C10 The Rude People

Chen Mengyao had no other option but to reach out to Chu Fann after departing from the Chen household. She held a deep respect for Chu Fann's choices and wouldn't press him to join her if he was reluctant, especially considering her sister's significant bias against him and the awkwardness of having him dine with Guo Chao.

To her surprise, Chu Fann accepted the invitation without hesitation.

Chu Fann was well aware that avoidance was futile. When the time came to lay his cards on the table, he'd be ready. He wasn't someone who shrank from the spotlight, nor was he intimidated by anyone.

His bold declaration in the Chen family's hall was made with full readiness. Chen Mengyu's lack of feelings for him, coupled with her outright humiliation, only confirmed that their connection was destined to end there.

If he spent his days in hiding, it would only make him appear cowardly, unwilling to confront the truth.

Chu Fann was a man of deep emotions, but indecisiveness was not in his nature.

At the Chen residence, only Chen Mengyu's parents and Chen Mengyu herself were present.

They sat together on the couch.

"After the incident at Mom's 70th birthday, we've decided to let him stay with us a bit longer to sidestep idle chatter. Once the three-year agreement ends, we'll have every right to send him on his way, maintaining the Chen family's reputation as a distinguished household," they reasoned.

"With your sister now leading the project and the substantial profits that come with it, and your boyfriend's family renewing their partnership with Mingzhu Group, everything is moving in a favorable direction. Mengyu, try not to harbor resentment. After all, your sister isn't one to squander money – ultimately, isn't it all going into our family's coffers?"

"When the moment is ripe, you'll take over the reins of responsibility. With the addition of the Guo family, we might just rise to the ranks of Jing'an District's elite." Chen Shouguo reveled in his grand aspirations.

"Yes, Mengyu, remember that you are our dearest. Your sister's temperament simply isn't cut out for greatness, and the future of this family won't be in her hands. For now, just keep a level head and take things slowly," Bai Yulan soothed, sensing her daughter's recent unease and offering words of comfort.

"I've made peace with it. This is the perfect chance to clear the air over dinner and set the record straight about Chu Fann and Guo Chao. I don't want anyone mistakenly thinking I'm still engaged to that loser!" Chen Mengyu said, lifting her chin with pride.

The following day, Chen Mengyu and Guo Chao had secured a private room at Seven Tastes House bright and early.

Seven Tastes House, a renowned restaurant in Jing'an District, wasn't known for its affordability. A meal could cost several hundred yuan per person, and for a group, the bill could easily run into the thousands, not to mention the private room charge and drinks. Sometimes, the total could exceed ten thousand yuan.

Chen Mengyu had her reasons for choosing this venue. She wanted Chu Fann to witness firsthand the disparity between them, to feel the weight of her superiority. It was also a way to show her classmates and friends that she was thriving.

Soon after, Guo Chao's classmates arrived, taking seats near the top of the table.

"Zhao Bo, Wang Jing, Wei Xiong, meet my three buddies," Guo Chao said, making introductions.

A bit later, several of Chen Mengyu's close friends joined them in the room.

"Liu Mei, Wu Jing, come meet everyone. We'll have plenty of opportunities to hang out. If you hit it off, feel free to exchange WeChat contacts and make plans to meet up. All my girls are single and ready to mingle," Chen Mengyu said with a playful wink.

"Who else is coming, Mengyu? Why are there two empty seats?" Wu Jing inquired, eyeing the vacant spots at the bottom.

"Just two more. You probably guessed it—my sister Chen Mengyao and that guy, Chu Fann," Chen Mengyu replied with a dismissive twist of her mouth.

"What? Mengyu, your ex-fiancé?" Wu Jing gasped in surprise.

Everyone was aware of Chen Mengyu's disdain for Chu Fann, and yet she had invited him to dine with them?

"Stop spreading rumors. I've completely severed ties with him. He's an orphan who my grandmother pitied enough to take in. But he got ahead of himself, thinking he could marry me? Pure fantasy!" she scoffed.

"Now, my boyfriend is Mr. Guo. I've officially accepted his courtship!" Chen Mengyu clarified hastily.

"So that's the situation... You should've dumped him a long time ago. How much embarrassment has that kid caused you?" Wu Jing remarked.

"Shh..." Liu Mei placed a finger to her lips, signaling the others with a glance.

