Ni Hong left right after she finished speaking, continuing to push the event’s schedule, leaving Wang Qiaobin standing there in a daze.
He instinctively took out a cigarette and stuck it in his mouth but didn’t light it. At a certain moment, Wang Qiaobin abruptly took the cigarette out with a look of realization and slight excitement on his face.
Damn it, I figured it out!
Wang Qiaobin finally understood what had been bothering him before.
From the information revealed by Ni Hong’s words, Wang Qiaobin discovered a fact that seemed somewhat absurd but very likely true—
Today’s so-called "Outstanding Alumni Return to School Talk" might have been organized specifically for Zhou Wang...
Or rather, maybe there wasn’t even an event at all. Everything was a guise, extending from the core event of "Zhou Wang’s return to school."
What is this?
Upon figuring it out, Wang Qiaobin’s mood instantly became incredibly complex, his expression caught between crying and laughing.
So, they were all just "filler"?
Wang Qiaobin stuck the cigarette back in his mouth when he heard footsteps approaching. Another person hurried into the garden, saying casually, "Wang Qiaobin, got a light?"
Upon seeing who it was, Wang Qiaobin’s eyes turned slightly peculiar.
Lu Chen, however, didn’t mind at all, or rather, he thought Wang Qiaobin had a reason to be irritated with him.
In fact, Lu Chen deliberately sought out Wang Qiaobin, just to see his embarrassed face again...
So, facing Wang Qiaobin’s odd gaze, Lu Chen just chuckled, "Come on, it was just a joke in front of everyone, no need to be so petty, right? We’ve all graduated, let bygones be bygones, don’t you think, Brother B?"
It wasn’t the first time they’d targeted each other. They both knew each other well enough, and Wang Qiaobin naturally sensed Lu Chen’s "fake sincerity."
Ten minutes earlier, Wang Qiaobin might have gotten upset, possibly even quit this damn networking event. But now...
Wang Qiaobin’s mindset had entirely changed.
"Oh, a lighter? Here you go."
Wang Qiaobin laughed, pulling a lighter from his pocket and handing it directly to Lu Chen, even patting him on the shoulder, "Lu Chen, keep the lighter. It has my family’s store number on it, feel free to call anytime to book!"
With that, Wang Qiaobin hummed a tune and walked off, leaving Lu Chen bewildered.
When did the old guy become so magnanimous?
Why was he so cheerful about it?
And Lu Chen couldn’t be sure if it was just his imagination, but he felt like Wang Qiaobin’s gaze just now was as if he was looking at a wise man...
No, what right did he have!
"Ridiculous!"
Lu Chen sneered dismissively, just thinking that Wang Qiaobin was pretending not to care on purpose, then lit his own cigarette and pulled out the carefully commissioned speech draft, resuming his silent reading.
...
At 2:20 in the afternoon, the Mercedes G63 driven by Miao Ying slowly entered the old campus of Cai University.
The activity was planned by the student committee teacher who had consulted Zhou Wang through Jiang Qingkui, and Zhou Wang had, without much thought, opted for the old campus.
For no other reason than its proximity.
The original plan was to arrive at Cai University by 2:00.
But after calling Wang Qiaobin, they encountered a traffic jam on the road.
Zhou Wang just wanted to change his position to rest for a bit, but overwhelmed by Jiang Qingkui’s pleasant fragrance, he actually dozed off.
When he opened his eyes again, they were already within the campus of Cai University.
Jiang Qingkui smoothed out the tiny wrinkles in her blouse and adjusted her skirt hem, then picked up the vibrating phone with deliberate ease.
"Mr. Zhou, that Ni teacher is calling again."
Glancing at the caller ID, Jiang Qingkui informed Zhou Wang.
"We’re late, aren’t we... apologize to her,"
Zhou Wang rolled down the car window, the breeze clearing his head as he replied.
"I’ve already told her, but it’s likely not our tardiness that concerns her..."
"Is she worried I wouldn’t come?"
Zhou Wang realized something after a brief start, and couldn’t help but laugh.
Jiang Qingkui chuckled, then answered the call, "Hello, Ni teacher... Mm, mm, we’re already here... Okay, we should find it easily, no need for you to come out."
After hanging up, following Zhou Wang’s direction, the car drove to the vicinity of the large lecture hall at the old campus where the Ni teacher from the phone call was waiting with her phone, standing beside someone Zhou Wang recognized.
"This Ni teacher is quite beautiful..."
Jiang Qingkui remarked, slightly surprised, after seeing Ni Hong’s appearance, then glanced back at Zhou Wang.
Why are you looking at me when she’s the attractive one?
Zhou Wang was slightly annoyed but held back, though he had to admit, this Ni teacher... looked indeed remarkable.
A white shirt paired with high-waisted slacks and small heels, making her figure appear slim and her legs long. Her slightly wavy long hair draped over her shoulders, with an oval face. In terms of aura, Zhou Wang was willing to call her "little Jiang Mo."
Yes, the cool brows and solemn air gave Zhou Wang a hint of familiarity.
But amidst the aloofness, compared to Jiang Mo, she was more poised.
During his school days, Zhou Wang didn’t have much impression of this Ni teacher, only vaguely hearing some boys mention a "cold beauty" joining the student committee.
As for the person beside her, it was naturally Brother B, one of Zhou Wang’s old acquaintances.
The car pulled over, and just as the smiling Ni teacher was about to help open the car door, Zhou Wang had already stepped out.