Chapter 172 - Sofia's Gratitude To Jing Jing

"Sister Jing, I'm truly grateful for your help," Sofia spoke, her expression was full of sincerity and warmth. She tilted her head and gazed at the clear blue sky. Suddenly, her mind wandered back in the fragments of memories, remembering Jing Jing's contributions during her past and present life. 

The woman in the past and this lady that was standing in beside her had showed the same amount of dedication and hard work.

On the other hand, Jing Jing's steps froze and her feet completely halted as she gaped at Sofia. Surely, she had heard Sofia expressing her gratitude earlier, it was before they settled the acquisition of the property. 

However, there was something about the way she spoke her words that moved Jing Jing's heart just now. She felt that this gratitude is exaggerated. 

"Why are you thanking me again?" Jing Jing casually chuckled. It never occured to her the emotions that swelled in Sofia's heart. 

"You deserve my gratitude. Without you, things would be very difficult," Sofia stated. Whether the past or present Jing Jing, it was evident that her goals were attained because of the lady's assistance.

"You've already said thank you to me," Jing Jing managed to spoke. It was strange how Sofia's words had a very different impact. 

"Hehe, I did. But, still thank you for everything! I appreciate all your cooperation! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Sofia stated stubbornly. She even purposely repeated it three times again.

"Hahaha, okay, okay," Jing Jing waved her hand and brushed the side of her hair.

The morning sun had already risen and the February temperature in their district was starting to bite their skin. Jing Jing pulled an umbrella from her bag and shared it with Sofia. 

"In my lifetime, I have never meet a person so dedicated to do things that is beyond their age. Your character aspires me. Besides, it is my duty to assist you. Just tell me what you need, I'll definitely extend a mile for you," Jing Jing responded as they continued walking.

Sofia did not speak anymore. She had heard so many praises in the past but none of them really reached the depth of her emotions. But now, someone was actually telling her that her character was their aspiration. It was perhaps the only compliment that she acknowledged after waking up with a new life.

Her mind continued to replay all the scenes in her past life with Jing Jing. Their business meetings, out-of-town company travel for both expansions and inspections, and most importantly, the day she died. Her memory was blurry but, for some unknown reason, she could picture out those events.

Meanwhile, Jing Jing fished out the car key from her bag. She then unlocked the door of her car using the keys and pulled the door handle to the passenger's side, letting Sofia entered the vehicle first.

"By the way, Sofia... Congratulations on this new acquisition! Congratulations to your squad! Do you want to celebrate?" Jing Jing asked after she sat on the driver's side.

Indeed, it was an occasion worthy to be celebrated. But, because this was a common occurrence in Sofia's previous life, she didn't think much of it. Her mind was already focused on how they would renovate and operate this place. The matter of celebration had really slipped on her mind.

With Jing Jing's reminder, Sofia seemed to have realized this too. "AH! Yes, we will celebrate. Sister Jing, if you are not busy, come to my place tonight?" she quickly invited Jing Jing.

"Sure! I'll come by. Where are you heading now? I will take you there," Jing Jing nodded and smiled before she started driving down the road.

"I'm going back to my apartment," Sofia answered.

"Okay! To your apartment then," Jing Jing held the steering wheel tightly and stepped on the gas. She then made a left turn on the corner and drove in silence. A soft music was playing in the car.

After some time, Sofia glanced at the few people on the side of the road. She started to imagine the streets of their district bustling even during an ordinary day. Then, Sofia closed her eyes and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep. 

Jing Jing focused her attention on the road. But, after a while, she noticed in her peripheral vision that Sofia's sitting position had changed. This time, her body was leaning to the side of the door.

Sofia's posture had always been perfect. Either the way she stand straight or takes a sit. 

When the traffic light turned red, Jing Jing briefly looked at Sofia's side, only to see the girl sleeping soundlessly.

Jing Jing curled her lips and decelerated her driving speed to make sure that Sofia's rest won't be disturb.

"Just what kind of parents do you have to be able to raise this kind of character?" Jing Jing whispered out of curiosity. In her mind, only Sofia's childhood must have influenced her to be a goal-oriented despite the young age.

When they arrived at Sofia's place, Jing Jing contemplated whether she should wake her up or not. She extended her hand and planned to nudge Sofia, yet, the young lady already opened her eyes before Jing Jing could reach her side.

"We are here," Jing Jing announced and retracted her hand.

"Oh," Sofia hummed and looked around the place. "I've fell asleep. That's so rude of me. Sorry, sister Jing! It's not my intention to doze off," she expressed in panic. Jing Jing was not her driver and the car was not even her. It could be seen as disrespect that she just fall asleep while the owner of the car was driving her.

"AHAHA, you think too much. No need to apologize. Get some rest once you arrive in your place, okay?" Jing Jing laughed seeing the sudden changes in Sofia's expression.

"I don't know why I felt asleep. I'm not that drowsy, " Sofia scratched her head and pouted her lips. She then looked at the back of the car before pulling the door open.

"You might assume that you are not drowsy, but, your eyes really look tired. After all, you are still young, you need plenty of rest. And reading the contract of the deal earlier may have exhausted you," Jing Jing thoughtfully commented. Even up until now, she considered this ability of Sofia to execute a contract on her own as a rare talent. Perhaps, her soul is really meant to be in business world.

"That could be the reason," Sofia agreed. "See you tonight, sister Jing!"

"See you! I'll bring some food," Jing Jing responded while watching Sofia slipped out of her car and walked towards her apartment.

'This girl just spent over a million of money to buy the property. Yet, I have never seen any changes in her attitude,' Jing Jing thought. 

She knew better than anyone else that the money they used to pay on Mr. Feng was the prize money of the district tournament. But, it was not enough. Sofia, also asked her to loan to the bank an amount that she had never imagined she would do. The loan was under her name but Sofia promised her that she would give Jing Jing 5% of her share in the business. 

Sofia suddenly felt multiple vibrations on her phone. When she looked at the screen, there were two messages from unknown numbers reflecting on it.

"Ahh, the essay contest," Sofia murmured the moment she read the message. It was a reminder from her classroom teacher about the academic competition. The second message from a different number was still sent from the same teacher, and the content was the schedule of the event.

Just as Sofia was about to put her phone away, another notification appeared on her screen. It was a new message in her email. Her fingers quickly tapped the notification button and read the message.

Sofia muttered as she read the title of the message, "E-Sports Official Invitation to Join Regional Tournament." Her feet continued to walk towards the direction of her apartment unit as she skimmed the full information.

The full update of the game was advertised the same time as the invitation was sent to the potential participants of the tournament. Every player that held the title of being a squad leader also received the notification for the regional tournament.

"I should analyze and create tactics for this regional tournament," Sofia mumbled after arriving to her unit. She then open open her laptop while anxiously thinking about the ban mode. At first, she planned to take a nap. But with this announcement, she had completely forgotten her plan to rest.

In the virtual gaming community of the district 7, various speculations emerged following this latest version of the game. Players immediately discussed their views of the recent updates. Some characters were modified in terms of damage and resistance. 

Sofia browsed to several forums to see if there would be information about a summoner gameplay. But minutes had turned into hours, yet, there was no substantial data that she was able to gather.

"Is it hard to play summoner that no players used this role in the game?" she mumbled with a sigh.