Recalling past events was a thorn in Jiang Yuwei's heart, but thinking of Chen Lishu, who was struggling to fend for herself, she couldn't help but smile.
"Honestly, I always thought you wouldn't join the system," Yang Lili paused before adding, "After all, with your qualifications, you could be quite successful in anything you do."
Jiang Yuwei sensed a hidden meaning in her words, wondering if it was a jab at her current low earnings.
"I ran into Chen Lishu in Kyoto last time. Her business is doing quite well now."
Jiang Yuwei replied indifferently, "Is that so? I'm not really aware of that." She had little interest in discussing people unrelated to her.
Yang Lili continued, "I think if you were to do it, you'd be much more successful than her."
"My experience studying abroad has deeply taught me one principle: only by continuously expanding your horizons can you go further than others."
"Our company has businesses in Kyoto, Pengcheng, and Xiangjiang, and we are currently in a development phase. How about it, are you interested in joining us?"
Jiang Yuwei was taken aback, "Me? I've never done anything like it before."
She didn't refuse outright.
Yang Lili elaborated, "I started from scratch too. Moreover, the company is in dire need of talent right now, with immense room for promotion. Most importantly, the salary and benefits are good, and we have overseas business dealings, offering many opportunities to travel abroad. To be honest, there's not much development in the provincial capital."
"If you're interested, I can introduce you. We're classmates, and we should look out for each other. I realized after entering society that not all relationships are as pure as they were during school."
After parting ways with Yang Lili, Jiang Yuwei began to seriously consider her words.
Had she not met Yang Lili, she might not have considered leaving. However, meeting her had deeply touched Jiang Yuwei.
Someone who was once inferior to her in every way was now far superior.
She also considered another point: walls have ears. No matter how discreet her actions were, she couldn't guarantee they wouldn't be exposed one day.
...
"It's really not easy to meet you if it weren't for my eldest sister's influence." Zhang Xue was her usual self, her voice preceding her as she pushed open the private room door and started exclaiming.
"It can't be helped, I've been quite busy lately." Chen Lishu patted the seat next to her. "Final exams are approaching, is school keeping you busy?"
Zhang Xue took off her hat and scarf, then her coat, revealing a slightly protruding belly.
Chen Lishu handed her a cup of hot water, "Warm yourself up."
"The school is accommodating. The classes for four classes have been reduced to two. Besides, I'm not far along, and with the holidays approaching, I'm still a bit unaccustomed to it."
Yang Lili watched the two interact warmly, a hint of envy in her eyes.
Friendships in school were the purest; after entering the workforce, interpersonal relationships were purely about interests.
"Zhang Xue, I really envy you," Yang Lili said with a smile.
Zhang Xue seemed to hear something amusing and chuckled, "What do you envy about me? Compared to the two of you, one is a general manager, and the other is a big boss. I'm just a humble teacher, earning a meager living, probably less than a fraction of what you two make."
Yang Lili smiled, without further explanation.
For someone who had only graduated a year ago to establish herself in a large company, let alone become a manager, diligence and hard work alone were far from enough.
Chen Lishu handed the menu to Zhang Xue, "See what you'd like to eat. Eldest Sister is back, and I'm treating today."
"Really?" Zhang Xue's eyes lit up, and she said with a grin, "I'm eating for two now. Since you're treating, I won't be shy."
The dishes were soon served, and the three ate and chatted.
"I heard about what happened at your factory. Although I can't offer much help, I can introduce a couple of clients."
Hearing Yang Lili's words, Zhang Xue quickly asked with concern, "Lishu, what happened at your factory? Is it serious?"
Chen Lishu smiled, "No major issues, it's almost all resolved. I'll be going to Kyoto in the next couple of days and should be back before the New Year."
Upon hearing she was going to Kyoto, Yang Lili's expression flickered.
"When are you leaving? Shall we travel together?"
Chen Lishu replied, "You're going to Kyoto too?"
Yang Lili said, "My company also has some matters to attend to there."
Zhang Xue looked at them chatting, saying with a touch of envy, "I envy you for being able to go anywhere."
Yang Lili remarked, "I'm naturally destined for a life of toil. Besides, you're pregnant, so you naturally shouldn't be traveling around carelessly."
After catching up, Chen Lishu saw them both back to their respective residences before returning home herself.
Abroad, in a villa, a woman had just finished her exquisite makeup. Hearing the doorbell ring, she stood up to answer it.
Upon seeing the man standing outside with a bouquet of flowers, her face broke into a faint smile. "Why did you buy flowers?"
The man's smile was filled with affection. "Flowers complement beauty. In my eyes, you are a hundred times more beautiful than these flowers."
The woman couldn't help but laugh, finally taking the flowers and turning to find a vase. "Come in."
"We're attending the Smiths' party soon. It seems you're almost ready."
"Everyone goes with their partners. Honestly, Awen, I never expected you to agree." The man put his arm around the woman from behind, inhaling the fragrance of her hair, his expression full of adoration.
He Wenxin's hand paused as she arranged the flowers. She quickly pulled herself out of his embrace, lowered her eyes, and said, "Zhihui, I agreed to try and see how things go, but I hope you can give me a little more time."
Seeing her resistance, a hint of annoyance flashed in the man's eyes. He said nervously, "I'm sorry, Awen. I acted too hastily. I promise it won't happen again. Will you forgive me?"
He Wenxin shook her head. "It's not your fault. It's just that I can't get over this hurdle in my heart. I'm not a good mother, and I only think of escaping when facing problems..."
The man stepped forward and took her hand. "Awen, it's not your fault. It's all that scoundrel He Zinian, who didn't know how to cherish such a good wife. I've also been asking people in China to inquire about Ruirui's whereabouts. As soon as there's any news, I'll tell you immediately."
He Wenxin wiped the corner of her eye and managed a strained smile at the man. "Zhihui, thank you. You've been traveling back and forth between countries to accompany me."
The man shook his head. "Awen, I've told you, you never need to say thank you to me."
"By the way, it's just over a month until Lunar New Year in China. Do you want to come back with me this year to celebrate?"
He Wenxin hesitated for a moment before finally shaking her head.