. "Alright, let’s go. We’ll take my car."
Zhou Yi carried her bag for her, ignoring the curious glances from their classmates as they walked out of the cafeteria side by side.
"Sis, I’m getting this weird feeling right now."
"What?"
"I kind of feel like a male college student being kept by you."
Kong Huaijin burst into laughter, covering her chest as she giggled. "Would that really be so bad? Most people don’t get that kind of opportunity. These days, plenty of guys are happy to be sugar babies—it’s a shortcut to success. With looks like yours, you could have your pick of sugar mommies."
Zhou Yi mirrored her teasing tone. "But I don’t think you’d like a guy who’s after your money. Otherwise, with your status, you could have any man you wanted."
Kong Huaijin raised an eyebrow and glanced at him. "How do you know I don’t already have a boyfriend?"
"Most accomplished, career-driven women tend to be single."
"Hmm, and why do you think that is?"
Zhou Yi pretended ignorance and shook his head. "No idea."
When dealing with strong-willed women, it was important to leave room for them to steer the conversation. Showing a little vulnerability now and then wasn’t a bad thing—it allowed them to enjoy the interaction.
His question was meant to prompt Kong Huaijin to share her views on relationships.
"My mother once told me something. She said women must learn to endure loneliness. If no high-quality man appears in your life, never lower your standards to settle for someone beneath you—not even for a fling. Because women are emotional creatures, and sooner or later, feelings will get involved."
Kong Huaijin was undeniably proud. She wanted men to understand that not just anyone could pursue her. Even the chance to chase her required a "love ticket."
Indeed, as Su Ning’s brother had said, Kong Huaijin gave off an air of unattainability.
So what did she consider a high-quality man? Wealth?
Of course not.
When it came to money, she had plenty of her own. Her standards were sky-high—a man had to excel in character, personality, and ability to even catch her interest.
If no such man existed, she’d rather stay single forever. Or, if necessary, she’d opt for a marriage of convenience—in which case, her partner would be nothing more than a business associate, not a lover.
She was a clear-headed, rational woman who would never let so-called love put her in a vulnerable position.
Her mother had lived by the same principles, which was how she ended up with her father. They had married in their thirties, bound by mutual respect—a foundation that had carried them through decades of companionship.
If a man’s only merit was wealth, and you didn’t even admire him as a person, how could you ever love him?
From her words, Zhou Yi had already grasped her preferences and views on love.
"Then in your eyes, what kind of man am I? Do I qualify as a high-quality prospect?"
The question caught Kong Huaijin off guard.
By her own criteria, Zhou Yi was an excellent candidate.
Yet she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was no future between them—just an inexplicable intuition.
A woman’s intuition was terrifyingly accurate.
She smiled faintly, pausing before answering. "Well... of course you do. You’re exceptional in every way—just a little too young."
Zhou Yi grinned. "Isn’t youth a good thing? Or do you not like dating younger men?"
Kong Huaijin was taken aback. "Are you saying you want to date me?"
Zhou Yi pretended to be embarrassed, avoiding her gaze as he lowered his eyes. "No, I... I don’t know how we ended up talking about this."
His occasional moments of bashfulness only made Kong Huaijin find him more endearing.
This kid really has layers, she thought.
Since Zhou Yi was still just a college student, his occasional awkwardness was natural. She didn’t read too much into it and felt no need to be guarded around him.
Before long, they reached her car.
"Here we are. Get in."