Chapter 252 The Story of a Classic

Faced with Chu Xi's request, Gao Yuan didn't even think before patting his chest.

'We're like family! What do you need my help with? Just say it!'

'Uh... well... you see...'

Seeing her struggle to get the words out, Gao Yuan mysteriously leaned close to her ear.

'It's not something like murder and arson, is it? No problem. I'm leaving in a few days anyway, so the laws here can't touch me.'

Chu Xi shot him a glare, saying with annoyance,

'How could it be that! It's just... the high school reunion is coming up soon, and everyone's coming in pairs...'

'Want me to pretend to be your boyfriend?'

'Mhmm... If it's too much trouble for you...'

'Piece of cake! Tell me, how should I play it? The warm, understanding big brother type, or your devoted, lovesick puppy? I guarantee I'll act it so well you won't see a single flaw.'

Seeing Gao Yuan agree, Chu Xi finally let out a sigh of relief.

'No need for any special performance. Mainly, just help me fend off two pursuers.'

Gao Yuan immediately wore a playful expression, moving closer to put an arm around Chu Xi's shoulders.

'Oh ho, I didn't realize you were so popular! You actually have two pursuers? Really didn't see that coming!'

Chu Xi gave him a sideways glance.

'Hmph, I'm popular wherever I go, okay? It's just that some people don't notice.'

Gao Yuan understood her meaning perfectly, scratching his head awkwardly. Truth be told, he was also drawn to such a beautiful and capable woman, but he couldn't. Because they were from two different worlds.

This truly wasn't just a difference of social class. If it were merely that, perhaps with effort there might be a chance. But they genuinely belonged to separate worlds.

The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward. For the entire afternoon, Gao Yuan was busy choosing clothes and getting styled.

Although he had already cut his hair, the aura he carried was still that of the great Duke of Xicheng Commandery of Daqian. Wearing a suit always felt a bit off.

After trying on many options, they finally found that the simplest black casual suit with a white shirt, paired with a striped, slightly dandyish tie, suited him best. Once dressed, he looked quite like a fresh-faced young celebrity.

Seeing Gao Yuan change into this outfit, the little lass Chu Yue's eyes practically sparkled with stars.

'Sis, sis, in a few days, can you have Brother-in-law take me to school? I'll tell my classmates he's my boyfriend then, and they'll be so jealous they'll die!'

Chu Xi walked over and subtly nudged aside the little girl who was trying to cling to Gao Yuan.

'Get lost. You're still so young, already thinking about boyfriends? Aren't you afraid of getting disciplined by the school?'

'Hmph! Meanie!'

The little girl was clearly unconvinced, pouting and muttering unhappily.

Time flew by, and soon it was four in the afternoon. The two went out and got into Chu Xi's X6M, heading towards the hotel for the gathering.

The gathering was at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the city center of Modu, which had been fully booked for the day. When they arrived, many people were already there.

Seeing Chu Xi enter, many immediately gathered around with smiling faces, expressing their concern for her.

After all, the incident of Chu Xi's disappearance for over a month had caused quite a stir within certain circles.

After a round of casual introductions and chatting, Gao Yuan had a rough idea of these people's identities.

It really was like attracts like, birds of a feather flock together. Before his transmigration, the friends around Gao Yuan were all workhorses like himself. Chu Xi, however, had attended a top-tier private high school in Modu, and her classmates were all high achievers.

There was a director from some major company, the kind with stock options, a partner from some startup, a lawyer from a prestigious 'red circle' firm, a government official... in short, all social elites.

Fortunately, after so many years of trials, Gao Yuan was no longer the same person. Sitting with these people didn't make him feel awkward at all.

Regarding Chu Xi's boyfriend, most people maintained a friendly attitude. Only two individuals looked at Gao Yuan with somewhat unfriendly eyes.

Gao Yuan glanced over and roughly guessed: these two were Chu Xi's pursuers. One was named Xiao Ao, now a manager at an investment bank in Modu; the other was Zhao An, a senior executive at a foreign bank. Both were top-tier figures.

After some more small talk, everyone took their seats, and the gathering officially began.

At first, the conversation revolved around reminiscing about the past, but gradually, the topic shifted to Gao Yuan.

'Xixi, what does your boyfriend do for a living?'

Whenever this topic came up, Chu Xi felt a headache coming on, as Gao Yuan's profession was truly difficult to explain.

Gao Yuan quickly took over the conversation.

'I'm just a butcher, slaughtering pigs and sheep.'

'Pfft...'

Hearing Gao Yuan introduce himself this way, Chu Xi was the first to burst out laughing. The others didn't actually believe he worked at a slaughterhouse either, instead thinking he was joking.

'Oh, Xixi, your boyfriend's job is still a secret? He's not from some confidential department, is he?'

'Hmph! Must be something that can't be mentioned in polite company. Otherwise, why be so evasive?'

The grating voice made many frown involuntarily, and unfriendly gazes turned towards the speaker, Xiao Ao.

After all, this was a high-end gathering. Even if Gao Yuan were truly from the lower rungs of society, everyone should maintain basic decorum. Moreover, the aura Gao Yuan carried didn't feel like someone from the lower rungs at all.

Chu Xi clearly wanted to erupt, but Gao Yuan, expression unchanged, patted her small hand. The girl immediately transformed back into a docile kitten, snuggling close to Gao Yuan.

To be honest, after all these years and having seen so much, Gao Yuan truly didn't take a mere verbal provocation to heart.

But in others' eyes, this was a display of magnanimity, making them even more convinced he was someone accustomed to being in a position of authority.

Seeing the usually decisive and efficient Chu Xi acting so docile and well-behaved, her female classmates couldn't help but tease her.

'Oh my, who would have thought our Xixi also has a gentle, clinging side.'

'Exactly, exactly! Gao Yuan, you really know how to handle your woman, haha!'

'Hehe, I don't have such skills. It's Xixi being considerate, helping me save face in public!'

Gao Yuan's words, both overt and implied, carried a hint of humble-bragging, which infuriated Xiao Ao and Zhao An. Just as the two were about to make another move, the restaurant door suddenly opened, and several men and women in professional attire walked in.

The group headed straight for Gao Yuan.

'Mr. Gao, hello. The items you requested have been delivered.'

Only then did Gao Yuan smile and stand up, taking the gift boxes one by one and personally handing them to each of Chu Xi's classmates.

'First time meeting, just some small gifts. Hope you don't mind.'

'A Bvlgari bracelet! Xixi, your boyfriend is so generous!'

'Oh my god, Xixi, your boyfriend isn't the son of some tycoon, is he?'

The women chattered excitedly. Although, given their status, a Bvlgari bracelet around 100,000 yuan wasn't an extravagant expense, giving away several dozen at once was still quite rare.

Chu Xi hadn't expected that Gao Yuan's earlier excuse to step away was for this. Surprised and deeply moved, her beautiful eyes looked at Gao Yuan, unsure what to say for a moment.

Seeing the girl about to complain about his reckless spending, Gao Yuan leaned close to her ear.

'Anyway, I can't take that extra money with me. Might as well spend it all, Also considered asGDP Make a contribution (consider it contributing to the GDP).'

'But you should have discussed it with me.'

'It's not that much money. Spent is spent.'

Gao Yuan's move not only earned Chu Xi ample face in front of her classmates but also directly suppressed the two restless pursuers.

Comparing looks, although Gao Yuan was a bit on the pretty-boy side, in this era, he was definitely the popular type. Now, comparing family backgrounds also seemed to fall short. This gave Xiao Ao and Zhao An a deep sense of defeat.