Chapter 62: Outing (1 / 2)

It had been over a year since their college graduation. A few years without contact, and Liu Ruoyi was even more beautiful than before—now with a touch of mature elegance and femininity. She had an air of grace about her. Just like in high school, she remained the center of attention, constantly surrounded by classmates and the focus of the boys' admiration.

From afar, I noticed Liu Ruoyi's gaze drifting in my direction, and instantly, my heart began to pound. I couldn't help but wonder—did she still remember me? After all, back in high school, I was the one who had failed to keep our promise. Now that fate had brought us back together, I hoped to resolve the regret I'd carried all these years.

With that mixture of nervousness and anticipation swirling inside, I picked up my pace. I vaguely heard Jiang Shiyu calling my name behind me, but at that moment, all I could see was Liu Ruoyi.

Before today, I had imagined this reunion many times: the two of us catching up, laughing about the past, reflecting on life. It would be warm, lighthearted, easy.

But when I finally stood before her, reality hit like a slap. Just as I was about to greet her, she gave me a polite smile—and then turned back to her conversation with the classmates beside her.

Did she not recognize me? A sense of loss surged in my chest.

Jiang Shiyu jogged up to me and teased with a smirk,

"What happened just now? Got so dazed seeing Yiyi looking all gorgeous that you forgot how to breathe? Back in high school, the guys were ready to stage a mutiny when they found out you two were dating. Honestly, I still can't believe someone as smart as you didn't go to college. If you had, she might've really been your girlfriend."

I gave a sheepish smile. Yeah… If I had gone to college, maybe my life would've turned out completely different. But there are no "what-ifs" in life.

Now she stood before me, radiant in her flowing white dress—like a princess in a fairy tale, adored by all. And me? I glanced down at my plain, clean outfit—simple and modest, but nowhere near the brand-name fashion worn by those around me. The difference was… overwhelming.

"The bus should be here soon," Jiang Shiyu said.

I looked around at the picturesque countryside and asked, puzzled,

"What bus? Aren't we just hanging out here?"

She scanned the group and explained that everyone had been to this place too many times. Someone suggested renting a large coach to take us deeper into the mountains. A few well-connected classmates had even brought hunting rifles and crossbows. They were planning to go hunting. The resort was providing military-style tents and gear, but for safety reasons, it was better to use local transport to get up into the mountain.

I let out a wry laugh. These people really went all out.

I was definitely out of place here. Liu Ruoyi was chatting and laughing with a few successful-looking male classmates, discussing stocks, economics, and investments—stuff I couldn't even begin to follow.

Honestly, if it weren't for the chance to see her again, I wouldn't have come at all.

Soon, the coach bus arrived. Jiang Shiyu took charge of organizing everyone onto the bus. There was an empty seat next to me, but Liu Ruoyi didn't sit there. Instead, she took a seat in front of me and started chatting away with her seatmate, not even glancing back—like she didn't know me at all.

Had she really forgotten me?

Summoning my courage, I leaned forward and tapped her on the shoulder,

"It's me, Zhang Dabao. You didn't recognize me, did you?"

She turned and responded coolly,

"I recognized you."

Relieved, I smiled and invited her to come sit next to me.

But then came the worst moment.

Someone overheard me and started teasing,

"Come on, superstar! Go sit with your boyfriend. He's been waiting for you!"

Others joined in, laughing and egging her on. But Liu Ruoyi turned around and, in front of everyone, said coldly,

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm not looking to have my fortune told—why would I sit with him?"

Then she turned back and continued her conversation.

I don't even remember what my face looked like at that moment, but I clearly remember the wave of laughter that followed. I wanted nothing more than to crawl under my seat and disappear.

The coach bus began to move. Jiang Shiyu sat beside me, nudging me with her elbow and giving me an apologetic look. I just shook my head—it wasn't her fault. She had been kind.

Soon, the topic of my fortune-telling faded as everyone got swept up in discussions about affairs, flashy lifestyles, and humble brags.

That's how class reunions go.

Eventually, the conversations shifted toward the usual sensitive topics—jobs, salaries, houses, cars. The more well-off someone was, the louder they spoke. Those who were struggling kept quiet, pretending to be busy with their phones, just to look like they had something going on.