Chapter 134: The Gift

The private room was quite spacious, with a large round table that could comfortably seat over a dozen people, and indeed, that many were gathered here now.

Upon entering, Qi Yan immediately spotted several familiar faces besides Dong Ye and Xu Dan. Naturally, they were old college classmates, but since most had not seen each other in a long time and had since entered the workforce, everyone had changed.

When they saw Qi Yan, these few recognized him instantly. At first, they were somewhat stunned; as old college classmates, they were certainly aware of his past with Chen Huiting and couldn't help but wonder why he had been invited.

However, they quickly greeted him nonetheless. "Qi the Jerk, you haven't changed much, have you? Still the same old you."

"Who says he hasn't changed? You can still tell he's grown even more handsome."

"Hey, who is that girl next to you? She looks just like a big celebrity!"

"Heh... what kind of eyes do you have? Just look at the black and white couple's outfit they're wearing; do you really need to ask?"

Despite the flurry of boisterous greetings, Qi Yan seemed somewhat distracted, offering only a symbolic nod to everyone.

Li Ruoke played along perfectly. This "divine assist" had been a good call; from the moment they stepped inside, she conscientiously stayed close behind Qi Yan, acting like a shy, demure girl, not saying a word, just wearing a serene smile.

What surprised Qi Yan, however, was that when Chen Huiting saw him bring someone whose beauty, physique, and temperament were not at all inferior to her own, she showed no discomfort or resentment whatsoever. She acted completely naturally, fulfilling her duties as the birthday girl by leading them to their seats and even pouring them barley tea herself.

There wasn't a hint of awkwardness in her eyes; she really seemed to be treating Qi Yan as just an ordinary friend.

As for her current boyfriend—the one Qi Yan had dismissed as a "third-rate, twenty-eighth-tier singer"—he was, in fact, a handsome and sunny-looking guy.

Although it was apparent that his nose and chin had undergone some work, his natural features were quite high-end. His height, temperament, physique, and overall demeanor were all excellent, and he kept a kind smile on his face—the type of sunny, big-boy personality that made him look approachable at first glance.

Furthermore, he had a very pleasant voice. True to his background as a broadcast major from an art school and a former host for the automobile radio station 90.18, his Mandarin was standard, and his voice carried a magnetic resonance from his chest, nasal, and cranial cavities.

Judging by his appearance, he did indeed have the potential to be an entertainer.

His name was Zhong Yu. He was actually twenty-seven this year, though he didn't look it. While he didn't seem like the perfect match for Chen Huiting, it was a fact that they were a handsome man and a beautiful woman.

Li Ruoke whispered into Qi Yan's ear, "Honestly, he’s actually better than you. At least he knows how to dress himself better."

"Nonsense, he’s a guy who makes a living off his face. Look at all that hyaluronic acid and skin-booster injections in his nose; I really wonder if a single punch would make it all burst out..."

Now that everyone had arrived and the time was right, and once the hot pot, side dishes, and drinks were all set on the table, Chen Huiting stood up, raised a glass filled with fruit juice, and said loudly, "Old classmates and new friends we've just met today, in the blink of an eye, it's been nearly two years since we graduated. All the old classmates who are still developing in Xinzhou and staying in touch are here today. Thank you all for coming to celebrate."

As soon as she finished, her boyfriend also stood up, holding a glass of juice, and added in a magnetic, professional broadcast tone, "Everyone is a classmate of Xiao Hui's, and I've heard her mention most of you..."

After he finished speaking, the guests at the table applauded. Everyone in the room clearly liked Chen Huiting's soon-to-be-famous boyfriend. Even though it was their first meeting, some people are just like that—between their speech, demeanor, and good looks, they always leave a great first impression.

After they finished, a thin boy sitting nearby stood up. He was a former member of the school's publicity department named Feng Xin, known for being a troublemaker who loved to stir the pot. He was a chatterbox, often speaking without thinking. Although he was a guest, everyone was so familiar with each other that he couldn't help but take the lead in speaking.

"Heh heh, old classmates, it seems a bit early for a reunion, doesn't it? But today is the birthday of Chen Huiting, once the pillar of our college's literary department. She was a 'department belle' back then, and she's even more impressive now that she's in the workforce. Look at them... one is working in media, and the other is a rising star about to sign with Chuangxing Entertainment. They truly are a talented and beautiful couple! Shall we all wish Xiao Hui a happy birthday?"

The others naturally raised their glasses and stood up, taking a sip before the meal.

