CHAPTER 262: CHAPTER 262: THE SOCIAL MIXER BEGINS

Su Xiaoxiao didn’t sign up for the social event and took on the responsibility of serving everyone.

The venue for the event was set at the department store’s cafeteria.

The cafeteria tables became the spot for men and women to meet and greet.

Su Xiaoxiao and a few married women acted as servers, in charge of serving hot water and sunflower seeds at the scene.

The event started at three in the afternoon and lasted until six o’clock.

As soon as three o’clock struck, the participating single women nervously showed up at the workplace cafeteria.

The event process was like this: single women could choose any seat and place their number card on the table.

The number card would have personal information such as name, age, and height.

The men participating in the event would search for their desired woman with their number card, and if they saw someone they liked, they could strike up a conversation by placing their number card down.

If both parties were satisfied, they could exchange number cards and contact information.

Zhang Yulan, who was already married, wasn’t surprised to find Su Xiaoxiao absent.

"Xiaoxiao, why aren’t you participating?"

"Not interested."

Su Xiaoxiao shook her head. To her, men were always less reliable than money. Instead of marrying early, she preferred to make more money first.

In modern times, she’d seen many women devote nearly all their energy to the family after marriage.

Every day was spent taking care of kids, cooking, and cleaning, busy with hardly any time for themselves.

If unlucky, they would clash with a malicious mother-in-law, bicker with a peacemaking husband, and lead a messy life.

The thought of such a life made Su Xiaoxiao’s scalp tingle.

Rather than being a disgruntled wife with an unsatisfying life, it’s better to be a single elite, striving to reach the pinnacle of success.

The saying goes, a man is reliable only when pigs climb trees; relying on money is more practical.

While chatting, they noticed Qin Shuang approaching without a number card.

"Shuangshuang, did you two plan this? Why aren’t either of you participating? Don’t tell me you’re not interested either?"

Zhang Yulan couldn’t help but ask, genuinely curious about what these two young girls were thinking, with neither showing interest in marriage—did they plan on remaining single forever?

Qin Shuang shook her head, "I have a childhood engagement from when I was little."

Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but gasp. A childhood betrothal? In this day and age, traditional betrothals still exist?

Qin Shuang seemed like a modern thinker, not one to succumb to feudal nonsense, yet she agreed to her family’s arrangement.

Seeing both staring at her curiously, Qin Shuang blushed and spoke softly, "Although it’s a childhood engagement, we get along quite well..."

So it was childhood sweethearts, growing in affection over time—no problem then.

Su Xiaoxiao teasingly eyed her, "When are you two getting married? Don’t forget about Sister Zhang and me when you distribute the wedding sweets."

Qin Shuang blushed further at her words, "Stop joking, we’re far from getting married."

Just then, Chen Meilan started walking over.

Seeing the trio, Chen Meilan nodded at them, her gaze settling on Su Xiaoxiao and Qin Shuang, "Comrade Su, Comrade Qin, you two go be greeters at the door."

She looked around; these two girls were the best-looking ones and stood out in the crowd, making them perfect for the greeter role.

Given the task by Director Chen, neither dared refuse. They immediately saluted her proficiently, saying in unison, "We guarantee to complete the task."

Chen Meilan nodded in satisfaction. Just as she turned to leave, Su Xiaoxiao spotted the red number card tucked in her hand and widened her eyes.

Chen Meilan always had the air of an old cadre, handling affairs skillfully and steadily. Su Xiaoxiao assumed she was long married, not expecting her to still be single.

She nudged Qin Shuang beside her, signaling her to look at the number card in Chen Meilan’s hand.

The two stealthily followed Chen Meilan to the last row of seats.

Chen Meilan glanced around, relieved there was no one, and placed the number card on the table. Just as she sat down, she met two pairs of gossiping eyes.

"Twenty-two years old..."

Su Xiaoxiao read aloud the contents on it.

She never imagined that Chen Meilan, who always had her hair impeccably styled and dressed maturely and stably, looking almost thirty, was just twenty-two.

Chen Meilan never expected the two to follow her and had an embarrassed blush on her face. She feigned authority, "Aren’t you two supposed to be greeters at the door? Why are you following me?"

Just after saying it coldly, she heard Qin Shuang speak in shock, "Director Chen, you’re only twenty-two?"

Every woman cares about their age.

At her words, Chen Meilan’s face darkened, "Do I look old?"

"Not really. It’s just your hairstyle and attire are a bit too..."

Aged.

Gray tops and pants, even the hair tie was black, devoid of any bright color, utterly unlike what a young woman in her early twenties should wear.

Chen Meilan frowned at her attire, "What’s wrong with this outfit? My clothes and shoes are all new."

Su Xiaoxiao sighed; Director Chen truly was something.

So young, yet dressing so old-fashioned.

Realizing she was only three years older, Su Xiaoxiao felt much closer.

She immediately reached out and pulled her along, "Come on, Director Chen, while there’s still time, let’s take you for a makeover. You’re definitely not dressed right for this; without knowing better, they’d think you’re here for an interview."

Chen Meilan still didn’t get why her attire was problematic, "Isn’t this outfit good? It’s all new..."

"It’s not about being new, but you’re dressed too old-fashioned. Even my mom at her age doesn’t dress like this; you’re nearing my grandma’s style."

Su Xiaoxiao didn’t hold back, pointing it out honestly.

Chen Meilan’s face darkened immediately, "Su Xiaoxiao! How dare you talk to your superior like this? This outfit of mine..."

Before finishing her sentence, the two had already dragged her past the large mirrors in the clothing section.

In the mirror, reflected three young faces, two bright and youthful, one stern and old-fashioned.

Chen Meilan looked at the two’s outfits, then at her own, went silent for a moment, and quietly followed Su Xiaoxiao and Qin Shuang into the clothing area.

Half an hour later, Chen Meilan was rocking a loose braid, an orange floral blouse, a matching skirt, topped with a khaki wool coat, looking completely revitalized.

"Look, Director Chen, you’re so pretty! Why dress so old-fashioned—it’s just a waste!"

Su Xiaoxiao praised.

It was the first time Chen Meilan had seen herself like this; after staring at her reflection for two seconds, she nervously tugged at her wool coat, "Doesn’t this seem too flashy?"

"Not at all, it looks great!"

Qin Shuang also praised, looking amazed.

Just then, the sound of cars humming suddenly came from outside.