When It's Time to Play Dead, Play Dead

Duncan Apartment.

"Further studies?"

MAX immediately shook his head. "Don't joke around."

Why not?

Adam laughed.

"I'm simply not cut out for it."

Max said somewhat self-consciously, "I didn't even get my high school diploma. Getting into community college was already a struggle, let alone going to a real university?"

"High school diplomas can be replaced."

Adam played with MAXAM and encouraged him, "The key question is whether you like drawing or not? Do you still want to become a real children's book illustrator in the future?"

"Of course I want to."

MAX said without hesitation.

"That'll do."

Adam laughed and said, "With what you've learned at community college, it'll be hard to find a job you dream of. In that case, why not go to college and learn some amazing skills that will leave everyone speechless?"

"But..."

MAX was somewhat tempted, but still shook his head. "I can't do it. I just like it, it doesn't mean I'm good at it. There are many people better than me at Green Garden Community College. I can't go to college."

"Talent is indeed important."

Adam nodded.

"Right?"

MAX breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a little disappointed.

This is the first time someone has encouraged her to pursue her dream.

"But when it comes to talent..."

Adam toyed with the NAXAN and teased, "Who else is as gifted as you?"

These past two weeks together.

Adam secretly compared Max and Heather in his mind.

In terms of looks and figure, Max is far inferior to Heather.

In terms of exceptional talent, the two are evenly matched.

But when it comes to driving, MAX is absolutely unmatched, far surpassing Tongji University.

Sometimes, even Adam is left in the dust, exclaiming, "Experienced Women, take me with you!"

Keep in mind, she's only 19 years old, and has only recently come of age.

This also reflects, from another perspective, what kind of life she used to lead.

"Oops!"

Max, who had transformed from MAXAM into NAXAN, exclaimed in surprise and slapped Adam hard, "Are you kidding me! This isn't a balloon, but it can still burst!"

Seeing Adam chuckling, MAX retorted irritably, "People say big boobs mean no brains. Look at yourself, I couldn't even get a high school diploma, isn't that normal? Someone with such extraordinary talent wants to go to university? Do you expect me to go and cut something? Or do you expect me to sleep my way up?"

"Alright, let's not talk about talent."

Adam changed the subject. "Many times, talent is not as important as hard work. You are learning painting, which is about technique, and it can be learned through a lot of practice. It's not like mathematics, where you can't solve a formula if you can't solve it."

"Who said that?"

MAX retorted, "Top-tier painters also rely heavily on talent and inspiration. If hard work alone could guarantee success, there wouldn't be so few masters."

"Well said."

Adam nodded and smiled, "So, your goal is to become a top master?"

"..."

MAX paused.

How dare she dream of becoming a master?

She just wanted to be a great illustrator and one day create a wonderful children's picture book; that would be enough.

And this does not require talent; it can be achieved with enough diligence and effort.

"We don't need to become top masters."

Adam said gently, "Just strive to become a good painter, what do you say?"

"I'll say it?"

MAX complained, "I said I've had enough rest, are you even up to it?"

As he spoke, he looked at Adam with a provocative gaze.

"Hehe."

Adam smiled, knowing she was trying to change the subject, but he decided to give her a way out and make her face reality.

Play dead when you should, and never try to stand out.

Two hours later.

Adam got up, leaned against the headboard, picked up a medical book and started reading. He glanced at Max next to him and a knowing smile appeared on his lips.

Max, who had previously provoked her to change the subject, now stared blankly at the ceiling, his face bearing the same classic expression Amy had when Sheldon drove her for the first time on their birthday night after eight years of dating.

Adam knew that Max had succeeded in changing the subject.

It's not that he forgot or didn't want to ask, but rather that even if he had the energy to ask, Max simply didn't have the energy to answer any questions.

In fact, MAX, who had the same classic expression Amy, didn't want to say a word and just stared blankly at the ceiling.

This time, there's no need to pretend to be dead.

Instead, in no time at all, he fell into a deep sleep.

The next day.

Morning run time.

"How are things going with Max? When are you two getting together for a meal?"

Monica asked.

Since returning to work, she has rejoined the ranks of morning runners.

Although cosplay costumes are annoying, you get used to them after a while; it's just part of the job.

People sometimes need to work because it is a way to realize their own value.

Just like during working hours, everyone looks forward to getting off work and holidays, but if holidays are too long, most people want to go back to work.

Even though Monica felt a little awkward after returning to work, her energy and spirits immediately lifted.

Monica, full of fighting spirit yet always caring for her friends, is back.

"Let's wait a little longer."

Adam laughed and said, "By the way, when you go to work today, please ask for a day off for her. She can't make it today."

"What's wrong?"

Monica asked with concern, "Is she sick?"

"You don't understand?"

Chandler, standing to the side, smiled strangely.

"What do you know?"

Monica was baffled.

"Normally, even if she has something to do, wouldn't she ask for leave herself?"

Chandler winked and said, "Why should Adam help her get a day off this time? Think about it carefully~"

"You mean..."

Monica covered her mouth, dumbfounded.

"That must be it, Adam, am I right?"

Chandler asked.

"She tossed and turned a bit last night and went to bed too late. She probably won't wake up until 9 or 10 o'clock."

Adam described the events in a roundabout way and laughed, "I thought I'd let her rest for a day and not overwork herself."

"You're so considerate."

Monica retorted, "You're exaggerating! Are you even human?"

It is said that there is no land that is over-cultivated, only oxen that are exhausted to death.

But that's not absolute. What if you run into the Bull Demon King?

"You deserve credit for this too."

Chandler retorted, "The Seven-Point Combination Method you taught is truly miraculous."

"Stop talking."

Monica rolled her eyes. "If Susie hadn't specifically thanked me, I would have really regretted telling you guys, especially you, Adam!"

Women understand women best. The Seven-Point Combination Method that Monica figured out and summarized received a five-star review from Susie.

When Susie finished her experience, she held Monica's hand, and her heartfelt gratitude was incredibly sincere.

"Don't mind it."

Adam smiled modestly and said, "I haven't had a chance to use the techniques you taught me yet."

Monica: "..."

Chandler: "..."