Chapter 13: Where Three Walk Together, Brother B Is Sure to Be There

Sister Wang and the wealthy woman who had followed her greeted each other warmly, holding hands. After their exchange, the rich lady turned to Lu Yao with a smile and asked, “Shu, where did you find such a handsome young man?”

Sister Wang introduced, “This is Jian Xiaojie, my dear best friend.”

Lu Yao smiled politely. “Miss Jian? Such a timelessly youthful name.”

Miss Jian appeared quite young, her skin fair and delicate. Beneath her elegant gown, her figure was full and rounded, with a slender waist and honeyed legs—radiantly voluptuous. She didn’t seem to be one of the typical rich ladies attending tonight’s event. Instead, her position seemed somewhat parallel to Lu Yao’s.

Lu Yao had a favorable impression of these wealthy ladies who fit the “lantern” type, but their social standings were not quite on the same level. So he merely responded with light, subtle humor.

Jian Xiaojie smiled softly, dimples blossoming on both cheeks. “Shu, your companion tonight is quite interesting. With such good connections, why don’t you introduce him to me?”

Shu smiled back. “He’s a top graduate from Dong University. It took me a long time to win him over.”

Jian Xiaojie was momentarily surprised. “Oh! Is that so?”

In social settings, Lu Yao always made sure to give Sister Wang face. “You’re too modest, Sister Wang. It’s clearly my good fortune.”

Jian Xiaojie feigned mock disdain. “Ugh! If you two keep showing off, I might just get jealous~”

Then she took both Sister Wang’s and Lu Yao’s hands and led them inside the private room.

Inside the room sat the true noble ladies of Shangnan City. Even those not at the very pinnacle were still close to that elite circle. Sister Wang was merely there to keep company and maintain connections. Such is society.

Some places choose who may attend, reflecting attitude and relationships.

After entering, Sister Wang warmly greeted several women dressed in luxurious, graceful attire, exchanging updates—a gesture akin to paying respects.

Lu Yao stood quietly by the wall, where many young people like himself had gathered. Among them were both men and women, all youthful and attractive, each with their own distinct charm.

There were rugged young men with beards, polished, handsome men with slicked-back hair, and even delicate, refined “effeminate” handsome types.

The women were similarly varied—mature beauties, pure and innocent types, voluptuous figures, and slender, youthful ones.

However, the number of beautiful women was far fewer compared to the young men. It seemed tonight’s gathering was rich ladies outnumbering wealthy men.

Lu Yao’s gaze swept the room, quickly grasping the general situation, then he took a seat by the wall, bowing his head in silence.

This was not a place for him to speak.

But one day!

He would be among those seated at the table, speaking, not merely standing aside as background.

The vast private room hummed with low conversations. Sister Wang was busy socializing and paid little attention to Lu Yao.

Half an hour later, the banquet officially began, and Sister Wang called Lu Yao over to sit at the table.

Once everyone was seated, she leaned close to whisper apologetically, “Sorry for not paying attention to you earlier. I’ll make it up to you after the dinner.”

Lu Yao smiled. “No worries.”

He wasn’t a fragile man with a delicate ego. Sister Wang bringing him here was already generous.

It wouldn’t be appropriate for her to introduce him to these people on his first visit. That would seem rash and impolite.

Tonight was simply to show his face and get familiar.

When the time was right, the formal introduction would come.

Of course,

Lu Yao wasn’t even sure if Sister Wang would ever formally introduce him.

Nor did he need her to.

When one’s strength is sufficient, this kind of circle, like certain women who automatically open their arms, will welcome you in.

The gathering was quite large tonight.

Excluding the accompanying men and women, the main guests were predominantly ladies, with fewer men.

As the wine flowed and cups clinked, Lu Yao noticed a stout woman deliberately teasing Sister Wang with pointed remarks.

Of course,

this had nothing to do with Lu Yao.

He was like a food-scanning robot, eating and drinking as needed.

Yet, in such a setting, he inevitably got drawn in.

The plump woman suddenly looked at Lu Yao and said, “Wang Shu, the friend you brought tonight looks unfamiliar. What do they do?”

Wang Shu placed a hand on Lu Yao’s leg and smiled, “A student about to graduate.”

“Oh!” The stout woman’s eyes sparkled with interest. “No wonder Wang Shu plays so well. While we pick from clubs, Wang Shu goes straight to the school.”

Laughter rippled quietly around the table, full of knowing amusement.

Lu Yao: “…”

A little annoyed.

But he still smiled.

The plump wealthy lady’s companion, Model Brother, seemingly on cue, asked, “Which university are you from?”

This time Lu Yao gently pressed Sister Wang’s hand and replied with a smile, “Dong University.”

Model Brother nodded but lamented, “Good school… such a fine institution with strong faculty. If you go on to graduate school, your future will be limitless.”

The unspoken implication was:

You graduate from such a prestigious school but come here as a Model Brother? You’re bringing shame to your alma mater!

Lu Yao calmly countered, “How so?”

Model Brother, now energized, began to pontificate: “I once read that the professors who teach you are probably the people with the highest social status you’ll ever meet in your life. Without the school platform, you might never even come into contact with that level.”

At this, many at the table quietly nodded.

Those mingling in business and the professional world understood this well.

Many strong companies treat university professors with utmost respect.

Teachers who seem inconspicuous on campus often wield tremendous influence outside.

A law professor might appear kind but can send opposing lawyers behind bars.

A medical professor may seem approachable but is a much-sought-after expert.

A theory professor might seem dull but influences local policies.

Yet a prestigious graduate from Dong University had taken a shortcut early...

The gazes of the wealthy ladies shifted toward Lu Yao and Sister Wang with a subtle change.

But Lu Yao remained composed.

Softly, he said, “I don’t quite agree. Everyone here tonight is exceptional. Once I left school, didn’t I meet all of you?”

Upon hearing this, many rich ladies smiled involuntarily.

Happy!

Satisfied!

Though flattering, when such words come from different mouths, the effect varies.

If an ordinary Model Brother said this, they wouldn’t take it seriously.

But Lu Yao was a Dong University alumnus!

How could it be the same?

This young man was impressive.

Several wealthy ladies looked at Lu Yao with newfound expectation.

Amid the many eyes fixed on him, Lu Yao lit a cigarette, exhaling smoke as he adjusted his collar with a smile:

“And besides…”

“You’re probably not a graduate from a prestigious university, right?”