Chapter 80: Are You Worthy of Sijie?

Before long, the dishes and wine were served one after another, and everyone began to toast and chat merrily. The atmosphere was quite pleasant. During the meal, the conversation turned to economic development, and each person presented themselves as a successful figure, exuding an air of sophistication.

The center of attention was, naturally, Wang Dong. Having just returned to the country, he had already received an invitation from the renowned Zhongtong Group to serve as their Chief Financial Advisor. At the same time, he had set up his own company and taken on several major corporate clients, overseeing stock market operations for them.

With just these few contracts, he stood to make over twenty million in profit a year, enough to draw envy from everyone present.

Lily, in particular, seemed utterly entranced; every time her eyes met Wang Dong’s, she flirted openly, completely forgetting she had a boyfriend at all.

But it was no wonder—her boyfriend was merely a mid-level manager in a company, someone she had dated only for the sake of climbing the social ladder, with no real affection between them. In her eyes, Wang Dong was the true embodiment of her ideal prince charming.

Yet, despite her many overtures, Wang Dong always ignored her, his attention instead drifting from time to time to Zhao Sijie.

Lily, sharp as ever, noticed this, and the realization made her even more displeased. She began to regret inviting that woman at all.

“All right, everyone, let’s not flatter me anymore,” Wang Dong said, waving his hand at the group’s praise. “I’ve only just returned and am still in the early stages. When I’m truly successful one day, I’ll host a grand celebration for everyone.”

“Dong, you’re too modest. With your abilities and backing from such prominent clients, you’re bound for success,” someone chimed in.

“Yes, Dong, when you make it big, don’t forget to let us share in the spoils,” another added, and the group hurried to flatter him further.

Though Wang Dong enjoyed the praise, he maintained a humble facade and suddenly changed the topic, “Sijie, may I ask what you’re doing for work now?”

Caught off guard, Zhao Sijie replied politely, “I’m a manager at Delicious Restaurant now—not nearly as impressive as you.”

“Delicious Restaurant is a giant in our city’s food scene, and its owner, Huang Hai, is quite a business figure,” Wang Dong nodded approvingly. “That’s a strong start—you have a bright future ahead.”

“I heard your boyfriend is a driver. Is that true?” he added.

Xia Yu was momentarily surprised, then nodded, “Yes, that’s right. Why do you ask?”

“Oh, nothing,” Wang Dong replied with a half-smile. “I was just curious—how much do you make driving each month?”

“A few thousand yuan, I suppose,” Xia Yu answered with indifference.

“Heh, that’s rather modest,” Wang Dong continued. “Sijie is doing well now—you should work harder to keep up as her boyfriend.”

“If it’s about work, I could lend a hand. May I ask about your educational background?”

“Dong is a generous man—hey, aren’t you going to thank him and seize the opportunity?” a bespectacled man nudged Xia Yu.

Xia Yu hesitated, then gave a wry smile. “I can’t compare to you all, university graduates one and all. I dropped out at fifteen—so, I suppose you could call it a middle school education.”

Someone suddenly spit out their wine, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself—it’s hard to believe someone still only has a middle school education these days!” he laughed.

The others couldn’t help but laugh as well, their eyes full of disdain as they looked at Xia Yu.

A middle school education? And he can say it without shame? Clearly the lowest rung of society—someone who’s never seen the world.

“Well, that does make things a bit difficult,” Wang Dong said with a troubled smile. “Even if you’d finished junior college, I could help you find a decent job. But with just a middle school education, it’s hard to arrange anything.”

“It’s fine—I’m content driving,” Xia Yu replied nonchalantly.

“Come on, man, have some ambition. What future is there in being a driver? Are you going to let Sijie support you?” Wu Tian teased.

The bespectacled man joined in, “Exactly. With a few thousand a month, you can’t even buy a set of cosmetics. Frankly, do you think you’re worthy of Sijie?”

Xia Yu glanced at Zhao Sijie, “Sijie, what do you think? Do you resent me for it?”

“Silly, why would I resent you?” Zhao Sijie rolled her eyes at him, scolding with a smile, “Don’t mind them, everyone. I’m not that ambitious. As long as we have enough to live on, I’m happy. There’s no need to worry about us.”

“Sijie, you really are... foolish,” someone muttered.

Since Zhao Sijie had spoken, the others had no choice but to hold their tongues. Wang Dong only smiled, yet his admiration for Zhao Sijie grew—beautiful and kind-hearted, girls like her were rare indeed.

Once the meal was over, it was still early.

Since it was rare for everyone to gather, no one wanted to part ways so soon. Wang Dong and Wu Tian suggested they head to the Overseas Chinese Town Scenic Area nearby for some fun.

Everyone agreed, and they spent the day at the amusement park.

Although the group had little fondness for Xia Yu, he and Zhao Sijie kept to themselves, enjoying their own little world and feeling quite happy.

“So this is what falling in love feels like—it’s wonderful. Yu, we should go out together more often,” Zhao Sijie said sweetly, holding Xia Yu’s hand.

Xia Yu felt unusually relaxed. In truth, it was his first time holding a girl’s hand on a date like this. He still couldn’t say he had fallen completely for Zhao Sijie, but at least he didn’t dislike her.

In fact, their time together had brought them closer, giving him a unique feeling.

“As long as you’re happy, I’ll go anywhere you want with you,” he replied.

“You’re so good to me,” Zhao Sijie leaned contentedly on his shoulder.

“You silly girl, aren’t you worried I can’t afford to support you on my meager salary?” Xia Yu teased.

“Please, what are you saying?” Zhao Sijie punched him playfully. “If it comes to that, I’ll support you. I’m perfectly willing!”

Xia Yu was taken aback—he hadn’t expected such a bold response, but he couldn’t help but laugh.

“Seems I really am destined to be pampered,” he joked.

By evening, everyone was exhausted from the day’s adventures and decided to stay overnight at a hotel in the scenic area.

But when it came time to check in, there weren’t enough rooms.

“I’m sorry, miss, but we’re out of rooms. There’s only one small single left—would you mind making do?” the receptionist said to Lily, the last to pick up a key.

Incensed, Lily snapped, “How is that acceptable? I can’t possibly stay in such a tiny room!”

“I’m afraid all our larger rooms are taken. Perhaps you could swap with one of your friends?” the desk clerk apologized.

Lily paused, then shot a glare at Xia Yu and Zhao Sijie, her tone dripping with sarcasm, “Sijie, why don’t you two take the small room? You’re used to roughing it anyway, so it shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

“I’m sorry, but I’m used to spacious rooms at home—a cramped space would keep me up all night.”