Chapter 16: Securing the Job

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Facing Wu Qian’s provocation, Su Xingwan showed no fear and said calmly, “There was no rule against bringing children to the class reunion.”

Many couples had arrived with their children, and because the host, Senior Fang, also had kids, he had specially prepared a table for children and a dedicated play area for them.

Upon hearing this, a trace of embarrassment flickered across Wu Qian’s face.

Senior Fang tried to smooth things over: “We’re all classmates here; we should be kind and happy with one another.”

“Yes, yes!”

Others chimed in with smiles tinged with flattery.

Senior Fang was the wealthiest among them, having inherited his family’s grand hotel immediately after graduation and married early, making all their classmates envious.

At the table sat a young photographer who graduated the same year as Senior Fang. He was quite outstanding, having immediately joined a major entertainment company in the capital to shoot magazine covers and advertisements for many big stars.

Later, he went independent and opened his own studio, reportedly doing quite well.

This man was the very photographer whom Su Xingwan had once rejected.

Yang Meng had noticed Su Xingwan since she arrived, and a few days ago, he even received a friend request from her on WeChat.

Hearing from Wu Qian that Su Xingwan seemed like a different person now, he was skeptical.

From the moment she entered, his photographer’s instinct sensed something was different about her — she looked like the same person, but something was off in an indescribable way.

Su Xingwan’s purpose today was clear: to approach him. She walked over confidently and sat on the chair beside him, smiling politely:

“Senior Yang, I apologize for what happened before. Now that I have the chance, I want to express my sincere apologies.”

She poured herself a glass of wine as a self-punishment, not mentioning anything about modeling.

A flicker of confusion crossed Yang Meng’s eyes.

Soon, the people at the table loosened up—from initial restraint to boldness fueled by wine—and began to speak freely.

They chatted and laughed, sharing their post-graduation experiences: some talked about careers, others about their husbands, families, or children. Their faces glowed with smiles, proudly showing off the wealth, fame, and social standing they had worked hard for.

Su Xingwan listened quietly.

Indeed, this was a high-class circle unlike any other; today she had truly seen a different world.

As they talked, their gaze eventually settled on the silent Su Xingwan.

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“Xingwan, what have you been doing since graduation?”

Su Xingwan began to answer, “I haven’t really…”

Before she could say “worked,” Zhang Qiaoqiao covered her mouth to laugh, “She doesn’t even have a job now! The Moonlight Entertainment she wanted to sign with rejected her.”

Everyone was surprised, watching her with the eyes of onlookers waiting for a show.

Her attire today was plain compared to their thousand-dollar, even ten-thousand-dollar designer bags and clothes.

The padded jacket she wore was clearly an outdated, inexpensive style from a few years ago.

A few months ago, she hadn’t looked like this—back then she was full of pride, looking down on everyone.

It seemed she had really been abandoned by her benefactor, just as people in the group chat had said.

Yet no one saw Su Xingwan’s face fall into despair or bitterness. Instead, her demeanor was calm and serene; she said nothing, simply sitting there like a beautiful painting.

This… Su Xingwan looked different now.

Now Su Xingwan was even more attractive than before, fitting perfectly the kind of magazine cover Yang Meng’s studio wanted.

Since going independent, though he had experience shooting stars, he lacked connections, and everything had to start from scratch.

That was why he initially focused on the then-unknown Su Xingwan, only to be rejected—and humiliated—by her.

He was annoyed and frustrated.

Unexpectedly, after some time, she added him on WeChat through Wu Qian, hoping to regain that part-time modeling job.

Having been humiliated, he did not want to approve her request so quickly, waiting instead for an apology call.

But no call came—only today, at the reunion.

Now he felt a bit regretful for not accepting her friend request earlier; seeing her like this, he was embarrassed to speak first.

Wu Qian said, “She still needs me to help her find work. Anyone with job leads, please introduce her.”

Then she glanced at Yang Meng: “This famous photographer wanted to invite her to be a model at his studio for a while, but unfortunately, she refused.”

Wu Qian thought to herself that Su Xingwan was foolish and short-sighted. Yang Meng might not be famous yet, but he had shot ads for many stars.

Su Xingwan had no fame and yet looked down on the chance to work with Yang Meng.

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Wu Qian secretly cursed in her heart.

Those who had intended to recommend jobs to Su Xingwan immediately swallowed their words upon hearing Wu Qian’s comment.

“Su Xingwan, Senior Yang inviting you to model is a good opportunity. Why refuse? Do you think he can’t photograph you well?”

Zhou Zhu suddenly spoke, perhaps deliberately.

Everyone nodded: “Yes, you’re classmates after all. It’s good to help each other.”

Wu Qian added, “I think so too, but Su Xingwan clearly doesn’t. Such a pity.”

Seeing everyone talking back and forth, Su Xingwan finally spoke up:

“I agree. Senior Yang and I graduated from the same school; we should help each other. Last time was my fault for not recognizing his worth and rejecting his kindness. I don’t even know if he still needs me as a model.”

Her words stunned everyone.

They expected to see her embarrassed but were caught off guard by her straightforward response and willingness to join the conversation. They didn’t know what to say.

Yang Meng, seeing her words, felt regretful already and now smiling, said, “Since you don’t mind now, let’s exchange WeChat contacts and discuss the job later.”

Su Xingwan replied, “Sure.”

They exchanged smiles, clearing the air.

Everyone else was speechless.

After all their chatter, they had inadvertently set them up to collaborate.

Turns out the real clowns were themselves!

Wu Qian’s face darkened.

Once again, she had lost the verbal sparring match.