Chapter 7: A Reunion with Wen Jinhai

When she entered the private room, Jiang Mian felt a bit anxious, but seeing that only Principal Cheng was there, she relaxed slightly.

“Hello, Principal Cheng.”

“Ah, Mianmian, long time no see.”

Principal Cheng greeted her with a smile. Noticing Teacher Chen staring at him, he quickly explained, “Xiao Wen went to the restroom; he’ll be back shortly.”

Xiao Wen?

Which Wen?

Jiang Mian sat down, a vague unease stirring in her heart but she pushed it aside. The waiter brought in dishes and reheated the tableware before leaving the room. She glanced at the empty chair beside her, silently wondering.

Could it be Wen Yan?

She didn’t recall Wen Yan being a student of Principal Cheng’s, and besides, Wen Yan didn’t seem like the type to return to his alma mater after graduation.

Lost in thought, the door suddenly opened.

“Sorry for being late.”

The man’s voice was steady and low, with a hint of charm, his words carrying a subtle, polite smile.

She turned and met his gaze squarely.

Wen Jinhai.

This was probably the second time Jiang Mian had seen Wen Jinhai. The man wore a sky-blue shirt with the cuffs casually rolled up once.

His expression was softer than the last time she saw him, no longer distant and unapproachable.

As he sat down, Wen Jinhai moved the cup in front of him slightly forward.

His brows lowered, making his expression hard to read.

Noticing Jiang Mian’s scrutinizing glance, Principal Cheng quickly spoke with a smile.

“Oh, Xiao Wen graduated before Mianmian even enrolled.”

“Xiao Wen, as I mentioned to you, is my wife’s prized protégé, Jiang Mian.”

“And Mianmian, this is my former student, Wen Jinhai.”

By the time Principal Cheng introduced them, Jiang Mian had withdrawn her gaze.

When she studied in Jingjiang with Wen Yan, he never mentioned his elder brother was also a student there.

Then again, Wen Yan always seemed somewhat intimidated by Wen Jinhai.

“Hello, I’m Jiang Mian.”

Seeing Wen Jinhai remain motionless, she simply smiled and nodded at him.

Since he was indifferent, there was no need for her to be overly warm.

Besides, this wasn’t a formal drinking party; there was no need to annoy anyone.

As she lowered her eyes to take a sip of water, suddenly a hand appeared in front of her.

“Hello, Wen Jinhai.”

Slightly surprised, she looked up to see the man smiling gently at her.

Jiang Mian couldn’t quite read Wen Jinhai’s intentions, but with Principal Cheng and Teacher Chen present, she couldn’t ask much and lightly shook his hand.

“Nice to meet you.”

After their handshake, Principal Cheng busied himself with starting the meal.

The atmosphere was quite pleasant.

Principal Cheng was getting on in years, with no particular hobbies except enjoying a little wine, and never in excess — just for fun.

Wen Jinhai, a businessman, had no trouble drinking a little, so he accompanied Principal Cheng in a light toast.

Teacher Chen advised him to drink less, but let him be after a while.

Leaning closer, Teacher Chen started whispering to Jiang Mian.

“Mianmian, you don’t know, when Xiao Wen graduated, Old Cheng nearly cried.”

“Huh?”

Principal Cheng cried?

She glanced over instinctively but found it hard to imagine such a stern-faced man shedding tears.

Teacher Chen chuckled. “Of course! Xiao Wen was a legend in finance back then. Old Cheng couldn’t bear to see such a student leave, but Wen had to inherit the family business, so staying at school wasn’t an option.”

Inheriting the family business was true.

Wen Jinhai, as the legitimate eldest son of the Wen family, was so outstanding it was no surprise he was chosen heir.

As she pondered this, Teacher Chen gently nudged her elbow.

“Mianmian, how much should I pay you for your design draft?”

“Hm? No need, Teacher Chen!”

She quickly waved her hand, a little embarrassed but smiling.

“You don’t have to pay me. I just wanted to give back to my alma mater somehow. I’m not good at anything else.”

When Teacher Chen first brought up the matter, she readily agreed, wanting to show some gratitude.

During university, both Teacher Chen and Principal Cheng had been very kind to her.

Unfortunately, she didn’t have money to invest in the school, so she could only contribute design drafts.

Seeing her insistence, Teacher Chen said no more but invited her to visit whenever she had time.

She agreed and took a sip of water.

When lowering her gaze, she felt someone glance at her from beside.

Discreetly looking over, she found Wen Jinhai had simply bowed his head, replying to messages.

Jiang Mian withdrew her eyes quietly and resumed picking at her food.

Perhaps she was overthinking; someone like Wen Jinhai wouldn’t pay her much attention.

“Mianmian, Old Cheng has had a bit too much to drink tonight. I’ll take him back first. Take care on your way home!”

Teacher Chen helped escort Principal Cheng, smiling at the two standing near the door as they moved forward.

Suddenly, Principal Cheng seemed to remember something and shakily raised a hand to point.

“Uh, Mianmian, Xiao Wen’s had some drinks and isn’t driving. Could you please give him a ride?”

“Sure.”

Seeing her nod in agreement, Principal Cheng finally relaxed and followed Teacher Chen out.

After watching them leave, Jiang Mian turned to Wen Jinhai.

He leaned against a pillar at the teahouse entrance by the river, looking rather lazy, his head slightly bowed, a faint smile at the corner of his lips.

Perhaps from the alcohol, two buttons on his shirt were undone, revealing a glimpse of his collarbone.

He looked nothing like the polished figures in financial reports.

She stepped forward slightly, tilting her head to look at him.

“Mr. Wen... why not call your assistant to pick you up?”

The man shifted a little, turning his shoulder to the other side and looking up at her.

The smile in his eyes was faint, his voice soft.

“Miss Jiang, it’s the weekend. My assistant needs to rest as well.”

She was taken aback, lowering her gaze to her toes.

“Besides, didn’t you just promise Principal Cheng you’d give me a ride?”

He let out a light laugh after speaking.

Jiang Mian pressed her lips together, her eyes downcast, avoiding his gaze.

She assumed Wen Jinhai didn’t want to associate with someone like her.

After all, it was Teacher Chen who wanted to connect her with Wen Jinhai, probably knowing her current difficult situation.

But Wen Jinhai occupied a high position and must have seen all kinds of people.

Someone like her, who relied on connections, would likely be looked down upon.

“Miss Jiang, then I’ll trouble you.”

Wen Jinhai took a couple of steps forward and stopped, waiting for her.

When Jiang Mian looked up again, his gaze was already fixed on the distance.

After unlocking the car, she changed her shoes in the back seat while Wen Jinhai got into the front passenger seat.

By the time she got in, he had already fastened his seatbelt and was resting with his eyes closed.

When Wen Jinhai closed his eyes, the sharpness in his features softened considerably, but Jiang Mian didn’t dare speak loudly.

“Mr. Wen, where do you live?”

“Qingjiang Rose Garden.”

The most prestigious luxury residential area in the capital.