To fit in with his classmates, Zhou Mao deliberately claimed to be from the countryside and that his family was poor, with his tuition fees scraped together by selling everything they owned.
At first, Jiang Yi believed him. Later, Jiang Yi realized Zhou Mao was lying but pretended not to know.
Likely, all those former classmates still believe Zhou Mao is from the countryside.
"I've arranged to meet my old classmates at a small restaurant at noon. It's almost time, let's leave quickly!" Zhou Mao said.
Jiang Yi nodded and left the villa with Zhou Mao.
Jiang Yi didn't drive. He rode in Zhou Mao's car.
Zhou Mao, still wanting to maintain his deception, found a dilapidated old minivan from somewhere, which looked like a pile of scrap metal.
Even more speechless to Jiang Yi, this old minivan stalled several times along the way.
The journey took a full two hours, making them an hour late.
Along the way, Zhou Mao and Jiang Yi discussed how to apologize to their old classmates.
After all, being an hour late was a bit much.
However, when Jiang Yi and Zhou Mao arrived at the small restaurant, they were disappointed.
None of the former classmates Zhou Mao mentioned had arrived.
Even so, Jiang Yi and Zhou Mao continued to wait.
Those classmates were Jiang Yi and Zhou Mao's closest friends throughout their four years of university. They had lived together for four years and shared a deep bond.
Ten minutes later, a luxury car drove towards them.
It was a BMW, worth over a million yuan.
As the car door opened, a man in a suit and tie stepped out.
This person was one of Jiang Yi and Zhou Mao's classmates, named Yang Dawei.
"Dawei..."
Zhou Mao quickly stood up and waved at Yang Dawei.
Upon seeing Jiang Yi and Zhou Mao, Yang Dawei walked over with a smile.
"You two have changed a lot after so many years! I almost didn't recognize you just now."
"You've changed quite a bit too!"
Jiang Yi remarked, "You're driving a luxury car worth over a million yuan now."
"After years of hard work, if I can't even afford a luxury car, then what's the point of living? To be honest, I run a factory that earns several million a year. It's just enough to support my family," Yang Dawei said.
"It seems you're the most capable among us!" Zhou Mao chuckled.
"This is nothing great!"
After speaking, Yang Dawei asked Jiang Yi and Zhou Mao, "Where are your cars?"
"My car is parked up ahead..." Zhou Mao pointed at the old minivan.
Yang Dawei was stunned when he saw the dilapidated minivan!
"Jiang Yi, where's your car?" Yang Dawei asked.
"My car is at home!" Jiang Yi replied.
Yang Dawei suddenly burst into laughter, a hint of smugness and satisfaction in his expression, as if he had surpassed Jiang Yi and Zhou Mao.
Jiang Yi and Zhou Mao didn't seem to care.
This was a class reunion; Jiang Yi and Zhou Mao just wanted to see their old classmates and catch up.
"It's not that I look down on you, but your current situation is really pathetic. I'd like to help you, but I'm powerless. My factory is currently facing cash flow issues, and I can't spare a single cent."
Yang Dawei deliberately put on a helpless expression.
Yang Dawei assumed Jiang Yi and Zhou Mao were using the reunion as an excuse to ask him for money.
Jiang Yi and Zhou Mao exchanged glances.
Anger flickered in Zhou Mao's eyes.
Jiang Yi, however, remained calm, only feeling a sense of disappointment.
Zhou Mao began to scold Yang Dawei, but Jiang Yi stopped him, saying, "Don't forget, we're just here to reminisce today..."
Finally, Zhou Mao calmed down.
"I won't pretend anymore! Let me be direct and clear with you!"
Yang Dawei sneered, "You guys are like beggars on the street. Having you as my classmates makes me feel ashamed!"
"After this reunion, let's not see each other again. I associate with high-society people. If any acquaintances see me with you, I'll have no face left!"
Hearing this, Jiang Yi chuckled inwardly.
This wasn't the first time he had encountered such people; he was already accustomed to it.
But Yang Dawei's words greatly angered Zhou Mao. He could never have imagined that Yang Dawei from back then would become so disgusting.
The so-called brotherhood had turned to dust.
If Jiang Yi hadn't stopped him, Yang Dawei would have likely exploded.
"Hmph!"
Yang Dawei snorted coldly and ignored Jiang Yi and Zhou Mao any further.
Then, Yang Dawei moved to a nearby table and sat down, deliberately keeping his distance from Jiang Yi and Zhou Mao, pretending not to know them.
"I really want to punch that guy," Zhou Mao said angrily.
"How about we just leave! Let's call off the reunion here. Otherwise, when other classmates arrive, and someone like Yang Dawei shows up again, you probably won't be able to handle it," Jiang Yi said with a smile.
"I'm not leaving! I just want to see what kind of people they've become," Zhou Mao said indignantly.
Jiang Yi shrugged.
"Why aren't you angry?"
Zhou Mao asked Jiang Yi, confused.
"When I was in Jiangcheng, I attended a class reunion that was similar to this.
Also, after graduation, I achieved nothing and was treated as useless, looked down upon by everyone. I've gotten used to it now."
Jiang Yi smiled slightly.
"You're the son of the Governor of Jiang Province, living a life of adoration every day, so of course you wouldn't experience what I've gone through," Zhou Mao said self-deprecatingly.
"When everyone arrives, we'll just have dinner and catch up, then we can leave. Otherwise, you'll be so angry today you'll die," Jiang Yi chuckled.
Just as Zhou Mao was about to speak, two more luxury cars arrived.
As the doors opened, two more former classmates stepped out.
It was He Meimei and Luo Gang.
He Meimei was dressed like a noblewoman, with jewelry adorning her neck, wrists, and clothing, exuding wealth and glamour. Her entire outfit was designer, costing millions.
Moreover, the Bentley she was driving was worth at least four to five million yuan.
Luo Gang was also dressed like a big boss.
This was a class reunion, and their attire clearly indicated they were there to show off.
Jiang Yi remained calm.
In truth, Jiang Yi was also a bit disappointed.
The class reunion had completely lost its original meaning.
Seeing Luo Gang and He Meimei arrive, Yang Dawei quickly stood up and walked over, greeting them with a smile.
Yang Dawei had intended to show off to them, but upon seeing their attire, he immediately felt outdone, and the smile on his face faded.
"Do you think Luo Gang and He Meimei will show off in front of us later?" Zhou Mao asked.
"Yes!"
Jiang Yi replied with a slight smile.
"I don't think they're that kind of people. Especially He Meimei, she's the most sentimental. You probably didn't manage to win her over back then, so you have a prejudice against her," Zhou Mao said.