Mei Xiaotong looked at her best friend and remembered when no one dared to look down on her. Her name only is enough to send chills down everyone spine. She remembered how she met Lu Jingyan that year when was bullied and how Lu Jingyan stood up for her back in 6th grade
*Flashback*
The schoolyard buzzed with laughter and chatter, but one corner was filled with tension. Mei Xiaotong crouched on the ground, frantically picking up her scattered books. The trio of classmates sneered down at her. "Can't even carry your books properly? Pathetic," one jeered.
"Yeah, maybe your brain isn't strong enough for school either," another added, nudging her shoulder. "Why don't you yourself a favor and drop out?"
Mei Xiaotong flinched, biting her lip to hold back tears. She had learned the hard way not to fight back.
Then, a voice cut through the jeers. "Hey! Leave her alone."
The bullies turned sharply. A small girl with a determined gaze and a swinging backpack stood before them. Lu Jingyan, though younger and not much bigger than Mei, looked unflinching.
"And who's going to make us?" the tallest bully sneered.
"I am," Lu Jingyan said simply, stepping closer. "Now pick on someone your own size. She's done nothing to you."
The bully laughed. "Oh, look! The little nerd thinks she's a hero. What are you going to do, huh?"
"Exactly what I just said," Lu Jingyan replied, her voice calm but carrying a weight that made them hesitate. "Leave her alone. Or you'll regret it."
The second bully scoffed. "Regret? From you?"
Lu Jingyan's eyes narrowed. "Yes. From me. I don't care how many of you there are. Step away, or I'll make sure the teachers hear everything."
The first bully kicked Mei's notebook one last time, then muttered, "Whatever. This isn't over."
As they slunk away, Mei looked up at Lu Jingyan, awe and relief mixing in her wide eyes.
"Are you okay?" Lu Jingyan asked, crouching down to help her gather the books.
"I... I think so. Thank you," Mei whispered.
"Good. Remember, don't let them see fear," Lu Jingyan said, standing tall. "They only pick on people who let them."
From that moment, Mei Xiaotong knew she had found a protector-someone whose courage spoke louder than words.
Mei Xiaotong looks at Jingyan and she felt bad cause of her delima. She couldn't help her best friend when she was in trouble and can just hope the storm leaves very soon
"Jingyan" Mei Xiaotong called as the car stopped in front of the Leng conglomerate
"Is there a problem?" Lu Jingyan asked
"No. I just want to say have faith in yourself" Mei Xiaotong said
"Alright mama." Lu Jingyan said as shegot down from the car. She watched as Mei Xiaotong left in her car before she can walk into the company.
"Hello. Iam here for CEO Leng " Lu Jingyan said smiling but all she got was the cold shoulder
"The CEO? Who do you think you are to ask for the CEO?" The secretary asked.
Lu Jingyan sighed as she hated that day. Why is it that these people judge base on looks? At least yes she is a poor and pauper but they could make a mistake of one day a business partner was to come here.
"Why I need to meet the CEO isn't your business. All I need to do is meet the CEO" Lu Jingyan said
"Am sorry, but the CEO doesn't meet a pauper like you" the secretary said. Lu Jingyan sighed as she brought out her phone
"Hello. I am downstairs" she said
"Am coming" the cold voice said, the call was cut and Lu Jingyan faced the secretary