C296 Acting Tycoon Asked a Question What Kind of Job Was Lin Dong?
"What, make my classmates uncomfortable at my own gathering? It was just a joke. I didn't expect you to take it so lightly, haha!" Chung Xiong said, laughing. However, his smile didn't quite reach his eyes; it was clear he didn't mean it.
Zhang Xinrui stepped forward, taking Lin Dong by the hand, and said, "Let's go, darling. You come in with me. If there aren't enough seats, we can just leave together." Her words seemed to comfort Lin Dong, but they were really aimed at Chung Xiong, who looked visibly embarrassed.
After speaking, Zhang Xinrui led Lin Dong into the private room, leaving Chung Xiong to watch them walk away side by side. Jealousy was written all over his face. He had always found Zhang Xinrui attractive, even back in their school days, but she was reserved and focused on her studies, not interested in dating. Chung Xiong's attempts to woo her had repeatedly failed, which was partly due to his less-than-stellar looks.
Years had passed, and in that time, Chung Xiong's family business had flourished, providing him with considerable wealth. He had hoped to use this reunion to flaunt his financial success and rekindle some old flames, aiming to impress the pretty girls from his class, especially Zhang Xinrui.
Chung Xiong was out of touch with Zhang Xinrui's current disposition, having only a glimpse into her life through social media updates. To avoid seeming too forward, he had reached out to Zhang Xinrui's close friend, Ruan Qingqing, to coax Zhang Xinrui into attending the reunion.
Zhang Xinrui did show up, unexpectedly bringing her boyfriend along. This turn of events rendered all of Chung Xiong's meticulous planning moot, which explained his earlier antagonism towards Lin Dong. Yet, it seemed Lin Dong was no pushover and certainly not as meek as Chung Xiong had assumed.
In Zhang Xinrui's presence, Chung Xiong restrained himself from losing his temper.
This situation required careful deliberation...
Chung Xiong inhaled deeply.
Despite his frustration, he remained confident about his current circumstances.
His appearance was the least of his advantages.
His family background alone set him apart from the average person.
As the sole heir to his family's company, Chung Xiong stood to inherit a fortune well over a hundred million—a sum utterly unattainable for his average peers.
In this era where money talks, what did it matter if Zhang Xinrui's boyfriend was good-looking?
He had noticed Lin Dong's plain attire earlier, lacking even a wristwatch.
Such a person surely didn't hold a high-status job!
In Chung Xiong's eyes, Lin Dong represented the lower echelons of society!
He planned to flaunt his substantial wealth later, hoping to make Zhang Xinrui realize her boyfriend was worthless compared to him, someone truly dependable.
Zhang Xinrui, Lin Dong, and Ruan Qingqing headed into the private room ahead of the others.
Upon their arrival, a chorus of gasps filled the room, mainly due to Zhang Xinrui and Ruan Qingqing.
Both were naturally stunning, and they had been the standouts in their class.
Years of work had only heightened their attention to a refined lifestyle, enhancing their beauty even further than during their school days.
The male attendees of the reunion gazed at them, their eyes practically popping out.
"Wow, Xinrui, Qingqing, you two just keep getting prettier!"
"Neither of you is married yet, right? So beautiful, and you haven't changed a bit!"
"That's not true; they're even more gorgeous than before!"
"Xinrui, Qingqing, come sit over here!"
...
The welcome was warm from everyone present, with the men showing particular enthusiasm.
Several years post-graduation, many of the male classmates were still bachelors.
Even those who weren't single couldn't help but feel delighted at the prospect of sitting next to such attractive former classmates.
Meanwhile, Lin Dong, trailing behind Zhang Xinrui and Ruan Qingqing, went unnoticed.
He remained silent.
He dutifully assumed the role of Zhang Xinrui's boyfriend.
"Hey! No need to freak out, everyone. Haven't you noticed Xinrui has a boyfriend now?"
Chung Xiong entered from outside.
He looked up at the seated guests and spoke.
Once he finished, the crowd in the private room finally noticed Lin Dong.
They all gasped in surprise.
Back in her school days, Zhang Xinrui was known as the untouchable ice beauty. Despite a line of suitors that could circle the school, she never showed interest, always setting her sights high.
Yet, in just a few years, she had a boyfriend.
Zhang Xinrui was poised and confident. She introduced Lin Dong, saying, "Let me introduce you all. This is my boyfriend, Lin Dong!"
"Lin Dong, truly a handsome man!"
"Hey, I thought Xinrui was still single. Guess I'm out of luck now!"
"And look at you. Lin Dong is so handsome, like a movie star. How do you even compare to Song Dabao?"
"Right! Qingqing is still single. Come on, bachelors, step up your game!"
"Well, Qingqing has to like me first! Hahaha!"
...
The room buzzed with playful banter and laughter.
Lin Dong felt somewhat resigned.
He had intended to keep a low profile and simply enjoy a meal, but Zhang Xinrui unexpectedly thrust him into the spotlight.
At that moment, Chung Xiong said, "Alright, folks, the food's ready. Let's all take our seats!"
"Sure thing, let's listen to Brother Xiong!"
"Everyone, please sit down!
"Thanks for hosting us, Brother Xiong!"
...
The lively group settled into their seats.
Chung Xiong, the most successful among those present and the initiator of the reunion, was seated at the place of honor. It was a moment of glory for him.
Lin Dong took an inconspicuous seat to the side.
He didn't sit on a small stool; in fact, there were plenty of chairs in the private room for everyone.
Chung Xiong had deliberately misled them about the seating.
Lin Dong and Zhang Xinrui sat together, with Ruan Qingqing taking a seat beside him.
Once seated, Ruan Qingqing caught the distinct masculine scent emanating from Lin Dong.
Her heart raced uncontrollably.
The image of Lin Dong showering in Zhang Xinrui's apartment flashed through her mind.
Lin Dong seemed to have a nice physique...
At that thought, Ruan Qingqing quickly chastised herself. How could she entertain such thoughts about her best friend's boyfriend!
Yet, the harder she tried to banish the thought, the more vividly Lin Dong's showering scene played in her mind.
She blushed involuntarily.
"Are you okay?"
Lin Dong picked up on Ruan Qingqing's discomfort.
Unaware of her thoughts, he inquired.
Ruan Qingqing's cheeks flushed deeper as she murmured, "I'm fine, it's probably just a bit warm in here."
Oh!
Lin Dong got the message and remained silent.
He had meant to show concern, but pressing the matter would seem forced.
Chung Xiong, seated at the head of the table, graciously accepted toasts, yet his gaze lingered on Lin Dong.
Seeing Ruan Qingqing's reddened face as she spoke with Lin Dong, looking all shy and demure, he was consumed with jealousy.
It was bad enough that Lin Dong had won over the beautiful Zhang Xinrui, but now Ruan Qingqing too?
He felt as if he wasn't even worth a sip of their attention.
Chung Xiong seethed internally.
Glancing around the table, he caught everyone's attention and chuckled, "Folks, you can't just toast to me. You've got to toast Lin Dong too! After all, though my family is worth millions, we can't compare to Lin Dong's easygoing life! Lin Dong, what do you do for a living that you've managed to win over a beauty like Xinrui?"
