Lin Fan and Lai Xiaomei indeed went to the same middle school, and they even shared the same class. Back then, Lai Xiaomei was a top student, and Lin Fan wasnât too bad either. Later, they both got into Tianhai High School.
However, once they were in high school, the two of them were no longer in the same class. Lai Xiaomei continued to be an outstanding student and became a school celebrity. Lin Fan, on the other hand, had average grades, and coupled with his low-key personality, he didnât stand out.
Back in middle school, Lin Fanâs academic performance was at one point even better than Lai Xiaomeiâs. In the final exam of the first year, Lin Fan ranked first in the grade, and even at that time, Lai Xiaomei saw Lin Fan as a target to chase.
But later, for some unknown reason, Lin Fanâs grades plummeted, and Lai Xiaomei surpassed him, gradually becoming the top student. Since then, Lai Xiaomei never looked at Lin Fan with the same regard.
Looking at their current situations, the difference is indeed striking.
Lai Xiaomei has had a smooth journey through life, was a top student as a student, then worked in a big company after graduation, and after earning money, she started her own company, becoming a boss. It is said her assets have reached over 100 million, making her a special guest at the school reunion.
On the other hand, Lin Fan, dressing shabbily, can only squeeze around the outskirts of the venue as a bystander.
Comparing the two who came from the same middle school, it is indeed quite discouraging.
Liu Qiang seized this and sarcastically ridiculed Lin Fan; the nearby classmates heard it and snickered.
Liu Qiangâs words were practically a critical hit, surely damaging Lin Fanâs spirit.
However...
Lin Fan did not feel any blow; he smiled faintly and said, "Lai Xiaomei is indeed excellent, thatâs a fact. But Brother Qiang, arenât you standing here with me? Why arenât you in the guest seats, Brother Qiang?"
Liu Qiang was immediately caught off guard; if Lin Fan was not good, then since they were both watching from the outskirts, it meant he was not good either!
Lin Fanâs point was that if Liu Qiang insulted him, it was like insulting himself because they were both in the same situation outside.
Liu Qiangâs face turned red with excitement and he said angrily, "Whoâs like you. The alumni who were invited are the cream of the crop, but not being invited doesnât mean weâre all bad. At least the gap between you and me is obvious. Donât even think about comparing with Lai Xiaomei, can you even compare with me, Lin Fan?"
Everyone laughed.
"Of course, you canât compare! Brother Qiang drives a BMW, and Lin Fan drives a Xia Li!"
"Even though Brother Qiang wasnât invited, heâs still outstanding, not disgracing the school!"
"Look at Lin Fan; heâs simply disgracing the school!"
The crowd chimed in, all with mocking implications.
Liu Qiang became complacent and chuckled coldly, "Lin Fan, say no more, Iâm a supervisor in a factory with 50 million assets, with an annual salary of 300,000, plus year-end bonuses and benefits. What are you doing right now? Donât tell me youâre working in a small company as a corporate slave, earning a dead salary of four or five thousand, unable to buy a house or a good car for a lifetime!"
Lin Fan replied, "Comparing with you is sort of bullying. Iâm currently working in a company valued at 200 billion."
Everyone was stunned, 200 billion?
This number is astronomical to them, is Lin Fan that impressive, having joined such a large company?
Liu Qiang was also stunned for a moment, then laughed, "I get it, Lin Fan, youâre joking around! Just like that internet joke, riding a 10 million car to work every day, but in fact taking the subway. Youâre working at a 200 billion company? Doing what, being a security guard?"
"Haha..."
Everyone laughed.
"By that logic, I even have business dealings with the biggest telecom group, Mobile!"
"Er, Pinduoduo is my supplier!"
"Huaxia Bank is my loyal partner!"
"Hahaha..."
Everyone was riffing on jokes, laughing together, and what they were saying was all mocking Lin Fan for pretending.
Liu Qiang chuckled, "Lin Fan, stop pretending, let me guess, which 200 billion group in Huaxia, ah, right, thereâs a delivery company that seems to have a 200 billion valuation, youâre not working there, delivering food, are you?"
Lin Fan smiled, "I have indeed delivered food, but..."
Liu Qiang interrupted Lin Fan, bursting into laughter, "Delivering food! Youâre really delivering food, oh my, didnât you get into college, graduating and then delivering food, youâre killing me with laughter!"
Oh!
It turns out working at a 200 billion company means delivering food, really makes one die of laughter.
Everyone laughed back and forth, as if in their eyes, Lin Fan was a clown to make people laugh.
Jia Xiaoling couldnât stand seeing them stepping on Lin Fan like this.
"Alright, thatâs enough! Weâre all classmates, itâs rare to gather, why act like this! Is this fun for you!" Jia Xiaoling said angrily.
Only then did everyone gradually hold back their laughter.
Jia Xiaoling was still upset, "Even if Lin Fan isnât doing as well, so what, he didnât spend your money nor did he offend you. Being classmates, why focus so much on the rich or the poor, canât you be less materialistic!"
Jia Xiaoling has always had a good temperament, always with a smile, treating people kindly and warmly, she rarely got this angry, in everyoneâs memory, it was also rare to see her this upset.
For a moment, everyone quieted down, looking slightly embarrassed.
But Liu Qiang chuckled, "Little Ling, whatâs this, standing up for Lin Fan, feeling bad for him? No way, youâre married now, could it be..."
Jia Xiaolingâs face immediately flushed, "Stop talking nonsense!"
Liu Qiang said, "Where did I talk nonsense, donât think I donât know, in high school you confessed to Lin Fan and got rejected, didnât you?"
"Wow!"
Everyone had a gossip-eating expression.
Jia Xiaoling was blushing red, didnât expect that standing up for Lin Fan for a few words would bring fire upon herself, with Liu Qiang starting to expose her old secrets.
This was her most unwilling-to-mention past.
During high school, she sat next to Lin Fanâs desk. Generally speaking, classmates sitting close tend to have a better relationship, and she and Lin Fan were the same, often chatting and joking, just like best buddies.
The feelings Jia Xiaoling had for Lin Fan were not just ordinary friendship, in Jia Xiaolingâs eyes, Lin Fan was very capable and handsome, she admired Lin Fan.
Finally, one day, Jia Xiaoling gathered the courage to confess to Lin Fan.
But she was rejected by Lin Fan!
Jia Xiaoling was heartbroken for a long time, but eventually came to terms, feeling it was she who wasnât worthy of Lin Fan.
Later, Jia Xiaoling didnât get into college, worked for two years, and she gradually moved past her unrequited love, got married and had children. When she got married, she didnât invite Lin Fan, just wanting to put the past behind.
However, in the quiet of the night, she would still occasionally think of this man... her heart would still race.
In her eyes, Lin Fan was always that person she admired, she just doesnât want to recall him, fearing she would be tempted...