Chapter 130: Xu Shuyan

As Su Yifan arrived, everyone in the private dining room stood up, their gazes immediately drawn to him. However, a moment later, disappointment washed over their faces. They had expected some sort of big shot, but he was nothing special—just a handsome face, and that was it.

"Is it him?" Xu Shuyan looked at Su Yifan as he walked in, her bright eyes shimmering with complex emotions. He looked somewhat similar, but his aura was entirely different.

Su Yifan noticed Xu Shuyan in the crowd. As a former campus belle, her appearance was undeniably distinct; he could have guessed who she was even without being told. She was indeed beautiful: a slender, oval face with fair, delicate skin, bright and moving eyes, a refined nose, and charming cherry lips—a classic beauty. At a glance, she stood about 1.7 meters tall, wearing a white off-the-shoulder dress that gave her a fresh and ethereal air.

The two locked eyes for about three seconds. Then, Lin Ming smiled knowingly. He quickly ushered his good friend to a seat and addressed the group: "Classmates, I’m sure you’re all wondering who this is, right?"

The group didn't react much, save for a few single girls. Seeing that the mood was lackluster, Lin Ming didn't bother beating around the bush. He looked at his friend and introduced him: "This is our classmate, Su Yifan."

As soon as these words were spoken, the previously calm crowd became stirred with excitement. Su Yifan? Was he the same Su Yifan who had suddenly dropped out of school back then?

It was him. It really was him. The only person she had ever written a love letter to. She never expected that, five years later, she would see him again. Where had he gone those five years? Why did he disappear after receiving her letter? And why had he suddenly reappeared now?

Xu Shuyan lowered her eyes, flickers of emotion passing through them. Under the table, she gripped her dress tightly, her thoughts a whirlwind.

"Hello, everyone." After five years, Su Yifan didn't know what else to say. He offered a simple greeting and sat down.

No sooner had he sat down than a girl asked with a smile, "Yifan, five years have passed, and you’ve become even more handsome. We almost didn't recognize you."

Su Yifan just smiled without responding. The girl persisted, "Yifan, why did you suddenly disappear five years ago? Did you transfer somewhere else to continue your studies?"

At this, Xu Shuyan felt a pang in her heart. She lifted her gaze, casting a look at Su Yifan, whether intentional or not. She desperately wanted the answer. Did he leave because of her love letter?

Su Yifan pondered for a moment before replying, "Yes, I transferred abroad. The situation was quite sudden, so I didn't get a chance to say goodbye."

He had no choice. Since she had asked, it wouldn't do to say nothing, so he made up a convenient excuse. He couldn't exactly tell them he’d been tricked into going up a mountain to cultivate immortality, could he? Even if he did, no one would believe him. In this age of science, talking about cultivation? Who would buy that?

Hearing the answer, the others didn't think much of it—most of them had assumed as much back then. But Xu Shuyan felt as though something were stuck in her throat. He went abroad. Was it because of her? Did he leave just because she had confessed her feelings? If you didn't like me, you could have just said so! Why leave? Why make me pine for you for so long?

It was true; because of that obsession, she hadn't dated anyone, even now as she approached graduation. She had wanted an answer. She never imagined that after waiting five years, this would be the result. It was truly laughable.

Just then, a knock at the door echoed. "Come in," Lin Ming said.

A group of hotel staff entered with dishes. Soon, the table was filled with delicacies—abalone, lobster, everything one could imagine.

"Eat up, everyone! If it's not enough, just order more. I’m covering the bill tonight," Lin Ming announced, standing up. Since his best friend was attending, he wanted to make sure the event was impressive. The classmates cheered; even though most weren't short of money, everyone enjoys a free meal.

Just as they were about to dig in, the door was shoved open forcefully. Three young men strode in. Leading them was a handsome youth in designer clothes with an arrogant expression. The other two were clearly his lackeys. The room fell silent as everyone put down their chopsticks, staring at the intruders with annoyance.

"Who are you? Why are you barging into our private room?" Lin Ming, who had barely sat down, had to stand up again.

"You aren't worthy of knowing who I am," the leader replied, brushing Lin Ming aside. He walked over to Xu Shuyan. "Shuyan, I thought you were lying to me, but you really are here."

"Damn it!" Lin Ming’s temper flared at being ignored. Just as he was about to move, Su Yifan stopped him.

"Leng Hao, why are you here?" Xu Shuyan looked at the man with undisguised disgust. She regretted telling him where the reunion was being held.

"Shuyan, don't be like that. If they are your classmates, they are my classmates too," Leng Hao said, waving a hand at the group. "Everyone, tonight's bill is on me."

The guests didn't feel grateful; they felt repulsed. *Damn it! Just because you have money doesn't mean you're special.* Nobody cared for his grandstanding in front of a beauty. Despite their irritation, no one dared to speak up, fearing what kind of background this stranger might have.

Lin Ming, however, had reached his limit. "Damn you!" He moved to confront the man who had stolen his spotlight, but Su Yifan held him back again, giving him a look. Lin Ming helplessly sat back down.

"Leng Hao, this is a private class reunion. Please leave immediately!" Xu Shuyan’s voice rose. If not for her fear of his influence, she would have lashed out long ago.

"Shuyan, why are you so angry? It’s bad for your skin," Leng Hao said, reaching out to touch her shoulder.

*Slap!* Xu Shuyan reacted quickly, batting his hand away. Seeing his advances rejected, Leng Hao’s patience wore thin. "Xu Shuyan, what is your problem?"

"I don't have a problem; I just want you to leave."

"I'll leave when I get an answer. Are you going to be my girlfriend or not?" Leng Hao demanded. He had spent three and a half years of his four years in college fawning over her; today, he wanted a final answer.

"Give up. I will never be your girlfriend!" Xu Shuyan said coldly.

Leng Hao was furious. "Fine, you bitch! Don't think just because you have a pretty face, I have to keep groveling. I'm done playing nice!"

With that, he raised his hand to slap her across the face.

"Damn it!" Lin Ming could no longer hold back. He lunged forward, ready to beat the man to a pulp. *How dare he touch Brother Fan’s woman! Even if the King of Heaven came down, I’d still take you out!*

But at that moment—

"Ah!!!" Leng Hao let out a blood-curdling scream. A chopstick had pierced straight through his palm, and blood began to drip from the tip.