6
The moment I opened my eyes each morning, I sought out connections through every possible channel.
Business dinners, seminars, investment presentations…
I drank until I was completely drunk, until I was throwing up blood in the restroom.
To secure collaborations with financial bigwigs, I would stand outside their doors for a full day, smiling, wearing high heels.
What I got in return might be mocking glances and disdainful words, or even rumors behind my back, calling me promiscuous, accusing me of being in ‘special professions!
In my previous life, I had been hit hard by such blows, becoming afraid to face people, even falling into a deep slump.
But now, all these experiences were merely stepping stones to my success.
9:44 AM
<
What I wanted, I had to fight for myself.
Finally, after a year of relentless effort, I established a firm foothold in this industry, gaining a decent reputation thanks to my sharp mind and decisive judgment.
A banquet invitation landed in my hands. In my last life, this very banquet was Blake’s chance to defy fate.
It was I who helped him seize this opportunity, allowing him to host a grand art exhibition in the downtown gallery.
It was this exhibition that brought him widespread fame, launching his career upwards until he became an artist praised by all.
But this time, he wouldn’t be so lucky.
I put on exquisite makeup, a red body–con dress accentuating my slender figure, my red lips striking, exuding confidence and boldness.
As soon as I entered the venue, I spotted two familiar figures.
It was Blake and Daisy, dressed in a suit and white dress, looking quite matching.
I didn’t know how he got the invitation, but I had anticipated his presence at this banquet.
After all, he’d been reborn once; how could he possibly pass up a chance to rewrite his destiny?
Perhaps noticing my gaze, Blake looked in my direction, then scoffed, and walked closer.
“Drinking for a year finally got you some recognition, huh?”
His words made Daisy burst into laughter, her voice full of mockery.
“Small achievements are nothing to brag about. But you two, freeloading your way in here? No wonder you’re so thick–skinned,” I retorted coldly, a polite smile on my face, giving them no quarter.
Blake didn’t get angry; instead, he laughed, exchanging a look with Daisy.
“To be honest, the host of this banquet, Mr. Thompson, is Daisy’s distant relative. During this event, he’ll announce the ownership of the downtown gallery. As long as we make an offer, that gallery will definitely be ours!”
“Vivian, I can succeed without you too.”
I realized then. No wonder they were so confident today; they had planned everything out.
In my last life, Blake always scoffed, believing that all the connections I made and deals I secured through business dinners were beneath him, acts that lowered his status.
Now, he wasn’t so high and mighty. He actively sought help and even bragged about it. How laughable.
“Sister, why are you still alone? No one to accompany you to the banquet? You must be so lonely, tee hee.”
Daisy wore a challenging smirk. Just as her words fell, a large hand enveloped mine.
9:44 AM
<
“Vivian, I’m here.”
A low male voice reached my ears, soft and full of tenderness.
I turned my head to see Jasper, a new contact I had made at a previous networking event, also an artist.
That day, I had stomach bleeding from drinking too much, and he was the one who took me to the hospital, diligently looking after me as per the doctor’s orders.
Since then, we had become close friends.
I had seen his paintings. Compared to Blake’s, his style was more realistic. In terms of skill and emotion, he was in no way inferior to Blake.
I had invited him to this banquet today. For Jasper, he just lacked an opportunity.
Blake’s eyes were fixed on Jasper holding my hand, the anger on his face impossible to hide.
