Chapter 2

He sat down at a window seat and ordered two glasses of juice, idly watching the other affectionate couples in the café. Zhang Shaoyu was waiting for his girlfriend Zhang Li, whom he had not seen for a year. They were once the model couple in high school, inseparable and always together, having started their relationship in the first year of high school, eventually reaching a point where even the teachers were no longer surprised by their presence together.

What do you think Zhang Shaoyu is feeling right now? Let me tell you, it is just one feeling: pain! Pain that pierces to the bone, pain that cuts to the heart. Five years of feelings have just gone to waste, and the reason is so absurd and laughable that anyone would find it unacceptable. But if you think you can read it on his face, you are mistaken. Li Dan and the others, having been brothers with Zhang Shaoyu for so many years, naturally understand this. Even though Zhang Shaoyu shows no signs of it, they still follow behind him, trembling with fear, not daring to ask a single question.

"Grandpa, Grandma, I’m going out for a while and won’t be back for lunch," Zhang Shaoyu said softly as he walked into the living room. Grandpa was reading the newspaper, and upon hearing this, he took off his reading glasses and frowned, asking, "What are you going to do? Not coming back for lunch? Your grandma specially bought you steamed pork belly." In an instant, dozens of excuses flashed through Zhang Shaoyu's mind, but he didn’t say any of them, as he had used them all before.

"Oh, really? Can you tell me how it’s different?" Zhang Li gently stirred the juice in front of her and asked softly. Zhang Shaoyu smiled mysteriously, leaned in, and whispered, "You are more beautiful and graceful than before. When I saw you just now, I almost didn’t recognize you." Upon hearing this, Zhang Li was momentarily speechless. This lively character hadn’t changed at all; his way with words was still as charming as ever. Reflecting on her high school days, wasn’t it his wit and humor that had captured her heart?

Liu Lei, I dare to bet with you that Shaoyu must have broken up with Zhang Li

At the dining table, everyone fell silent. Based on their understanding of Zhang Shaoyu, it was certain that something had occurred between him and Zhang Li. Although he appeared to be chatting and laughing, engaging in various topics.

"What nonsense, we broke up," Zhang Shaoyu said with utmost nonchalance. At the moment he uttered these words, he distinctly felt a tightening in his heart, as if someone had grasped his heart and twisted it fiercely.

"Brother, is everything alright?" Liang Jin asked cautiously while observing Zhang Shaoyu. Zhang Shaoyu, with a calm expression, casually replied, "Nothing's wrong, have they all arrived? Then let's go." After saying this, he lifted his leg and started walking, with Liang Jin hurriedly following behind him. That kid Li Dan had said something quite mysterious earlier; it might be that something really happened, so it's better to keep a close watch on him.

Li Dan looked around cautiously before carefully taking out a box and shaking it in front of Zhang Shaoyu, saying: "Do you see this? It's a fruit-scented type, and it even glows in the dark. Later, when you go inside and turn off the lights, it will be just like a glow stick." Zhang Shaoyu snatched it away, causing Li Dan to exclaim anxiously: "Hey, how can you be so inconsiderate? Save a few for me, I have something to do tonight"

The private room is not large, just enough to accommodate the next table from hetushu.com, along with a few benches. The room is filled with a greasy smell, which is quite unpleasant. On this hot day, if it weren't for the broken air conditioner on the wall buzzing away, this place would likely have turned into a steamer.

What is most appropriate to do at this time? Of course, it is to drink. Zhang Shaoyu said little and led the way into a hot pot restaurant. Such small hot pot restaurants are everywhere in the county town; they generally have little business during the day. As soon as the owner saw customers arriving, he naturally greeted them warmly. However, after a while, he realized that his enthusiasm was unnecessary. These young men completely ignored him, each with a sullen expression, not saying a word. However, after a while, he realized that his enthusiasm was unnecessary. These young men completely ignored him, each with a sullen expression, not saying a word.

Zhang Li nodded with a smile, but Zhang Shaoyu found her smile somewhat strange

No wonder, after five years of relationship, a single day apart feels like three autumns, let alone a year

Liang Jin, Liu Lei, and Li Dan were gathered together, with Li Dan displaying a rare serious expression on his face as he discussed everything they had just witnessed above with the other two brothers

Before he got off the bus, he saw Li Dan standing listlessly at the entrance of the fast food restaurant, looking around.

Zhang Li felt a bit flustered. Could it be that he has already noticed? This might be for the best, as it would spare them both the embarrassment of having to bring it up.

Zhang Shaoyu's face showed no signs of shock or surprise; instead, his signature inscrutable smile reappeared. He nodded slightly and said, "Well, a breakup must have a reason. What is your reason?"

