C7 Fight Back!

"Hmph, today's my last shot at winning over Tong Waner. Once university kicks off in a few days, it'll be way harder to ask her out. So, I need you all on your toes. Nail this confession for me today, and there's a cool thousand yuan in it for each of you."

Chen Jie's face oozed arrogance as he issued the command to his cronies with an air of superiority.

He had spared no expense, amassing an arsenal of romantic props for his grand confession to Tong Waner. He was hell-bent on success this time.

The cronies' eyes sparkled at the mention of the reward. A thousand yuan was no small change!

"Rest assured, Young Master Chen, we'll get the job done!"

They thumped their chests, promising Chen Jie with unwavering conviction.

Suddenly, a wave of commotion rippled through the crowd.

"My God, look who Tong Waner is with!"

"They seem pretty cozy together. Are they an item?"

Chen Jie and his group turned toward the commotion and saw Tong Waner at the school gates, accompanied by a boy—none other than his nemesis, Wang Xiao. Their intertwined hands painted a picture of intimacy.

"Why is Wang Xiao here? He's the last one to show up at class events."

Chen Jie's brow creased, his voice heavy with concern. The sight of Wang Xiao and Tong Waner hand in hand sent a sharp jolt of jealousy through him.

Wasn't Tong Waner's gesture broadcasting to everyone that Wang Xiao was her boyfriend?

Chen Jie was in the dark about Wang Xiao and Tong Waner's engagement. All he knew was their close bond in high school, which had always made Wang Xiao a burr under his saddle.

To think, after a month apart, Wang Xiao had managed to win Tong Waner's heart!

The thought was unbearable.

"Young Master Chen, what... what do we do now?"

The cronies were at a loss, their faces a mix of confusion and dismay as they turned to Chen Jie for guidance. They had been keen to aid his pursuit of Tong Waner, but with the current turn of events, it seemed they were defeated before the battle had even begun.

"Chen, are we still setting off the fireworks we prepared?"

A clueless lackey sidled up to Chen Jie and asked timidly.

Slap!

Chen Jie's expression soured as he swung his hand, delivering a slap to the lackey. Scowling, he snapped, "Release them? Get out of my sight!"

The lackey skulked away, nursing his cheek and too scared to utter another word.

It took a moment for Chen Jie to quell the rage boiling inside him. His mind raced, and soon he hatched a sinister plan, a cold smirk playing on his lips. He whispered to himself, "Tong Waner, if I can't have your heart, I will claim your body."

Meanwhile, Tong Waner was warmly greeting her classmates, with Wang Xiao trailing behind her, getting to know everyone. As an imposter, he had some serious cramming to do.

After making the rounds, Wang Xiao quickly got acquainted with everyone and blended in with the group.

"Tong Waner, glad you could make it."

Chen Jie approached her with a beaming smile, a stark contrast to his earlier brooding demeanor.

"Yes."

Tong Waner's reply was brief, her coolness perhaps influenced by Wang Xiao's presence.

Chen Jie didn't let it bother him. He turned to Wang Xiao with a friendly grin and said, "Wang Xiao, you're here too. I was beginning to think you'd skip this class reunion."

"What does my attendance have to do with you?"

Wang Xiao shot Chen Jie a dismissive look, his voice detached.

He had immediately pegged Chen Jie as one of Tong Waner's suitors and had no intention of showing him any respect.

Chasing after his brother's girl? That's asking for trouble!

"Wang Xiao, don't be disrespectful. Young Master Chen is the one who organized this reunion. Show some respect!"

Chen Jie hadn't even opened his mouth when his cronies stepped forward to defend him. The speaker was Zhang San, Chen Jie's closest confidant.

The other students, drawn by the disturbance, gathered around, eager to see how the drama would unfold.

"Chen Jie, keep your dog quiet—it's annoying me," Wang Xiao said without glancing at Zhang San, his gaze fixed on Chen Jie as he chuckled softly.

"What did you just say, Wang Xiao?"

Zhang San's face turned stormy upon being likened to a dog by Wang Xiao. His fists tightened, poised to strike.

But Chen Jie stepped in, waving his hand to hold Zhang San back. Instead of confronting Wang Xiao, he turned his rebuke towards Zhang San. "What are you thinking? Don't you realize this is our last high school reunion? Are you trying to ruin it?"

