Chapter 152: Embezzlement of Public Funds

The next day, Fang Nini appeared once again carrying a designer handbag, prompting a chorus of whispers among the staff—a mix of envy and sycophantic praise.

Xu An’an walked into the magazine office and witnessed the scene. A faint smile touched her lips; she knew the time had come.

"That bag isn't cheap."

Seeing Xu An’an approach and hearing her comment, Fang Nini grew visibly annoyed. "It certainly isn't. You have one too, don't you?"

The bag Xu An’an was carrying today was one she had purchased just yesterday after work. It cost only a few hundred yuan.

"The bag I had yesterday was a rental."

The room fell silent. No one expected Xu An’an to be so forthright and composed about it. Those who had been preparing to mock her found their words caught in their throats.

Fang Nini let out a cold snort, spinning around as if to show off. "Well, I suppose if you don't have the money, renting is fine. But if you accidentally damage it, wouldn't you have to pay even more? Only buying something outright makes it truly your own." She added, "People shouldn't be so vain. If you have money, enjoy it; if you don't, stop overthinking things."

Xu An’an nodded in agreement. "Hearing you say that, I assume you bought this bag—which costs over a million—with your own earnings? You’re certainly impressive; a hidden heiress, perhaps?"

When the crowd realized the bag was worth over a million, gasps echoed through the office. Those who knew Fang Nini well were aware she had no such means. Many began questioning how she had suddenly struck it rich.

Fang Nini felt a flicker of panic. She instinctively looked toward Jiang Fei, who gave a slight nod, signaling her to stay calm. Recalling Jiang Fei’s ironclad assurance that there would be no loose ends, and remembering that she had already done this once before without consequence, she regained her composure. Even if something were discovered, she had Xu An’an to serve as the scapegoat.

"Whether I have the means or not is none of your business," Fang Nini snapped. "What’s the matter? Are you jealous of me?"

Just then, several police officers in uniform walked in. Perhaps due to a guilty conscience, Fang Nini turned deathly pale and nearly stumbled. She only breathed a sigh of relief when the officers stated they were there to see the editor-in-chief.

Xu An’an brewed a cup of coffee and found a spot to watch the show. Soon, the editor-in-chief was led out, his face ashen. He pointed directly at Fang Nini in front of everyone.

"Officers, you must investigate this thoroughly! The funds for this project were all handled by Fang Nini; it has nothing to do with me!"

"Fang Nini, is it? Please cooperate and come with us for questioning."

Before Fang Nini could protest, the officers placed silver handcuffs on her wrists. Panicked, she realized this was no joke. "No, no! I didn't want to embezzle public funds—it was Jiang Fei who instigated me! Officers, you have to arrest Jiang Fei too!"

Jiang Fei backed away. "Nini, how could you slander me like that? It was clearly your own love for luxury bags that drove you to embezzle when you couldn't afford them!"

Xu An’an scoffed coldly. "Fang Nini, you really are a fool. Both of your bags are fakes." Having owned authentic versions, she found it easy to tell the difference. "Someone has been using knockoffs to scam people."

Jiang Fei, who had been trying to distance herself from the incident, panicked. She hadn't expected Xu An’an to step forward now. "What nonsense are you spouting! When did I ever use a fake bag to scam Nini? Do you have proof?"

"I don't believe I mentioned your name," Xu An’an replied, pulling a document from her bag. "But since you want proof, I’ll give you proof."

She turned, but instead of handing it to Jiang Fei, she gave the evidence to the police. "The embezzlement was indeed instigated by Jiang Fei, and she has an accomplice named Fang Yueming."

Fang Nini had barely a second to feel relieved before she was stunned. "How did you..."

"I saw through Fang Yueming a long time ago. He should already be at the police station by now. Don't you two want to go keep him company?" Xu An’an stepped aside; her part in the drama was finished.

The police escorted the editor-in-chief, Fang Nini, and Jiang Fei away. The entire office fell into chaos.

Xue Shengnan returned shortly after to stabilize the situation and asked Xu An’an to come to her office. "I didn't expect you to actually pull this off." When Xu An’an had approached her days earlier, she had doubted it was possible, given the influence the editor-in-chief wielded.

Xu An’an looked a bit embarrassed. "Jiang Li helped." If not for his assistance, she could have eventually uncovered the truth, but it would have required immense time and resources. She hadn't intended to ask him for help, but Jiang Li always seemed to know exactly what she was doing and provided aid at just the right moment.

Learning that Jiang Li was involved, Xue Shengnan was no longer surprised. After all, what could possibly be difficult for the famous Second Master Jiang?

"Regardless, clearing the magazine of its biggest rot is something worth celebrating. Shall we go for lunch?"

"I have a class reunion this afternoon. I need to return to my alma mater."

Xu An’an had originally thought it would be a simple gathering, but after being added to the group chat, she realized the reunion was a major event. She had already taken the afternoon off.

Xue Shengnan nodded. "Fine, we'll celebrate in a few days instead."

Seeing Xue Shengnan’s spirits lifting, Xu An’an was delighted. "Great. You pick the time and place, and I'll be there."

***

Shanghai No. 1 High School.

Standing at the school gates again, Xu An’an felt as if a lifetime had passed. It felt as though she had been attending classes just yesterday, yet today she was here for a reunion.

"An’an? Xu An’an!"

Hearing a voice call her name, Xu An’an turned to see a woman draped in designer labels, clutching the arm of a man in a sharp suit. It took a few seconds for Xu An’an to recognize her—it was the class monitor! In their school days, she had always worn black-rimmed glasses and a uniform; she looked so trendy now. Her boyfriend looked successful, too.

"Long time no see."

"It really has been! An’an, you’re getting prettier by the day! Truly worthy of being our school’s beauty," the monitor said, her eyes filled with envy. How could someone be so beautiful and have such a perfect figure? God was truly biased!

The man by the monitor’s side extended a hand toward Xu An’an with gentlemanly flair. "Hello, I’m Fangfang’s boyfriend."

Xu An’an politely touched his hand briefly before pulling away. "Shall we go in?"

Just then, several other classmates arrived, all accompanied by their boyfriends, making Xu An’an’s solitary presence stand out. Several of them asked why she was still single. One even remarked with a touch of schadenfreude, "Don't tell me our gorgeous school beauty hasn't been snatched up yet? Are your standards too high? Be careful—too much pickiness and you’ll end up an old maid!"

"Look, a supercar!"

"I wonder whose boyfriend that is!"

Xu An’an looked back as well and froze. The car was flashy and looked strangely familiar. It couldn't be him, could it?