Chapter 11

This class reunion was organized specifically for Zhou Jingyu.

After Zhou Jingyu went to France, he lost contact with all his friends in China, except for Lu Yi. Zhou Jingyu, who had been outstanding since childhood, was like a beacon in school, even though he always kept a low profile. He was someone everyone wanted to be around.

The boys admired his talent and high intelligence, while the girls were captivated by his extraordinary looks and his polite, gentle demeanor toward everyone.

The reunion was held at a private club.

Before Zhou Jingyu arrived, many people had already gathered. Coming from a prestigious school, these attendees were all either wealthy or noble. Now, years later, these former classmates had either started their own companies, joined family businesses, or settled into the lifestyle of privileged heirs with little ambition.

Even though they lived in the same city, they moved in different circles, so many hadn’t seen each other since graduation. Groups of people formed, chatting and catching up.

Liu Ying, who had been the most popular girl from elementary school through high school, was once again surrounded by a crowd, as always. After graduation, she joined her father’s company to help manage it. Although she had been attending a conference out of town, she rushed back for this reunion.

“I wonder if Zhou Jingyu has a girlfriend now. If not, this might be your chance, Yingying!”

“Exactly! Back then, you and Zhou Jingyu were the perfect pair, the school beauty and the school heartthrob. You were often seen studying together in the library, looking so good together that everyone was envious.”

“If he hadn’t suddenly gone abroad, I’m sure you two would’ve been together by now, probably even married.”

“Maybe you’d even have kids by now!”

“Come on, be honest, Yingying. You haven’t dated anyone all these years because you’ve been waiting for him, haven’t you?”

One by one, her classmates teased her, making Liu Ying’s face flush red.

She couldn’t hide her shy, girlish feelings. Hearing these remarks made her feel both pleased and embarrassed. She quickly tried to stop them, saying, “What nonsense are you all talking about? There was never anything between us. We were just ordinary classmates like the rest of you. He’s coming soon, so please don’t say anything inappropriate!”

As she was speaking, the door opened, and Zhou Jingyu and Lu Yi walked in.

Zhou Jingyu was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. With his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs, his features were as exquisite as a painting. His pale, almost translucent skin seemed to glow under the lights.

Lu Yi was also handsome on his own, someone who would usually draw praise from anyone. But standing next to Zhou Jingyu, he was immediately overshadowed. Even though they entered together, after a collective “wow,” everyone’s gaze fixed solely on Zhou Jingyu, leaving Lu Yi completely ignored.

“Mr. Zhou! We’ve been eagerly waiting for you!”

“We’ve missed you so much!”

“You’ve been in France for ten years. Do you still remember us, your old classmates?”

“How is it that after ten years, you’ve become even more handsome and elegant? It’s so unfair—God gave you both a brilliant mind and such perfect looks!”

“Not only that, but let me remind everyone that Jingyu is now the chairman of Shengling. He’s made a major leap in social status, so be careful what you say! You don’t want to upset our Mr. Zhou—he could crush you with just a finger!”

“Ah… terrifying!”

…

Liu Ying had originally intended to go up and greet Zhou Jingyu. However, she was momentarily captivated by him, and in the brief second she hesitated, she saw him being surrounded by a group of people and heading over to join the men.

Liu Ying slowly sat back down.

“Hey, Yingying, go on!”

“Go quickly!”

“Just say hello…”

…

The people around her quietly urged her on, trying to stir things up.

She glanced over again in his direction. Zhou Jingyu had already sat down, surrounded by people, and she could only see his profile.

His profile was beautifully sculpted, like a masterpiece carefully crafted by the Creator. Any more would have made him too rugged, any less too delicate. His aloof demeanor and outstanding temperament made him seem out of place, even when smiling amidst the crowd. He had a unique, transcendent beauty.

Liu Ying’s hand unconsciously pressed against her racing heart. She had liked this man since childhood. When he went abroad for ten years, she waited for him for ten years.

She had finally waited for his return.

Having helped her father manage the company for several years, she was no longer the shy girl she had been in school, afraid of anyone discovering her feelings and only daring to harbor a secret crush. She understood that happiness had to be pursued.

