Chapter 33

Chapter 33

A single gathering of classmates completely changed the perception of almost everyone in Shu Yao's class about Jiang Yiyan. To see once is better than to hear a hundred times; no amount of rumors about Mrs. Wen, the third lady of the Wen family, could compare to meeting and interacting with her in person.

The weather outside had taken a turn, suddenly turning dark and windy. Xu Yan and Shu Yao had been out for a while, and fearing that being away too long wouldn't be good, they both naturally headed back without any prior agreement.

Returning to where they were eating, Xu Yan felt somewhat sorry for Shu Yao as he watched Jiang Yiyan quickly become close with several female classmates.

Still, he consoled Shu Yao, "Try not to take it too hard; it's quite normal. People are realistic creatures, and they're just trying to seize any opportunity they can." After all, her family was immensely wealthy, and the family she married into was famously influential in Shenzhen.

As ordinary people with no background, relying solely on their own efforts, getting acquainted with such a wealthy heiress and a high-society lady could be considered a stroke of luck for them.

Perhaps at some point in the future, regardless of the specific moment, Mrs. Wen could easily alleviate their urgent needs with a mere flick of her fingers.

Moreover, he didn't think that Wen Mochuan treated his wife as coldly as the rumors suggested. Observing the couple's interactions, they seemed harmonious and peaceful—yes, "peaceful" was the word. Although they weren't overly affectionate, they certainly respected each other like guests, appearing to have a decent relationship.

After graduating and navigating the challenges of society for a few years, who among them lacked the discernment to recognize these dynamics?

Perhaps they still felt sorry for Shu Yao from back then, but they would never do anything to offend Mrs. Wen.

"Let's go back. We've been gone for a while now. If we don't return soon, someone might start gossiping about you. Why make things difficult?"

Shu Yao forced a smile and rejoined the group of classmates.

Out of the more than thirty people in their class, over half had come. Including their families, the total number was substantial. Since the number of attendees had been pre-determined, even if there were last-minute changes, the difference wasn't significant. Thus, three large tables were set up, filled to capacity.

At the dinner, Jiang Yiyan remained the center of social attention. Waves of people came to toast to her and Wen Mochuan, causing even Jiang Yiyan to feel increasingly awkward and weary.

Initially, she had accompanied Wen Mochuan to support him, dressing as she did not to overshadow anyone but simply to avoid being overshadowed or talked about. Now, however, she felt like she was stealing the spotlight.

While entertaining these people, she kept an eye out for Shu Yao. Indeed, she spotted Shu Yao sitting alone in a corner, looking straight at her.

Due to the distance and the dim lighting, Jiang Yiyan could only tell that Shu Yao was looking in her direction but couldn't discern her facial expression.

After some thought, following another round of toasts, Jiang Yiyan proactively sought out Shu Yao.

Shu Yao hadn't expected Jiang Yiyan to find time to visit her amidst her busy schedule, and she felt somewhat uneasy as Jiang Yiyan approached. When Jiang Yiyan neared, Shu Yao stood up with a glass of wine in hand.

"It's a bit stuffy here. Let's go outside for some fresh air?" Jiang Yiyan invited.

Shu Yao hesitated slightly but soon agreed with a smile.

Outside, the sky had turned completely dark, and the wind had picked up, sweeping away the day's heat and bringing a cool breeze. The cool wind felt pleasant against their faces.

Under the dim lights by the corridor, the two women stood side by side, facing the vast darkness beyond.

Jiang Yiyan didn't have much to say to Shu Yao. She had called her out primarily to escape the social obligations and also because she didn't want Shu Yao to harbor any resentment towards her for feeling neglected.

She wanted to live a peaceful life and didn't want anyone from the original novel to affect her future. Shu Yao was the protagonist, endowed with a protagonist halo and a golden finger, and would have even greater backing in the future. Therefore, Jiang Yiyan didn't want to become enemies with her.

Even if they couldn't be friends, it would be fine to maintain a cordial acquaintance or keep to their own separate spheres.

Having brought Shu Yao out, Jiang Yiyan struggled to think of something to say.

Between the two of them, Wen Mochuan was a sensitive topic. If she were tactful, she shouldn't mention him. But if not Wen Mochuan, what else could they talk about?

After some consideration, Jiang Yiyan suddenly remembered Shu Yao's future career. During their video call, her father had mentioned that Shu Yao intended to become a teacher at a prestigious university.

So, Jiang Yiyan immediately said, "I heard from Dad that you want to become a university professor?"

Surprised by this sudden question, Shu Yao quickly recovered and nodded in response.

