Chapter Fourteen: Identity Revealed

By Tuesday, the day of the class reunion had arrived as scheduled. Stepping into the private room, familiar faces were engaged in lively conversations. Seeing Li Jie arrive with Geng Geng, everyone exchanged knowing smiles. Many greeted Li Jie warmly, to which he responded politely, then casually found a seat with Geng Geng.

Noticing Geng Geng’s somewhat downcast expression, Li Jie guessed she was thinking of Beta, who was far away in Yanjing. Since Beta was a transfer student, she had to return to her original registration area to take the college entrance exam. Li Jie comforted her, “Don’t dwell on it. Once the admission letters come out and the semester starts, you’ll be reunited with your best friend. Cheer up!”

Caught off guard by his insight, Geng Geng replied uncertainly, “I haven’t seen her for so long. Although we keep in touch, I still miss her terribly. Do you think I can get the admission letter from the Capital Media University?”

“Show the confidence you had before the exam. With me by your side, you’ll be fine. Think about all the sweat you’ve shed under my guidance these past three years.” Li Jie said this while secretly squeezing her hand under the table. Geng Geng’s expression tightened; she glanced around to make sure no one noticed, then sighed in relief. She returned the squeeze, and after a few minutes, she patted the back of his hand with her left hand, signaling she was ready. Their eyes met, and they shared a knowing smile, their moods lifting instantly.

With the arrival of homeroom teacher Zhang Ping, the reunion officially began. Waiters moved briskly within the room, serving a variety of exquisitely prepared dishes that looked quite appetizing. Yet, the purpose of the gathering was not eating. One by one, the students approached Zhang Ping, raising their glasses to show gratitude for his guidance over the past three years.

Most of the male students drank beer, while the girls mostly stuck to fruit juices. A few bold girls raised glasses filled with beer, drank it down, and then bowed deeply to thank their teacher. Before Zhang Ping arrived, they had agreed to get him drunk and had arranged for a few tall, sturdy classmates to carry him back to the dormitory afterward.

Zhang Ping sensed something was amiss and feared he might not make it through the evening. Seizing an opportunity to excuse himself, he quickly called for backup, summoning his close friend, math teacher Zhang Feng. Although Zhang Feng appeared mild-mannered and unassuming, he was a formidable drinker. At a previous reunion, he had single-handedly outlasted everyone else, proving himself a ruthless force at the drinking table.

When Li Jie and Geng Geng approached to toast Zhang Ping, the teacher was already quite tipsy. Seeing them, he blurted out, “You two get along so well. Make sure you keep it that way and... and... wuh... wuh... wuh...” Zhang Feng quickly covered his mouth, realizing Zhang Ping was drunk and about to say something about marriage. He chided him for speaking so inappropriately in public, reminding him to maintain some dignity as a teacher. The interruption sobered Zhang Ping slightly, and he realized it was best to hold back.

Li Jie clearly guessed what Zhang Ping intended to say but smiled quietly, saying nothing. When he first took on this task, he had treated it like a game, but over time, he found himself genuinely fond of Geng Geng. He only hoped the time wouldn’t pass too quickly and that the mission’s end would be delayed. This was his first mission, and he hadn’t fully grasped the system’s mechanics.

Geng Geng remained curious about what Zhang Ping almost said before Zhang Feng stopped him. After Li Jie and Geng Geng finished their toast, everyone noticed Zhang Feng’s astonishing tolerance for alcohol. While Zhang Ping was nearly incapacitated, Zhang Feng appeared unaffected, astonishing everyone and dampening the idea of forcing more drinks on the teachers.

When the reunion ended, some classmates wanted to drag Zhang Ping and Zhang Feng to the karaoke bar for another round, but Zhang Feng declined, pointing to the slumped Zhang Ping and explaining that with teachers present, many wouldn’t feel free to let loose, so it was better not to spoil the mood.

As Zhang Feng and Zhang Ping left, some sensitive classmates quietly wept, their soft sobs seeming to set the emotional tone for what was to follow.

Inside Room 999 of the Era Charm KTV, the atmosphere was electric, as if everyone wanted to pour all their emotions into the alcohol. One drink after another was downed. Many had discreetly visited the restroom to vomit, only to return and continue drinking as if nothing had happened. No one urged anyone to stop; even girls who usually avoided alcohol gradually joined in, though the boys made sure they didn’t overindulge.

…

That day, knowing you were leaving,

We said not a word.

When midnight’s bell struck the door of farewell,

It could not unlock your deep silence.

