Chapter 4 Group Chat Fallout
He quotes the message: "They broke up early, heard it was in sophomore year, Lu Xiao signed with a company that doesn't allow dating."
It stirs up a huge reaction.
The group explodes instantly, everyone rushing to chat up the big star.
The girls who questioned me hurry to join in, forgetting everything else.
Lu Xiao acts cold, only saying something symbolic after persistent nagging.
"Thanks for everyone's concern, I'll treat you all to a meal and hang out another day."
A polite closing line, but someone pushes further.
"Which day? Let's confirm."
Seeing no response from Lu Xiao.
A girl tags both me and Lu Xiao directly.
"@LX. @S. You two aren't still hung up on each other, right? Afraid to come to the Class Reunion?"
Lu Xiao replies almost instantly.
LX: "Just got off a call, how about next Saturday then? You pick the place, but..."
Someone picks up wisely.
"We get it, no photos, keep the itinerary secret. Don't worry, we're all classmates, won't cause you trouble."
Lu Xiao sends a "thanks for understanding" emoji.
After Lu Xiao confirms, the group acts like I'll definitely attend, tagging me one after another.
"@S. Seize the chance, perform well, maybe Lu Xiao will agree to get back together."
"@S. Back then Lu Xiao chased you like crazy, now it's your turn, pretty fair."
"@S. There~ We've helped this much, the rest is up to you. Right, Lu Xiao?"
After a while.
Lu Xiao replies: "Depends on her attitude."
With an "I don't care" emoji.
I turn off my phone.
I continue battling the PPT that makes my eyes glaze over again and again.
The company I joined has a boss in his early thirties who's a leader in the industry, with high expectations for employees.
At least he's reasonable; after I say we're short-staffed, he assigns me a male college intern to assist.
The project meeting is set for next Saturday.
Saturday, second floor of Huayue Hotel.
I step out of the private room, taking a break during the conference to catch my breath and touch up my makeup.
On the way back, passing another room, someone pushes the door open.
They see me, shocked then thrilled, shouting inside.
"Su Mo is here!"
"You're late, punish yourself with three drinks."
I look around in surprise; the Class Reunion is actually here.
Lu Xiao leans back in the main seat, looking at me with an expected smile.
It looks like he wants to say, "I knew you'd come and bow your head."
Or like, "Beg me, and I'll forgive you."
I push away the wine glass a classmate shoves toward my mouth and explain.
"Sorry, I'm not here for the Class Reunion today, I'm leaving."
But a few drunk guys block me.
"You came, so stop pretending."
"You drink this wine today whether you want to or not; don't think of leaving until it's done."
Just as I'm about to lose it, two people walk in from the door.
My boss and the intern.
Boss: "Why did you leave me behind?" (He can't handle my PPT presentation.)
Intern: "Su Mo, I can't do without you." (He can't handle it even more.)
People in the room exchange looks, eyeing the boss in luxury brands, then the vibrant young intern, finally settling on me with envy and jealousy.
Someone shouts.
"Damn, a diamond bachelor and a diamond college guy, all diamonds!"
"No wonder Su Mo won't get back with Lu Xiao."
Everyone turns back, giving Lu Xiao meaningful looks.