C11 We Meet Again

"Chu Fann, are you ignoring me? Why such a fierce look? Are you planning to devour me or something?" Chen Mengyu glared at Chu Fann.

"Enough already!"

"Sis, you invited him to dinner. We agreed not to hassle him, so what's this about? I'll give up my seat for him." Chen Mengyao rose to her feet as she spoke.

But as she stood, Chu Fann caught her arm, tossed his chopsticks aside, and firmly seated her back down, "Just eat your meal. I just remembered I have something to take care of. I'm heading back first."

With that, Chu Fann exited the private room.

The cool breeze outside brought him a sense of calm.

Indeed, what was he still puzzling over? They were no longer from the same world; what was there to mourn? Maybe it was the fantasies he had allowed himself to entertain—imagining a life where he and Chen Mengyu could actually become husband and wife, even daydreaming about their future together. But fantasies are just that, easily shattered by the harshness of reality.

His affection and quiet devotion to Chen Mengyu were seen as nothing but cheap and nauseating tenderness in her eyes.

It was only later that Chu Fann gradually realized his feelings were for Mengyao,

the girl of pure heart and kindness.

Mengyao's kindness was such that she couldn't bear to hurt anyone, and this made Chu Fann's dilemma even greater. If he suddenly revealed his wealth, would she feel deceived? Would it drive her away?

Chen Mengyao's feelings for him were untainted—uninfluenced by his status or wealth, with no ulterior motives. Chu Fann treasured this love and didn't want to jeopardize their bond.

Lost in these thoughts, Chu Fann couldn't help but smile.

"You give me an ocean, and I'll give you the whole world," he mused with a smile.

"Chu Fann! What's on your mind? Let's get going," a sweet voice suddenly called from behind him.

"Mengyao? What are you doing out here?" Chu Fann asked, surprised.

"I can't stand that fake atmosphere," she replied.

"They pretty much kicked you out, not treating you like a real friend at all," Chen Mengyao said, her lips pursed in displeasure.

Chu Fann couldn't help but chuckle to himself. Did they really consider him a friend? After those rumors had circulated through the school, aside from his roommates and a select few, who truly valued him?

"You're such a naive girl. If I'm here at this dinner, it's because I'm ready to deal with whatever comes my way. Are you and your sister fighting again? Everything alright?" Chu Fann inquired, his tone laced with concern.

Mengyao shook her head.

"Never mind, you wouldn't tell me even if I asked. But here's the deal: I'm taking you out to dinner tomorrow, and you're not allowed to say no!" Chu Fann said with a grin, already planning the surprise he had in store for her.

"You can't afford to take me out. I've given all my project money to my parents. If not, I could've lent you a hand." Mengyao looked down, contemplating whether she could secure some funds for Chu Fann in her future dealings with Mingzhu Group. She hated the thought of him struggling.

"I don't need your help. Better you save your money for yourself, and don't let your sister get her hands on it. You'll only have peace of mind when it's safely in your own possession," Chu Fann said, affectionately ruffling her hair.

At the dinner table, when Guo Chao announced the resolution of the crisis between the Guo family and Mingzhu Group, Chu Fann immediately knew Mengyao had a hand in it. Her official role might be the project manager for the Chen family's collaboration with Mingzhu Group, but her connection to Chu Fann granted her influence well beyond her official capacity in negotiations.

Mengyao had always been compliant, and Chu Fann suspected that Chen Mengyu had put her up to it. He was concerned that Mengyu might start seeing Mengyao as nothing more than a cash cow.

"I don't need a lot of money," Mengyao said with a smile.

"That attitude will cost you one day," he warned.

"Your 18th birthday is just around the corner. What gift would you like?" Chu Fann asked, deftly changing the subject.

For the past three years, he had never put much thought into a birthday gift for Mengyao. His funds were limited, and what little he had, he'd spent on Chen Mengyu, only to end up with nothing to show for it.

Chu Fann's sole focus now was to make amends and throw Mengyao a lavish birthday bash.

Yet, there was a nagging concern. Mengyao and Chen Mengyu shared the same birthday. If he threw a citywide spectacle for Mengyao, the stark contrast with Mengyu's celebration might be too pronounced.

But upon reflection, he dismissed the worry. Chen Mengyu had severed ties with him long ago. To dwell on her now would be self-degrading, wouldn't it?

"Don't waste money on me. I'm not in need of anything. Plus, I'm currently a project manager for the Chen family. I'm quite content," Mengyao said, tilting her head with a hint of pride.

