Chapter 6
Chapter 6
One by one, five or six more old classmates arrived, with Zhang Chi and Lu Jiawen arriving last, one after the other.
Appearances reflect the heart. Lu Jiawen, who is pursuing a career in government, looks like a junior leader. His hairstyle and clothing exude an official air, and his eyes reveal a humble yet shrewd glint. Although he has become an official, he is not arrogant and remains quite approachable and low-key.
Zhang Chi was beaming, radiating the confidence of a successful person. His clothes and accessories were all adorned with designer logos, and his watch looked quite expensive. He had clearly made a fortune. Upon arrival, he greeted everyone warmly, acting as if he were on his own turf.
Actually, Zhang Chi wasn't particularly outstanding during his school days. His grades were only average, and he was quite mischievous, causing his teachers a lot of headaches. Unexpectedly, he was among the first in his class to achieve success.
Song Ting once drooled to herself, "If I could travel back ten years, I would definitely try to win over a potential star like Zhang Chi. Maybe I would be a small business owner's wife by now, living a life of luxury, instead of having to work so hard running around for news every day."
Shen Qingyuan replied, "If that's the case, isn't Ye Chuyang more successful now? Why don't you win him over?"
Song Ting rolled her eyes at her and said dejectedly, "One should still have self-awareness."
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More than twenty old classmates attended this gathering. Those who couldn't come were either on business trips, working in other cities, or had young children at home and couldn't make it.
It's quite an achievement to have gathered so many people after ten years since graduation.
Once everyone was present, they sat down together. Zhang Chi, the host, naturally took the seat, as he had said he would treat everyone.
Lu Jiawen sat next to Zhang Chi, and there was an empty seat next to him. The waiter came in to remove the extra seat, but Lu Jiawen refused, saying he still needed it.
Shen Qingyuan sat to her left with Song Ting and to her right with Zheng Meijuan's son, Han Dong.
She and Han Dong were childhood sweethearts, playing together a lot when they were little. Later, in middle school, their parents were always comparing them. The difference in their academic abilities was significant, which caused friction between the children, and the difference between boys and girls meant they didn't play together much anymore. Surprisingly, they ended up in the same class in high school.
The dishes had been ordered in advance, and the waiter asked Zhang Chi if the dishes could be served.
Lu Jiawen said, "Wait a minute, there's another person coming."
Zhang Chi nodded: "I'll listen to the squad leader!"
As for who is coming, Lu Jiawen said it was a secret, and everyone would find out when they met.
Song Ting whispered to Shen Qingyuan, "So secretive, did you hire a tutor?"
Shen Qingyuan: "Invite a teacher? I don't think so."
Even the kindest teacher instantly becomes intimidating when sitting at the same table as students. It's a bit of a mood killer for a nice class reunion.
Song Ting rolled her eyes, lowered her voice, and whispered in Shen Qingyuan's ear, "It can't be Ye Chuyang, can it?"
It's impossible. They get paid millions just for attending an event. Would they have time to come all the way here and chat with this bunch of half-old and half-new people? Besides, top celebrities are so busy, they probably wouldn't have time to attend a class reunion.
The waiter served everyone hot tea and drinks.
Lu Jiawen made a few opening remarks, befitting a leader, quickly escalating the conversation with phrases like, "It's been ten years since we last met, and everyone has become a pillar of society in their respective fields," and "Contributing to the construction of our motherland." Zhang Chi also said a few words, reminiscing about their youth, looking forward to a bright future, and expressing his hope for future collaborations with his old classmates in various fields, assuring them not to hesitate to ask if he could help them.
The other classmates also said a few polite words, some even with tears in their eyes. Shen Qingyuan didn't say much; she's never been a talkative person. She just said she was happy to see her old classmates today.
One of the male classmates boldly complimented her: "Shen Qingyuan is still the same as she was in school, still student-like, like a little girl, her appearance hasn't changed at all."
Yu Miaomiao said sarcastically, "Of course, top students are different from us."
Song Ting added, "Of course, a person with a wealth of knowledge naturally exudes elegance."
Actually, we're all only in our late twenties, not old yet. But after a few years of struggling in society, we've truly felt how hard it is to make money. Many of us are also rushing to get married and have children, and suddenly the pressure mounts, leading to a sense of vicissitude.
The term "student-like" is usually a compliment when used by an old classmate. However, if used by a boss or superior, it doesn't carry a positive connotation.
Shen Qingyuan entered society late. After graduating from high school, she spent eight out of the ten years on campus. Perhaps that's why she was able to retain her student-like qualities.
Shen Qingyuan put down her teacup and smiled modestly, "We're all young, not even thirty yet."
Some lamented how time flies, while others lamented gaining weight, with fatty liver, high cholesterol, and high uric acid appearing before they even turned thirty.
When the conversation turned to health, some people remembered that Shen Qingyuan was a doctor at a major hospital in Jicheng, making her an authority in the field. Taking advantage of the opportunity, students with health-related needs started asking questions all at once.
The issue was too broad, so Shen Qingyuan could only offer general advice, urging everyone to pay attention to their lifestyle and routines, exercise more, and maintain a positive mood. These were all old clichés.
Everything else is fine, but the point about maintaining a cheerful mood is a bit like asking "Why don't they eat cake?"