"Young Master Chen, I..."

Zhang San's face was a picture of hurt as he tried to explain, but Chen Jie cut him off with a dismissive wave, denying him the chance to speak.

"Enough. Let's put an end to this," Chen Jie declared. Then, turning back to Wang Xiao with a light laugh, he added, "Wang Xiao, we're all classmates here. Let's not stoop to pettiness."

Wang Xiao's eyes squinted slightly, silent, unsure of Chen Jie's intentions.

"Now that everyone's here, let's head out. I've reserved the largest KTV suite on the eastern bank of Eastern City. Let's live it up tonight!" Chen Jie announced, turning to address the crowd of students at the school gate.

Chen Jie's words captivated the students. Number 12 on the Bund was a top-tier KTV, known for its extravagant prices—far beyond the reach of their ordinary backgrounds. The prospect of such luxury sparked an excited uproar, and they quickly grouped together, hailing rides to the Bund's Number 12.

"Young Master Chen, why did you take Wang Xiao's side earlier?" Zhang San asked, his face still wearing the look of someone wronged, while the other flunkies looked on, equally baffled.

"When did I ever take Wang Xiao's side?" Chen Jie retorted, facing Zhang San with a questioning look.

"But didn't you just defend Wang Xiao by scolding..."

Zhang San spoke with a look of grievance, but before he could finish, Chen Jie cut him off.

"Hehe, if I didn't act that way, how would I ever lower Wang Xiao's guard?"

Chen Jie's lips curled into a sinister smile, his eyes sharp as he gave Zhang San a mocking sneer.

"Young Master Chen, was that intentional earlier?"

Realization dawned on Zhang San as he caught Chen Jie's expression.

"Number Twelve on the Bund is my turf," Chen Jie said with a sly chuckle, clapping Zhang San on the shoulder. "Relax, I'll definitely take care of Wang Xiao for you today. And as for Tong Waner, she won't be slipping through my fingers either!"

At his words, Zhang San and the others exchanged knowing looks, smirking conspiratorially.

Soon, the group arrived at the 12th KTV on the Bund, a venue that truly lived up to its reputation as a high-end establishment, complete with several suited bodyguards at the entrance.

"Good to see you, Young Master Chen!"

The bodyguards approached Chen Jie, greeting him with utmost respect.

"Get me the top karaoke suite," Chen Jie commanded without so much as a glance, his voice cool and detached. "We're having a high school reunion. Snacks, beer—bring everything up."

"Yes, Young Master Chen!" the bodyguards responded, bowing slightly and gesturing for the group to enter.

The classmates, witnessing the bodyguards' reverence towards Chen Jie, were visibly stunned. They had always known about his affluent background, but his influence was even more impressive than they had imagined.

Several young, attractive women in the group, dressed to impress, began to cast flirtatious glances at Chen Jie.

Chen Jie glanced back at Wang Xiao, who stood close to Tong Waner, his look brimming with disdain.

Kid, that's the gap between you and me!

Wang Xiao caught Chen Jie's challenging stare and responded with a subtle smile, casually wrapping his arm around Tong Waner's waist and meeting Chen Jie's gaze head-on.

"Big Brother Wang Xiao!"

Feeling Wang Xiao's affectionate touch, Tong Waner's cheeks flushed with a shy nod, yet she made no move to push his hand away.

"Damn!" Chen Jie's eyes blazed with jealousy as he watched Wang Xiao's hand creep toward Tong Waner's waist, clenching his teeth in silent fury.

Led by bodyguards, the group made their way to an opulent KTV private room. The lavish decor was enough to make the uninitiated students gasp in awe.

"Wow, if I start hanging out at places like this, I'd say I've made it," one student exclaimed.

"It's not hard, just play the part of a prince," another quipped.

"Buzz off!"

Meanwhile, some of the more opportunistic girls had cozied up to Chen Jie, showering him with flirtatious comments and giggles, their suggestive gestures drawing envious looks from many of the guys.

Chen Jie kept up a jovial front with the dolled-up girls, but his gaze was constantly drawn to Tong Waner and Wang Xiao. They had settled into a spot together, chatting away as if they were the only two people in the world, fueling the fire of his jealousy.

"That despicable Wang Xiao," he seethed inwardly. "I'll show him he's not worthy of Tong Waner!"