(The support from the brothers these past two days has filled me with passion and motivation. I want to make one last push in these final two days to see just how explosive we can get! How intense can this outburst be? Everyone, let your monthly pass speak for you! It's the last two days, so act fast! Now that we're sitting at 662, let's see if we can push for 800 votes!)

After listening to Li Jie's words, Li Yan was a bit surprised. It's really hard to imagine that there could be a boss like this! Is there still anyone running a company not for the sake of making money these days?

Seemingly seeing right through his thoughts, Li Jie snorted, "You might think I'm holding myself in high esteem, but you can actually ask Yang Dalong, the security captain at Paradise Group, for the real situation. I'm not trying to make us look noble or anything; I'm just treating you as a friend and telling you my situation. After all, we're all just trying to make a living."

"I definitely don't mean it that way. I think there's no boss nowadays who isn't in it for the profit, but it's rare to meet someone driven by principles like your dad. Go ahead and talk. I already consider you as my sister, so listening to your struggles is only fair. Don't always act so cool; voicing it out occasionally is quite womanly," Li Yan said with a smile.

Li Jie wasn't telling him these things to seek his approval or anything, but just expressing what was in her heart. Seeing him smile now, she knew he might sincerely mean his words, but she couldn't help feeling like there was a hint of irony in there.

"Hmph! When looking for security jobs individually, age decreases competitiveness, but providing them through a company allows some security personnel in their thirties or even forties to secure positions. Moreover, unified training and exercise can help them learn a bit more and maintain their physical fitness. This was my dad's original intention. Security salaries are low, and there aren't many profits to draw from. Although bodyguard income is higher, it also involves great risk, and my dad was reluctant to take commissions off them. Overall, we make a bit of money, but just barely enough to cover the company's usual expenses, including our training base on the outskirts of S city and the room and board for those not yet assigned. These are supplemented by my dad's income. For the past few years, it's been my income sustaining the family. Believe it if you want!"

After saying all this, Li Jie didn't continue but instead took a quick glance over there and then lowered her head to eat.

Looking at Li Jie in front of him, Li Yan was profoundly moved. Despite having different destinies, a girl of her age — not even someone born into a good family like Yu Xiaodi, just an ordinary girl like Jiang Lele — would lead a life filled with the pleasures of self-entertainment, even if frugal for brands. But for Li Jie, it's more like an adventurous and harsh youth!

She and Huang Ying share similar situations, yet there are also significant differences. Both have big societal factors at play, alongside their own family circumstances. But Huang Ying's difficulty is soft and helpless, nearly collapsing, whereas Li Jie charges forward, overcoming obstacles with a demeanor that shows women can be as brave as men, becoming a female bodyguard and maintaining Jie Rui's operations with her father, providing a rallying point for countless people!

Of course, the primary cause of their profound differences is still the family environment. Huang Ying's father is gone, affected by her mother, while Li Jie is the daughter of a retired soldier with thoughts, principles, and dreams.

Apparently, what truly wins over the many genuine retired soldiers isn't Li Jie being the boss's daughter, nor her combat skills surpassing most men, but her sharpness and courage!

"I certainly believe you..." Li Yan said softly, considering her cool demeanor. Apart from often facing numerous male security personnel, which necessitates an emotionless appearance to keep them in check, it might also be due to life's pressures and a lack of friends of the same age.

"Hmph, believe it or not, it's none of my business," Li Jie seemed only to prove her point, not caring if he believed it or not.

But how could her small emotions escape Li Yan, who had studied psychology before? Firstly, her father really is that kind of person, and she didn't want to be misunderstood as exploiting others while making herself look good. Just like Jet Li promoting the "One Foundation" concept, doing charity wholeheartedly, and after years of consistent efforts through various major disasters, earning most people's trust and belief; during the initial promotion, countless people ridiculed it as a show or hype.

Secondly, Li Jie considers him a friend, one with whom she can talk openly, saying things she rarely has the chance to say. To whom would she say it? Security, bodyguard friends? If she spoke up, others might think she was whining to raise her commission; Friends like Yu Xiaodi, hired only for tasks? Speaking like that would make others think she was feigning poverty to borrow money or ask for sponsorship.

So, having been mostly unable to speak her true feelings on ordinary days, today she finally had the chance to tell Li Yan, a friend disconnected from beneficial ties, and consider it a form of inner release and catharsis. Of course, she hoped to receive understanding and encouragement in return.

Seeing her contradicting herself, Li Yan intentionally said, "Heh heh, actually, you can't fool me; I know better, you know what? Your dad has actually hit the jackpot, you just don't know it yet!"

