Chapter 7
Chapter 7
When Shen Qingyuan subconsciously turned her head to look, she found a man wearing a hat and a mask, sitting in a wheelchair.
It looks familiar.
It's not the same familiar face from ten years ago, but more like a recent acquaintance.
This person looks like the wheelchair-bound man she met with Song Ting at the hot pot restaurant.
The person took off their mask and hat, and probably to avoid messing up their hairstyle, they even shook their head.
Someone exclaimed, "Ye Chuyang? Su Liao?!" The crowd stirred.
Fortunately, the door to the private room was already closed. The door was quite thick, so the sound insulation was probably not bad.
Ye Chuyang made a shushing gesture and laughed, "It's me, classmates, long time no see!"
"Ye Chuyang, welcome, welcome, old classmate!" Lu Jiawen stood up and quickly went over to greet him. "Oh, you're injured? Are you alright?"
"I got a minor injury while filming. It's nothing." Ye Chuyang waved his hand dismissively, then looked Lu Jiawen up and down. "Class monitor, you've matured a lot, you're like a leader now!"
Lu Jiawen walked up to Ye Chuyang, patted his head, and looked a little confused. "Old classmate, would you prefer us to call you Ye Chuyang or Su Liao?"
"When you see an old classmate, please call me by my old name."
Lu Jiawen laughed so hard he almost fell over: "Even though I don't watch TV dramas, I know you're pretty famous now. You're incredibly famous, a top-tier star, practically the pride of Chenyang!..."
—The "Light of Chenyang" slid smoothly from Shen Qingyuan's head to Ye Chuyang's head.
Only Lu Jiawen knew who the mystery guest was. She was keeping it a secret from everyone to prevent the news from leaking out too early. After all, with Su Liao's current fame, he had too many fans. What if he came to the class reunion? It would be impossible to guard against.
While the two were exchanging pleasantries, everyone came to their senses, though they were still a little dazed and unsure whether the incident had actually happened.
Many people secretly thought that today's class reunion was well worth it, as almost all the prominent figures from their class back then were present. Not only did they witness the suspected passing of the academic genius Shen Qingyuan, but they also met Ye Chuyang, the miracle of Chenyang No. 2 Middle School.
Ye Chuyang's appearance fee must start at a million now, being his old classmate is so lucky! To be able to dine at the same table as a celebrity! It's probably on par with a lunch with Buffett!
Ordinary people's lives are so mundane and boring. It's rare to have such a big thrill. What followed was like a celebrity fan meeting.
Everyone stood up at the same time, and about twenty people surrounded Ye Chuyang, their eyes rolling back and forth on her.
We should take a good look at this and see how it differs from what we see on TV.
Ye Chuyang wasn't wearing makeup today, and the lighting here was definitely not as good as in the TV dramas. He was handsome, of course, but his skin didn't seem as good or as fair as it appeared on TV—the male and female actors on TV these days all looked like they were plastered with white paint, each one whiter than the last.
She has slight fine lines around her eyes when she smiles. Apart from looking a bit more mature, her facial features haven't changed much.
This confirms what Su Liao's fans, the "Matchsticks," have been saying: Su Liao is a naturally handsome man, a born heartthrob.
Another obvious point is that Ye Chuyang looks too young, like a male college student. Compared to the chubby boys in his class, he seems to be from a different generation.
Time seemed to have spared him, granting him great success without ravaging his handsome appearance.
Shen Qingyuan coldly observed the famous scene of "watching a monkey show." The splendor had faded, and everyone was pursuing the next wave of prosperity. Her era, Shen Qingyuan's, was long gone.
Shen Qingyuan thought to herself, he should have recognized her long ago, back at the hot pot restaurant. Why didn't he reveal his identity then?
Afraid that such a scene would occur? Afraid that Shen Qingyuan would be so surprised that she would lose her composure and scream?
Autographs and photos were inevitable, and Ye Chuyang was prepared, taking out a stack of photos for his old classmates to distribute themselves. Those who wanted photos were naturally welcomed. Song Ting couldn't resist and also went to ask for a picture.
After a while of noise and commotion, everyone finally calmed down.
Zhang Chi asked the waiter to bring the food.
Several little girls chattered excitedly, glancing towards Ye Chuyang as the dishes were slowly served. Of course, they recognized Su Liao.
The food is served slowly so that we can stay in the private room a little longer.
Finally, a girl mustered up the courage to ask Ye Chuyang for an autograph, saying that he was so handsome, that she liked him so much, and that her whole family liked him.
Ye Chuyang kindly gave her an autographed photo and thanked her whole family for their appreciation.
Shen Qingyuan had never had any concept of idol worship. Seeing the shy yet excited expressions of these waitresses, who looked like little girls in love, she was a little surprised.
The other female waitresses also seemed eager to try.
Zhang Chi adopted the demeanor of a host, gently scolding them: "You lot, hurry up and serve the food, don't bother us. Also, don't tell anyone outside the private room, or I'll complain to your boss!"
The little girl pouted, looking resentful but having no choice but to comply.
Lu Jiawen had the empty chair next to him removed. Ye Chuyang then maneuvered his wheelchair across himself. He seemed much more skilled now, and didn't get stuck in the ditch like he did at the hot pot restaurant last time. Of course, the floor in the private room was also smooth.
Ye Chuyang stopped the wheelchair, looked up and glanced around, his gaze settling on Shen Qingyuan.
Just then, Shen Qingyuan also glanced in his direction.
