Chapter 2 : Reunion

Zhuo Ting, like a protective mother hen, patted her hand. “Alright, let’s stay here for now. After lunch, we’ll find a place for some afternoon tea.”

Lin Ran nodded twice, squeezing out a faint smile to reassure everyone.

Just as the words left her lips, the private room door swung open. Fu Xingjian entered, surrounded by professors and leaders from the academy.

Fu Xingjian stood at the center, a clear indication of his elevated status.

His gaze swept casually across the room, pausing momentarily upon seeing Lin Ran seated at a table on the right.

“Mr. Fu, please, this way,” one of the academy leaders said with a smile, gesturing toward the head table where the main seat was reserved for Fu Xingjian.

Fu Xingjian took his place at the head table, his tone calm yet resonant. “Professor, no need for formalities. Today is a class reunion, not a business negotiation. I’m just another student from Xida University, so please, no need to address me as Mr. Fu.”

The academy leader beamed and nodded repeatedly. “Of course, you’re absolutely right.”

Still, his words and demeanor clearly treated Fu Xingjian as an esteemed guest. After all, the principal had personally instructed him to secure a sponsorship from Yutou Group—one billion in donations was at stake.

The once-lively reunion had become stiff and subdued with Fu Xingjian’s arrival. The classmates spoke only in hushed tones, not daring to make a scene.

Zhuo Ting, ever straightforward, grumbled, “Some people really are like rat droppings—ruin the whole pot of soup just by showing up.”

Everyone in their dormitory understood who “some people” referred to, and they stifled their laughter behind their hands. Even Lin Ran couldn’t help but chuckle.

She nudged Zhuo Ting’s arm, signaling her to lower her voice. “Don’t say that. If he hears, it’ll be awkward.”

Zhuo Ting shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t care if it’s awkward for him—it’s not awkward for me.”

Perhaps sensing the tense atmosphere, Fu Xingjian raised his glass and offered a toast to the professors and academy leaders. “Professor, I’ve already instructed my team to follow up on the donation project. The funds should be transferred to the school’s account by next month.

“I deeply appreciate both professors for taking the time to join us today despite your busy schedules. I’d hate to think I’ve disrupted your work.”

Hearing the underlying message, the academy leader understood it was a polite way to ask them to leave. But since the donation was secured, he didn’t mind. After downing a drink, he stood up, made a brief explanation to the others, and left with the professor.

Fu Xingjian also rose, his tone cool yet engaging. “This is a class reunion—everyone, enjoy yourselves! All expenses are on me!”

A male classmate let out a whistle. “Mr. Fu is so generous!” The others joined in with laughter, and the atmosphere brightened again.

As Fu Xingjian casually chatted with the male classmates, some asked about his work. He replied nonchalantly, “Yes, I’m a CEO. It’s exhausting—feels like working 24 hours a day.”

Zhuo Ting snorted. “A capitalist pretending to mingle with the people. Look at him, acting all superior.”

Li Lin disagreed. “I think he’s fine, not condescending at all. He’s right, too. The higher the position, the greater the responsibility. Even my manager, just a mid-level exec, has meetings all day, sometimes for 18 hours straight.”

Zhuo Ting rolled her eyes. “It’s one thing for him to humblebrag, but do we really need to feel sorry for him?”

Li Lin, stung, fell silent and focused on her meal.

Lin Ran sighed and served Zhuo Ting some food. “Did you take explosives today? Have some bitter melon to cool off.”

“Only because of you,” Zhuo Ting muttered.

“I told you, I’m over it.” Lin Ran put down her chopsticks and said seriously, “Now I’m working 9-9-6 every week. I’d sleep at the project site if I could. I barely have the energy to breathe, let alone dwell on the past.”

Li Lin burst out laughing, nearly choking on her food.

Zhuo Ting finally cooled down, offering a rib to Lin Ran. “Fine, fine, I know my baby’s working hard. Here, have some ribs to replenish yourself.”

The table’s mood softened, and they reminisced about the past, though carefully avoiding Lin Ran’s relationship with Fu Xingjian.

As the dishes kept coming, classmates began to toast one another. The class leader and Fu Xingjian went from table to table offering toasts.

Zhuo Ting joked they were like newlyweds, and Lin Ran merely smiled.

Having eaten her fill, she focused on her phone, monitoring updates in her project group chat. Even on a half-day leave for the reunion, she couldn’t completely disconnect from work. The project was in its final stages, and she couldn’t afford any mistakes.

By the time she looked up, the class leader and Fu Xingjian had reached their table.

The class leader, an honest and awkward guy, scratched his head. “A toast to everyone here. If you can’t drink, just have some juice.”

Zhuo Ting frowned. “We’ve been out of college for five years—who doesn’t know how to drink by now?” She downed half a glass of red wine in one go.

Though less bold, Lin Ran also finished half a glass of beer.

The class leader blinked in surprise. “Lin Ran, you drink?”

Her drunken antics in college were legendary, often making rounds as gossip in the boys’ dorms.

Oh, and those antics had something to do with Fu Xingjian, too.

The class leader’s gaze flickered toward Fu Xingjian, but his expression remained composed.

The class monitor sighed inwardly, reflecting on how terrifying time is—capable of erasing all traces of the past.

Lin Ran smiled slightly, raising her brows, “Yeah, but I’m still a lightweight. I can only handle beer. The stronger stuff, like white liquor or red wine, is a no-go for me.”

The class monitor nodded twice and was about to move on to toast others, but unexpectedly, Fu Xingjian raised his glass toward them. “Long time no see,” he said.