Ethan Roscente closed the financial magazine in his hands, his deep gaze settling on Jenna Roland.

"How much did you earn today?"

Jenna's eyes lit up as she sat straighter, excitement bubbling in her voice. "Fifteen hundred in sales, with over nine hundred in profit! But the real win was the experience. Not bad, right?"

Ethan remained silent.

Nine hundred dollars made her this happy?

She was far too easily satisfied.

He did the math. With her qualifications, she'd earn at most five or six thousand a month in a corporate job. But if she consistently made nine hundred daily, her monthly income could reach thirty grand.

To him, that amount was negligible. Yet it made Jenna beam with joy.

"Your happiness threshold is remarkably low."

"What choice do I have?" Jenna sighed. "My parents passed early, and I have to support my brother's education. Even three hundred a day would be enough for me. Youth is capital—as long as I'm willing to work hard, success will come eventually."

Ethan reopened his magazine. "Effort must yield returns. Otherwise, it's a waste of life."

Jenna bit her lip. "I know you look down on street vending. But I want to try. If there's no progress in a few months, I'll find a stable job."

His gaze sharpened. "If you choose this path, see it through. Don't turn back unless you're facing a cliff. Opportunities only favor those who persist. Quitting guarantees failure."

Jenna stiffened.

She sat up straighter, her eyes glistening.

All those years at her uncle's house, she'd only heard belittlement and insults. This was the first time someone had spoken such encouraging words to her.

"Ethan," she inhaled deeply, "I've decided. As long as you don't bring up divorce, I'll stay with you for life!"

He arched a brow. "A few words, and you're sold?"

"Because you gave me hope." Jenna smiled. "When I'm rich, I'll invest in you too."

The corner of Ethan's mouth twitched imperceptibly before settling back into neutrality.

"Focus on yourself first."

Jenna lay back on her floor bedding. "Ethan, are you really content being a supervisor at HM Group for the rest of your life?"

"Sleep if you're tired," he replied flatly.

"I was almost asleep until you asked that."

"Being content isn't necessarily a bad thing." Ethan stared at the magazine without reading a single word.

His gaze drifted unconsciously toward the figure on the floor.