Ye Chuyang raised one eyebrow, a half-smile on his face: "Long time no see, Shen Qingyuan."
He actually took the initiative to greet Shen Qingyuan! He remembered!! The only person who hadn't come up to him to chat or ask for an autograph or a photo was Shen Qingyuan.
She thought she could get away with it because there were so many people. Shen Qingyuan forced a smile and said in a lively tone, "Long time no see, old classmate."
I saw them just a few days ago.
“Last time…” Ye Chuyang smiled knowingly, “thank you.”
Ye Chuyang's voice wasn't loud, but from the moment he entered the private room, he was the undisputed star, drawing everyone's attention to his every move. Perhaps this is the allure of a celebrity; he can easily blend into a crowd and attract attention.
Someone jeered, "Last time? What last time? You two are still friends in private."
Ye Chuyang smiled slightly but offered no explanation.
Even Song Ting opened her almond-shaped eyes wide with curiosity, staring at Shen Qingyuan with a hungry look, trying to read something from her expression.
It was just a hot pot restaurant, and he casually pulled up a wheelchair—nothing special. But Ye Chuyang's earnest gesture created a sense of ambiguity.
Shen Qingyuan felt it necessary to explain, but telling the truth would be a long story.
Shen Qingyuan chuckled, "I just wanted to ask a few questions about my back injury, after all, I used to be an orthopedic surgeon."
"It's nothing, don't worry about it."
The first sentence was an explanation to others, and the second half was spoken to Ye Chuyang.
She and Ye Chuyang did talk about her back injury at the hot pot restaurant, so that's not a lie.
The dishes were served quickly, and the old classmates ate and drank, chatting about their recent lives and work. There were many complaints, as well as many things they were proud of.
Ye Chuyang was very quiet, listening quietly to the other students talking, and sometimes nodding.
"Ye Chuyang," Yu Miaomiao said, as if she had mustered up a lot of courage, as she stood up, "Do you still remember me?"
Ye Chuyang smiled and said, "I remember, I remember, Yu Miaomiao, the beautiful lady! Long time no see! You've become even younger and more beautiful!"
Shen Qingyuan admitted that Ye Chuyang was better than her in this respect. He had a good memory for people and could even deduce that the heavily surgically altered face belonged to Yu Miaomiao.
Judging from this, they must have had a good relationship in high school. Shen Qingyuan thought.
"I had high hopes for you back in high school, and sure enough, you're so popular and successful now! Come on, let me toast you."
Yu Miaomiao tilted her head back and downed half a glass of red wine in one gulp. Her face was slightly flushed, her eyes were shining, and her expression was somewhat excited.
Ye Chuyang picked up his teacup. "I'm sorry, I injured my lumbar spine. The doctor said I can't drink alcohol, so I can only drink tea instead!"
Although the beautiful Ms. Yu was a little disappointed, her reason was truly irrefutable.
Song Ting turned her head and winked at Shen Qingyuan.
Other classmates asked Ye Chuyang to talk about some entertainment gossip, but Ye Chuyang smiled wryly and said, "I know about the same things as everyone else, just from the news and trending topics."
"Ye Chuyang, is the rumor about you and XX true? Did you two really date?"
"And XXX, you two aren't having a secret relationship, are you?"
"I heard that some celebrities in your industry fall in love while filming a movie or TV series. Is that true?"
"..."
I don't know what these curious kids are thinking. Emotionally, they probably feel like they've suddenly become high school students again, and teenage boys don't have much of a sense of boundaries. At night, after the lights are out, boys can talk about their ancestors for eight generations.
Ye Chuyang wasn't annoyed and simply replied uniformly, "The news is all nonsense, don't believe it!"
You won't get anything out of them anyway.
See? Class reunions are like interrogation rooms; no one can escape. Instead of resting at home after getting hurt, you come here to suffer.
Shen Qingyuan was a little puzzled. Ye Chuyang was such a busy person. He finally had some time, but instead of resting at home, he dragged his sick body to attend the class reunion. Was it really because of the deep friendship between classmates over the years?
There is another possibility.
Ye Chuyang hadn't yet formally boasted about his success to his former high school classmates. Such dazzling and impressive success.
Returning home in glory.
Those dressed in fine clothes never travel at night.
In high school, the boy who was not favored by the teachers and was unknown among his classmates finally gained power and became proud.
Now, surrounded by admirers, he looks relaxed and full of vigor.
When he laughed, he glanced at Shen Qingyuan, seemingly unintentionally. Was there a hint of smugness in his eyes?
It's as if it's saying: Shen Qingyuan, ten years ago, you didn't choose me. See? Now you regret it, don't you?
At the lowest point in Shen Qingyuan's life—and perhaps even lower—Ye Chuyang sat there, smiling, casually displaying his success.
There's no need to boast. Well-known success needs no boasting.
Shen Qingyuan returned a smile, her eyes slightly narrowed as she gazed at that handsome face, momentarily lost in thought. Her heart raced, heavy and feverish, and she felt a suffocating, stifling sensation in the airless private room.
Shen Qingyuan suddenly felt as if she were crouching in the Mariana Trench, looking up at the Himalayas.
This feeling is by no means pleasant.
Is it jealousy?
She, Shen Qingyuan, is actually jealous of Ye Chuyang?!
Ten years ago, the arrogant Shen Qingyuan thought life was nothing more than overcoming obstacles and leveling up, accumulating success after success. She never expected that she would one day fail.
She took life too lightly, too superficially, and too casually.
Life then taught her a harsh lesson.
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