31: Make new friends

Early the next morning, Lei Jun arrived at the airport on time, passed through the VIP channel, and stepped into the first-class cabin under the warm guidance of a Flight Attendant.

She whispered a "thank you" to the Flight Attendant guiding her and then offered a polite smile.

Seeing Lei Jun's smile, the Flight Attendant froze on the spot.

Only one thought swirled wildly in her mind.

Oh my god!

How can someone be this beautiful!

This smile is just too gorgeous!

She even felt that, as a woman herself, her heart was racing and she had an urge to get closer.

As a first-class Flight Attendant, her own appearance was exceptional, and she had seen countless beauties in first class, including many glamorous female celebrities.

But at this moment, she felt that all the so-called beauties she had seen before instantly paled in comparison to the silver-haired girl before her, becoming mundane and unbearable.

It wasn't until her colleague called her from not far away that the Flight Attendant snapped back to her senses. Realizing she had lost her composure by staring at a guest, she hurried away with a blush.

Lei Jun immediately became the focus of the entire first-class cabin.

Several well-dressed men cast their gazes toward her, either directly or discreetly, their eyes sparkling with amazement and curiosity.

A middle-aged man wearing an Armani suit and a Patek Philippe on his wrist straightened his tie.

Finally unable to restrain himself, he stood up and walked to the aisle next to Lei Jun, bowing slightly and offering what he thought was a charming smile.

"Hello, miss. Forgive the intrusion, but might I have the honor of getting to know you?"

"This is my business card."

Lei Jun didn't even lift her eyelids, coldly replying with two words: "No need."

The smile on the man's face froze for a moment. He awkwardly withdrew his card and slunk back to his seat.

Not long after he left, another young man who looked like an elite professional approached, his tone even more eager.

"Miss, are you going to the Shanghai alone?"

"I'm very familiar with the Shanghai; perhaps I could be your guide..."

"Not necessary," Lei Jun said impatiently.

During the rest of the flight, it was as if a loop had started, with several more men attempting to strike up a conversation one after another.

Over the next half hour or so, three more men came over to chat.

Some wanted to give her gifts, some wanted to invite her for a meal after landing, and one even subtly suggested he could help her "solve any trouble."

Lei Jun's mood gradually became irritable. She looked up at the people hovering nearby who still wanted to approach.

She said coldly.

"Sorry, I like women. Please stop bothering me."

These words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly dousing everyone's intentions.

The men who were still observing withdrew their gazes. Some lowered their heads in embarrassment, while others whispered in surprise.

The surroundings finally quieted down, and Lei Jun breathed a sigh of relief.

Just then, a lady sitting diagonally behind her suddenly stood up and walked toward her seat.

This lady wore a cream-white knitted dress embroidered with delicate pearl patterns. She carried an Hermès Kelly bag, her hair was styled in gentle waves, and she wore exquisite light makeup.

"Hello, I'm Su Man. I saw you being bothered earlier and didn't feel right coming over. Now that it's quiet, I'd like to introduce myself."

Su Man's feelings were actually quite complicated.

When she first saw Lei Jun, her first reaction was amazement.

The other's outfit seemed simple, but it was low-key haute couture. Even her hairpin was the work of a niche designer; the details exuded taste.

She looked down at her own dress. Although it was also a famous brand, compared to the other woman, she felt she lacked that unique temperament.

Looking at the other's skin, it was so fine that no pores could be seen, and even her makeup looked like a natural glow. Her own carefully applied makeup felt a bit forced in comparison.

She sighed, feeling a bit helpless.

She had thought she was outstanding among her peers, but it turned out there was always someone better.

But this helplessness was soon replaced by curiosity. She really wanted to know what such a distinguished lady did for a living.

Lei Jun looked at Su Man's outstretched hand and paused.

The other's eyes were very sincere, without the calculation or greasiness of the previous men, which gave her a good impression.

She raised her hand and gently shook the other's hand.

"Hello, I'm Lei Jun."

"Lei Jun?" Su Man repeated the name and said with a smile, "What a lovely name, just like you. I saw you looking at cars in the magazine earlier; are you thinking of buying one?"

Lei Jun nodded, "Yes, I've taken a fancy to a new car and want to go to the Shanghai to pick it up as soon as possible."

Su Man said, "I'm going to the Shanghai too. But I'm going for my best friend's birthday; she's a local there."

Through small talk, Lei Jun gained a preliminary understanding of Su Man, who had taken the initiative to get to know her.

When asked about her school in the Shanghai, Su Man replied with some pride, "Modu Academy of Arts, majoring in modeling."

Su Man talked about the daily routine at the modeling school.

Morning runs at 5 AM, practicing the catwalk in front of the mirror until stiff, and the daily routine of instructors being picky about the curve of a hemline with a measuring tape.

"Our major's teachers are super strict. Last time I walked in ten-centimeter heels, just because the hemline swayed a bit too much, I was made to stand for half an hour as punishment."

As Su Man spoke, she exaggeratedly mimicked the teacher's frowning expression, making Lei Jun unable to help but laugh.

Lei Jun rarely listened to someone chatter about daily life like this.

Occasionally, when Su Man talked about a certain designer's style, Lei Jun would interject, "That deconstructed style coat—the shoulder lines were handled too harshly."

Su Man immediately widened her eyes in protest, "They're not harsh! That kind of crispness is what shows presence!"

But as soon as she finished, she laughed at herself, "But you have a point. Last time I wore that piece for a show, my shoulders really did feel heavy."

The flight soon ended, and the plane landed smoothly at Shanghai International Airport.

When Su Man stood up, she naturally reached out and took Lei Jun's arm.

Lei Jun stiffened for half a second before relaxing.

Su Man: "In a bit, I'll take you to that pan-fried bun place on The Bund; it's delicious!"

She was already beaming with joy inside.

When she saw Lei Jun on the plane earlier, she was indeed a bit envious—envious of her temperament and the calm confidence she exuded.

But as they chatted, she realized that although Lei Jun spoke little, she listened intently.

Since she couldn't compete, she might as well make her a friend. That way, they could chat about outfits together in the future and she could learn more about things she hadn't been exposed to through her.

Just as they reached the terminal exit, Su Man received a phone call.

After hanging up, Su Man grabbed Lei Jun's hand: "My best friend is here to pick me up, let's go find her together!"

Lei Jun didn't intend to go.

Su Man simply pulled her along.

They arrived at the parking lot.

From a distance, they saw a tall, fashionably dressed girl standing there, looking around.

Su Man saw her too, and the two of them ran toward each other and hugged tightly.