C19 Was This a Coincidence or Fate?

"Hsiao Rann, what took you so long?" Hu Chuan wasn't upset about Hsiao Rann tossing his cigarette; he understood it was for his health. They had tried smoking together once, but after a few cough-inducing puffs, Hu Chuan had given it up. He wouldn't have smoked today if his brother hadn't provoked him.

"My place is a long way off, and who asked you to arrive so early anyway?" retorted Hsiao Rann.

"Let me introduce you to some friends. This is Lin Dong, this is Zhang Yu, and the lovely lady over here is Xiao Lin. And this," he gestured proudly, "is today's guest of honor, Fong Rann. Tomorrow's her birthday, but we're kicking off the celebrations tonight since Lin Dong has to head out on a business trip with his dad tomorrow. So, we're getting the party started now."

Hu Chuan rattled on, oblivious to the curious glances thrown his way.

They were all heirs to fortunes, just like Hu Chuan, and they were aware he had a close friend. But since they didn't run in the same circles, they hadn't hung out together. They were unaware that Hu Chuan was bringing Hsiao Rann into their fold tonight. Zhang Yu, in particular, scrutinized Hsiao Rann with a barely concealed sneer.

"Who is this?" Fong Rann inquired, as the evening's centerpiece. Regardless of Hu Chuan's guest, the celebration was for her birthday. So she spoke up.

"This is my brother, Hsiao Rann. You've all been curious about the famous face from Polytechnic University, right? Well, I've brought him to you," Hu Chuan boasted, his demeanor suggesting that he, not Hsiao Rann, was the one with the reputation at Polytechnic.

"He's the famous one from Polytechnic?" Sure enough, the four of them stared at Hsiao Rann, visibly surprised. They examined him closely, not out of academic interest, but because Hsiao Rann's recent exploits had left an impression on them as fellow students.

"Just look at those faces. What's the matter? Don't think my brother fits the bill?" Hu Chuan's face was smug with satisfaction.

"How could he possibly be the legendary figure from Polytechnic?" Lin Dong was the first to voice the question.

"What do you mean? Hsiao Rann is right here. Doesn't that surprise you?"

Hu Chuan had brought Hsiao Rann into their circle with a specific intention in mind. Despite being aware of Hsiao Rann's temperament, Hu Chuan felt a brotherly duty to look out for him. Even though Hu Chuan had come to terms with Hsiao Rann's admission of cheating to achieve his grades, it didn't stop him from introducing Hsiao Rann to the group.

In Hu Chuan's mind, he was the only one privy to Hsiao Rann's cheating, while the rest were clueless. Meeting this group could only benefit Hsiao Rann, especially since their parents were all prominent figures.

Unaware of Hu Chuan's motives, Hsiao Rann simply assumed Hu Chuan was introducing him to some friends and didn't give it much thought.

"I'm not the least bit shocked; in fact, I'm quite let down. I had imagined a Polytechnic University celebrity to be something special. Turns out, he's no different from the rest of us. Let's just go inside. We've been waiting for him for over ten minutes," grumbled Zhang Yu. If it weren't for the presence of two attractive women and the fact that they were Hu Chuan's friends, Zhang Yu wouldn't have bothered waiting. He had expected Hsiao Rann to be some wealthy Young Master, not realizing he was actually penniless.

"So Hsiao Rann has a bit of fame at Polytechnic University? Big deal. He's still going to end up working for me," Zhang Yu mused.

With that, he led the way into the KTV, and the others followed suit. Hsiao Rann noticed Zhang Yu's discontent but didn't dwell on it.

Once inside the lavish private room, the din of the outside world was left behind, and they settled into casual conversation.

"Weren't you planning an early birthday celebration for your friend?" Hsiao Rann whispered to Hu Chuan.

"Some people haven't shown up yet. We're the early birds. I had intended to wait for you by myself, but they were adamant about joining me. The rest should be arriving shortly. Today, we're throwing an early birthday bash for Fong Rann, but the real reason we're here is that Lee Minyu is interested in Zhang Yu's sister. Frankly, the Zhang and Fong families have a strong bond, and their kids often mingle. Since Fong Rann decided to celebrate early, the Zhang siblings were bound to show up. Lee Minyu set up this get-together and extended the invites to us."

Hsiao Rann mused to himself, "Lee Minyu went to the trouble of throwing a party just to chase after Zhang Yu's sister. What a bore." Naturally, he kept these thoughts to himself; it was none of his business, after all.

"I'll introduce you to the gang later. It's always good to expand your circle. And since they're my friends, they're your friends by extension," Hu Chuan added.

Hsiao Rann remained unimpressed, paying little heed to Hu Chuan's words.

As Hsiao Rann and Hu Chuan engaged in casual conversation, someone else entered the room. Hsiao Rann initially paid no mind, until the newcomer headed straight for him.

It was Zhang Yan, the sister of Zhang Yu.

"Hsiao Rann!"

Initially, Zhang Yan thought the person in the private room bore a resemblance to Hsiao Rann, which made sense since he was always wearing that same outfit. It was only logical for her to recognize him instantly.

Upon hearing his name called, Hsiao Rann instinctively turned to look.

