Lin Fan attended a high school called Tianhai Middle School, a key high school in the city. When Lin Fan got into Tianhai Middle School, his grades were only moderate, and because Lin Fan was low-key, he wasnât noticeable throughout high school, just a typically ordinary student.
The only thing about Lin Fan that could stir some sensation and discussion was his handsome appearance. Of course, even that didnât make much of a splash, because nowadays, most middle school girls prefer those pretty-boy types, and Lin Fanâs rugged handsomeness wasnât quite their type.
Thereâs just no helping it; who knows when these aesthetic standards went astray. Delicate pretty boys are especially favored by young girls, leading to many male celebrities now sporting effeminate styles. Supply meets demand, right?
If our society preferred rugged handsome aesthetics, then these effeminate pretty boys wouldnât have a way to survive.
Lin Fan didnât want to dress effeminately to cater to those brainless young girlsâ tastes; he felt that a man should look like a man.
This made Lin Fan, who could rely on his looks to become a school sensation, appear very low-key instead.
A few years after graduating high school, Lin Fan felt that probably no one remembered him anymore, including many of his former high school classmates whom he had lost touch with. At least Lin Fan himself had forgotten some of their names.
Similarly, he knew heâd be forgotten by others.
Lin Fan planned to drive back to West River Village but suddenly realized he was passing by Tianhai Middle School, which inadvertently reminded him of some people and events from high school.
"Lin Fan, is that really you, Lin Fan?" Suddenly, a voice called out as someone tapped on Lin Fanâs car window.
Lin Fan turned his head and saw outside the window a very plump woman, riding an electric scooter, smiling at him.
Lin Fan was taken aback and blurted out, "Little Ling?"
He recognized this plump woman as a female classmate from high school, Jia Xiaoling. And not just any ordinary classmate; they used to sit close, chat often, and were buddies who hung out together.
After Lin Fan graduated, he went to Yun City for college. The classmates scattered, each living their new life, and contact dwindled.
Lin Fan hadnât contacted Jia Xiaoling since, but occasionally heard that after failing to get into her desired college, Jia Xiaoling stopped studying and went to work. Within two years, she got married.
Jia Xiaoling hadnât invited Lin Fan to her wedding, and since her marriage, Lin Fan hadnât heard a word from her.
Now seeing Lin Fan, Jia Xiaoling was all surprised. She probably never dreamed sheâd run into Lin Fan here.
"Lin Fan, are you also here for the centennial celebration?" Jia Xiaoling asked, smiling.
Lin Fan wasnât there for any celebration. A few days ago, an old classmate, Chen Xinxing, had mentioned Tianhai Middle Schoolâs centennial celebration, but Lin Fan hadnât paid it any mind or planned to attend.
Showing up here at this time, simply a coincidence.
Jia Xiaoling misjudged it, thinking Lin Fan was here for the celebration.
"Just great, some of us planned to meet up taking advantage of this event. They said they didnât have your contact info and couldnât find you. Glad we met here; come and join us!" Jia Xiaoling said, smiling.
Though Lin Fan initially wanted to refuse, honestly, he wasnât fond of class reunions. But seeing the expectation in Jia Xiaolingâs eyes, he felt reluctant to turn her down; after all, they were old classmates, and used to be quite close.
"Okay, letâs go together," Lin Fan said with a smile.
Jia Xiaoling couldnât have been happier, nearly overjoyed. Just then the light turned green, and she said with a grin, "Letâs go, letâs meet at the intersection ahead."
Saying that, Jia Xiaoling drove her electric scooter onward.
Lin Fan, seeing her joy, couldnât help but be touched himself, and with a smile on his lips, drove after her.
The intersection ahead led to the road towards Tianhai Middle School.
By ten in the morning, Tianhai Middle Schoolâs centennial celebration was about to start, and the road leading there appeared somewhat crowded. Quite a few cars arrived, many of them luxury cars, all attending the centennial celebration, each person dressed glamourously.
After all, itâs a centennial celebration; many attendees were invited by the school, and appearing at such an event, they couldnât come carelessly dressed. Even those not invited wouldnât want to look out of place, hence dressing up well.
Lin Fan finally managed to drive up to the school entrance and found a spot to park.
Jia Xiaoling had already arrived first on her electric scooter, meeting up with a bunch of high school classmates.
This group of classmates included both boys and girls. They mostly no longer looked like students since they were all around twenty years old, most already working and having undergone societyâs trials.
"Liu Qiang, havenât seen you in years, looking handsome now! Where are you working?"
Classmates looked at one clad in a suit, with hair slicked back. This Liu Qiang, who arrived in a BMW earlier, immediately became the center of attention.
Liu Qiang felt a bit proud to be the focus. In high school, he wasnât noticeable either, but since he did well after graduation, he was a frequent topic among classmates.
"Handsome? Itâs all about the clothes. Not much success for me, still just tagging along with my cousin!" Liu Qiang said, humbly pretending.
"Liu Qiangâs cousin runs a factory, Iâve heard its profits alone make tens of millions a year!"
"Really envy Liu Qiang for having such a cool relative. I wish a relative could help me too!"
"Canât envy this stuff, itâs all about fate!"
"Brother Qiang is truly impressive, driving a BMW. Iâve barely even touched one!"
Everyone flattered Liu Qiang.
Liu Qiang felt nearly weightless with pride.
At this moment, Jia Xiaoling rode in on her electric scooter, attracting attention.
"Isnât this Little Ling?"
"Heard she got married, doesnât seem like she married well though, driving an electric scooter!"
"Little Lingâs even fatter than before; they say sheâs had two kids now."
Everyone discussed, many showing teasing expressions, not considering Jia Xiaoling highly in their words.
Jia Xiaoling was indeed a plump girl, always had been, and wasnât particularly pretty. Having gotten married, had kids to care for, she looked even worse now, seeming like an Auntie in her twenties.
Yet, Jia Xiaolingâs cheerful disposition remained the same.
She didnât mind her classmatesâ teasing, greeting everyone with a smile.
"Hello everyone, long time no see," Jia Xiaoling said laughing heartily.
The group responded half-heartedly with nods, acknowledging her, but not very warmly. After all, Jia Xiaoling was so ordinary with nothing worth their time.
Better to spend time buttering up Liu Qiang; if Liu Qiang would help introduce some business, thatâd be better.