Chu Fann was torn between amusement and exasperation.

They chatted as they strolled, heading back to school after leaving Seven Tastes House.

Returning to an empty dorm, Chu Fann, the third in the pecking order of four, wasn't surprised. His roommates were either gaming at the internet cafe or chasing girls at bars all day—it was typical not to cross paths with them.

That evening, Chu Fann reached out to Ming Xi to reserve a spot at the White Swan Music Restaurant.

Having promised Mengyao a meal, he was intent on keeping his word.

The White Swan outclassed Seven Tastes House, especially in Jing'an District. While Seven Tastes was ideal for social gatherings, the White Swan was the quintessential spot for romantic dates—enjoying Western cuisine and sipping wine in a cozy alcove was an entirely different vibe.

Approaching noon the next day, Chu Fann called Mengyao ahead of time.

Truth be told, Mengyao wasn't keen on Chu Fann splurging on her, especially since she was currently penniless, having given all her project earnings to her parents and sister.

But Chu Fann was adamant, and unable to sway him, Chen Mengyao agreed to meet. They decided to rendezvous at the school gate.

"Isn't that Chu Fann? Isn't that your fiancée over there with someone else? How can you stay so composed when your fiancée is with another man?"

Chu Fann had just arrived when his classmate Sun Lei sidled up to him, his voice dripping with surprise and a teasing tone.

Rumors about Chu Fann having a fiancée in college had spread like wildfire. His classmates—and even students from neighboring classes—were all in on the gossip. They labeled him a home-son-in-law, a gutless rogue, and often ribbed him about it. Chu Fann always turned a deaf ear to their jibes.

Yet, upon hearing Sun Lei's remarks, he couldn't resist glancing toward the main road by the school entrance.

Chen Mengyu was turning heads today, dressed to kill in a way that was uncharacteristically sultry for her. A sleek BMW 5 series was idling at the curb, its window rolling down to reveal Guo Chao.

"Baby, I traded up my 3 series for this 5 series. What do you think?"

"It's beautiful!" Chen Mengyu beamed with delight.

"Well, aren't you going to hop in? I got the starry sky roof just for you."

"I'm taking you out for a lavish meal. I've already made reservations—it's my surprise for you!" Guo Chao gave a wink.

Though he wasn't much to look at, the car certainly upped his appeal. Chen Mengyu climbed into the vehicle, her face alight with joy, basking in the envy of onlookers. Not many students could afford the luxury of a BMW, and it fed her vanity immensely.

From a distance, Chu Fann watched, a sigh escaping him.

A BMW was all it took for her to lose herself in vanity. She was the Third Young Lady of the Chen family—how could she be so lacking in substance?

Chu Fann couldn't fathom Chen Mengyu's thirst for fame and wealth, and perhaps that was the crux of their divergence.

As he was lost in his thoughts, a gentle tug at his sleeve brought him back to reality.

"Mengyao? You finally made it," Chu Fann said with a smile.

"Don't be upset. It's not like you and my sister could end up together anyway. Don't take it to heart," Mengyao said, having witnessed the scene herself, she couldn't help but offer some words of comfort to Chu Fann.

"I'm alright. Let's go grab some food," Chu Fann said nonchalantly, shrugging it off.

"Where should we go eat?" Mengyao asked, twirling her finger thoughtfully.

"White Swan."

"Maybe we shouldn't; it's quite expensive there!" Chen Mengyao's face fell.

As a daughter of the Chen family, she was well aware of the White Swan's prices—it wasn't your average dining spot.

"Why worry? You missed dinner yesterday, and I promised to treat you right today—no need for you to pay," Chu Fann said with a smile.

"Let's go."

He took Mengyao's hand, and they hailed a car on the roadside, sliding into the back seat.

The White Swan Music Restaurant was situated on the bustling commercial street in the city center, just over ten miles south of the school. As they approached the entrance, they halted abruptly.

Guo Chao's newly purchased BMW 5 series was parked right outside the restaurant.

"Maybe we shouldn't go in. That's Guo Chao's car, and they're dining here too. If we run into them..." Mengyao fretted about the potential awkward encounter with her sister.

"We're going in," Chu Fann insisted, taking a deep breath. Some truths needed to be revealed, and some confrontations were inevitable. He couldn't keep his wealth a secret forever. This was also an opportunity to gauge Chen Mengyu's reaction.