To be frank, Zhang Shaoyu does not come from a well-off family. His parents are nearly fifty years old and are still working outside. Although they have no worries about food and clothing, there is still a gap to reach a moderately prosperous life. While he is in college, his parents are struggling to support him, which is a time when expenses are high. Fortunately, he is about to graduate from university, and Zhang Shaoyu is contemplating that after entering society, he should not be too picky and should first find a managerial position or something similar to alleviate some pressure on his parents

At this point, seeing that Zhang Shaoyu still seemed to be confused, he added, "However, with your stamina, three is probably the limit, haha..." Finally, Zhang Shaoyu understood what this was about. He smiled at Li Dan and leaned in to whisper, "Don't mock me, three is not enough; bring on as many as there are. I've been holding back for a year, and it would be strange if I didn't have a volcanic eruption today"

Everyone fell silent. Zhang Shaoyu and his partner walked over, and everyone thought that this couple would surely reach a conclusion. It was even possible that they would announce their wedding right after graduation. But who would have thought that just before graduation, this incident occurred. As for the reason, there is no need to ask; if they want to break up, can they not find a reason? Women, truly unpredictable. As for the reason, there is no need to ask; if they want to break up, can they not find a reason? Women, truly unpredictable.

The situation on the second floor is markedly different from that on the ground floor, with an occupancy rate exceeding 80%. Delicate and charming decorations adorn the walls, and soft, elegant lighting gently bathes the space. In the left corner, a sound system plays popular love songs, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a warm and elegant little paradise

On that day, Zhang Shaoyu got up early, changed into a newly purchased shirt, black trousers, and sprayed half a bottle of gel on his short hair, styling each strand upwards with a comb. He originally wanted to secretly take one of his grandfather's ties to wear, so he could look more like a person from the IT industry

Zhang Li felt as if she could find a hole to burrow into, and she exclaimed angrily, "What nonsense are you talking about?" Only then did Zhang Shaoyu realize he had lost his composure. He feigned calmness by clearing his throat twice and glanced at the people nearby. After confirming that no one was watching him, he finally felt at ease

Zhang Shaoyu nodded and asked, "Has Zhang Li arrived?"

Calculating the days, it has been over a month since I returned home. During this time, I have either gone out with my friends to drink and surf the internet or met up with old classmates to boast. A few of my former high school classmates truly left Zhang Shaoyu feeling frustrated. I remember when we were in high school, those few foolish ones had poor grades and belonged to the group forgotten by teachers. After graduating from high school, they did not go to university. Note that they did not go to university, not that they failed to get in. Nowadays, as long as you pay the tuition, you can attend undergraduate or master's programs at will. The most terrifying thing is that there are even programs that combine undergraduate and master's degrees. It seems that diplomas have become worthless in this era.

Hello, sister-in-law!" Li Dan said seriously. Zhang Li let out a slight breath and smiled gently, saying, "Don't call me that; I am not your sister-in-law." When this girl smiled, she truly embodied the ancient saying, "A smile like a flower," as if a hundred flowers were blooming at once, stunningly beautiful.

Zhang Li noticed that Zhang Shaoyu seemed not to be listening to her, sighed, and turned to Li Dan, who was sitting opposite her and looking at her curiously, saying: "Li Dan, um, I would like to discuss something with Shaoyu. If it's convenient, please..." Li Dan's face no longer bore the earlier nonchalance; she nodded, stood up readily, and walked downstairs. Upon exiting the shop, she immediately took out her phone and called Liang Jin and Liu Lei: "Hurry to Lisa, I suspect something is going to happen today."

"Are you here?" Li Dan perked up a bit and came forward.

Li Dan scoffed and pointed at Liu Lei, saying, "I said, after having so many girlfriends, what does this guy do? A professional cheater? What could possibly escape my eyes? I noticed something was off the moment she came upstairs..." Just as he finished speaking, Liang Jin, who had been silent standing by, suddenly walked towards the store entrance, where he saw Zhang Shaoyu coming out.

In recent years, the women around Li Dan have changed like crops, one after another, yet Zhang Shaoyu remains steadfastly devoted to Zhang Li. Li Dan finds this hard to understand; what era is this, still talking about loyalty? This seems to be quite unworthy of the title "New Socialist Youth." Zhang Shaoyu has always scoffed at this, asking if someone with a character like yours, akin to a stallion, can truly understand matters of the heart.

Upstairs, Zhang Shaoyu looked at Zhang Li with a smile, but she kept avoiding his gaze. There was something weighing on her mind, and she didn't know how to bring it up, as she felt it might hurt him

Liang Jin is just Liang Jin, usually not very talkative, but at critical moments, he can say something astonishing: "What does a great man have to fear without a wife!" This statement stunned everyone. Li Dan poured a glass of wine, gently clinked it against his cup, and cautiously asked him: "Buddy, you wouldn't have encountered some trouble, would you?"

