From her various talents and university major, it was evident that her family background was once extraordinary.
Normally, after reaching this point in a conversation, most people would inquire about her family's former business and what happened to lead to her current situation.
But Hu Jiasheng was not a normal person.
He had no interest in Tang Nannan's personal affairs; he genuinely wanted to compensate for his own psychological shortcomings and was earnestly considering her situation.
"Piano Grade 10 certificate? That's quite an achievement. Have you ever applied to institutions to become a professional piano teacher?"
Generally, students who could afford piano lessons came from well-off families. Becoming a piano teacher would surely bring in more income than driving a ride-hailing car.
How could Tang Nannan not understand this logic? It was just that circumstances didn't allow it.
Although Hu Jiasheng hadn't asked about her family, she felt it necessary to explain.
"Actually, I didn't finish university. In the second semester of my junior year, my family experienced a sudden change, and I ran out of money to continue my studies, so I took a leave of absence."
"After the incident, I lost my home and my parents. My uncle's company was also dragged down, and my aunt divorced him because of it, which is why he hates me so much now."
"My younger brother was studying abroad before. When our family situation became a joke within his social circle, he couldn't handle the blow and developed bipolar disorder out of anger..."
"In short, these past two years have been quite chaotic. I haven't had the mental space to settle down and focus on a job, as I constantly had to deal with various emergencies. Driving a ride-hailing car was the most suitable option for me."
Seeing that Hu Jiasheng had something to say, she quickly spoke again.
"I've done many other things too, like being a show model, a waitress, distributing flyers, and selling houses, but none of them lasted long."
Hu Jiasheng understood and summarized.
"You mean, because of your brother's illness, you have to be prepared to leave your job at any moment?"
"You could say that."
"Your uncle doesn't seem to be working either. Have you discussed it with him, asked him to help take care of your brother?"
Tang Nannan shook her head gently. "No."
"My uncle was married once before, but then he met this aunt and divorced his previous wife."
"He loves this aunt very much. Because of me, he lost everything... Perhaps he feels life has no more purpose. His current state is just waiting to die, and he won't listen to me."
Hu Jiasheng finally understood.
Apart from an uncle who was just waiting to die and a brother with bipolar disorder, Tang Nannan had nothing else.
As a victim herself, she hadn't collapsed under the weight of the major upheaval. Instead, she had shouldered the burden of life. She was a strong and clear-headed young woman.
As long as her family's affairs were sorted out and she had no worries, he believed she would quickly be able to stand on her own two feet.
Hu Jiasheng made a decision on the spot.
"Have you taken your brother to see a doctor? What did the doctor say?"
Tang Nannan felt a bit awkward. She looked at him, paused for two seconds, and then said.
"I consulted a doctor privately. This kind of illness is quite troublesome. Even if the patient cooperates, it's difficult to treat, let alone when he doesn't cooperate at all, and I don't have the money..."
As she reached this point, the waiter arrived with the dishes, and they stopped talking.
After all the dishes were placed, the waiter withdrew. Tang Nannan waited for Hu Jiasheng to start eating, and he pushed the two meat dishes towards her.
"Eat more. Only when you're feeling better can you think of good ways to solve your current predicament. When you have no money, your pride is worthless. You don't need to feel embarrassed in front of me."
This was indeed the plain truth.
She had already incurred debt and he had seen her at her worst. There was nothing more embarrassing than last night, so what else was there to be ashamed of?
Gritting her teeth, she removed her mask.
Outside the mask, her eyes were large and bright, appearing as pure and beautiful as a child's.
Hu Jiasheng had already prepared himself for the possibility that she was beautiful, but he hadn't expected her to be even more stunning once she took off the mask.
After returning to the country, he had only dated Chen Jiaojiao, and because their breakup was abrupt, he felt a sense of guilt towards her. Hu Jiasheng often found himself thinking of Chen Jiaojiao.
She was a pampered, proud daughter of heaven, confident and overbearing, with a fiery figure and an ostentatious personality.
When he was with her, they were the center of attention wherever they went.
When she had an idea, Hu Jiasheng could offer his opinion, but ultimately, she had to be obeyed. Disobedience meant not loving her enough.
This was also why, just a few months after taking over the Zhan Corporation, Hu Jiasheng was sent to the frontier by Zhan Beijue for secretly channeling benefits to her, violating principles.
Hu Jiasheng had always been a rather low-key and introverted person. In theory, someone like Chen Jiaojiao wouldn't fit his ideal partner criteria.
But she was like a fiery rose, and when she hooked him with her thorns, he couldn't help but lower his head and look at her more closely.
Although his time with her was passionate and mostly happy, Hu Jiasheng knew that he and Chen Jiaojiao wouldn't last.
Their personalities differed too much, and their reactions to problems were completely opposite, indicating a fundamental incompatibility in their values.
In the beginning, there was passion, and they could tolerate each other.
Over time, the problems were bound to surface.
Therefore, when Chen Jiaojiao found someone better, someone stronger than him, he was very willing to let her choose the better option.
It wasn't that he didn't love her; he couldn't explain his feelings for her himself.
It was more like a feeling that transcended friendship and love, akin to family affection, a pure desire for her well-being.
If Chen Jiaojiao was a passionate rose, then what was Tang Nannan?
She was as serene as a chrysanthemum, elegant and sweet, instantly reminding Hu Jiasheng of a daisy.
She was a typical Jiangnan beauty.
Her eyes were clear and gentle. Despite wearing ordinary, even slightly unkempt clothes, she exuded a quiet and serene aura from within.
Any further adornment would be a desecration of her beauty.
Seeing her appearance, Hu Jiasheng unconsciously slowed his breathing.
He had a sudden illusion that any slight disturbance would shatter her.
Tang Nannan truly hadn't had a proper meal in a long time.
She, who was once so picky and would never have considered oily roast duck or braised pork, now found herself salivating at the sight of fatty meat.
She picked up a piece of meat and took a bite, its fragrance filling her mouth.
In the past, when she had everything she needed, she always felt that the scenes in movies where poor people would ravenously pounce on food after starving for days were somewhat exaggerated.
Now, she finally understood that art indeed originates from life.
Even knowing that the food wouldn't run away and no one would snatch it, when one is hungry enough, the urge to swallow it down immediately is overwhelming.
Although Hu Jiasheng hadn't spent much time in China, he had Chinese chefs accompanying him since childhood and had eaten a lot of Chinese food. He understood it well.
He was not only particular about eating but also about the pairing of dishes, and Tang Nannan couldn't stop eating.