Although arrogant and proud, at least he wouldn’t use emotions as a weapon to hurt people, and he wouldn’t pretend—if he didn’t like something, he simply didn’t like it.
The way he was holding her while maintaining distance, his face showing undisguised disgust.
Lin Xiaoman couldn’t help but laugh.
It seemed Ji Zhixian really didn’t like women.
He originally wanted to throw away this useless pearl earring, but for some inexplicable reason, he kept it, thinking that if he had the chance to give it to her in the future, she would be happy.
But in the end, he never managed to give it away.
“Acting is just so-so? I…”
Lin Xiaoman’s voice trailed off, her annoyance apparent. Ji Zhixian continued to smirk, clearly enjoying the conversation.
She quickly regained her composure, trying to deflect his criticism. “Well, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, right? Just because I don’t match whatever standards you have for Tang Feifei doesn’t mean I’m not good in my own way.”
Ji Zhixian shrugged, unconvinced. “I suppose. But you have to admit, she’s a benchmark – a model that you can hardly compare to.”
“Well, I didn’t ask to be compared to her,” Lin Xiaoman shot back. “Maybe I don’t want to be a benchmark; maybe I want to create my own path.”
Ji Zhixian paused, intrigued by her response. “Creating your own path is one thing, but if you want to play in the big leagues, you need to step up your game.”
Lin Xiaoman nodded slowly, deep in thought. She appreciated the challenge but silently vowed to not let his negativity deter her.
“Challenge accepted,” she finally said with a grin. “Now, let’s see what I can do.”
“Lin Xiaoman got excited and almost let something slip, quickly adding, “If my cousin’s acting is just so-so, then no one can act.”
“They don’t understand acting,” Ji Zhixian’s tone was as arrogant as always.
“So you’re actually praising her?” Lin Xiaoman laughed.
“Who’s praising her?” Ji Zhixian’s face showed a hint of awkwardness. “Her acting is just barely watchable.”
“Oh…” Lin Xiaoman’s expression became meaningful. She had never known that Ji Zhixian was actually a tsundere, and even a bit cute.
