“Fortunately, you look presentable. You’ll be in charge of receiving Mr. Chen from Hesha Capital and his party. I'll take you to your position. Just pour them water when they arrive. The key points were all covered during the training. Remember to be quick on your feet.”
Yan Zhen’s eyelid twitched. “…Hesha Capital? Can I switch with someone else?”
“Do you think this is a market where you can pick and choose?” The woman frowned, her tone sharper. “How about I just arrange for you to sit in the guest seats, then?”
Her tone was barbed, clearly accustomed to reprimanding people, carrying a condescending pressure. If it were any other ordinary university student, they probably wouldn't dare say another word. But Yan Zhen hated sarcastic remarks the most.
She stopped, scoffed, and reached out to take off the vest, ready to leave. But as her fingers touched the fabric, she remembered she was currently impersonating Jiang Yi. Yan Zhen was used to being impulsive and doing as she pleased; it didn't matter what happened because her brother, Yan Zhao, would always have her back. But she couldn't afford to offend anyone on Jiang Yi's behalf, especially since this volunteer opportunity was so hard-won.
Her fingers dipped into her pocket, hesitantly touching her phone. Finally, she pulled her hand out, resigned to her fate, and caught up with the woman.
Inside, a group of volunteers were busy setting up the sound system on stage. The woman led her to the middle of the first row and instructed her, “The names are on the seats. When the guests arrive, a volunteer will escort them in. After they’re seated, remember to pour them tea promptly. If it gets cold, pour a fresh cup. Never let the guests drink cold tea.”
If Yan Zhen had held any lingering hope that perhaps there were many Mr. Chens at Hesha Capital, seeing the nameplate shattered all her illusions. “Chen Huaixu” – the three characters dashed all her hopes.
Talk about running into your nemesis.
Not being able to relax at home on the weekend was one thing, braving the heavy rain to attend a forum and being forced to work as a server was another. But the worst part was that the person she had to serve was her arch-enemy, Chen Huaixu.
Her serving Chen Huaixu tea? What a joke. She hadn't even poured tea for her own brother, Yan Zhao.
After giving her instructions, the woman entrusted Yan Zhen to the person in charge of the interior, repeatedly emphasizing that the guests were all important figures and that she mustn't make any mistakes. Then, she hurried away on her high heels.
The person in charge inside was a short man wearing glasses, also seemingly a volunteer. He looked Yan Zhen over, pushed up his glasses, and said with a smile, “You're from Ningchuan University too? Undergraduate or graduate? I’m currently in my second year of graduate school.”
Yan Zhen, feeling dejected, replied casually, “Undergraduate, about to graduate. By the way, can I switch with someone else?”
“Switch?” The man paused, then shook his head. “This is all arranged. I can't do anything about it.”
He saw Yan Zhen’s furrowed brow and smiled again.