599. At the Gathering
==============================
“Chen Yao! Long time no see!”
“Hey! Chen Yao, let’s organize a five-on-five!”
“When are we going to play ball together?”
As soon as Chen Yao arrived at the entrance of the food stall, he spotted a few high school buddies he used to hang out with. After exchanging hellos, he turned to look at the girls standing on the other side.
It’s worth noting that back in high school, the girls seemed pretty plain, but after two years of college, they’ve upped their fashion game significantly.
That girl who was always teased and privately called “Fatty” by the boys? She’s slimmed down and is now radiating confidence. Compared to her shy, easy-to-bully self in high school, she’s now a full-blown goddess!
Many classmates were quietly gossiping about her.
As for the boys, most of them just changed their haircuts—those who were chubby are still chubby, and the nerds? Well, they’re still in their gamer caves. But Chen Yao’s transformation is a bit more pronounced; he’s mostly just… bigger.
Sure, he played some ball in college, but most of his time was spent chilling in his dorm, with way less activity than during high school. And this year, he got a girlfriend, so staying slim was basically out of the question.
By the time he reached the food stall, it was already half past three. While waiting for classmates to arrive, Chen Yao chatted with others.
Most are still students, and outside of school, there’s not much to compete over, so they just ended up complaining about college life.
“Back then, our old teacher said if we just grinded during senior year and got into a good university, we wouldn’t have to struggle anymore. I can’t believe I actually bought that!”
Chen Yao turned to the classmate who spoke and noticed he’s changed quite a bit; his hairline has retreated further than the Great Wall. He used to be one of the top students and apparently got into a prestigious 985 university.
“Who told you to study law?” another classmate quipped. “Next year, the civil code is coming out again. Are you going to memorize that all over? And then there’s that law exam after graduation. I’ve heard it’s way harder than the college entrance exam.”
Chen Yao was enjoying the drama — his university life was neither tough nor strict; as long as he managed to pass his finals, life was definitely comfier than senior year.
“Chen Yao! How come Lin Nan didn’t come?”
A hand patted his shoulder. He turned and saw Zhu Yong Wen had arrived.
“She’s got something going on.”
“Oh.” Zhu Yong Wen didn’t dwell on it for too long. He probably figured that Lin Nan’s looks would bring about gossip if she showed up, “So, when you get the chance, let’s hang out? Since I’m on vacation, the only thing I do is play computer games.”
“Sure, let’s find a time in a day or two.”
Lin Nan’s name didn’t seem to cause a ripple among the classmates; in fact, some even whispered to Chen Yao, “Who is Lin Nan?”
Chen Yao pondered for a moment: “The world’s greatest mystery?”
“???”
Seeing the blank stares, he quickly redirected, “Our teacher is here!”
When the class teacher arrived, students instantly formed a swarm around him. They’d all heard about the teacher resigning to sell snacks; some even knew he was divorced, and many began to pepper him with questions.
The students were around the same age as the teacher’s child, so he didn’t mind the nosy questions and just smiled while giving brief answers.
But when he saw Chen Yao, his brow furrowed: “Lin Nan didn’t come?”
“Nope, she’s got something at home,” Chen Yao replied, shaking his head.
As they were about to step into the food stall with the teacher, Li Ya, who had previously shopped with Lin Nan, rushed in. Upon arrival, she glanced around and asked Chen Yao.
“Did Lin Nan make it?”
Didn’t see this many people interested in Lin Nan back in school. Guess good looks really hold some power, huh?
Chen Yao looked at her, confused, and replied, “Nope.”
Despite being called a food stall, it was actually a rather shabby setup. With a handful of people, they didn’t bother reserving a room. The boss brought out a round table, set it up at the entrance, and two big fans were switched on to keep the vibe going while they settled in, bullshiting and chit-chatting.
If the food stall were in a private room, it would totally lose its charm!
Chen Yao was being sociable, and before the food even arrived, some old pals nudged up to him: “Hey, let’s share a drink to get the party started!”
“Drink?!?” The entire crowd began cheering.
“My girlfriend doesn’t let me drink,” Chen Yao moaned, wanting to refuse. Lin Nan had been really strict about him not drinking or smoking recently.
“Are you kidding? You’re already tipsy without a single sip? Where’d you even get a girlfriend?!”
Before he could protest more, a beer bottle was shoved into his hands. With a face full of reluctant smiles, Chen Yao was forced to chug an entire bottle amidst the ruckus.
The moment he finished, he felt a chilling breeze on his back. Turning around, he realized it was just the fan that had been blowing right at him for ages before finally moving away.
Something feels off…
Before he could dwell on it, that girl he’d been eyeing stepped forward, holding two glasses, her face flushing, “Uh… wanna share a drink?”
What was her name again?
Oh right, “Fatty.”
Not wanting to call her by that nickname, and unable to recall her proper name, he just smiled, took the glass, clinked with her, and downed the drink.
Cheers erupted around them, and the girl turned beet red and dashed off.
But Chen Yao only felt the chill intensify. He glanced back at the fan, frowning deep.
Why is it always blowing at me?
Even on the hottest days, this breeze is just unbearable.
“What was that girl’s name again?” he quietly asked Zhu Yong Wen sitting next to him.
“Pan Hui.”
Ah, so that’s why they called her ‘Fatty’; not only was she chubby back then, but even her name has a pun!
Seeing Chen Yao drinking with Pan Hui, Zhu Yong Wen worriedly asked, “Is Lin Nan gonna be mad?”
Chen Yao instinctively shook his head, then suddenly stared wide-eyed at Zhu Yong Wen.
Wait, didn’t I mention to this guy last time that Lin Nan was my girlfriend?
In fact, Lin Nan was about to explain her looks and gender when Zhu Yong Wen interrupted, saying he didn’t care about such superficial stuff. So, to him, Lin Nan was just some guy who dressed feminine and had a touch of a girly personality.
So why would he ask me that? Can he sense something?
“What does this have to do with Lin Nan?” Chen Yao shot back coolly, sensing the stakes.
Zhu Yong Wen answered straightforwardly, “You’re out here living the good life, flirting with girls while keeping Lin Nan in the dark. Of course, she’s bound to be upset!”
“I’ve definitely told her about this; she didn’t want to come herself, you know how she is now,” Chen Yao retorted, feeling calmer, “Besides, I’m not flirting with her!”
Flirting? Please, it’s clearly Pan Hui trying to flirt with me!
He felt a surge of pride—looks like even if he gained a bit of weight, he’s still a handsome dude!