Unable to restrain herself any longer, and with the encouragement of those around her, Liu Ying stood up again and, amid the teasing and laughter, headed toward Zhou Jingyu.

Zhou Jingyu was in conversation with others.

In the ten years since their youth, everyone had changed a bit, transforming from young students into ambitious heirs of wealthy families. Zhou Jingyu had a good memory and remembered everyone’s names. Each time he called out a name, the person would be thrilled beyond measure. In front of old classmates, they were carefree and enthusiastic, speaking without restraint. Despite his status and position, there was no sense of caution. They treated him sincerely, as if the ten years that had passed were just a number, and everything was still the same as it had been during their school days.

“Jingyu, you returned to the country so quietly. If we hadn’t seen you in the financial news, we wouldn’t have known you were back!”

“Yeah, that’s not fair. You left without a word, and now you return without a sound. Do you even remember us, your old classmates?”

“Once everyone’s here, you must drink three toasts during dinner as a penalty!”

“Exactly, it’s a must!!”

“Three toasts? That’s not enough. We rarely get together, so tonight we shouldn’t leave until we’re all drunk!”

…

Zhou Jingyu was surrounded by people, happily chatting away.

At that moment, someone slowly approached from the other side of the room.

In class reunions, the most attention usually falls on two people, a man and a woman—the class beauty and the class heartthrob. And in their class, both were at the level of school beauty and heartthrob.

Liu Ying had already attracted a lot of attention when she first arrived at the club. Now, as she walked over, the laughter and chatter gradually ceased as she drew near.

Back then, Liu Ying and Zhou Jingyu were undoubtedly the pair everyone paid the most attention to. Everyone privately thought they would end up together after graduation. After all, they were a perfect match, and it would have been a pity if they didn’t.

No one expected Zhou Jingyu to suddenly go abroad.

“Liu Ying, have you greeted Jingyu yet?” someone called out warmly to her, waving her over when they saw her approach. “Come on over!”

Liu Ying’s initial nervousness was instantly dispelled. She gave a grateful glance to the classmate she hadn’t seen in years and confidently stepped forward.

She brushed back her long hair, trying to conceal her nervous and excited feelings. With a graceful smile and in her most perfect posture, she said, “Zhou Jingyu, long time no see.”

Everyone in the room quietly turned their attention to this moment.

Liu Ying and Zhou Jingyu were once thought to be the most likely couple to end up together. After ten years apart, what kind of sparks would fly when they met again?

But while the imagination is limitless, reality is often disappointing.

Zhou Jingyu treated Liu Ying the same as everyone else, with no special difference.

He curved his lips into a polite smile, but his tone was distant and cold. “Long time no see.”

His reaction was far from what Liu Ying had hoped for.

It didn’t need to be overly enthusiastic, but at least it shouldn’t have been so indifferent—colder than how he would treat a stranger.

She had so much she wanted to say to him, but in such an atmosphere, she couldn’t get a single word out.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Zhou Jingyu, Liu Ying quietly returned to her seat.

Seeing this, the crowd, who had initially hoped for something to happen, gradually retracted their interest. It turned out there was never any mutual affection, only a one-sided infatuation. The flower fell with intent, but the stream had no heart to carry it.

Once everyone had arrived, they all moved to the dining room for the meal.

In a large private room, there were enough seats for two full tables.

When Liu Ying entered the room, she noticed Zhou Jingyu had already sat down. On one side of him was Lu Yi, and the other side was still vacant, along with two other empty seats. Liu Ying, still determined, thought about how she could discreetly sit next to Zhou Jingyu without drawing too much attention.

“Liu Ying, why are you just now coming in?” The class monitor, who organized the reunion, was considerate and made sure everyone was taken care of. Seeing Liu Ying, he called out to her, “We’re about to start eating. Hurry and sit down!”

He pointed toward Zhou Jingyu’s side. “There are two seats over there. Just pick one and sit down!”

It was as if a pillow had been handed to her just when she needed it.

Liu Ying was delighted but managed to keep her composure as she walked over.

