C17 At the School Reunion

The woman let out a cold snort. "My name is Murong Xiang. You can just call me Grandma Murong from now on!"

Jiang Chen looked at the feisty girl and chuckled. If they were to compare ages, his grandfather might as well call him an ancient forebear!

"Enough of this, I'm Jiang Chen. Goodbye!" With that, Jiang Chen turned and walked away, not once looking back, leaving Murong Xiang fuming and stamping her foot in frustration.

So he flirts and then just takes off?

What a jerk!

"Buzz off! Did you really forget I was asleep?" Murong Xiang said, stamping her foot once more.

...

Truth be told, Jiang Chen found beautiful women intriguing, but having encountered numerous stunning beauties during his time as an Immortal Venerable, he wasn't about to lose his head over someone like Murong Xiang.

"Hey Jiang, how's it going? There's a class reunion tonight. How about we grab dinner together?" came a voice over the phone just as Jiang Chen had left.

In the memories of his past life, Jiang Chen recalled having a handful of close friends during his school days. The caller, Meng Fan, was one of them.

With no plans for the evening, Jiang Chen readily accepted the invitation.

As he slipped his phone into his pocket, he felt an unexpected card. Pulling it out, he saw it was a gold card.

Jiang Chen smiled knowingly, deducing that Lee Fei must have slipped it into his pocket before he departed. Flipping it over, he found a note on the back, "A mere five million. Brother Jiang, please accept this!"

...

Seven o'clock in the evening.

Jiang Chen arrived on time at the grand hotel in the city.

About fifteen classmates had shown up; the rest were either busy or couldn't afford the steep cost of the hotel.

Soon after, Wai Rui made his entrance, capturing everyone's attention.

Jiang Chen remembered Wai Rui as the quintessential rich kid who tended to throw his weight around.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I forgot to mention earlier, I'll be covering the bill tonight. Eat, drink, and enjoy to your heart's content!"

"Wow! We can't just call him Wei Rui anymore; it's Young Master Wei now!"

"Right? I was ready to shell out my own cash. Little did I know Young Master Wei would be so lavish, covering all the expenses himself. He's the epitome of a wealthy heir!"

"Tell me about it. I wish I had Wai Rui's deep pockets..."

Murong Xiang was also present, currently standing right next to Wai Rui.

Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes at Murong Xiang.

Turns out Murong Xiang was a classmate of his after all. That explains the vague familiarity.

"Alright, let's head inside," Wai Rui said, casting a suggestive glance at Murong Xiang. Before she knew it, his hand had found its way to her shoulder.

A wave of revulsion swept through Murong Xiang as Wai Rui's arm brushed her shoulder.

Yet outwardly, she played along with Wai Rui, intent on provoking Jiang Chen!

After all, she and Jiang Chen had shared a flirtatious past for over fifteen years. She couldn't believe he'd become so thankless, even forgetting her completely!

Wai Rui, seeing her reaction, was thrilled.

Was this Murong Xiang's tacit acceptance?

Money really does talk!

Had he known, he would've used his wealth to secure a girlfriend sooner, sparing himself the trouble and heartache of genuine effort.

These days, what's the price of sincerity?

Entering the hotel, they were enveloped in an aura of luxury.

Murong Xiang was visibly impressed; she had never stepped foot in such an upscale establishment before, and it certainly lived up to its reputation.

A true landmark hotel, it was a symbol of the city!

No sooner had they entered than a group of waiters approached them with warm smiles.

"Hello, how may I assist you folks today?" one waiter inquired, his demeanor oozing professional training.

"Just us here. By the way, is my uncle around?" Wai Rui inquired offhandedly.

The waiter looked momentarily confused. "Sir, may I ask who your uncle is?"

Upon hearing the question, Wai Rui straightened up with an air of superiority and declared, "My uncle is Wang Chen."

The waiter's demeanor shifted instantly, becoming even more cordial. "Ah, you're a relative of Manager Wang! He was informed of your visit today and has already arranged a room for you. Please, follow me."

The looks of awe on the faces of those around him filled Wai Rui with a profound sense of gratification.

Meanwhile, Murong Xiang strolled along with a detached air, occasionally stealing glances at Jiang Chen trailing behind her.

Once they reached the private room and everyone took their seats, a few of the more astute male classmates began to shower Wai Rui with compliments to liven up the mood.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's not forget that today's bill is being graciously covered by Young Master Wei."

"When the wine arrives, let's each honor Young Master Wei with a toast. Without his generosity, it's doubtful any of us would have ever set foot in such an upscale establishment."

The classmates nodded in earnest agreement upon hearing this.

"Jiang Chen, you seem less than thrilled. Is there something on your mind?" inquired a male classmate, eyeing Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen was momentarily taken aback. He was simply unsmiling—when had he become unwilling?

Upon reflection, Jiang Chen realized they were intentionally trying to shame him.

"Not at all, I'm obviously delighted that Young Master Wei is picking up the tab," he responded, his lips quirking in a slight smirk.

He marveled at their ability to put on a show, recalling it was nothing compared to his days as an Immortal Venerable.

Wai Rui shot a glance at Murong Xiang before turning to Jiang Chen. "Jiang Chen, I've always known since our school days that you'd amount to nothing. Seems I was right—you're just as worthless now."

The room erupted in laughter at his words.

Jiang Chen held back his retort, realizing that sometimes playing the fool could be more satisfying than a direct confrontation.

"Indeed, how could I ever measure up to Young Master Wei? Ten of me couldn't even come close to matching a single Young Master Wei!"

Upon hearing this, Wai Rui burst into hearty laughter. "Good to know, kid. You've got a discerning eye. Since you've got the makings of a lackey, why not consider being mine from now on?"

The crowd erupted into laughter once more, yet Jiang Chen responded with a cool detachment, "I'm hardly fit to be your lackey. Someone of your stature really shouldn't stoop to engage with a commoner like me, don't you think?"