Facing Zhou Chen, who spoke eloquently.
Whether it was Wu Yuxue, Liu Lei, Wang Qiang, Zhang Dong, or Lu Ye, they were all somewhat surprised.
In their memories, Zhou Chen was a man of few words, rarely showing the openness and confidence they had today, able to discuss any topic freely.
Moreover, Zhou Chen showed no discomfort or inferiority complex when facing these college students; his emotions remained remarkably stable and calm.
Previously, they were worried that it wouldn't be appropriate to talk about university in front of Zhou Chen, but Zhou Chen took the initiative to ask, and when he brought it up, there was no envy in his eyes, only indifference.
Yes, it's about being indifferent, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world.
This left Zhang Dong and Wang Qiang looking at each other in bewilderment.
To be honest, as Zhou Chen's classmates, the two of them, who were once academically inferior to Zhou Chen, initially claimed to protect Zhou Chen's self-esteem and not to boast. However, as young people in their early twenties, full of vigor and about to graduate from university, how could they not have a psychological advantage over Zhou Chen, a former academic star who is now doing worse than them?
Even if they don't say it, they feel a certain sense of superiority.
This is human nature.
After all, these college students will have a better future. Returning to a small place like Fanjia County would be like returning home in glory. They believe that Zhou Chen, who is still in Fanjia County, must envy their lives.
But none of this could be seen on Zhou Chen's face.
Zhou Chen's expression was completely natural, and it was definitely not an act, which surprised and puzzled the others.
What exactly happened during those three years that caused such a dramatic change in Zhou Chen, making him seem more mature than anyone else?
However,
Little did they know that Zhou Chen was a reincarnated person, whose life experience and insights far surpassed those of them, the college students about to enter society.
Zhou Chen's maturity is a maturity of mindset.
Although they were all around the same age, Zhou Chen treated them like juniors, and given his current achievements, he naturally felt no envy.
Wu Yuxue's eyes flashed with a strange light.
She didn't expect that when she saw Zhou Chen again three years later, he was still so outstanding. He didn't seem like someone who had dropped out of school and was working on a construction site.
Because Zhou Chen doesn't have the demeanor of a migrant worker; instead, he seems more like someone in a superior position.
Yes, Wu Yuxue saw a hint of authority in Zhou Chen. In her heart, although she found it a little funny, the temperament that Zhou Chen unintentionally revealed was indeed similar to those of the school leaders she had met in college.
It's probably just an illusion.
Wu Yuxue could only understand it this way, and that seemed more reasonable.
"Zhou Chen, we're graduating soon. Once we have stable jobs, we'll introduce you to some suitable ones. Don't refuse; it's always better to develop your career in the city than in Fanjia County."
Wang Qiang spoke.
“Yes, staying in a small place means no opportunities for development. Going to the city to make money will broaden your horizons and you can earn more than in Fanjia County. We’ve all decided that after graduation, we’ll all try to help you.”
Zhang Dong then added.
Fearing Zhou Chen might misunderstand, Liu Lei added, "We didn't mean anything by it, don't overthink it. We just wanted to help each other out since we were classmates."
Zhou Chen smiled slightly and said, "Alright, then I'll have to trouble you old classmates. Whether I can find a decent job in the future is up to you all."
He had a good impression of the group because after they sat down, Wang Qiang and Zhang Dong didn't deliberately show off. They talked about their high school life and only answered his questions about college. Moreover, they were not arrogant or looked down on him.
Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Zhou Chen felt that such a person was worth befriending. If he sat down, he would show off in various ways, and he would only stay for a few minutes to chat with Lu Ye alone for a while before making an excuse to leave.
The meal was quite enjoyable.
With afternoon classes approaching, Zhou Chen had to leave early, telling the others not to see him off. Before leaving, he asked for their phone numbers, but of course, he mainly wanted Lu Ye's contact information.
Once Zhou Chen left,
The people at the table suddenly fell silent.
"I never expected him to have changed so much."
"Yes, I feel he has matured a lot."
Wang Qiang and Zhang Dong expressed their feelings, and Wu Yuxue and Liu Lei all felt the same way, feeling that Zhou Chen's changes were no less significant than theirs.
“We seem to have forgotten to tell him that his sister came by.” Lu Ye’s reminder made the group pause slightly.
"Of course! How could we forget about that? What exactly happened between those siblings? We haven't asked yet."
Previously, everyone was so focused on reminiscing about the past that they overlooked the fact that Zhou Ling had come and smeared them.
Therefore, we can only discuss this matter in detail next time we meet.
The group stopped arguing and prepared to pay the bill and leave.
"Your bill has been settled."
Upon arriving at the restaurant owner's place, everyone learned that Zhou Chen had secretly paid the bill.
The cost of the meal wasn't much, just over two hundred yuan, but it wasn't cheap either—almost half a month's salary for an average worker. Considering that Zhou Chen only earns a few hard-earned dollars a day working on a construction site, the fact that he treated them to this meal made everyone feel that Zhou Chen was putting on a show of wealth.
"He shouldn't pay for the dinner alone. Let's split the bill."
Wu Yuxue suggested.
Everyone else had no objections and thought it was more reasonable.
"You guys are really good. You don't take advantage of others. You're worthy of being Zhou's friends."
Just as the group was making their decision, the restaurant owner suddenly smiled and offered a compliment.
"Boss, we're not just friends, we're classmates too."
Wang Qiang corrected him.
After saying that, he turned to leave.
However, Wu Yuxue didn't move. Instead, she suddenly asked the restaurant owner, "Boss, why do you call him Zhou Tongxue?"
Um?
Wang Qiang, Liu Lei, and the others, who were originally planning to leave, suddenly stopped upon hearing this, wondering why Wu Yuxue was bothered by such a trivial matter.
"Yu Xue, it's normal for the boss to address you like that, they must know each other."
Liu Lei said.
Wu Yuxue, however, did not think so; on the contrary, she had a bold guess in her mind.
At this moment, the restaurant owner spoke up, affirming Liu Lei's words, and then said something that stunned everyone.
"In the entire Fanjia County, everyone knows Zhou. He's a celebrity in Fanjia County."
"Ranked first in the school's overall rankings twice in a row, and received public praise from the school on multiple occasions."
"The whole high school became famous because of him. He was the focus of the entire school and a prominent figure."
After the restaurant owner said this,
Everyone, including Wu Yuxue, froze on the spot.
...
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