Zhang Shaoyu made a sound of acknowledgment, crossing his arms as he awaited her next words, already sensing an ominous premonition in his heart

Zhang Shaoyu smiled, took out some money and placed it in the waiter’s tray, and said to her: "We’ve already broken up, what else is there to say? You wouldn’t want me to say something like I hope you live better than I do, would you? Am I that kind of mundane person?" After saying this, he stood up and left without any hesitation, leaving Zhang Li sitting there alone, unable to utter a single word for a long time.

Despite already knowing the answer, Liu Lei was still unwilling to give up. Surely it couldn't be true, after five years of relationship. Therefore, he ignored Li Dan's disapproving look and asked again, "What exactly is going on?"

Zhang Shaoyu was holding a large glass, ready to persuade others to drink, when he heard Liang Jin say this. He smiled in confusion and said, "What could possibly happen? It's just as you all think."

"Cut it out, you haven't even passed the Level 3 exam, yet you're showing off your English. Aren't you embarrassed?" Li Dan scoffed.

Li Dan shook her head, and Zhang Shaoyu felt puzzled. This is not right; they had agreed to meet here at 10:00. She has always been punctual, so why is she late today

Ha, I have been pondering this matter recently. I think that after graduation, I will go to Yunnan with Li Dan and a few others to explore. I have heard that smuggling and drug trafficking there can be quite profitable. We could start by working as underlings for others; after all, we have university diplomas. Nowadays, criminal organizations are adopting modern management practices. If things go well, I might even become a big boss, then develop my own influence, establish my own territory, and establish connections in the Golden Triangle to transport drugs out and sell them in Japan, Europe, and the United States. In just a few years, you will see my name in the newspapers as a major drug lord, haha...

This is merely Zhang Shaoyu indulging in his own fantasies, casually making a joke. However, Zhang Li, upon hearing it, no longer feels the same urge to laugh as before. Before her stands a person who seems to be the same as he was in high school—cynical, dismissive of everything, and indifferent to all matters. The future and prospects, in his eyes, hold no value; what he thinks about is how to stir up trouble and seek amusement.

Two people were playfully wrestling when someone approached. A woman, a beautiful woman. While some might describe a woman's features with phrases like "cherry lips" and "willow leaf eyebrows," this woman could only be described as having features that were perfectly suited to her, comfortable, exuding a singular feeling of ease. She was not tall, around 1.6 meters, but her figure was well-proportioned, and her every gesture revealed an air of grace. After she went upstairs, she looked around and finally her gaze settled on a seat by the window. When she saw her boyfriend, whom she hadn't seen in a year, a fleeting, elusive expression flickered in her eyes.

Li Dan, with shifty eyes, glanced around furtively and stealthily pulled something from his pocket, tapping it against Zhang Shaoyu under the table

"Shaoyu, what are you thinking about?" Zhang Li called out several times, noticing that Zhang Shaoyu's expression seemed off, as if he were lost in thought and smiling foolishly to himself. She raised her voice and called out again. Zhang Shaoyu was indeed deep in thought, and at Zhang Li's call, he responded as if enchanted: "No, no, I was just having this thought, but hetushucomcom isn't really going to become a young master..." At this point, he automatically fell silent, realizing that those around him were looking at him with strange expressions.

Zhang Shaoyu looked up at the ceiling and murmured, "Hmm, ambition... alright, I understand, let's proceed this way." After saying this, he snapped his fingers to call over the waiter

Xiao Yu, you are a good person. I am very happy to be with you. However, as a man, you lack the most important quality: ambition

"Xiao Yu, you’re here," Li Dan said with a silly smile as he looked at the woman walking towards them. Zhang Shaoyu turned around and his eyes immediately lit up. He sprang up from his seat, reaching out his arms to embrace the woman, but she seemed a bit shy and gently pushed him away, glancing around. Zhang Shaoyu didn’t mind; he draped his arm over her shoulder and returned to his seat. She was Zhang Shaoyu's girlfriend of five years, Zhang Li.

But upon further reflection, I decided against it; wearing that thing in this sweltering heat would be a form of suffering. There is an old saying: "A scholar dies for his confidant, and a woman beautifies herself for the one she loves." Men are no different, and may even exceed this sentiment. Do you think Zhang Shaoyu has nothing better to do than to amuse himself here? Today is a significant day for him; his girlfriend, whom he hasn't seen in a whole year, has arranged to meet him today. Just look at that guy, checking himself out in the mirror, glancing left and right, and occasionally flashing a flirtatious smile at his reflection, changing his expressions in various ways.

