"Chen Zheng, let's switch seats!" Wei Xuerou said, falling silent for a moment before looking to Chen Zheng for help.
"Sure!" Chen Zheng nodded and immediately agreed. He had, of course, noticed Wei Xuerou's distaste for Zhang Wei.
Zhang Wei simply smiled, not seeming embarrassed in the slightest.
"Hey, Chen Zheng, didn't you get a girlfriend? Why didn't you bring her along? Are you saying you don't see us as family?" At that moment, Huang Dazhi walked over.
"Yeah, you're not being very considerate!"
"Look at everyone else; they all brought their partners. You're the only one who didn't. That's a bit out of line, don't you think?"
"Chen Zheng, you're really slacking!"
Huang Dazhi's words immediately earned him the support of many others.
Chen Zheng frowned.
"That's enough! This is a class reunion. Everyone should just have a good time," Wei Xuerou said, stepping in.
"Alright then. Out of respect for our goddess, we'll just eat and drink!" Huang Dazhi narrowed his eyes and decided not to stir things up any further.
A moment later, a waiter began serving the food and wine. It had to be said, the service at a five-star hotel was top-notch, and the quality of the dishes was excellent as well. Time flew by amidst the group's laughter and conversation.
"Class President, I heard you got a new car again. A BMW 8 Series, isn't that over a million?"
"Oh, it's just a little commuter car, only about 1.3 million! Pocket change, pocket change!" Huang Dazhi waved his hand dismissively.
But the proud look on his face spoke volumes.
"I'm so jealous! Over a million is 'pocket change'? How are us wage-earners supposed to survive?"
"Don't even talk about it. My six-thousand-a-month salary has me shivering in a corner!"
"Sigh! I just bought a Volkswagen for over two hundred thousand, and I have to make payments on it for six years... It really is a world of difference!"
"Alright, alright! You guys don't have to be so modest. I bought this car mainly to serve my clients. After all, you have to provide good service to sell more houses!" Even as he said this, anyone with eyes could see the smug smile on his face.
Just then, Huang Dazhi suddenly looked up at Chen Zheng. "Oh, right, Chen Zheng, everyone has shared what car they drive. What about you?"
"As our class's top scholar, you must be driving a Mercedes at the very least, right?"
With that said, all eyes fell on Chen Zheng.
Sigh, I guess there's no getting out of this. I didn't want to flex, but you just had to stick your face out for a slap... Chen Zheng shook his head helplessly.
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for triggering a choice-based mission.]
[Choice One: Put Huang Dazhi in his place. Reward: One villa in Yun City Garden.]
[Choice Two: Silently endure it. Reward: The title "Prime Minister's Magnanimity."]
I choose One! Chen Zheng made his choice without hesitation. The guy's offering up his face, why wouldn't I slap it?
"Well, it's alright, I guess. I just switched to a Lamborghini SVJ. The drive is decent, but the key is a bit ugly!"
"What do you think, Xuerou?" he said, taking out the car key and winking at Wei Xuerou. Its dark surface, engraved with a beast-like emblem, exuded an air of dominance.
Wei Xuerou's eyes widened for a second, but she quickly concealed her shock and replied softly, "Not at all! The key looks really powerful! It's a very popular design!"
"Well, if our goddess says so, then I guess I can reluctantly keep it," Chen Zheng said with a helpless sigh.
This exchange instantly silenced everyone around them. After high school, some had gone to college, others had started working. They weren't completely clueless; they knew a thing or two about Lamborghinis. And the Lamborghini SVJ, in particular, cost at least ten million on the road. That was more money than countless people could ever earn in a lifetime.
Huang Dazhi's expression soured. "You've got to be kidding me, right? Who knows if that key is even real?" he grumbled.
Just then, a hotel waiter approached their table. "Excuse me, are you Mr. Chen?"
"I am," Chen Zheng replied. "What is it?"
"Mr. Chen, your Lamborghini SVJ is parked by the side of the road. To avoid any potential scratches, we'd like to ask you to move it to a designated parking spot."
"Of course, we can valet it for you," the staff member added respectfully. After all, this was a VIP driving a Lamborghini, a man worth tens of millions.
"Oh! My mistake, I forgot about that," Chen Zheng said with a smile, handing over the key. "In that case, I'll have to trouble you."
"It's our honor to be of service!" The staff member carefully took the key and turned to leave.
"HOLY SHIT! Brother Zheng, you really bought a Lamborghini?"
"That's insane, Chen Zheng! I can't believe our usually low-key classmate is actually a tycoon!"
"Now that's a real boss! A certified boss!"
"What's that saying? Miles ahead! This is absolutely miles ahead!"
The previously doubtful classmates instantly transformed into loyal fans, tripping over themselves to shower him with praise.
Beside them, Huang Dazhi's face was ashen. He never imagined that his attempt to show off by putting Chen Zheng down would end with him being the one slapped in the face.
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for making a choice. You have been rewarded with one villa in Yun City Garden. The relevant documents have been placed inside the villa. A Super AI System has been installed for you. The Host can monitor the villa's status via a mobile app.]
A Super AI System? Nice, that's pretty advanced! AI-controlled doors... now that's interesting! Chen Zheng marveled inwardly. I was just too poor before. I never got to experience how the rich live.
"Congratulations, Chen Zheng!" Wei Xuerou also walked over to offer her congratulations. It was hard to tell if she was congratulating him on the new Lamborghini or on getting married. The sadness and disappointment in her eyes had been completely tucked away. They had shared a youthful history, but times had changed, and their destinies were no longer intertwined. She was no longer the little girl she once was.
"Thanks," Chen Zheng nodded.
"What are you all getting so worked up about? A car isn't an asset that holds its value. What's all the fuss for?" Watching the fawning classmates, Zhang Wei narrowed his eyes and spoke nonchalantly.
Huang Dazhi's eyes lit up, and he immediately chimed in. "Exactly! Only top-tier, limited-edition luxury cars can hold their value. Otherwise, they depreciate quickly. There's no need to be so envious!"
"That's a good point, but it's still a luxury item!"
"The Class President always has a unique perspective!" Many classmates nodded in agreement.
Chen Zheng smirked. When you can't out-flex someone, you pivot to "luxury goods don't hold their value." How pathetic.
"Hahaha! Mr. Zhang is clearly a man who's done his research!" Huang Dazhi laughed, seizing the new topic. "In your opinion, then, what is the best investment for young people to make?"
"Real estate, of course!"