Chapter 129: The Gathering
Lin Ming carefully put away the jade bottle and said seriously, “Fan, I’m planning to pursue Qingqing. What do you think?”
“Is that liking her? You just want her body!” Su Yifan shot him a glance, annoyed.
“Fan, I’m serious,” Lin Ming said firmly.
Ever since he first saw Han Qingqing that day, he had been deeply captivated by her. Over the past few days, even while training, her image kept appearing in his mind. Gradually, he realized he might actually like her. So he made up his mind—he was going to pursue this girl.
“Really?”
“More real than pearls.” Lin Ming raised his hand.
Seeing that this kid actually seemed serious, Su Yifan was momentarily taken aback before lowering his voice, “Qingqing doesn’t like flower-picking bandits.”
“Besides, she’s my sister. If you want to chase her, I won’t object, but if I find out you’re messing around, we’re done as brothers.”
He knew Qingqing had feelings for him, but he had always treated her like a sister. To discourage her from having those thoughts, he had to redirect her attention to someone else. Although Lin Ming seemed a bit carefree, Su Yifan knew what kind of person he was. Otherwise, he wouldn’t feel comfortable entrusting Qingqing to him.
“Don’t worry, Fan. Qingqing is the first girl I’ve ever liked. I’ll prove to you that I’m sincere.”
Lin Ming’s expression was earnest.
“Good. Then I’m relieved.”
Su Yifan nodded. At that moment, a waitress brought over two cups of coffee, placing them on the table.
“Please enjoy, gentlemen.”
“Thank you,” Su Yifan nodded at her. For some reason, she blushed and quickly walked away.
Watching her leave, Lin Ming chuckled softly. “Fan, look at your handsome face—you’ve got her all flustered.”
“Stop talking about me. Can you act normal for once?” Su Yifan replied, exasperated.
He was genuinely worried about this kid. If he continued to act so careless, Qingqing wouldn’t be interested.
Lin Ming smiled but didn’t continue. Instead, he changed the subject, “By the way, Fan, there’s something I almost forgot to tell you.”
“What is it?” Su Yifan sipped his coffee.
“Nothing much. Tonight is our middle school classmates’ annual reunion. I wanted to ask if you’re going.”
“A class reunion?”
“Yeah. You’ve been away all these years. They’ve held three reunions in total. I went to the first one but wasn’t interested, so I skipped the last two.”
“Now that you’re back, I thought if you go, I’ll join in for the fun.”
Su Yifan initially intended to decline but, having nothing else to do, nodded, “Alright, I’m free anyway. Might as well check it out.”
Hearing his friend agree, Lin Ming was thrilled. He took out his phone. “Fan, I’ll add you to the group chat now. Everyone will be so happy to know you’re back.”
But Su Yifan waved him off, “No need for the group. I like my peace and quiet.”
Seeing this, Lin Ming didn’t press further.
Suddenly, he remembered something and lowered his voice, “Fan, I heard Xu Shuyan will also be at the reunion tonight.”
“Xu Shuyan?” Su Yifan frowned.
The name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t quite place it.
Noticing Su Yifan seemed to have forgotten Xu Shuyan, Lin Ming’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Fan, come on. You’ve only been gone five years, and you’ve already forgotten Xu Shuyan—the school’s top beauty?”
He doubted whether this was really his good friend, to have completely forgotten the girl who nearly became his girlfriend.
Seeing Su Yifan still couldn’t recall, Lin Ming explained, “Back then, Xu was so determined that she rejected many wealthy suitors and wrote you a love letter.”
“And then?” Su Yifan asked.
He truly had forgotten. Life in the mountains had taught him so much, and aside from family, he had almost wiped his memory clean.
Lin Ming suspected Su Yifan might be pretending but continued, “You were about to accept her, but before you could reply, you mysteriously disappeared.”
Su Yifan was at a loss for words hearing such a wild story. He suddenly felt he had agreed too easily to the reunion. If he met her tonight, how would he face her? After all, she was the only one who had ever confessed to him.
He sighed. Since he was here, he might as well accept it. Maybe she had already forgotten. Besides, they were young then—just hormones running wild. Now that everyone was grown, she might have a family and a life.
After chatting with Lin Ming a while longer, Su Yifan returned home.
...
At half past seven in the evening, Su Yifan was in his room concocting some body-strengthening pills. These pills were incredibly useful now. He needed them not only for his own training but to trade with the Dragon Squad, so having extra was always good.
Just then, his phone rang. Seeing the pills were complete, he took a moment...
As the aroma of the pills filled the air, he softly commanded, “Store!” and over thirty pills slipped into the jade bottle.
After securing the pills, Su Yifan checked his phone. It was a call from Lin Ming. He answered immediately.
But before he could speak, Lin Ming’s anxious voice came through, “Fan, why aren’t you here yet? Everyone’s almost gathered. You’re not standing me up, are you?”
Lin Ming had messaged him half an hour earlier, expecting him to be on his way. But after waiting over ten minutes, he still hadn’t seen him.
In a panic, he called.
“Something came up earlier, I didn’t see the message. I’m on my way now,” Su Yifan replied, then hung up.
He got off the bed, grabbed a black jacket, and headed out.
Over ten minutes later, Su Yifan arrived at the hotel Lin Ming mentioned. As he stepped out of the car and headed inside, he sent Lin Ming a message.
Meanwhile, inside the hotel’s private room, Lin Ming saw the message and quickly stood.
“Everyone, excuse me for a moment. The important guest I mentioned has arrived.”
He glanced at Xu Shuyan sitting opposite before leaving the room, leaving the bewildered classmates behind.
Xu Shuyan noticed Lin Ming’s look and suddenly felt a strange sensation rise within her. Important guest? Could it be... him?
As whispers filled the room, debating who the guest might be, the door creaked open.
Lin Ming led a young man into the room.
...