Xu Changqing didn't tell Xiao Ran about his family's situation—after all, family shame shouldn't be aired in public.
"Xu Changqing, for tonight's song-and-dance party I'll take you to pick up some well-fitting shirts. With your build you'll turn heads," Xiao Ran said, clearly annoyed that Xu didn't know how to dress.
"Bro, you know me — clothes are just decoration. As long as it covers me, I'm fine," Xu shrugged.
"But tonight's a big deal. Since you're coming with me, dress up properly!"
On the surface Xu agreed, but inside he was conflicted. His parents had nagged him to clean up his look for a while; the sunny young man his parents imagined looked more like a greasy middle-aged uncle in their eyes.
After a short meet at Starbucks they drove off Guanqian Street. Xiao Ran's ride was a Maserati Quattroporte — something Xu figured he'd never afford in his lifetime. The price tag was a cool few million RMB; Xu admired it and tried not to dwell on it.
"So? Like it?" Xiao Ran teased. "If you like it, I'll give it to you."
"Of course I like it, but right now even affording gas is a problem for me," Xu said.
Xiao Ran laughed. "You're sensible. This car's just for show anyway. But if tonight you can shield me at a few rounds of drinks, you can pick any of my admirers to take home."
Xiao Ran didn't care about women — he'd seen too many. "Don't embarrass me. I'm taking you to see the world," he said.
Xu had been to parties like this before — Xiao Ran often dragged him along — but the fact Xiao Ran insisted on formal wear this time suggested it was special.
"Word is it's a young rich guy's big bash, like a mini 'Sea and Sky Banquet'. Location: SH City," Xiao Ran said.
SH City was a direct-administered city about 30 km from SZ City — around forty-five minutes by bike in Xu's memory.
"Looks like these kids are doing business ventures now," Xiao Ran sighed. "Internet celebrity ventures aren't as hot as they used to be. These trust-fund kids just want to show off."
Back at Su University, Xiao Ran had been a force to reckon with — people from nearby towns came to challenge him. Even so, he couldn't fend off endless challengers. That's partly why Xu's drinking capacity had been trained over and over — to be Xiao Ran's wingman. People liked Xu, but he had no girlfriend, which embarrassed Xiao Ran; having a bros-only circle with no women made him wonder what was wrong.
"Oddballs all over — always has been, just more of them now," Xiao Ran muttered, half to Xu.
"Oddballs? I feel like my big break is coming. Maybe I'll finally ditch that little-virgin title tonight," Xu boasted, thumping his chest.
"Don't get stage fright. These people aren't easy to approach," Xiao Ran warned — well meant. Even with his privileged background he didn't speak recklessly.
"Relax. With you there, I won't stick my neck out," Xu replied.
They exchanged a knowing grin. Xiao Ran's hope was simple: get his buddy a girlfriend. Xu's aim was to use his talkative charm to find partners and opportunities — not through cheap tricks, but because he had a natural knack for leading people, pulling an audience into listening. That's why Xiao Ran trusted him as a true friend, not as someone to exploit. If Xiao Ran revealed his true identity now, Xu would probably resent him; better to let things roll and maybe some girls would like Xu's type after all.
Xiao Ran preferred casual wear; Xu could pull off almost anything. "How about this one?" Xiao Ran asked, a bit awkward — it was the first time he'd gone shopping this long with someone.
"This blue suits you; it'll flatter your pale skin and give a noble air," Xiao Ran said when Xu kept hesitating.
"Is it expensive? If so, forget it. I can't pay," Xu protested.
The salesgirl had been looking at Xu with thinly-veiled disdain, but with Xiao Ran there, she politely changed her tone. Xu felt wounded by that look — he cared about face.
"Let it go. Nice as it is, some people judge others with dog eyes. Never mind," Xiao Ran said when he noticed Xu's pride was hurt.
One of the shop assistants stepped forward. "Young master, the boss said you just came back from the countryside — please choose anything. This diamond black card is one of a hundred worldwide… the boss said not to use it unless necessary."
At the sight of the black card the assistant's face went pale. "Sir, is that card real?"
Xiao Ran's calm reply — "Do you think it's fake?" — left her dumbfounded.
"If it's real, we can open the green channel. We can give you three-fold discounts on exclusive items," she stammered.
Most people would have beamed, but Xiao Ran merely said to Xu, "If you don't want it, let's go. My old man's waiting at the villa."
Xu was pretending not to notice, and the assistant's panic turned into groveling. "Sir, I behaved badly earlier — please forgive me!"
Xu, feeling a little merciful, said: "All right — you can go. I'll pick out some clothes: first three free, the rest at twenty percent of the price."
That was her last concession; if he didn't accept, she would have had to walk away. "Fine. Since I'm in a good mood, pick a few yourself," Xiao Ran said.
When the assistant left them alone Xiao Ran gave Xu a thumbs-up. "Who knew you were a bargaining master?"
The clothes weren't cheap — tens of thousands each — but with those outfits Xu would at least catch some ladies' attention. Xiao Ran laughed: "Tonight you drive. It'll build your courage."
Xu happily agreed — if some girl liked him, he didn't want to tremble at the wheel.
They had under two hours until the Sea and Sky Banquet in SH City, and bought some mousse for their hair on the way.
"You're even more charismatic than me," Xiao Ran clapped Xu on the shoulder. But Xu faltered. "Can we not go? I'm worried."
"Relax. I've got this. Tonight, you do nothing but shield me from drink rounds," Xiao Ran said.
"Okay, I'll go with you to SH City," Xu surrendered.
"Now that's what I like — a good brother for life."