His alarming words did elicit a strong reaction from Li Jie, who raised her head to look at Li Yan, gripping her chopsticks like knives as if itching to stab him a few times. This guy is so annoying, always loves to argue!

Seeing her somewhat angry expression, Li Yan then continued, "Your dad really hit it big, but he made a fortune in goodwill! Like you said, most of the personnel at Jie Rui you're taking in are essentially veterans left without work arrangements upon demobilization or retirement, who can't find jobs themselves. They perhaps have some rowdy or coarse sides, but they're genuinely strong-bodied men! You think they wouldn't feel anything?"

Li Jie was stunned, only now understanding what Li Yan meant. But his perspective was indeed something she'd never considered before.

"They don't live in isolation; everyone comprehends and compares, just like how they discern that Paradise Group offers better treatment than other companies and thus conscientiously provide better service. Your family hasn't treated anyone badly, and everyone can sense it too." Li Yan spoke earnestly.

After hearing his words, Li Jie calmed down, feeling immensely gratified. Even though she hadn't thought about these aspects, she could feel this point from the respect she received from everyone usually. Her father merely hoped to aid these batches of young soldiers, and if he could garner extra gratitude and respect, wouldn't that be satisfaction enough? It's something money can't buy!

"Heh heh, wasn't it a metaphor from me!" Li Yan pulled out a cigarette, lighting it, continued to laugh, "You could also understand it like this: when one day you get married, and your dad sends out a hero's invitation, mass texting it like a bugle call, hundreds or thousands of people would rush over, all shouting together: Li Jie, may you live a thousand years and unite the realm! Oh no, may you live a thousand years and be united in marriage forever! How spectacular would that be? Talk about showing face!"

Li Jie couldn't help but be amused by his words.

From across the less-than-one-meter-wide table, seeing Li Jie's smiling face, Li Yan quietly lamented that he hadn't seen her smile many times despite knowing her for so long. Before, she preferred to use stray hairs to cover her eyes, obscuring her appearance, and liked to make herself appear gender-neutral. But ultimately, being a girl of her tender years, a more feminine look suited her better.

"Hmph, canine mouths won't yield ivory; hardly any of your words could be trusted. But you've reminded me. On his fiftieth birthday, I'm surely going to organize a grand event, gathering as many people as possible, not seeking gifts or cash, just heartfelt regards." Li Jie, filled with excitement, seemed to envision the grand scene Li Yan had described earlier. "Just worried… afraid that by the time, I might not gather many people; whether it's those currently in the company or those who have left, they'd all have to work, right?"

Li Yan, hearing her plan, felt moved. She had just mentioned that her income goes primarily toward sustaining her family. She wasn't that old, hadn't worked very long, so she probably didn't have much savings. Planning such a large-scale birthday feast would also incur considerable costs, possibly compelling her to take on dangerous tasks...

"How long until your dad's fiftieth birthday? If it's not far off, I want to make a bet with you; if it's many years away, never mind."

"Not long…" Afterward, Li Jie also thought of the harsh reality. Though such a plan was grandeur and significant, expenses would be hefty, and her dad would definitely disagree, or might not even be able to pool that much money. "Haha, I'd have to take more jobs. Nian Yufei's pay is decent, it's just when she returns home to Cloud Island, there's strong protection, so only when she travels elsewhere she needs my close protection, meaning time can only be charged by the day."

"If it's not long, I'll make a bet with you. Didn't you say maybe not many people would come? I think at least ninety percent will! To verify my judgment, I'm willing to bet; if less than 80% respond to the invitation and agree to come, I'll concede and cover all your birthday banquet expenses! How's that?"

Li Jie furrowed her brows. Although Li Yan had an arrogant smile on his face, she sensed he genuinely wanted to help. "And if more than 80% show up, and you win?"

"Obviously, it won't be that easy. If I win, you have to treat me to ten meals and give me a kiss, mind you, a mouth-to-mouth one. Dare you?" Li Yan declared with a mischievous grin about to achieve his goal.

(Thank you to the brothers for the sponsorship on the 28th—You'an, Yu Shao, Song of Cherry Blossoms, Reader 27153937, Reader 100815203010851, Zhongnan, Me, the Most Unique, Reader 100505081224547, Dad of Yuxuan, zjun971210, Feng de Xiaoyao, dongmin8061, Living by the Mountains and Water, Starlight in the Night, Cp Pampas, Wandering - Lonely Satan, Cavalry) (To be continued. To know how the story continues, please log on to www.qidian.com, with more chapters available, supporting the author and reading genuine content!)

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