Chapter 76: The Arrogant Senior and the Devoted CEO

Jiang Zao let out a long breath. "It's pretty good. It's closer to the company over there."

Shen Mushi watched Jiang Zao closely, taking in every detail, feeling a faint sense of loss.

"Actually... you really remind me of a childhood playmate of mine."

Jiang Zao looked up at him. "Is that so? There are so many people who look alike."

Shen Mushi shook his head. "It's not really about appearances. It's more the temperament and feeling. Both so lively, vibrant, and wonderful."

Jiang Zao smiled and thanked him.

Shen Mushi continued, "She once gave me a little pink wallet, tiny and cute."

Jiang Zao recalled the gift she had given him before. "I think I gave you a wallet too."

Shen Mushi nodded. "I used it for a few days recently, but I don't really use cash anymore, and my cards have their own holder, so I stopped using it."

Jiang Zao laughed. "It's fine. Wallets aren't exactly practical gifts these days. Something tasty is better—a good meal lifts the spirit."

Shen Mushi laughed along. "Yes, a good meal brings joy and keeps out the cold."

...

Jiang Zao had no relatives to visit. Her grandparents' side was rather distant, especially after Jiang Jingyuan was imprisoned. Relatives often sent venomous messages, always leaving her in a bad mood after reading them.

So, after Shen Mushi left, this Lunar New Year was pretty much over for her.

On the third day of the new year, Jiang Zao uncharacteristically got up early, startling Aunt Hui.

Jiang Zao explained with a cheerful smile that Meng Qiaoyuan and his second brother, Meng Qiaochong, would be visiting. She washed and dressed early to welcome her guests.

Sure enough, not long after, Meng Qiaoyuan knocked on Jiang Zao's door, carrying generous gifts and smiling brightly for the New Year's visit.

"Happy New Year! Wishing you peace and success in all things!"

Jiang Zao took the gift box and smiled, returning the greeting. "Happy New Year~ Wishing you smooth work and a joyful heart."

Meng Qiaochong stood behind, holding gifts in one hand and pushing his glasses up with the other.

It was his first time meeting Jiang Zao up close. He had always heard she was an exceptionally refined beauty, and seeing her now, she truly lived up to her reputation.

Jiang Zao welcomed both into the house, reaching out her hand to the dazed Meng Qiaochong.

"Hello, I'm Jiang Zao. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Meng Qiaochong set the gifts down and shook Jiang Zao's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well. Miss Jiang, you are indeed as impressive as I've heard."

They sat in the living room, and Aunt Hui brought out Meng Qiaoyuan's favorite coffee.

Meng Qiaochong seemed surprised.

"Miss Jiang even remembers her friends' preferences so well."

Meng Qiaoyuan and Jiang Zao exchanged smiles. "Every time I visit Jiang Zao, I have the same coffee. After so many times, it's hard not to remember."

Meng Qiaochong's gaze briefly swept over Jiang Zao's lower abdomen, then he drank his coffee as usual.

Jiang Zao paid no mind, sitting calmly and letting Meng Qiaochong observe her.

Meng Qiaoyuan got up and rummaged through the gifts, pulling out a box of hazelnuts.

"I told you I'd bring hazelnuts; these are really delicious, much better than the ones you can buy."

She placed the hazelnuts on the coffee table and picked up the nutcracker from the box to shell them for Jiang Zao.

Meng Qiaochong shook his head. "At home, you always want me to shell them for you. Now that we're out, you've learned to take care of others."

Meng Qiaoyuan shrugged. "You're idle at home anyway; might as well shell hazelnuts for me."

Jiang Zao smiled as she watched them banter. "You two have such a good sibling relationship."

Meng Qiaoyuan lowered her head, saying nothing.

Meng Qiaochong, not being too familiar with Jiang Zao, made some jokes after the polite exchanges to ease the atmosphere.

"Didn't Miss Jiang praise my hands for being beautiful? Should I try being a hand model?"

Jiang Zao blushed. "Um... I was just joking with Qiaoyuan. Mr. Meng, are you really taking it seriously?"

Meng Qiaochong replied, "Such a rare chance to earn money, of course I should try."

Jiang Zao felt a bit embarrassed. "Mr. Meng really does as he says."

Meng Qiaoyuan tossed a hazelnut at her brother, hitting him right on the forehead.

She put her arm around Jiang Zao's back. "Actually, my brother came today to ask a favor of you."

Jiang Zao was puzzled. "What could I help Mr. Meng with?"

Meng Qiaochong cleared his throat. "I heard Miss Jiang is an artist, and I wanted to ask if you know someone—or if you could help me get in touch with them."

Jiang Zao glanced at Meng Qiaoyuan, who was quietly shelling hazelnuts, apparently unwilling to comment.

Jiang Zao said to Meng Qiaochong, "I don't know who you mean. Do you have a photo or some information I can look at?"

Meng Qiaochong pulled out his phone, scrolled for a while, and finally showed her a photo.

Jiang Zao looked down—oh, she knew this person.

The woman in the photo had long red curls, dramatic makeup, and held a cigarette, smoke curling around her as she looked at the camera with intense allure.

Her name was Tan Wenyi, a senior two years ahead at the Academy of Art, in environmental design, specializing in landscape architecture.

Jiang Zao had seen her hand-drawn designs at a school exhibition for outstanding works. The compositions were innovative, the colors bold. The designs alone were art, not to mention the cleverness in every detail.

Looking at Meng Qiaoyuan, who was quietly observing, Jiang Zao realized why Meng Qiaochong wanted her help.

"Mr. Meng may be successful in business, but not so lucky in love. This is no ordinary person—must be tough for you."

Meng Qiaochong raised his brows, rather proud. "Not so tough. Supplies are easy to find; a beauty is hard to come by. If you have any news, Miss Jiang, I hope you'll help."

Jiang Zao touched her ear and glanced at Meng Qiaoyuan again.

"You might have told me beforehand. Contacting a senior takes time—it's not good to keep Mr. Meng waiting."

Meng Qiaochong, savvy as ever, caught the evasiveness in Jiang Zao's words and quickly replied, "No need to trouble yourself, Miss Jiang. There's some misunderstanding between Wenyi and me—if it drags on, there may never be a result. So I hope you can help."

After all, it was someone else's matter. Jiang Zao looked at Meng Qiaoyuan again, who finally gave a subtle nod.

Jiang Zao understood, and said, "It's no big deal. The environmental design department will have a big gathering for Lantern Festival. Outstanding graduates from all years and respected professionals will attend. The venue is at the Academy of Art's hotel. As the Meng family is a top architectural group, getting a ticket shouldn't be difficult."

Meng Qiaochong was instantly delighted. "Thank you! You've been a tremendous help, Miss Jiang!"

Jiang Zao looked down and smiled. "I haven't said anything, and you didn't hear the news from me. Right?"

Meng Qiaochong caught on and nodded firmly. "Right. Today I visited Miss Jiang to wish you good health."

Jiang Zao raised her glass of water and took a sip. "Actually... Senior Tan Wenyi is a very independent-minded person. If you're not sure, Mr. Meng, it might be wise to take things slow."