"Uh, long time no see."
Shen Yuan nodded; he wasn't really that petty. No matter what made them lower their guard to greet each other first, it was only right for him to respond.
However, Zeng Jiayao showed no intention of greeting him, merely giving him a faint glance before moving past Shen Yuan, calling out to the two who wanted to continue making small talk: "Hurry up, we're about to head to the banquet venue soon."
"Then we'll head over first."
Ding Manman and Ye Yu had no choice but to follow, glancing back at Shen Yuan as he disappeared with the two girls, then looking at Zeng Jiayao in confusion.
Zeng Jiayao spoke indifferently, "I know what you want to say."
"And yet you still do this?"
Ding Manman asked, thinking to herself that an additional friend meant an extra path. She would likely need to find work in Star City in the future, and perhaps Shen Yuan could be of help.
Zeng Jiayao replied with disdain, "Look at the little ambition you have. Can't you rely on yourselves? You all come from prestigious schools for goodness' sake. Are you only thinking of taking shortcuts and riding on coattails?"
Ding Manman and Ye Yu felt somewhat embarrassed. Who didn't have a little pride after getting into a famous university?
If it were during their freshman or sophomore years, they might have been as idealistic as Zeng Jiayao.
But now, facing work and postgraduate exams, they just felt that's how society is. When it comes to ability versus connections, relationships are certainly more important.
They suddenly understood the meaning behind their old class advisor's words: "Keep a level head, and don't think too highly of yourself."
Then, they looked at Zeng Jiayao as if they had realized something. If their class president continued with this "I'm awake while everyone else is drunk" attitude, he was bound to stumble sooner or later.
At that moment, Shen Yuan and the three girls had already left the building. Wei Ke'er curiously asked, "Senior, were those your classmates?"
"Huh, you seemed not very close with them." Wei Ke'er was a bit puzzled.
Shen Yuan smiled, "With over fifty people in a class, can you really have a good relationship with everyone?"
Wei Ke'er continued, "What about the senior with glasses? He didn't even greet you, and it seemed like his look wasn't very friendly." The source of thɪs content is novel_fіre.net
Shen Yuan said thoughtfully, "Junior, you're young, there are some things you wouldn't understand even if they were explained."
Wei Ke'er pouted, "Tch, acting all mysterious, I don't even care to know."
The trio strolled around the sports field, then made a turn at the basketball court. It was about time for dinner, so Shen Yuan and Qi Xi said goodbye to Wei Ke'er.
"Senior, can we exchange contact information?"
Wei Ke'er took out her phone while saying.
Shen Yuan snickered, "Huh, who was it just now that said they didn't like childish men?"
Wei Ke'er pouted, "There you go, patting your own back. You're so old and still have the nerve to call yourself a boy. Besides, it's not like I like you; I just thought since we met by chance, we might as well exchange contact information. I want to add Qi Xi too."
Shen Yuan, with a smile, pulled out his phone and opened his WeChat QR code: "Heh, let's see who's shameless. But for now, don't fall for me too hard. At least wait until you're 18."
"Don't flatter yourself, senior."
Wei Ke'er rolled her eyes but still scanned his QR code. After adding Qi Xi on WeChat, she left with a spring in her step.
Shen Yuan turned to Qi Xi, "Am I really that vain?"
Qi Xi initially nodded subconsciously but, noticing Shen Yuan's serious expression, quickly shook her head.
Shen Yuan looked even more displeased, "Qi Xi, you've changed. You used to not fear authority. Why change yourself just because I gave you a stern look?"
Qi Xi said innocently, "If this and that are not okay, Chairman Shen, then what do you want me to do?"
Shen Yuan waved his hand, resigned, "Never mind; just join me for some late-night food tonight, and I'll forgive you."
It was then Qi Xi understood when someone was looking for a reason to pick on you, whatever you did or said would be wrong—but luckily, it was just a simple late-night meal.
"Chairman Shen, should we invite Dong Ya too?" Qi Xi asked.
"No, her great aunt... her great grandmother came to visit her. She's busy."
Having such NPC-like excuses, Shen Yuan had to precisely track each NPC's visiting times to make the most effective use of his own time.
Qi Xi still didn't know about the relationship between the two. The last time she went to Shen Yuan's house for a meal, and they went to the bar in the second half, Qi Xi had already left early, so she was not aware that Dong Ya had spent the night at Shen Yuan's place.
"Dong Ya mentioned that you're still a nun?"
Shen Yuan looked at Qi Xi with interest.
"Uh, not a nun, just a believer."
Qi Xi awkwardly smoothed her hair, realizing that Dong Ya must be quite close to Chairman Shen to have shared such information with him.
Shen Yuan raised an eyebrow, "So, do you believers buy those kinds of outfits? You know, the ones with headscarves and long robes?"
Qi Xi shook her head gently, "No."
Shen Yuan sighed and murmured to himself, "That's a pity then."
Qi Xi didn't quite catch it, "Chairman Shen, what did you say?"
Shen Yuan waved it off, "Nothing important, just thinking of buying you a couple of outfits, could be useful in the future."
The alumni association had long since created a group chat, and the teachers sent the location of the banquet to everyone, telling them to make their way to the restaurant.
Qi Xi didn't have a car, so Shen Yuan invited her to join him. Just as they arrived at the parking lot, Old Yu came running over, huffing and puffing, "Shen Yuan, Shen Yuan, I'll ride with you, I have something to discuss."
Shen Yuan took out his car keys, flashing the nearby Koenigsegg Jesko, "But my car only seats two."