Time flew by, and on Saturday, I arrived at the Royal Hotel as per James's address.

This place usually required drivers to park; it was my first time riding an electric bike there, so I struggled to find it.

When I walked into the room, I realized I was the last to arrive.

About ten people stared at me as if I were an alien—expressions filled with disdain and mockery.

I smiled faintly and took a seat at the last empty table.

Just as I sat down, an unpleasant voice broke through the chatter, "Why is he here? I don't remember seeing his name on the list."

The speaker was a classmate adorned in flashy jewelry; her name slipped my mind.

James looked at me with confusion as if he hadn't seen any list either.

Then more voices chimed in.

"Does he even know his place?"

"Only Ethan is kind enough to let him come; otherwise, he'd be a convict."

"They say those from the mountains are simple-minded; it's bad enough he has dirty hands—he still dares to have ambitions."

"If it weren't for Ethan's mercy, he'd probably never afford a meal here or wear anything but street market clothes—what a disgrace."

...

Ethan saw that the atmosphere had soured enough and raised his glass while clearing his throat, "Come on everyone, we're all classmates here; let's keep it civil. Besides, I believe Kyle has changed."

A few overly made-up women quickly chimed in, "Ethan has such a big heart! He truly is from a prestigious family."

The flattery made me feel nauseous.

Ethan, a wealthy heir, wielded immense influence during his student days, thanks to his family's money and good looks. Many girls on campus had a soft spot for him.

In contrast, I came from a humble background - my father was a farmer, and I relied on scholarships and part-time jobs to make ends meet as a student. I couldn't compete with Ethan's family connections, wealth, or status.

My only advantage was my academic performance. Initially, Ethan was like a patron to me, providing money to help him complete assignments.

Until she appeared - Sophie!

A girl from the mountains like me.

Looking at the now 26-27 year old Sophie sitting next to Ethan, the youthful charm had faded, replaced by a mature allure.

My thoughts drifted back to the university days - two years of being a lovesick fool, a comical resonance from the mountains. I once felt we were kindred spirits, destined to be together.

I bought her lipstick, clothes, bags - I strained every nerve to satisfy her desires, be it assignments, theses, or math competitions. If she asked, I gave!

A hand-hold, a declaration of love, and I lost myself completely.

I only smiled for her, only rejoiced in her happiness.

It was later that I realized it was all a facade, a deception. Two and a half years of toil, in exchange for a few "I love you, hand-holds, and farewell hugs. When I thought she was conservative, traditional, she was engaging in frenzied aerobic exercises in sexy lingerie in someone else's bed.

The past is but a wisp of cloud. The resentment and humiliation I felt back then were stepping stones to my success, not because I held a grudge, but because I couldn't forget my father's words on his deathbed.

As I shook off the memories, Class Monitor Shawn, also Ethan's top lackey, came scurrying over and poured me a drink.

"Kyle, I heard from James you're not doing too well, job-hunting is tough. Want me to help you find a job?"

After seeing so many people, going through so much, I had learned the wisdom of hearing and listening. It was clear they were mocking me.

"Thanks, Monitor, for the kind offer, but I just landed a project and it's just starting out."

I smiled in response.

"A project? You mean laying bricks on a construction site, stop pretending to be a big shot."

"Yeah, look at yourself, still talking about a project, speechless."

"I'm in construction too, never heard of a company called Anderson in this city."

Everyone took turns putting me down, as if I was a pariah. I didn't put on airs, compared to the ordeals I had faced these past few years, their words were nothing. My self-esteem had long been erased.

Ethan, seeing my calm, raised his glass. "Times are tough now, we're all classmates, don't give Kyle a hard time. Oh, right Kyle, if you really can't find a job, come work for my company. The security department is short two people, I'll pay you 4000 a month."

Shawn quickly chimed in. "What are you waiting for, thank Ethan! Save for a few years on 4000 a month, enough to go back to the village and find a wife."

Before I could open my mouth, the door to the private room was pushed open by a security guard.

He then walked straight up to me. "Kyle, your car has been washed. Here are the keys, keep them safe."

I replied with a thank you and took the keys from the guard's hand.

When everyone thought it was some luxury car, seeing the keys to my electric bicycle in my hand, the whole room burst out laughing.

Even the dignified Sophie couldn't help but reveal a hint of scorn.