The group turned their attention to the entrance of the private room as Chu Fann and Chen Mengyao made their appearance.

"Is everyone here? Take your seats. After this meal, certain individuals should understand what's expected of them—no need for me to call anyone out," Chen Mengyu said with a sardonic edge.

Chu Fann, maintaining a stoic face, naturally took the last two seats with Chen Mengyao.

"Chu Fann, you're so frugal you won't even splurge on takeout. Today, I've brought you to Seven Tastes House for a meal. Let's not have any further dealings after this. You showed some backbone the other day, so consider our engagement over ahead of schedule. You can stay at the Chen residence for a few more days, but I'd advise you to find your own place soon. Otherwise, don't say I didn't show you any respect."

"He could just stay in the dorm, save on rent, and use that money to better his life," Guo Chao chimed in with a smile.

"Exactly, Mr. Guo is so considerate. Chu Fann, aren't you going to thank Mr. Guo?" Chen Mengyu said warmly, looping her arm through Guo Chao's.

"Mengyu, I..."

"Don't call her Mengyu. Are you in a position to? Are you her fiancé?" Guo Chao cut off Chu Fann sharply.

"Fine, Chen Mengyu. I came to this dinner to clear the air between us. I realize I've caused you inconvenience over the past three years. The three-year term is nearly up, and you'll be free. I won't cling to you," Chu Fann declared.

He was a man with his own pride, and his disappointment in a woman was evident.

"Smart move, well done!" Guo Chao gave a thumbs up.

The waitstaff began serving the meal.

The dishes at Seven Tastes House were exquisite and unusual, each one a work of art, complete with a candle adding to the ambiance. The company enjoyed the food and drinks, and it wasn't long before a few were tipsily enjoying the moment.

"Hey, Mr. Guo? I heard your family cut ties with Mingzhu Group. Are you still in the pharmaceutical game?" Wang Jing inquired.

"Ha, I won't lie to you, we just mended fences with Mingzhu Group yesterday, all thanks to Mengyu's help. Actually, this dinner is a little celebration of our success – my treat, so everyone dig in!" Guo Chao beamed from ear to ear as he spoke about the turn of events.

His dad was over the moon when he found out, rewarding him with a hefty sum of spending money. In time, he'll start to take the reins of the family business, and then Guo Chao will be a bona fide tycoon!

Meanwhile, the real hero of the hour, Chen Mengyao, sat alone, quietly eating, not looking to steal the spotlight.

Chu Fann glanced at Chen Mengyao, noting her silence, and let out a soft sigh. If anyone could sway Mingzhu Group, it was likely Mengyao. Thanks to Chu Fann, she was well-known within the group. With her tender heart, if her sister asked for help, she'd be there in a heartbeat – such a kind soul.

Guo Chao's phone suddenly rang. After a quick chat, he announced, "Wang Jun? I'm at Seven Tastes House. Yeah, that's right, hurry over. We're in the middle of dinner. Come join us for a drink – my treat, so make it snappy, no dilly-dallying!"

Once off the call, Guo Chao turned to Chen Mengyu, "That's a high school buddy of mine, just got back from abroad. I've been so wrapped up in this dinner, I totally forgot about his return. I'll introduce you all later. He's a genuine overseas returnee, and hey, single ladies, take note!"

Soon after, a stylish young man with a backpack strolled into the room, greeting everyone with some unintelligible foreign words. But then, he realized there wasn't a single seat left – all nine were taken, with no room to squeeze in another.

The awkwardness of the situation didn't escape Guo Chao and Chen Mengyu.

"Chu Fann, move it, make room for my brother Wang Jun!" Guo Chao scanned the room and then barked at Chu Fann, who was hunched over his meal.

"This guy... acts like he hasn't seen food in a decade, not a peep out of him, just gobbling away. He should be stuffed by now," Zhao Bo said, his smile laced with a hint of mockery.

"Chu Fann, have you had enough?" Chen Mengyu chimed in. "Give up your seat for Wang Jun. If you're still hungry, you can stand off to the side and pick at the dishes—we'll get a chair for you."

The so-called "fishing" was really just standing to the side and eating when there were no seats left, usually reserved for those of lower status. It was a clear sign of disrespect among peers, and Chu Fann's face immediately soured at the suggestion.