Earlier, Li Xue had informed her of the importance of today’s business engagement.
This was a major collaborative project between Hua Nation and Yue Nation, connecting their trade ports to contribute to the tourism and trade industries of both countries.
Officials from both nations had come forward to seek suitable investors for the joint port construction, with each side holding half the shares. If the initial cooperation proved successful, they would proceed with other major projects like railway development.
Li Xue was determined to secure this project, hence she placed great importance on this dinner. As a Hua Nation citizen, no one was more suitable than Jiang Xiaoman to accompany her to this engagement.
On the way there, she handed the documents to Rose, who was sitting beside her.
“These are the profiles of several prominent Hua Nation figures attending today. Memorize their preferences separately, so no one can accuse us of poor hospitality.”
Rose nodded and opened the documents Li Xue had handed over.
The first page featured the official representative sent by the government—Councilor Chi Jin.
Reaching the position of councilor by thirty-five demonstrated his remarkable capabilities.
“Oh, a familiar face. He even held me when I was a child.”
Rose laughed as she looked at the familiar half-length photo in the document.
Their age difference wasn’t huge—ten years—but his seniority was greater. As a child, Jiang Xiaoman had always been fond of handsome men and would chase after Chi Jin, calling him “pretty big brother.”
Later, Chi Jin entered politics, becoming increasingly stern and rigorous, turning into the type of figure Jiang Xiaoman found most annoying and intimidating. So whenever she saw him, she’d call him “Uncle Chi” and quickly slip away.
“Then you should make good use of that connection to get closer to him.”
Li Xue chimed in with a smile, though she didn’t genuinely expect Jiang Xiaoman to secure the project based on such a distant relationship.
But having some connection was certainly better than none.
Rose nodded, then turned to the second page. The next moment, her entire body trembled as if struck by lightning.
The half-length photo showed the man whom Jiang Xiaoman had loved for a lifetime and hated for a lifetime—Li Yan.
“What’s wrong? Do you know him too?”
Noticing her unusual reaction, Li Xue narrowed her eyes and asked curiously.
“No, I don’t.”
Rose quickly shook her head in denial and flipped to the next page.
“President Li is the investor for this Hua Nation project. If we secure it, we’ll be seeing him frequently in the future.”
Without suspecting anything, Li Xue began explaining.
The Li family handled matters meticulously, so she naturally couldn’t uncover the personal grudge between Jiang Xiaoman and Li Yan.
During their conversation, the car arrived at the destination for the dinner engagement.
The hotel manager personally opened the car door, respectfully welcoming Li Xue: “Chairwoman Li, everything has been arranged.”
Rose accompanied Li Xue to inspect the private room, ensuring there were no oversights, then followed her back downstairs to prepare for receiving the guests.
Soon, a line of modified luxury cars with bulletproof functions pulled up at the hotel entrance.
Li Xue put on a warm smile and quickly stepped forward to greet them, with Rose closely behind.
She first shook hands cordially with the Deputy Prime Minister of Yue Nation, followed by prominent Hua Nation figures like Chi Jin and Li Yan.
No one noticed Rose among her entourage—except for one person: Ran Yuan.
After graduating from university, she had passed the national civil service exam and entered politics. Now working under Chi Jin, she served as a councilor assistant.
Sensing someone staring intently at Li Yan, she curiously glanced over and froze completely at what she saw.
Jiang Xiaoman?!
Her heart skipped a beat.
Though they hadn’t seen each other for seven whole years, she immediately recognized this vicious woman.
The bullying from back then had become an eternal nightmare that Ran Yuan could never let go of.
Li Yan also sensed that intense gaze. He frowned slightly and looked over.
A vaguely familiar face, but he couldn’t quite place it. Who was she?
After just one glance, he completely shifted his attention away, not giving this minor character any thought.
Rose lowered her head dejectedly, yet her eyes were strangely fixed on his black-gloved hands.
After exchanging pleasantries, Li Xue led the group to the private room.
Distracted by Jiang Xiaoman’s appearance, Ran Yuan didn’t notice the steps beneath her feet and gasped as she nearly fell.
Rose, who was also part of the entourage, quickly steadied her. “Are you alright?”
What was meant as kindness backfired when the other woman shoved her away like a startled bird.
Caught off guard, Rose fell hard on the floor, a flash of anger crossing her face.
“What happened?”
‘Overprotective of his wife,’ Li Yan rushed to Ran Yuan’s side first, his icy gaze sweeping coldly over Rose on the ground.
This seemed to provoke Rose’s jealousy. She clenched her fists tightly, glaring resentfully at the tearful, flustered Ran Yuan.
“I’m fine… Sorry, I was distracted and almost fell. She saved me. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”
Forcing herself to calm down, she smiled gently and reached out a hand to Rose on the floor.
She kept reminding herself inwardly – she wasn’t the same person she used to be. This trip represented their country, and she absolutely couldn’t disgrace the nation.
Rose coldly glanced at the offered hand before standing up on her own, putting on an insincere smile. “It’s fine, I just lost my balance. Sorry for making a spectacle.”
Seeing her rejection, Ran Yuan’s face flushed then paled in embarrassment as she withdrew her hand, forcing an awkward smile.
Li Xue and the Vietnamese officials shot dissatisfied looks at Rose. Li Xue smiled to ease the tension. “This is her first time at such an important event, she’s probably just too nervous. Please be understanding.”
“It’s been so long since I’ve seen Uncle Chi, I got a bit nervous. You won’t hold it against me, right Uncle Chi?”
Rose knew that if she didn’t resolve this trouble, there would be consequences later. So she shamelessly tried to cozy up to the highest-ranking official present, speaking not in English or Vietnamese, but in long-unused Chinese.
“You are?”
Chi Jin looked puzzled.
“Xiaoman, Jiang Xiaoman. Don’t you remember me?”
Rose quickly introduced herself, her expression overflowing with anxiety.
She seemed afraid he might not remember her – that would be awkward if her flattery missed its mark.
Clearly, she was overthinking.
Chi Jin had reached his high position at a young age precisely because he was socially adept. No matter how insignificant someone’s status, he never looked down on them.
Instead, he showed a kindly smile and reached out to pat her head.
“So it’s Xiaoman. Long time no see, you’ve grown into a young lady. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
This intimate gesture from an elder to a younger person shocked both Li Xue and the Vietnamese officials. Their dissatisfaction with Jiang Xiaoman instantly vanished.
So it was her?
They thought she’d died abroad long ago. Never expected she’d apparently been doing quite well for herself.
No wonder Yuan Yuan was acting so strangely. This woman was up to her tricks again—was she deliberately trying to embarrass Yuan Yuan?
Li Yan narrowed his eyes dangerously, a flicker of intensity passing through his gaze.