Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 1181: Trouble in the Backyard

Chapter 1181: Chapter 1181: Trouble in the Backyard

While Gu Fan and Lu Yi were talking, Su Hui came over with good intentions to warn Gu Fan, "Watch out, your backyard might be on fire, and it’s going to be a big one."

"What do you mean?" Gu Fan hadn’t caught on yet when Su Hui pointed in the direction of Li Shi.

In an instant, Gu Fan understood. His heart sank. He didn’t need to look to know what was happening where Li Shi was; he could guess.

Lu Yi shook her head, "Miss Lin is indeed Miss Lin, steadfast in her goals, never changing. If you’re not careful and lose sight of her, she seizes the opportunity."

"With the situation as it is now, stop teasing me," Gu Fan said helplessly. Then he saw Lin Xi had already started talking to Li Shi and prayed silently in his heart, hoping things wouldn’t go south.

Of course, both women were well-mannered and polite. Lin Xi took the initiative to shake hands with Li Shi, displaying a friendly attitude, while Li Shi maintained a polite smile and reached out her hand as well.

"You must be Li Shi, right? Our Gu Fan often mentions you, saying how nice and successful you are, and that’s why he went into business with you," Lin Xi began with a stream of compliments, making it seem as though she really admired Li Shi.

Li Shi humbly accepted the praise, "Not at all, not at all. Actually, it’s mainly because Gu Fan himself is capable that I decided to start a company with him. Otherwise, I wouldn’t want to make a losing investment."

Lin Xi didn’t mince words in belittling Gu Fan, "Him? He’s just a lazy pig, what capabilities does he have? If it weren’t for you, an old classmate, begrudgingly helping out of past considerations, he wouldn’t have the chance to own his company." While speaking, she gave Li Shi a meaningful look.

Li Shi immediately responded, "Actually, past considerations are secondary. The most important thing in starting a company together is making money. After all, sentimental reasons can’t be eaten, and I wouldn’t engage in a losing business just over old classmate sentiments."

Listening to the two women’s veiled exchange, Gu Fan stood nervously to the side, wanting to intervene and mediate, only to meet their fierce glances that seemed to say, "Get lost, don’t interrupt our conversation."

With no other choice, Gu Fan could only stand by obediently, anxious on the inside. No matter who came out on top, his future days would be difficult.

Su Hui delivered a merciless jab, "That’s what you get for not carefully considering your business partner when you started the company; now look at you, caught between a rock and a hard place."

"Sister Su, you really know how to be sarcastic at inappropriate times," Gu Fan said with a sense of resignation, then added, "I did consider things carefully before choosing Li Shi as my partner. She can truly help me in my business, providing the resources and connections I lack."

Du Jun came over and nodded in agreement, "Overall, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, but this drawback sure is troublesome."

Qin Jia chimed in, "If I were Lin Xi, seeing my boyfriend starting a company with his best high school female friend, I’d feel uncomfortable too."

Hearing this, Gu Fan’s heart sank, and he quickly clarified, "What best high school female friend are you talking about? Don’t spread rumors; it would be bad if Lin Xi got the wrong idea."

To this, everyone shook their heads, "We’re not making it up; that’s what your high school classmates told us."

"What?" Gu Fan was exasperated. His old classmates really were a pitfall.

"Hold on, since you all found out about Li Shi from my high school friends, then Lin Xi..." Gu Fan began to get nervous. Seeing Qin Jia’s meaningfully amused smile, Gu Fan knew his worries had come true.

"I was wrong; I shouldn’t have held an opening ceremony," Gu Fan said, feeling dejected.

Lu Yi, holding some tasty treats, acted as if it wasn’t that big a deal, "What’s the fuss? You’ve weathered bigger storms; surely your reputation won’t be ruined here.

Although Lu Yi seemed to make sense, everyone still couldn’t help but look at Gu Fan with sympathy, yet also with a hint of schadenfreude.

At that moment, Lin Xi was still chatting with Li Shi. From time to time, when the two women got excited about their conversation, they laughed together, looking very much like they enjoyed each other’s company.

Lin Xi shared embarrassing stories about Gu Fan in his daily life, while Li Shi shared stories of him from high school. The more they talked, the better they seemed to get along, and the onlookers found it amusing, hoping the women would share more of Gu Fan’s embarrassing moments.

Lu Yi couldn’t help but admire, "Look how happily they are chatting; the thing you were worried about probably won’t happen."

"It seems the thing I was worried about won’t happen, but this isn’t what I wanted to see either," Gu Fan said, unable to bear it anymore. Despite the women’s warning glances, he forced his way forward, coughed softly, "Excuse me for interrupting your delightful conversation, but can you switch to a different topic? I don’t have that many embarrassing stories for you to discuss. Don’t I have any dignity?"

Faced with Gu Fan’s stern warning, Lin Xi and Li Shi paused for a moment, realizing that they had been focusing on Gu Fan’s misdeeds, which might not be very appropriate.

"Let’s switch to another topic then," Lin Xi suggested with a slight smile. "I heard that in high school, among all the female classmates, you and Gu Fan were the most compatible. Many thought you would end up together."

Hearing this, Gu Fan’s heart skipped a beat. This topic was hitting too close to home. That damned high school classmate had said too much. He really shouldn’t have invited high school friends to the ceremony; it was a huge oversight.

Since Lin Xi had made her move, Li Shi followed up, "Not at all. Gu Fan got along with every girl. It wasn’t just in our class, girls from other groups felt the same, even the female teachers were compatible with him. Oh, right, and the canteen lady. Sometimes we felt like Gu Fan had a crush on our class’s beautiful single female teacher."

No way, that topic shift was a bit too dramatic. But you had to admire Li Shi for picking up Lin Xi’s lead.

Lin Xi looked at Gu Fan with narrowed eyes, "What, you were even considering our teacher?"

"Teacher-student romance, I thought I’d bravely give it a try," Gu Fan could only admit awkwardly. Meanwhile, he didn’t forget to signal Li Shi with his eyes, "It’s okay to change the subject, but some things should not be casually mentioned."

Li Shi acted as if it wasn’t a big deal, which frustrated Gu Fan.

Fortunately, the opening ceremony came to an end, and everyone said their goodbyes. Before leaving, they wished Gu Fan and Li Shi prosperity in business. With all the farewells, Li Shi had no chance to entertain Lin Xi, which meant Gu Fan was safe.

Thank heavens the end had finally come. Gu Fan was genuinely grateful, and he also appreciated Lin Xi’s late attendance. She had dressed up to make a grand entrance, which meant she arrived later. Otherwise, Lin Xi would have had even more time to bond with Li