"Yes," Shu Yao continued, "Ever since I was young, my dream has been to teach and nurture students, to be a good teacher. Now that I've completed my studies and returned home, my first choice is to pursue this path."

However, after her mother's recent persuasion, Shu Yao had started to waver. Her mother had encouraged her to work at the Jiang Corporation, and although Shu Yao hadn't verbally agreed, she was indeed considering it.

Especially after today's series of setbacks, her internal balance had tipped further towards joining the Jiang family's company. But she couldn't share these thoughts with Jiang Yiyan.

Unaware of Shu Yao's other considerations, and knowing from the original novel that Shu Yao eventually became a university professor, Jiang Yiyan naturally assumed that she would follow that path.

Thus, she encouraged Shu Yao, "You're so kind and knowledgeable; if you become a teacher, you'll definitely be a great one." Her smile, illuminated by the dim light, made her appear even more charming. "I believe in you."

Staring at Jiang Yiyan, Shu Yao was momentarily lost in thought but soon smiled.

"I don't even believe in myself," Shu Yao replied. "Why should you believe in me?"

Jiang Yiyan continued to encourage her, perhaps even flattering her, "If you're not a good teacher, then there are no good teachers in this world."

Shu Yao found Jiang Yiyan's words somewhat hollow and insincere. However, she didn't continue the debate, merely smiling faintly without further comment.

Inside the hall, after finishing a conversation with two classmates, Wen Mochuan turned around to find his wife missing.

His wife had become somewhat unfathomable, and he still hadn't fully understood the reason behind her significant transformation. As such, her sudden disappearance caused him concern.

Today was his class reunion, and he didn't want any issues between them to spoil the mood for everyone. So, when someone else came to greet him and offer a toast, Wen Mochuan politely declined with a smile.

"Sorry," Wen Mochuan said, "I need to find my wife first."

Someone immediately chimed in, "President Wen truly sets the standard for doting husbands. You miss her after just a short while?"

Another added, "With a beauty like Mrs. Wen, President Wen should be anxious." They continued, "Seeing you two together today, I understand what true marital harmony looks like. Those who deliberately flaunt their love outside are probably just putting on a show for others; their feelings might not be genuine. In contrast, President Wen and Mrs. Wen seem to have a real connection, despite appearing calm and collected on the surface."

"Yes, seeing how anxious Mochuan is. There's a saying, 'A day without seeing you feels like three autumns.' It hasn't been that long, yet Mochuan is already this worried."

In response to these compliments and jests, Wen Mochuan simply smiled. He didn't engage further but continued searching the crowd for his wife.

Certain that the room was empty, Wen Mochuan thought she might have found it too stuffy and gone outside for some air. So, he headed for the door.

Upon opening it, he indeed saw his wife standing under the eaves just outside. Another figure came into view alongside her: Shu Yao.

Wen Mochuan's steps faltered slightly, but he quickly regained composure. He resumed walking towards his wife, though at a much slower pace than before.

Seeing Wen Mochuan approach, Jiang Yiyan instinctively looked at Shu Yao. For her part, Shu Yao clenched her dress tightly, feeling moved and tense, yet her face betrayed nothing.

This was likely their first private encounter as a trio in five years.

Whether it was the family dinner at the Nebula Hotel or the greetings at the reunion earlier, there had always been others around. With other people present, attention could be easily diverted.

Now, with only the three of them, there was no one to distract, leaving only their conversation.

Wen Mochuan was always clear about his role. Upon reaching them, he greeted his wife first and explained his presence: "I came out when I didn't see you." Then he turned to Shu Yao, "Perhaps I've come at an inopportune time and interrupted your chat."

His gaze toward Shu Yao was measured and appropriate. After a brief nod of politeness, he returned his focus to his wife.

Shu Yao remained silent, so it fell to Jiang Yiyan to break the awkwardness.

"It was too stuffy inside, so I asked Yao Yao to come out for some air," said Jiang Yiyan. Feeling weary from all the socializing, she added, "Is it almost over? Should we be heading back soon?"

Before Wen Mochuan could respond, a bright flash of light streaked across the sky. The intense white light momentarily turned night into day.

All three looked up at the sudden illumination, followed by the immediate darkness and the rumble of thunder.

Shu Yao, who feared thunderstorms, blurted out "Mochuan" in reflex, covering her ears tightly and instinctively seeking shelter behind Wen Mochuan.

These actions were purely instinctive, but once she had moved, she suddenly became aware. She realized that her relationship with Wen Mochuan was not what it once was, making her behavior inappropriate.