Chapter 54: Take This Money

Fang Hui's little thoughts and little happiness didn't last long.

It had to be said that as long as a person who appeared lively, cheerful, generous, and free-spirited wasn't a fool, their heart must be full of scars.

With no one to comfort her, and needing no one to comfort her, Lin Jiamu thought about it all night, and the next day she was still as lively, hopping and skipping.

It was just that when it came to lunchtime, amidst Zhao Ye's despair and Chen Xun and Qiao Ran's disappointed gazes, she hopped over to Wang Yan's side.

Hearing the laughter and noise from the back, the three of them found their meal tasteless.

"Do you have any ideas?" Zhao Ye asked Chen Xun on the side.

"If I had any ideas, would I still be waiting until now? We can't just kill him, right?" Chen Xun said irritably.

If they really thought about killing Wang Yan, not to mention whether they could bear the consequences, just whether they could do it was a question—was that combat power a joke?

Moreover, they were just spoiled and used to bossing people around; they hadn't reached the point of fighting and killing yet.

The three of them looked at each other and sighed, "Sigh..."

This class had changed so much they didn't recognize it.

Although high school students understood many principles, their thinking was inevitably immature, and they weren't very good at disguising themselves, so they inevitably loved and hated clearly. Things like "you two aren't good, I'm playing with him, so I shouldn't play with you" were unavoidable. Even adults were sometimes like this.

They felt that what Wang Yan said made sense, and those who didn't think it made sense heard others say it made sense, so they also felt it made sense. The trio was the type to disregard others for their own sake. So they became somewhat estranged from the trio and stopped hanging out together.

The good friends they used to play with had left, the classmates they used to brag and mess around with didn't care much about them anymore, and they were no longer the popular figures in the class.

Under Wang Yan's might, the three of them didn't dare to cause trouble and could only sigh helplessly.

This was the kind of class Wang Yan wanted, and the kind it should be.

After class, they could mess around however they wanted; Wang Yan wasn't a troublemaker, they could do whatever they wanted. In class, those who wanted to study could study, and those who didn't could just shut up and nap.

This wasn't the present day; teachers who were troublemakers really didn't tolerate your nonsense—they really kicked you.

If your parents found out later, you might even get a beating.

He didn't know about others, but Wang Yan had been kicked from elementary school all the way to high school.

With Wang Yan's suppression, the situation in the class got better and better.

Those who knew how to study continued to study hard. Many who used to sleep or slack off started to study.

There was no other way; you couldn't sleep all the time, you couldn't slack off all the time, and talking got you punished. There were no smartphones back then, so with nothing to do, they could only read books.

During the midterm exam, Wang Yan ranked in the middle-lower tier; after all, he wasn't a genius, and it wasn't bad to have these grades after studying for only two months. This had to be attributed to his high spirit and strong learning ability cultivated through multiple worlds.

Wang Yan wasn't worth mentioning; the main thing was that the learning atmosphere had improved, and the grades of other classmates in the class had significantly increased.

Teacher Hou and Director Ma were extremely happy to see this situation, knowing it was all the credit of Wang Yan, the class monitor, and for this, they even gave Wang Yan the "Three Good Student" award.

The trio also calmed down; they submitted, accepted their fate—what could they do if they couldn't beat the guy? Did it not hurt when they were hit?

On the way back that day, Zhao Ye also reflected. Chen Xun and Qiao Ran had better family backgrounds than him and better grades, and he had been mindlessly following behind them all day—he was too fucking stupid.

Feelings might be real, but no matter how good they were, he had to strive for his future.

Otherwise, when they achieved success, would he be laying bricks?

So Zhao Ye also started studying in his spare time.

It was just that he couldn't let go of Lin Jiamu.

Lin Jiamu kept running to Wang Yan in the back, and Zhao Ye wasn't comfortable either.

Therefore, after class, under the gazes of Chen Xun and Qiao Ran, he would lean over to her and mess around with Lin Jiamu.

At first, he might have been scared by Wang Yan's beating, a bit fearful. But as he had more and more contact with Wang Yan through Lin Jiamu, he also knew what kind of person Wang Yan was, and gradually he wasn't afraid anymore.

Sometimes he even played ball with Wang Yan, and after a long time, their relationship eased.

