Chapter 4: How Will Things Develop

Bi Qiao’an observed the perpetual smile on Chen Jin’s face. This unusual cheerfulness could only mean recent successes.

Lying in bed, she tried to recall her past responses to Chen Jin’s remarks.

Back then, she had announced her secured position at Shen Group after graduation, arousing envy from Jiang Shanshan and Song Wennuan. They congratulated her and promised secrecy.

Now, what had Chen Jin said… she racked her brains. It was something like, “Shen Group is huge! Qiao’an is so lucky to land a job there. Anyone would be green with envy about such an opportunity!”

“By the way, Shen Group’s recruitment process has yet to start, right? Do you have connections, Qiao’an?”

Unwittingly, Bi Qiao’an had confirmed having connections, a mistake she now regretted.

As Bi Qiao’an continued reminiscing, Chen Jin spoke up, “We only have three or four months left together. I’ll miss you all tremendously. Qiao’an and I are both locals, so we can meet up easily. But seeing Wennuan and Shanshan again will be difficult if they return home after graduation.”

“Right. But I still want to stay in Hai City since it’s more developed than my hometown.” Hearing Chen Jin’s words solidified Jiang Shanshan’s resolve to stay in the city.

“Same for me. My family lives just a two-hour drive away, but they prefer me to be closer. However, if I can’t find a decent job, I’ll head back home.” Song Wennuan nodded, adding, “Life’s unpredictable, so we’ll see what happens.”

Chen Jin then directed her attention to Bi Qiao’an. “Why don’t we get together while we still have the chance and free time?”

“Sounds good, I’m in. You guys make the plans,” Bi Qiao’an readily agreed, a smile gracing her lips.

“Since Qiao’an and I are the only locals, and I grew up in an orphanage without a place to host everyone, I thought we could have a potluck dinner party at your place tomorrow night. We’ve lived together for four years but haven’t visited each other’s homes. What do you think?” Chen Jin gazed at Bi Qiao’an, anticipation gleaming in her eyes.

Bi Qiao’an recalled her previous response. She had eagerly agreed to the dinner party, inviting her dorm mates and a few close friends, including Xiao Fei.

However, she knew better this time.

“Ah Jin has really stumped me. I’d love to invite everyone for a home-cooked meal, but my mysophobic brother never allows me to bring friends home. I’m really troubled because of it!” Bi Qiao’an had always found it hard to turn people down before her rebirth; even now, with these familiar people, it was the same, but letting Chen Jin into her home again was unacceptable!

Inventing a non-existent “mysophobic brother” was preferable to letting Chen Jin into her home again.

That dinner party in her past life had been a turning point. It was when Chen Jin first set her sights on Bi Qiao’an’s home and eventually, her brother Yanming. However, due to his extended stay abroad, Chen Jin shifted her focus to Xiao Fei.

So, what about Xiao Fei?

In her previous life, Xiao Fei had confessed his feelings to Bi Qiao’an the next day as he said to be drawn to her through their gradual acquaintance and positive impression.

With the dinner party canceled, would Xiao Fei still ask her out?

“Well, since we can’t have a meal in my house, how about we go somewhere else? Let’s treat ourselves to a feast at a restaurant!” Bi Qiao’an swiftly proposed an alternative after seeing the disappointment in Jiang Shanshan and Song Wennuan’s eyes. “You guys choose the place, and it’s my treat!”

“No way, we can’t let you do that. We’ll still split the bill.” Although Song Wennuan felt disappointed, the prospect of good food still cheered her up.

“It’s no trouble; my treat stands. Let’s go to the newly opened Chunlai Restaurant tomorrow night and invite the same group we had last time.” Bi Qiao’an finished speaking and began contacting the same people who attended her previous life’s dinner party.

Bi Qiao’an wondered if the change in setting would lead to a different outcome than what had transpired in her previous life.

At this point, Chen Jin’s eyes glimmered with curiosity. “How many people are you planning to invite, Qiao’an?”

“I’ll invite Xiao Huiqi, Chen Jingrou, Lin Yundong, Zhang Ke, and Li Liyun,” Bi Qiao’an responded, deliberately omitting Xiao Fei.

