Chapter 6: Jingjiang University

"Naturally, Miss Jiang, with your talent, it is truly an honor to collaborate with you," Jiang Zhimu said, tossing a peeled shrimp into his mouth, smiling gently as he raised his glass toward Jiang Mian.

The red wine rippled in the glass. She glanced at it briefly before lifting her own glass to lightly clink it with his.

After all, since she was seeking a favor, she couldn’t afford to lose the proper demeanor.

The meal was quiet and peaceful.

Jiang Mian studied the man before her several times. His features were soft and unassuming, yet a carefree smile always played upon his lips.

She couldn’t help but think of that noble gentleman whose every gesture exuded the air of royalty.

"Miss Jiang, rest assured, the payment will be credited within three business days," Jiang Zhimu said as he saw her off.

She exhaled in relief, knowing this man wouldn’t make light of such matters.

Descending the stairs, she did not run into Jiang Zhixuan or Wen Yan, which lifted her spirits somewhat.

A few days ago, her university professor had called, hoping she could design a necklace as a graduation gift.

She had spent some time drafting a design but, delayed by a few days, had yet to deliver it to the professor.

Today happened to be a free day.

After confirming with the professor by phone that he was available, Jiang Mian drove toward the university.

Her academic record had always been strong, so it was no surprise she had been admitted to Jingjiang University.

At graduation, her professor had hoped she would study abroad to further her education.

However, family matters had deprived Jiang Mian of that opportunity.

Snapping back to the present, she found herself already at Jingjiang.

The gatekeeper was the same as before and recognized her easily.

Without question, he let her through.

She lowered the car window and nodded warmly before driving further into the campus.

The university featured a broad avenue lined with phoenix trees; following it around would lead to the campus parking lot.

After parking, Jiang Mian reached to the backseat for her design drafts.

The campus greenery, stirred by a gentle breeze, was refreshingly invigorating.

Pausing on the steps, she gazed at a few students passing by in the distance, realizing it must be time for a midday nap.

It seemed she hadn’t taken a nap in a long time.

The parking lot wasn’t far from the main building. As she walked under the corridor, someone suddenly greeted her.

"Senior Jiang Mian?"

The young man appeared small, with a head of curly hair damp with sweat at the temples.

He wore a basketball jersey with the number one and cradled a slightly worn basketball.

Jiang Mian smiled, puzzled. "You know me?"

"I saw your photo on the honor wall, but I hadn’t yet been admitted to Jingjiang then."

Honor wall?

Jiang Mian was momentarily distracted.

She remembered being placed on the honor wall back in her sophomore year.

At that time, a university coalition had hosted a joint design competition.

Technically, as a sophomore, she wasn’t supposed to participate.

But her professor insisted she give it a try, as a form of experience.

So, she quietly carved a path among a crowd of seniors and ultimately claimed third place, earning recognition.

"What year are you now?" she asked softly, eyes fixed on the mottled light at her feet.

The young man smiled, somewhat bashfully scratching his head.

"I’m a senior, about to graduate."

Time truly flew.

Jiang Mian blinked and smiled warmly at him. "Then work hard once you’re out."

After bidding him farewell, she felt a pang of nostalgia.

She had always admired these kind of sunny, vibrant young men in college.

Now, seeing them again, she wondered if she had grown a little old.

"Professor Chen?"

The office door was ajar, but she knocked lightly.

Footsteps approached, and then the door opened.

"Oh, Mian Mian, come in quickly!" Professor Chen greeted her warmly, taking her hand and ushering her inside.

Jiang Mian smiled and nodded obediently.

Professor Chen was the same one who had urged her to enter the design competition and was also her instructor for professional courses.

She was also the principal’s wife.

Though nearing sixty, she maintained a youthful spirit and was always able to connect with young people.

This sprightly lady loved fashion and was fond of wearing cheongsams.

Today, she wore a loose green cheongsam with a dark green shawl draped over her shoulders.

Jiang Mian and Professor Chen had grown close because the professor thought their tastes in clothing were similar.

Handing over the design drafts, Jiang Mian smiled lightly.

"Professor Chen, I wasn’t sure which style you preferred, so I designed two versions based on my ideas. You can see which one suits best."

Jingjiang University was renowned not only for its top ranking but also for its phoenix trees.

While phoenix trees were common throughout the capital, only Jingjiang’s phoenix avenue was famous.

Every year, many tourists came to photograph that tree-lined avenue.

Both necklace designs incorporated the phoenix tree motif.

"Very good, very good. I trust your designs, Mian Mian," Professor Chen said, not rushing to examine them. She always knew Jiang Mian was meticulous and reliable.

"If you’re free tonight, come have dinner with me."

"I’m not busy, Professor Chen," Jiang Mian replied, shaking her head as she took the water offered and sipped lightly.

The little lady loved to chatter and soon launched into stories about current students.

"You wouldn’t believe it, these days’ students are so rebellious, always talking about reforming teaching methods, oh dear."

Since mentoring Jiang Mian, she had never encountered another student as gifted.

Hearing that Jiang Mian had her own studio was a relief.

A designer with such talent wasting her abilities outside the industry would be a tragedy.

They talked for hours without noticing.

Only when the slanting sunset light fell on the succulent plants on the windowsill did Professor Chen realize the time.

"Oh dear, it’s almost time. Mian Mian, let’s go."

"Where shall we eat? I can drive," Jiang Mian asked as they stood.

"By the river tea house. Old Cheng has a student visiting today; I’ll introduce you."

Jiang Mian paused, realizing it wouldn’t be just the two of them.

Though she had dined with Principal Cheng before, the mention of his former student made her uneasy.

She wasn’t good at eating with strangers.

Most of the time, Jiang Mian hid this well; after all, they were adults and had to maintain decorum.

Moreover, her upbringing never allowed her to behave rudely.