Unexpected Encounters and Unspoken Questions

Shen Jingyi’s bewilderment, however, did not linger.

As people began to approach and greet Bai Muxue, the young woman’s usual graceful and composed smile returned, as if her previous anxiety had been nothing more than an illusion.

In such a setting, amidst the gazes of envy and reverence, Shen Jingyi gained a clearer understanding of the true significance of the name “Bai Muxue.”

‘So, in the eyes of Young Miss Bai, what exactly did she, standing by her side, signify?’

Shen Jingyi shook her head, dismissing the sudden surge of whimsical thoughts from her mind.

‘She was merely a new toy Bai Muxue had casually found to alleviate boredom; had her identity as a magical girl not been discovered by chance, Young Miss Bai might not even have spared a glance for someone like her, even if they had passed each other by…’

Bai Muxue and she belonged to different worlds; Shen Jingyi had been keenly aware of this fact from the very beginning.

Just as now, even if someone approached to greet her, it was only because she basked in Bai Muxue’s reflected glory.

After all, no matter the occasion, given Bai Muxue’s status, position, and appearance, she would undoubtedly become the focal point; she deserved to be acknowledged and to revel in the envy others openly displayed.

‘What on earth did this girl eat growing up?’ Shen Jingyi mused inwardly, ‘How could she possess such a flawless physique?’

Shen Jingyi, who had always been rather confident in her own appearance, grumbled inwardly, stealing another glance at Bai Muxue beside her.

It had to be admitted that, though Young Miss Bai had not deliberately dressed up today, her delicate features required no embellishment, already perfectly showcasing the young woman’s radiant allure.

Yet, Shen Jingyi sensitively noticed that when no one approached her for conversation for a while, Bai Muxue would again reveal that same anxious expression, the forearm pressed against her own side tensing unconsciously.

She appeared very nervous and uneasy, not at all as nonchalant as she seemed on the surface; the confident smile playing on her lips was merely a facade.

‘Is she still looking for someone? Who is she looking for? Why is she so nervous?’

As their gazes met, observing the complex emotions seemingly hidden within the young woman’s clear eyes, a trace of doubt couldn’t help but arise in Shen Jingyi’s heart.

****

Bai Muxue was indeed very nervous right now, but this nervousness did not stem from the funeral itself.

‘If someone were to ask what it’s like to attend your own funeral?’

Bai Muxue could now answer, ‘Boring, utterly boring.’

She was not keen on being the center of attention at such an event, nor did she wish to forge connections or build relationships here.

Although the gazes of everyone present were focused on her, Bai Muxue felt like an outsider merely drifting through.

To those who actively approached her with polite greetings and small talk, Bai Muxue merely drew upon her past experience as a corporate drone, mastering the art of extreme politeness.

When someone hinted at when the Bai family might initiate cooperation with their company, she would simply reply, “Yes, yes, definitely next time.”

When someone inquired about Shen Jingyi’s relationship with her, she would deliberately take Shen Jingyi’s small hand, offer a slight smile, and remain silent.

This deceptive appearance proved particularly effective, and Bai Muxue was adept at leveraging her advantages; with a mere blink of her clear, bright eyes and an elegant, sweet smile, it was easy for people to overlook her usual notorious reputation.

This was precisely why Bai Muxue, despite being “infamous” among Wangdu (TL Note: Wangdu is a city name, meaning ‘Capital of Hope’)’s upper echelons, still had a throng of people willing to curry favor with her. After all, they were all mere acquaintances; no matter how willful Young Miss Bai might be in private, she wouldn’t inexplicably cause trouble for them out of the blue, and a few polite exchanges would suffice.

What Bai Muxue found quite ironic, however, was that most of the people who came to converse with her were essentially her former superiors or high-ranking officials from the Disaster Prevention Bureau.

Did they know the former Bai Muxue? The answer was, of course, no. These people probably couldn’t even remember her name, nor did they care who had truly died this time.

This memorial service was nothing more than a formality; after all, such gatherings occurred annually, even monthly, and the real purpose was to use this opportunity to foster connections and expand one’s network.

As for the colleagues with whom she had once shared a decent relationship… it was rather amusing to consider that, given their current statuses, it was naturally impossible for them to approach Bai Muxue for a conversation.

She let out a bitter laugh, repeatedly searching the crowd for a particular figure, yet she remained empty-handed.

‘They couldn’t really have not come, could they…?’

‘Even if I didn’t personally deliver your birthday present, this is still your old man’s memorial service, after all; at least give me some face…’

Bai Muxue let out another bitter laugh, suddenly finding this already dull memorial service even more irritating and tiresome. Her ink-dark pupils held a detached indifference, subtly betraying a hint of impatience.

She found a secluded corner and sat down. Turning her head, she found Shen Jingyi, who had been quietly leaning beside her, silently watching her as well. Seemingly sensing her unusual demeanor, Shen Jingyi’s gaze held a faint trace of bewilderment.

“I’m sorry,” Bai Muxue murmured.

Originally, she had only come to this memorial service to catch a glimpse of that worrisome young girl; she didn’t necessarily need to say anything, as even a distant glance would have sufficed.

Shen Jingyi hadn’t eaten, hadn’t gone to work, and had even been drenched in the rain, all to accompany her to this memorial service, but now…

In a sense, she and Shen Jingyi were actually the two most similar people at this memorial service, both drifting through it.

But Bai Muxue’s abrupt and nonsensical apology left Shen Jingyi utterly astonished. ‘Young Miss Bai, who always acted on her own whims, actually apologized?’

‘She actually apologized?’

‘Was this person in front of her truly Bai Muxue? Or was it some cunningly disguised imposter?’

‘Wait, why was she apologizing to me, anyway?’

Shen Jingyi’s flickering bewilderment intensified further; she found herself understanding this person less and less.

****

At precisely five o’clock in the afternoon, a certain official from the Disaster Prevention Bureau stepped onto the stage, delivering a “moving” eulogy for a deceased colleague, while also not forgetting to “encourage” other members to overcome their grief and press onward. Then, amidst sparse applause, he addressed the crowd, expressing heartfelt gratitude, especially to a certain Young Miss Bai who had taken time out of her busy schedule to attend.

Bai Muxue clapped a few times perfunctorily. While inwardly plotting an escape, she suddenly heard a rapid succession of footsteps.

‘No way, someone’s only just arriving now?’ she thought, a spark of annoyance igniting within her. ‘Can’t they have some basic sense of time and respect for a dead person like me…’

The young woman grumbled inwardly. Lazily raising her head, she instinctively glanced towards the door.

But with just one look, she froze.

The newcomer wore a simple black JK (TL Note: Japanese school uniform style) jacket, with a minimalist white shirt underneath. Below was an azure pleated skirt, and a pair of snow-white over-the-knee socks adorned with a cute cartoon pattern, fully showcasing the wearer’s playful disposition.

Bai Muxue didn’t even need to look up at their face; just by those feet, she could recognize who the newcomer was.

‘After all, they had spent more than a decade together, day in and day out…’

‘It’s only been a week since they last met,’ she mused, ‘Why do they seem to have become even more beautiful…?’

‘Heh, the little girl has blossomed into a great beauty, hasn’t she?’