Chapter 230 - 194: High School Class Reunion (3)

Chapter 230: Chapter 194: High School Class Reunion (3)

Some of the classmates who had stayed in Fan City also knew about Huang Jiabing’s standing.

"President Huang, how’s business been lately?"

There was a clear difference in their tone compared to how they treated Wu Ting.

Huang Jiabing put on a show of false modesty.

"So-so, just so-so. As you all know, the whole construction market is in a slump lately, and a lot of project payments aren’t coming in. I’ve had to accept some real estate or luxury cars as collateral."

"In the city district alone, I’ve taken over dozens of apartments. The car I drove here today was also one I took as payment..."

For a man in construction like Huang Jiabing, this kind of showing off in his speech was bound to make people a little uncomfortable.

But they were all adults now. Even the graduates from top-tier universities had their sharp edges worn down after being beaten down by society.

Take the class monitor, Chai Ming, for example. He’d gotten into the province’s top-tier Jinggang University to study bioengineering. After graduating, he joined Xiao City’s top pharmaceutical company, Jin Pharmaceutical Group, and was making 350,000 a year.

But in front of Huang Jiabing, even he didn’t have much confidence.

Some other classmates even chimed in to agree with Huang Jiabing. Although they knew they weren’t likely to get any benefits from their old classmate, they still had to give him face.

If this had been their student days, Chai Ming would have probably called him out on this kind of showing off long ago.

Chai Ming considered himself a top student, a scholar, an intellectual. But according to today’s societal standards, he had no grounds to feel superior in front of Huang Jiabing.

After all, he was just a corporate drone at a big company, while Huang Jiabing was a "Brahmin" in a smaller city!

So, even Chai Ming could only force a smile and listen to Huang Jiabing’s unbearably vulgar bragging.

Just as Huang Jiabing was dominating the conversation at the dinner table, another classmate arrived.

He was also the last classmate to show up for the reunion.

When he saw this classmate walk in, Huang Jiabing—who had just been rattling on about fine wine, famous watches, and luxury cars—had his eyes light up.

He immediately stood up to make room for him.

"Wu Ting, scoot over a bit. Make a spot for our Director Shou."

Huang Jiabing didn’t pay much mind to Wu Ting, a mere doctor, and gave the order casually.

Wu Ting didn’t mind. He was just here to have a meal and see a few people he wanted to see.

"Director Shou, you’re finally here! Old friend, I can never manage to get a hold of you. I’m glad I finally have the chance today."

Shou Haibing was considered one of the most successful classmates so far.

Unlike Huang Jiabing, Shou Haibing’s success was a combination of academic excellence and a smooth career in public service.

Shou Haibing had attended Xi’an Jiaotong University and, after graduating, passed the exam to become a municipal civil servant.

Now, at a young age, he was already a deputy director in the Construction Bureau, holding the authority to approve many projects in Fan City.

That was why when Huang Jiabing saw Shou Haibing, it was like a mouse seeing a cat.

To become a deputy director at such a young age, Shou Haibing naturally had some skill. He was also incredibly smooth, never revealing his true intentions.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Huang Jiabing, he sat down.

He said a few words with the affected air of a leader. For someone who could become a leader, spouting such official-sounding platitudes was second nature.

Compared to Huang Jiabing, everyone’s impression of Shou Haibing was a bit better.

Shou Haibing’s sense of superiority was hidden, and he made a point of greeting every classmate, spreading his attention around evenly.

"Wu Ting, you’re at City First Hospital now, right? I have some connections with your leader, Dean Tang. If you need anything in the future, you can always look up your old classmate."

Shou Haibing was, of course, just making polite conversation, but it gave off the impression that he was well-connected and resourceful throughout the city.

An ordinary person would have been extremely grateful at this point, or at least acted enthusiastic and eager to please.

However, Wu Ting was neither servile nor overbearing: "Thanks, old classmate. I appreciate the thought."

Shou Haibing was slightly displeased by Wu Ting’s cool response, but his excellent self-control prevented him from showing it at all.

However, Huang Jiabing, who was adept at reading the room, grew dissatisfied and complained with feigned indignation:

"Wu Ting, now you’re not giving Director Shou face. If Director Shou were to put in a few good words for you with your Dean Tang, it could be crucial for your career."

"Opportunities for advanced training, title promotions, winning awards—all of that could come your way..."

"I’ve noticed some of our classmates are just too aloof. We’ve been graduated for so many years, yet they still don’t understand the basic rules of how society works... Wu Ting, I think you could really learn a thing or two from our Director Shou..."

"Come on, come on, I propose you toast our Director Shou."

Huang Jiabing was sticking his neck out like this, obviously trying to suck up to Shou Haibing.

Shou Haibing tacitly approved of Huang Jiabing’s actions.

"Sorry, but because of my profession, I don’t drink. I’m on call twenty-four hours a day. If something happens at the hospital, I have to rush back immediately."

It wasn’t that Wu Ting was trying to disrespect Shou Haibing; it was a fact that he was a second-line doctor.