Volume One, Chapter Four: The Unconventional Class Reunion
Chen Hao was still doubting the authenticity of the bank card. Since the bank manager himself confirmed that he was the holder of a hundred billion in deposits, it must mean the card was genuine, and the funds were indeed there.
Chen Hao took a taxi to the Jingzhou branch of Emperor Capital Bank.
As soon as he stepped out, a middle-aged man in a sharp suit approached him with a group of people. The man extended his hand politely and said, “Mr. Chen, I am Li Qicheng, manager of the Jingzhou branch of Emperor Capital Bank.”
Chen Hao was puzzled; Li Qicheng seemed to recognize him. Hastily, he shook Li’s hand and replied, “Hello, Manager Li.”
Li Qicheng led Chen Hao into the bank; along the way, curious and respectful glances followed them.
It was clear that Chen Hao had become the most dazzling star of the Jingzhou branch of Emperor Capital Bank.
Li Qicheng guided Chen Hao through the VIP channel into a lavishly decorated private meeting room.
After Chen Hao sat down, Li personally poured him a cup of tea and got straight to the point: “Mr. Chen, the Jingzhou branch will provide you with comprehensive services. Whatever you need, we are at your service twenty-four hours a day.”
He then handed Chen Hao one of his business cards, followed by another card. “This is the account we’ve opened for you at the Jingzhou branch. From now on, your earnings will be deposited into this account.”
Chen Hao felt a bit perplexed—what earnings? His mission was to spend money desperately.
He took the card, still feeling uncertain, but smiled and nodded.
“Have some tea,” Li said, refilling Chen Hao’s cup.
As Chen Hao sipped the tea, his thoughts drifted to spending—one hundred billion in three months?
He did a rough calculation: ninety-two days in three months, meaning he had to spend over ten billion a day. The thought nearly overwhelmed him.
Spending over ten billion daily was a colossal challenge; even burning that amount was problematic—let alone actually spending it.
Now spending money had become his torment.
If he couldn’t exhaust this hundred billion in three months, where would the two hundred billion he owed come from? Chen Hao felt a headache coming on.
He looked up at Li Qicheng’s gentle smile, feeling a surge of helplessness. Perhaps this was a peculiar test fate had given him.
What good luck? It might just turn into misfortune.
With heavy steps, Chen Hao walked out of the bank, his mind racing with plans on how to handle this sudden fortune—how to spend this hundred billion in three months.
He wandered aimlessly down the street.
“Chen Hao, is that really you?”
Chen Hao looked up to see Su Yunyu, a classmate from high school.
Su Yunyu’s eyes sparkled with delight. She quickly approached and said, “Chen Hao, several of our high school classmates are gathering at the Jingzhou Hotel. It’s a party hosted by Qian Taijin’s group. He’s quite successful now, a big boss. Come with us.”
Chen Hao, moved slightly, thought perhaps this gathering could help him forget his worries for a while, and he agreed.
He followed Su Yunyu toward the Jingzhou Hotel, trying to relax as they chatted about old times.
The Jingzhou Hotel was the most luxurious in the city, exquisitely decorated.
Chen Hao entered the grand lobby, dazzled by the sparkling crystal chandeliers. He took a deep breath, trying to push the burden of his vast fortune from his mind.
But then he reminded himself of his billion-dollar status. In comparison, even this hotel no longer seemed so dazzling.
He followed Su Yunyu into the hotel and arrived at a luxurious private room.
Inside were more than a dozen high school classmates. Chen Hao had grown up in poverty and, aside from being academically excellent, had never had much presence in class.
Qian Taijin didn’t even bother to raise his eyelids; he clearly looked down on Chen Hao.
Chen Hao didn’t mind. He knew his purpose was just to momentarily escape reality.
He found a corner seat and quietly observed the familiar faces.
Sitting in the corner, watching his old classmates laugh and chat, Chen Hao felt a calmness within. He pondered whether this gathering might inspire him on how to rapidly spend the hundred billion.
The classmates crowded around Qian Taijin, flattering him and offering their respects.
Chen Hao sat alone, quietly sipping water. Suddenly, Qian Taijin noticed him and smiled awkwardly. “Chen Hao, you were the star of our class, the teacher’s favorite. You must be doing well now, right?”
Chen Hao smiled faintly and replied, “Of course, not as well as you.”
A trace of pride flashed across Qian Taijin’s face.
Qin Yashu sneered, “Boss Qian, maybe you don’t know, but Chen Hao is unemployed now.”
“Is that so? Tsk, tsk... poor guy,” Qian Taijin said, then added, “Chen Hao, my company is short a security guard. Why don’t you give it a try?”
Chen Hao smiled slightly and calmly responded, “Thank you, Boss Qian.”
Qian Taijin’s words sparked a burst of laughter, but Chen Hao did not feel embarrassed.
Su Yunyu felt a bit guilty since she had brought Chen Hao here, and now he had become the target of ridicule. She hurriedly explained, “We’re all classmates; there’s no need for this.”
Qin Yashu continued, “Maybe you don’t know. Chen Hao not only lost his job but was also dumped by his unrequited love of three years. She’s long since been with someone else. Chen Hao’s been wearing the green hat every day without knowing it.”
Qian Taijin laughed loudly, “Chen Hao, you’re just unlucky. How do all these bad things happen to you? You were a top student, right? Now unemployed and cuckolded, how pitiful!”
The classmates chimed in, mocking him one after another.
Chen Hao knew these were underachievers who had always resented top students like him in high school, filled with envy and hatred.
He listened silently, maintaining a faint smile.
A waiter came with the menu for ordering.
Qian Taijin snatched it up and threw it in front of Chen Hao. “Chen Hao, you have the privilege to order. I’m treating.”
Qin Yashu scoffed, “Boss Qian, Chen Hao is just a bumpkin who’s never seen the world. What would he know?”
Qian Taijin said, “Don’t worry. Let him order.”
Chen Hao glanced through the menu, noting the exorbitant prices. He selected only a few inexpensive dishes.
The classmates burst out laughing.
Then Chen Hao said, “Cancel the dishes I just ordered. Bring everything else.”
“Ah!”
Not only the classmates but the waiter gasped in surprise.
Qin Yashu cursed, “Chen Hao, are you crazy? How can you order like that?”
Chen Hao retorted, “What’s wrong? Isn’t Qian Taijin a big boss, very rich? Are you afraid he can’t pay the bill?”
The waiter said, “Sir, the dishes you just ordered total over three million.”
Chen Hao smiled and added, “Bring two more bottles of Romanée-Conti to make it five million.”
Qian Taijin’s face turned red and green, looking very uncomfortable.
Chen Hao pointed at Qian Taijin and told the waiter, “Boss Qian is very wealthy; you don’t have to worry about him paying.”
The waiter looked at Qian Taijin, seemingly waiting for his confirmation.
Qin Yashu couldn’t stand it anymore and stepped forward for Qian Taijin, “Chen Hao, be sincere. Who orders like that? If you have the ability, pay the bill yourself.”