I successfully wrapped up a five-year research project, and my girlfriend, who comes from a wealthy family, and I finally decided to get engaged. While sampling dishes at the hotel, I happened to run into my ex-girlfriend Esme and a group of old classmates who were also celebrating an engagement party. So much has changed over the years. I had long since let go of any past grievances and was ready to offer Esme my congratulations and catch up with old friends. Esme, on the arm of her affluent fiancé Declan, pointed at my simple clothes with a finger adorned by a five-carat diamond ring, and with a smug look, mocked me as someone who could only afford verbal blessings. Laughter erupted from the wealthy guests and old classmates as Esme tossed her hair with exaggerated confidence. Fingering the black card in my pocket, I thought she might be in for a surprise. 0 “Declan, this is Caspian, our class president from high school. Look at his thrift store outfit; I wonder how he’s been managing all these years. Let’s just take his blessings as a token of goodwill.” Esme, dressed in an extravagant haute couture gown, wore a smile full of undisguised contempt, casually displaying the five-carat diamond ring on her finger while holding her fiancé’s hand. A few mocking laughs echoed around, and disdainful glances swept over me, making me frown with discomfort. These past years, I’ve been dedicated to my project, working tirelessly day and night, often re-wearing the same clothes for convenience, my mind focused solely on work, leaving little room for fashion. I came straight from the research institute today and didn’t have time to change. Despite their education, these people still judge by appearances. I suppressed my annoyance. After all, we’ve been classmates for many years; I didn’t want to argue with them. And since it’s an engagement, a joyful occasion, I should show some courtesy. I touched the black card in my pocket, feeling it might be impolite to just use it, and they might not even have a card machine. Scanning the crowd, I saw my good high school buddy Jude winking at me. “Jude, I didn’t bring my phone today. Could you lend me some money?” As soon as I finished speaking, laughter erupted. “Hahaha, really, Caspian? You’re actually asking for money?” “Look at him, so pathetic. Can he even pay it back?” “If you can’t offer anything, just say so. Don’t give me the ‘I didn’t bring my phone today’ excuse, it’s hilarious.” Jude jumped in front of me, glaring angrily at everyone, speaking harshly. “What’s wrong with you? Caspian just forgot his phone; it’s no big deal.” I patted Jude’s shoulder, ready to take out the black card, but Esme, covering her mouth with a light laugh, interrupted me. “Caspian, it’s clear you’re having a tough time. Don’t pretend to be wealthy; Declan and I aren’t concerned with your token gifts.” Declan arrogantly scrutinized me, sneering with disdain in his eyes. “Forget it, Esme. Today’s our big day. Later, let the kitchen pack up some food for him.” Esme smugly raised her eyebrows at me, then turned with a face full of affection, playfully teasing Declan. “Declan, you’re so kind-hearted.” The people around them fawned and echoed, bowing and scraping so much that calling them lapdogs would be an insult to dogs. Declan chuckled, not caring, but his words had a pointed tone. “I’m used to doing charity with my mom. It’s no trouble at all.” Jude, unable to stand it, wanted to argue with them, but I held him back. I coldly scoffed, finally seeing Esme for who she really was. Thinking she had snagged a rich guy, she wanted to flaunt and belittle her ex to satisfy her pitiful vanity. And her wealthy fiancé wasn’t any better; his refined appearance couldn’t hide his vulgar roots. “Did you throw this engagement party just to collect money?” 0
Esme’s face turned sour quickly. “Caspian, do you have to be so harsh? I kindly invited you to my engagement party and even worried about your financial difficulties. Is this how you repay those who help you, with malicious speculation?” She sure knows how to twist the truth. I was too lazy to argue with them any further, and with a nod to Jude, I planned to leave, but Esme stepped forward and grabbed me. I shook off her hand with some disgust, her face twisted in embarrassment. “What? You’re feeling guilty and admitting it? Sneaking away with your tail between your legs is really your style.” I couldn’t help but laugh at their antics. “Is hooking up with a wealthy guy not enough to satisfy your vanity? Do you have to step on me to show your superiority? You really need to work on that mindset.” “The value of life isn’t measured solely by money. Instead of stirring up trouble here, why not do something meaningful with your time?” Out of respect for old classmates, I decided to offer them some advice. My colleagues exhaust themselves daily for research, thinking of ways to contribute more to the country and its people. Their worldview, however, is truly baffling. Declan’s face also turned ugly, looking at me as if to say, “Who do you think you are to lecture me?” Esme, no need to mention, her face was so dark it could almost drip water. I respect others’ fate, just giving a kind reminder. Whether they listen or not is up to them. I shrugged indifferently, turning to leave. Behind me, Esme let out a malicious laugh. When I turned around, I saw her with tear-filled eyes, looking pitiful. “Caspian, all these years, I’ve kept quiet to protect your dignity. I was wholeheartedly devoted to you, but you dumped me for a better future, afraid I’d hold you back. Who’s more vain between us?” Her words made Esme start sobbing uncontrollably. Declan comforted her, and whispers grew louder around us. “Really? Caspian turned out to be like this? I was silently rooting for him just now.” “No wonder they broke up without warning; so that’s what happened…” “Scumbag! Pfft!” When Esme and I dated, she pursued me. Three months into the relationship, a handsome and wealthy transfer student joined our class, and since then, Esme became distant. After seeing her with the transfer student, I decided to talk to her, but she took the opportunity to break up with me. “What do you have compared to him? Can you give me money or fame? If not, stop wasting my time. Honestly, being with you is embarrassing.” Thinking