Clearing his throat softly, Zhang Li took a tissue to wipe his mouth and tentatively asked, "Shaoyu, have you thought about our relationship? What should we do in the future?" Upon hearing this, Zhang Shaoyu felt a wave of anxiety; he dreaded Zhang Li asking this question. Generally speaking, when a woman poses such inquiries, it often implies thoughts of marriage! No way, he was just in his early twenties, full of vigor, with the world waiting for him to conquer and plenty of money to earn. He couldn't possibly get married so early and let someone manage his life. With this in mind, he responded with a playful grin, "We can just make do, right? We can always get a divorce, can't we?"

"What is this?" Zhang Shaoyu asked after taking it. The item resembled soft leather food, well-packaged, and emitted a fragrant aroma of fruit. Li Dan, with a lewd smile on his face, winked at Zhang Shaoyu and said with a mischievous grin, "It's a good thing; you'll find it useful shortly. Are three enough? If not, I have more here."

Zhang Shaoyu had his hands in his pockets, fiddling with that box of "things." He was contemplating where to go later. Hongqiao was definitely not an option; it was hard to gather like this, and it couldn't be so shabby. Perhaps the Taihe Grand Hotel... but he didn't have that much money. Even if he were to act like a young master there for a while, it would probably not be enough. It was quite a headache.

"Let’s break up," Zhang Li said, feeling as if her heart had been stabbed, the pain intense. "To be honest, I already have a boyfriend at our school, and he treats me very well."

"Never mind, let's go in first," said Zhang Shaoyu. The two entered the restaurant, which, despite being a small fast-food place in a county town, was quite well-equipped. The first floor had about ten tables, but there weren't many customers. However, the waitress still greeted them with a polite smile and said, "Welcome!" Zhang Shaoyu, feeling cheerful due to the happy occasion, surprisingly smiled back and said, "Thank you! You are beautiful!"

"It's nothing, I'll save it for you, eat it when you come back tonight. Go on, the earlier you go, the earlier you return." Grandma chimed in from the side, and Zhang Shaoyu quickly nodded, rushing out as if escaping. Once he exited the community gate, he let out a sigh of relief, took out his phone to check the time—it was exactly 10:00, just right. He wondered if that kid Li Dan had gotten up yet; if he dared to be late today, he would definitely castrate him. He called a taxi and headed straight for 'Lisa' at the park entrance. It was an American fast-food restaurant; he wasn't particularly interested in that foreign junk, but there was no choice—girls all liked the ambiance there, romantic.

Zhang Shaoyu walked quickly, and when he reached a crossroads, he suddenly stopped and asked a question that left everyone puzzled: "What is ambition?"

Is she more beautiful now? What kind of clothes might she wear? When I see her later, what should be the first thing I say? ... Such questions continuously flashed through Zhang Shaoyu's mind

"By the way, you are about to graduate, right? What are your plans?" Zhang Li casually asked, while she was contemplating how to start the conversation. After all, sitting next to her was the man she had once deeply loved.

"You have been invited so many times, why haven't you come out yet?" Zhang Shaoyu asked, pretending to be angry, while selecting a few of Zhang Li's favorite dishes from the menu.

"Shaoyu, don't you have anything to say to me?" Zhang Li found it hard to believe what she was seeing before her.

"Shaoyu, there's no need to call anything, I have to leave soon anyway." Zhang Li's words left the other two people momentarily stunned; why was she talking about leaving right after arriving? Zhang Shaoyu stared at his girlfriend for a moment, then reached out and smiled as he pointed at her, assuming she was just joking.

Xiao Yu, I came today to tell you something.

Those guys, right after graduating from high school, ventured into society. Some started businesses, while others went out to work. Now, they all seem to be doing quite well. When we meet, they say nothing and immediately hand over a business card, the titles on which are enough to shock you; it's either a manager or a boss. Their mobile phone, landline, and fax numbers are all listed on it, which makes Zhang Shaoyu grit his teeth in resentment. He vows in his heart that one day, he will give them a pure gold business card, A4 size, 16K, and make them take it back in their pockets.

Dear, I feel that you are somewhat different this time you have returned compared to before. Zhang Shaoyu supported his head with both hands, staring intently at Zhang Li

I don't think so. Zhang Li and Shao Yu have been together since the first year of high school; their feelings must be very deep. Stop being so pessimistic, you rascal. Liu Lei shook his head and said firmly.

Liang Jin held a wine glass in his hand, unable to drink it down. He was usually not very talkative, but he sensed that something was off with Zhang Shaoyu. After pondering for a while, he finally spoke: "Shaoyu, what happened? Tell me, brother." This was exactly what Li Dan and Liu Lei wanted to ask, and for a moment, they all turned their attention to Zhang Shaoyu.