Chapter 9: The Jingjiang University Alumni Association

When Jiang Mian came out of the kitchen, Wen Jinhai was already much more awake.

A laptop sat on the coffee table, its screen showing something unknown.

Out of professional ethics, Jiang Mian didn’t glance at the laptop at all.

The sobering soup was served in a white porcelain bowl. She placed it within arm’s reach of Wen Jinhai and spoke softly.

“Mr. Wen, here’s the sobering soup.”

“Thank you.”

The man was typing when he heard her and thanked her in return, reaching out his left hand to hand something over.

“There’s a private number on this. Miss Jiang, if you need it, you can contact me.”

“All right.”

She didn’t make a fuss, took it, and glanced at it.

The business card was in black and white tones, smooth to the touch, with Wen Jinhai’s title and number printed on it.

What stood out was a handwritten number on it.

He had just mentioned it was a private phone number; this must be it.

“Thank you, Mr. Wen.”

Though Jiang Mian had no intention of asking for help now, it was only polite to accept a card offered out of goodwill.

After all, they were all businesspeople; leaving contact information meant leaving an opportunity.

“Miss Jiang, be safe on your way. Let me know when you get home.”

Wen Jinhai didn’t see her out — he was too tired to move.

Jiang Mian hadn’t expected a send-off either. She changed her shoes by the entrance, put away the slippers, and quietly closed the door behind her.

The hallway lights were on, clearly illuminating her path.

She stepped outside, quickly got into the car, and stuffed the business card into her purse.

The car made a turn and headed back the way she came.

Wen Jinhai stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the car’s taillights disappear completely before returning to sit on the sofa.

When she got home, it was nearly one in the morning.

Jiang Mian collapsed onto the sofa, lifting her phone several times before letting it fall back down with a sigh.

Was the “let me know when you get home” really what he meant?

After much contemplation, she sat up and carefully composed a text message, sending it to Wen Jinhai’s private number.

Almost immediately after she put the phone down, it vibrated.

She hurriedly picked it up and saw a simple reply: “Okay.”

Breathing a long sigh of relief, Jiang Mian stood and went to the bathroom.

Though she hadn’t drunk alcohol today, her clothes and hair still smelled strongly of it.

---

That night was the most restful sleep she had had in days.

Early the next morning, while washing up, her phone kept vibrating nonstop.

She glanced at it — messages from the alumni association.

After a moment, she recalled that these were from a few months ago, when Jingjiang University had compiled a list of outstanding graduates.

The university’s centennial anniversary was approaching, and they were inviting exceptional alumni back as guests. Jiang Mian was among them.

Unfortunately, Wen Yan and Jiang Zhixuan were on the list as well.

Wen Yan’s inclusion didn’t surprise her; after all, he was considered a financial luminary at the time.

But Jiang Zhixuan had been added to the group by Wen Yan himself.

The group chat was lively because someone had suggested an early gathering to get better acquainted.

In the past, Jiang Mian would have scoffed at such events.

Now, however, things were different. Perhaps she might even meet potential clients through the alumni association.

Seeing everyone engaging, Jiang Mian joined in with a brief response.

When she arrived at the studio, she found Xiao Li standing at the door, on the phone, her expression strained.

“What’s wrong?”

After hanging up, Xiao Li looked up as Jiang Mian approached.

Noticing the several paper bags in Jiang Mian’s hands, Xiao Li hurried over to help.

She glanced cautiously at Jiang Mian’s face before speaking slowly.

“Sis Mian, it’s about the orders again — several have been snatched away.”

“I’ve checked around. They said Jiangzhou Yi personally intervened, so they couldn’t refuse.”

Xiao Li avoided eye contact as she spoke, lowering her head as she walked inside.

“I brought drinks for everyone; help yourselves,” Jiang Mian said with a smile, placing the bags on the first floor table and gesturing for Xiao Li to follow her upstairs.

Jiangzhou Yi’s involvement was a clear move to block her, boosting Jiang Zhixuan instead.

She didn’t believe anyone with clear eyes could fail to see the difference between her design and Jiang Zhixuan’s.

But she was like a tiger fallen into the plains, bullied by dogs — powerless and helpless now.

“Recently, negotiate with the remaining clients as best you can. Those who can’t be reached, put on hold for now.”

Xiao Li hesitated, worry evident in her gaze.

Jiang Mian opened a drawer and pulled out an invitation.

“The XG new product launch. I want to take you with me.”

The invitation was bordered with green flowers intertwined with white leaves.

Xiao Li took it, her eyes wide with surprise.

---

XG was a foreign brand that had suddenly risen to prominence in recent years. She had heard that its founder was a graduate of Jingjiang University.

Could it be?

She looked up at Jiang Mian, who was already seated comfortably in the boss’s chair.

Seeming to read her thoughts, Jiang Mian smiled faintly.

“When I chose you for Jingjiang, it was because I saw your talent. You must learn to stand on your own.”

“The founder of XG is my senior brother. This is a good opportunity for you to meet him.”

If it weren’t for the fact that her senior brother’s main battlefield was overseas, she would have asked him for help to solve her urgent problems.

But that was just a passing thought; Jiang Mian disliked owing favors.

Xiao Li happily took the invitation downstairs, while Jiang Mian’s smile faded.

Several messages had come in on her phone, but she pretended not to see them.

Now, a call came through. She answered expressionlessly, eyes devoid of emotion.

“Jiang Mian, Zhixuan’s studio is still unstable. I’ve pulled some clients for her. You’re not mad at your second uncle, are you?”

Hearing this, she forced a smile, her features cold and shallow.

“Your second uncle has done what he’s done. Now asking me? What’s the point?”

“Jiang Mian, we’re family after all, under the same roof. Don’t you agree?”

Ha! Did they really think she would personally hand clients to Jiang Zhixuan?

What a pipe dream!

Biting back a string of curses, Jiang Mian steadied herself, pivoted in her chair, and looked out the floor-to-ceiling window.

The industrial park outside was beautifully landscaped.

“Second uncle, people say wisdom lies in self-awareness, but it seems you lack that. So don’t talk to me about family.”

The other side didn’t get angry, only laughed.

But to Jiang Mian, that laughter sounded bitterly ironic.

“Jiang Mian, don’t speak so recklessly. After all, you still bear the Jiang name.”

“Fine.” She suddenly curled her lips into a smile, eyes filled with hatred.

“Then you better not leave me any way out. Otherwise, I’ll make you regret stealing what’s mine!”

After hanging up, Jiang Mian trembled all over.

That shameless scoundrel had the nerve to brag after stealing from her.

She swore that one day, she would drag Jiangzhou Yi and his entire family back down into the mud!