I'm Interested In Your Friend - Chapter 41
41
After the seminar ended.
Yu Lili clenched her phone.
“Lili, aren’t you leaving?” Li Mi asked.
“You guys go ahead, I have something to take care of.”
Yu Lili bid her colleagues goodbye.
She wanted to wait for Tan Suran.
To exchange a few words.
Or even better, to casually invite her to dinner.
She had already thought of a reason—she hadn’t properly thanked her for getting injured on her behalf last time.
Yu Lili found a lounge area and sat down, texting Tan Suran.
Looking at the chat interface, she saw the message she had boldly sent during the meeting.
Yu Lili covered her face, her ears burning red.
After calming down for a moment, she began typing: [I found a really great coffee shop here. Would you like to…]
“Lili?”
A pleasant but not very familiar voice sounded beside her.
Yu Lili looked up.
A stranger stood before her.
Petite face, wearing sunglasses, with a great figure.
The woman had her hair loosely tied up, wearing a brown linen top and light-colored skinny jeans.
The woman took off her sunglasses and smiled brightly: “Hey, it really is you. Do you still remember me?”
Yu Lili frowned, studying her for a moment. The woman had striking features, her skin tone not particularly fair, more of a healthy wheat color.
“You really don’t recognize me? I just went to the South African savanna for a trip. Has my appearance changed that much?”
Mention of the savanna.
Yu Lili remembered someone: “You’re Sister Ruofu?”
Jiang Ruofu had posted several photos of South African landscapes and wildlife on her Moments recently.
Jiang Ruofu tilted her head and smiled, extending her arms: “Ah, finally remembered me. Long time no see, let’s hug.”
Yu Lili didn’t hesitate either, reaching out her arms.
Just as they embraced.
She felt a gaze locking onto her.
Looking up.
Not far away.
Tan Suran and the group around her were all staring at her.
Eyes piercing.
Yu Lili stiffly withdrew her arms, stood straight, and maintained her distance in one swift motion.
At that moment, another foreign woman with blonde hair and blue eyes walked over.
She exchanged a few words in English with Jiang Ruofu.
Jiang Ruofu turned and introduced her to Yu Lili: “This is my agent, Jennie.”
“Hello, I’m Jennie,” the agent said in somewhat broken Chinese.
“Hello, hello, I’m Lili,” Yu Lili waved.
“A little sister from a family friend. Adorable, right?”
As she spoke, Yu Lili’s eyes darted to the side again.
Tan Suran was no longer there.
Ah. Did she leave already?
“Sister Ruofu, I still have something to do…”
“Oh, President Tan!” Jiang Ruofu raised her sunglasses, waving toward the direction behind Yu Lili.
Hearing this name.
Yu Lili also turned to look behind her.
Tan Suran, leading the group from earlier, walked over.
Jiang Ruofu explained to Jennie: “My old classmate, now a big boss at a company.”
Tan Suran approached them, and the group following her instinctively stopped a few meters away.
After brief greetings.
Tan Suran glanced at Jiang Ruofu and Jennie, then suddenly spoke: “How long have you two been together?”
“Huh?” Jiang Ruofu was clearly taken aback.
What kind of question was that?
“Your outfits, aren’t they couple wear?” Tan Suran lifted her eyelids, speaking slowly.
Jiang Ruofu: “No, no, we’re just friends.”
Tan Suran gave a short “Oh.”
“President Tan…” A subordinate waiting beside Tan Suran hesitantly stepped forward. “Sister Fiona has two more meetings later. Should we go over next year’s theme outline with you now?”
“Mm, let’s talk here.”
Not only were Tan Suran’s subordinates stunned, but Yu Lili was also dumbfounded.
Discussing the core content of their magazine in front of people from another magazine…
Was this appropriate?
Tan Suran seemed to finally realize the slight inappropriateness, clearing her throat with a hand over her mouth before leading her subordinates aside.
“Do you have the documents?”
“Yes, in the meeting room.”
“No digital version?”
“Yes, yes.” The subordinate took out their phone, found the digital file, and handed it to President Tan.
Tan Suran took the phone, glanced at the screen for about two seconds, then returned it: “No issues here. Go over it with Fiona.”
The subordinate was still dazed when the deputy editor of Pictorial walked over: “Hurry, Fiona is already in the meeting room.”
In truth, Tan Suran didn’t interfere with the magazine’s specific operations.
So when the staff heard that the big, big boss was coming to the magazine for a meeting, everyone went all out.
But no one expected it to be dismissed so lightly in just two seconds.
The deputy editor knew that Tan Suran’s attendance at this seminar was because she and Fiona had run into the president while discussing matters outside.
They were talking about the seminar, troubled over inviting an opening speaker but not daring to ask Tan Suran directly, thinking she wouldn’t have time.
Tan Suran must have overheard their conversation and offered: “Regarding Pictorial’s theme outline for next year, I’m free next Tuesday to go over it with you.”
Previously, when Fiona contacted Tan Suran’s assistant, the response was that Tan Suran wouldn’t be involved and that Fiona should take full responsibility.
Now, she changed her mind.
And next Tuesday—wasn’t that the day of the seminar?