Moreover, playing with Wang Yan, sometimes a casual sentence from Wang Yan would make him think for half a day. He felt that following behind Wang Yan was much better than following those two.

He also gradually started to detach from the trio.

Chen Xun and Qiao Ran saw all this, and they were powerless to stop Zhao Ye's betrayal.

If they could beat the guy, no one would tolerate his nonsense.

But if the opponent was too strong and it wasn't a blood feud, and they were powerless to retaliate, people would start to examine themselves and try to find reasons to convince themselves, becoming a giant in their own hearts.

The two of them had also figured it out long ago, knowing that they were the ones who were wrong, but the pride of youth made them not want to ease their relationship with Wang Yan.

The only thing that comforted the two was perhaps that Wang Yan's grades were relatively poor, allowing them to find a trace of superiority.

Zhao Ye couldn't let go of Lin Jiamu, and naturally, they couldn't let go of Fang Hui either.

Their family backgrounds weren't bad, and they loved to play and mess around, attracting the admiration of many little girls. Even if basically no one in the class paid attention to them anymore, there would still be people who secretly liked them.

But feelings were something no one could help; they just had their eyes on Fang Hui.

The two pretended not to know about each other, coming and going, accompanying, bumping into each other, taking opportunities to lean in and talk, and started fawning over Fang Hui.

It was just that the two were relatively calm; Fang Hui and Wang Yan were close, so they didn't dare write useless things on the blackboard—that would really be asking for death.

With Wang Yan around, Fang Hui had no thoughts of having deep contact with the two and always kept a polite distance.

Fang Hui's alienation didn't do much for the two.

Perhaps the figure in the sunshine back then was carved too deeply in their hearts, or perhaps it was to retaliate by digging into Wang Mou's corner, but anyway, they were thick-skinned and kept leaning in.

Wang Yan saw all these actions of the two, and they were useless; their youth could only be hurried.

All that "he likes her, he likes her, she doesn't like him, she likes him" mess—that wouldn't happen in this lifetime.

From beginning to end, Wang Yan only helped move a desk when he first met Fang Hui, solving Fang Hui's trouble, and he stood up in the young girl's heart.

Added to that were some daily communication guidance, and basically, it was about right; hadn't they seen Fang Hui's hair grow long?

This day, at lunchtime, Lin Jiamu said: "Next week is New Year's Day, the new millennium is coming, what should we do?"

Zhao Ye chimed in: "That's right, that's right, should we go out and play?" The trio had basically disbanded.

Fang Hui nodded on the side.

Others also echoed; it was interesting to go out with many people.

"Then let's go play," Wang Yan said indifferently.

"How about after the party, we go for skewers, and then go for a stroll at Beihai?"

"Okay, okay," Lin Jiamu said happily.

Fang Hui also had a smile on her lips, indicating agreement.

Zhao Ye and other classmates didn't say anything; there were only so many places to play, and Beihai was just right.

"Alright, then it's settled," Wang Yan decided.

No one objected; everyone was calculating how to tell their parents so they could get some money.

Time flew, and it was December 31, 1999.

Class 1, Grade 2.

Welcoming the new millennium, the classmates were full of laughter and dancing.

In the open space surrounded by desks.

"In the crowd, there's you and me"

"Meeting, knowing, and pondering each other"

A male classmate held a broken wooden guitar, singing "No Place to Hide" with a touch of wildness.

People below joined in the fun, a scene of harmony.

"Thank you, thank you everyone."

Amidst enthusiastic applause, the male classmate suppressed his excitement and returned to his seat.

It was about time, so Teacher Hou walked to the middle and said: "Alright, classmates, the party is almost over."

"It's just that I haven't seen the class monitor perform a program?"

"As class monitor, you have to take the lead. On this point, I have to criticize you," Teacher Hou said to Wang Yan with a smile.

At this time, troublemakers below were already egging him on.

"Class monitor, do one!"

"Class monitor, do one!"

The voices gradually gathered, deafening.

The classmates were really too satisfied with Wang Yan; he was humble and helped his classmates.

Anyway, if there was something, finding him was right; as long as it wasn't excessive, there was definitely no problem.

So now, apart from Chen Xun and Qiao Ran, no one in the class would point fingers at Wang Yan, and those who did didn't dare.

Hadn't they seen that the group of hooligans outside the school who didn't study and extorted money were gone?

