Chapter 10: Fated Rivals

Establishing her own enterprise.

These words echoed in Wen Jiu’s mind. She had considered opening her own studio, but her current skills and experience were not yet sufficient to manage such an undertaking. She wanted to wait until the time was right before making that leap.

Therefore, signing with a design company was the best option for her now.

The prospects of Mirror Beauty Design Company were limitless, filling Wen Jiu with determination to persevere in her beloved field of design.

Arriving at the entrance of Mirror Beauty Design Company, Wen Jiu stepped inside.

The receptionist greeted her with a professional smile and asked if she had an appointment.

Wen Jiu explained her purpose, and after a brief “please wait,” the receptionist made a call. Soon, the assistant who had been in contact with Wen Jiu came downstairs to meet her.

The receptionist, noting Wen Jiu’s striking features and gentle demeanor, saw that no one else was coming or going, and excitedly took out her phone to sneak in a few messages, enthusiastically praising Wen Jiu in the company’s employee group chat—one without the boss present.

Other employees, seeing the flurry of messages, quietly kept an eye on Wen Jiu as she was taken to the manager’s office.

After discussing terms and cooperation with the manager, Wen Jiu finalized the deal.

The labor contract was signed swiftly.

Stepping out of the company, Wen Jiu realized it was already time for dinner and decided to find a nearby Chinese restaurant.

After scanning the QR code to place her order, she scrolled through short videos while waiting for her meal.

Barely two minutes had passed when a woman’s voice sounded beside her.

“Wen Jiu, you actually came back to the country?!”

Wen Jiu knew that voice better than anyone.

Looking up, she saw the familiar face—accompanied by a friend.

The woman was dressed in haute couture from C, wore sky-high heels, and sported heavy makeup. When she looked at Wen Jiu, her gaze carried an air of arrogance.

Since Wen Jiu was seated, she had to tip her head slightly to meet the woman’s eyes.

But even sitting, Wen Jiu’s presence was in no way diminished compared to the woman before her.

Showing no sign of being affected by the woman’s questioning, Wen Jiu replied carelessly, “From your tone, it sounds like you’re happy I’ve returned, Yu Keyan. If I’d known, I would have informed you much sooner.”

Yu Keyan bristled at those words, like a cat with its fur raised, retorting in what she imagined was a fierce tone, “Which ear of yours heard me say I wanted you back? Best if you stayed abroad forever, hmph!”

With that, she ignored Wen Jiu and dragged her friend to a seat not far from Wen Jiu.

Unbothered by the minor episode, Wen Jiu lowered her head and continued scrolling through her videos.

Yu Keyan, daughter of the Yu family, had an older brother.

Her father had her late in life and doted on her, ensuring she received the finest education from an early age.

But his indulgence bred a spoiled temperament in her.

From kindergarten, the other children knew she was not to be trifled with; nobody dared cross her, and this remained unchanged.

Until the second grade, when Wen Jiu and Yu Keyan, though in the same class, had always kept their distance. That changed when Wen Jiu was chosen to perform in a dance competition. Yu Keyan, believing her skills rivaled Wen Jiu’s, resented not being selected, and began targeting Wen Jiu.

Wen Jiu cared little for Yu Keyan’s inexplicable hostility, focusing solely on her studies.

But Yu Keyan became obsessed, competing with Wen Jiu in academics and dance, yet never besting her. So she hoped Wen Jiu would stay abroad and never return.

Wen Jiu perpetually outshone her, leaving Yu Keyan feeling stifled.

The little princess of the Yu family had never endured such humiliation.

Being constantly outdone by Wen Jiu was perhaps the greatest setback Yu Keyan had ever experienced.

Understanding Yu Keyan’s nature, Wen Jiu never bothered to argue with her. Her arrogance was obvious to all, and these petty squabbles were beneath Wen Jiu’s concern.

Soon, her meal arrived, and Wen Jiu ate with unhurried grace.

After finishing dinner and settling the bill at the front desk, Wen Jiu casually glanced in Yu Keyan’s direction.

Her gaze met Yu Keyan’s, who had been sneaking glances at her. Caught in the act, Yu Keyan immediately lowered her head, pretending to focus on her meal.

Wen Jiu, seeing this, smiled and shook her head, a hint of helplessness on her face, before leaving the restaurant.