Chapter 34 So you're Shi Duidui!

"Want to be my dad? Hmm, that's a nice dream. Well, keep dreaming." Shi Shi glared at him, knowing he was joking and wasn't really angry.

Her gaze was not threatening at all; it was gentle and felt to Zhao Xiao like nothing more than a coquettish gesture. He felt that arranging this class reunion was well worth it.

"Oh, let me see who's here, making you smile like a flower at the door." A shrill female voice came from outside.

Even with her hair styled in large curls, Shi Shi's hair was still soft, shiny, and lustrous. Slender and petite, Shi Shi, without any exaggerated makeup, exuded an air of nobility simply by standing there quietly. Zhang Yumin looked at Shi Shi; she was indeed still as annoying as ever.

"Long time no see, Yumin."

"Shi Shi. I heard you even went on a variety show after your divorce. Oh dear, did you leave with nothing? If you have any difficulties, you should tell us old classmates. When it's time to lend a hand, we won't back down." Everyone could hear the sarcasm in Zhang Yumin's words.

"That's enough, don't go too far," Zhao Xiao said in a low voice.

"You're heartbroken!?" Zhang Yumin's eyes seemed bloodshot. Although her makeup was exquisite and her attire elegant, the weariness in her eyes was undeniable.

Shi Shi glanced at Zhao Xiao, then at Zhang Yumin.

Oh, so that's how it is. I've been following this love triangle drama, and I never imagined I'd be the female lead.

Some students had already noticed the argument at the door and were peeking in, much like badger in a melon patch. Sure enough, gossip doesn't change based on educational background.

"Thank you for your concern. I don't want to participate in variety shows either, but I have too many works, and I feel it would be a waste to let them go to waste. Speaking of which, I do have something I need to trouble you with. I just don't know if you can do it."

"What is it?" Zhang Yumin looked at Shi Shi warily.

"I think the Pacific Ocean is a bit too wide. Do you think you could step in and do something about it?" Shi Shi looked at her with wide, round eyes, her expression incredibly sincere.

"You... ... ..." Zhang Yumin was so angry at Shi Shi that she couldn't speak.

Zhao Xiao, standing beside her, couldn't stop laughing. She couldn't help but remark that Shi Shi had truly changed. Before, when faced with similar situations, she would have simply thought the other person was being unreasonable, gently ignoring it as nonsense. Now, the sharp-tongued Shi Shi seemed even more endearing.

Bao Yiting and Bi Lei didn't want to watch them argue and make a scene for everyone. They each changed the subject with a comment.

Adult social interactions are very simple; a meal can build many bridges over drinks. Classmates who were once strangers quickly become close again.

Golden Diamond Royal Court, this top-tier luxury club, offers almost anything you can imagine. Some male classmates went to play indoor golf, while some female classmates went downstairs for a spa treatment.

Zhao Xiao: "There's a karaoke bar downstairs, wanna go sing?"

Bi Lei immediately became interested. She gently shook Shi Shi's arm: "Come on, I want to hear you sing. You sang so well before, I haven't had enough." Bao Yiting nodded repeatedly.

Although "The Wind Rises" and "Decent" have only been released for a short time, they've already gained popularity. Playlists are already available. Many internet celebrities have also covered them. But compared to Shi Shi's version, they haven't even made a ripple.

I was once overwhelmed by the vastness of the world.

Also indulging in sleep talking

Unable to distinguish truth from falsehood, unwilling to struggle, and unafraid of ridicule.

I once poured my youth into her.

I've also played the summer tune with my fingertips.

Let your heart guide you, and let things take their course.

Walking against the light, braving the wind and rain.

When Shi Shi sang, it was a side of her no one had ever seen before. Zhao Xiao felt his whole body heat up; he hadn't felt this excited even when he squeezed out his two brothers and took over the company from the old man. Although Zhao Xiao wore glasses, only those close to him knew that his eyesight was excellent. At this moment, his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, as if he had spotted his prey.

He casually adjusted the temple of his glasses with his hand, but the surging desire in his eyes was something only he knew.

... ...

... ...

Shi Shi didn't want to drink, but she couldn't refuse the hospitality, so she only had a little bit of red wine. Romanée-Conti was indeed delicious, with a rich, juicy aroma.

The night breeze ruffled Shi Shi's curly hair. She brushed the strands of hair that were stuck to her lips and said, "Go back quickly. Lei Lei and I will tell you when we get home. Everyone is waiting for you, class monitor."

Everyone had been drinking, and Bao Yiting was picked up by her family's driver. Shi Shi, on the other hand, called a designated driver. She declined Zhao Xiao's offer to drive her. He could sense her affection for her, but he didn't want to get involved in his love affair with Zhang Yumin. To her, this wasn't a romantic opportunity, but trouble.

Seemingly sensing the other person's resistance, Zhao Xiao knew that going too far would be counterproductive. So she simply and considerately escorted the person to the door.

Shi Shi had just entered her home and was about to take a shower and go to bed when she heard the green notification sound from her phone.

Bi Lei: "Is it Zhao Xiao?"

Shi Shi nodded: "He asked us if we got home safely."

"No, no, no. He only cares whether you got home or not. It seems he organized this class reunion with ulterior motives." Bi Lei shook her index finger, looking like a master who could see right through her.

Seeing that Shi Shi ignored her, Bi Lei, not minding the disappointment, continued, "You know, among this group of people today, only Zhao Xiao is socializing with those below him. He doesn't need to. If others were organizing a class reunion, they'd have to worry about him not showing up. If not for you, what would he be after? If he wanted a gathering, he could just invite the two people he's close to. All the expenses today are on him; it'll be at least a seven-figure sum. Even if he's rich, he's not stupid. So, are you interested?"

"A woman's aging is symbolized by her becoming a matchmaker."

The arrow struck Bi Lei squarely in the heart.

"You're so vicious!"

"With Zhao Xiao? Absolutely not! I have no intention of getting involved with him and Zhang Yumin. Remember how that imperial green apartment shocked the whole class? It's more expensive than my apartment."

Everyone in their class knew about this. When Zhao Xiao's mother was sick, it was Zhang Yumin who took care of her. Back then, classmates joked that they wondered if Zhang Yumin would be so devoted to her own mother. From the time Zhao's mother fell ill until her recovery, Zhang Yumin was the one running around taking care of her. At one point, she looked quite haggard, and her classmates advised her not to push herself too hard, since Zhao Xiao's family could afford a nanny or caregiver. But as it turns out, nothing can stop a die-hard love-struck girl.

That's why Shi Shicai never thought the two of them would be involved with her. Bi Lei thought about it; if it really was Zhao Xiao, then the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship would be a big problem. When they graduated, Zhao Xiao's mother came to the graduation ceremony and gave Zhang Yumin a whole set of imperial green jewelry. The main theme was ostentatious wealth.

"Okay, the next one will be even more well-behaved. How about you find a pure and innocent young man?"

"Forget it, male college students may or may not be innocent, but they're definitely stupid. I don't want to play those guessing games anymore."