Guo Huazhang was also somewhat annoyed by Zhang Jun's arrogance and arrogance, especially when he deliberately tried to stir up the relationship between himself and Lu Weimin, which made him even more dissatisfied.
However, this guy's father had already been transferred to serve as the deputy director of the Linyang regional supply and marketing cooperative, and he also had a good relationship with his own boss, so he couldn't afford to offend him.
"Alright, Weimin, Dajun was just joking. Sit down. Today, we're all gathered here, and it's been seven or eight years since we graduated from junior high school. It's rare for us to gather like this. To be honest, it's almost impossible to get the whole class together now. It's already a great achievement to have twenty or so people here. We should cherish these opportunities. Now that you're back in Nantang, today can also be considered a welcome party for you. Say a few words, how about it?"
Guo Huazhang's smile always gave the impression that he had everything under control. Lu Weimin had to admit that this guy was really suited for the system. At least his ability to seize opportunities, grasp the rhythm, and assess the situation was better than several others. Without showing any emotion, he could take control of a class reunion and make everyone subconsciously see him as the leader.
"Alright, if you put it that way, Huazhang, I can't help but say a few words," Lu Weimin was not being polite. Guo Huazhang had pushed him to the front, and no matter what he was thinking, Lu Weimin had to take it. However, for him, this kind of occasion was too simple, "First, I apologize for being a bit late. Although the discipline in the government office isn't always strict, I just started, so I have to follow the rules, which is why I was a bit late. Now that I'm back in Nantang, there's nothing much to say. Whether it's to serve my hometown or to earn a living, I'm back to work in Nantang. Just like Huazhang, I can say big words about serving the people, but in reality, it's about serving the leaders. If anyone needs anything in the future, just let me know, and I'll do my best."
Lu Weimin's straightforward words won him a round of enthusiastic applause from his classmates.
Among this group of classmates, many worked in government departments such as the Public Security Bureau, the Finance Bureau, the Transportation Bureau, and local town governments. Guo Huazhang was now the county magistrate's secretary, and Lu Weimin had become the secretary of the deputy county magistrate and the party secretary. This honor was rare for a class, and even for the graduates of Nantang Middle School, it was a great achievement. It was hard to say what the future held, and there might be requests made to them in the future.
After Lu Weimin sat down, he realized that the young girl sitting next to him seemed unfamiliar. He blinked and looked her up and down. The girl, under Lu Weimin's gaze, became somewhat shy and said in frustration, "What, Lu Weimin, don't you recognize me? It's only been a few years."
"Shuya?!" Lu Weimin scratched his head subconsciously, not quite believing it, "Is it really you, Shuya?! No way, although girls change a lot as they grow up, you've changed too much. Even Sun Wukong's seventy-two transformations aren't as impressive as yours."
Lu Weimin's last sentence, which had a teasing tone, immediately caused a burst of laughter at the table.
"Weimin, how many years has it been since you last saw Shuya? Seven years, right? At that time, Shuya was only fourteen, and now she's a young woman in her early twenties. Of course, she's changed a lot," the girl sitting next to Shuya interjected with a hint of jealousy, "You haven't been back to Nantang for so many years, and you've never seen Shuya, so of course you feel the change is significant."
Lu Weimin had a deep impression of the girl sitting next to Shuya, He Lin, who was the class entertainment committee member and the acknowledged class beauty at the time.
Shuya was just a small, underdeveloped girl back then. She was the youngest in the class, short and thin, with two small braids and a schoolbag, and she didn't talk much. Compared to the popular He Lin, she was in a completely different league.
But now, sitting next to the equally charming and alluring He Lin, Shuya appeared graceful and captivating. Her face was much fairer and fuller than before, with bright, curious eyes. Her black braids still hung by her ears, and her light purple silk dress couldn't hide her well-proportioned figure. A jade bracelet on her smooth, white arm subtly attracted the attention of the male classmates, making even He Lin's gaze somewhat strange.
"He Lin, you haven't changed much, still as beautiful and charming as ever. Look at everyone's gazes, they all turn to you. Even when I came in, they didn't move. But Shuya has changed a lot. The once shy and green little girl has transformed into a charming and graceful lady. Dajun probably has a grudge against me because you're sitting next to me, not him. I'm just a victim of circumstance," Lu Weimin said with a smile, truly marveling at the wonders of nature.
Shuya was indeed very unremarkable in class back then, with nothing particularly outstanding except for her good grades. She didn't talk much and had a very regular routine for going to and from school. In short, she was the kind of person who would be easily overlooked in a crowd.
But now, He Lin, who was a very attractive girl, sitting next to Shuya, although still beautiful and charming, seemed to have a more seductive aura. In contrast, Shuya's clear and ethereal charm stood out even more.
If He Lin could be compared to a dazzling peony, then Shuya was like a fragrant lily, whose scent lingered and grew stronger over time.
With twenty more years of experience, Lu Weimin's words were on a completely different level compared to his classmates. Even Guo Huazhang, who tried to highlight his own uniqueness, seemed too immature in front of Lu Weimin. For this kind of occasion, Lu Weimin had countless ways to liven up the atmosphere and blend in seamlessly.
Lu Weimin's words immediately dispelled the disharmonious atmosphere caused by Zhang Jun's remarks. Not only did it give Zhang Jun a way to back down, but it also flattered the two girls. Even Guo Huazhang couldn't help but look at Lu Weimin a few more times. This guy's eloquence had really improved, and his ability to influence subtly was truly impressive.
Shuya was also somewhat surprised. This junior high school classmate didn't leave a deep impression on her. If he hadn't gone to Lingnan University after high school, she might not have remembered him at all. She only later heard that he had returned to Nantang to take the exam and was now back.
To be honest, she didn't really want to attend this small class reunion. The bonds of friendship from junior high school weren't particularly strong. At that time, everyone was still in a state of innocence, especially between boys and girls, where there wasn't much deep friendship. The idea of a small gathering to welcome Lu Weimin back was something she didn't want to participate in, but Guo Huazhang had specifically called her, and she couldn't refuse, so she had to attend.
She didn't expect that Lu Weimin would leave such a different impression on her. He was neither humble nor arrogant, and his words were subtle and well-measured. Zhang Jun had always wanted to pursue He Lin, but unfortunately, He Lin didn't think much of him. So, he tried to show