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.

A female classmate looked at me with disdain and said, "You really can't expect wild boars to eat fine grain. The free car wash is for big clients with luxury cars. Do you understand?"

Shawn laughed and slapped the table, saying, "This country bumpkin is going to kill me with laughter. I feel embarrassed riding a bike here; I might as well take a taxi."

Ethan's face also showed signs of discomfort. The private room they were in was the prestigious Room 888, which he had booked a month in advance. If word got out that someone was washing electric bikes in his reserved room, he would surely become the laughingstock.

As everyone mocked me, their gazes filled with contempt and ridicule.

Several waitstaff in black uniforms began to push carts filled with exquisite dishes onto the table, signaling the official start of the reunion.

After the last dish was served, the class monitor raised his glass and stood up.

"First of all, I want to thank Ethan. If it weren't for him, some people might never get to eat this well."

"Secondly, today is Sophie's birthday. Let's raise our glasses to wish her a happy birthday!"

One female classmate shot Ethan a flirtatious glance and said, "I heard Ethan booked this hotel a month in advance just for Sophie's birthday. Room 888 isn't something you can get just because you have money."

Ethan waved his hand dismissively. "It's just a small gesture; as long as Sophie is happy."

After downing a drink, Ethan pulled Sophie close and announced loudly, "Today isn't just about her birthday; I'm also announcing that we'll be holding our wedding ceremony here on the 12th of next month!"

At Ethan's cue, Sophie raised her glass and nodded at everyone.