Yao Ran walked over and called out to him softly. “Teacher? Teacher, are you asleep?”
Teacher Zhang’s eyes were tightly shut, and he was already snoring.
He seemed to be well into a deep sleep.
Yao Ran studied him for a moment before looking back atQin Man. She knew she was in a very difficult position.
Qin Man glared at her and nodded in the First Class cabin’s direction.
Yao Tang was there with her teacher. IfYao Ranwent there now and tried to assert their relationship, she just might be able to score a seat in First Class.
How did Yao Tangmanage to get in there, anyway?
Yao Ran bit her lip and glanced atTeacher Zhangagain. He was still sleeping soundly. Then, she slowly headed to the First Class cabin, her steps heavy and reluctant.
A flight attendant was waiting by the entryway, ready to greet the passengers coming into the cabin.
She spotted Yao Ran and knew that she had an Economy class ticket, so the woman politely stopped her with a smile. “Hello, Miss. This area is for those who have First Class tickets. Let me know if I can help you with anything, but I’m afraid you cannot go inside.”
Yao Ran craned her neck and pointed atYao Tang. “That’s my cousin. I only want to have a brief chat with her, is that okay?”
“Oh! Then, please go right ahead.”
The flight attendant offered a little bow and stepped aside.
Once she had moved past the woman, Yao Ran’s face immediately darkened.
The contrast in the treatment of her and Yao Tangwas very stark and upsetting.
Yao Tang was just a nobody from the countryside, while she was the beloved young lady of theYao family. So, what was that bumpkin doing here whileYao Ransuffered the inconveniences of the Economy Class?
This thought emboldened Yao Ran, and he approachedYao Tangand the others with a renewed sense of purpose.
Tan Jian was leaning back against his seat with his eyes closed, whilePresident Tanwas engaged in an animated conversation withYao Tang.
As she drew closer, she heard the phrase, “cabinet elders of the association.”
Yao Ran told herself to calm down and don’t panic for now. She stopped in front of them and plastered a bright smile on her face.
Since things had come to this, she was determined to get a First Class seat for herself.
“Hello, President Tan. Sister, what a coincidence! I noticed earlier that you were boarding the same flight, so I thought I’d come over and say hello.”
Her tone was cheerful, and she looked as innocent as ever.
President Tan was engrossed in his talk with Yao Tang when this girl abruptly cut in.
Upon closer inspection, he recognized her to be the one who had been standing next to Teacher Zhangthe other day.
He scowled as soon as he thought of the other man.
Even so, President Tancouldn’t just dispense with basic courtesy. “Oh, hello.”
Yao Tang, on the other hand, only glanced at Yao Ranand said nothing.
The atmosphere instantly turned awkward. If it had been anyone else, they would have taken this cue and left. But Yao Ranonly stepped closer and said, “I apologize,President Tan, but I actually came over to ask you for a favor. Well, I’m not even sure if I should be saying this.”
Yao Tang let out a derisive chuckle. Ha!
President Tan narrowed his eyes in disdain. “If you know that it isn’t appropriate, then you might as well stop talking altogether!” he snapped.
Yao Ran was taken aback by his sudden reaction.
If it had been in the past, the man would have graciously allowed her to speak her mind, at the very least.
As expected, those who fraternized with Yao Tang all developed bad manners.
Still, Yao Ranpersisted and held her ground. Her eyes promptly watered, and she quickly put on her winning act—playing the victim.
Sadly, there was no one else around, so no one could speak up for her.
“What else do you want to say? If that’s all, then you may leave.”
President Tan waved his hand dismissively and proceeded to ignoreYao Ran.
He had held such a high position in a ruthless industry for many years, and his temper had kept up with his vicious pace. He hated it when people wasted his time with their nonsense.
“I know it’s presumptuous of me to say this, but I have no other choice.
“My mother hasn’t been feeling well since boarding the plane. My teacher is getting on in years as well, and his old, frail body is currently curled up in an awkward position in an uncomfortable seat. My heart aches when I think of my elders enduring this. I only want them to rest easy throughout the flight.
“We are willing to compensate you for three First Class seats. We can even pay more, if that’s what you want. As long as you allow us into this cabin, we won’t disturb you. You can just act as if we weren’t here.
“Please, I hope that you can show some consideration. I am doing this out of filial piety to my elders. I hope you understand.”
No sooner had she finished speaking than tears started to run down her cheeks.
Yao Ran’s eyes were swollen, and her fair face was red.
But it had no effect on President Tanwhatsoever.
