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.

As congratulations filled the air, I quickly faded into the background.

After a few rounds of drinks and dishes, the hotel manager entered the room. For him, anyone who could book Room 888 was a VIP; I had met him a few times before.

After his routine check-in, he asked, "Are you satisfied with today's dishes?"

I casually remarked, "The 'Lotus Pond Moonlight' dish is a bit oily; the others are fine."

My voice was low but silenced the room instantly. Ethan's expression shifted several times before he finally spoke up, saying, "Manager, don't listen to him; he doesn't know anything about food. You can go about your business; we'll handle it ourselves."

Once the manager left, Ethan forced a smile and tried to keep the atmosphere light while Shawn turned to me and said, "Kyle, what do you mean by that? Do you think you're some kind of food critic now?"

No one else spoke up as if talking to me would be an insult to themselves.

The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived: after eating and drinking their fill, it was time to show off their wives and cars.

Someone proudly declared they had just landed a multi-million-dollar deal.

Just then, my phone rang; it was my fiancée Emma calling.

"What's up, dear?"

"I heard you're dining at Royal Hotel?"

"My friends and I just finished our manicures and were passing by; can we come find you?"

Thinking we were almost done with our meal, I casually replied, "Sure, come on over; we're wrapping up soon."

After hanging up, I felt even more scornful glances directed at me.

A female classmate scoffed and said mockingly, "What an eye-opener! They're coming in a group just to mooch off a meal. They probably waited outside for ages—hilarious!"

Ethan looked at me with disdain in his eyes. "No worries; more tableware won't hurt. Just have the staff bring out some more dishes."

He shook his head as if I were even more pathetic than he had imagined.