Chapter Seventy-Seven: Class Reunion

After much difficulty extricating themselves from the black market, Xiao Ye and Mouse stood by the roadside near the entrance. Xiao Ye glanced back to ensure that no other thugs were chasing them before preparing to leave with Mouse.

Unexpectedly, Mouse seemed possessed, shaking his head repeatedly and muttering incoherently, his eyes vacant. Xiao Ye approached, but he couldn’t make sense of Mouse’s words. He called out softly several times, but Mouse failed to respond.

“It’s over, everything’s over. I’ve gotten on Ye Gang’s bad side. There’s no place for me in Jianghai City now—I’ll have to return to the countryside!”

Mouse’s expression was blank, and he kept repeating those words. Hearing this, Xiao Ye frowned. Unable to restrain himself, he slapped Mouse across the face.

“Look at you, so spineless—what’s there to panic about?”

Xiao Ye’s anger was not without cause; in Mouse’s pitiful state, he saw a reflection of his own former self.

The pain jolted Mouse out of his daze, finally calming him.

“Xiao Ye, what should we do?”

“Don’t worry. Explain everything clearly.”

Under Xiao Ye’s guidance, Mouse gradually laid out the sequence of events. It turned out Ye Gang wasn’t a local of Jianghai City; his family hailed from the Jiangnan district. Mouse, tempted by greed, had snatched the watch and run, only to learn later that Ye Gang was from Jiangnan and in Jianghai for family business. Mouse had thought the matter would end there, but he hadn’t anticipated what followed.

“The Ye family isn’t to be trifled with in Jiangnan, or so I later learned. Now that we’ve offended Ye Gang, it’ll be hard to get by in Jianghai City.”

“Xiao Ye, take my advice—if you can run, do it.”

Mouse’s arm trembled, and though some time had passed since the incident, his face remained deathly pale.

Xiao Ye had thought it was something serious, but it was only a rich kid from Jiangnan. Aside from his family name, such a person had nothing to back him up—nothing worth worrying about.

“Don’t worry. As long as I’m in Jianghai City, nothing will happen to you.”

Xiao Ye’s words were like a shot of adrenaline, steadying Mouse’s nerves. Still, he couldn’t help but feel anxious.

…

In a high-rise in Jianghai City, Ye Gang wore a grim expression. Sweat mixed with his hair, making him look utterly disheveled. Only after entering the manager’s office did he begin to recover.

The events from earlier were still vivid in his mind. He couldn’t comprehend how Xiao Ye had shattered Zhang Hao’s arm with a single finger. It defied all logic.

Ye Gang stared vacantly, oblivious to the man who had just entered.

“Mr. Ye, Mr. Ye,” the man in a suit called softly, finally drawing Ye Gang’s attention.

“You’re just in time. I ran into a man at the black market earlier—look into his background for me.”

…

After settling everything, night had fallen. Xiao Ye returned to the villa, where Qin Xue’er had already come back from work. The company had been in chaos thanks to Jiang Zhongtao, and it had taken her a long time to restore order.

Xiao Ye had intended to cook, but found Qin Xue’er had already prepared dinner and was waiting for him. Madam Li had yet to return; it seemed she did not intend to continue living with them. Perhaps that was for the best—no one would interfere in their affairs.

Just as they sat at the table, Qin Xue’er suddenly spoke.

“My high school classmates want to get together. It’s been so many years—I’ve already agreed to meet them.”

Xiao Ye frowned. Her meaning was clear: she wanted him to accompany her. But he wasn’t keen. If anything unpleasant happened again, who would bear the emotional toll on Qin Xue’er?

But seeing her enthusiasm, Xiao Ye said nothing, merely nodded in agreement. After so long apart, there was no harm in meeting her old classmates.

“It’s at a hotel in Jianghai City, tomorrow at noon. I’ve already taken leave from the company,” Qin Xue’er added.

Xiao Ye just nodded silently.

…

The next day at noon, Qin Xue’er woke naturally—she’d been exhausted recently. After a quick tidy-up, they set out together.

…

The gathering was at a hotel called Tianhai. The driver dropped them off, and the luncheon would take place there. To avoid unnecessary gossip, Qin Xue’er wore a mask.

“Let’s go up,” Qin Xue’er said, taking a deep breath. She was nervous about seeing old friends again, needing a moment to steel herself before heading upstairs. Xiao Ye nodded, and they both got out of the car.

Though Tianhai Hotel was relatively new, it had quickly become a favorite among young people in recent years. Its decor and ambiance were unique in Jianghai City. At the grand revolving doors, two attendants stood ready to welcome guests.

As soon as they stepped inside, a voice called out, “Xue’er!”

In the quiet lobby, Xiao Ye heard someone calling Qin Xue’er’s name. Looking over, they saw two men and two women standing not far away. Qin Xue’er looked a little surprised, but walked over with Xiao Ye. Despite the years apart, she immediately recognized them.

The leading woman was Du Yu. With a coquettish smile, she teased, “Xue’er, you’re dressed so casually, and what’s with that mask?”

Qin Xue’er froze for a moment. It was just an informal gathering among old friends; she hadn’t thought much about her attire beforehand. As expected, the mask was immediately noticed.

“My skin’s been sensitive lately—it’s inconvenient,” Qin Xue’er replied offhandedly, grateful that none of them knew what she’d really been through.

Du Yu, on the other hand, was dressed to the nines, her outfit and demeanor exuding an air of luxury. Xiao Ye vaguely recalled hearing she’d married into money—though whether it was true, he couldn’t say.

The other two remained silent, but the class monitor, Yang Dong, spoke up. “It’s just a casual get-together. What does it matter how we’re dressed?”

Du Yu curled her lip disdainfully. She’d always envied Qin Xue’er’s beauty in school, and now, given the chance, she couldn’t resist belittling her.

“It was just a joke, Monitor, no need to be so serious.”

Throughout, none of them spared Xiao Ye a glance; he was treated as if invisible. They’d heard Qin Xue’er had married into a wealthy family, but what did that matter now, when the once-prominent Xiao family had fallen from grace?