I'm back in 1990

Chapter 817: Beginning to Wake Up

A group of "plastic flowers" (a derogatory term for women who are superficially attractive but actually naive) gathered at the Waldorf Astoria for afternoon tea. The tea was just an excuse; their real purpose was to show off their refined lifestyle and gossip. Zeng Xia used to gossip about others like this, but this time she became the main character in the gossip herself.

Ren Jing took a sip of black tea, elegantly set down the teacup, and said with a hint of sarcasm, "That's what I mean! Women can't rely on men alone. If they don't have their own foundation, and their finances are cut off, won't they immediately show their true colors? I used to think she had a lot of confidence because she spent money without batting an eye."

A girl named Sun Yue stared wide-eyed and asked, "So, she really has no money now? Think about how she used to be, she bought a limited edition Hermes bag without batting an eye." She had the best personal relationship with Ren Jing, who had brought her into this circle, so naturally she would agree with Ren Jing when she spoke.

Sun Yue's question represented the thoughts of everyone present. For most of them, Xia Tai, who couldn't come out to meet with them and insist on paying the bill, couldn't buy the latest bags on a whim, and could take everyone on a spontaneous trip at any time, was naturally less attractive.

Sitting next to her, Qian Meiqi placed her exquisite teacup on the table: "I'm guessing most likely, otherwise why would she have been so dismissive when I called her? Think about it, is Xia Tai really that kind of person?"

Then, with a hint of regret in her voice, she said, "Ah! Actually, Kasumi is a pretty good person."

Even though she said that, what she was really thinking was that if Kasumi, who always insisted on paying the bill, wasn't around anymore, then the expenses for the gatherings would have to be split, which made her unhappy!

At this point, Amei spoke up honestly: "Hey, hey, don't be so shallow, okay? She won't stay like this forever. Her husband's factory business is doing so well! Can he keep controlling her like this forever? Can he really skimp on her pocket money? Besides, even a skinny camel is bigger than a horse; she still has all that wealth!"

Upon hearing this, all the sisters nodded in agreement.

Ren Jing chuckled lightly, "Our Xia Tai has a tough time ahead of her!"

Zeng Xia, who was suddenly back on her original track, was definitely not used to it. After only two days, she couldn't wait any longer.

She took the initiative to invite Qian Meiqi and two other close friends of hers to have afternoon tea at the Ritz-Carlton. She chose this place because Zeng Xia had previously opened a card there, and there was still some balance left in it. Since it was not a bank card, it was able to be kept.

Before going out, she carefully dressed herself up, wearing a Chanel suit from the current season and carrying a limited edition black and gold CF bag. She thought this combination would be more understated, and she comforted herself by thinking that this was just normal interaction between friends, it wouldn't cost much money, it was just a meeting and a chat.

At first, the sisters hadn't seen each other for a while, so the atmosphere was very harmonious when they met again. They even complimented each other's clothes, accessories, and hairstyles.

But when they ordered as usual, Zeng Xia's face twitched involuntarily. She had originally planned to order some simple Western-style pastries, but her two friends took over and ordered a whole bunch of things, far exceeding the balance on her card, which made her a little embarrassed.

After hesitating for a long time, caught between saving face and saving money, Zeng Xia finally spoke up: "How about we order less? I'm a little short on cash lately!"

The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere froze. "Inconvenient?" How could such a word come from the mouth of the extravagant and lavish Kasumi? None of them could believe it.

At this moment, Qian Meiqi quickly tried to smooth things over: "Yes, yes! There aren't many people, why order so much? It'll be a waste if we can't finish it all, really, let's quickly cross out a few desserts."

After this little incident, the atmosphere among them was completely different from the beginning, and their conversation became somewhat lackluster.

Zeng Xia could certainly sense her friends' growing distance from her, and at that moment, the coffee that cost over two hundred yuan a cup tasted incredibly bitter.

The main problem is that the roles have changed too quickly. Before, she was the center of attention in her small circle, and her girlfriends all fawned over and respected her. Now, she seems to have become a down-on-her-luck socialite. The contrast is too great, making her feel extremely uncomfortable.

After finally managing to force a smile and get through the evening, Zeng Xia handed over her card to the waiter when he brought the bill. A moment later, the waiter returned with the card and receipt and asked her, "Ms. Zeng, your card balance is low after the transaction. Would you like to top it up?"

Whoosh! All the girls turned to look at Zeng Xia.

Zeng Xia immediately felt her face burning and could only refuse the waiter's reminder under the gaze of her friends.

"No need this time, we'll talk about it next time!"

The waiter replied politely, "Yes, welcome again!"

When saying goodbye to my girlfriends, we were all rather perfunctory, without the usual farewells and promises of getting together again next time! I'm waiting for your message!

Zeng Xia's trip was worthwhile; she truly experienced that the so-called sisterly affection was actually based on money.

She returned home listlessly. The huge villa was very quiet except for two nannies who were busy preparing dinner. Huo Miao must be busy at the factory right now. Liu Jin was at her maternal grandparents' house. Huo Miao had promised to pick her up after get off work.

Zeng Xia sat blankly on the sofa when her phone suddenly rang. It was a call from a friend in another circle.

"Kasumi, I have some good news for you. A friend of a friend of mine started an art fund, and I had to beg and plead before they agreed to let me invest a little. I immediately thought of you. How about we invest a little together? I guarantee you'll make a profit."

In the past, Zeng Xia would have invested millions without batting an eye. But now she remembered her brother's advice: don't easily believe investment projects recommended by others. If you want to invest, just tell him directly. Why not embrace the good tree right beside you and go out to help others fill their pits? That's not how good people do things.

"Sorry, I'm not interested in any investment projects right now. I have something to do, I'm hanging up!" Zeng Xia rejected this so-called sister without any politeness.

The other person stared incredulously at their phone, listening to the dial tone coming from it.

A man next to her asked, "What did your rich friend say? Didn't you say she's naive and has too much money? Is she going to invest or not?"

"Ugh, can you please stop bothering me?"

Not long after, Huo Miao returned with Liu Jin and found Zeng Xia sitting alone in the living room, looking sullen and lost in thought.

He quickly asked with concern, "What's wrong?"

Liu Jin greeted her mother, "Mom, I'm home!"

Upon seeing Huo Miao return with his daughter, Zeng Xia immediately stood up to greet him.

"It's nothing, you're back! Liu Jin, go wash your hands quickly, dinner will be served soon."