1.3.59: Class Reunion (II)

In her line of vision stood Zhou Ming, as handsome as ever. She froze and looked away, confused on why he was here. It would've been logical for him to be at the much bigger and upscale banquet hall for the business elites, but why was he there for a small class reunion? 

Zhao Meiliang stopped talking and looked at him with wide eyes. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen in her life. He also looked filthy rich, just by his aura and the material of his clothes alone. And surprisingly, he was walking in her direction. She felt a blush on her face. She was already married but if such a man was interested in her, then it didn't matter. 

But Zhao Meiliang was confused when he walked past her and stopped in front of Xiao Yunhua. She, along with everyone else, was astonished when he offered her his hand for a dance. 

Xiao Yunhua glanced around and noticed all eyes on them, especially her, so she only smiled awkwardly and took his hand for a dance. 

When they started dancing, the atmosphere calmed down and people began to mind their own business, although some still took occasional peeks at the couple.

They waltzed slowly and she angrily looked at him. "Whatever stunt you are pulling, I'm in no mood for your games." Her whisper was harsh in tone, but he only smiled. 

"No stunt, I can't believe you didn't invite me to this." As always, his eyes were empty despite his mischievous smile. 

She was so confused. Didn't he completely break it off? Why was he here and annoying her. 

Seeing her expression, he explained, "You know, we haven't publicly broke it off yet. Couldn't let my 'girlfriend' suffer humiliation which would humiliate me." So that was his reason. Disappointment crept in her heart but she only rolled her eyes. 

"How did you even know about this? Having your men stalk me again?" Although it sounded like she was jesting, in reality, he could notice the undertone of her anger. 

He shook his head, "No, the rumors of a stunning woman had already been spread everywhere in the hotel. I was only curious and decided to see how stunning this 'beauty' was." Xiao Yunhua couldn't forget that he had those tendencies before they were in a relationship. It made her a little angry but she couldn't say anything. He owed her nothing, including being faithful. He noticed her discomfort and eyed her up and down, "Indeed, the beauty was worthy for me to personally come down." 

"Enough! Leave quickly, you're being a nuisance." Her heart ached once she uttered those words. She didn't mean them. Xiao Yunhua missed him. She hadn't seen him for a short period of time, yet the system made sure it seemed like forever. 

"You know, I'm surprised that you're here despite the incident..." He changed the subject and reminded her of all these people who scorned her over false rumors. 

She scoffed and her honey-colored eyes shone with a sense of resilience. "Why shouldn't I have come here? That incident didn't affect me because it wasn't true. I can't let them think I didn't come because I am not weak. Nor will I ever let these people think of me as the weak and emotional high schooler who was forced into a corner."

He went quiet and stared at her for a few moments. Then, he softly asked her, "Do you know the real reason of your expulsion?"

She blinked in confusion. "Wasn't it from the rumors?" 

He shook his head. "I had investigated... Ling Xiu had something to do with it. She basically forced your school into expelling you. Haven't you ever thought that mere rumors were too little of an excuse to expel a student?" His reasoning was logical, but Xiao Yunhua was in shock. It was no wonder that Ling Xiu had brought it up to her earlier. It was the old woman who had always found her an eyesore even when she wasn't a threat at sixteen years old. It amazed her that her fate had always been tied to the Zhou family, even before she properly associated herself with any of them. 

Once the song ended, she scurried out for fresh air. Zhou Ming followed and the room burst into whispers again. One of the ladies had recognized the man as the most eligible bachelor, the mysterious heir of the Zhou family. She had also exposed that Xiao Yunhua was actually his infamous girlfriend, the 'Angelic Goddess' so they were a perfect match already. 

Zhao Meiliang grew livid at how well Xiao Yunhua was living. She didn't understand why the girlfriend of such a wealthy man needed to buy such a small house. Following them outside, she overheard the conversation between them. 

"Zhou Ming, I think it's time to end your games and leave. We have nothing to do with each other. In fact, we had never had anything to do with each other." 

Zhao Meiliang widened her eyes and her interest was piqued as she moved closer to eavesdrop. Zhou Ming didn't even deny it and shrugged his shoulders. Xiao Yunhua told him that he should publicly announce their breakup tomorrow. 

Zhao Meiliang was so relieved to know that such a man didn't belong to Xiao Yunhua. She smirked as she went back, ready to humiliate Xiao Yunhua again with another plot.