Rebirth of the Best Businesswoman at School Chapter 2
Previously on Rebirth of the Best Businesswoman at School...
The early spring evening still held a biting chill, particularly in Baiyun City, an economic hub situated at China’s northernmost reaches.
A blanket pulled snugly around her shoulders, Jian Ai occupied the living room sofa. Before her, on the coffee table, sat a steaming repast: fried eggs with tomatoes, sweet and sour pork, and a comforting bowl of fish head and tofu soup.
Nestled beside the dishes were two pristine red apples, clearly the most premium selection from the fruit vendor’s stall. Her mother's unwavering affection manifested in such gestures; despite their humble circumstances, she always ensured Jian Ai received the best in terms of sustenance and education.
By this hour, Wang Yunmei had already departed for her work. Once Jian Ai finished her meal, she changed into fresh attire, her hair gathered into a neat ponytail. A final glance in the mirror preceded her donning her shoes and stepping out.
As April bled into May, Baiyun City retained a damp coldness reminiscent of late autumn. Jian Ai cinched her coat tighter, her gaze sweeping her surroundings as fragmented memories of her childhood, once so familiar, resurfaced.
Baiyun City, the provincial capital of Jin Province in the north, stood as a significant commercial nexus. It was administratively divided into five primary districts: Haicheng, Zhonglou, South City, North City, and Wanbao.
Haicheng District boasted the city's most vibrant commercial core, whereas Jian Ai's residence was in South City District, infamously known as the slums. The majority of South City's inhabitants eked out a living in poverty, with the entire district boasting no more than a handful of tall structures. Dominated by low-rise dwellings and buildings of two or three stories, it presented a stark contrast to the bustling metropolis of Baiyun City.
After a walk lasting over thirty minutes, Jian Ai halted before the Starlight Bar in Zhonglou District. A boisterous cacophony emanated from within, where groups of young men congregated near the entrance. A flicker of apprehension mixed with anticipation coursed through Jian Ai; her brother, Jian Yu, was employed there.
In her previous existence, to fund her university education, her brother had joined a construction crew, laboring diligently. His arduous efforts and youthful prime were ultimately cut short by a falling object at the construction site. To this day, the memory of viewing her brother's lifeless body remained an unbearable pain for Jian Ai.
“Little one, are you seeking someone? Children aren't permitted inside here.”
Upon reaching the main entryway, a man with bleached hair, a cigarette dangling from his lips, regarded Jian Ai before posing the question. Despite his somewhat disreputable appearance, his tone was not unkind.
Jian Ai paused, meeting the man's gaze, and then gave a slight nod. “I am looking for someone.”
The blond man rose, his eyes appraising Jian Ai. He took a drag from his cigarette, a slight lift to his eyebrows. “And who might that be? We haven't even opened for customers yet!”
“I’m not here for a customer. I’m looking for Jian Yu. He works here as a security guard,” Jian Ai clarified swiftly.
“Ah, you’re after Jian Yu!” The blond cast Jian Ai a look of knowing appraisal. A smile then touched his lips as he continued, “Wait by the door. I’ll go fetch him for you.”
As the blond man disappeared into the bar, Jian Ai released a shaky breath.
The Starlight Bar held a reputation as the premier establishment in Zhonglou District. Such venues were popular haunts for young people, and many local youths who weren't pursuing formal education found employment within its walls. Their shifts were confined to the night, offering a monthly income of eight hundred to a thousand yuan – a considerable sum for someone in their early twenties.
Her elder brother, Jian Yu, four years her senior, had just turned eighteen. He had been a fixture as a security guard at the Starlight Bar for nearly a year. Jian Ai knew her brother cherished her above all else. She vividly recalled how, on the first day of each month, upon receiving his wages, Jian Yu would discreetly slip her half of the earnings as pocket money. The remainder went to their mother, leaving him with barely a few dozen yuan for himself.
“There, the girl in the white sweater!”
The moment he emerged from the bar, Jian Yu spotted Jian Ai. He playfully swatted the back of the blond man's head. “Dude, that’s my sister!”
With those words, Jian Yu hurried towards Jian Ai. He examined her from head to toe with evident concern. “You came out after just recovering! And you came all the way here…” He scanned their surroundings, his brow furrowed. “How did you get here? Did you walk?”
Jian Yu stood at 1.8 meters tall, possessing thick eyebrows and large, expressive eyes that conveyed a vibrant energy. As he spoke, his brow remained knitted, his features etched with worry for Jian Ai.
Gazing at her elder brother, Jian Ai was transported back in time, a wave of warmth washing over her, bringing a lump to her throat. She nearly felt tears welling up. “What’s wrong, Xiao Ai? I’m asking you a question!” Jian Yu’s anxiety heightened with Jian Ai’s silence. Jian Ai swiftly snapped out of her daze. “I’m fine, Brother. I just came for a walk, to see you.” Their residence was situated in the South City District, while the current location was Zhonglou District. A walk between the two would take at least half an hour. Upon learning Jian Ai had walked all this way, Jian Yu couldn’t muster any anger; instead, he felt a pang of worry and heartache. “Er Zi, I need to take my sister home. Could you help me ask Brother Dong for leave?” Jian Yu abruptly turned and called out to the blond man observing from a distance. The blond man acknowledged the message with a hand gesture. Seeing this, Jian Ai offered an embarrassed smile. “Sorry to have troubled you, Brother.” Jian Yu replied with a helpless smile, “It’s alright. Besides, it’s not yet the weekend, and the bar isn’t very busy. I was worried about you walking back alone.” Jian Ai immediately moved closer and clasped Jian Yu’s arm. Her brother’s tall, sturdy frame provided a sense of security. She and her mother had often enjoyed strolling with him like this. “This is for you.” Jian Yu suddenly produced a small item from his pocket and presented it to Jian Ai. Jian Ai looked up to find a pair of hair clips adorned with the 'Little Ball' character. “Thank you, Brother.” Jian Ai accepted them with delight, her face breaking into a wide grin. Jian Yu smiled tenderly. “I happened to see them at the night market. Didn’t you like Little Peach? They only cost two yuan, don’t stand on ceremony.” “What Little Peach? Her name is Little Ball,” Jian Ai corrected with a smile. “Right, right. Little Ball.” The siblings then proceeded towards Jian Yu’s motorcycle. On the journey back, Jian Ai settled into the rear seat, her arms encircling Jian Yu’s waist. The night wind of Baiyun City brushed against her face, cool and moist. Yet, within Jian Ai’s heart, an unprecedented warmth bloomed. Later that night, before retiring, Jian Ai prepared her school bag and meticulously ironed her school uniform. She had suffered a high fever a few days prior, causing her to miss several days of school. Fortunately, she had fully recovered. Despite retaining memories from her past life, Jian Ai resolved to return to school the next day. Perhaps it was a psychological phenomenon, but as she lay in bed, sleep eluded Jian Ai for a prolonged period. It felt as though she feared waking would shatter this reality, reverting her to a successful businesswoman, depriving her of her mother and brother’s presence.