Chapter 12: The Gathering (Part 1)

"Azalea, who is this lady?" A deep, magnetic voice rang out, the man's eyes fixated on Chuchu's face.

"You don't know? She's my high school classmate, and the school beauty of our year—Miss Chu," the beauty known as Azalea introduced with a smile.

"So, it's Miss Chu. Pleased to meet you! I'm Sima Yu. It's an honor to finally make your acquaintance," the handsome man responded with a graceful politeness.

"Nice to meet you too! I've watched your dramas. They're really entertaining," Chuchu replied, exuding calm confidence.

"Thank you!" The man beamed, his eyes betraying a hint of pride that couldn't be concealed.

Hearing their conversation, Xiang Ri finally realized why this couple seemed so familiar. Both of them had recently become household names in the entertainment industry—Sima Yu, the fresh-faced heartthrob, and Luo Feizi, the darling of youth films. Back when he was the boss, despite avoiding gossip, their fame had been unavoidable. Their faces adorned countless posters, news articles, and advertisements; it was nearly impossible not to recognize them, even if he wasn't personally acquainted.

"Xiao Zi, you're getting more famous by the day. I'm afraid you'll forget all about me soon!" Chuchu teased, unable to resist a joke upon meeting her old classmate.

"As if! I'd never dare forget you. I'm still counting on you to secure me a cushy job when we're old," Luo Feizi said coquettishly.

"Oh?" The handsome man's curiosity was piqued. "Miss Chu, where do you work?"

"I'm still in school, actually," Chuchu replied, a little embarrassed.

"Haha, Sima, aren't you usually quite discerning? Looks like you've misread this one. Let me tell you, she's still a student—and the princess of the Zhenlong Group, no less. Does she really need a job?" Luo Feizi said innocently.

"Ah! My sincerest apologies!" Upon hearing "Zhenlong Group," the man's eyes immediately lit up. "But then again, Miss Chu is so stunning, it's no wonder I was momentarily blinded and misjudged the situation."

"Sima, you're quite the comedian!" Chuchu giggled softly, covering her mouth.

"Miss Chu, there's no need for such formality. Since you're Azalea's classmate, why not just call me Sima, like she does?" Sima Yu said smoothly, attempting to close the distance between them.

"Haha..."

"Hey, girl, haven't you laughed enough? No one's complimenting your pearly whites!" Xiang Ri, who had been watching her laugh like a starstruck fan, interjected irritably.

"How rude! I'm just catching up with an old classmate!" Chuchu shot him a glare.

"Chuchu, who is this?" Luo Feizi asked as if she had just discovered something intriguing.

"Yes, Miss Chu, and who might this gentleman be?" Sima Yu finally acknowledged Xiang Ri, though he had noticed him from the start. The man was so insignificant in his eyes that he hadn't bothered to pay him any attention.

"He's... my boyfriend," Chuchu admitted, blushing slightly.

"What? No way! When did you get a boyfriend? Why didn't you tell me? Do you even consider me your best friend anymore?" Luo Feizi's expression was comically exaggerated.

Sima Yu cast a dark look at the man standing beside Chuchu, comparing himself once more. It was no contest—how could a chicken ever compare to a peacock?

"We've only been together for a short while, so I haven't had the chance to tell you yet!" Chuchu hastily explained, not wanting her high school best friend to get the wrong idea.

Hearing this, Sima Yu felt a wave of relief. It had only been a short while, meaning he still had plenty of chances. He silently thanked Azalea for inviting him out today—otherwise, he might have missed such a golden opportunity.

"Fine, I'll accept that excuse for now. But don't you dare keep any more secrets from me, or I won't forgive you!" Luo Feizi playfully warned.

"Alright, alright, my dear Lady Luo!" Chuchu replied helplessly.

"Enough already, girl!" Xiang Ri said coldly. Her audacity to ignore him had irritated him, and he was already planning how to teach her a lesson later.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Chuchu quickly rushed to his side and whispered, "Sunflower, these are my old classmates. Could you be a little nicer to me?"

"What's in it for me?" Xiang Ri took the opportunity to extort her.

"I'll let you... touch me a bit. But remember, you already touched me once earlier, so that doesn't count. You still have to be nice to me this time!" Chuchu pouted like a spoiled princess.

"I refuse! I already told you, it was the skirt that slipped—don't try to blame me," Xiang Ri stubbornly stuck to an excuse even he didn't believe.

"Well, how about I let you touch me when we get home?" Chuchu glared at him, grinding her teeth.

