Upon entering, she discovered that the large private room was filled with college classmates, all invited by Huang Xiaojue.

The whole group began to tease Yan Xixi as soon as they saw her.

"A Harvard prodigy has arrived!"

"Another talent has gone to America! Yan Xixi, you’re really something! You’ll probably become another Wall Street business genius!"

"Harvard! A place I’ve always dreamed about. I took the exam several times after graduation, but I couldn’t pass any of them, so I reluctantly had to give up."

"Yan Xixi, don’t forget about us old classmates after you get rich. When we visit South Country, you must treat us well!"

"Are you never going to come back? Many people never return once they go abroad. Yan Xixi, you’re not also planning never to return, are you?"

...

Yan Xixi forced herself to be sociable, chatting and laughing with the crowd.

Huang Xiaojue just watched her from the sidelines. She gave a small nod, then went over to greet other classmates.

This time, she ended up emptying cup after cup. She didn’t usually drink, but under the persistent urging of her classmates, she drank a few cups, which made her feel light-headed. As she continued to drink, the alcohol’s bitter taste seemed to fade away, making it feel just like water.

Xu Xiaoya, aware of what was troubling her, quietly tugged her arm. "Xixi, drink a little less."

Yan Xixi, however, was unusually cheerful and strangely enthusiastic, giggling, "This is good stuff... really good stuff! Xiaoya, you should have some too! You have no idea how fun drinking can be!"

A few classmates immediately chimed in, "Yes, yes! ’When life is good, enjoy it to the fullest! Don’t let that cup sit empty!’ Hahaha, alcohol is indeed a great thing!"

Huang Xiaojue glanced over casually. He noticed that Yan Xixi, usually so quiet and reserved, was now remarkably excited and talkative. Combined with the effects of the alcohol, her cheeks were flushed as red as peach blossoms.

Just then, the door opened, and Huang’s mother and Zhou Ting entered.

Although Zhou Ting’s status was well-known within their immediate circle, that circle was different from the upper echelons of society. Huang Xiaojue was also very low-key. As a result, his classmates only knew that he and Yan Xixi had broken up and that his new girlfriend was a wealthy heiress. They had no idea just how prominent her family background truly was.

So, when they saw her, they didn’t think she was unapproachable and immediately started teasing, "Oh, Huang Xiaojue, your girlfriend came to check on you!"

"Hahaha, Huang Xiaojue, you’re so lucky! Look how much your girlfriend cares about you."

Zhou Ting, smiling pleasantly, glanced at Yan Xixi, her words seemingly casual, "We were dining nearby and just happened to pass by. I heard you’re going to the United States, so we came to bid you farewell and wish you success in your studies and a prompt return home."

Yan Xixi also replied graciously, "Thank you. Let’s have a drink together."

One of the male classmates immediately handed Zhou Ting a glass of wine, but Huang’s mother quickly stopped him, saying, "No, she can’t drink... Zhou Ting can’t drink these days."

One of the male classmates asked, puzzled, "Why can’t she drink?"

Huang’s mother’s smile grew even wider as she said, "She’s really not drinking today. Perhaps another day. After some time, Zhou Ting will definitely have a proper drink with you all."

She then passed the wine glass to her son, saying, "Xiaojue, you drink this for Zhou Ting, okay?"

Huang Xiaojue accepted the cup of wine, his expression nonchalant.

A quick-witted female classmate blurted out, "Huang Xiaojue, is your wife expecting?"

Zhou Ting simply smiled without answering, but Huang’s mother was visibly overjoyed. Seeing their expressions, everyone instantly understood the implication—Zhou Ting must be pregnant. They no longer urged her to drink and instead quickly passed her a cup of plain water.

Zhou Ting picked up the water glass, casually linked her arm with Huang Xiaojue, who was standing beside her, and said, "Let’s toast Miss Yan together."