With two empty seats, Liu Ying didn’t dare sit directly next to Zhou Jingyu—it would have been too obvious. Being too eager would be unbecoming and demeaning. After taking the initiative earlier and being met with coldness, once was enough. From now on, she needed to take things slowly.

Liu Ying chose the seat one spot away from Zhou Jingyu.

Her actions didn’t draw anyone’s attention.

Another person arrived shortly afterward. He had originally been sitting in Liu Ying’s seat but had gone to the restroom, only to return and find his spot taken.

He asked in a negotiating tone, “Liu Ying, could you switch seats with me? I’ve already agreed with Li Ke to drink together later.”

Liu Ying silently stood up and moved to a different seat, now sitting beside Zhou Jingyu.

Zhou Jingyu was engaged in conversation with Lu Yi and didn’t pay attention to who had just sat down next to him.

During the meal, everyone chatted while eating, and later on, the drinking began.

Zhou Jingyu took off his suit jacket and hung it on the back of his chair before raising his glass to clink with others.

After a few drinks, Liu Ying finally mustered the courage to speak to Zhou Jingyu again, and this time, she managed to strike up a conversation.

Liu Ying said, “When you went abroad, none of us were prepared. By the time we got to school, your seat was already empty.”

“It was a sudden decision by my family, so I had to leave in a hurry,” Zhou Jingyu replied.

Liu Ying continued, “Now that you’ve returned and have to manage such a large corporation, you must be facing a lot of challenges. We’re all the same age, yet we’re still just junior employees in our companies. You’re really impressive.”

Zhou Jingyu had heard similar compliments countless times over the past few months. He responded politely and with a gentle demeanor, “Not at all, it’s just a different type of work. If someone at the managerial or executive level is considered a mere ‘junior employee,’ then how would we describe those working at the grassroots level?”

“We at Jianye Group have long wanted to collaborate with Shengling, but we never had the opportunity. I wonder if I could pull some strings and ask Mr. Zhou to open a back door for us?” Liu Ying pressed on.

Making a friend in the workplace is always a good thing.

Zhou Jingyu responded, “Of course.”

Thrilled to have received the answer she wanted, Liu Ying held back her excitement and took out her phone. “How about we add each other on WeChat? It’ll be easier to stay in touch.”

Zhou Jingyu nodded slightly. “Sure.”

Zhou Jingyu’s phone was already on the table. Under Liu Ying’s watchful eyes, he picked it up.

When he turned on the screen, he noticed a message had come in about ten minutes earlier. With all the people chatting with him at the table, he hadn’t noticed it until now.

Zhou Jingyu opened the message and couldn’t help but smile.

She sometimes sends him funny images when she’s bored, always managing to make him laugh.

This time, it was an animated image of two dogs fighting over a ball, only to both get tired and collapse, allowing a cat to take advantage of the situation—a vivid illustration of the saying “The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.”

Zhou Jingyu’s eyes crinkled with a smile as he politely turned to the person waiting to add him on WeChat and said, “One moment, let me reply to this message first.”

After replying, he scanned the QR code Liu Ying had displayed.

Liu Ying had never seen Zhou Jingyu smile so easily and openly at anyone before. As he replied to the message, she felt a gnawing curiosity.

She knew she shouldn’t ask, and that she had no right to, but she couldn’t help herself.

“Was that a message from your girlfriend just now?” Liu Ying asked, testing the waters.

Zhou Jingyu turned to her, surprised. “No.”

As Liu Ying breathed a sigh of relief, Zhou Jingyu thought for a moment and then added softly, “It was from my blind date.”

Liu Ying: “…”

Her heart felt like it was on a rollercoaster.

She let out a short laugh to cover up her panic and discomfort, now unsure of what to say. “…Then she must be someone as outstanding as you, right?”

After asking, Liu Ying looked at Zhou Jingyu’s profile, as flawless as jade. He didn’t immediately answer, seemingly deep in thought.

The longer he took to respond, the more hopeless Liu Ying felt.

After a long while, Zhou Jingyu finally smiled lightly, but he didn’t say anything. To others, it seemed like he was agreeing with his silence.