Chapter 2141: Seat

But the expressions of Anna and the others behind her were rather subtle. Each of them was dressed to the nines, adorned in every piece of jewelry imaginable, and suddenly seeing someone in short sleeves and jeans induced an innate sense of superiority that was hard to suppress.

“Jiaojiao, I know you’ve just joined the company, and it’s rare to attend such a grand event, but you must put in some effort on appearances. Dressing like this isn’t just disrespectful to the occasion. If Director Qin sees you, it might lead to some criticism.”

“That’s right, Jiaojiao, since you’re in the workplace now, you should start leaving behind the casual university style and learn to distinguish different occasions.”

“Jiaojiao…” Yue Yu swiftly glanced at Nan Jiaojiao’s expression, stepping in front of her to defend her, but Nan Jiaojiao gently touched her arm.

“I understand. Thank you, ladies.”

Yue Yu was taken aback for a moment, looking up at Nan Jiaojiao. She knew her temper wasn’t great; being ridiculed but still able to respond with a smile was surprising.

The term “ladies” bolstered Anna and the others’ sense of superiority, but their attitude softened considerably. “You see, don’t blame us for being nosy. We’ve all been your age before and luckily have become acquainted. Just reminding you from our experience, don’t think we’re being mouthy. If you don’t have a gown and you’re reluctant to spend, just let us know. We’ve got plenty of those, although they’ve been worn before. Unfortunately, such clothes can only be worn once and then they just sit around unused. If we can help you, we’d be happy to.”

Nan Jiaojiao kept a slight smile throughout, although it didn’t reach her eyes. In the workplace, she’s seen enough of the practices of elevating oneself by stepping on others. Not only is she composed now, but she’s learned to feign flattery as well.

Anna and her group felt they’d gained enough superiority from her and had no interest in further stomping down. They chatted, confirming each other’s seating arrangements, and left together.

They didn’t call out to Yue Yu.

This left Yue Yu feeling awkward. “I’m sorry, Jiaojiao, they didn’t speak very nicely. From now on… I’ll try to have less contact with them.”

“Making friends is your freedom, and in the company, you should have your own social circle. No need to avoid someone because of me.”

“Actually, I know, they’re not truly trying to be friends with me. After work, I don’t connect with them at all. I just tend to run into them in the break room and have chatted a few times…”

Yue Yu sighed, “I really don’t like them either.”

Nan Jiaojiao lightly tapped her head, “Just take care of your own boundaries.”

“I’m only friends with you. From now on, I won’t cater to them. If it works, it works; if not, that’s fine too.”

Yue Yu easily came to terms, linking arms with Nan Jiaojiao as they headed inside. “Come on, let’s go find where our seats are.”

For this showcase, President Pei personally invited whoever wanted to watch, and E.Y employees have a designated area.

Yue Yu pulled Nan Jiaojiao towards it, spotting Anna and the others laughing from a distance. The three of them occupied five seats, so Yue Yu didn’t want to approach. She suggested they grab something to eat first, and if seats opened up later, they could head over.

Those here for the show wouldn’t typically touch the food. There was a wide variety of small desserts, and Nan Jiaojiao tried a few. Pei Dongshi texted her, telling her to eat less. She looked around but didn’t spot him; perhaps he was lost in a crowd, but he sure had keen eyesight.

“Jiaojiao, they’re still not moving. I don’t want to go there, how about we find a new place to sit?” Yue Yu returned from a check, wearing a crestfallen expression.

Nan Jiaojiao agreed, then took her hand, leading her through the crowd to sit in an empty spot in the center of the front row.