Hong Tao had a strange look in his eyes.
That was Su Xiyang, one of Hangcheng City's most famous and unrivaled beauties. What's this? The relationship between this beauty and Shen Fanyun seems a bit ambiguous... Could it be that Shen Fanyun dared to return to Hangcheng City because Su Xiyang was backing him? Or maybe... they're in love? In that case, hasn't Shen Fanyun latched onto the towering tree that is the Su Family? No way! Everyone in Hangcheng City knew that Su Xiyang was the future partner handpicked by Wang Yanwen. Who would be foolish enough to challenge him for a woman? That's like snatching food from a tiger's jaws—a death wish! Even a top scion like Han Feng would show Wang Yanwen some deference. A nobody like Shen Fanyun doesn't even qualify to be in the same league. Compete with Wang Yanwen? Maybe in his next life!
"That's impossible," Hong Tao muttered, shaking his head as he and Shen Fanyun walked out of the Su Family's main hall.
Once they were outside, his old classmate playfully nudged Shen Fanyun with his elbow. "So, what's the deal with you and her?" he chuckled.
Shen Fanyun ignored the question. "Your car or mine?"
"Let's take mine. You've probably never been in a million-dollar luxury car before. I'll give you a taste of the high life," Hong Tao grinned, his smugness plain to see.
On the way, Hong Tao didn't forget his "kind" reminder. "Su Xiyang is the woman Young Master Wang has his eye on. You'd better stay far away from her. Or else you won't even know what killed you. Su Xiyang isn't someone a guy like you can get involved with. A person needs to know their place. A wise man knows when to retreat, right?"
When it came to brutality, Wang Yanwen was every bit as vicious as his old classmate Han Feng. Besides, the man was incredibly petty and held grudges. Nothing good ever came from crossing Wang Yanwen.
Finally, Hong Tao asked again, "Are you sure you want to go to the class reunion? The moment you show up, the secret's out. You can't wrap fire in paper. Han Feng will definitely find out, and then..."
Night had fallen, and the city lights were just beginning to sparkle. Compared to a decade ago, Hangcheng City had become much more prosperous. Skyscrapers stood shoulder to shoulder, each one seeming to compete for the sky.
「Houhai Bar.」
A group of old classmates, about a dozen men and women, were waiting by the entrance. They were all familiar faces from the past. Of course, a man of Han Feng's stature wouldn't deign to attend such a gathering. In fact, few of them had seen much of him since graduation.
Since Hong Tao had organized the event and was generously footing the bill, everyone who arrived waited for him.
"Old classmates, long time no see!" Hong Tao called out as soon as he stepped out of the car, greeting everyone warmly. He was clearly quite popular.
In the crowd, a young woman with shoulder-length hair was particularly eye-catching. Her skin was like smooth jade, and her figure was tall and slender. With a delicate, sculpted nose, she looked like a fairy who had stepped out of a painting. Time seemed to have left no trace on her face.
Li Ruoshui.
She was one of the two "golden flowers" of Shen Fanyun's class. Li Ruoshui's suitors had been just as impressive as Li Qiuchan's. The two were both national beauties, and sharing the same surname, they were constantly being compared.
Shen Fanyun watched with a smile, as if admiring an exquisite painting. He hadn't seen her in so long. The Li Ruoshui of today had an indescribable charm in her every expression.
It was all youthful ignorance, looking back. The Li Ruoshui of the past had even secretly written him letters. Unfortunately, he had been blind back then, getting entangled in a regrettable affair with Li Qiuchan.
"If I had chosen differently, would my life have changed?" Shen Fanyun muttered as he stepped out of the car.
From the crowd, Shen Fanyun clearly saw Li Ruoshui's eyes light up the moment she saw him. They shone with a mixture of joy, bewilderment, and disbelief. She instinctively covered her mouth, her beautiful, limpid eyes nearly overflowing with tears of joy. In the end, she suppressed the wave of emotion and simply stood there, watching quietly and tenderly as his face came into focus.
"Who... who is this?"
"Hong Tao, who is that? He looks a bit familiar, but I can't place him."
The classmates murmured among themselves, looking on in confusion at the handsome man in the white suit, who carried himself with an extraordinary air.
Finally, after Hong Tao's introduction, a wave of shocked murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Shen Fanyun? Our old classmate?"
"Oh my God, it's really Shen Fanyun! I haven't seen him in years!"
Shen Fanyun smiled silently. These classmates were a world apart from Li Ruoshui. She had recognized him in a single glance!
Li Ruoshui moved through the crowd and stood before Shen Fanyun, her smile as warm as a spring breeze. She held out her slender hand. "Long time no see."
"Long time no see," Shen Fanyun replied with a smile, briefly shaking her hand.
The crowd exchanged glances. Their class belle, Li Ruoshui, had never been so forward, especially not touching someone in front of everyone.
Could the rumors from back then be true? Still, looking at the two of them standing together, you had to admit they looked good. Not to mention, Shen Fanyun was the famous "campus heartthrob" back in the day. So much so that legends about the senior were still circulating at school years after he'd left. A handsome man and a beautiful woman—a classic pair.
Li Ruoshui seemed reluctant to pull her hand away.
Dropping his earlier devil-may-care attitude, Shen Fanyun gently withdrew his hand and began to greet the others one by one. It was a happy reunion, and they all crowded around him, asking how he'd been. Shen Fanyun felt an unexpected warmth spread through his heart.
Before he knew it, Li Ruoshui had moved from the edge of the group back to his side. Her black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, and her light fragrance wafted over. The others exchanged glances and knowingly made way for her.
Shen Fanyun felt helpless.
Li Ruoshui appeared gentle and quiet, but that was just a facade. This remarkable woman's boldness and true nature went far beyond what anyone could imagine. He didn't know if he should have come to this reunion after all. He never would have guessed Li Ruoshui would be here.
"We haven't been in touch for nearly ten years. How fast time flies," Li Ruoshui said, taking out her phone and motioning for Shen Fanyun.
He had no choice but to comply, entering his number into her phone.
"Thank you," Li Ruoshui said with a smile that could light up a room as she carefully put her phone away.
I was supposed to be the undisputed star of this reunion, Hong Tao thought, standing on the outskirts of the group with his eyes narrowed. I've always loved the spotlight, adored the feeling of being the center of attention. After all these years, I've finally achieved some success and have something to brag about, which is the whole reason I organized this reunion in the first place. Who knew I would just be setting the stage for someone else? The worst part is, who here doesn't know I've had a crush on Li Ruoshui for ten whole years? So why doesn't Li Ruoshui even spare me a glance the moment Shen Fanyun shows up? Why?!
"Damn it!" Hong Tao cursed internally, already regretting his thoughtlessness in bringing Shen Fanyun. No rush. I'll make sure you're utterly humiliated later.