Jinhui Grand Hotel was the largest five-star hotel in the city.
And Qiao Liuyue's class reunion was being held there.
Their high school class monitor was a rich second-generation kid who loved this kind of social gathering. He figured it had been two or three years since they'd all graduated, and most of their classmates happened to be attending university in Nanshi anyway.
So he thought it would be fun to get everyone together.
Of course, there were also people like Zhang Anqi who traveled from other cities just to join the party.
Qiao Liuyue and Zhang Anqi had agreed to meet at a nearby makeup studio first. When she arrived, Zhang Anqi was sitting in the makeup chair while a makeup artist dabbed and brushed at her face.
The moment Zhang Anqi saw her, she waved excitedly.
"Liuyue, over here."
Qiao Liuyue looked at how formal her makeup was, a little surprised. "Isn't this just a class reunion? Is it really—"
"Of course it is! Dong Jiaoyan is coming, so of course I need to show up ready for battle." Zhang Anqi grinned and grabbed her hand again, pointing to another empty seat.
"Go sit over there. I booked a makeup artist for you too."
"But—"
"No buts! We were pretty close in high school anyway. It's my treat."
Half an hour later.
Both of their light makeup looks were done. Zhang Anqi turned her head and saw Qiao Liuyue beside her—her eyes shining with admiration.
Even though she'd run into Qiao Liuyue yesterday and thought she'd become beautiful, that had been without any makeup.
Now, with full makeup applied, her facial features were amplified. Her apricot-shaped eyes sparkled like stars, not to mention the light pink lip gloss that shimmered with a dewy sheen and the blush lightly dusted across her cheeks and the tip of her nose.
She looked like a sweet, delicious little cake.
Zhang Anqi couldn't help but pull her into a hug, holding back the urge to plant a kiss on her, and praised her without reservation:
"Liuyue, you're absolutely gorgeous! If I were a guy, I'd definitely have a crush on you."
Qiao Liuyue laughed.
Looking at Zhang Anqi in front of her, her features were on the cute, youthful side. After the makeup, her doll-like face seemed a bit more mature.
Bold red lipstick covered her lips, making her look bright-toothed and rosy-lipped. She pressed her lips together, giving off a cool-girl-adorable vibe.
"You're the gorgeous one!"
"Well, we're both gorgeous. Hehehe." Zhang Anqi laughed openly and said, "This money was definitely worth it. Let's go! Today, we'll show Dong Jiaoyan what real beauties look like."
The moment the two of them pushed open the door.
The noise in the private room went silent for a beat.
They could feel many eyes landing on them.
As the host and organizer, the high school class monitor was the first to stand up.
He wore a casual suit and was tall, though his features were ordinary. But his smile was warm like a spring breeze, which made him feel more approachable.
He looked at the two girls with a hint of awe.
"Zhang Anqi, you're finally here—you keep getting more beautiful..." His gaze then drifted to the girl beside her and froze for a moment.
He thought to himself: Who is this? In high school, the prettiest girls in their class were Zhang Anqi and Dong Jiaoyan.
But everyone knew Zhang Anqi had long since fallen out with Dong Jiaoyan.
There was no way they'd walk in arm in arm.
So, who was this girl by her side?
Of course, Zhang Anqi knew nobody recognized her, so she spoke up cheerfully:
"Hahaha, class monitor, I was just thinking you wouldn't recognize who this beautiful lady next to me is—and sure enough, you didn't, right?"
"Come on, down a glass as a penalty and apologize to this beauty."
The class monitor was smooth and quick on his feet. He laughed and raised his glass, drinking it all in one go.
He said, "My apologies, my apologies! Forgive my poor eyesight. I'll drink first as a sign of respect."
"Now that's what I call generous!" Zhang Anqi grinned. She turned to Qiao Liuyue and whispered, "Alright, introduce yourself now."
Qiao Liuyue looked at her playful expression, and couldn't help but curl her lips slightly into a soft smile.
That smile was gentle and charming, like pear blossoms blooming for the first time.
Even more eyes in the room turned to her face.
"Long time no see, everyone. I'm Qiao Liuyue." Her voice was calm and unhurried.
The moment the words left her mouth.
A flurry of whispered chatter broke out in the room.
"What? That's Qiao Liuyue? No way. I remember she was an ugly duckling in high school."
"Who's Qiao Liuyue? I don't really remember her."
"Ha, she's Beauty Dong's little sidekick—the one with the long bangs covering her eyes and who always spoke like a mosquito."
"What? That's her?! This is such a plot twist. How did she get so pretty? I thought she was the class beauty from the neighboring class at first."
The class monitor was sharp. Seeing the situation, he stepped in and led the two girls to their seats.
Just as Zhang Anqi sat down, she curiously glanced around and asked, "How come Dong Jiaoyan isn't here yet?"
Her tone was far from friendly.
Everyone immediately wore expressions like they were about to enjoy a show.
