But Zhou Yan's face looks somewhat familiar! He resembles Jiang Qimeng quite a bit. Forget it, I shouldn't be paranoid. He's a master's student still in school and surnamed Xu; he's completely unrelated to Jiang Qimeng.
Right then, Wan Yu's messages started flooding in. "How is it? Is he handsome or what? Doesn't it feel like you've suddenly fallen into Pansi Cave! Hahaha! Enjoy the good life in Fancheng."
Jian Xi knew it was her doing and was just about to retort when Wan Yu messaged again, as if reading her mind, "If you want to divorce, you've got to take some real action."
Right! Without Si Yuhuan, I indeed need to find a truly suitable man, widen my social circle, and select the best from the best. There's no problem with that.
Soon, Jian Xi, tastefully dressed, appeared before them.
With light makeup, her delicate beauty and natural grace shone through. The kind of poise that came from wealth was not something an average girl could easily mimic; she exuded an effortless confidence.
Her beautiful figure instantly made Zhou Yan's face turn red.
He was a young man, after all, too shy to look directly at the stunning Jian Xi. Stammering with a nervous laugh, he said, "I read your profile, Southern University's goddess senior. I... I wrote you a love letter before."
However, at that time, Jian Xi was busy chasing Si Yuhuan, and the whole university was buzzing with gossip about it. He never even had a chance, which he found quite regrettable.
COUGH! COUGH! COUGH!
Jian Xi, who was drinking water, choked.
A gentleman nearby with a British flair immediately handed her a handkerchief.
"Thank you!"
Jian Xi dabbed her mouth. The handkerchief carried an elegant, woody fragrance. What a man of refined taste, she thought, unable to resist glancing at him a few more times.
Suddenly, she had a realization. When a man genuinely wants to capture your attention, he can transform into a peacock displaying its full plumage, showcasing all his finest attributes, terrified you might overlook a single detail. Just like now—everyone was so attentive, it was as if they could anticipate her every need. Some had even summoned the head chef to prepare her breakfast on the spot, thoughtfully providing fresh milk at such a perfect temperature that she couldn't find a single fault. And these gestures were precisely the kinds of things she had done in her past life to curry favor with Si Yuhuan.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," she said, shaking hands with each person. When she reached Zhou Yan, she offered a particularly gentle smile. "Nice to meet you, junior. If possible, please choose New Fashion Media."
"Sure! Sure!" Zhou Yan grinned cheerfully, revealing a set of pearly white teeth, looking genuinely bright and sunny.
His manager quickly nudged him with an elbow. Zhou Yan mumbled, "We've already decided to sign. Why go through all this charade just to hike up the price..."
The manager looked as if his eyes were about to roll back into his head.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. "I hope I'm not too late?"
Jian Xi had never imagined that Chu Xiao, with his fifty million followers, was such a major blogger. He was practically a walking money-printing machine.
With him joining, the others didn't waste any more words and quickly signed the cooperation agreements.
There was an industry party that evening. Everyone dispersed, leaving only Chu Xiao behind.
Seeing Zhou Yan bidding Jian Xi a reluctant farewell, Chu Xiao stepped forward, blocking Zhou Yan's view. With an air of staking his claim, he said, "Little brother, she's already taken."
Jian Xi raised an eyebrow. She almost laughed. Seriously, in what capacity was he stepping in to help her out?
Actually, there was something she hadn't mentioned: Si Yuhuan's 'white moonlight,' Jiang Qimeng, was also an alumna of Southern University. Zhou Yan was in the same department as Jiang Qimeng, and that was partly why Jian Xi had shown some interest in him.
After everyone else had left, Chu Xiao hurried to explain, "Miss, I'm sorry for being a busybody that night and causing a misunderstanding."
"Not at all," Jian Xi replied understandingly. She continued to organize her files without pause, her focus intent, as if she hadn't taken the previous incident to heart. "On the contrary, I'm the one who should be embarrassed for making an unnecessary offer of a win-win cooperation, not realizing you'd already achieved financial freedom."
Jian Xi patted him on the shoulder with a smile as she walked past, exuding the air of a confident, mature woman. "Thank you."
Chu Xiao clicked his tongue. This is the first time I've been treated like this, he thought.
...
「The E-commerce Industry Summit.」
Jian Xi hadn't initially wanted to attend.
But Wan Yu had said, "If you want spring to arrive, you have to learn to send out signals."
Jian Xi decided instantly. I'll go!
The business networking event, with guests mingling and drinks flowing, was indeed not the kind of atmosphere Jian Xi enjoyed.
Inside, people wore all sorts of strange and eccentric outfits. Online celebrities seemed desperate to flaunt their wealth to highlight their status, while others donned exaggerated costumes merely to attract attention, all contributing to a pervasive, high-energy live-streaming vibe.
Fortunately, once inside the main venue, photography and videography were prohibited.
Only then did Jian Xi finally take a deep breath.
It seems this decision was a mistake; I shouldn't have come, Jian Xi thought. Just as she was hesitating about whether to leave, a sudden commotion erupted at the entrance.
Jian Xi followed everyone's gaze.
Due to the throng of people, she couldn't see clearly. She could only make out that a woman in a fairy-like dress had appeared, accompanied by the non-stop flashing of cameras.
Someone in the crowd gasped, "Jiang Qimeng! It's Jiang Qimeng, wow!"
The entire venue instantly erupted with excitement.
Jian Xi was pushed into a corner by the surging crowd.
I can't believe I'd run into Jiang Qimeng here! This woman, whom I despise so much I could grind my teeth to dust! Even though it was just a hazy glimpse of her silhouette through the crowd, it was enough to make the fighting spirit surge through my veins.
Suddenly, the crowd parted, and Jiang Qimeng had disappeared somewhere.
Soon, an even more striking figure appeared. The man, dressed in a bespoke suit, carried himself with a regal air, like an emperor surveying his domain, his presence alone capable of making everyone else feel insignificant. His arrival caused quite a stir.
"Si Yuhuan! I never thought I'd see him in a place like this!" The women in the crowd were utterly frenzied.
Indeed! Enemies truly are fated to cross paths. To think I'd run into this damned scumbag even here! Si Yuhuan, who usually detests business banquets, is actually at this minor event. Judging by his anxious expression, he's probably here for Jiang Qimeng. His love for her is truly indulgent to the extreme; he'd break any of his principles for her time and time again.
Si Yuhuan's eyes were scanning the room.
The moment his gaze precisely landed on Jian Xi, it darkened.
Their eyes met, and sparks flew.
It was clear he was furious to see her.
Jian Xi guessed, Right now, Si Yuhuan must be thinking that I'm like a piece of sticky taffy he can't shake off, following him all the way to Fancheng to cause trouble for his 'white moonlight.'
Seeing the murderous look on his face, Jian Xi decided she had to strike first!
A short while later, women suddenly seemed to go mad, throwing themselves at Si Yuhuan.
Jian Xi waved at him, mouthing with a smile, "Enjoy yourself."
These audacious women had all been egged on by her. She had told them that even marriages can end in divorce, so they should bravely pursue love. An opportunity to get close to Si Yuhuan was rare, and whoever seized it could soar to success overnight.
He was the richest man in the country, after all!
Naturally, there would be swarms of reckless fortune-seekers.
Chu Xiao sauntered up, making a TSK! TSK! sound, and thoughtfully handed her a drink. "You're quite ruthless, Miss, but I like it."
Jian Xi was in a terrible mood and ignored him.
Chu Xiao, ever the 'Little Naigou' skilled at coaxing others, gently patted her head. The very next second, Si Yuhuan charged over and seized his wrist. "Get your filthy hands off her!"