Shen Xue rubbed his hands and whispered to Ma Yuan, "Ma Yuan, I'm going first. Time waits for no one."
After speaking, he picked up a glass of red wine and walked towards Tian Mengyao.
Ma Yuan was anxious, but seeing several other second-generation individuals with impressive backgrounds also approaching, he felt discouraged.
In terms of appearance, ability, and family background, he had nothing outstanding.
Compared to those born with a silver spoon, he felt even more inferior.
"Sigh~"
Ma Yuan let out a long sigh, a sense of powerlessness rising in his heart.
...
At the same time, Lin Fan, in the coffee shop, also sighed.
Lin Fan put down his phone and sighed, "Our secretary called me back."
"You have to go?" Wang Ying pouted, showing a hint of displeasure.
"If I don't go and leave her to entertain alone, she'll definitely make things difficult for me later."
Lin Fan jiggled Wang Ying on his leg and said, "Let's go back together."
Wang Ying shook her head, "Let's go separately. I'm afraid my dad will see us."
She explained in a low voice, "It's not that I don't want you to meet my dad. You know, I haven't been divorced for long, and it's not quite the right time. We should at least wait until next year."
Afraid that Lin Fan would be angry, she shook his shoulder and acted coquettishly.
"I know."
Lin Fan nuzzled her forehead with his head and said, "Then let's go. I have to go help our secretary drink."
Wang Ying pouted, resentfully saying, "Does a mere village committee secretary even get anyone's attention?"
"Even if there are some persistent admirers, can't she handle them herself? Do you have to interfere?"
Lin Fan stood up, put his hand on Wang Ying's delicate shoulder, and smiled, "I can't not interfere. Local officials have more sway than distant ones. I'm under her jurisdiction right now."
"Alright."
Wang Ying nodded helplessly.
...
In the banquet hall.
Shen Xue's eyes were vacant, his brows furrowed, and his feet felt like they were shackled as he walked back listlessly.
Ma Yuan wanted to laugh but dared not, struggling to suppress it.
It had to be said, seeing such a second-generation person defeated was truly a great joy in life!
"Ma Yuan, look at me. Is there something wrong with my appearance?"
"No, you look quite handsome. I swear!"
Shen Xue seemed to be questioning life itself and asked, "Then is there something wrong with my demeanor?"
"Stop overthinking."
After pulling Shen Xue to sit down, Ma Yuan added, "Look, others are the same."
Shen Xue followed Ma Yuan's gaze and saw numerous suave and handsome second-generation men, all of whom had failed in front of Tian Mengyao.
"Hey, so it's not just me!"
Shen Xue actually smiled.
He was extremely jealous. If he were the only one to suffer misfortune while others won the beauty, he would have exploded with anger.
When he saw that others had also suffered setbacks, especially some who were better off than him, he became gleeful.
Ma Yuan gazed intently at Tian Mengyao, his heart beating faster and faster.
Others might not succeed, but that didn't mean he wouldn't.
Perhaps, the chance to change his destiny was right before him!
"Ma Yuan, what is it? Do you want to give it a try?"
"I..."
Ma Yuan took a deep breath, concealing his ambition.
"Go ahead and try. Ma Yuan, you're a handsome and talented man. Perhaps that young lady will take a liking to you," Shen Xue said.
Shen Xue pulled Ma Yuan up and persuaded him, "Besides, among the many fine young men in Yunqing City, I don't believe not a single one can get a pleasant look from her."
Ma Yuan nodded, then picked up a glass of fruit juice and strode towards Tian Mengyao.
At this moment, Tian Mengyao was extremely annoyed by the endless stream of men using various flattering words to strike up a conversation.
Fortunately, Lin Fan returned then.
Tian Mengyao stomped her foot and glared fiercely at Lin Fan.
Lin Fan found it inexplicable but said nothing.
Ma Yuan was just about to step forward to speak, but seeing Tian Mengyao's state, he was stunned.
What was going on?
Had the previous people angered her?
If he went up now, wouldn't he be walking right into the muzzle of a gun?
However, if he missed this opportunity, it would be a lifelong regret!
Thinking this, Ma Yuan took a deep breath, then smiled and continued towards Tian Mengyao.
Tian Mengyao glared at Lin Fan and said with a pout, "Where did you go?"
Lin Fan scratched the back of his head and said apologetically with a smile, "I was chatting with a friend for a bit. I'm back now, aren't I? Whoever wants to toast, I'll drink for you."
"Really, how could you have agreed to that?"
"I'm sorry, okay?"
"Come with me."
After speaking, Tian Mengyao turned around, almost bumping into Ma Yuan.
Ma Yuan hastily stepped back, spilling more than half of the fruit juice from his cup, almost splashing onto Tian Mengyao.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
Ma Yuan's face turned pale, and he repeatedly apologized.
Many people around were watching Tian Mengyao. If Ma Yuan had been careless, the entire officialdom of Yunqing City would likely know about it the next day.
"You..."
Tian Mengyao was already in a bad mood, and with this accident, her temper flared up.
Seeing this, Lin Fan immediately tugged at Tian Mengyao's arm and advised, "He didn't do it on purpose, don't be so petty."
"I..."
Hearing this, Tian Mengyao's anger grew even greater.
However, since it was Lin Fan, she didn't say anything further.
She pulled Lin Fan and walked directly towards some officials managing poverty alleviation affairs.
This left Ma Yuan standing alone, stunned.
Just now, was he ignored?
From beginning to end, he only said "sorry," and that was it?
It was completely different from what he had imagined!
Moreover, wasn't this distinguished young lady too... too rude?
Ma Yuan slowly turned around, his gaze falling on Lin Fan's retreating back.
That young lady was clearly about to lose her temper, but she was subdued by a look from this kid.
Their relationship was clearly not ordinary!
"Ma Yuan, I feel like we're both doomed, don't you think?" Shen Xue said, appearing behind Ma Yuan at some point.
Ma Yuan sighed deeply, turned to look at Shen Xue, and asked, "Who is that guy? I've never seen him before. Did he win the beauty's heart?"
They both looked at Lin Fan's back, their eyes filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred.
If he were a celebrity, they might accept their inferiority.
But who was that kid?
They had never seen him, nor heard of him.
How did he succeed?
They weren't the only ones with such thoughts.
Almost all the single men around looked at Lin Fan, filled with gnashing teeth.
"What makes that kid so special?"
"Exactly. He doesn't look like he comes from a good family at all."
"Look at his clothes, casual wear, and those old-fashioned blue sneakers. All cheap stuff."
"Judging by his age, he probably hasn't graduated yet, right?"
A group of people whispered, their words filled with disdain, scorn, and contempt.
They didn't know that Lin Fan could hear all their whispered discussions clearly.