Fiona seized the opportunity to invite Tan Suran to give the opening speech.
Tan Suran raised her eyebrows and casually asked: “Which magazines are participating?”
“The top five and three smaller ones, all the first-tier fashion magazines will be there.”
Tan Suran spun her phone in her palm, turning her head to ask: “No second-tier or newer ones?”
“There are, there are, like Chuang Mei, Frontier, quite a few.”
“Alright, send the time and location to my assistant in advance.” Tan Suran concluded decisively.
The deputy editor wasn’t sure whether Tan Suran had suddenly taken an interest in magazine work or was just giving Fiona face, but it didn’t matter—she was coming.
…
On the other side.
Jiang Ruofu was still talking to Lili: “Lili, I’ve seen the photos you took. You’ve really become a big-time photographer.”
Yu Lili smiled: “Not really…”
“When can we collaborate?”
Yu Lili’s eyes lit up.
Jiang Ruofu had been active in Hollywood, starring in international blockbusters that ranked in the global top 50 box office hits and gracing the covers of many international magazines.
If she were willing to collaborate with Frontier…
This would be her first domestic cover.
Highly prestigious.
Coincidentally, Olivia walked by. Yu Lili stopped the editor-in-chief and introduced her to Jiang Ruofu: “This is our editor-in-chief.”
“This is…”
Yu Lili was about to introduce Jiang Ruofu to Olivia, but Olivia smiled and extended her hand: “No need for introductions. I’m a fan of yours. We met at Once’s fashion gala before.”
Hearing Jiang Ruofu’s interest in shooting, Olivia readily agreed: “Great, Frontier is looking for a cover star for our year-end issue.”
As the four chatted happily.
A calm, cool voice came from behind.
“Interested in Pictorial’s 20th-anniversary year-end issue?”
Tan Suran spoke up abruptly in the crowd, looking at Jiang Ruofu.
The surroundings fell silent.
Even Jennie, the agent who wasn’t fluent in Chinese, wore an awkward expression.
Olivia hesitated: “Isn’t Pictorial’s year-end issue featuring Song Yu?”
“Is it?” Tan Suran raised an eyebrow, casually asking the deputy editor of Pictorial.
Deputy editor: “No, no. If Teacher Jiang is interested…”
Olivia’s expression was unreadable. There was an unspoken rule among fashion magazines about exclusivity. If Jiang Ruofu appeared on Pictorial’s December issue, she naturally couldn’t collaborate with Frontier anymore.
And in terms of competitiveness, Frontier was no match for the established, top-tier fashion magazine Pictorial.
Recently, various magazines had been vying for December cover stars. She had clearly heard that Pictorial had already booked Song Yu for December.
Everyone present was sharp. Judging by the deputy editor’s reaction, this was clearly a spur-of-the-moment idea from Tan Suran, and the deputy was just playing along.
Jiang Ruofu smiled at the deputy editor: “Sure, I’d love to.”
Then, to smooth things over, she turned to Yu Lili: “Lili, are you free after work…”
“How about we discuss the collaboration details now?”
Tan Suran, who had been half-heartedly checking work messages, abruptly looked up and interrupted Jiang Ruofu.
The atmosphere froze.
The seasoned Pictorial deputy editor salvaged the situation: “Teacher Jiang just returned to the country. Let me host—we can discuss the details over dinner.”
The deputy editor politely turned to invite Olivia and Yu Lili: “Why don’t you join us? The more, the merrier.”
Everyone knew it was just a courtesy.
Even though Yu Lili’s inner thoughts were “Sure, sure, if I really joined, would this collaboration even happen?”, Olivia had already skillfully declined with a smile: “Next time.”
…
Back at the magazine office, Olivia couldn’t figure out why Tan Suran had intervened.
She privately asked Yu Lili: “Lili, there’s no bad bl00d between you and President Tan, right? The incident last time was cleared up, no misunderstandings?”
“Ah, no.”
“Guess I overthought it. Get back to work.”
Returning to her desk, Yu Lili finished editing the sample cover for the October issue.
Propping her chin, she zoned out for a while.
Why had Tan Suran proactively invited Jiang Ruofu for a cover?
Were she and Jiang Ruofu old classmates?
Were they close?
Yu Lili went downstairs for some air and called Du Tanyu overseas: “Du Du, can you find out for me—are Tan Suran and Jiang Ruofu classmates? How’s their relationship?”
“Jiang… Ruofu?” Du Tanyu repeated. “Such an old name. Haven’t heard you mention her in years.”
“She’s back in the country.”
Du Tanyu sounded excited: “Wow, seeing your first love white moonlight again—don’t you feel anything? Want to rekindle old flames?”
Yu Lili turned around, sighing wearily: “We were just kids fooling around back then. Don’t bring it up.”
Du Tanyu tsked a few times over the phone: “You cried all night after that failed confession… Geez, I remember it so clearly. It was even your 17th birthday. I was going to take you out clubbing all night, but instead, I watched you cry the whole time.”
Yu Lili facepalmed: “Sis, let’s not revisit the past. We were young and dumb.”