"Yan'er!" he exclaimed, surprised. He had just mentioned to Zhang Yan at noon that it was likely they wouldn't see each other again. Yet, just a few hours had passed, and here they were, face to face.

"Why are you here?"

"Why are you here?"

They posed the question simultaneously and then burst into laughter.

"Sister Rann is celebrating her birthday early, so I had to come. But what brings you here? Do you know Sister Rann?" Zhang Yan inquired with a smile.

Shifting over to make room for Zhang Yan, Hsiao Rann responded, "In this room, you're the only person I know besides him." He gestured to Hu Chuan. "He's the one who invited me."

At that moment, Hu Chuan was staring at Hsiao Rann as if he were a spectacle. Overhearing his name, he quickly chimed in, "Hey, Zhang Yan."

Hu Chuan hadn't anticipated Hsiao Rann's acquaintance with Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan had a modest reputation in their circle for her stunning beauty and innocence. Yet, Hu Chuan and the others were well aware of her reserved nature. She wasn't one to actively seek out friendships. Despite her ever-present smile, she only genuinely engaged with her close friends, paying little attention to anyone else.

If she remembered someone's name, it meant they were friends, and Hsiao Rann had the privilege of calling Zhang Yan "Yan'er"!

In this household, only Fong Rann could get away with calling Zhang Yan "Yan'er." Anyone else who tried would be blatantly ignored.

Hu Chuan was impressed by Hsiao Rann. Somehow, Hsiao Rann was acquainted with Zhang Yan. But considering Hsiao Rann was a homebody, how did he come to know her?

No matter how much Hu Chuan pondered, he likely wouldn't guess that Zhang Yan and Hsiao Rann had just met that day.

"You're Brother Hu Chuan, right? I remember you," Zhang Yan said to Hu Chuan.

Hu Chuan felt a twinge of sadness. He had met Zhang Yan over a dozen times, yet all she said was that she remembered him.

After a brief greeting to Hu Chuan, Zhang Yan turned her attention back to her conversation with Hsiao Rann.

Zhang Yu had noticed his sister's arrival. Technically, Zhang Yan wasn't his biological sister but a cousin. Nevertheless, he wouldn't dare cross her. She was the designated heir to the Zhang family business, putting her above him in status. Thankfully, Zhang Yan had always been innocent and naive, posing no threat to him.

Seeing Zhang Yan bypass both Fong Rann and himself to sit and laugh with the poor kid, Zhang Yu couldn't hide his displeasure. He called out to her, "Yan, shouldn't you greet Fong Rann first? You're grown up now; don't you know any manners?"

Zhang Yu's remark caught everyone off guard, as he was known for his own disregard for rules.

Reminded by Zhang Yu's words, Zhang Yan suddenly remembered the real reason for her visit and quickly made her way to Fong Rann.

Zhang Yan, in and out of her police uniform, seemed like two entirely different people. Hsiao Rann mused over this transformation.

The truth was, Zhang Yan was just showing her true colors—naturally lively and adorable. Her police uniform was like a mask she wore.

Zhang Yan aspired to be a police officer. With the Zhang family patriarch in the prime of his life, he indulged his daughter's wishes. He understood her personality well and didn't trust her to manage the family business.

"Sister Rann, happy birthday! Here's my gift to you. I picked it out myself and spent more than half a month's salary on it. I really hope you'll like it." Zhang Yan offered a small gift box to Fong Rann with a hopeful smile.

Just then, three more people entered, and one of them fixed his gaze on Zhang Yan as soon as he stepped through the doorway. It was Lee Minyu.

It was an open secret among everyone present, Hsiao Rann included, that the birthday gathering was orchestrated to give Lee Minyu the perfect opportunity to woo Zhang Yan.

Approaching Fong Rann and Zhang Yan, Lee Minyu extended his own offering. "Fong Rann, I had this necklace custom-made just for you. I hope it brings you joy. Happy Birthday," he said warmly.

Without hesitation, Fong Rann accepted the gift. She figured it was only right since she had lent Lee Minyu a hand today; a gift in return was the least he could do.

As Zhang Yan and Lee Minyu initiated the gift-giving, the rest of the group followed suit, each readying their presents for Fong Rann. After all, her birthday was on the morrow. Whether they gave their gifts today or tomorrow, it didn't matter; Fong Rann would be celebrated.

Meanwhile, Hsiao Rann was at a loss. He hadn't prepared a gift at all.

"Here's something for you—a crystal pendant. It may not be as extravagant as Brother Minyu's present, but I chose it with care," another guest presented their gift to Fong Rann.

"Fong Rann, I'm giving you a diamond membership card to the Soaring Dragon Fitness Club," Hu Chuan chimed in, the last to offer a gift.

"Hu Chuan, if you're looking to shed some pounds, you should hit up the Soaring Dragon Fitness Club yourself. Why gift it to Fong Rann? Got any hidden agendas?" someone jested, eliciting a round of chuckles.

At that moment, Hsiao Rann stood out as the only one without a gift to give. He hadn't even known Fong Rann's birthday was the next day. Internally, he seethed, "Hu Chuan, you jerk. Just wait until we're back; you'll be settling up with me."