Chapter 823: Sense of superiority

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation  Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Zhou Cui’an hadn’t anticipated bumping into Ye Leng’an here.

Seeing Ye Leng’an again, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of disdain, but she maintained a smile on her face. “Oh, I found a decent winter break job here in the capital, so I decided to stay. Isn’t it almost New Year? The company needs to purchase some items for the occasion, and that task fell to me.”

As Zhou Cui’an spoke, a hint of superiority crept into her tone. Ever since learning from Murong Yumeng that Ye Leng’an’s current status was achieved through association with wealthy men, she couldn’t help but feel contempt and disdain.

She believed herself to be fundamentally different from Ye Leng’an. She attributed her own standing to hard work, whereas she saw Ye Leng’an as having relied on selling herself.

Previously, she was a sales assistant, and Ye Leng’an was a customer. Now, they were both customers. Zhou Cui’an felt she was far more refined than Ye Leng’an, hence her involuntary sense of superiority.

Observing Zhou Cui’an’s demeanor, Ye Leng’an found it odd but didn’t dwell on it. “Is that so? Well, that’s good.”

The changes in Zhou Cui’an were quite significant, considering the short time since the holiday started. Finding a decent holiday job with accommodation in the capital wasn’t easy. Someone must have helped her!

“I think so too,” Zhou Cui’an affirmed. Then, she turned to Ye Leng’an, implying something as she continued, “Every penny I earn now is the result of my own hard work, so I feel particularly content. After all, relying on others isn’t a sustainable strategy, right?”

After her remark, she gave Ye Leng’an a meaningful glance. Previously, it was Ye Leng’an who reminded her. Now, the tables had turned, and she felt qualified to remind Ye Leng’an.

Confused by Zhou Cui’an’s cryptic attitude, Ye Leng’an raised her eyebrows. “Perhaps. It’s getting late. Aren’t you still going shopping?”

Though uncertain of Zhou Cui’an’s intentions, Ye Leng’an was sure something had changed for her. If Zhou Cui’an had been timid before, she now exhibited an inexplicable sense of superiority.

“Yes, I am.” Zhou Cui’an nodded. Then she looked at Ye Leng’an and said, “Since we’ve bumped into each other, how about going shopping together?”

“Forget it.” Ye Leng’an promptly declined. “Our purchases are probably different. You’re buying for the company, while I’m buying for my family. Our objectives are different.”

She had no desire to accompany Zhou Cui’an, especially given their limited acquaintance. Zhou Cui’an’s recent behavior only added to her perplexity; she wished to avoid any association.

“Alright then.” Zhou Cui’an nodded. “I’ll head off now. Take your time shopping!”

Despite her initial inclination to flaunt her success to Ye Leng’an, she now considered work more important. Securing her current job wasn’t easy, and it was only through Senior Sister Murong’s recommendation that she obtained it. Additionally, her role in this purchase was due to Senior Sister Murong’s influence.

Procurement offered ample opportunities for manipulation, and experienced colleagues often competed for such tasks. Were it not for Senior Sister Murong’s backing, she wouldn’t have been entrusted with this responsibility.

Hence, she couldn’t afford any mistakes and needed to strategize to maximize her gains.

Considering this, accompanying Ye Leng’an for shopping wasn’t appropriate.

Nevertheless, there would be plenty of opportunities in the future. She intended to expose Ye Leng’an’s true nature to everyone.

As Zhou Cui’an walked away, Ye Leng’an watched her departure with a furrowed brow.

Zhou Cui’an had changed significantly, and her attitude toward Ye Leng’an had shifted markedly. Whether Ye Leng’an was somehow involved in these changes remained unclear.

Shaking her head, Ye Leng’an chose not to dwell on it. As long as it didn’t affect her, Zhou Cui’an’s transformation was of little concern.

Zhou Cui’an was no longer a child; she had to bear the consequences of her actions. Moreover, their relationship was merely that of roommates, and Ye Leng’an saw no reason to intervene.

Quickly putting the encounter with Zhou Cui’an out of her mind, Ye Leng’an resumed her shopping in the mall.

She didn’t make many purchases that afternoon, merely acquiring some decorations and New Year’s items. However, there was no rush, as New Year was still days away. She could take her time to complete her shopping, and anything she forgot could be bought later.

Most upscale malls in the capital remained open even during the holiday season.

Returning to the villa that evening, Ye Leng’an found Huangfu Ruiling had already returned.

“Why are you back so early today?” Ye Leng’an asked, surprised. “Didn’t you have a business engagement tonight?”

That had been Ye Leng’an’s reason for dining out; had she known Huangfu Ruiling would be back for dinner, she would have stayed

“I canceled it,” Huangfu Ruiling replied, taking the items from Ye Leng’an’s hands. “I assumed you were still out shopping, so I didn’t call you. Have you eaten?”

“I have,” Ye Leng’an confirmed. “And you? You haven’t eaten yet, have you?”

“Not yet,” Huangfu Ruiling admitted. “I’m about to. Keep me company?”

“Of course,” Ye Leng’an agreed.

Even if she had already eaten, she was happy to dine with Huangfu Ruiling.

Before long, Sister Li served the prepared dishes, still warm.

Although Ye Leng’an had already eaten, she accepted a bowl of soup from Sister Li to accompany Huangfu Ruiling. They then enjoyed their meal together, chatting and laughing, the atmosphere pleasant.