Chapter 176: Chapter 176: The Responsible Class Monitor, and the Ruckus
"Second, let’s have a class meeting to discuss everyone’s future development. After all, most of us are juniors now, and some are even running their own businesses. I want to use this opportunity for us to discuss whether to start working right after graduation, go to grad school, or take the civil service exam. I’m sure everyone is feeling a sense of urgency by now!"
"But in college, no one besides your family is going to bring these things up with you..."
Li Jia turned to Wen Meng and said, "The class monitor is as eloquent as ever!"
Wen Meng covered her mouth and chuckled. "Of course he is. He’s a law student, after all. If he can’t talk, how is he supposed to win arguments in court?"
"Alright, while we’re waiting for the hot pot to boil, those of you who already have some ideas can share your plans."
Wei Xin continued, speaking into a megaphone, "Since we have the saying ’ladies first,’ let’s start with the girls."
They were all old classmates, so no one was shy.
A girl at the first table said with a grin, "I haven’t decided yet!"
"I’m already studying for the grad school entrance exams!" the next person said directly.
"I haven’t decided either!"
...
"I’ll do whatever my family arranges for me!"
"I want to try for the civil service!"
"I plan to stay and work at the university!"
Soon, it was Wen Meng’s turn.
Wen Meng said nonchalantly, "I’ll probably either become a dance teacher, open a dance studio, or just go along with whatever my boyfriend has planned."
When Wen Meng mentioned her boyfriend, the girls at all three tables erupted, demanding to see a picture of Wu Yun.
So, Wen Meng posted the photo of them together that she had just shown Li Jia into the group chat.
At the two tables of guys, however, the expressions on a couple of faces turned sour, especially after seeing Wen Meng’s photo.
When it was Li Jia’s turn, she said, "I’m just an extra. Who knows if I’ll ever make it big."
After the girls were done, it was the boys’ turn. Their answers were largely the same; most of them hadn’t made any career plans yet.
But this was normal. For contemporary university students, the motto was basically "a passing grade is all you need." Very few had a clear plan for their four years of college.
Most people just thought about having fun today and would deal with tomorrow when it came.
Of course, there were a few who were already working or running businesses, but they weren’t representative of the majority.
Wei Xin was mentally prepared for this but still wanted to try and persuade these lost lambs.
After all, when elders preach at them, it often just makes them rebellious. But advice from peers or friends can sometimes have an effect.
"Everyone, don’t think I’m being long-winded, but we’ve basically goofed off for two years! It’s time to think about the future. Planning two years ahead is much better than running around like a headless chicken after graduation, right?"
Wei Xin’s tone shifted. "If you spend a year preparing for the civil service exam and manage to pass it in your senior year through a mix of luck and skill, that basically sets you up for life! Your parents would be so proud to tell people about it!"
"Of course, the same goes for getting into grad school!"
Hearing Wei Xin’s words, many people showed thoughtful expressions.
Of course, some were dismissive. ’I came to this reunion today to eat, drink, and have fun, not to listen to your lecture,’ they thought.
"The same logic applies if you want to find a job in your major! Get certified! Get more certifications! If you graduate with a whole string of relevant certificates, you’ll already be ahead of many of your peers."
Wei Xin then gave an example about the value of certifications in the construction industry. For instance, a Class 1 Registered Constructor certificate could be "rented out" for tens of thousands a year. If you actually worked with that certificate, it was even more amazing—even a "tea-drinking" project manager could earn at least ten thousand a month.
However, when Wei Xin saw that some people had no concept of a ten-thousand-a-month salary, their expressions seeming to say ’that’s so little,’ he instantly lost the desire to continue.
He had said a lot today, fulfilling his duty as class monitor. Some things were better left hinted at; the future was up to each individual’s choice.
"Haha! Don’t blame me for talking so much today and ruining the mood of the reunion! But let me say one more thing: if any of you strike it rich in the future, you have to remember the rest of us who are still struggling!"
He saw the waiters remove the lids from the hot pots and set them aside.
Wei Xin called out, "Everyone, let’s eat! Drink up if you want! But no pressuring others to drink! I’ve also booked mahjong tables and a KTV room here for after dinner."
At the mention of eating, the tables immediately grew lively.
Although Wen Meng didn’t have many friends in high school, she had maintained a normal relationship with her classmates. Aside from the few who were jealous of her, she could chat with almost everyone.
But Wen Meng couldn’t help feeling a bit out of place. While most of her classmates had to worry about the future, she didn’t have to feel anxious about such things.
Even the one million in pocket money Wu Yun had left in her bank account was more than what most people could save in a lifetime of hard work.
Even Li Jia was anxious about her future acting career. After all, her parents were just ordinary people with a bit of money; they didn’t have the connections or resources to help her shoot to stardom overnight.
’But I can’t tell her yet that Wu Yun owns a film production company,’ Wen Meng thought. ’I’ll have to get Wu Yun’s permission first and see if I can help her out as a friend when she needs it.’
"Wen Meng! How come we don’t see your boyfriend?" a girl at the same table asked.
Li Jia praised her silently. ’Nice one!’ She had been wondering the same thing but hadn’t pressed the issue since Wen Meng seemed to be in a bad mood earlier.
Wen Meng’s expression didn’t change as she smiled. "He had something to do for the National Day holiday, so he went to the Capital City. He’s coming to Mianzhou in a few days to go back to school with me."
"Oh, so you go to the same school!"
Just as someone was about to ask another question, a voice with a hint of a street-wise accent came from behind them. "Ladies! Come! Let me toast you all! I wish you all eternal smiles and endless happiness!"
It was a guy dressed in a somewhat flashy style. What caught the eye was the car key hanging from his waist, the BMW logo very conspicuous.
This was Yang Hua, who had gone into the family business right after high school and had been doing quite well for himself these past two years.
Everyone loves a compliment, so all the girls at the table stood up, raised their drinks, and took a sip.
Wen Meng didn’t have a very good impression of Yang Hua. He had been one of her pursuers back in high school, giving her a few gifts and love letters, but he had given up when she showed no reaction.
This was because, in high school, aside from her academic classes, she had devoted most of her time and energy to dancing, so she didn’t interact much with the boys in her class.
She had only heard from some of the other girls that Yang Hua loved to show off his family’s wealth, was high-profile, and had gone through several girlfriends.
But after the toast, Yang Hua didn’t leave. He poured himself another glass of beer and turned to Wen Meng. "Wen Meng! Here, let me toast you personally. I had a crush on you for three years in high school, and seeing you again today, I find I still can’t forget you, Nian Nian. I wonder if I still have a chance to win your affection?"
At this, the two tables of guys erupted in cheers.
"Get together! Get together!"
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