With high work pressure, many uncertainties about the future, and everyone at an age where they are about to settle down and start a family, who can stay happy every day?
"I want to take my mom to Jicheng for surgery next month. We don't know anyone there. Shen Qingyuan, could you recommend a specialist?" A boy named Sun Pengcheng suddenly stood up and asked with a troubled expression.
It's probably not as simple as just recommending an expert; it would be best to pull some strings and find an expert to perform the surgery. Having an old classmate as a friend would be invaluable in this situation.
Such private requests are best made in private; in front of so many classmates, the other person would definitely feel awkward refusing. Sun Pengcheng's close relative is ill, and he's probably in a bad mood, so he can't think about such things.
If this had happened six months ago, Shen Qingyuan would have confidently assured him she'd take care of it. They were old classmates, with a very close relationship. Helping out with a small favor wouldn't have been a big deal.
But she is in an awkward position now. If she agrees, she is afraid that she will not be able to help when she is no longer in Jicheng.
Before Shen Qingyuan could speak, Han Dong, who was sitting next to her, chimed in, "I know that. Shen Qingyuan might not be in Jicheng next month. I heard from my mom that she's going abroad to study soon."
Han Dong, being Shen Qingyuan's childhood friend, readily brushed it off, whether he could actually help or not was another matter.
A collective gasp of envy and admiration rippled through the crowd. After all, studying abroad was a truly grand undertaking in a small city like Chenyang. It required top-tier talent, not only bringing honor to one's family but also contributing to the progress of human civilization. Perhaps, years later, they would even be remembered in history…
Shen Qingyuan turned her head and looked calmly at Han Dong. "That's what my mother said to Aunt Zheng?"
Han Dong grinned and nodded, "Yeah, yeah, they said you've been preparing diligently at home for almost half a year, determined to get into the best medical school in the United States for your doctorate!"
Song Ting frowned slightly, feeling uneasy. She knew her best friend all too well; she was straightforward and honest. Even at almost thirty, she retained the good qualities she had from kindergarten: she couldn't lie.
"Shen Qingyuan, don't argue back." Song Ting tried to keep her lips still and whispered the message to Shen Qingyuan.
Some classmates cheered, "This is great news! It's an honor for us to have such a capable classmate! Classmates, let's raise a glass to Shen Qingyuan with tea instead of wine! Let's encourage her to continue to bring glory to Chenyang No. 2 Middle School!"
"Yes, cheers! Cheers!"
The atmosphere is so lively, it would be impossible not to have a drink.
Some people had already eagerly taken a sip of their drinks when they heard a clear, crisp voice say, "No, they've made a mistake. I have no intention of going abroad."
Song Ting silently cursed in her heart that she was doomed.
Han Dong stood there, mouth slightly agape, stunned. The amount of information was overwhelming; his brain, which had always been limited in capacity, couldn't process it all in a short time.
The matter wasn't over yet. Shen Qingyuan turned to Sun Pengcheng, pursed her lips, and said, "I'm sorry, Sun Pengcheng, I no longer work at the hospital in Jicheng, so I probably can't be of much help. But if you need anything, I can still ask my former colleagues and classmates to help you."
Sun Pengcheng was also a little stunned. Hearing that someone could help, even though it was a long way, he figured it was better to have someone help than no one at all, so he quickly agreed.
After that, the private room became unusually quiet.
At this moment, even the most composed and skilled stage-controlling Zheng Jiawen was speechless.
No one was foolish enough to ask Shen Qingyuan directly why she left the major hospital in Jicheng. Ten years had passed, and even the most naive person would have learned a lesson.
It is known that Shen Qingyuan left the large hospital in Jicheng and stayed in her hometown of Chenyang for half a year, not to pursue further studies abroad, nor did she have a job.
Question: What happened to this former top student? Did she fall from grace? Did she lose her former glory? What is she doing now?
The older I get, the more I realize that everyone likes to cover themselves up. My social media feed is full of idyllic scenes; occasionally, there are posts complaining about setbacks and frustrations, which I regret immediately after posting. I delete them.
A crack accidentally appeared in my heart, revealing a little secret, which I quickly sewed up again.
Wounds are things best left to be licked alone in the dark of night.
In the animal kingdom, exposed wounds mean bloodshed; wolves, tigers, and leopards are drawn by the smell, all eyeing the prey with predatory intent, each wanting a piece of the pie. The human world isn't much better.
Once you've licked it all up, you can pretend nothing happened when it's light.
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Suddenly, everyone seemed to be busy at the same time: some were pouring tea, some were chatting with the person next to them about the past, and some were busy looking at the menu...
Song Ting sighed to herself, "Shen Qingyuan, why did you have to..."
Yu Miaomiao was in a good mood and talked to the girl next to her: "Speaking of which, my grades were really bad back then. Later, I transferred to an art class and barely managed to get into a third-tier university. But now I'm doing pretty well, I have a car and a house, and a stable life. Life is really unpredictable. Sometimes you can't run too fast; you have to conserve your strength and fight for the second half..."
The fall of a genius is both heartbreaking and strangely satisfying.
Just then, the door suddenly opened, and a wheelchair slowly slid into the private room. A man's voice came in: "I'm sorry I'm late, I've kept everyone waiting!"
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