Liu Jia is a local from Yunzhou. Both of her parents are state-owned enterprise employees. They currently live on the west side of the city. A few years ago, during the urban renewal, they exchanged their original staff dormitory for two new apartments: one for self-use and the other for rent.
Chen Wei rushed over from the north of the city, which was quite a distance, taking over an hour by taxi.
By the time he arrived, it was already past eight o'clock.
A large group of people had already gathered downstairs at Liu Jia's house, consisting of relatives, friends, as well as classmates like Dong Yuhua and Yue Jiawen.
A large inflatable arch was set up at the entrance of the building, and a row of fireworks and firecrackers had been laid out on the ground.
Some people were busy coming and going, but most were casually chatting about today's newlyweds.
It was a festive and harmonious atmosphere.
"Old Chen? Why did you just arrive?"
As soon as Chen Wei arrived, Yue Jiawen greeted him with a big hug.
"It's a bit far, so it took me some time."
After the hug, Chen Wei explained, feeling a sense of joy at seeing the familiar faces again.
"Old Chen, you're as modest as ever! It's been a year since we last saw each other. How have you been lately?"
Dong Yuhua also came over, shaking Chen Wei's hand with a smile.
"It's been okay, not starving or freezing, quite content."
Chen Wei was somewhat introverted, which was related to his upbringing. He tended to keep to himself and rarely initiated closeness with others.
Dong Yuhua and Chen Wei weren't roommates, so they hadn't interacted much during their four years in college, unlike Chen Wei's close relationship with Yue Jiawen.
However, now that Chen Wei had figured some things out, he wasn't as aloof as before and jokingly replied to Dong Yuhua.
"Humble! Old Chen, you're just being humble! From what I know, you guys who trade in U.S. stocks are really something, competing with those top investment masters on Wall Street. Tell me honestly, how much do you make in a year now? Tens of thousands or millions?"
Dong Yuhua teased.
Chen Wei smiled and replied, "It's not that exaggerated. We're far from being on par with the top masters on Wall Street. In their eyes, we're not even small fish, just making a living. Compared to you guys who specialize in money matters in banks, we're nothing."
Dong Yuhua laughed heartily, saying, "It's all relative. I'm just making a living too, like everyone else!"
Though he tried to hide it, there was an unmistakable sense of pride in his demeanor.
Chen Wei smiled faintly and didn't say anything more.
After exchanging greetings with a few other classmates, Chen Wei stood aside with Yue Jiawen, chatting about each other's recent lives and the current situations of Deng Chenxi and Sun Haoping.
Chen Wei learned that Deng Chenxi had gone abroad to study, attending a well-known university in the United States, pursuing a Master's degree in International Finance. Sun Haoping, on the other hand, had become a civil servant in another province and was quite busy lately, so he couldn't make it.
"Old Chen, how's your trading in U.S. stocks going now?"
After chatting for a while, Yue Jiawen finally asked.
Yue Jiawen was also observant. He could tell that Chen Wei was wearing a new outfit today, probably just bought.
The clothes, pants, and shoes were all new.
But they were all inexpensive.
Chen Wei's entire outfit probably wasn't worth as much as one of Yue Jiawen's shirts.
Yue Jiawen naturally assumed that Chen Wei wasn't doing well in his U.S. stock trading.
"It's okay."
Chen Wei, equally perceptive, could see the genuine concern in Yue Jiawen's eyes. He smiled faintly and replied.
He couldn't directly tell Yue Jiawen that he had made 1.47 million in salary this month...
That would be showing off for nothing.
"Old Chen, we were dormitory mates. You don't need to be so reserved with me. Your business is my business. As long as you're willing to leave Haidong and come to Lingnan, I'll immediately help you get this done! Although our unit isn't exactly a plum position, if you do well, there's a lot of potential. Plus, you can also get in touch with some corporate leaders on a regular basis, which can help expand your network. If you don't want to stay in the unit in the future, you'll have other options."
Yue Jiawen continued, speaking tactfully.
Chen Wei was touched.
He knew about Yue Jiawen's unit. The salary wasn't particularly high, but it was definitely a prestigious unit. It wasn't easy for an average person to get in.
Every vacant position faced fierce competition.
Yue Jiawen was willing to help him seize this opportunity, showing genuine concern.
Chen Wei smiled and said, "Jiawen, I know you mean well, and I appreciate it, but you don't have to worry about me. I'm doing fine now."
"Old Chen, we were dormitory mates. There's no need to be formal with me. Your affairs are my affairs. As long as you're willing to leave Haidong and come to Lingnan, I'll get this sorted out for you right away!"
Yue Jiawen continued.
"Really, you don't have to. Actually, I won't hide it from you. I've made some money trading U.S. stocks recently and plan to start a trading company with a few friends."
Seeing Yue Jiawen's insistence, Chen Wei could only smile helplessly and reveal some information.
"Is that true? You're really planning to start your own company? That's impressive, Old Chen!"
Yue Jiawen was genuinely surprised.
"Well, let's not make a big deal out of it. I don't even know if it will work out. Let's give it a try first."
Chen Wei smiled.
"If you encounter any difficulties in other aspects, you can also come to me. I have a few friends here in Yunzhou, and I might be able to help."
Yue Jiawen nodded and said.
"Alright, if I do encounter any problems by then, I won't hesitate to trouble you."
Chen Wei politely replied.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Don't think about it as a trouble."
Yue Jiawen pretended to be dissatisfied.
While the two were chatting, they saw a convoy of luxury cars arriving outside the community.
At the head was a Bentley, followed by a line of Mercedes-Benz.
The groom, Lin Xuan, and his six groomsmen got out of the car and walked over.
Chen Wei frowned.
Among the groomsmen, there was one he recognized!
It was Luo Chen!