Chapter 18: Old Classmates

Feng Qin was instantly drenched, a chill running straight to her core, her mind freezing for a moment. Instinctively she wiped her face with her hand, smearing her thick makeup into a mess. Her bright red lipstick, now spread across her face, looked like a greedy, gaping maw. Her scream echoed through the entire office.

"Shen Ling! You—"

Shen Ling’s expression immediately turned innocent and guileless. She covered her mouth in surprise and said, "Oh, I'm so sorry. My hand slipped. If you want to talk, please stand a little farther away."

As she spoke, she pulled a tissue from the box and dabbed randomly at Feng Qin’s face.

Feng Qin could barely breathe as she was wiped, shoving Shen Ling hard. "You did that on purpose, didn’t you?"

Her eyes, wide with fury, would have been intimidating if not for her ruined makeup, which made her look utterly ridiculous. Several colleagues nearby covered their mouths, lowering their heads to stifle their laughter.

Shen Ling deliberately played the pure white lotus, her anxious face on the verge of tears. "I really didn’t mean it. As a leader, you’re generous and won’t hold a grudge against a little employee like me, right?"

Feng Qin’s carefully applied victory makeup was now a total disaster, and she rushed to find a mirror.

Shen Ling, having lost interest, picked up her bag. As she passed by Feng Qin, her smile carried a trace of disdain. "It's just something I didn’t want, nothing to be proud of. You don’t even dare to face me directly."

Feng Qin was left fuming, speechless.

"You—"

Shen Ling was about to leave but paused, then turned back to offer a reminder. "Oh, by the way, remember to buy some waterproof cosmetics. That way, next time you get splashed, at least your makeup won’t smudge."

With that, Shen Ling strode away, thoroughly satisfied.

Behind her, Feng Qin was beside herself with rage, but could do nothing but watch Shen Ling leave. What she had expected came sooner and more abruptly than she’d imagined. Still, at least she had a way out.

Finding a quiet spot, Shen Ling pondered for a moment before taking out her phone and making a call.

The call was answered quickly, the person on the other end sounding tentative. "Who is this?"

The voice was gentle, like a spring breeze, instantly dispelling any lingering awkwardness Shen Ling felt about contacting an old classmate. "It’s me—"

Before she could introduce herself, the other recognized her voice, sounding noticeably brighter. "Shen Ling! It’s been ages."

Shen Ling quickly slipped into her professional mode, her laugh open and warm. "I have to admit, that’s my fault. Work’s been so busy I haven’t had time to catch up. Are you free lately? I’d love to chat."

"Of course, I’m free today."

Shen Ling could detect a hint of eagerness in the other’s tone—she thought she must be imagining it.

Regaining her composure, she said with a smile, "Great, you pick the place. My treat."

Her friend didn’t hesitate. "Ruicen Restaurant."

It was an extravagant Chinese restaurant, notoriously expensive. When asking for a favor, sacrifices had to be made. Shen Ling gritted her teeth and agreed.

She arrived twenty minutes early. Without a reservation, she’d only managed to secure a spot in the main dining hall. After waiting a short while, her guest arrived.

Xu Shengye, her university classmate, from a well-to-do family. After graduation, his career soared as if blessed by fortune, and this year he’d even been named one of the Top Ten Outstanding Young Entrepreneurs by Youth Magazine.

Since graduation, so much had changed in her life and she’d barely kept in touch with old friends. Now, needing a favor, she had thought of him, not without some embarrassment.

"Hey, over here," Shen Ling called out, rising to greet him.

Xu Shengye’s eyes found her, and a warm smile spread across his face as he walked over briskly. Dressed in a casual sweater, he exuded an easy elegance.

"It’s been a long time. You’re looking more beautiful than ever."