Chen Jie sent Tang Ruotong away and began to study the map he obtained from Xiao Ding.
The map looked very simple overall, with some basic mountain topography depicted on it.
After observing for a moment, Chen Jie discovered that the final destination on the map was none other than the famous scenic spot in the provincial capital, Mount Wutai!
Chen Jie mused that he would have to find time to go to the provincial capital.
Based on his estimation, it would be within a day or two.
Just then, his phone buzzed.
He opened it to find that Wang Xiaoyan had called from the provincial capital to report her safety.
Chen Jie chatted with her casually and noticed that a class group chat for one of the schools had accumulated several hundred new messages.
This class group chat belonged to the school he had attended with Yin Manman.
Their cohort had long since graduated. In the beginning, the group chat was very active, but later, they heard that a larger group chat had been created. Although this smaller group chat was not disbanded, no one posted in it anymore.
Now, it was surprisingly buzzing with activity.
While chatting with Wang Xiaoyan, Chen Jie curiously clicked on the group chat.
Chen Jie quickly discovered the reason for the lively conversation.
It turned out that Yin Manman had sent out twenty red envelopes of 200 yuan each, the maximum allowed amount.
Some familiar faces commented below: "Whoa, what kind of fortune did Yin Manman strike?"
"Awesome! This is the first time I've seen so many red envelopes. The last time was in the first year the red envelope feature was launched, and I only encountered one large red envelope of 200 yuan."
"Yin Manman struck it rich!"
A while later, Yin Manman posted in the group chat: "I've indeed had a windfall recently, so I wanted to share it with everyone and also invite my former classmates to a reunion and dinner."
The mood in the group chat instantly became elated.
The reason for fewer reunions in the old class group chat was twofold: firstly, they were no longer close and saw no need for a gathering.
Secondly, having entered society, they understood the importance of money and were reluctant to spend it.
Now, with someone giving out money and treating them to dinner, who wouldn't be happy?
Moreover, they would get to see their female classmates from back then.
At this moment, Chen Jie saw someone mention him. It was Yin Manman.
Yin Manman posted: "Chen Jie, are you coming?"
A flurry of comments immediately followed: "Wow, Yin Manman is hosting a reunion, is it to see the former class heartthrob Chen Jie?"
"Tsk, he was indeed very dashing in class back then, an object of envy for all of us. But things are different now. What great prospects can a good-for-nothing have? After all these years, hasn't Yin Manman forgotten him yet?"
Seeing this, Chen Jie shook his head and smiled.
He was no longer in the same world as these people and naturally wouldn't attend any reunion.
As for Yin Manman's intentions, he didn't care to know. He guessed she wanted to beg him for forgiveness in person.
Chen Jie thought to himself that if Yin Manman stopped bothering him, he had no reason to hold a grudge against her, nor did he need her apologies.
Just then, his phone rang again.
He picked it up to find Xiao Ding calling.
It turned out that Xiao Ding's businesses had all returned to normal within the span of a single day. He was extremely grateful to Chen Jie and wanted to treat him to a meal as a thank you.
Chen Jie had initially planned to pack up and drive to Mount Wutai in the provincial capital. However, Xiao Ding's earnest invitation was hard to refuse, so he agreed.
Then, he turned to Lin Mengjiao and instructed, "Mengjiao, prepare the RV outside. We're heading to the provincial capital for the next couple of days."
"Yes, Master," Lin Mengjiao replied.
However, before departing, he received another call from Tang Ruotong. It turned out that Chen Jie had done a significant business deal with the Tang family, and Tang Ruotong wanted to treat him to a meal as a thank you.
Chen Jie thought, since everything was converging, he might as well have all the meals at once. He told Tang Ruotong the address and asked her to come over and join them.
After that, Chen Jie drove his Big G to Dingsheng Hotel.
Like Dingsheng Auction House, Dingsheng Hotel was also owned by Xiao Ding.
Quite a few cars were already parked in front of Dingsheng Hotel.
As soon as Chen Jie arrived, a security guard stepped forward to greet him.
"Are you Master Chen?" the security guard asked politely.
Chen Jie replied, "I am."
"Master Chen, Boss Xiao is currently on the top floor. You can go directly up. I'll park Master Chen's car for you."
Upon confirming his identity, the security guard's attitude became extremely respectful.
"Alright," Chen Jie tossed him the car keys and turned towards Dingsheng Hotel.
Outside the Dingsheng Hotel, a group of young men and women were gathered.
Several men had cigarettes dangling from their lips.
A young man with an oily, slicked-back hairstyle asked the well-dressed man beside him, "Brother Huang, do you think Chen Jie will come?"
The well-dressed man took a long drag from his cigarette and said dismissively, "Someone's treating, why wouldn't someone like him come?"
The oily-haired young man then sneered, "We thought Yin Manman was going to pursue Chen Jie again. Turns out she wants to teach him a lesson!"
It turned out that Yin Manman had already arrived and was waiting inside Dingsheng Hotel.
Upon inquiry, it was revealed that Yin Manman had a prior grievance with Chen Jie.
Therefore, Huang Jing, the former class monitor, took the initiative to gather everyone here, planning to give Chen Jie a stern warning.
Huang Jing glanced to the side.
Where his gaze landed, several attractive women were chatting together.
Among them, a woman dressed very plainly seemed out of place.
She stood out not only because of her simple attire but also because her stunning aura drew frequent glances from everyone present.
The group of women were all overshadowed by her beauty.
"Heh, Brother Huang, He Yufei is still single, and her family is poor. A woman like that can be easily tricked into bed with a little money."
"Hmm, we'll think of a way later."
At this moment, the oily-haired man suddenly pointed forward: "Brother Huang, look, isn't that Chen Jie?"
Huang Jing immediately said, "Stop him!"
The oily-haired man shouted, "Chen Jie!"
Chen Jie was startled and turned around, asking, "Who are you?"
"Heh, you don't recognize your old classmates? I'm San Mao!" the oily-haired man said.
"Chen Jie, long time no see. You're still dressing so casually," Huang Jing said with a smile.
The group of female classmates not far away, filled with curiosity, gathered around.
Even He Yufei walked over.
When these women saw Chen Jie's appearance, a flash of astonishment crossed their eyes.
What a handsome man!
Chen Jie was now a cultivator, his demeanor constantly approaching perfection. Although his appearance hadn't changed, upon closer inspection, one would find that even some young heartthrobs paled in comparison to Chen Jie.
"Why are you guys here?" Chen Jie asked in surprise.
"No way? Isn't it normal for us to be here? You came too, didn't you? It seems Yin Manman really did invite you!" San Mao laughed.
"I'm not here for the reunion," Chen Jie replied, shaking his head.
"What? Dingsheng Hotel is fully booked by Yin Manman, and you're not here for the reunion? What are you doing here? Chen Jie, stop pretending. It's been a long time, let's all have dinner together," San Mao said.