"Do one, Wang Yan," Teacher Hou said with a smile.

She had been truly comfortable these past few months; she didn't have to worry about anything in the class at all.

Moreover, the students' progress was obvious, and the school leaders praised her profusely.

Some parents, to thank her for their children's improved grades, even sent her quite a few things. These were all thanks from parents, and it was really hard to refuse; she could only reluctantly accept what she couldn't push away. The school also knew what was going on and naturally wouldn't pick faults.

Seeing that the classmates were really enthusiastic, Wang Mou had no choice but to reluctantly show off a little.

Wang Yan smiled, stood up, walked to the male classmate from just now, and strapped on the broken wooden guitar.

Wang Yan had learned to play the guitar long ago, including some music theory knowledge; after getting started, he didn't continue.

Mainly because this thing was very effective for flirting with little girls, and to make up for the regret of not being able to flirt back then, he specifically learned a trick.

Walking to the center, he strummed the strings twice to let the classmates quiet down.

"I can't let down the enthusiasm of my classmates, so I'll sing a song."

Seeing the classmates about to cheer and applaud, Wang Yan pressed his hands down to signal silence.

"This is a song I wrote myself when I was bored."

"It's called 'Your Answer'," Wang Yan said shamelessly.

The guitar sound slowly rose, and Wang Yan opened his mouth.

"Maybe the world is just like this, and I'm still on the road."

"Embrace the rainbow toward the wind, walk forward bravely"

"Maybe I can only be silent, tears moisten my eyes, but I'm not willing to be weak"

After the song ended, the classmates were quiet for a moment, and then applause rang out like crazy.

One was that this song really touched them a bit, and the other was that no one expected Wang Mou to have these skills.

"This song is for you; I hope everyone can keep their original intention and move forward. Thank you, everyone."

Bowing slightly, Wang Yan returned the guitar to his classmate and returned to his seat.

The party ended, and from beginning to end, Chen Xun and Qiao Ran had nothing to do with it; they were more like outsiders, watching the fun from below the whole time.

Chen Xun and Qiao Ran pushed their bicycles and stood at the school gate, watching the large group of people leaving together in a mess, feeling extremely desolate in their hearts; they used to be like this too.

Especially seeing Lin Jiamu and Zhao Ye messing around among them, it was even more uncomfortable.

The two looked at each other and saw the frustration in each other's eyes.

Qiao Ran shook his head and said: "Let's go home."

Chen Xun didn't speak and rode away.

Everything today was his own doing; he couldn't blame anyone else.

Wang Yan took a group of people to a barbecue restaurant; this was one he had discovered a while ago, and they did a good job.

"Old Brother Li, we're here."

Boss Li was in his forties, looked quite wealthy, and was a man who didn't stand on ceremony.

Seeing Wang Yan bring a large group of people, he came over with a grin: "Oh my, Little Brother Wang is here to take care of his old brother's business again. Sit down, sit down."

As he spoke, he greeted the waiter next to him to combine a few tables.

"Old brother's craftsmanship is good, of course I have to take care of it."

Wang Yan took a few menus and handed them to the group of young boys and girls.

"Order whatever you want, order whatever you want to eat; this meal is on me, don't be polite."

"Let's go Dutch, class monitor, how can we let you pay for everything?" a boy said.

"That's right, class monitor, let's go Dutch," everyone echoed.

Having been in contact for a while, Wang Yan basically understood the level of this group.

They all asked for money from their families with various excuses; it was great to eat and drink for free, and that would be fine if they knew he was rich. But they didn't know Wang Yan's situation, so what if he was doing it for face? The shame of young people still prevented them from doing things like taking advantage.

"Hey, don't be polite, consider it my heart; as long as everyone is happy."

Subsequently, Wang Yan said a few more words to settle them.

These people had some who were well-off and some who weren't; Wang Mou didn't care about that little bit, so just let it be.

Seeing that they couldn't change Wang Yan's mind, everyone took the menu and deliberated on what to order.

With one word here and one word there, they finished ordering in no time.

Wang Yan took the order pad from the waiter and looked at the items summarized on it.

It looked like a lot, but it was all one or two skewers; they were afraid of spending too much.

After looking at the order pad, Wang Yan felt that this was what youth should be for most people.

