"I’m about to witness history!"
Xiao Nan studied Chinese Literature in university and published many articles in newspapers during her college years.
Thus, even before she graduated, Xiao Nan was already celebrated with the nickname "Pen."
This time, she was heading to Geneva, and the superiors had selected accompanying journalists; Xiao Nan was chosen, not only because of the female lead’s aura but mainly because she truly excelled.
From the day she received the formal notification, Xiao Nan swore in her heart: I must perform well overseas.
National demeanor, national dignity, I must uphold them well!
For this trip, Xiao Nan prepared extensively; she grabbed a heap of great items in the red packet group, and after careful selection, she finally chose the most suitable clothes, cosmetics, and other items for herself.
Carrying her luggage and following the senior journalists to the meeting point, the youthful and stylish yet quintessentially Eastern beauty of Xiao Nan immediately dazzled everyone—
She wore a white blouse, wide-legged suit pants, topped with a black double-breasted belted long coat, and slightly pointed-toed leather shoes on her feet, making her look efficient yet tenderly feminine.
"Xiao Nan, that coat looks really nice. Did you tailor-make it or buy it ready-made? Where did you buy it? I’ve shopped at the department store and Friendship Store, but I never saw such a style."
At that time, ordinary people dressed simply, but those with a love for beauty still preferred wearing unique and attractive clothing.
Xiao Nan’s outfit didn’t have particularly unusual designs, but it had a distinctive flair when put together.
Stylish, attractive, and distinct from the girls wearing Sun Yat-sen suits or military garb.
"I had it tailor-made!"
Xiao Nan smiled confidently, showing no shyness or timidity from being scrutinized or complimented.
"Wow, which tailor made it? It’s really well done!"
Several women kept inquiring around Xiao Nan, and indeed, friendships among women often start from clothes, jewelry, and makeup.
Soon, Xiao Nan, who appeared to be the youngest girl, was lightheartedly engaging with the accompanying personnel.
"...Tiantian, that adjective you used isn’t quite right!"
Student Xiao D overhearing He Tiantian’s inner mutter couldn’t help but jump in and criticize.
He Tiantian bit into a chestnut—it was the first batch of sugar-glazed chestnuts of autumn, sweet and sticky, satisfying both the mouth and heart.
"I’m complimenting her. The female lead is truly a female lead; she blends in wherever she goes!"
He Tiantian finished one and took out another.
She was probably the most unique presence among the crowd.
Others, whether male or female, and regardless of their attire, all looked skilled and dignified, the epitome of elites.
But she, dressed in the most common blue overalls of a factory worker, a white shirt, and worn Warrior-brand shoes, looked like a still-naive schoolgirl.
Her hair, too, was in a typical student style—without hairpins or braids, just casually draped.
Her face was pale and delicate, unadorned with makeup, her complexion had an unhealthy pallor, and combined with her thin figure, she looked like a malnourished sprout.
Most importantly, He Tiantian paid very little attention to her "image."
Others, including the female lead, strived to appear graceful and beautiful, maintaining national pride without seeming overly foreign-worshipping—a confident and self-respecting demeanor.
But He Tiantian, dressed like a student, looked utterly like a child who hadn’t grown up.
In one hand, she held a greased paper package, and from it, she took her snacks.
The young girl was like a little squirrel—each chestnut brought to her mouth, she easily cracked open the shell with her teeth and then gulped down the soft, sweet flesh.
A slightly older female staffer with neatly cut short hair, seeing how delightfully He Tiantian ate, couldn’t help but swallow a mouthful of saliva.
Oh right, it’s autumn now, the season for sugar-glazed chestnuts.
Caught up in the preparations for going abroad, she hadn’t noticed the sweet aroma in the streets.
He Tiantian, with her keen senses, didn’t miss the auntie’s subtle reaction.
Turning her head and glancing at the woman, she hesitated momentarily and then took some chestnuts from the paper package, "Want some?"
The short-haired woman, realizing she had been caught spying, felt a bit guilty, and with the generous offering of snacks, she felt even more embarrassed.