After the Breakup, the Possessive Heiress Regretted It - Chapter 39

Chapter 39: Our Second Group Photo.

Another New Year’s Eve was just around the corner.

Thinking about the class reunion tonight, Ji Wanmian woke up early and finished her work for the day without stopping. She checked the time and realized it was still quite early; if she went now, her classmates probably wouldn’t have arrived yet. She patted her stomach, deciding to go out and grab a bite first.

Ji Wanmian walked around the apartment complex and, by some inexplicable urge, found herself back at the bakery where she had encountered Pei Jinyue before. She intended to walk past quickly, but her eyes unconsciously glanced towards the shop. Indeed, the staff had changed; it was no longer Pei Jinyue.

After confirming this, she thought she would definitely feel relieved, no longer having to worry about running into Pei Jinyue. But now, she honestly didn’t know how she felt, only a sense of mixed emotions.

She sighed, and before indulging in melancholy or reminiscing about the past, she chose to go eat something delicious first.

Just as Ji Wanmian approached the mall, deliberating which restaurant to choose, a large doll in a cute mascot costume caught her attention. Given her nickname “forever young,” she immediately darted towards the giant doll.

So cute! It almost melted Ji Wanmian’s heart.

Ji Wanmian wanted to gently touch the mascot’s paw, but felt it might be too presumptuous. Since many children were running up to take photos with the mascot and play with it, she had no choice but to retract her hand and quietly stand aside, watching.

Finally, seeing the other children walk away, she timidly approached and quietly asked the big doll, “Can I take a picture with you?”

The big doll nodded.

Ji Wanmian’s heart filled with joy. She quickly took out her phone for a selfie. Click, her wish was fulfilled.

“Thank you,” Ji Wanmian glanced at the photo, very satisfied with her selfie skills. Putting away her phone, she had no intention of lingering and turned to leave.

But the big doll gently touched her shoulder with its paw.

Ji Wanmian flinched, turning her head abruptly, and asked, “What’s wrong?”

The other side didn’t speak.

Ji Wanmian came to her senses and looked at the store behind the big doll. She figured it was trying to drum up business, but since she was alone, eating at such a large store wouldn’t be cost-effective. So, she shook her head and said, “I’m sorry, I’ll come back later.”

The big doll lowered its head.

Although she felt a little sympathetic, Ji Wanmian cared more about her own money. She said nothing more and left the place decisively.

Besides, meeting this large doll was just a chance encounter in a vast sea of people; they might not meet again.

Ji Wanmian grabbed a quick bite, then returned home to get ready. To be honest, since breaking up with Pei Jinyue, she hadn’t had much desire to open her makeup bag. Now, doing her makeup again, she felt a bit rusty.

She looked at herself in the mirror. Time had left its marks on her face, but that was normal; after all, she was already twenty-seven.

As she patted toner and lotion onto her face, Ji Wanmian couldn’t help but smile. She was almost thirty, yet she still couldn’t walk past a giant doll. She wouldn’t be afraid of being laughed at for saying that out loud.

But quickly, her smile faded, because it was time for concealer. If she had to name a “gift” from time, Ji Wanmian would definitely mention her dark circles—proof of many arduous nights spent staying up late to meet deadlines.

She looked at her foundation, nodding in satisfaction, and then recalled how every time she did her makeup before, her mind was solely focused on how to apply it in a way that Pei Jinyue would like. Now, she was only happy for herself, and that person didn’t even cross her mind.

After finishing the initial steps, Ji Wanmian searched for her eyeliner in her makeup bag. It was time for the most difficult step again. This time, she absolutely had to maintain a steady hand, so as not to waste the foundation.

Just as she finally managed to pull out the eyeliner, a small, round object popped out, bounced quite high, and finally landed in front of her eyes.

A glittering ring.

Ji Wanmian: “…”

She had searched high and low for it before, even almost turning her house upside down, and it had been hiding in this makeup bag all along, just waiting for her to pull out her eyeliner one day.

Ji Wanmian thought about it and still put the ring in her bag. Just in case she ran into Pei Jinyue again someday, returning it would settle everything between them.

But would they ever meet again…?

Ji Wanmian lowered her eyes, repeatedly telling herself not to think about it anymore, using past heartbreaks to remind herself never to fall in love with Pei Jinyue again, but she still couldn’t control the surging emotions.

In her peripheral vision, she saw her own crestfallen expression in the mirror.

These scattered thoughts even brought back memories of their first encounter.

