Pearl and Janetta stood in a corner of Gallery A, watching Adrian talk to other exhibitors. Janetta lightly nudged Pearl's arm and whispered, "You know what? I just found out that Adrian is no ordinary person."
Pearl looked at Janetta in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Excitedly, Janetta explained, "He's a financial genius! He became the CEO of a listed company shortly after returning to the country. I heard he was already famous abroad."
Pearl looked at Adrian in astonishment, finding it hard to believe that Adrian was a business tycoon. She recalled their conversation earlier and suddenly realized that she hadn't recognized Adrian at the first sight.
"It's unbelievable," Pearl murmured to herself. "He has changed so much."
Curiously, Janetta asked, "Were you two close before?"
Pearl nodded. "We were neighbors, and we were classmates in elementary school. He always followed me around." She smiled as she reminisced. "I never expected him to turn into such a handsome big shot."
Just then, Adrian walked over. He smiled and said, "Sorry, I had some old friends to greet just now."
Seizing the opportunity, Pearl asked, "Adrian, I heard you lived abroad for a long time?"
Adrian nodded and replied, "Yes, my family emigrated abroad while you were in middle school. We only returned to develop here recently."
Pearl suddenly realized. "No wonder we haven't seen each other for so many years." She remembered something and quickly said, "Oh, your suit! I almost forgot. Let me help you clean it."
Adrian hesitated. "You really don't have to trouble yourself."
Pearl insisted, "No, it's my fault. Let me make it up to you."
Seeing Pearl's determination, Adrian reluctantly agreed. He took off his suit jacket, carefully folded it, and handed it to Pearl.
At this moment, other exhibitors in Gallery A greeted Adrian one after another. "Mr. Egan, nice to see you here!" "Mr. Egan, what a surprise to meet you here!" Pearl realized that Adrian was already a celebrity in this circle.
Janetta, watching the scene, suddenly said, "Pearl, don't you think this is an opportunity?"
Pearl looked at Janetta in confusion. "What opportunity?"
In a hushed tone, Janetta said, "You and Adrian could try dating. You knew each other since childhood, and now you meet here by chance. Isn't this fate?"
Pearl widened her eyes, warning Janetta, "What are you talking about? Don't say nonsense."
Adrian seemed to have heard their conversation and chuckled lightly, but he did not object.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Pearl quickly changed the subject. "Adrian, what do you mainly do now? I heard you have made a great achievement in the financial field."
Adrian modestly said, "I've just been lucky. I'm mainly responsible for the company's strategic development now. Actually, I've always missed the simple and happy days when we used to play together as kids."
Upon hearing this, a warm feeling surged in Pearl's heart. She looked into Adrian's eyes and saw traces of the shy little boy he used to be.