Looking around at everyone's sincere eyes, Wang Yan scolded with a smile: "I told you to order as much as you want, and you only ordered this little bit after so long? Are you just licking the skewers?"

Others felt that what Wang Yan said was interesting and laughed out loud.

"Alright, is it that funny?"

"Then I'll order, you guys just make do."

Turning to the waiter, he said: "Fifty beef skewers, fifty lamb skewers, give me some chicken feet..."

After ordering for a while, he turned back and asked them: "Are you guys drinking?"

Hearing this, everyone hesitated; if they went home after drinking, they might really get a beating.

Wang Yan saw their hesitation and didn't care: "Three cases of beer first, then we'll see about getting some drinks."

Once the atmosphere was right, did they need to be asked to drink? This table was basically all tough, so who cared about getting a beating?

"Oh, right, get some peanuts and edamame, and look at mixing a few cold dishes."

"Alright, that's it for now."

After finishing, he said to Boss Li, who was barbecuing over there: "Old Brother Li, hurry up."

Boss Li didn't even turn his head and said impatiently: "Does that need to be said? Don't you know my speed?"

Wang Yan walked to his seat and sat down, Fang Hui on his left, Lin Jiamu on his right, Zhao Ye on Lin Jiamu's right; anyway, it was arranged boy-girl-boy-girl.

"Class monitor, do you come here often? I see you're very familiar with the boss," a female classmate asked a redundant question after Wang Yan sat down.

"I've been here quite a few times; when he's not busy, we even have a drink together."

Hearing Wang Yan's answer, everyone was surprised.

Does this mean he drinks whenever he has nothing to do?

Although they had all drunk before, they weren't like Wang Yan.

Fang Hui was a bit curious: "Then don't your parents care about you?"

To this, Wang Yan could only smile: "They are very reassured about me."

What was he supposed to say? That his parents died when he was young, and then let them comfort him? He didn't need that, either; it would be like his parents had actually passed away.

Just then, the peanuts, edamame, and alcohol arrived. Wang Yan opened a few bottles of beer and handed them to those who volunteered to drink: "Those who can drink, drink alcohol; those who can't, drink beverages. Don't push yourselves."

After everyone filled their glasses, Wang Yan held up a bottle and said: "Come, let's have a drink, to friendship, and to the upcoming New Year."

After finishing the drink, everyone chatted happily.

Boss Li was indeed fast; there were still quite a few people eating here, and they hadn't been talking for long before the dishes started coming out one after another.

Eating and drinking, the atmosphere rose in no time.

Except for a few girls who were still drinking beverages, the others were all on alcohol.

They didn't drink often, and they weren't naturally gifted, so after two rounds, some people started to let themselves go.

The seating was already chaotic; some boys were together, some girls were together, and some boys and girls were together.

When no one was paying attention, Wang Yan felt Fang Hui tugging at him from the side.

Wang Yan turned his head to look, and Fang Hui whispered to Wang Yan: "Take this money."

As she spoke, her hand reached underneath to pass him the crumpled money she was clutching.

Looking at the crumpled money, then at her flushed face, Wang Yan shook his head and said: "No need, I really have some."

To avoid her overthinking and not believing him, Wang Yan put his left hand into his pants pocket, took out a thousand or so yuan from the space, and pursed his lips.

He patted Fang Hui's head: "Eat your meal with peace of mind." Wang Yan didn't say too much; little girls were prone to overthinking, and she had spent a long time building up her courage.

Fang Hui was relieved, but Wang Yan's sudden action made her heart flutter.

Fortunately, she had drunk alcohol, and combined with the embarrassment of just opening her mouth, her face was still red, so it wasn't noticed.

She quickly sat up straight and whispered: "I know."

The shyness of a little girl was quite interesting. Wang Yan smiled and picked up his glass to clink with her: "Come, let's have a drink together."

Fang Hui filled a glass of wine and downed it in one gulp.

She drank a bit too fast and choked, coughing "cough, cough."

Wang Yan patted her back: "If you can't drink, drink less; why drink so fast? No one is forcing you."

Fang Hui didn't answer, just smiled at Wang Yan while coughing, indicating she was fine, and went to talk to the classmate next to her. ===== CHAPTER 55 =====

Patting him twice more, Fang Hui took a sip of water, smiled at Wang Yan to signal she was fine, and went off to talk to the classmate beside her.