District Director Zheng was shamelessly chatting up Chen Yanfei, simultaneously trying to persuade Hu Jing while cracking jokes and acting like a smooth operator.

When Han Lie stepped off the electric sightseeing car, District Director Zheng didn't recognize him at first. Then, Chen Yanfei, unable to wait any longer, brushed past everyone. Smiling, she called out, "Han Lie!" At that, District Director Zheng almost bit his own tongue off in shock.

"Fuck!"

District Director Zheng cried out in surprise, then deliberately lowered his voice to vent to Xiao Xiao. "Do you know this fucking guy? An idiot from our class! Everyone knows he used Pan Shao's money for plastic surgery. But damn, I didn't expect it to be so successful! Fuck, how much high-tech did they use on that face?"

Xiao Xiao was stunned speechless.

He opened his mouth wide, looking at District Director Zheng with an incredulous expression.

Thinking his "insider information" had stunned Xiao Xiao, the intense jealousy in District Director Zheng's heart lessened somewhat, and he boasted smugly, "Xiao Shao, just wait and see how I mess with this fucking guy!"

"'Fucking hell! He hooks up with some rich older woman and forgets his own damn worth. Back in school, it was child's play to deal with him. And he even dared to compete with Pan Shao for a girlfriend…"

Xiao Xiao didn't utter a word. He closed his mouth and silently moved a couple of steps aside, standing on Hu Jing's other side.

Sorry, Mr. Han, I'm really not close with this idiot! If lightning is going to strike, I hope it doesn't hit me…

He did indeed harbor some resentment toward Han Lie, but given the vast difference in their status and power, such feelings were meaningless.

A young man's pride and recklessness don't equate to a lack of intelligence.

Well, at least not when they haven't been strongly provoked.

Meanwhile, Chen Yanfei, who was hurrying over, slowed her pace, her face growing more puzzled.

"Huh?"

She scrutinized Han Lie carefully from head to toe, not missing a single detail.

"You've been living quite well lately, haven't you?"

Her question was tactful, yet carried a hint of playful resentment, which was quite endearing.

Han Lie responded with a grin, spouting nonsense, "Not really? Although I've been eating well and exercising enough, work has been too hectic. I feel like I've slimmed down a bit, though I also seem to have shot up another three centimeters in height… What do you think? Have you noticed I'm getting even more handsome?"

"A bit too handsome."

Chen Yanfei gently furrowed her brow.

She wasn't someone who cared excessively about looks. So, instead of feeling pleased, she found herself more troubled.

Having a handsome boyfriend to show off was certainly a status boost. But Han Lie was already untrustworthy, and now his ability to attract women was even stronger. What was she supposed to do?

Han Lie knew what she was thinking and laughed it off. "Don't worry, I've never cared about my appearance, and I won't let something like this get to my head."

Bullshit! You care about it the most, don't you?

Chen Yanfei rolled her eyes hard but was moved by his sensitivity and attention to detail.

His initiative in reassuring her showed a sensitivity that most guys their age lacked.

Hmm, he seems quite reliable…

"By the way," Han Lie casually changed the subject. "Who's all here today?"

Chen Yanfei began listing them on her fingers for him, and the sense of unfamiliarity from not having seen each other in so long instantly vanished.

However, judging by the distance she deliberately maintained, the issue between them wasn't over yet.

In other words, she had put Han Lie back on her probation list.

After a brief chat, the two turned and headed toward the courtyard.

...

"'Fuck, which plastic surgery maestro did this? It's so good I'm tempted to try it myself…'" District Director Zheng continued to rant to Xiao Xiao, who kept edging further and further away…

The idiot was still clueless. However, as Han Lie and Chen Yanfei approached, he stopped muttering and greeted Han Lie with a beaming smile.

"Wow! Liezi, it's been half a year! You've really changed a lot!"

This guy might be a snob, but he wasn't stupid. His misjudgment stemmed from a huge information gap, not a lack of intelligence. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

So, regardless of whatever malicious thoughts he harbored, he could still maintain a polite facade.

Han Lie didn't like him and merely nodded. He then greeted Xiao Xiao and Hu Jing separately, "Xiao Shao, old classmate, Happy New Year!"

Hu Jing shot Chen Yanfei a glare, then her face transformed into a radiant smile. "Happy New Year, Han Lie! Thanks for the crabs. My family was very pleased with them…"

When this girl smiled, she resembled a blossoming fox spirit…

This damn analogy wasn't a grammatical mistake; it was the kind of combined impact of charm and brilliance that felt like it lodged itself directly in your mind.

Then, Xiao Xiao's handsome face instantly turned green.

What crabs? Damn it, since when are you two so close?!

Chen Yanfei's smile also faded. She cast a subtle glance at Han Lie, grinding her teeth slightly.

And you said you two weren't close! You scumbag, how many other things are you hiding from me?!

Han Lie gave a bitter smile, feeling utterly innocent and helpless.

Who could have predicted that Hu Jing would choose this moment to confront Chen Yanfei?

Since he'd stumbled into this, he was bound to get dragged in. It was beyond his control.

But he could quibble… ah, no, explain.

"We're classmates. It was no trouble at all. Even if we hadn't met by chance, I would have gladly made a special trip to bring them to you! It's only right!"

His mastery of psychology wasn't just for show; his response was both clever and smooth.

Chen Yanfei's expression cleared instantly, and her mood improved significantly.

Hu Jing immediately pursed her lips and nodded with a smile. "Mhm! It really feels like fate, you know! And after I got home, my mom just couldn't stop praising you. She was dying to invite you over as a guest…"