“But why are you suddenly asking about Tan Suran and Jiang Ruofu?”
Yu Lili recounted the day’s events: “So weird. Someone like Tan Suran, being so proactive and enthusiastic? And they’re having dinner together tonight. I feel like their relationship isn’t ordinary.”
“Yu Lili, have you ever thought…” Du Tanyu trailed off.
“What?”
“You sound like a desperate housewife catching her spouse cheating—especially with the detective work. What’s going on between you and Tan Suran? Last time at Qingyong Mountain, I didn’t get to ask properly. What were you doing staying behind?”
“It’s just… nothing much.” Yu Lili stammered, unable to articulate anything coherent.
Du Tanyu: “Yeah, right. Remember when you cried and told me ‘Anyone who pays attention to Tan Suran is a dog’?”
Yu Lili: “I remember.”
Du Tanyu: “Good that you know.”
Yu Lili: “Good that you know.”
Du Tanyu frowned: “What do I know?”
Yu Lili: “What do I know.”
Du Tanyu: “What are you doing? Why are repeating after me?”
Yu Lili: “I’m barking like a dog.”
Du Tanyu scoffed: “Barking? Let me hear it.”
Yu Lili dryly repeated: “Let me hear it.”
“What non—” Before she could finish.
Du Tanyu understood.
Yu Lili… was calling her a dog.
“Who’s the dog here? Who was the one who helped you pack your things in a frenzy and stayed up all night drinking with you while you cried over a girl?” Du Tanyu tried to morally condemn Yu Lili.
“I’m the dog, I’m the dog. Woof woof woof, happy now?” Yu Lili surrendered. “Dogs are cute, sunny, and cheerful. I don’t mind!”
“Yu Lili.” Du Tanyu suddenly called her full name in a solemn tone. “Do you have feelings for Tan Suran?”
Silence.
“Your answer determines whether I’ll sugarcoat the intel I dig up…”
Yu Lili let out a vague honk.
“Speak clearly. I can’t hear you.”
“Yes, correct, accurate, objective. Happy now?”
Du Tanyu screamed over the phone: “Liar! I knew it, and you wouldn’t admit it.”
“But Du Tanyu, you have to swear on our 20 years of friendship that you’ll keep this secret.”
“I swear, I swear. Don’t worry, I’m not Jian Sijia. My lips are sealed.”
Then, Du Tanyu sighed.
“Why the sigh? What, you think we don’t stand a chance?”
“Don’t be so sensitive. I just think this thing between you two is… complicated. Tan Suran seems like a tough nut to crack.”
“If she were simple, I wouldn’t like her. Not everyone can be as simple-minded as you.”
“You haven’t even started dating, and you’re already taking her side?”
After Yu Lili’s repeated apologies and coaxing, Du Tanyu finally calmed down.
…
Du Tanyu worked at rocket speed.
Before the workday ended.
A PDF of the interview report was sent over.
The first page even had a summary.
Yu Lili: [Thumbs up][Thumbs up] You’ve improved so much after just a short time abroad. You’ve even mastered thesis formatting?]
Du Tanyu: [Shy] Though I appreciate the praise, Qi Luo compiled this.]
Yu Lili: [… Why did you ask Lao Qi to handle this?]
Du Tanyu: [She’s the only one who won’t gossip about the contents. Also, I skimmed it—they’re not close. You can relax.]
Yu Lili opened the file and scrolled through it.
The report was lengthy, but the gist matched Qi Luo’s summary on the first page.
Tan Suran and Jiang Ruofu weren’t close. They’d been mere acquaintances in school.
[But.]
[There’s one more thing.]
[Prepare yourself.]
Du Tanyu sent a few more messages in rapid succession.
Then dropped a screenshot.
[This just came up in casual conversation.]
The screenshot showed a message: [Tan Suran had a crush back in the day. She never skipped class, but for that person, she ditched school for an entire day.]
Du Tanyu herself was shocked by this intel. She double-checked its accuracy with the source and even asked a few others. While they didn’t mention the crush, they all vividly remembered Tan Suran skipping class and found it utterly baffling.
She trusted Yu Lili’s resilience.
Sure, she’d asked her to play detective over Tan Suran talking to another woman, but…
It was just a crush.
Just a schoolyard crush.
Just a pure, white-moonlight, lifelong-red-dot schoolyard crush.
She could handle it.
Probably.
A minute later.
Du Tanyu poked Yu Lili.
No response.
Two minutes later.
Du Tanyu poked her again.
Still no response.
[Lili.]
[You okay?]
[If alive, please type ‘1’]
After dozens of pokes, Yu Lili finally replied with two characters:
[Wuwu]
Seeing Lili so devastated, Du Tanyu’s heart ached. She comforted her friend: [It was ages ago. Everyone’s loved a few people in their youth. Don’t cry, don’t be sad, don’t lose heart.]
Yu Lili replied quickly this time.
[No.]
[I was just excited.]
[I’m not upset.]
[I love her even more now.]
[Wuwu ah.]
[Our Princess Susu was the type to have crushes. Thinking about it makes my heart race even more. What do I do?]
[If I kidnap her now, will the police arrest me? Wuwu.]