Inside the elevator, Chang Zhiqing, holding onto the handrail, laughed uncontrollably, completely losing her ladylike demeanor.
"So Huang Rushi took on THAT advertisement. No wonder you looked so upset. Hahaha..."
On the drive home, Chang Zhiqing had been browsing short videos and came across three milk tea shop ads within minutes. Recalling Yang Ruoqian's sudden change in expression while buying clothes, she immediately understood why he was in such a bad mood.
Frustrated, Yang Ruoqian exclaimed, "How was I supposed to know that there'd be such an outrageous advertisement?! Had I known, I'd never have taken the contract!"
Who would have thought someone would make such an ad?
"Look on the bright side. Although we lost face, at least we made money," Chang Zhiqing said, patting Yang Ruoqian on the shoulder. "What's done is done. Let's think positively. We can slowly rebuild the company's image in the future."
The company making money doesn't mean I did!
No profit, just embarrassment!
Everyone at the company believed Yang Ruoqian had made a fortune by signing two viral hosts and securing the ad deal. But nobody knew he was working essentially for free for the system. He didn't see a dime of the profits.
Cursing Shao I-qi for this situation, Yang Ruoqian decided he'd make him pay. Exiting the elevator and entering his apartment, Yang Ruoqian changed the subject, "When is Gao Naiyun coming to pick up her stuff?"
Chang Zhiqing huffed, "Why are you so concerned about her?"
Obviously, who's going to cover the 1500 in rent she owes?
A cash-strapped Yang Ruoqian muttered, "Aren't you curious about your next roommate?"
"You better make the rental conditions clear. No tenants with bad habits. Otherwise, I'll move in with you," Chang Zhiqing warned.
Yang Ruoqian joked, "Would that be such a bad thing?"
Chang Zhiqing's cheeks flushed, "You..."
At that moment, a knock interrupted them. "Are you ready? Time to go," came a voice from the door.
Wearing casual clothes, Yang Ruoqian opened the door to see Chang Zhiqing, stunning in her qipao. He was taken aback, momentarily forgetting to close the door.
Chang Zhiqing, noticing his gaze, felt a surge of pride. "How do I look?"
Yang Ruoqian hesitated before teasing, "Are you worried that if you speak too loudly, the ties on your dress might snap?"
Chang Zhiqing's smile froze, and she retorted, "It's my money, my dress. Why do you care?"
"You really should have gone for a larger size..."
Their bickering continued until they reached their destination.
As Yang Ruoqian got out of the car, he received a message from Shao I-qi: "Have you arrived? We're just waiting for you two."
Although Chang Zhiqing was familiar with everyone, she wasn't part of the alumni group. So, Yang Ruoqian had informed the organizer, Shao I-qi, in advance that they'd be bringing an extra person.
"We aren't late. You all just came too early. We're in the underground parking lot and will be up soon," replied Yang Ruoqian to the message.
After replying, he glanced at Chang Zhiqing beside him and, with a hint of amusement, asked, "Can you walk by yourself, or do you need me to help you?"
"What's there to help with?" Chang Zhiqing responded, rolling her eyes and sounding annoyed. "I'm not Lin Daiyu."
As they spoke, the elevator reached the top floor. As soon as Chang Zhiqing stepped out, she attracted numerous admiring glances. The qipao, albeit a size smaller, suited her perfectly, adding a hint of allure to her classical beauty.
"Is she a celebrity?" someone whispered.
"Definitely not..."
"Look at her boyfriend, not even offering her a hand. If I had such a girlfriend, I'd carry her!"
"That's the privilege of being handsome... You wouldn't understand."
Ignoring the surrounding stares and murmurs, Chang Zhiqing followed Yang Ruoqian to the private dining room and pushed open the door. Around twenty people sat around a large round table, chatting. The room fell silent as Yang Ruoqian and Chang Zhiqing entered, as only the organizer, Shao I-qi, knew she would be attending.
The sight of Chang Zhiqing, dressed so stunningly, left everyone in awe. Yet, Shao I-qi, ever the instigator, feigned surprise and teased, "So, you two are officially together now?"
The close relationship between Chang Zhiqing, the computer science department's beauty, and Yang Ruoqian was no secret.
"Finally together?"
"Not yet," Chang Zhiqing replied with a confident smile, choosing a seat.
Yang Ruoqian, rolling his eyes, denied, "Don't spread such rumors..."
As the old classmates settled, the servers quickly served the dishes.
"Eat up, don't be shy," Shao I-qi said, picking up his chopsticks and warming up the atmosphere. "How has everyone's year been?"
Through jokes and banter, everyone soon reverted to their old camaraderie, sharing their latest news.
"I got a government job."
"I'm working for a multinational company now. Great benefits."
"Envious... I was sent to another city. The pay is good, but I'm not used to it and have fewer holidays."
"And you, Yang Ruoqian?"
"I've started a small business. It's going okay."
"Don't be modest. I saw your car keys. How is that a 'small' business? And that dress on the beautiful Chang must have cost a fortune..."
As the old classmates caught up, it felt like a typical reunion.
The overall atmosphere was harmonious without any dramatic events. Soon, everyone was full and content.
"Where shall we go after dinner?" asked Shao I-qi, generously picking up the tab.
"For a class reunion, it has to be the classic KTV!"
"Let's go!"
Yang Ruoqian felt a wave of relief. A dinner followed by KTV was the classic reunion format. Amidst his stressful days working for the system, this normal and harmonious gathering brought a touch of warmth to his heart.