Seventeen Again: The Sweet Life with My Family

Chapter 241: Gathering

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Pan Jia fluttered around like a butterfly, attempting to forge connections with everyone. She glanced at Wen Nian, who stood somewhat isolated in a corner, and couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Slowly, she approached Wen Nian. “Congratulations, Wen Nian. You’re undoubtedly the most sought-after actor among us now.”

Pan Jia managed to conceal her animosity toward Wen Nian quite well.

Although they had spent hours together during filming and some individuals could perceive Pan Jia’s tendency to favor the strong over the weak, their interactions had been limited. Consequently, their relationship had remained harmonious.

Wen Nian hadn’t formed a favorable impression of Pan Jia. Yet, as Pan Jia approached, Wen Nian maintained her composure and replied politely, “Congratulations to you too. We’re all beneficiaries of the film’s popularity.”

Pan Jia smiled and nodded, continuing the conversation. “If my memory serves me right, you’re talcing the college entrance exam this year, right? Have you decided on a university? Perhaps you’d be interested in the Film Academy at the capital?”

Wen Nian’s eyes flickered. After speaking with Xu Chang earlier, she was even less certain about her future in the entertainment industry. She regarded Pan Jia and answered, “I haven’t made a decision yet. I’m still considering my options.”

Pan Jia inwardly pursed her lips, finding Wen Nian’s apparent hesitation rather petty. However, she maintained her pleasant demeanor. Stepping closer, she took Wen Nian’s hand and continued, “Our school’s acting program ranks third in the nation. It’s a good choice. If you get accepted, we’ll be schoolmates. 1’11 still be around for a year during my fourth year next year.”

Pan Jia retrieved her phone from her handbag and accessed WeChat. “Let’s connect as friends. Since we’ll be operating in the same circle, it’ll be easier to keep in touch.”

During filming, their interactions had been minimal, confined mostly to their roles. Nevertheless, Pan Jia’s overtures this time were strikingly enthusiastic, as if she had transformed into a different person. Wen Nian understood Pan Jia’s nature.

Despite this, Wen Nian ultimately retrieved her phone and added Pan Jia as a friend. Not due to embarrassment, but rather because Pan Jia’s final remark seemed to link her to the entertainment industry.

Although Wen Nian had yet to decide if she wanted to participate in the art exam, Pan Jia’s words were like bait on a fishing rod that hooked her. It made her feel like she had added Pan Jia. No matter what her final decision was, she seemed to be connected to the entertainment industry and didn’t have to treat it as a thought in her heart.

The celebration party didn’t end until 11 pm. Everyone took a big photo together.

In order to post some different Weibo posts, Wen Nian had already developed the habit of collecting some meaningful photos in her life.

Wen Nian casually posted the photo on Weibo and promoted the movie.

Shen Jun was already waiting downstairs. Wen Nian recognized Shen Jun’s low-key car at a glance.

Hurrying to bid farewell to everyone, Wen Nian rushed toward Shen Jun. “Did you wait long? 1 thought your family might want you at home.”

Once Wen Nian was securely fastened in her seatbelt, Shen Jun started the car. “I’ve just arrived not too long ago. Since you’re not familiar with the city, I’d rather not leave you alone.”

The drive back was tranquil. Shen Jun was preoccupied with his own thoughts, and Wen Nian was preoccupied with the upcoming art exam. The silence persisted, unnoticed by either of them.

On the second day of the new year, Shen Jun brought Wen Nian to Xue Jiang’s racetrack for a gathering.

Although it was a horse farm, there was also a crossbow hunting area and a barbecue pit beside it.

The same four people from last year’s private room gathering were present, joined by more than a dozen unfamiliar faces. Strangely, Jin Ting was absent.

Shen Jun had always brought Wen Nian with him. Only when those people went forward to greet him did he introduce Wen Nian’s name.

Wen Nian could tell that the people of the same age who participated in today’s gathering were all small groups with Shen Jun’s generation as the core. If the family forces behind Jiang Zhen, Zhou Xi, Xue Jiang, and Lin Yang were the trusted aides of the Shen family, then the remaining people should be considered guards.

Shen Jun casually rummaged through the marinated fresh ingredients on the table. He took a plate and filled it with a few skewers of meat and prawns. “Nian Nian, what do you want to eat?”

Wen Nian redirected her gaze, selecting skewers of assorted meats. She filled Shen Jun’s empty plate and spoke with enthusiasm, “It’s been quite some time since 1 attended a buffet-style barbecue. What would you like to drink? I’ll help carry it for you..”