Chapter 264: The Last Gathering at the End of the Semester

Thus, another three days passed.

"Ding-a-ling!"

As the bell rang, the final exam of this semester successfully came to a close.

Everyone let out a long sigh of relief; regardless of their grades, they were finally liberated.

According to the agreement, Shen Yan was to treat everyone to a meal tonight. The group gathered in the classroom, and Zhu Baoping asked impatiently, "Old Shen, what are you treating us to tonight?"

Shen Yan said, "Meet at Manyuefu at six o'clock; the food there is not bad."

No one in the group had any objections.

Night fell, a bright moon hung in the sky, surrounded by twinkling stars, and the streetlights emitted a hazy glow, as if they were guides to a dream.

Inside a private room at Manyuefu.

A group of nine sat around the dining table. Dish after dish of steaming hot food was placed on the table, and each person had a bottle of beer in front of them. Shen Yan raised his glass and started things off: "This is the last gathering of the semester, nothing much to say, everyone just eat and drink well tonight."

"Come, let's have a drink first!"

"Cheers!"

Everyone raised their glasses, clinking them together with a crisp sound, as if conveying the joy and blessings in their hearts to one another.

After a glass went down, Lin Yang took over the conversation: "Old Shen, you kept things from everyone for so long, that's not very kind; you should punish yourself with three drinks first."

Shen Yan rubbed his nose and said solemnly, "Actually, I don't like mixing money into my friendships. The reason I didn't say anything was that I hoped we could interact as equals, so that no one would feel that anyone else was superior or think of themselves as inferior."

"It's better for feelings to be pure. Throughout history, how many brothers and friends have turned into enemies because of money? I hope such an example doesn't happen among us."

This statement resonated with everyone.

It especially struck the softest part of Zhu Baoping's heart. He came from a rural area in the Northeast, his parents were both farmers, and what he worried about most was these classmates looking down on him.

At this moment.

The slight resentment Zhu Baoping had felt because Shen Yan didn't take him along to make money vanished into thin air.

He filled his glass and gestured toward Shen Yan: "Old Shen, that was well said. I'll finish mine, you drink as you please."

Shen Yan finished a glass with him.

Tang Song spoke up: "I agree. The value of friendship lies in sincerity. It's not easy for us to gather here from all corners of the country; who doesn't have a few little secrets of their own?"

"Right, right, right!"

"Friendship should be a bit purer."

Skipping over the topic of Shen Yan hiding his wealth, the group began to feast heartily. With cups clinking and time flying, it wasn't long before everyone's faces were flushed red.

It was the last gathering of the semester; with alcohol in their bellies, the floodgates of conversation opened.

Everyone opened their hearts and chatted away.

Some recalled the bits and pieces of the semester, filled with emotion; others looked toward the future, full of anticipation and longing; still others complained that the exams were too difficult and cursed the instructors roundly.

The whole scene was incredibly lively, and every person's face was brimming with sincere smiles.

At this time, Shen Yan looked at Lin Yang with a teasing expression: "Lao Lin, I heard that Zheng Jiayue has been coming over specifically to bring you breakfast these past two days. What's up, does she have a crush on you?"

Tang Song said happily, "Nine times out of ten, yes. That look in her eyes is full of love."

The others hadn't expected such a development and immediately became interested.

Everyone said that Lin Yang's spring had arrived.

Lin Yang's gaze inadvertently swept over Wu Yue'er, and he hurriedly explained, "That's not it at all. She just feels bad because I helped her, and she's just thanking me."

Wu Yue'er said, "Lin Yang, that girl is actually quite pretty. If fate has come, seize it well. Once this village is passed, there won't be this shop anymore."

Zhu Baoping hadn't met Zheng Jiayue, but hearing that the girl was quite pretty, he couldn't help but feel a bit sour: "Lao Lin, it's not easy for someone to take a fancy to you, why don't you just give in."

"Get lost!" Lin Yang glared at him irritably.

As for Zheng Jiayue's appearance, she was at most delicate and pretty, a world of difference compared to Wu Yue'er. Although it was hard not to feel a bit proud to be liked, he truly didn't have eyes for that kind of person.

Besides, Zheng Jiayue had dated boyfriends before; who knew how she had been trained by others.

Whoever wants her can have her!

Not wanting to dwell on this topic, Lin Yang turned his head to ask Chen Shanni when she was going home and if it would be convenient to catch a ride.

Chen Shanni looked at Wu Yue'er and asked when she was leaving. Wu Yue'er said it wouldn't be that soon, as she wanted to see if there were any part-time job opportunities. Chen Shanni asked, "We won't see each other for such a long winter break, how about we stay in Hangzhou for two days and hang out together?"

Wu Yue'er wanted to ask what Shen Yan's plans were, but considering there were many people around, she turned her gaze toward Yu Youwei: "Youwei, what are your plans?"

Just as she expected, Yu Youwei immediately asked Shen Yan: "When are you planning to go back? I'll catch a ride with you along with Qiqi."

Shen Yan replied, "You two had better not wait for me. I have things to take care of here and will be staying for at least ten more days."

"Alright then!" Yu Youwei nodded, her interest waning.

She turned to tell Wu Yue'er and Chen Shanni that she would hang out for two more days, and the two women readily agreed.

Lin Yang wanted to join in, but was afraid of making a fool of himself.

He could only end up being heartlessly abandoned.

Immediately after, Wu Yue'er took out her phone and typed: "Hubby, I don't want to go home for the New Year, please take me in (pitiful) (pitiful)"

Shen Yan: "Won't your dad have an opinion?"

Wu Yue'er: "Anyway, I'm hated by everyone at home, and I'll just get cold looks if I go back. I'll just say I'm staying here to work and earn living expenses; no one will care about me."

Shen Yan: "Then come back to Cangnan with me. But since Youwei is staying nearby, I can't bring you home, so we'll have to find another place to stay."

Wu Yue'er: "Mm-hmm! Love you hubby!!! (kiss)"

With the heavy stone in her heart lifted and the prospect of spending so many days alone with the person she liked, Wu Yue'er was as happy as a little bear that had discovered honey, her heart filled with happiness.

After eating and drinking their fill, Shen Yan went to the cashier to pay the bill, including the drinks, and rounded off the change.

It was 620 yuan in total.

Strolling along the brightly lit Zijin Road, the group talked loudly, their voices rising and falling, with bursts of laughter echoing from time to time.

As the students left the campus one after another, the once lively Zijin Road gradually became quiet, and the crowded streets became empty. Some vendors had closed up early to return to their hometowns for the New Year, while others remained at their posts, hoping to earn a little more money.

Suddenly discovering that Shen Yan was no longer by her side, Yu Youwei turned her head to look.

Her heart and spirit trembled instantly.