C7 – Tit for Tat
“Humph, today’s my final shot at winning over Tong Waner. University begins in a few days, and getting another chance to ask her out will be tough. So, all of you better get your act together. If this confession works today, each of you will receive a thousand bucks as a reward!”
With an air of arrogance, Chen Jie addressed hisckeys in front of him, exuding confidence.
He had invested both money and effort into preparing an array of tools for confessing to Tong Waner. This time, he was resolute about seeding!
Theckeys’ eyes gleamed upon hearing this. A thousand yuan could hardly be considered a small amount!
“No worries, Young Master Chen. I promise to fulfill the task!”
Theckeys patted their chests and assured Chen Jie confidently.
Suddenly, amotion erupted in the crowd.
“Oh my, look! Who’s with Tong Waner?”
“Their behavior is so intimate. Could they be a couple?”
Following the stir, Chen Jie and his group turned their attention to the source of themotion. They witnessed Tong Waner approaching the school gate, apanied by a boy. To Chen Jie’s dismay, it was his arch-rival, Wang Xiao. The two were holding hands, disying a deeply affectionate manner.
“Why is Wang Xiao here? Doesn’t he usually avoid ss gatherings the most?”
Chen Jie’s brows furrowed slightly as he spoke in a deep tone. Upon witnessing Wang Xiao and Tong Waner holding hands, a chilly glint shed in his eyes.
Tong Waner’s actions were akin to broadcasting to everyone present that Wang Xiao was her boyfriend.
Unbeknownst to Chen Jie, Wang Xiao and Tong Waner were actually engaged. He was only aware of their close rtionship during high school, which had always made Wang Xiao a thorn in his side.
Never could he have foreseen that in just a month of separation, Wang Xiao and Tong Waner had be a couple!
This oue certainly wasn’t enough for him.
“Young Master Chen, what… what do we do now?”
Even Chen Jie’sckeys were left dumbfounded. They stared at the scene with nk expressions and posed their question weakly to Chen Jie. They had initially intended to support Chen Jie’s pursuit of Tong Waner. But with the current situation, it seemed like they were already defeated before they even began.
“Young Master Chen, should we still proceed with the nned fireworks disy?”
Oneckey, who was usually blind to the reality, inched closer to Chen Jie and posed his question meekly.
p!
A dark shade fell upon Chen Jie’s face. He gestured his hand and delivered a sharp p to hisckey. Wearing a glum expression, he barked, “What’s your bbering about? Get lost!”
Theckey retreated to the sidelines, sporting a wounded look, refraining from uttering another word.
Chen Jie struggled to tamp down the fury within him. His mind raced, swiftly devising a scheme. A faint smirk curved his lips as he mumbled under his breath, “Tong Waner, since I can’t win your heart… then I’ll possess your body!”
In the ssroom, Tong Waner energetically exchanged greetings with her ssmates. Wang Xiao trailed behind her, feigning familiarity with his “ssmates.” Some of his assignments needed amendment since he was, in fact, an imposter.
After a quick once-over, Wang Xiao swiftly identified the individuals and engaged in conversations.
“Tong Waner, you’re here.”
At that moment, Chen Jie stepped before Tong Waner, wearing a smile that was quite the departure from his previous grim countenance. With an amiable expression, he greeted her.
“Yes.”
Observing Chen Jie’s greeting, Tong Waner merely offered a faint acknowledgment, seemingly influenced by Wang Xiao’s presence.
Unperturbed, Chen Jie shifted his attention to Wang Xiao, wearing a soft smile. “Wang Xiao, you’re here too. I almost thought you’d skip this ss reunion.”
“What business is it of yours whether I attend or not?”
Wang Xiao cast a nce at Chen Jie, his tone devoid of interest.
Upon sighting Chen Jie, he instantly recognized him as one of Tong Waner’s admirers. Consequently, he had no intention of being courteous.
To dare pursue his brother’s spouse was inviting disaster!
“Wang Xiao, don’t act shamelessly. Young Master Chen orchestrated this gathering. Your behavior holds significance!”
Before Chen Jie could respond, his entourage had already risen. The speaker, closely associated with Chen Jie, was Zhang San.
Bystanding students became captivated by the drama, stepping aside to watch the unfolding spectacle.
“Chen Jie, instruct yourckey to silence himself. He’s disturbing me.”
Without even sparing Zhang San a nce, Wang Xiao addressed Chen Jie with a smile.
“What did you just say, Wang Xiao?”
Reprimanded by Wang Xiao like a dog, Zhang San’s expression soured. He clenched his fist, poised to retaliate.
At that juncture, Chen Jie motioned to halt him. He had no desire to engage with Wang Xiao. Instead, he scolded, “Zhang San, what’s gotten into you? Aren’t you aware this is our final high school reunion? You’re ruining it, aren’t you?”
