Free Web NovelChapter 46: Chapter 46: The Malicious Old Classmate _1
Ye Ming turned his head and saw a familiar figure.
He asked somewhat surprised, "Zhang Yang? What are you doing here?"
The man in front of him was indeed his former college classmate Zhang Yang.
This guy was the class monitor in college, and because he always opposed Ye Ming, Ye Ming did not have a good impression of him. However, having not seen him for many years, Ye Ming couldn’t be bothered to dredge up old grudges.
Zhang Yang said cheerfully, "Today, a few of our classmates are having a reunion here, right inside Tianyun Hotel."
As he spoke, Zhang Yang patted his head and hastily apologized, "I’m really sorry, I actually forgot to notify you. But it’s all good—better late than never, right? Come join us!"
"I have good news for you. Li Qiaoqiao, the class beauty you had a crush on, is here too. She’s in the private room right now."
Zhang Yang pulled Ye Ming toward the inside, and his enthusiastic attitude sparked suspicion in Ye Ming’s mind.
He and Zhang Yang were never on good terms, and even after graduation, at the few class reunions they both attended, Zhang Yang continued to oppose him.
Today, however, Zhang Yang had suddenly become so polite, which made Ye Ming suspicious that there was something fishy going on.
"Ye Ming, we’ve all been brothers for so many years. If you don’t give me face today, that would be really disappointing," Zhang Yang insisted.
Seeing how warmly Zhang Yang was inviting him, Ye Ming didn’t know how to refuse.
He glanced at the time and saw that there was still half an hour before his appointment with Qin Tianyu.
Therefore, Ye Ming simply agreed to Zhang Yang, also curious to see what kind of trick the fellow was planning.
"Alright, I also happen to want to catch up with our old classmates," Ye Ming said.
After hearing Ye Ming’s agreement, a sly look flashed across Zhang Yang’s eyes, but it disappeared in an instant and went unnoticed by Ye Ming.
"That’s more like it. It wouldn’t be fun if you weren’t at today’s gathering."
The two walked together toward the interior of Tianyun Hotel.
Compared to Garden Hotel, Tianyun Hotel was slightly less upscale, but it had a more casual and less formal atmosphere.
Those who dined here were mostly wealthy second-generation kids or owners of smaller businesses.
Even so, upon entering the hotel, Ye Ming’s casual attire did not blend in with the hotel’s ambiance.
Zhang Yang was dressed in a suit, looking like a successful young entrepreneur, whereas Ye Ming, in his casual sports attire, was inconspicuous among the crowd.
Ye Ming didn’t care about this, as he preferred not to wear his money on his sleeve.
Led by Zhang Yang, the two arrived at a second-floor private room. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
"I really like the Feng Shui of this ’Water Cloud Heaven’ private room!" Zhang Yang proclaimed before they even entered the room.
Ye Ming found it odd as he recalled that Zhang Yang wasn’t a wealthy scion, just someone from a family with a bit of money.
How did he suddenly seem like a tycoon?
Perhaps noticing Ye Ming’s curiosity, or maybe just wanting to show off, Zhang Yang intentionally said, "Ye Ming, to tell you the truth, I invested in and built a company a few years ago, and it’s been doing quite well lately, so I’ve made some money."
"Otherwise, I couldn’t afford to dine at places like this often, nor would I take the initiative to invite everyone here for a reunion."
Ye Ming feigned admiration on the surface and said, "That’s great—an up-and-coming young man."
His praise was perfunctory, but Zhang Yang had already started to get carried away.
As they pushed open the door to the private room, the murmur of conversation that had been audible before suddenly ceased.
All eyes in the private room focused on Zhang Yang.
For a moment, the sound of flattery came from all around.
"Wow, Director Zhang, you’re finally here, we’ve been waiting for you for so long!"
"It’s been years, and Director Zhang is still as spirited as ever, no different from our college days!"
"Young and promising is synonymous with you!"
Zhang Yang reveled in the flattery, his smile so wide he could hardly close his mouth. He greeted everyone around him non-stop while also feigning modesty.
He also very consciously took the highest seat for himself, leaving only the one closest to the door for Ye Ming.
Ye Ming, on the other hand, had no objections, for sitting in the highest seat meant footing the bill.
He had no intention of being that sucker. freewebnovel.cσ๓
As for Zhang Yang, true to his name, ever since he started doing business, he often contacted old classmates, eager to show off his success.
It is just like the saying goes: it’s pointless to be wealthy if you don’t return to your hometown, like walking in brocade at night.
Ye Ming looked around and did see a few familiar faces. However, back then, Ye Ming had only average academic performance and wasn’t very outgoing, so he didn’t have many close friends.
He also noticed a girl sitting not far from Zhang Yang, dressed brightly and looking exquisite.
Based on her appearance, Ye Ming recognized her as the class beauty Li Qiaoqiao.
The Li Qiaoqiao of the past was famously aloof, treating everyone with disregard.
But now, she sat beside Zhang Yang, chatting incessantly and occasionally letting something slip on purpose, enticing Zhang Yang, which made Ye Ming feel queasy.
Once the conversation had simmered down, Zhang Yang shifted his focus to Ye Ming.
"Everyone, haven’t you recognized him? This is our classmate, Ye Ming!"
Following Zhang Yang’s lead, someone pretended to be shocked and said, "Damn, it really is Ye Ming. My bad, I didn’t recognize him at first glance!"
"What do you mean you didn’t recognize him? He hasn’t changed much. It’s not your eyesight that’s poor, it’s just that he still looks the same shabby self, hard to believe."
"Ye Ming, I heard you hooked up with Xu Ling from the class next door. You two must be married with kids by now, right?"
A few average-looking girls started discussing the matter with ill intent.
Everybody knew about the time Ye Ming got cheated on; it was nearly newsworthy.
But now, without any regard for Ye Ming’s feelings, they deliberately said, "What nonsense are you talking about? You guys really know how to bring up the worst topic. Ye Ming was once cuckolded; he might still be getting over the shadow!"
"Don’t pour salt on someone’s wounds!"
Facing these mockeries, Ye Ming just smiled indifferently, not taking them to heart at all.
Xu Ling was no longer a match for him, and certainly not worth getting angry over.
"It’s okay, it’s all in the past," Ye Ming said calmly.
Zhang Yang, with a smile, stood up to smooth things over, "Exactly, it’s all history. Ye Ming is magnanimous; why would he fuss over such things? He’s meant for greater achievements, can’t waste time on women."
"Right, Ye Ming, what big venture are you working on now?"
All the previous comments were just a prelude; this question from Zhang Yang was the crux.
Ye Ming’s expression unchanged, he still spoke calmly, "I’m not working; I’m currently unemployed at home."