Just as he brought his glass to his lips, Qi Yan’s gaze accidentally fell on Zhong Yu. The man had just taken off a thin jacket and hung it on the back of his chair, revealing a thin, grey, V-neck knit sweater underneath. Around his neck hung a string of black beads. The lighting in the room was quite bright, and the beads were highly lustrous and oily, looking particularly eye-catching. However, the pendant end was tucked inside his shirt, so it couldn't be seen.

But just seeing that black bead necklace made Qi Yan freeze in shock. He nudged Li Ruoke, who was beside him, and signaled with his eyes for her to look at Zhong Yu's neck.

Li Ruoke had a similar expression upon seeing it, but she quickly regained her composure and whispered to him, "Don't be paranoid. There are too many people who use obsidian beads as accessories. Don't jump to conclusions."

Qi Yan thought about it... that was true. Even if it looked similar, it was too far-fetched to make guesses just by looking at a bead necklace.

He really was... he had been so neurotic lately. Perhaps it was just an ordinary string of obsidian beads? How could there be such a coincidence? It was impossible.

The meal was very harmonious—extremely harmonious. It was just a joyous birthday dinner among friends; everyone was chatting and laughing, and not a trace of awkwardness appeared.

There were no annoying people popping up to intentionally "stir up trouble."

Xu Dan poked the bottom of her bowl with her chopsticks, resting her head on her hand with a disappointed look, and muttered to herself, "Tsk... boring, really boring... I thought there would be a good show to watch."

Dong Ye knew what kind of scene she had been hoping for and said with a wry smile, "Hey, what kind of mindset is that? Are you just hoping for chaos?"

Xu Dan sighed regretfully, "It seems I thought too much. Whether it's Xiao Hui or Qi Yan, they have both really let go. Is Xiao Hui really just trying to be ordinary friends with Qi Yan? It's not awkward at all... it made me nervous for nothing."

"Nonsense, you were the one overthinking it. Look at how harmonious Qi Yan and Chen Huiting are? I told you to stop watching those trashy domestic soap operas, but you never listen. Why are you letting your imagination run wild for no reason?"

The truth was exactly that. Chen Huiting didn't show the slightest intention of using her current boyfriend to show off to her ex; she was simply being polite.

As for Qi Yan? His mind wasn't on the meal at all... he had no time to think about such things. The news of Dong Ye’s "promotion" was enough to keep him anxious, and now he had seen that string of obsidian beads hanging around Zhong Yu's neck.

Although he had tried to comfort himself earlier, he still had an indescribable premonition in his heart.

But he couldn't just walk up and pull someone's shirt open in this situation, could he? Embracing the mentality of "it is better to kill a thousand by mistake than to let one slip through," Qi Yan thought for a moment and came up with a plan.

When the meal was nearly over and everyone had started chatting freely, Qi Yan took out the packaged amulet gift, stood up, and walked over to Chen Huiting, handing it to her naturally. "Here, happy birthday."

Chen Huiting smiled and accepted it. "Oh, why are you being so polite?"

Qi Yan told her to open it and take a look. Chen Huiting examined the exquisite little box, nodded, and carefully unwrapped it in front of everyone at the table.

When she saw the equally delicately crafted amulet inside, she was genuinely surprised.

"Wow, this... this must be very expensive, right?"

Qi Yan explained casually, "It’s the sincerity that counts. It’s the image of the Great Brahma, the 'wish-granting Buddha.' Don't worry, it was consecrated by a real Thai Ajan master. As long as you worship it with sincerity, it will bring you good luck."

At this, the other friends at the table looked over, their eyes lighting up.

"A Thai amulet?"

"Hey, Qi Yan, I just heard Xu Dan say you're in the amulet business now. Is that true?"

"Hey, this kind of talisman must be very expensive, right?"

"Don't talk nonsense if you don't understand! This thing seems very effective; don't measure its value with money."

Seeing that everyone's interest had been piqued, Qi Yan didn't shy away and said naturally, "I'm not advertising here, I just personally think Thai amulets are quite extraordinary. I really like them myself and have even worn a few..."

As he spoke, he took out his own "dark" amulet in front of everyone. Regardless, aside from Li Ruoke, no one present knew the trade, and even if they did, they wouldn't be able to tell if it was a dark or light amulet because the image on the piece was completely shapeless.

His main goal was to use his own dark amulet to see how Zhong Yu would react upon seeing it. He immediately cast a sidelong glance at him.