“You’re not asking Xiao Fei? I remember you two getting along well,” Chen Jin inquired softly.

“Oh! He completely slipped my mind. Of course, he’s invited too! More the merrier!” Bi Qiao’an lightly slapped her forehead, feigning forgetfulness. “Thanks for the reminder, Ah Jin. Imagine if Xiao Fei found out, he might give us a hard time!”

“Just don’t think I’m being a busybody. I happen to have Xiao Fei’s number,” Chen Jin stated as she reached for her phone and strode onto the balcony, her hushed whispers barely audible through the glass doors.

As Bi Qiao’an peered at Chen Jin’s bashful smile through the glass, a wave of irony washed over her. So, their connection was already this strong back then? Why didn’t they get together themselves, and why would Xiao Fei choose to confess to me instead?

Shaking her head to dispel her confusing thoughts, she continued calling the rest of her friends. As she finished, Chen Jin was still on call.

When Chen Jin re-entered the room, a satisfied smile lingered on her face.

Jiang Shanshan teased her, “So…you and Xiao Fei are an item now? Chatting so long, and you’re glowing, hmm?”

“Nothing like that. Just some business Xiao Fei and I needed to discuss,” Chen Jin replied vaguely before climbing onto her bunk.

“If you say so. Speaking of, Xiao Fei’s quite the campus heartthrob—handsome, brilliant, with job offers already lined up, he’s really got a promising future…makes you wonder which lucky lady will snag this hotshot!” Jiang Shanshan clicked her tongue playfully, a hint of admiration laced in her voice.

“And you were pointing at Chen Jin? Look at you drooling.” Song Wennuan playfully patted Jiang Shanshan’s head.

“I readily admit my appreciation for good looks! If Xiao Fei is interested, I wouldn’t hesitate to offer myself. After all, it’s no loss on my part!” declared Jiang Shanshan with a giggle, her head tilting up from its propped up position.

Aware that Jiang Shanshan was only joking, Bi Qiao’an smiled and shook her head slightly. Nevertheless, she couldn’t ignore Chen Jin’s response—initially displaying coy happiness when teased, but shifting to a smug expression as Jiang Shanshan depreciated herself.

Beneath that gentle facade, she now recognized hidden thorns, ones she had tragically failed to perceive in her past life.

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Saint Mona Hospital in Wen’erman City, Europa

Shen Yanming stirred in his bed, his senses slowly returning. He vaguely recalled the harsh blizzard, so he was confused by the warmth enveloping him.

He struggled to open his eyes, his vision blurry at first. Then two voices reached him as his surroundings came into focus, one familiar, the other unknown.

“Mr. Shen’s examination is complete, but the results won’t be available until this afternoon.”

“Then when might Mr. Shen regain consciousness?”

“It’s hard to say for now. It seems like extreme fatigue based on my initial diagnosis. He should wake up naturally with proper rest, but we need the test results to be completely sure.”

“I see. Thank you, Doctor.”

Shen Yanming closed his eyes as he pieced together the fragments of his memory. He was holding Qiao’an tight in the snowstorm… So, he…

After seeing the doctor off, Cai Chun pondered for a moment before making an overseas call, casting a glance at the unconscious Shen Yanming every now and then.

“Hello, Miss Wei, Mr. Shen has collapsed and been hospitalized…

Don’t worry, I will look after Mr. Shen…

No, Mr. Shen hasn’t contacted Qiao’an recently…

I hope you’ll be together with Mr. Shen as well. You two fit so perfectly!

Oh no, no, please set your heart at ease. I’ll advise Mr. Shen to return to China at the right time…”

Hanging up the phone, Cai Chun mumbled, “I can’t believe Boss Shen is interested in someone like Qiao’an. Miss Wei is clearly superior in every way – beauty, brains, social connections… The boss must be blind! Anyway, at least that’s an easy ten thousand bucks for one call.”

He glanced at Shen Yanming again before leaving the private hospital room, his stomach grumbling. Time for some takeout.