Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 103

Chapter 103 Jane’s Advice 

Finished 

Jane saw that Ava was still somewhat stunned, so she was mindful of the hardships she had endured over the years and explained patiently, “That’s a blue diamond from Aukvitor Planet. They’re exceptionally rare and incredibly valuable, especially one of this size. I heard it was bought at auction by a mysterious bidder. I even wondered who it might be–turns out, it was him!” 

She caught the unease on Ava’s face and laughed softly. “What are you so worried about? If he was bold enough to give it to you, then accept it. You two are husband and wife–what’s wrong with a man buying expensive jewelry for his wife? You wearing it is doing him a favor. It’s a way of showing him off.” 

Ava frowned slightly. “We’re still in the phase of getting to know each other. We haven’t truly entered a romantic relationship yet.” 

As she spoke, she removed the ring and placed it back into the box. 

Jane couldn’t quite understand her unease. “Ava, things have already come this far. Are you still considering retreating? I honestly don’t see why you’re so anxious. When a man pursues a woman he likes, what does he do? He spends money. If not money, then he invests resources. If he does neither and only talks about love, anyone who believes that is a fool. 

“A woman needs confidence. You have to believe you deserve what’s given to you. If it’s placed in your hands, then you’re worthy of it. You didn’t reject him–you allowed him the chance to pursue you. Now that he’s actually following through, why are you the one hesitating?” Jane insisted. 

“I’m not hesitating,” she replied evenly. “I just don’t want to rush into a relationship until I’ve properly observed someone and confirmed they’re truly a good person. I won’t give them my feelings.” 

Jane thought it over before responding. “I think I get what you’re saying. Honestly, most people would’ve fallen for this kind of sugar–coated offensive immediately–you know they’d already be in bed by now. But tell me, your previous boyfriend. Are you sure he was a good person?” 

Ava had completely pushed Daniel out of her mind. For a moment, she could barely even recall his face. “What we had wasn’t love. I didn’t love him–at most, I felt some mild affection. At the time, I knew he was a reasonable choice for me, given my circumstances, so I didn’t refuse. Even later, when he chose to walk away, I didn’t blame him. That’s simply human nature. Relationships are always about weighing gains and losses.” 

Jane sighed. “You’re too pessimistic–and far too rational. A girl should enjoy herself when she can. What’s wrong with dating a few men? If you don’t experience it, how will you know what kind of man suits you? How will you understand what men are really like? And yet you were so stubborn, clinging to one tree back then. Honestly, I’d love to meet the blind idiot who still 

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19:05 Mon, Jan 12 

Chapter 103 Jane’s Advice 

thought he had the right to be picky.” 

(62. 

Finished 

Ava knew there was a deep gap between their perspectives–two entirely different ways of secing the world. Even after being reborn and living another twenty–plus years, she still hadn’t fully bridged that divide. Perhaps she was simply unlucky. In both her past life and this one, every relationship had ended the same way. It wasn’t that she blamed anyone–she just found love exhausting. 

“I’m only delivering this for him,” Jane added. “I won’t take it back for you. If you don’t want it, you can tell him yourself. But let me remind you–there may be plenty of men in this era, but there aren’t many willing to spend generously on a woman. Most of them spend a little and expect immediate returns. That’s why I’ve always believed that, all else being equal, you choose the wealthy one. Money can’t solve everything, but it can solve ninety–nine percent of problems.” 

She replied helplessly, “It’s not that I hate rich people, and I’m not particularly drawn to poor men either.” 

“Either way,” Jane said firmly, “you’re the second daughter of the Morren family–and a rare female elemental power user. In front of those five men, you’re inferior to none. Don’t ever think otherwise. Once your abilities improve, the ones who’ll be anxious and scrambling will be them.” 

While the two of them were still talking, Asher approached, carrying several boxes in his arms. “Ava, these just arrived for you.” 

Ava looked at him blankly. “But, Asher, I haven’t ordered anything online lately.” 

“I never said you did,” he replied, setting the boxes down. “They’re your coming–of–age gifts- from those matched candidates of yours. Take your time opening them. I’ll head downstairs.” 

Jane immediately covered her mouth and turned away, stifling her laughter. The astonished look on Ava’s face only made her laugh harder. When she finally managed to compose herself, she said, “Ava, you’re too funny. You know, before a coming–of–age party, men and women aren’t supposed to meet–it’s tradition. Otherwise, I guarantee they’d have shown up at your door in person. Have any of them contacted you over the past couple of days?” 

“They’ve messaged me through Holoband,” Ava declared, “but none of them mentioned sending gifts.” 

Jane flicked her lightly on the forehead. “For a girl, a coming–of–age party is second only to her wedding. Just think about it–there’s no way they wouldn’t make some kind of gesture. Come on, start opening them. I’ll help you judge.” 

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