◇ 【130】 High school reunion
Liao Tianming calmly examined Gu Juan and the impressive man beside him, secretly surprised. Gu Juan and this man were incredibly close; it couldn't be an illusion. He'd attended several high school reunions before, and heard about Gu Juan graduating early in just two years. Many of his classmates were envious and admired him. He'd been the center of attention, but now Gu Juan had overtaken him, and he harbored a lingering sense of jealousy. Now, the child of destiny, considered a prized talent by his classmates, was flirting with someone of the same sex. If word got out...
Gu Juan brushed off the dust on Xi Lang's clothes and nodded to Liao Tianming, "What a coincidence, Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year!" Liao Tianming strode over, his face showing the surprise of seeing an old classmate. "You, you haven't been to the class reunion for several times. I finally see you today."
Gu Juan didn't think that this person really missed him that much, and smiled faintly, "I'm just too busy."
"May I know who this is?" Liao Tianming asked, nodding to Xi Lang with a smile.
Gu Juan said frankly: "This is my love, Xi Lang."
"Lover...lover?" Liao Tianming was genuinely shocked. He'd guessed Gu Juan was in a relationship with this man, but he hadn't expected her to be so blunt, and specifically define it as "lover" rather than "boyfriend." The concepts of "lover" and "boyfriend" were quite different. He looked at Gu Juan and Xi Lang's hands, and sure enough, he saw rings. Wasn't Gu Juan afraid he'd spread the word about their relationship? He glanced at the man, his expression of doting undeniably true.
"Yeah. What's wrong?" Gu Juan kept smiling.
"Nothing, just a little surprised." Liao Tianming quickly adjusted his facial expression and politely extended his hand to Xi Lang for a handshake. "Mr. Xi, nice to meet you. By the way, Gu Juan, we're organizing a class reunion on the sixth day of the New Year. Are you not coming again? Many of my classmates miss you very much. Come on over if you're free, and let's have a good time together."
Gu Juan thought about it. He had received many invitations to class reunions in the high school group chat, but he hadn't been interested and hadn't gone. Now that Liao Tianming had asked him directly, it was hard to refuse. He didn't have much to do during the New Year anyway, so he might as well go. He nodded and said, "Okay, I'll definitely go then."
Liao Tianming immediately told him the location and specific time, then glanced at Xi Lang vaguely and said, "The squad leader said that those with families can bring theirs. It will surely be a lively occasion."
Gu Juan wasn't sure if he was provoking her, so she said noncommittally, "Really?"
Liao Tianming looked at the two standing side by side, both with a calm and composed look. He didn't know what to feel for a moment, so he smiled awkwardly and said, "Then it's settled. I have something else to do, so I'll be leaving first."
Gu Juan nodded, "Okay, see you later."
Xi Lang glanced at Liao Tianming's back as he walked away, rubbed his lover's head, and said with a half-smile, "Your classmate is quite interesting."
Gu Juan paid no attention to his words, frowning in thought. Suddenly, he clapped his right fist against his left palm and said awkwardly, "I remember now. His name is Liao Tianming, not Zou Tianming." Fortunately, he hadn't called him by his first name, or it would have been incredibly awkward. It wasn't his fault for getting the last name wrong. Although they'd been classmates for two years in high school, he certainly didn't interact with many of his classmates back then.
Xi Lang laughed out loud, still holding his hand and putting it in his pocket. His magnetic voice was full of doting, "You. Since you have decided to attend the class reunion, when you go back, take out the old yearbook and look through it, so as not to mix up your classmates' names again."
Gu Juan curled his lips and moved the hand in his pocket to signal him to move forward. "I know. You will accompany me when the time comes."
Xi Lang's heart melted at these simple words, and he curled his lips into a smile, "Okay."
…
The reunion of Science Class 8 was scheduled for the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Since a significant number of students were expected, and since they would also be bringing their families, Class Monitor Feng Yue immediately booked a large private room with ample seating for an oversized round table. The room had a wall-mounted TV and brand-new mahjong machines in each corner.
Mahjong is a national treasure of China, especially during the New Year. Few people visit relatives without playing a few rounds. Those who arrived early quickly gathered four tables, playing mahjong while waiting for others to join them. A crowd of spectators gathered nearby, chatting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere.
Liao Tianming led a few waiters in and said with a smile, "I knew you didn't order anything. I ordered some snacks and fruits. Let's eat and have fun together."
Everyone watched as the waiter presented plates of exquisite snacks and fruit, smiles plastered on their faces, and they thanked Liao Tianming one after another. Previous class reunions had been funded by everyone attending, but today's reunion was paid for by Liao Tianming himself.
Liao Tianming listened to everyone's thanks, a glint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes, but his face remained silent. His smile was sincere and warm, and his tone was generous, "We are all old classmates, why are you being so polite?"
"Brother, why are you so generous this time? Did you make a fortune?" A male classmate hooked his arm around Liao Tianming's shoulder and joked.
Liao Tianming smiled modestly, "Not really. I was just lucky enough to get into a big company and made a small profit."
Everyone immediately congratulated him. They were all studying four-year programs, about to graduate and worry about finding a job, but Liao Tianming had already quietly landed a job at a major company. It was hard not to be envious.
Liao Tianming said a few more humble words, looked around, and did not see Gu Juan.
"Has Gu Juan arrived?"
A male classmate asked in surprise, "Gu Juan is coming? He has never attended any class reunions before."
Liao Tianming said casually, "I ran into him a few days ago, and he said he was coming. It's just..."
Someone immediately responded curiously, "Just what?"
"Oh, nothing." Liao Tianming looked a little embarrassed, and changed the subject with a smile, "By the way, I haven't welcomed you, the 'family members' yet, please don't be shy..."
Xu Yang stared at Liao Tianming for a long, inquiring moment, deeply curious about what he was trying to say. Gu Juan, young and already a successful career, was a cult figure in the eyes of many of his classmates. He couldn't think of anything to elaborate on.
At this time, the door of the private room was pushed open again.
"Excuse me, we seem to be late?"
Everyone in the private room looked up at the same time.
One time, I saw a high school classmate on the bus, but I couldn't remember her name no matter what. I was so embarrassed. o(╯□╰)o
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