Chapter 5: Xu Mei's Provocation

  As soon as Zhang Yunya spoke, the whole room fell silent. Xu Mei and Xiao Li looked at Tang Yao behind him in shock. They had thought that Tang Yao was not with Zhang Yunya, but unexpectedly they knew each other, and their relationship was so close that it shocked them.

  The two of them couldn't help but size Tang Yao up and down, discovering that this girl was truly ordinary in appearance and dressed in a rustic manner. They had thought she came in out of curiosity to take a stroll around just for fun!

  Is this unremarkable firewood girl really Zhang Yunya's lover? Not only does Xu Mei not believe it, but even Xiaoli doesn't believe it. However, the fact that Zhang Yunya can make such a joke about her suggests that he must also have some feelings for this girl.

  But what exactly is it about this girl that makes her so likable?

  Xu Wei looked at the girl in front of her, who not only didn't blush with pleasure because Zhang Yunya called her his girlfriend, but instead raised an eyebrow and frowned at him. Xu Wei immediately knew that this girl didn't like Zhang Yunya, and Zhang Yunya was lying!

  This piqued Xu Mei's interest, and she carefully examined Tang Jiao. Her hair was dry like straw, without any style, her skin was pale and dry, her lips were chapped, and she wore a pair of large black-framed glasses that made her face look even more ordinary. The clothes she wore looked like they came from a street stall - the quality was poor and the style was outdated. Not only did she have bad taste, but it seemed like she didn't have much money either. What exactly had Zhang Yunya seen in her?

  Xu Mei was secretly scornful, but didn't show it, only smiling and teasing Tang Yao: "You're Yun Ya's little girlfriend? You're not even an adult yet, how could you fall for this old man?"

  "He's talking nonsense."

  Zhang Yun couldn't withstand Tang Yao's sharp gaze, and smiled slyly: "I'm telling the truth! It's just that this 'lover' refers to someone who owes me a favor! Don't get any wrong ideas, he's still a genuine, single, golden bachelor!"

  Xu Mei's smile brightened a bit as she invited the two of them to sit down.

  Xiao Li smiled and went to pour a cup of coffee and a cup of juice, then she got busy. In this store, there were some guests who were personally received by Xu Mei, and Zhang Yunya was one of them.

  Zhang Yunya laughed and introduced the two: "Xu Mei, this is Tang Yao. Yao, this is Xu Mei, the owner of this store. She's a very popular model now, having won numerous awards at home and abroad. Not only is she beautiful, but also talented. Many of the clothes in this store were designed by her."

  Tang Wan politely greeted Xu Mei, although it was only a few words, but it was elegant and courteous. The kind of demeanor that was neither humble nor arrogant surprised Xu Mei greatly, thinking that this little girl really didn't show her true self. Looking at her plain and cheap clothing, she thought she was just an ordinary civilian girl who couldn't hold her own in high society. But unexpectedly, she wasn't much different from those thousand-gold misses in terms of aura, and it really had some meaning to it. No wonder Zhang Yunya would look at her with a different gaze.

  "Tang Jiao is it? What a great name, you look like a sweet and innocent little girl. How did you get to know Yun Ya, that flirtatious guy? Don't get cheated by him!"

  Tang Wan held the juice in her hand and took a sip, but despite it being sweet apple juice, she tasted the sourness of an orange. She didn't like Xu Mei, although Xu Mei smiled elegantly and spoke warmly, Tang Wan saw the disdain deep within her eyes. Although Xu Mei hid it well, to Tang Wan who had lived under such gazes for years, it was all too clear.

  Zhang Yunya smiled and said, "Xu Mei, don't say that! Ah Jiao has been resentful of me from the start. I met Ah Jiao because I hit her with my car, so today I brought her here to buy a few sets of clothes as compensation for the ones she lost. Let me tell you, Ah Jiao is a very interesting little girl, unfortunately she won't be my girlfriend, but she's still young and I have plenty of time. As long as I'm sincere, I believe it will work out in the end. You have to help your brother out and make her some beautiful clothes."

  Xu Mei smiled and said: "In that case, I'll give Aqiao one piece. As for the rest, I'm going to make you pay a good price!"

  Tang Wan listened to the two chatting and laughing, not interrupting them. She also wanted to buy a few clothes, and since someone was treating her, she wouldn't refuse. Although in her past life she was a person who wasn't valued, being part of a wealthy family meant she had experienced grand scenes before. The few pieces of clothing she accepted were still given generously, let alone these two people weren't even ones she liked, so it was fine to let them spend money on her.

