Chapter 31 – Alumni Association

At five o’clock in the afternoon, Guan Heng arrived early at the hotel banquet hall. As soon as he stepped through the door, looking for the private room, a familiar voice called out beside him, “Guan Heng.”

Guan Heng turned to see Yue Shu.

Today, Yue Shu dressed handsomely, wearing tailor-made dark blue suits that accentuated his outstanding temperament. The musical note brooch studded with diamonds on his left lapel matched his cufflinks, a unique design that added a finishing touch. This set of accessories couldn’t be bought on the market, one-of-a-kind, expensive, and a gift from Guan Heng. Yue Shu loved it very much, only taking it out for important performances. Wearing it now subtly hinted at something.

Yue Shu’s personality differed from Ye Zhou’s. He wasn’t someone who expressed affection flamboyantly, keeping a low profile even when together with Guan Heng. But he knew Guan Heng definitely understood his intentions. When they were together in the past, Guan Heng keenly picked up on all his subtle movements and every hint of joy or sorrow, as if nothing could escape his eyes. Nothing could be hidden from him. When Yue Shu first got together with Guan Heng, he felt thoroughly cared for. Guan Heng understood him, soothing his emotions silently, everything seemed perfect. They had been dating for two years without ever arguing, appearing to others as the perfect couple. But over time, he began to find it frightening, feeling controlled, as if he had no privacy.

Born into a family with enlightened parents, allowed to grow freely, pursuing his interests, his future was bright. His only rebellion was in college. And those accustomed to freedom couldn’t bear the feeling of having their thoughts controlled. He felt lost, struggling internally for a while, finally proposing a breakup to Guan Heng. But after some time apart, he realized that the habit of depending on Guan Heng had deeply ingrained itself within him. He struggled to adapt to life without Guan Heng, things not going smoothly, making frequent mistakes. Last month, he even harbored some resentment towards Guan Heng for turning him into this, but at the same time, he missed Guan Heng’s kindness, unable to return to the independent self of before. But three months later, he had fully surrendered; he simply couldn’t live without Guan Heng.

However, Guan Heng merely glanced at him indifferently, showing no strong emotion, nodding at him politely like an ordinary stranger.

Yue Shu’s heart ached instantly; Guan Heng truly treated him as an outsider. His complexion turned slightly pale, but he still managed a smile. “I know where it is, let me show you the way.”

Guan Heng could tell that Yue Shu had deliberately waited for him here, not wanting to embarrass him. “Okay, thank you.”

Approaching the end of the year, the hotel restaurant was doing excellent business. This was the peak season for companies holding year-end parties, reunions, alumni gatherings, and various other social events. The banquet hall corridors were bustling with people, very lively, even a bit crowded.

Despite Guan Heng’s obvious rejection, Yue Shu still had selfish motives, not ready to give up. He walked alongside Guan Heng, entering the private room together.

As soon as they entered the room, the classmates already present waved at them. “Guan Heng, junior brother, long time no see. You two came together, still as close as ever.”

Yue Shu was now a public figure, considering public perception, he never publicly acknowledged his relationship with Guan Heng in professional settings. His environment was complex, filled with all kinds of people, easily swayed by public opinion in unfavorable directions, affecting his personal image. Therefore, only those closest to them in school knew about their relationship.

Yue Shu first glanced at Guan Heng, seeing that he had no intention of contradicting, not denying, only smiling at everyone.

Even if they had broken up, Guan Heng wouldn’t publicly embarrass Yue Shu.

“Come, come over and sit,” old classmates who had known them for over a decade purposely saved seats for them, knowing they were a couple.

Guan Heng walked over and sat down, with Yue Shu following suit, sitting beside him.

Everyone’s conversation revolved around them. “It’s unfair, Guan Heng is still so handsome, hasn’t changed a bit, no balding, no beer belly. I read your paper, amazing… “

“Junior brother too, watched your concert in the music capital last year, really made us proud.”

A few people made typical jokes, praising others without belittling themselves. They were all graduates of top-tier institutions, each achieving considerable success, needing no reason to envy others. The higher one stood, the more tolerant and humble they became, understanding the importance of cooperation and mutual assistance. Everyone chatted away, laughter echoing, easily bringing the atmosphere into reminiscence. This was also Yue Shu’s opportunity to win Guan Heng back.

Yet Guan Heng, though calm and natural, didn’t interact with Yue Shu as he used to. He subtly shifted slightly, creating a sense of distance.

Guan Heng had this ability, to convey the concept of intimacy and distance without saying a word, maintaining polite tone and expression, responding to Yue Shu, but quietly telling everyone the meaning of boundaries.

Yue Shu didn’t notice at first, only realizing something was amiss when curious glances from across the table drifted over.

Mature adult social etiquette meant seeing through, but not speaking. Without knowing the reason, they wouldn’t gossip, wouldn’t pry, wouldn’t spoil the atmosphere, continuing to chat warmly as usual.

And with Guan Heng’s stance, everyone would understand they had split up. Even if Guan Heng couldn’t avoid seeing him, he intended to do so from the beginning. So ruthless, why? Because of Ye Zhou?

Yue Shu lowered his head slightly, unable to stop his wild thoughts. His hands clasped under the table, his tightly pursed lips somewhat pale, signs of unease and tension.

Normally, Guan Heng would reach over to hold his hand at this point, but Yue Shu waited in vain.

At this moment, Guan Heng spoke softly. “Yue Shu.”

Yue Shu immediately looked at him expectantly, only to hear a gentle reminder. “Injuries on your hands won’t look good on stage.”

Yue Shu came back to his senses, looking at his own hands. His fingertips were pinched white, nails digging into flesh. He suddenly recalled the day he broke up with Guan Heng, Guan Heng’s tone was the same, indifferent, devoid of emotional fluctuation, wishing him smooth sailing in the future.

Yue Shu was accustomed to following Guan Heng’s advice, subconsciously letting go of his hands, yet his fingertips trembled violently. At this moment, he truly regretted.

“Can’t we… start over?” Yue Shu lowered his head, his voice low. He couldn’t care less about others’ opinions now, desperately trying to think of ways.

And Guan Heng finally leaned slightly towards him, resolute. “No.”

“Because of Ye Zhou?”

Guan Heng replied, “Regardless of whether he’s there or not, it’s the same.”

Their conversation ended here. The surroundings remained lively, only their immediate area fell silent. Everyone was tactful, none disturbing them.

At this moment, Guan Heng’s phone vibrated in his pocket. He immediately pulled it out, but it wasn’t Ye Zhou’s reply, a unified school notification regarding winter break precautions. Ye Zhou’s last reply was at 2:15 in the afternoon, no further responses. Guan Heng’s messages sent after 3 PM received no replies from Ye Zhou at all.

Guan Heng vaguely sensed something unusual, but before he could think about it, someone shouted, “Professor Zhan is here.”

Guan Heng immediately looked up, indeed seeing an elderly scholar with half-gray hair walk in. Although Zhan Hong was a contemporary authority in psychology, he wasn’t stern, a warm smile on his face, greeting students who greeted him.

Guan Heng put away his phone, rising to walk toward the entrance.