Chapter 35: Do Not Think Too Highly of Yourself

Leaving the area where Jiang Zhixuan and Wen Yan were, Jiang Mian felt as if even the air had become fresher.

She had come alone. Although she had run into some former classmates and exchanged greetings, she hadn't been close to them back then, so there wasn't much to talk about. Now, feeling restless and having no desire to linger, she decided to head toward the school gate. Because of the large crowds at the school anniversary, she hadn't driven her car today.

"Miss Jiang."
"Miss Jiang Mian."

Just as she stepped out of the school gates, a voice called out from behind, clearly directed at her. Jiang Mian paused and turned to see Zhou Jin, who had jogged up to catch her. She frowned instinctively as she looked at him. Zhou Jin still wore a faint smile, seemingly oblivious to the fact that the woman before him had no desire to encounter or speak with him—or perhaps he was aware and simply didn't care.

"Miss Jiang, what a coincidence."

Jiang Mian looked at the distance between them and took a small step back. "I don't think it's a coincidence." Setting aside the fact that they were both attending the school anniversary and were bound to cross paths, Zhou Jin had specifically called her name to catch up to her, which hardly qualified as a chance encounter.

Hearing her cold tone, Zhou Jin curled his lips, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Miss Jiang, there's no need to look at me with such deep-seated resentment. There is no enmity between us."

She remained frowning, uninterested in replying. When it came to Zhou Jin, Jiang Mian had no desire to manage her expressions. His words might sound reasonable on the surface, but they completely glossed over the things he had done to assist Jiang Zhouyi. Businessmen valued profit, and it seemed this lawyer was no different. Yet, ever since she had spoken a few words with Wen Jinghuai, this man’s attitude toward her had become significantly more obsequious.

It was truly disgusting.

"If you have something to say, Lawyer Zhou, just say it directly. I don't believe I have the standing to waste your precious time chatting at the school gate," she said, curling her lips into a smile that was cold and distant. "Don't you agree, Lawyer Zhou?"

Zhou Jin was not offended. If he could use Jiang Mian to build a relationship with Wen Jinghuai, enduring a few sharp words or slights was a small price to pay. "If you aren't in a rush, Miss Jiang, why don't we find a nearby cafe and have a proper chat?"

"It’s our private time now. If you’re asking for my advice, there’s no charge."

They ended up at a cafe. Standing at the school gate was blocking pedestrian traffic, and in any case, Jiang Mian wanted to hear exactly what Zhou Jin was after. When the Americano was served, she took a sip and looked up at him. "You can speak now, Lawyer Zhou."

Sometimes, Zhou Jin actually appreciated straightforward people like Jiang Mian; they understood things quickly, saving him the trouble of mincing words. "I’ve heard a bit about your current situation, Miss Jiang. Would you be willing to act as an intermediary to help bridge a connection with the Wen Corporation? In return, I can help you get back exactly what you want."

He made his proposition without any pretense. Jiang Mian raised an eyebrow, realizing she had underestimated him. He wore his ambition on his sleeve, unafraid of criticism. He was being so blunt now because he knew she was alone.

She chuckled, stirring her coffee with a spoon. "Jiang Zhixuan and Wen Yan are engaged. Given your relationship with them, are you telling me you can’t get a foot in the door with the Wen Corporation?"

"Miss Jiang, I believe you are capable of distinguishing between the Wen family and the Wen Corporation."

Wen Yan was merely a young master from a side branch; at best, he could only represent the family. But the Wen Corporation was different—it was the true core of their power. If anyone held the reins of the corporation, it was the current head of the main branch, Wen Jinghuai. Even Elder Wen, if he were to come out of retirement, would have to show respect to Wen Jinghuai. Zhou Jin was no fool.

Jiang Mian lowered her gaze. What kind of relationship did she have with Wen Jinghuai that would allow her to act as a bridge for others? Furthermore, she looked up and smiled. "Lawyer Zhou, given the impact your actions have had on me, why on earth would I help you?"

Even if Zhou Jin understood the Jiang Corporation better than anyone, what did it matter? If she were truly close enough to Wen Jinghuai, wouldn’t the Wen Corporation have already found someone to tear the Jiang Corporation apart for her? She sneered, showing no restraint. "Lawyer Zhou, don't overestimate yourself."

She let go of the spoon, and it clattered into the cup. The sharp sound shattered the quiet, stifling air. A trace of displeasure flickered across Zhou Jin's face.

Jiang Mian stood up, picked up her phone from the table, and cast a final, dismissive glance at him. That Jiang Zhouyi was willing to work with such a person was his own business; it didn't mean she had to involve herself with the likes of him. "Thank you for the coffee, Lawyer Zhou. If there's ever an opportunity, I’ll be sure to return the favor."

With that, she walked out, leaving Zhou Jin sitting at the table with a darkened expression.

Regarding the construction of the XG domestic headquarters, she had recently asked Cheng Qi to arrange meetings with the students who had submitted impressive resumes. She wanted to get them settled as soon as possible so that they could start interning during the summer break, which would also be a good opportunity to test their practical skills.

After leaving the cafe, she headed straight to the central office building. Since the renovation of her office was completed, Xu Mu had sent some materials from abroad, telling her to review them when she had the chance. Since she was free today, she decided to tidy up the office and go through the documents.

Running into Xiao Ming downstairs was a surprise. Since he greeted her, she couldn't simply ignore him, so she nodded with a smile. "Assistant Xiao, what a coincidence."

"Miss Jiang, what brings you to the central office building?"

"Work."

She kept her explanation brief, and Xiao Ming didn't press for details, simply nodding. "I'm here on behalf of Mr. Wen to discuss a small partnership. I didn't realize you had moved your operations here, Miss Jiang. That’s impressive."

He was sincere in his praise; while it sounded a bit awkward, his expression was entirely earnest. Jiang Mian couldn't help but smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and nodding slightly. "I won't keep you, Assistant Xiao. I’m heading up now."

"Of course, Miss Jiang. Goodbye."

After parting with Jiang Mian, Xiao Ming walked toward the exit. A Cullinan was parked at the curb, its tinted windows hiding the interior. He climbed into the passenger seat and handed the documents in his hand to the backseat. "Mr. Wen, these are the contracts."

Wen Jinghuai took them, leafed through them casually, then rubbed his temples and leaned back against the seat. As the car pulled away smoothly, he glanced out the window at the clean, empty street, which seemed somewhat desolate today.

"What were you just talking about?" he asked, referring to his encounter with Jiang Mian.

The man in the passenger seat turned slightly and explained the brief exchange. Wen Jinghuai gave a soft "hmm," set the folder on the empty seat beside him, and closed his eyes to rest.