When she first entered university, she was inexplicably framed. In her most helpless moment, Pei Jinyue’s appearance was indeed an unforgettable presence for her at that time.

Yes, she was indeed greatly hurt afterward and suffered for a long time.

But no one could understand how she felt at that moment. Even after many years, the sight of Pei Jinyue walking towards her in a swaying white dress, her hair lifted by the wind, remained deeply etched in her mind. Even if she did meet new people afterward, no one else could make her forget Pei Jinyue’s presence in her heart.

Even if she had already decided not to be with Pei Jinyue, she couldn’t agree to be with anyone else. Because how could she, someone who couldn’t forget an ex, torture another person, only to end up hurting them? That was what she least wanted to see.

Whether one called her willful or persistent, she could accept it.

She still hadn’t grown up; she would only follow her heart, just like when she was a child.

After her moment of sadness, Ji Wanmian slowly finished her makeup and moved away from the frowning reflection in the mirror. She glanced at the time, thinking it was still early, but it had already passed the start time for the class reunion.

She had no time to tidy up further, not even bothering to grab her scarf or hat. She grabbed her phone and rushed out.

This year’s New Year’s Eve didn’t have good weather, especially now in the evening, it was surprisingly cold. Ji Wanmian, who dressed lightly for beauty, shivered from the chilly wind.

Ji Wanmian hurried to the agreed location. Before she even stepped inside, she let out a sneeze.

“Hey, isn’t that Ji Wanmian? Long time no see, you’re still so fond of being late, haha.”

Ji Wanmian looked up. This was none other than the class monitor who organized the reunion, Zhang Ban. Look, as he spoke, he even stretched out his hand, revealing the dazzling, expensive watch on his wrist.

“Oh, long time no see, class monitor, you’re still so sarcastic, huh?” She wasn’t intimidated, maintaining a polite smile. She hadn’t liked this person since high school. Not only did he speak harshly, but he also loved labeling classmates. She hadn’t expected him to become even more annoying after all this time.

The surrounding classmates all laughed softly.

Zhang Ban’s face darkened. He probably thought that with so many people watching, he forced out two dry laughs and said, “I was just joking, don’t take it so seriously.”

Ji Wanmian spread her hands and said, “I was joking too, didn’t you hear?”

Zhang Ban’s smile stiffened, and he stared at Ji Wanmian with a disgruntled expression.

And Ji Wanmian returned his gaze with an expression that said, “Go ahead and stare, it won’t do anything to me.”

A classmate, sensing the tension, quickly ran over, grabbed Ji Wanmian’s arm, and said, “Wanmian, I haven’t seen you at a class reunion before. I really missed you.”

Ji Wanmian walked along with the person beside her, regretting that she hadn’t checked the names of her high school classmates more carefully before coming, matching them with her graduation photo. Now, with her memory, there weren’t many classmates whose names she could recall. The only reason she remembered the class monitor’s name was because she truly disliked him.

Classmate No. 1 asked, “Wanmian, were you busy last time? Why didn’t you come to the class reunion?”

Naturally, I went alone to bravely pursue love, only to have my heart broken and then slink back home.

But Ji Wanmian couldn’t answer that way; she still had some dignity. So she cleared her throat and said, “I was previously…”

Before Ji Wanmian could finish, Zhang Ban spoke up, cutting her off: “Ah, Ji Wanmian, it’s not shameful to go work in another city and not earn much money. Sometimes, going out to work depends on luck. Me, I’m just lucky. I found a good job as soon as I left. Look, that luxury car parked outside is mine.”

Ji Wanmian said “Ah” and resisted rolling her eyes, but still couldn’t help saying, “It’s alright, among a bunch of cars, I wouldn’t even give it a second glance.”

Classmate No. 2 chuckled, lowered her head, and pulled Ji Wanmian’s arm, saying, “Wanmian, it still has to be you. After earning a bit of money outside, you frequently organize class reunions, claiming it’s for everyone to gather, but actually, you’re just showing off your wealth.”

Ji Wanmian was confused: “Then why don’t you talk back to him?”

Classmate No. 2 said, “Oh, it’s not high school anymore. Everyone just tries to endure what they can. Just let him say what he wants. Besides, he’s doing quite well now. My advice is for you to say less too. It’s okay, it’s good for everyone to just chat together.”

Ji Wanmian thought about it and still nodded in understanding. Everyone had long passed the youthful stage of loving fiercely and hating passionately, of lashing out when unhappy. Enduring it was just easier now.

