Volume 1 Chapter 11: The Little Girl Became a Great Beauty
However, Shen Jingyi’s doubt did not last long. When people started coming one after another to greet Bai Muxue, the girl quickly returned to her usual elegant and proper smile, as if the worry she showed just now had only been an illusion. At a place like this, seeing the envy and respect in everyone’s eyes, Shen Jingyi understood even more clearly what the name “Bai Muxue” truly meant.
Then in Miss Bai’s eyes... what did someone like her, standing beside her, mean?
Shen Jingyi shook her head, trying to throw away all the random thoughts that suddenly appeared in her mind.
She was only a new toy Bai Muxue found on a whim to pass the time. If Bai Muxue had not accidentally discovered that she was a magical girl, someone like her would probably not even get a second glance from Miss Bai.
Bai Muxue and she belonged to completely different worlds. Shen Jingyi had always known that clearly.
Just like now, even when people came to greet her, it was only because she was standing beside Bai Muxue.
After all, no matter where she went, with Bai Muxue’s status, position, and beauty, she would without question become the center of attention. She was the kind of person who should be admired and enjoy the envy others showed.
...Seriously, what did this girl grow up eating? How could she have such a perfect appearance?
Shen Jingyi, who had always been fairly confident in her own looks, secretly complained in her heart while stealing another glance at Bai Muxue beside her.
She had to admit that even though Miss Bai had not dressed up on purpose today, her delicate features needed no extra decoration to show how bright and beautiful she was.
But...
Shen Jingyi sharply noticed that whenever no one came to speak with her for a moment, Bai Muxue would show that anxious expression again. The arm pressed against Shen Jingyi’s side would unconsciously tighten.
She looked very nervous, very uneasy, nothing like the calm and careless person she appeared to be. The confident smile at the corner of her lips was only a disguise.
‘Is she still looking for someone? Who is she looking for? Why is she so nervous?’
As their eyes met, Shen Jingyi saw that some complicated feelings seemed hidden inside the girl’s clear eyes, and she could not help feeling confused.
…………………………
Bai Muxue really was nervous right now, but that nervousness had nothing to do with the funeral itself.
If someone asked what it felt like to attend your own funeral, Bai Muxue could answer now.
Boring. Extremely boring.
She had no interest in being the main character at this kind of event, nor did she want to make connections or build relationships here.
Even though everyone’s eyes were focused on her, Bai Muxue felt like nothing more than an outsider walking among them.
When people came up to greet her politely, Bai Muxue simply used the full power of her past office-worker experience and returned empty politeness with perfect politeness.
When someone hinted about when the Bai family might cooperate with their company, she would say, “Sure, sure, next time for sure.”
When someone asked what relationship Shen Jingyi had with her, she would take Shen Jingyi’s hand, give a slight smile, and say nothing.
Her very misleading appearance was especially useful. Bai Muxue also knew how to use her natural advantages well. As long as she blinked her clear bright eyes and showed an elegant sweet smile, people would easily forget her bad reputation.
That was why, even though Bai Muxue was famously well-known among the upper class of Wangdu, many people still wanted to get close to her.
After all, everyone only knew each other on the surface. No matter how willful and troublesome the Bai family’s eldest daughter might be in private, she would not suddenly cause trouble for them without reason. A few polite words, and it was over.
What Bai Muxue found rather ironic was that... most of the people who came to talk with her were her former bosses or high-ranking officials from the Disaster Management Bureau.
Did they know the old Bai Muxue?
Of course not.
These people probably could not even remember her name, nor did they care who had died this time.
This memorial service was only a formal event. After all, gatherings like this happened every year and every month. Using this chance to build relationships and expand connections was the real purpose.
As for the former coworkers who had been on fairly good terms with her...
Thinking about it was almost funny. With their current status, of course they would never come over and talk to Bai Muxue.
She gave a bitter smile and kept searching through the crowd for a certain person, but still found nothing.
Did she really not come...?
Even if I failed to give you your birthday gift, this is still your father’s memorial service. At least do me a favor and show up...
Bai Muxue smiled bitterly again. She suddenly felt that this already boring memorial service had become even more annoying. In her dark eyes was cold distance, mixed with a little impatience.
She found a quiet corner and sat down. When she turned her head, she noticed Shen Jingyi, who had been quietly leaning beside her the whole time, was silently looking at her as well. It seemed Shen Jingyi had noticed something strange, and there was a faint question in her eyes.
“Sorry,” Bai Muxue said softly.
Originally, she only came to this memorial service because she wanted to see that little girl she could not stop worrying about. It was not like she had to say anything. Even seeing her once from far away would have been enough.
Shen Jingyi had skipped her meal, missed work, and even got soaked by the rain just to come here with her. But now...
In a way, she and Shen Jingyi were actually the two most similar people at this memorial service.
Both of them did not truly belong here.
But Bai Muxue’s sudden apology shocked Shen Jingyi.
That Miss Bai, who always did whatever she wanted, had actually apologized?
She apologized?
Was the person in front of her really Bai Muxue?
Or was she some strange person who was good at pretending?
Wait... why did she apologize to me?
The confusion in Shen Jingyi’s eyes grew even stronger. She felt she understood this girl less and less...
At exactly five in the afternoon, a person in charge from the Disaster Management Bureau walked onto the stage and gave a “moving” speech to honor the dead coworker. At the same time, he did not forget to “encourage” the other members to overcome their sadness and keep working hard. Then, among weak applause, he greeted the crowd and especially gave sincere thanks to Miss Bai of the Bai family for taking time out of her busy schedule to attend.
Bai Muxue casually clapped a few times. She was thinking about finding a chance to leave when she suddenly heard hurried footsteps.
No way, someone is only arriving now? Can’t they have basic time sense and at least some respect for me, the dead person...?
The girl complained in her heart. She lazily raised her head and looked toward the entrance without thinking.
But after only one glance, she froze.
The person who came wore a simple black JK-style jacket, with a plain white shirt inside.
Below was a sky-blue pleated skirt. On her snow-white thigh-high socks was a cute cartoon design, showing her playful charm.
Bai Muxue did not even need to look at the face.
Just from those legs alone, she knew who it was.
After all, they had lived together for more than ten years.
It had only been one week since they last met...
Why does she look prettier now...?
Heh. Has that little girl grown into a great beauty too?