“Young Master Chen, I…”
Witnessing Chen Jie’s scolding, Zhang San wore an aggrieved expression and desired to exin. However, Chen Jie waved his hand dismissively, preventing him from speaking.
“No need for further words; this matter concludes here,” Chen Jie said decisively. Then, he turned his gaze to Wang Xiao, his expression softening. “Wang Xiao, we’re ssmates. Don’t stoop to his level.”
Wang Xiao narrowed his eyes. Chen Jie’s intentions were unclear, and he opted to remain silent.
“Now that we’re all here, let’s get going. I’ve reserved thergest karaoke room on the eastern bank of Eastern City. Tonight’s about enjoying ourselves!”
Observing Wang Xiao’s silence, Chen Jie turned away and pped his hands toward the students by the school gate.
Those students were instantly captivated by Chen Jie’s proposal. Number Twelve on the outer beach was an upscale KTV venue. The spending level there was considerably high. Most of the students came from ordinary families; they had never experienced such luxury. Cheers of excitement echoed as they formed groups of three to five and hurried to Number Twelve, on the outer beach.
“Young Master Chen, why did you seem to side with Wang Xiao earlier?” Zhang San gazed at Chen Jie with a face full of grievance, seeking an exnation. The other hangers-on also regarded Chen Jie with perplexity.
Once all the students had departed, Zhang San looked at Chen Jie, seeking an answer for his confusion.
“When did I appear to be on Wang Xiao’s side?” Chen Jie countered with a question, turning to face Zhang San.
“Didn’t you just help Wang Xiao scold…”
Zhang San maintained a wronged expression. However, before he could voice his thoughts, Chen Jie interrupted him.
“Hehe, if I hadn’t done that, how could I have caught Wang Xiao off guard?”
A cruel grin crept across Chen Jie’s face, his gaze sharp as he jeered at Zhang San.
“Young Master Chen, was that deliberate just now?” Zhang San quickly grasped the intention behind Chen Jie’s expression.
Chen Jie’s smirk deepened, and Zhang San immediately caught on.
“Number Twelve of the Outer Beach belongs to me,” Chen Jie added with a chuckle, giving Zhang San’s shoulder a friendly pat. “Don’t fret. I’ll make sure to take care of that Wang Xiao today. As for Tong Waner, she won’t escape my grasp!”
Zhang San and the othersprehended his words, and wicked smirks spread across their faces as they burst into sinisterughter.
In no time, they reached the entrance of the 12th KTV. True to its reputation, it was an upscale establishment, guarded by several suited bodyguards.
“Hello, Young Master Chen!”
A few suited bodyguards approached Chen Jie upon spotting him and addressed him with respect.
“Of course! Get us the finest karaoke room. It’s a high school reunion tonight. Food, beer — arrange it all.”
Chen Jie replied nonchntly without even lifting his head.
“Yes, Young Master Chen!”
The suited bodyguards spoke promptly with utmost respect. Upon finishing, they slightly shifted their positions, signaling an invitation.
The students in the ssroom were astonished by the deference Number Twelve of the Outer Shore disyed towards Chen Jie. While they were aware of Chen Jie’s wealthy background, they hadn’t anticipated such an exceptional disy.
Some young, attractive, and alluring female students regarded Chen Jie with flirtatious nces.
Chen Jie turned, directing a contemptuous look at Wang Xiao, who stood beside Tong Waner. His gazemunicated his scorn.
Kid, this illustrates the gap between us!
Wang Xiao naturally caught the challenging look Chen Jie sent his way. He couldn’t help but grin, extending his right hand around Tong Waner’s waist and simultaneously ncing back at Chen Jie.
“Big Brother Wang Xiao!”
Sensing Wang Xiao’s intimate gesture, Tong Waner’s lovely face flushed, and she shyly responded, yet she didn’t withdraw Wang Xiao’s hand.
“Damn it!”
Observing Wang Xiao’s hand inching toward Tong Waner’s waist, Chen Jie’s eyes zed with jealousy, his teeth clenched.
Guided by the bodyguards, they entered thevish KTV room, adorned with opulence. This sight prompted some regr students who hadn’t experienced this before to break into excitement.
“Oh my, if I get to visit this ce often in the future, I might just be doing quite well.”
“What’s the big deal? I just aspire to be a prince.”
“Get out!”
Some real-life female students had already approached Chen Jie, employing ttery and yful words. They teased him, often apanied by suggestive gestures, inciting envy among the male students nearby.
Outwardly, Chen Jie engaged in lively conversations with these makeup-wearing female students. In truth, the corner of his eye was constantly on Tong Waner and Wang Xiao.
Spotting their entrance, he selected a seat and sat with them. He talked to himself, seemingly oblivious to anyone else. The jealousy in his gaze could only intensify.
“Wang Xiao, you’ll soon realize you’re not up to par for Tong Waner!”