Sitting at the dinner table waiting for the dishes, her gaze swept around, finding that everyone had changed. Although most wore exquisite makeup and beautiful clothes, their faces showed fatigue, as if they hadn’t rested well in a long time. The classmates who used to gather daily to gossip about the next class were now silent, saying little, and occasionally, when reminiscing about the past, at most only sighing a few words.

The dishes were served, shrouded in mist. Only through this layer of mist could she recall everyone’s past appearances.

But one person remained unchanged.

Zhang Ban.

Aside from his beer belly, which sagged even through his thick clothes, nothing else had changed.

Especially his sarcastic and labeling manner.

He even said things like “last class reunion” and “because many classmates returned to Nancheng.” It turned out it was just for this person to show off. Why even call it a class reunion? Just call it Zhang Ban’s “Story of Venturing Out, Earning Lots of Money, Buying a House, and Buying a Car” sharing session.

Ji Wanmian ate silently, pretending not to hear a single word, just wanting to finish quickly and leave.

But then another classmate suggested taking a group photo. Ji Wanmian had no choice but to stay and wait for a while. She chatted with Classmate No. 1 for a bit, and in their conversation, they even mentioned “Wen Su.”

Classmate No. 1 asked, “Last time, Wen Su said she just wanted to see you and thank you properly. Did you two meet later?”

Ji Wanmian nodded.

Classmate No. 1 looked around and asked, “Then why didn’t she come today?”

Ji Wanmian could only sigh inwardly. Actually, she had hoped little Wen Su would come today so she could properly complain to her later. Just as she was about to answer, another person spoke before her.

“What’s that poor girl doing here?” The class monitor, slightly flushed from drinking, said, “Don’t think she’s gotten cocky just because she earned a little money. Let me tell you, her family, tsk tsk, they were poor in high school. Her hair was cut all unevenly, and she couldn’t even bear to get an extra dish every day…”

“Zhang Ban!” Ji Wanmian suddenly slammed the table, stood up, and glared furiously at the person in front of her. “You better not say another word.”

Classmate No. 1 was startled, then quickly grabbed Ji Wanmian’s sleeve and whispered, “Wanmian, it’s okay…”

“Oh, I’ll say it anyway, what are you going to do? Even if Wen Su herself was here, I’d still say it, and she still wouldn’t dare say a word.” Zhang Ban was already annoyed with Ji Wanmian. Having had some drinks, he was even more reckless, even reaching out and fiercely pushing Ji Wanmian.

Ji Wanmian was caught off guard and barely managed to steady herself by leaning on the chair behind her. However, due to the swaying, everything in her bag fell out, and the ring rolled away on the floor, nowhere to be seen.

Zhang Ban intensified, saying, “That was a ring that just fell out, right? I didn’t hear you got married. Don’t tell me you stole someone else’s?”

The classmates nearby quickly came to mediate: “Everyone, just say less.”

Stole someone else’s…

Ji Wanmian suddenly felt a pang in her heart, instantly transported back years ago, when she was also similarly framed.

He was cursing Wen Su, making her lose her ring, and even falsely accusing her.

Ji Wanmian’s mind went blank. Gritting her teeth, she casually picked up an empty beer bottle from the table, pointed it at the person in front of her, and said, “I didn’t steal anything, and you must find my ring for me!”

Zhang Ban didn’t believe that the meek Ji Wanmian could actually do such a thing, and swaggered, “Try hitting me.”

“Hey, everyone, calm down,” classmates one, two, and three all held onto Ji Wanmian. “It’s supposed to be a happy reunion, it’s okay.”

Ji Wanmian grew angrier the more she thought: “You think I wouldn’t dare?”

“If you have the guts, come on.” Zhang Ban pointed to his left cheek, raising his chin, “Come on, hit me. I don’t believe you dare… Ah!”

He really got hit.

It wasn’t Ji Wanmian who hit him.

The speed was so fast that everyone present froze, blinking their eyes.

“Apologize.”

It was a woman’s voice.

Even from across a crowd of classmates, Ji Wanmian clearly saw the person who suddenly appeared: it was Pei Jinyue.

The slap was so sudden that Zhang Ban was stunned for a long time. He finally raised his hand to cover his face. Seeing the bl00d at the corner of his mouth, he became even angrier and yelled, “Where did you come from?”

Pei Jinyue mechanically repeated, “Apologize.”

