C12 Little Girl from the Lin Family!?

Zhang Chen glanced to the side and noticed a woman just stepping out of the ladies' restroom.

The woman had a decent figure, but her face was caked with makeup, which Zhang found repulsive.

She was glaring at him furiously.

It took Zhang a moment to realize he had accidentally splashed water on her.

With an apologetic grin, he said, "Sorry about that, miss. I didn't notice you there."

The woman was livid, disdainfully wiping the water off her clothes.

Upon scrutinizing Zhang Chen and noting his inexpensive attire, she snapped, "Where do you hail from, hick? You dare to use the restroom in our hotel? Who let you in?"

Zhang, taken aback, replied bewilderedly, "I came in with my sister."

His response seemed to clarify things for the woman.

The scorn in her eyes intensified.

Nevertheless, Zhang was a guest.

With a scowl and palpable revulsion, she warned, "Watch it next time!"

With those words, she stormed off, muttering under her breath, "What rotten luck!"

Zhang could only offer a wry smile in response.

It seemed his destiny to face scorn wherever he went.

He then stepped into the elevator.

Beyond accommodations, the hotel prided itself on its cuisine. Since Zhang would soon own the place, it was essential for him to get acquainted with it.

Upon reaching the first-floor lobby and exiting the elevator, Zhang's gaze landed on a familiar silhouette in the corner.

It was the same woman from the restroom encounter.

"Manager Wang, I need a favor. It's my high school reunion today, and one of the attendees is my arch-nemesis from those days!"

"Could you play along just once? Pretend the hotel is yours, will you? And act as my boyfriend!"

A flicker of intrigue crossed Manager Wang's eyes as he smiled and inquired, "I'm happy to assist, Lily, but what's in it for me afterward?"

Lily playfully bumped his shoulder, coyly asking, "What kind of benefits are you looking for?"

She finished her request with a hint of shyness.

Zhang Chen shuddered as the heavily made-up woman's pretentiousness washed over him, leaving him feeling queasy.

Without a moment's hesitation, he quickly strode away from the scene.

Wandering through the hall, Zhang Chen noted the early hour did little to deter the crowd. The place was bustling with individuals dressed in sharp suits and ties, each exuding an air of distinction.

Just then, a swarm of young people burst through the hotel entrance. They were undoubtedly the woman's high school classmates, and a wave of sympathy surged within Zhang Chen.

He was about to turn and leave when a familiar figure caught his eye amidst the crowd. It was Lin Miao.

Zhang Chen's brow furrowed in surprise. He hadn't expected Lin Guofeng's daughter to be here, especially given Old Master Lin's critical illness. What was she doing at a reunion?

"Lin Miao, what are you doing here?" Zhang Chen halted, his frown deepening as he addressed her.

In the crowd, Lin Miao let out a heavy sigh. Despite her efforts to go unnoticed, she had been spotted. She looked up, her gaze laced with distaste.

Already overshadowed by Lily, Lin Miao found Zhang Chen's presence just another irritation. "What business is it of yours where I am? Just go about your business and stop being a nuisance!" she snapped at Zhang Chen, her voice dripping with vexation.

Her outburst drew the attention of everyone around to Zhang Chen.

"Do you two know each other?" Lily inquired, approaching with a curious smile and a raised eyebrow.

"We know of him, but we're not close," Lin Miao replied hastily.

Zhang Chen internally sighed at their strained acquaintance.

Catching the moment, Lily's eyes sparkled as she offered warmly, "Since you're Miaomiao's friend, you're a friend of ours. Why don't you join us for a meal?"

Lily's invitation was met with a beaming gaze fixed on Zhang Chen.

Lin Miao, flustered, interjected, "There's no need. He's got other commitments. It wouldn't be appropriate to bring outsiders to our class reunion, would it?"

Lily remained silent but shot Zhang Chen a knowing glance.

"Miaomiao, don't worry about it. Today, Lily's picking up the tab. Are you scared she can't cover it?"

"Exactly! We're curious about the kind of people who befriend Lily. Let's all join in!"

"Miaomiao, this guy's outfit isn't exactly up to par. You haven't made some lowly friends you're too embarrassed to introduce to us, have you?"

The group of young men and women behind them chimed in one after another.

Each of their words was a sharp jab to Lin Miao!

They struck at Lin Miao's insecurities with every remark!

Lin Miao looked up and shot Zhang Chen a withering look. Her disdain for him had reached its peak.

"Well then, it looks like you'll be splurging today," Lin Miao said with a forced smile, feigning courtesy.

"This hotel belongs to my boyfriend, so there's no issue. Let's get going, the private room is all set."

Lily internally scoffed, though her expression remained warm and inviting.

The group quickly followed Lily into one of the opulent diamond private rooms.

Biting back her annoyance, Lin Miao hissed at Zhang Chen, "Once you're inside, don't just eat anything, and keep your mouth shut. Not a word."

"If you embarrass me, just wait until we get back—I'll deal with you then."

With another fierce glare at Zhang Chen, she marched off, and he could only shake his head in resignation and follow.

The private room was lavishly decorated.

Zhang Chen surveyed the surroundings, quite pleased with the hotel.

Yet, his actions drew sneers from the others, who saw him as nothing more than a country bumpkin.

Lin Miao inhaled deeply, attempting to steady her nerves. She desperately wished she could just hide Zhang Chen away.

Before long, everyone was seated.

Lily, with a show of magnanimity, presented the menu to the group.

"Order whatever you'd like, it's on me today," Lily declared with a generous flourish.

Zhang Chen, however, caught the subtle cues Lily was sending his way.

There was definitely a plot afoot.

The dish selection was made swiftly. A green-haired woman casually tossed the menu down in front of Zhang Chen.

Her face was alight with friendliness. "We've pretty much decided on our order. Miaomiao, it's your turn."

Yet, Zhang Chen couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with their behavior.

Lin Miao managed a strained smile. "Let's just stick with what we have. I'm not really hungry anyway."

Lily's smile beamed with arrogance as she said, "Miaomiao, that's practically an insult to me. My boyfriend is the General Manager of Hongtai Hotel." Her words were met with a chorus of envious murmurs from those around her.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Miao reluctantly chose a dish before passing the menu back.

With a haughty air, Lily handed the menu to the waiter and commanded, "Bring us two more bottles of '82 Lafite."

The crowd was stunned anew, their gazes filled with a mix of awe and frenzy towards Lily.

Two bottles of '82 Lafite.

A frown creased Lin Miao's brow, her eyes betraying a flicker of irritation.

But the conversation soon turned towards her.

"Miaomiao, with your beauty, why don't you put it to good use? Lily's doing so well for herself now."

"The Lin family hasn't been doing too well lately. With your looks, you could probably give them a boost."

"Lily's got connections with some pretty influential people. Maybe she could introduce you to a couple of them?"

Their words were laced with a sly gleam, both cruel and mocking.

They had not only insulted Lin Miao but also disparaged the Lin family in the process.

Lin Miao's expression grew stormy.

Zhang Chen's eyebrows lifted; he could tell Lin Miao was on the verge of losing her patience.