Chapter 51: Significant Changes Over Three Years

Shen Mengxia stood in her tracks, her brows slightly furrowed, when a strange sensation suddenly welled up in her heart—she felt as though she had forgotten something of great importance. She racked her brains, and memories surged forth like a rising tide.

Finally, a flash of inspiration struck. She slapped her forehead in sudden realization and exclaimed, "Oh dear! How could I have forgotten something so important..."

As it turned out, before coming to this research base, Shen Mengxia had staked everything she had, investing virtually all her savings into her college roommate's venture.

Time flies, and three years had now passed. Had this investment gone down the drain, or had it yielded a massive fortune? This question had constantly lingered in her mind, leaving her unable to find peace.

At the mere thought of this, Shen Mengxia could no longer suppress her inner excitement and curiosity. Her heart began to race, as if it were about to leap out of her throat; her hands trembled slightly, betraying the extreme excitement and nervousness she felt at that moment.

Fortunately, there were only half a month left before she could return.

As expected, the half-month passed quickly. During this period, Shen Mengxia worked hard and diligently at the base, not only successfully completing all her tasks but also forging deep friendships with her colleagues.

At last, the time for parting arrived. The base leadership personally came to see Shen Mengxia off and solemnly handed her a bank card.

With a warm and amiable smile, the leader said, "Little Shen, you've worked hard all this time! Here is a small token of our appreciation, a recognition and reward for your outstanding performance." With that, he gently patted Shen Mengxia's shoulder in encouragement.

Shen Mengxia was somewhat flustered by the gesture, but she quickly expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Leader, for your care and kindness. I only did what I was supposed to do." After exchanging a few polite pleasantries, the leader said goodbye courteously, "Well, let us part ways here. Come back to visit whenever you have time in the future. I wish you all the best!"

Shortly after, a black sedan slowly approached and stopped in front of them. The driver stepped out, opened the door, and respectfully invited Shen Mengxia inside. Just like that, the car started smoothly and headed toward the most bustling and prosperous district of Haijing City. Along the way, Shen Mengxia gazed at the receding streetscape outside the window, her heart flooded with countless emotions...

Shen Mengxia returned to her dormitory, grabbed a tote bag, and casually stuffed a few changes of undergarments inside along with that crucial agreement from before.

At this moment, she had only one thought in mind—to rush to a mobile phone shop, purchase the latest smartphone model, and get in touch with her three long-unseen roommates to find out the results of her investment.

Having been tempered by three years of arduous scientific research, Shen Mengxia had long since shed her former greenness and naive immaturity.

Now, she exuded a composed and restrained temperament, akin to a veteran who had weathered the vicissitudes of time, appearing both mature and wise.

However, this inner precipitation did not diminish her charm; instead, it made her even more extraordinarily poised and formidable.

Dressed in simple and plain clothes without a trace of luxury, anyone happening to catch a glimpse of her appearance would find it hard to associate this ordinary-looking woman with the once glamorous and privileged adopted daughter of the Fu family.

She stepped out of the car and walked into the largest mobile phone store in the area. A sales clerk glanced up at her, rolled her eyes, and curled the corners of her lips in a sneer. Her entire attitude reeked of contempt, assuming that Shen Mengxia couldn't possibly afford anything in the store.

"Excuse me, which of your phones is the latest model?" Shen Mengxia asked.

"Everything in the cabinets is from the past year. Look for yourself," the clerk replied without even lifting her eyelids.

Shen Mengxia couldn't be bothered to argue with her. "Take this one out. I'd like to take a look."

"It's very expensive. Don't touch it if you can't afford to buy it; you'll have to pay for it if you break it," the clerk said in an impatient and disdainful tone.

Shen Mengxia sighed, glanced around the store, and walked straight up to the cashier. She slapped the card given to her by the base leader onto the counter and said, "Charge it."

The cashier was slightly dazed. "Madam, which item are you purchasing with this card?"

"Just swipe it, see how much money is in the account, and tell me out loud," Shen Mengxia had a fairly good idea of how many digits should be on the card given by the leader.

"Hmph, a country bumpkin trying to act like a big spender. What's the point?" The previous clerk was still spouting malicious insults.

After operating the terminal, the cashier stood up and respectfully handed the card back to Shen Mengxia with both hands. "Madam, you have seventy million in your account!"

Hearing that a major VIP had arrived, the manager hurriedly rushed out with a ingratiating smile. Realizing she had offended someone she could never afford to cross, the clerk who had just spoken crawled out on all fours to apologize.

"Contact your boss. I want to buy this store and fire that clerk," Shen Mengxia said in a flat tone.