As soon as Faye Parker finished speaking, the woman hanging on the arm of a tall, skinny man behind her hurried forward to join them.
This woman’s looks were nothing to write home about, but her figure was undeniably hot—especially those eyes, brimming with seductive intent.
Just then, Martha Marsh strode over, an LV handbag slung over her shoulder. Spotting Irene Xu standing there, she instantly put on a look of surprise: "Wow, Irene, long time no see! What’s up with you? Why are you working as an etiquette hostess here?"
"Yeah, it’s been a while," Irene Xu nodded, looking at Faye Parker and Martha Marsh in front of her, her expression a bit awkward.
Faye Parker and Martha Marsh were Irene Xu’s old classmates. Back in school, Irene was attractive and had a good personality, so she was really popular with the boys.
In class, Faye once confessed to a boy and got rejected. That boy immediately started chasing Irene instead. Even though Irene didn’t accept him either, it made Faye especially resentful toward Irene from then on.
“Tsk tsk, what a surprise. I thought you’d married rich and become some fancy lady after graduation, always flying all over the place in your WeChat posts. Why are you working as an etiquette hostess here? Doesn’t add up.” Faye clicked her tongue in mock amazement, her eyes full of sarcasm.
“Seriously, Irene, with your looks, being an etiquette hostess is such a waste, isn’t it? Back in class, every guy was head over heels for you.” Martha Marsh giggled behind her hand.
At that, Faye Parker pulled the short, chubby man beside her forward and introduced him to Irene: "Oh, I almost forgot—this is my godfather. He’s a big boss, owns two jewelry stores here in Capitalview."
The short, chubby man nodded with a wide grin, reaching out his greasy hand to Irene Xu: "Nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you from Faye."
"Thanks, but no need." Irene Xu shook her head, refusing to shake hands with the short, chubby man—she found him disgusting.
Is ‘godfather’ pronounced with the first or fourth tone?
Seeing Irene shake her head, the short, chubby man immediately looked displeased: "I’m only trying to meet you as a favor to Faye. Otherwise, a woman like you—I wouldn’t even bother!"
Faye Parker laughed on the side: "Don’t be mad, godfather. My classmate here has always been proud and picky since school—she’s a goddess, after all. Goddesses have to have a bit of attitude."
“Yeah, goddess vibes. Back in school, boys chased her nonstop, but she’s still single after graduation—nobody’s good enough for her. I wonder what kind of lucky guy could ever win over our Irene goddess.” Martha Marsh snickered.
At the same time, Martha Marsh tightened her grip on her boyfriend’s wrist and said, "This is my boyfriend—he runs a trading company, brings in millions a year. So Irene, just say the word and I’ll have him introduce you to some eligible guys. How about it?"
Martha Marsh’s lips curled in smug satisfaction.
"Yeah, you look pretty good. I’ve got a few clients with great family backgrounds—I could introduce you." Her boyfriend said coolly, nodding, his gaze toward Irene Xu burning with interest.
His mind was racing.
With a trading company like his, there were always plenty of deals to smooth over. And smoothing things over usually meant sending money and women. If he could bring Irene Xu along, she’d be good for more than just his own fun—she’d be perfect for attracting clients, too.
"No thanks," Irene Xu shook her head.
"Quit acting so high and mighty," Faye Parker sneered.
"I’m only offering because we’re old classmates, Irene. Don’t be ungrateful!" Martha Marsh raised her brows.
"Looks like these etiquette trainees aren’t up to standard. Who talks to guests like that?" The short, chubby man beside Faye Parker grumbled in a deep voice.
"Goddess attitude? I’ve seen plenty of girls like you. Why don’t you just say how rich a boss you want to meet? I’ll introduce you. Don’t act like you’re above it all. I heard from Martha you used to steal other girls’ boyfriends at school, right? Isn’t marrying into money your whole dream? Who are you trying to fool here?" Martha’s tall, skinny boyfriend sneered coldly.
Irene Xu’s eyes were burning with anger, but she still tried to keep her cool: "Sorry, I’m not interested!"
"Not interested? Who do you think you are? An etiquette hostess getting all cocky now?" The short, chubby man snorted angrily, looking for trouble and clearly annoyed with Irene Xu.
Manager Victor Zane hurried over, smiling apologetically: "Sorry, sorry, gentlemen, it’s my fault for not keeping my staff in line. Sorry for the trouble!"
"You? And who are you?" Faye Parker frowned.
"I’m with the etiquette company that works with Capitalview Air. Most of these girls aren’t professional hostesses, so sometimes they say the wrong thing. I’m really sorry!" Manager Victor Zane kept apologizing with a forced smile.
"Oh? So you’re a flight attendant—no wonder your social media is full of travel photos. Makes sense now." Faye Parker put on a look of fake realization.
"If you’re broke, quit showing off. I thought you’d married rich." Martha Marsh snorted.
Who do you think you are, anyway—a flight attendant?
Both the short, chubby man and the tall, skinny man looked at her with utter disdain.
Faye Parker and Martha Marsh linked arms with their men, waved at Irene Xu with fake smiles, and said, "We’ll head in first—there’s going to be some excitement today. But Irene, all the big bosses are inside, and you, as a little flight attendant, are just right for greeting guests at the door. As for getting a seat inside, that’s way out of your league."
They both laughed and walked into the Stonebird Teahouse.
Irene Xu bit her lip, feeling wronged.
"Feeling sorry for yourself? You’re here to greet the big bosses today! Irene Xu, don’t mess things up for me, or you’re fired tomorrow! And I’ll personally talk to your airline manager!" As soon as Manager Victor Zane’s group left, his face turned dark and angry, and he yelled at Irene.
Irene Xu stood there, her eyes red, tears smudging her makeup. She sniffled, about to look for a tissue, but couldn’t find one.
Suddenly, a hand reached out with a tissue.
"Here—wipe your face. No need to cry."
A boy’s voice sounded. Irene Xu blinked in surprise and looked up—there he was, a boy she hadn’t noticed before, standing in front of her, yawning.