CHAPTER 1589: CHAPTER 1590: THE VANITY OF ADULTS

"Hehe."

Xiao Chen chuckled. Certainly, that’s considered wealth, but how could it compare to him?

Going around showing off like this seems to lack depth indeed.

"Shall I go?"

Liu Xin is actually quite satisfied with the current life now.

But she’s only in her forties, still relatively young, living as a widow her whole life seems unrealistic.

If she could truly find someone to live out her days with, that wouldn’t be bad at all.

Anyway, her daughter is cared for by Xiao Chen; she’s entirely reassured.

"Of course, you should go. Why not? Just treat it as a trip, relax a bit."

Xiao Chen said, "Besides, our Xinmeng Group also has some enterprises over in the Western Territory, you could take some time to take a look."

Liu Xin thought it over and realized that’s true.

If she doesn’t go, who knows what people might gossip behind her back.

In the future, when the company expands in the Western Territory, she might need to engage with people from that area. This trip is just the right opportunity to get acquainted.

Xiao Chen initially wasn’t planning on going, and with Jiang Meng being pregnant, it seemed even less suitable to go.

But just the day before Liu Xin was set to depart, Xiao Chen received word from the Stone God Family stating that there was a private auction in the Western Territory.

A medicinal herb that Xiao Chen needs might appear.

However, given the rarity of people familiar with such herbs, it seemed that Xiao Chen had to attend in person.

So, regretfully, although wanting to stay with Jiang Meng, he had no choice but to make the trip.

"Xiao Chen, take good care of my mom, she’s got a streak of pride in her, easily offending others."

Before leaving, Jiang Meng said with some concern.

"Don’t worry, it’s just a class reunion, no major issues will arise, and besides, anything concerning my mother-in-law is a huge matter.

More important than anything, if anyone dares bully her, I’ll bully them instead."

Xiao Chen chuckled and said, "You just relax and take care of the baby in Longcheng, don’t worry about anything else."

Lincheng City.

Located north of Daqin Prefecture.

The coal industry here is very developed, and its scale is much larger than that of Stone City.

Though it doesn’t quite match Luocheng, it’s not far behind either.

A notable characteristic here is the abundance of wealthy individuals and the particularly high housing prices.

In the Western Territory, aside from Ancient City, there’s likely no place with higher property prices than here.

Interestingly, this private auction is held in Lincheng City, so Xiao Chen and Liu Xin are conveniently passing through.

In Lincheng City, there are many coal bosses worth tens of billions, even hundreds of billions.

Indeed wealthy, but in Xiao Chen’s eyes, just a trivial amount.

Not even comparable to the Stone God Family.

Mind you, now the Stone God Family in the entire Western Territory has undeniably become a top-tier family.

Coupled with the cooperation of the Yanzi Sect, frankly, in the Western Territory, none dare confront the Stone God Family head-on.

Many workers in Lincheng City are also members of the Stone God Family.

Hence, the Stone God Family also set up an office in Lincheng City.

Before coming to Lincheng City, people from the Stone God Family had already arranged a hotel for them.

They’re staying in the most luxurious five-star hotel in Lincheng City, "Lincheng City Grand Hotel."

Interestingly, this class reunion is also held here.

Liu Xin’s classmate Cheng Rong is known for maintaining herself well even though she’s in her forties.

She looks more like she’s in her thirties.

Often likes to post short videos on video-sharing apps, having quite a few followers.

In comparison, Liu Xin, equally beautiful, doesn’t have such hobbies.

"Mom, do you think our visit this time seems like we came deliberately to make others jealous?"

Xiao Chen laughed.

"If she doesn’t do excessive things or say excessive words, I wouldn’t bother embarrassing her, as I’m not such a petty person.

However, if she bullies your mom, you have to speak up for me."

Liu Xin said.

Everyone has a competitive streak, and while Liu Xin doesn’t want to belittle others, if people intentionally ridicule or bully her, they can’t blame her for retaliating.

Cheng Rong chose to hold the class reunion at the Lincheng City Grand Hotel.

Clearly to show off that she’s wealthy and presumably highly successful in life.

After all, this is already the best hotel in Lincheng City, with a consumption level that’s not considered low nationwide.

Some people just love to flaunt, there’s no way around it.

It’s not like showing off is illegal.

Xiao Chen didn’t care about these things, and Liu Xin wouldn’t mind either, but if anyone targeted them, that wouldn’t be acceptable.

Everyone has a sense of vanity, which is normal.

Liu Xin’s vanity is just less intense.

The value of her outfit is at least tens of thousands.

None are branded items, rather handcrafted and designed by a master; most people wouldn’t recognize them.

Lacking that discerning eye.

Even the bag Liu Xin carries isn’t an LV or similar branded item, but handmade by a leather craftsman from Longcheng.

Made from real leather.

Strictly talking value, it’s actually higher than those branded ones.

Because this craftsman’s skills are recognized as a world intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

Unfortunately, those lacking discernment miss these details.

"Oh, old classmates, thanks for coming, you’re quite the boss now, isn’t your company going public soon?"

"Old Liu, I heard your son is studying abroad and joined Apple Inc., impressive!"

"Old Chen, still as handsome as ever."

"Old Bai, congrats on your recent promotion!"

Cheng Rong stood at the entrance of the private room, seemingly knowing every arriving classmate.

Welcoming each one with a smile, and fully exhibiting herself.

How should I put it, today’s Cheng Rong is absolutely radiant and glamorous, exuding a wealthy aura from head to toe.

Her entire outfit is composed of branded items, akin to a showcase of luxury brands.

"Xiao Bai, why didn’t you bring your son along? Young people nowadays are busy working, no time to find a girlfriend.

We should lend a hand."

"Has anyone seen Liu Xin? Has she arrived?"

"No sight of her, Liu Xin probably won’t come, she values face so much, if she’s not doing well, she certainly wouldn’t come."

Cheng Rong furrowed her brow.

What she most hoped for today was Liu Xin’s arrival.

During university, she didn’t study as well, nor looked as good as Liu Xin, received less attention compared to Liu Xin.

Now, she wants to turn the tables.

The reason why she notified Liu Xin this time was purely to make Liu Xin a part of her backdrop, to properly humiliate her.

If Liu Xin doesn’t show up, that would be boring.

"Who said I wouldn’t come?"

Just then, Liu Xin and Xiao Chen came down from upstairs.

They already checked into the hotel, so the people coming from outside naturally didn’t see them.

"Ah, Liu Xin, you finally came."

Cheng Rong acted like she met a dear relative, swiftly grasping Liu Xin’s arm, and said with a smile, "I was really afraid you wouldn’t come.

Your past two years haven’t been going well, I’m sorry I couldn’t help."

Her voice was loud, as if worried that others wouldn’t overhear Liu Xin’s lack of success.

Liu Xin sighed, this woman really hasn’t changed from university, still petty and narrow-minded.

Or rather, those traits had intensified.

What on earth has this woman been through these years?