“You tell me to apologize and I apologize? Who do you think you are?” Zhang Ban was furious, pointing and yelling at Pei Jinyue’s nose.

Pei Jinyue coldly replied, “I am someone you cannot afford to offend.”

Zhang Ban was about to take another step closer, but when he saw Pei Jinyue’s cold face, he inexplicably felt afraid. The slap mark on his face still throbbed faintly. He only dared to stand still, silent for a long time.

Suddenly, he remembered that face looked somewhat familiar. After racking his brain, he slapped his forehead, then returned to his previous manner, lifting his chin, and haughtily said, “I remember you. Aren’t you the one who wore the mascot costume at the mall? What? Today you’re learning from others to stick up for people. What kind of thing are you?”

Ji Wanmian was stunned for two seconds, recalling what happened today. Could the big doll I met today really be Pei Jinyue? What a coincidence…

Putting aside when Pei Jinyue returned or why she was here, given the current situation, it was best not to continue this standoff. If Zhang Ban really hurt Pei Jinyue, the Pei family would be in an unimaginable mess…

But these were all unnecessary worries for Ji Wanmian; clearly, Pei Jinyue had the upper hand.

Pei Jinyue rotated her wrist and said, “I’ll say it one last time: apologize.”

The hit wasn’t actually very hard, there were even few external injuries, but Zhang Ban was already sitting on the ground sobbing loudly. The classmates nearby felt embarrassed, turned their faces away, not saying a word, and no one went to help him up.

Finally, he stammered, “I apologize, I apologize. Ji Wanmian, I’m sorry.”

Ji Wanmian couldn’t be bothered to argue with him, nor did she want to waste time. She simply waved her hand.

“There’s one more person,” Pei Jinyue added, “Apologize to Wen Su too.”

Ji Wanmian was even more astonished.

Zhang Ban dared not disobey Pei Jinyue anymore and quickly said repeatedly, “Alright, alright, I apologize. Wen Su, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have spoken ill of you.”

“Alright, get lost,” Pei Jinyue said, even kicking Zhang Ban.

Zhang Ban scrambled up from the ground and quickly walked out. At the doorway, he turned back, leaving behind a phrase: “I’m going back to tell my dad, you’re definitely finished!” After saying that, he quickly ran away.

Everyone present: “…”

Ji Wanmian put down the beer bottle, walked in front of Pei Jinyue, and quietly asked, “What are you doing here?”

Pei Jinyue, however, stared straight at her. Her previously sharp gaze vanished instantly, leaving only concern: “You’re not hurt, are you?”

“No, I’m not,” Ji Wanmian turned her head, muttering, “Even if you hadn’t come, I could still have made him apologize.”

“Don’t touch him, you’ll dirty your hands,” Pei Jinyue replied.

“Alright, let’s go back. Don’t let everyone laugh at us,” Ji Wanmian lowered her head. Although she was happy that Zhang Ban had apologized, with so many people watching, she still felt a bit embarrassed. So, she turned around, intending to leave.

“Hey, hey, Wanmian, stay for a group photo,” Classmate No. 1 said, smiling and pulling Ji Wanmian’s sleeve, “Even though you were a bit impulsive just now, you were still so cool.”

Ji Wanmian shyly scratched her head and asked, “Really?”

Classmate No. 2 said, “When Ji Wanmian stood up just now, I felt so much younger, like I was back in the old days.”

Ji Wanmian was praised so much that she couldn’t help but wag her tail. She readily agreed and stayed for the photo.

“I’ll wait for you outside,” Pei Jinyue said and walked out.

“Hey, since you’re already here, let’s take one together,” Classmate No. 3 said, holding the camera.

Pei Jinyue turned her head, didn’t directly agree, but instead looked eagerly at Ji Wanmian.

Ji Wanmian thought that Pei Jinyue’s appearance had helped her, so she didn’t try to send her away anymore and nodded.

So Pei Jinyue came over, wagging her tail.

Because they wanted to be in one group photo, everyone stood quite close. For some reason, Ji Wanmian and Pei Jinyue were pressed tightly against each other. Although there was a layer of clothing between them, she still felt a bit awkward.

Pei Jinyue smiled faintly and said, “Xiaomian, don’t move. We’re about to take the picture.”

Ji Wanmian didn’t want to say anything more, so she just stood there, smiling at the camera.

Click.

Pei Jinyue whispered in Ji Wanmian’s ear, “Counting the one from earlier today, this is our second group photo.”