Chapter 128: Go Play Somewhere Else!

"..."

Shen Meng’s brow furrowed tightly. After a long silence, she said, "Say no more. I will not attend this gathering!"

Wang Qian sighed repeatedly. "Shen Meng, why are you being so foolish? I don't care what relationship this boy has with you, just listen to my advice. As a woman, you need to face reality sooner rather than later. Can feelings put food on the table? No! But money—money is omnipotent! And do you have any idea why so many students are fighting to attend? Because it’s a chance to network with industry elites early on! It will be a huge help to your future! Shen Meng, I know your family is extremely poor; this is your golden opportunity to climb the social ladder! You told me before that your mother is in poor health. Even if not for yourself, do it for her, right?"

"Ling Qiu, let's go."

No matter how naive Shen Meng was, she could not tolerate someone so utilitarian, even if the person seemed to be acting in her best interest. Their values were simply worlds apart. Moreover... she could take the insults directed at herself, but dragging Ling Qiu into it was something Shen Meng could not stand.

"Shen Meng! How could you..."

Before Wang Qian could finish, Ling Qiu, who had remained silent until now, finally put his phone back in his pocket, stepped forward, and said, "Shen Meng, let's attend."

"Huh?"

Shen Meng was taken aback.

Ling Qiu smiled slightly. "I've been quite tired these past two days. A gathering is just the thing to relax a little."

In truth... if it weren't for Shen Meng, Ling Qiu would never have considered attending such a boring event. Under normal circumstances, he would have just left, not bothering with idle chatter. But now, Ling Qiu was feeling slightly displeased—and even a bit worried for Shen Meng. He was curious to see what kind of monsters and freaks were in this medical school crowd. If he didn't intervene now, given Shen Meng's simple nature, she would inevitably end up being taken advantage of later.

"Heh... did you see that, Shen Meng? This is the person you’re so determined to defend!" Wang Qian cast a look of utter contempt at Ling Qiu. "A bumpkin like him, just to attend a high-end party for the elite, doesn't even care about your previous stance! See that? That’s the true face of the poor!"

"I won't let you talk about Ling Qiu like that!" Shen Meng remained firm in her defense. "He is not the kind of person you think he is!"

Ling Qiu patted Shen Meng’s shoulder gently. A trace of energy flowed into her body, causing the negative emotions that had just flared up to quickly subside.

Ling Qiu turned to Wang Qian. "Have you said enough? If you have, lead the way."

"???"

Wang Qian stared at Ling Qiu with extreme disdain. "Are you... sure you want to go?"

Ling Qiu replied, "Lead the way."

Two simple words, calm and decisive.

Wang Qian looked at Shen Meng again. "Shen Meng, don't you have anything to say?"

Shen Meng didn't give it a second thought. She only knew that whatever Ling Qiu said, went. She immediately replied, "I'm with Ling Qiu!"

"..."

Wang Qian gave Shen Meng a look of pity, cast another scornful glance at Ling Qiu, and finally said with a mocking smile, "Heh... truly ungrateful! Fine, I'll say no more. Shen Meng, since you listen to him so blindly, and he is so determined to court disaster, then have it your way!"

...

Eighth floor. The banquet hall.

The entire venue had been booked by Lu Mao today. Lu Mao was the famous "Senior Lu" of the Jiangnan University School of Medicine. In reality, his fame extended far beyond that; students in medical schools across the entire provincial capital had heard his name. Though he had already graduated, his influence remained, and every medical student addressed him respectfully as Senior Lu.

With his pull, many notable figures from the pharmaceutical industry in the capital had arrived. Furthermore, several of the medical school’s most famous beauties were there, along with underclassmen from prominent backgrounds.

Looking around, the vast banquet hall, decked out in trendy party decor, was incredibly lively. Dozens of people mingled in small groups, chatting and laughing under the modern lighting, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.

Behind a square table, Lu Mao held a cigarette in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. Yes, in the entire room, he was the only one daring enough to smoke, yet no one dared to show the slightest sign of annoyance.

Because today, he was the king.

His father was a renowned professor-level physician in the capital, and his mother ran a pharmaceutical business. He had status, money, and connections. In such a setting, it didn't really matter if he showed up or not; he could have just left his name on the event and stayed away. But today, he had to be there.

Because he had encountered a woman he found quite interesting. That woman was Shen Meng.

Two days ago, he had strolled through the medical school. He hadn't intended to organize this gathering this year, but he had caught a glimpse of Shen Meng by chance. He hadn't paid much attention at first, but after a few more looks, he found her to be an incredibly adorable girl. Through connections, he had found her roommate's boyfriend and arranged a dinner. Seeing Shen Meng's quiet, docile demeanor during the meal had captured his heart. He decided that day that the gathering must happen, and he would have Shen Meng as his dance partner.

What surprised him even more was...

Shen Meng had actually rejected him!

That rejection only served to pique his interest even more. He couldn't remember how long it had been—countless women were practically dying to tear off their clothes and crawl into his bed—but Shen Meng was the first girl in years to refuse his invitation! And it wasn't even an outrageous request; it was just a polite invitation to be his dance partner at a party!

*Hiss... exhale...*

Lu Mao took a deep drag of his cigarette, seemingly savoring the thrill of the "hunt."

"A-Xing, didn't A-Fan say he was going to pick up Shen Meng? Have they arrived?"

A younger crony standing nearby, named Liu Xing, was—like Liang Feifan—very respectful and obsequious toward Lu Mao.

"He called a moment ago saying they were already on their way... At this time, they should be—oh? Speak of the devil!"

Liu Xing looked up and saw Liang Feifan entering from the doorway, walking quickly toward them.

"Senior Lu!" Liang Feifan jogged over.

Lu Mao smiled slightly, projecting an air of superiority. "What's the rush? Keep your composure. Hmm? Why did you come alone? Didn't you go to pick up Shen Meng?"

Liang Feifan frowned, a mocking glint in his eyes. "Ran into some clueless, dirt-poor trash. Heh, it's a long story."

"What do you mean?" Lu Mao frowned. "I asked you, did you pick up Shen Meng?"

However, before he could finish his sentence, three people walked in through the entrance.

At the front was Liang Feifan’s girlfriend, Wang Qian. And trailing behind her was the quiet, unassuming Shen Meng!

Before Lu Mao could even show a smile, his brow furrowed sharply!

*Huh?*

Who was the boy walking so closely by Shen Meng's side?!