Magnate Tycoon: How Did Simply Enjoying Life Make Me a Male God?-Chapter 597 - 413: Zhang Xinxin’s Bottom Line (2)

The woman sitting on the hospital bed appeared so thin and frail, almost fragile.

Her entire body had become emaciated, her sunken cheeks like ravines harshly carved by time, sparse hair limp on her shoulders, lifeless.

Most shocking was her bloodless face, pale almost to transparency, vaguely tinged with grayish-blue, laden with the exhaustion and fatigue of long illness.

If not for the faint resemblance of her facial features to those in his memory, Li Jing would have thought he had entered the wrong hospital room.

At this moment, Zhang Xinxin was trying to get up by holding onto the bed's railing. As the door opened, she froze instantly.

Seeing Li Jing at the doorway, her dull eyes first flashed with surprise, then flickered with a hint of panic, instinctively wanting to turn her back to him, as if trying to hide her pitiful appearance.

But soon, her shoulders trembled slightly, as though she made a certain decision, slowly straightening her back, forcing herself to face Li Jing.

Zhang Xinxin had deliberately put on makeup today, tidied her hair; the bright lipstick was striking against her pale, thin face.

Yet even with makeup, she couldn't hide the weariness in her eyes and the gauntness of her cheeks.

At this moment, she forced a bright smile while her voice carried a faint rasp: "Brother Jing, have I changed a lot now?"

Looking at the face striving to smile yet unable to hide its weariness, Li Jing felt an indescribable mix of emotions.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to maintain his usual gentle demeanor, walking forward steadily, his voice light and caring:

"It's alright, just lost some weight, but still as good-looking as before."

These words made An Tong, standing behind him, suddenly sniff, her eyes feeling sore as she hurriedly turned away, shoulders slightly trembling, her eyes flushed red.

Zhang Xinxin was stunned, clearly not expecting such a response from Li Jing.

She remained silent for a long time, then shook her head with a bitter smile: "Brother Jing, don't lie to me, I am nothing like before, clearly much uglier."

Saying this, Zhang Xinxin seemingly realized she was being too melancholy, wanting to escape this heavy topic, her gaze unconsciously shifted from Li Jing's face, and she spoke in a light tone, attempting to laugh:

"Actually, it's no big deal. Girls being skinny is kind of good, plus even though I lost some hair, I can wear wigs. An Tong bought me quite a few wigs.

I was going to wear them, but you came so soon unexpectedly."

She raised her thin hand, pointing to the half-open wardrobe in the corner of the room.

Through the slightly open door, several brightly colored wigs were neatly stacked, alongside hanging soft, comfortable hospital garments, adding a touch of life to the oppressively quiet hospital room.

Before Li Jing could speak, Zhang Xinxin eagerly picked up her phone by the pillow, a rare light flashing in her eyes, seemingly eager to showcase her positive side:

"Don't think I'm sick, but I've gained from it."

As if concerned the other wouldn't believe her, she purposefully turned the phone screen toward Li Jing:

"I resigned from the small company before getting sick, which An Tong knew of, their salary was miserably low, I was barely holding on for the social security.

With that gone, I asked An Tong to teach me to be an influencer, now I have quite a few followers."

Her face full of pride, as though seeking praise like a child: "Recently, An Tong taught me how to shoot videos, and edit them.

But I'm still clumsy, mostly I shoot the material, and she handles the post-processing."

She happily expanded her phone, the screen prominently displaying the video account named "Xinxin's Battle Diary."

The account avatar still showed the bright, radiant smile from memory, while the latest few video covers uniformly carried inspirational, warm tones.

Li Jing glancing at it, could guess the content was about documenting her daily fight against illness.

With Zhang Xinxin's once-excellent appearance and her now resilient story, the account quickly accumulated two to three hundred thousand followers, also displaying several commercial collaboration advertisements.

"Brother Jing, look!"

Zhang Xinxin shook the phone, showing off the account income, the pale cheeks slightly red with excitement, "Now earning better than when working!"

Li Jing suppressed the complex emotions surging within, smiled a bit, nodding: "Nice, it's great. You see, you're always amazing."

"I told you, Brother Jing."

Zhang Xinxin tilted her head, grinned revealing her teeth, trying to present a healthy, energetic facade.

"I'm really capable. Also, the money you lent me, I'll repay all of it! I've recorded each sum in my phone notes, I owe An Tong 500,000, and you…"

"Let's not discuss the money."

Hearing this, Li Jing raised his hand to interrupt, explaining, "You don't need to repay this money, including An Tong's, I'll take care of it."

"No way!" Zhang Xinxin suddenly raised her voice, her hand gripping the phone trembling slightly from excitement.

Under Li Jing's surprised gaze, her eyes shifted several times, ultimately settling into firm determination:

"I must repay them myself. I want to prove to myself that, even sick, I don't want to be anyone's burden."

Saying this, Zhang Xinxin's gaze softened a bit, seemingly plunged into memories, then spoke:

"Brother Jing, you don't need to worry about me. Those luxury goods you gave me before, I've sold them, exchanged for quite a bit of money."

She paused, continuing, "My dad originally wanted to stay at the hospital with me, I persuaded him to go back to continue his security job, this way he could earn some money.

I really don't need too many people keeping me company, the service here is very considerate, I can call for a nurse if there's anything, and An Tong is always helping me.

Now that the condition is stable, I can completely take care of myself, and there is no need to spend money on hiring a caregiver, nor want to waste everyone's time."

Saying this, she straightened her back, striving to display a strong appearance.

After a moment of silence, Zhang Xinxin raised her eyes again to look directly at Li Jing, bit her lower lip, her tone carrying a hint of stubbornness:

"Many people thought I wanted shortcuts, wanted quick money, or to hook a rich man."

Her gaze steadfast, yet her voice slightly trembling, "But I believe I contributed. I gave myself to the person I liked, and he spent money on me, both sides contributed, it's a fair exchange. So, I accepted Brother Jing's gifts with peace of mind."

She slowly lowered her head, staring at her own emaciated, almost skeletal hands, took a while before speaking again, her voice slightly lowered:

"But it's different now. My body…can no longer stay by your side, instead becomes a burden, even needs you to spend money for my treatment.

This fairness is broken, and I can't peacefully accept your help any longer.

Therefore, the money you gave me, the medical fees you paid, I must repay."

She raised her head, her eyes full of unyielding determination, "On this point, I hope Brother Jing won't refuse me."

Li Jing looked at this frail yet extraordinarily resolute girl, at this moment, he truly realized, this girl once deemed as gold-digging, possessed such resilience, had her unshakable principles.

Perhaps this was also why, even knowing her "gold-digging" nature, Li Jing was never repulsed by her, willing to keep her by his side.

After a long eye lock, Li Jing finally slowly nodded.

Receiving Li Jing's consent, Zhang Xinxin was relieved, her face blooming into a brilliant smile: "Thank you, Brother Jing, I believe I can do it!"

Li Jing took a deep breath, smiling back:

"I also believe you can."