Chapter 24: Do Not Despise a Youth for His Poverty

“Everyone, keep drinking!”

After Jiang Chen left, the atmosphere in the private booth quickly recovered, though an invisible, subtle difference had emerged compared to moments before.

The birthday boy, Liang Zhenlun, was all smiles, yet there was a sense of forced cheerfulness about him.

He had deliberately chosen to hold the party at V-Party precisely because he had discovered that Jiang Chen used to work part-time there. He had coordinated with the manager in advance, all for the purpose of using this opportunity to strip Jiang Chen of his dignity!

Everything was unfolding exactly according to Liang Zhenlun's scripted plan, and all the intended "audience members" were present. Yet, for some reason, the final result failed to reach his ideal state.

Even though it was Jiang Chen who was being publicly humiliated, Liang Zhenlun felt an inexplicable sense of embarrassment, feeling as though the gazes of the crowd had turned somewhat strange toward him.

*Gulp!*

Swallowing a glass of champagne in one gulp, Liang Zhenlun had no outlet for his inner frustration. On the surface, however, he had to maintain a hypocritical smile, though he couldn't help but cast a dark glance at his girlfriend.

But at this moment, Ai Qian was lost in thought, her mind elsewhere, seemingly oblivious to everything.

“Xiao Jiang, you’ve worked hard. You can head home early today.”

Manager Chen found Jiang Chen just as he had finished delivering a fruit platter to another booth. As he spoke, he handed over a stack of cash.

Judging by the thickness, it was likely around one or two thousand yuan.

This was definitely far beyond what a part-time worker deserved.

“Manager Chen, this is...”

“Just take it.”

Chen Kai forcefully pressed the money into Jiang Chen's hand, watching him with a sincere gaze.

“When I first arrived in Donghai, I was just like you—broke and with nothing to my name. I worked my way up to where I am today step by step. Don't be fooled by how successful I look now; back then, I was also bowing and scraping, being ordered around by everyone. I’ve endured hardships you can imagine and hardships you can't. So, when you face a bit of grievance, don't think it's a big deal. People might make things hard for you, but never make things hard for yourself. Even Li Ka-shing once said that earning money through 'face' is nothing to be ashamed of.”

Jiang Chen remained silent.

“You don't hate me, do you?” Chen Kai asked.

“How could I?”

Jiang Chen gave a faint smile, deliberately weighing the stack of cash in his hand. “I should actually thank Manager Chen for the red envelope.”

“That’s the right way to think,” Chen Kai laughed heartily. “I knew your character was different from other young people today. You're bound to achieve greatness in the future.”

“Manager Chen, stop teasing me.”

“It’s not teasing; it’s coming from the heart.”

Chen Kai smiled. “I’ve always been good at reading people. I might not have read as many books as you, but I understand one thing: 'Better to bully an old man with white hair than to bully a poor youth.' Am I right?”

Jiang Chen gave a bitter smile but said nothing.

“Alright, head back to school. If you ever want to come back, V-Party will always welcome you.” Chen Kai spoke with genuine sincerity.

“Thank you, Manager Chen.”

“Keep at it. Don't let my expectations down.”

Before he left, Chen Kai gave Jiang Chen a firm pat on the shoulder.

Watching him walk away, Jiang Chen’s expression was calm. Whether on the surface or deep down, he truly held no resentment.

That was just how the world worked.

Although Chen Kai had teamed up with Liang Zhenlun to set this trap for him, from Chen Kai's perspective, he wasn't wrong.

He was the manager of V-Party; naturally, the interests of V-Party came first. What was a mere part-time worker, a so-called college student, in comparison?

If it were anyone else, let alone offering a raise, they probably wouldn't have even given the matter a second thought.

This society was a cruel, strictly hierarchical food chain. If you live at the bottom, don't complain that no one cares about your dignity.

Would humans ever consider the thoughts or the survival of an ant?

“A thousand or two yuan for one song—this job isn't a bad deal.”

Jiang Chen pocketed the cash with a clear conscience and went to the changing room to change his clothes.

“We should get back, otherwise the dorm will be locked up.”

Zheng Jingjing knew that because she had helped Jiang Chen, she wouldn't be welcome here, so she wanted to leave as soon as possible.

“Then let's call it a night.”

Feeling unsettled, Liang Zhenlun was in no mood to continue playing and decided to end the gathering.

The large group began to head out.

“Brother Liang, you really spent a lot tonight,” one guy said pointedly.

“It’s nothing, just a hundred and forty thousand,” Liang Zhenlun replied with an air of nonchalance.

Zheng Jingjing almost gagged.

Was it really necessary to state the figure so clearly? Was he afraid people wouldn't know how much money he spent?

“Shurui, it looks like it's raining outside. Shall I drive you all back?”

Liang Zhenlun made no effort to hide his excessive enthusiasm for Li Shurui, completely disregarding the fact that his actual girlfriend was standing right next to him.

Many people cast strange looks at Ai Qian.

Ai Qian acted as if nothing were wrong, but her forced, natural smile inevitably appeared stiff.

“No need, Shurui drove,” Zheng Jingjing reminded him once again.

Only then did Liang Zhenlun remember that Xu Siyi had mentioned it when they arrived.

“Look at my memory.” He turned to Li Shurui. “When did you buy a car?”

“A couple of days ago.”

“Why didn't you tell me? I know many friends in the car business; I could have helped you get a better price.”

“Things Shurui likes have never been about the price,” Zheng Jingjing said with a sneer and an air of pride.

Liang Zhenlun could tell she was targeting him, but he couldn't lash out. He could only curse inwardly: *Look at her acting so high and mighty! A bunch of women living off men! They really think they're socialites!*

“The rain is coming down hard.”

As they reached the entrance, the group realized a torrential downpour was raging outside, turning the world into a chaotic blur.

Fortunately, the parking lot was right at the door.

“Heh, Senior Jiang, leaving work so early today?”

Not far away, Jiang Chen, now changed into his own clothes, stood under the eaves as if trapped by the storm.

Puddles had formed on the ground. Although he held an umbrella, it wouldn't do much against such a heavy deluge.

Jiang Chen nodded toward them.

At this moment, Young Master Liang had no interest in causing him trouble.

“I’m not going back to school today. Take a taxi back yourself.”

Setting Ai Qian aside, even the others were stunned.

Hadn't they just heard Young Master Liang offer to drive that bombshell beauty back to Dongda University?

Ai Qian’s face was pale, her lips trembling. After a long silence, she slowly revealed an indescribable, wan smile.

“Okay.”

“What a scumbag! Shurui, Siyi, let's go!”

Zheng Jingjing didn't want to stay for another second. She grabbed an umbrella from security, and the three girls huddled together as they stepped into the curtain of rain.

“Holy crap! A Panamera?!”

In the parking lot, the headlights of a white Panamera flickered to life, momentarily dazzling many eyes through the thick rain.

Then, Li Shurui and the other two girls opened the car doors and climbed inside.

“Brother Liang, those girls... are they that rich?”

Everyone was stunned.

Even Liang Zhenlun looked incredulous.

He had thought Li Shurui had only bought a common commuter car; who knew it would be a Panamera!

It was more expensive than his second-hand Maserati!

No wonder she had been so indifferent to him.

Staring at the brand-new white Panamera, Liang Zhenlun gritted his teeth, his eyes dark and sinister.

*That bitch! She must have hooked up with some big shot!*

“What are you all standing around for? Get in the car and let's go!” he barked.

For Young Master Liang, this was likely the most "miserable" birthday he had ever had.