"Deal! But only if you promise not to smile at that pretty boy like a lovesick fool again," Xiang Ri set his terms.

"Hm? You mean Sima Yu?" Chuchu gave him a strange look before a realization dawned. "Oh, I see, you're jealous. Could it be that you've fallen for me?"

"Are you crazy? I'm not into you—I'm only interested in your body. Don't forget, I swore I'd get you into bed," Xiang Ri's eyes gleamed.

"You scoundrel! Don't even think about it. Unless... you're planning to marry me. Hey, why are you looking at me like that? I was just joking, it's not for real!" Chuchu retorted, self-righteously.

"So you'll sleep with me if I marry you? That's easy. I'll marry you tomorrow, and tonight we can share a bed, right?"

"Go to hell…"

"Hey, what are you two lovebirds whispering about? You seem so engrossed," Luo Feizi poked her head in.

"Oh, nothing. He's just sulking because I ignored him while chatting with you guys," Chuchu responded playfully.

"Ah, I see!" Luo Feizi glanced at Chuchu's boyfriend, "As a man, you shouldn't be so petty! Chuchu and I have been best friends since we were kids. You don't mind us talking a bit more, do you?"

"I do!" Xiang Ri's face remained stony.

Chuchu's heart skipped a beat—this guy had agreed just moments ago, why the sudden change of heart? She quickly shot him a warning look.

"That's impossible!" Xiang Ri decided to stop teasing her after seeing her panic-stricken expression.

"Haha... ha..." Luo Feizi laughed awkwardly.

At that moment, a waitress approached, arms full of clothes. "Sir, I've selected the items. Would you like to try them on?"

"No need, just wrap them all up. I trust your taste," Xiang Ri waved his hand dismissively.

"All of them? But there's quite a lot! Are you sure you don't want to try at least a few?" the waitress asked, stunned.

"Yes, all of them!" Xiang Ri confirmed.

"Very well, I'll pack them up immediately," she said, hurrying to fetch bags for the items.

Luo Feizi stood by, astonished at the extravagance of this man who had almost embarrassed her earlier. If he bought clothes like this, the cashier would be counting money until their hands cramped. Meanwhile, Sima Yu watched coldly from the sidelines. Xiang Ri's behavior only reinforced his belief that this man was utterly beneath him—not worthy of being his rival. No taste whatsoever, truly a country bumpkin.

"You're not even trying them on—how can you be sure any of them are good?" Chuchu complained about his careless shopping attitude.

"It's fine. Her taste is spot on. Didn't you notice the dress she picked for you? It looks gorgeous on you—it's so stunning it's left me completely disoriented," Xiang Ri flattered her.

"Really? Is it as good as you say?" Chuchu, swept away by his sweet words, found herself blushing.

"You wait here, I'll go pay."

"Huh? I'll pay. We agreed I'd buy the clothes for you," Chuchu whispered softly.

"What? Afraid I can't cover it? Don't worry. I'll pay for the dress you're wearing too—consider it a gift from me."

"Thank you!" Chuchu moved closer, discreetly slipping something into his hand. "If you don't have enough cash, use this instead."

"No need!" Xiang Ri was touched by her gesture—she'd secretly handed him her credit card, worried he might be embarrassed. So silly, yet so adorable. "I've brought enough money to buy out the entire store!" He shoved the card back into her hand and rushed to the counter.

Without a second thought, Chuchu tucked the card back into her purse, trusting him implicitly. Little did she know that, despite her covert actions, they had been observed by the couple standing nearby. However, neither noticed Xiang Ri returning the card.

Sima Yu and Luo Feizi exchanged a glance, both clearly showing their disdain. That man must be a freeloader. Luo Feizi made a mental note to have a serious talk with her best friend later—she couldn't let Chuchu be deceived. Meanwhile, Sima Yu's confidence grew, a slight smile tugging at his lips—Miss Chu was as good as his.

"Let's go home!" Xiang Ri said, carrying several bags as he addressed Chuchu.

"Alright!" Chuchu grabbed a bag of her own to carry her changed clothes.

"Miss Chu, it's getting late. How about we grab dinner together?" Sima Yu seized the moment, suggesting a group meal, while giving Luo Feizi a knowing look.

"Yes, yes! The more, the merrier. Come on, Chuchu, let's go!" Luo Feizi had her own plans, eagerly encouraging her friend to join.

"Well…" Chuchu looked expectantly at Xiang Ri.

"Alright, let's go together," Xiang Ri sighed, unable to resist her pleading eyes.