  After saying a few words, Xu Mei stood up and said to Tang Yao: "A Yao, I have newly designed several dresses here, come and see if you like any of them."

  Tang Wan stood up, and Zhang Yunya also got up and followed her.

  Xu Mei's designs were still quite fashionable and beautiful for this era, but in Tang Yao's eyes, who had seen all sorts of clothing from the 21st century, these clothes weren't particularly dazzling.

  Zhang Yunya looked at the clothes here and said to Xu Mei: "Xu Mei, your designed clothes are so beautiful, why haven't you established a brand yet? Are you still not tired of the glamorous life as a model?"

  Xu Wei smiled: "Modeling is glamorous, but it's very tiring. And it's a young person's meal ticket, with countless juniors chasing after me, that kind of tension over time I'm afraid will take a toll on my mental and physical health. Of course, I want to find a way out, but for now, I only have some reputation among those wealthy women and female celebrities. To establish a brand, I need even more fame. I think participating in some fashion design competitions and winning an award would be a good way to give myself a boost, that way I'll be more accepted by the masses. Of course, funding is also needed, can Yun Ya help me out at that time?"

  Zhang Yunya smiled: "I'd be delighted to help a beauty, but you know I'm just a spendthrift who doesn't make decisions. If it's a small amount of pocket money, my brother will give it to me, but if it's a large sum, he'll have to decide. If you really need it, I can talk to him about it. However, my private savings are mine to control."

  Xu Wei's bright eyes dimmed slightly, with a hint of regret, but she quickly smiled again and said: "Then you must put in a good word for me in front of your older brother!"

  "Definitely!"

  Two people chatted, and Tang Yao had already chosen her clothes. She took three pieces because she was injured and couldn't change, so she let Xiaoli pack them directly into a bag. Zhang Yunya thought she didn't take enough and wanted to pick out a few more for her, but Tang Yao said lightly, "None of them suit me."

  Xu Wei smiled and said: "A Ge is going to start dressing up! Let's do a hairstyle, look at your hair, it's all split ends, and there's no shine at all, it needs to be repaired. I'll introduce you to a good beauty salon, go a few times and your hair will be black and shiny again. They also do skincare, can adjust your skin tone, make your skin white and rosy. It won't take long before you become a little beauty, this age is perfect for dating, you'll definitely captivate a group of young boys."

  Xu Mei's tone was extremely gentle and affectionate when she said this, like an older sister caring for a younger sister she loved dearly. However, Tang Yao knew that her words were all barbs, and if she were still the timid Tang Yao of before, she would be feeling very hurt right now. Xu Mei was actually attacking her love rival while also reminding herself to go find another man, as Zhang Yunya wasn't someone she should be concerned with!

  Tang Wan had made up her mind after rebirth, this life she must live out the true self, resolutely will not be bullied by others like in the previous life. Now Xu Mei is the first provocateur, she cannot retreat!

  She smiled slightly and turned to ask Zhang Yunya: "Yunya, if I always looked like this, would you still be friends with me?"

  Zhang Yunya was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said: "Of course, and I don't think you're ugly. To prove that what I'm saying is true, I can marry you."

  Whether he was telling the truth or lying, Tāng Jiǎo's tension dissipated at this moment because of his words, and she truly became strong in this instant.

  Xu Mei was smiling, but it was a bit forced. As she watched Tang Yao smile at Zhang Yunya's face, trying to hide the anger in her heart, the doorbell rang again, and another guest arrived. She looked towards the door with a smile on her face, that smile was similar to the one she had just given Tang Yao, but it was genuine this time.

  "Zi Yan, how did you get here? Don't you have class today?"

  She was a bright and beautiful girl, with curved eyebrows and big eyes, her skin as white as snow, her lips like peach blossoms, and her long hair as smooth and shiny as the best black satin. She wore a white long dress, looking fresh and elegant like a lotus flower emerging from the water.

  "Today Lan Li didn't go to class, I went to look for him, he wasn't at home, nor was he in the places he usually goes to. I'm exhausted from searching and came here to take a break, but then I still have to go find him. I'm worried about him."

  She finished speaking and saw Zhang Yunya and Tang Yao, her eyes widened suddenly, and she exclaimed: "Tang Yao! How did you end up here? This is not a place where you can come!"

  I know I'm a newcomer, but I still want to shout out loud for votes! Come on! Come on! I'm a weak and tender newcomer who needs nourishment.