[Gold Powder GL] True Elegance Comes with Knowledge - Chapter 3

After Jin Yanxi departed, Yan Hui turned to ask, “Did Miss Leng come alone?”

“Yes,” Qingqiu answered, lowering her head slightly, somewhat embarrassed.

Yanxi invited her, but since he was a man, he couldn’t properly accompany her and grew impatient with the setting. So, he asked his sister Minzhi to bring Qingqiu instead. However, Minzhi didn’t seem particularly invested. After dropping her off, she left immediately, leaving only a maid to stay behind.

Qingqiu sat alone on the upper floor, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Unsurprisingly, she felt out of place.

Now that Yan Hui was asking, she grew even more anxious, afraid her intentions might be exposed. So, she quickly deflected, “What about Miss Jin? Did you come alone too?”

“I came with a few classmates,” Yan Hui said with a smile. “It’d be such a pity for you to go back on your own. Why don’t you come join us?”

“Would that be alright?” Qingqiu was clearly tempted, but hesitated.

She had initially come hoping to broaden her social circle. But once she arrived, it became obvious that everyone there had strong social backgrounds. Without a proper introduction, she felt like an outsider and didn’t dare to join any group on her own.

Now that Yan Hui was extending an invitation, it was a golden opportunity. Yet, she’s worried about intruding or disrupting the group’s harmony.

“There’s no issue at all,” Yan Hui reassured her. “Everyone enjoys making new friends—more people just mean more fun.” Without waiting for a reply, she gently took Qingqiu by the arm. “Come on, let’s not keep them waiting.”

Qingqiu, caught off guard, followed her upstairs.

Someone spotted them and asked playfully, “Miss Jin, you’ve only been gone a moment, and you’ve already brought someone back?”

As the hostess, Wang Zhaoxia stood up with curiosity. “Who might this be?”

“This is Miss Leng,” Yan Hui said with a bright smile, gently nudging Qingqiu forward. “Isn’t she beautiful? I used to think we were already quite remarkable, but today I’ve learned there’s always someone more impressive. The moment I saw her, I knew—we’re meant to be good friends. Don’t you think we’re a perfect match?”

Her words diverted everyone’s attention. No one asked about Qingqiu’s background or how she ended up at the party. Instead, they teased Yan Hui, laughing and chatting, while Yan Hui ushered Qingqiu into the seat beside her.

Everyone there was a young student, and after just a few exchanges, the atmosphere grew warm and lively.

Qingqiu felt far more at ease in their midst than she had while sitting alone upstairs. The play itself became background noise—few of the girls had the patience to sit and watch. They were there for the joy of companionship, laughter, and the passing of time.

Meanwhile, Jin Yanxi had been drawn into several rounds of mahjong. By the time he extricated himself, two scenes had already passed. He hurried over, concerned Qingqiu might still be alone, but was surprised to find her comfortably chatting and smiling within the group.

It was a rare sight—so different from her usual quiet demeanor. She looked radiant, and Yanxi couldn’t help but be captivated.

Just then, Yan Hui noticed him and, sensing it was time to go, pulled Qingqiu up and bid farewell to Wang Zhaoxia and the others before heading downstairs.

Yanxi, in front of Yan Hui, kept his thoughts to himself. Regretful they hadn’t had more time together, he offered, “Miss Leng, are you heading home? I have a car to take you and then come back.”

“No need for the trouble,” Yan Hui quickly interjected with a smile. “I’m heading out too. Why don’t I take Miss Leng home instead and save you the hassle, Master Qi?”

Qingqiu, ever perceptive, guessed from Yan Hui’s tone that she had figured something out. She had been tactful all evening, never asking about Qingqiu’s background in front of others. Feeling grateful—and slightly guilty—Qingqiu nodded. “I’ll go with Miss Jin then.”

Yanxi could only nod in agreement.

Yan Hui held Qingqiu’s hand as they left. At the parking lot, Qingqiu was surprised to see there was no driver. “Miss Jin, are you driving?”

“Yep!” Yan Hui answered with a grin.

She held a modern driver’s license and had only needed a couple of tries to get the hang of driving this vintage car.

The roads here weren’t great—no traffic lights, uneven paths—but cars drove slowly and people gave way. She usually got someone to drive her to school, but for tonight’s unpredictable party, she hadn’t wanted to bother anyone.

As Yan Hui started the car, Qingqiu, sitting beside her, blushed with admiration. Her new friend was more impressive than she had imagined.

Midway through their drive, they passed a late-night snack stall. Yan Hui pulled over and bought a few things. “You said you were going out to watch a play. Your aunt is probably still awake. Bring her a little something—it’ll cheer her up.”

“For me?” Qingqiu was taken aback.

“Of course!” Yan Hui said lightly. “I made a great friend today—how could I not mark the occasion? Honestly, if it wouldn’t seem presumptuous, I’d love to visit your home. What kind of family raises a girl like you?”

Qingqiu laughed. “And what kind of family raised you, Miss Jin?”

She had seen the grandeur of the Jin residence earlier and admired Yanxi’s sister Minzhi—elegant in a Western suit and perm. Qingqiu had envied her at first. But now, sitting next to Yan Hui, she realized that despite the simpler clothes, Yan Hui’s composure and kindness were far more captivating.

After a moment’s thought, she said, “Next time, you must come in. If my mother knew you brought me back and I didn’t invite you inside, she’d scold me for poor manners.”

Yan Hui beamed. “Then let’s drop the formalities. Honestly, calling each other ‘Miss this’ and ‘Miss that’ feels so stiff. Why don’t we use our names instead? Feels more like real friends.”

“Alright,” Qingqiu paused before saying warmly, “Yan Hui.”

Yan Hui smiled back. “Qingqiu.”

The two locked eyes and burst into laughter. It felt like they had truly become friends.

Yan Hui couldn’t help thinking—This is the beauty of being a girl!

Jin Yanxi had taken so long to get close to Qingqiu, from their first meeting to finally warming up to each other. He had hoped tonight would bring them closer, perhaps even open up a deeper conversation. But then Yan Hui had swooped in and changed the dynamic completely.

But as a woman, she could effortlessly enter Qingqiu’s world. Tonight was their first meeting, and already she’d accompanied her home, even won over her family. No one found it odd in the slightest.

When they arrived at Luohua Alley, Qingqiu invited Yan Hui in for a midnight snack. Mrs. Leng was surprised but, upon hearing the details, felt that Yan Hui’s company was far more appropriate than a young man. Hearing that she had even brought snacks made her even more delighted.

It was late, though, so after a brief meal, Yan Hui got up to leave. Qingqiu saw her out, feeling an unexpected tinge of reluctance.

Though she had many schoolmates, few friendships extended beyond the classroom. Social outings cost money, and she hadn’t had the chance to build deep connections. But Yan Hui’s warmth had touched her.

Sensing her mood, Yan Hui smiled and asked, “Qingqiu, are you free tomorrow? Come over to my place.”

She leaned closer and whispered, “If I come over again, your mother will be around and it won’t be as relaxed. But my place? I live alone now—no one to boss us around!”

Qingqiu, always proper and restrained, couldn’t help but grin. “Alright. Where do you live?”

“I’ll come pick you up,” Yan Hui said. “Let’s make it early—seven o’clock. I’ll treat you to breakfast.”

“No, let me treat you,” Qingqiu said. “Breakfast isn’t too expensive, and you’ve done so much for me today.”

Yan Hui accepted her offer with a laugh and drove off into the night.