of this, I’m suddenly grateful for the breakup back then. “Weren’t you the one who disliked me for not giving you money or fame? Wasn’t it you who wanted to break up to be with the transfer student?” Now playing the victim, what’s the point? Angered by her twisting the truth, I couldn’t hold back and revealed the facts. Declan, comforting the sobbing Esme, glared at me with furrowed brows. “Esme was the prom queen back then, lots of people chased her. You were broke and couldn’t give her security, what’s wrong with her leaving you?” Esme spoke between sobs. “I just wanted a stable future with someone I liked…” As I explained the truth, some people’s angry faces switched to mocking expressions. “Bottom line, you were just incompetent, couldn’t even keep a girlfriend.” “Girls are sensitive, you know? If you can’t provide basic security, what’s the point of dating?” “Caspian, seeing you like this, I bet you still don’t have a girlfriend.” “Esme was right to leave him back then. Being with him would only lead to hardship.” As the crowd discussed, all attacking me, Esme couldn’t help but smile, and Declan arrogantly raised his head, looking like he was enjoying the show. 0
You can never wake someone pretending to be asleep, and logic only works on those who understand it. Looking at this group with no basic moral values, I felt powerless. I didn’t want to bother, but thinking of my current girlfriend, such an outstanding and kind girl, I couldn’t let her become their topic of gossip. I had to speak up. “Sorry, I already have a girlfriend. She’s amazing, doesn’t judge by wealth, our relationship is stable, and we’re planning to get engaged soon.” They didn’t believe I had a girlfriend. Even if I spoke the truth, they acted like they couldn’t hear, fixated on the idea that I couldn’t afford a wife. “Anyone can brag. I could say I have a wealthy fiancée too.” But my soon-to-be fiancée, Genevieve, is indeed wealthy, and this hotel we were sampling dishes at belongs to her family’s business. I checked my watch, it was almost time for my meeting with Genevieve. I shouldn’t have stepped into this room today; it brought unnecessary trouble. “Believe it or not, that’s the truth. I have things to do, so I’ll be leaving.” I turned to go, but was blocked a few steps in. “Don’t rush off, Caspian. Since you’re Esme’s old classmate, let me introduce you to someone.” Disregarding my frown and refusal, Declan called his assistant, who soon arrived with a respectful young man. “Young Master Declan, the person is here.” He nodded to Declan, then stepped aside to reveal a cleaning lady who looked about 40 or 50. Declan placed a hand on my shoulder, speaking as if we were good friends. I turned to leave, but after just a few steps, someone stopped me. “Don’t be in such a hurry, Milo. Since you’re an old classmate of Esme’s, let me introduce you to someone.” Despite my frown and refusal, Declan took out his phone and called his assistant. Soon, a young man entered, showing respect and deference. “Mr. Declan, the person is here.” He nodded slightly to Declan and then stepped aside to reveal a cleaning lady who looked to be in her forties or fifties. Declan placed a hand on my shoulder, speaking in a patronizing tone. “This is an employee at this hotel. Don’t be fooled by her age; she has a stable job and probably earns more than you do each month. Plus, she has a son. If you marry her, you’ll have someone to look after you in your old age.” “Hahaha, suddenly becoming a dad is not something everyone gets to experience. Class leader, you’re really lucky. You should thank Mr. Declan.” Jude couldn’t handle it anymore and started cursing at them. He stood up for me today and took quite a bit of heat. I shrugged off Declan’s hand and stepped forward to stop Jude from getting into a fight. I also sent the embarrassed cleaning lady away. “As old classmates, I don’t want to make a fuss with you. But if you keep pushing it, don’t blame me for not being friendly.” “Oh, such big words. We’re so terrified.” “What, are you going to kick us out? Do you even know that Mr. Declan reserved the whole venue today? With your broke look, you probably couldn’t even afford a fraction of the cost.” They weren’t wrong. I did want them to leave. A high-end hotel had been turned into a mess because of them. High-end service sometimes needs high-end guests. “So what if I want to kick you out?” Declan snorted disdainfully at this. “Milo, don’t be ungrateful. Do you even know the status of the Declan’s family around here? You can’t afford to mess with the Declan’s family!” Although I’ve been busy with my projects these past few years, I’m not oblivious to the world. Genevieve’s family, where my girlfriend Genevieve belongs, is truly the leading enterprise locally. I’ve accompanied her to several local business banquets. Although we often just made brief appearances, I never heard of anyone with the last name Declan among those qualified to greet us. “If you can’t afford to mess with the Declan’s family, do you think you can handle Genevieve’s family?” A cool female voice rose behind me. I turned to see my girlfriend standing at the entrance of the private event room in a casual suit. Her bright eyes, behind gold-rimmed glasses, looked coldly at Declan. I’m sorry, it looks like the document you’re referring to is missing. Could you provide the text that needs translation? Genevieve caught my eye and walked over to me, gently entwining her fingers with mine and offering a warm, concerned smile. “I didn’t see you at the door. I only came over when I heard the commotion. Is this person bothering you?” “It’s just a small issue,” I replied, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. Genevieve and I met through an introduction by my superior. Although it was a blind date, she genuinely admired my commitment to scientific research and supported me wholeheartedly. I, in turn, respected her decisiveness in business. From the moment we met, we found ourselves kindred spirits, able to talk about anything. “Let me introduce you. This is my girlfriend and soon-to-be fiancée, Genevieve, Miss Genevieve.” Genevieve greeted everyone graciously and leaned in to whisper teasingly in my ear, “Oh, big scientist, aren’t you embarrassed to call me that?”
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