That day, seeing you off to the very end,

We left without a single word…

…

As Xu Yanliang sang this song, the lively atmosphere within the room suddenly hushed. Everyone softly hummed along to the melody…

When you stepped onto the platform and walked alone from then on,

I could only deeply wish you well.

…

That day, knowing you were leaving,

I deeply wished you well,

My dearest friend,

Wishing you the best on your journey.

…

The soft humming swelled into a full chorus, tears gradually mixing with the melody. The weeping seemed contagious, soon more eyes were reddened with tears. Some classmates leaned their heads together, crying aloud. Li Jie, moved by the scene, felt his own emotions stir, though as an adult, he kept himself from breaking down. Seeing Geng Geng’s eyes glisten with unshed tears, he felt a pang of sympathy and a twinge of regret for having shared the song with Hongyan Records in the first place.

As the cries subsided, the mood gradually grew lively again. Young emotions came quickly and faded just as fast, as if the tears had never been.

The chubby classmate stepped up to the microphone and cleared his throat: “The next song, ‘Chasing Dreams with a Child’s Heart,’ is for everyone. I hope it inspires you to bravely pursue your dreams, just like the song says.”

…

Where is the world full of flowers?

If it truly exists, I will surely go there.

I want to stand atop the highest peak,

No matter if it is a sheer cliff.

…

Maybe I lack talent,

But I have the innocence of dreams.

I will prove it with my life.

Maybe my hands are clumsy,

But I’m willing to keep searching,

To give my youth without regrets.

Running forward, facing cold stares and ridicule,

Life’s brilliance can only be seen by persisting to the end.

…

Better to burn brightly than to survive in misery,

For the beauty in our hearts,

Never compromising until we grow old.

…

After the song ended, everyone was moved by the passionate pursuit of dreams and the spirit of perseverance. The rich emotions seemed to echo the hearts of all striving toward their ideals. Although the chubby classmate’s singing technique was nothing special—just slightly better than average—his heartfelt performance captured the essence. Li Jie gave him a subtle nod of approval for conveying the original song’s emotion.

Snapping back to reality, the chubby classmate tapped the microphone and announced, “Ahem, ahem, I have a big announcement! Lu Xinghe is the original author of *The Devotion of Suspect X*! I’ve kept this secret for over two years, but it’s been eating me up inside. I just can’t hold it in anymore!”

“What?! No way! You must be joking!”

“Hey! Chubby, if you’re going to spread rumors, at least make them believable!”

“Yeah, yeah, no way!”

Seeing the shocked expressions mirrored his own when he first learned the truth, the chubby classmate felt a sense of balance. He continued, “It’s true. You all know I’m a big fan of Tomorrow’s work, and Teacher Zhang Feng knew as well. What benefit would I have in lying?”

The fact that Zhang Feng was aware lent credibility to the claim. Everyone’s eyes then turned collectively toward Li Jie. Though he was a little annoyed at the chubby classmate for revealing the secret, he didn’t mind much. Being a well-known bestselling author would only help, especially as he was about to enroll at Capital Media University. At the very least, it might afford him some freedom in choosing class times. Even if not today, he planned to reveal the truth at the right moment.

“This is incredible! Such good grades, handsome, and also able to write such excellent novels!” someone exclaimed.

“Yeah! Am I dreaming? Tomorrow is actually Lu Xinghe—and he’s been my classmate for three years?”

…

“Ah! Ah!! Ah!!!”

…

“Lu Xinghe, I love you!” some excited girls screamed.

“Unbelievable! There really are geniuses like that!”

“No! No! He’s a prodigy—an existence beyond genius!”

…

Listening to the awestruck and excited voices, Li Jie paid little attention. He glanced at the still-shocked Geng Geng and wondered how to explain to her that he hadn’t meant to keep this secret from her.

Unexpectedly, Geng Geng suddenly threw her arms around him, whispering excitedly in his ear, “Lu Xinghe! You’re amazing!! So amazing!” Realizing her boldness, she quickly released him and stepped back, her face flushed like a fiery sunset. Since she had been drinking, no one assumed the blush was from shyness. Given the explosive revelation from the chubby classmate, no one questioned her reaction further.

Li Jie thought to himself that he had worried for nothing; his ‘little fool’ hadn’t suspected a thing.

Watching the scene unfold, Geng Geng exhaled deeply, trying to steady her emotions while sneaking a glance at Li Jie. Their eyes met, and seeing the intensity in his gaze, her heart raced again, the calm she had just regained now stirred anew.