C40 He Was Treated as a Love Rival in the Beginning of the Social Gathering

"Shoot! What's there to tidy up here? Just need to switch outfits and we're good to go!"

"Exactly, we might not have the looks, but tagging along tonight is all about gaining some experience and having a blast!"

"We just thought we had some time to kill, so we decided to have a bit of fun."

Lin Dong's buddies explained their reasoning.

They were well aware of their own status; coming from humble backgrounds, their aim in attending the mixer was to meet some girls.

And if they were lucky enough to hit it off with a girl they fancied, that would be the icing on the cake.

Lin Dong held back any further comments.

He totally got where they were coming from.

Had he not suddenly acquired the Wealth System and come into a fortune, he might not have been so generous himself.

Lin Dong refrained from asking more questions.

His friends immediately grabbed their phones and began toying with them. They were handling a high-end phone worth thousands for the first time, and they were absolutely smitten with it!

Watching them, Lin Dong sat down and checked his own phone.

No sooner had he sat down than he received a WeChat message.

He used face recognition to unlock it and tapped the screen.

It was from Ma Chenchen.

"Lin Dong, I'm at Red Sister's Bar. Hurry up and come over!"

"I'll send you my location."

"Let me know when you arrive. It's your first time, and you're not familiar with the crowd!"

"(Location)"

Lin Dong got the message.

He pocketed his phone and signaled to his friends, "Let's head out. Ma Chenchen sent the mixer's address."

"That was quick!"

"Wait, I need to swap out my SIM card!"

"Showing up at the mixer with a brand-new iPhone should definitely score some points with the ladies!"

"No way, I need to change into a fresh outfit and spruce myself up!"

"Absolutely, I'm going to change too!"

...

The three friends were dreaming up future scenarios while simultaneously preparing to make a splash.

After all, they used to clutch phones that barely cost a few hundred dollars, and their modest upbringing had left them feeling somewhat insecure.

Using their new smartphones as a flashy accessory, they were ready to make quite the impression!

Lin Dong was at a loss for words.

Ma Chenchen urged him again, "Have you left yet? I'm waiting for you at the entrance of Hongmei Disco!"

She sounded very anxious.

Lin Dong paused for a moment before replying, "I'm on my way."

Ma Chenchen acknowledged his response.

Usually, she was quite laid-back, but today, she was inexplicably in a rush, persistently hurrying him along.

Lin Dong pocketed his phone and addressed his three roommates, who were engrossed in their own phones, "Take your time, guys. Ma Manman is rushing me, so I'm heading out first. I've sent the location to Liu. You can catch a cab."

"Got it!" Liu Wenming responded without even looking up.

Lin Dong stood up and left the dorm.

He had intended to share a taxi with his three buddies, aiming for a bit of discretion.

But with Ma Chenchen pressing him, he decided to just drive there.

At the parking lot, he unlocked his vehicle, and with the activation of the laser matrix headlights, the dormant beast, the Pagani Huayran, came to life.

Lin Dong settled into the driver's seat, ignited the engine, and sped out of the parking lot.

Hongmei Disco wasn't too far from Jiangyang University.

Following the directions on his GPS, he arrived shortly after.

Hongmei Disco was a relatively small venue, popular among Jiangyang University students for its affordability and accessibility.

It was a common choice for impromptu gatherings.

As Lin Dong approached in his car, other vehicles made way upon spotting the Pagani Huayran trailing them, yielding as if to car royalty, clearing the path to the disco.

Lin Dong parked his car near the entrance.

Stepping out, he didn't see Ma Chenchen, so after locking up, he headed toward the disco.

Just then, a stylishly dressed girl came running over, latching onto his arm and exclaiming, "Darling, you've arrived! Let's head inside!"

Lin Dong was taken aback by Ma Chenchen, who was now clinging to his arm.

She had dolled herself up for the evening, her hair styled into curls, donning a lacy dress and high heels, transforming her usual casual demeanor into one of striking beauty.

If it weren't for Lin Dong's frequent playful banter with her, he might not have been able to stand it.

"Ma Chenchen, show some decorum. Don't just yell out like that," Lin Dong advised her gently.

Ma Chenchen reached out, tugged on his arm, and pulled him into a tight embrace, saying, "Zip it. Some jerk is bothering me. Pretend to be my boyfriend and help me handle this!"

No sooner had she spoken than Lin Dong spotted a young man with a buzz cut approaching.

He was dressed in trendy, branded clothes.

Upon seeing Lin Dong, encircled by Ma Chenchen's arms, the newcomer's eyes bulged with surprise. He strode toward them with a determined look, clearly ready for confrontation.

This was Ma Chenchen's suitor, who now saw Lin Dong as a rival for her affections!