Ning Xingchen and Lin Xun'er attended the same high school, but went to different universities. This reunion marks the first time in three or four years that the high school classmates have gathered.
Night Banquet International KTV is one of the most luxurious, renowned, and high-end KTVs in Donghai City, with exorbitant expenses averaging over ten thousand per person, making it unaffordable for the average person.
However, this time someone is hosting the reunion, so there's no need to split the bill. As a result, many classmates who were hesitant to come showed up, even some from the neighboring classes, eager to indulge at Night Banquet International and see what it's like.
The Emperor's Platinum Room at Night Banquet International KTV is the venue for this reunion. The cost starts at twenty thousand per hour, making it accessible only to the truly wealthy.
Ning Xingchen and Lin Xun'er arrived together and pushed open the door to enter.
The private room was enormous, covering over three hundred square meters. It could comfortably accommodate a hundred people for the gathering.
Living up to its name, the Platinum Room was lavishly decorated, opulent, and technologically advanced. In addition to the karaoke equipment, there was even a swimming pool and a bar, with rows of shelves filled with various types of liquor, including beer and wine.
As soon as Lin Xun'er walked in, she became the center of attention. All eyes turned to her, as she was the pride of the class and the school's undisputed beauty queen.
"Xun'er, you're here! Come over and sit down, we've all been waiting for you." A reasonably good-looking young man immediately stood up and walked toward Lin Xun'er, a flash of greed in his eyes.
He was Qin Chuan, the organizer of today's reunion and the one who claimed he would cover all the expenses, a wealthy scion.
"Class Monitor Qin, long time no see." Lin Xun'er smiled politely at Qin Chuan, adhering to the saying that one shouldn't hit a smiling face.
Lin Xun'er's smile was enchanting to Qin Chuan, making him appear mesmerized.
"Lin the Beauty, our Qin has been practicing love songs recently, just to serenade you tonight!" joked a classmate named Li Lin, Qin Chuan's closest friend and sycophant. He was like this during school and remained so now.
"Xun'er, I'm so happy you could come. I was so excited at the thought of seeing you today that I couldn't sleep last night!" Qin Chuan, dressed in a designer suit, unconsciously flaunted the luxury watch on his wrist.
"That's an exaggeration." Lin Xun'er frowned slightly, feeling uncomfortable with Qin Chuan's blatant gaze.
Just as Qin Chuan was about to continue his flattering words, Ning Xingchen walked over, took Lin Xun'er's smooth, fair hand, and said, "Xun'er, let's go over there."
Back in school, Ning Xingchen knew Qin Chuan was trouble. Qin Chuan's family had become wealthy overnight due to a lucky break, turning him into a nouveau riche who used money to coerce and entice many innocent girls. Despite his many conquests, he still coveted Lin Xun'er, who was the dream girl of every boy in school. Some even swore that just holding her hand would be worth dying for.
If Ning Xingchen hadn't always been by Lin Xun'er's side, Qin Chuan would have tried to take advantage of her long ago.
"Okay." Lin Xun'er nodded, grateful for Ning Xingchen's timely intervention.
...
Seeing Ning Xingchen lead Lin Xun'er away, Qin Chuan's eyes showed jealousy and a hint of hatred. Ning Xingchen had always been a thorn in his side.
"Qin, that Ning guy is really something, daring to compete with you. Shouldn't we get some tough guys to teach him a lesson?" Li Lin whispered.
"That bastard is close to Xun'er. If we cripple him, Xun'er might dislike me even more, making it harder to win her heart," Qin Chuan muttered.
"Qin, winning a woman's heart is easy. Nowadays, girls are materialistic. Show off your wealth and status, and they'll throw themselves at you. Ning Xingchen, that pauper, can't compare to you!" Li Lin said with a lewd grin.
"You're right. Watch for my signal later, and let's cooperate well today." Qin Chuan agreed with Li Lin's suggestion.
Lin Xun'er was popular in the class, and many classmates came up to chat with her as soon as she arrived.
Meanwhile, Ning Xingchen felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw it was Yao Le, his high school best friend.
"Xingchen, long time no see!" Yao Le gave Ning Xingchen a bear hug, his affection evident.
"Wow, you seem to be doing well!" Ning Xingchen looked Yao Le up and down. With his slicked-back hair, suave appearance, suit and tie, and a slightly prosperous look, he seemed to be making good money.
"Not bad, but not as well as you." Yao Le smiled, sneaking a glance at the Vacheron Constantin on Ning Xingchen's wrist, its genuine luxury gleaming under the lights.
"Haha, I remember you went to the U.S., so why are you back now?" Ning Xingchen asked, puzzled.
"The U.S. economy isn't doing well. There's more opportunity here. Besides, I can't get used to American women—they have a fishy smell. Compared to the sweet, curvy girls in Donghai, there's no comparison!" Yao Le's shameless demeanor hadn't changed, his essence still the same.
"Wait, wasn't your taste quite heavy? I remember you once spied on the dorm mother using the bathroom." Ning Xingchen chuckled, memories flooding back.
"Ah, who hasn't had a foolish youth?" Yao Le sighed.
"Haha, that wasn't just youthful folly—that was hormonal madness!" Ning Xingchen laughed, wrapping an arm around Yao Le's shoulder.
"Enough about me. How are things with you and Lin the Beauty? When's the wedding so I can bring a gift?" Yao Le asked boldly.
"Don't mention it, no progress. We're still just slightly better than regular friends." Ning Xingchen was honest with Yao Le, his old buddy.
"What? In high school, you two were inseparable. Everyone thought you even had a kid together. And now you tell me you're just friends? Seriously, are you impotent?" Yao Le teased.
"Impotent, my ass. You know Lin Xun'er's personality—pure and kind. I can't bring myself to use tricks on her," Ning Xingchen replied sincerely.