Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 523

Chapter 523: 523

Having been job hunting for two weeks, Gu Fan either never heard back from the resumes he sent out or was not offered a job despite having a good feeling about the interview. And the jobs he was offered were ones he did not like, hence, he did not take them.

Even though he experienced some failures, Gu Fan was not the type to be easily affected. He just didn’t feel good because he thought he had prepared well in university by participating in student union and other activities, organizing events, etc. He was confident that his hard work should have given him an edge in the job market.

However, while interviewing at one company and competing for an ideal job, Gu Fan discovered that the applicants he was up against were graduates from prestigious universities.

There is always someone better out there. The better the job, the more competitive it is. Gu Fan knew this, but losing the competition still made him feel a bit disappointed.

It was late now, and Gu Fan decided to eat something at Uncle Zhang’s place before going home to avoid the questions from Su Hui and Gu Ling about his interview. After refreshing himself, he planned to go home, sleep, and regain his courage for the next day.

That’s how Gu Fan was. No matter how bad or disappointing his day was, after a good sleep, he would face the world with renewed vigor the next day.

Upon arriving at Uncle Zhang’s restaurant, Gu Fan ordered a bowl of hot braised noodles which he began to gulp down hungrily, revealing that he hadn’t eaten in a while.

Uncle Zhang, seeing this, asked concernedly, "What’s the matter, Gu Fan? You rarely come to my restaurant this late."

While eating, Gu Fan explained, "I just had an interview at a company today. There was a lot of competition, and it took more time than expected, that’s why I’m late."

Uncle Zhang immediately asked, "So, how do you feel about the interview?"

"It’s a well-known international investment company and I quite like the job. However, the competition was fierce and there were a lot of top students from prestigious universities. I don’t feel very optimistic," Gu Fan replied with a glum look on his face.

Uncle Zhang then advised, "Work is about finding something you enjoy and seriously doing for a lifetime. That’s called a career; anything less is just a job."

"That’s true, but how many people really do what they enjoy?" After considering it, Gu Fan wondered if he should lower his expectations and settle for just any job for now. He could always look for his dream job later.

Finding a dream job at an ideal company was proving to be a real challenge, Gu Fan was learning.

Uncle Zhang then suggested, "When you do not have enough skills, you need to ground yourself, train hard, and accumulate capital. Even if you stay at home, there will be people coming to invite you."

"That’s easier said than done." Gu Fan didn’t see himself as a brilliant student or a highly talented person. The ideal state Uncle Zhang described seemed far off and difficult to achieve.

Turning to Uncle Zhang, Gu Fan suddenly remembered another question, "Uncle Zhang, do you know where the Lei family has moved to?"

"They were the first to move out. I don’t have much impression of them, but I seem to remember they moved to another city," Uncle Zhang replied. He naturally knew what Gu Fan was thinking about.

Other than job hunting, Gu Fan remembered two other things - to find out the secret of the old house, and to locate the people from the Lei family to obtain as much support as possible.

But since even Uncle Zhang didn’t know the whereabouts of the Lei family, Gu Fan feared that he might never find them in his lifetime. Unless he made a video appealing for information about their whereabouts, mentioning that all parties that once lived in the old house had gathered and were just waiting for the Lei family. He could then rely on the power of social media to help spread the word.

However, this approach carried risks. If the Lei family reappeared, it’s highly possible that the major players and Qian Feng would immediately follow up. If their influence sways the Lei family, all of Gu Fan’s hard work would be for naught.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Uncle Zhang. I should be going now." When Gu Fan was about to pay, Uncle Zhang waved it off with a laugh, "Not necessary. You haven’t found a job yet. This meal’s on me."

Gu Fan immediately rejected the offer, "That would be embarrassing. I always paid for my meals when I was still a student."

Ignoring the money offered by Gu Fan, Uncle Zhang laughed and said, "That’s enough. Being out in society, you’ll need money in many places. Besides, it’s been a long time since I last treated you to a meal. Just listen to me."

"Alright," Gu Fan did not insist and thanked him.

However, Uncle Zhang seemed hesitant as if he was troubled by something. Gu Fan immediately understood and said, "Uncle Zhang, you want to talk about Zhang Yang, right?"

"You’re sharp, kid," Uncle Zhang replied with an awkward smile, "I understand my nephew’s persistence. He certainly will not let go of the old house. I just hope that if there is any conflict between you two, you can spare him for my sake."

Gu Fan gave a slight smile, "Don’t worry, Uncle Zhang. As long as Zhang Yang doesn’t do something excessively unfair, I will let bygones be bygones and forgive him."

"Good, your words put me at ease," Uncle Zhang said with relief. Although Gu Fan appeared calm, he felt uneasy internally. This was a favor that he owed Uncle Zhang.

However, Zhang Yang was currently siding with Shennv Xuanhui. If a conflict really arises, Gu Fan might have to request Zhang Yang to spare him. His only worry was whether Zhang Yang would show him mercy.

"Wait," Just as Gu Fan was about to leave Uncle Zhang’s restaurant, he thought of a essential issue. If his assumption was correct, all six families were needed to unlock the secret of the old house. Otherwise, why would the boss go for Liu Yao after getting Luo Jingrong?

If this is indeed the case, then not being able to find the Lei family would mean not being able to unlock the secret. Given the circumstances, it was unlikely to find the Lei family. Then why fight at all?

Gu Fan changed his perspective, "If I were the boss, I would take total control of the situation first, get all parties to submit, secure the property rights to the old house, and then bring the Lei family out. That way, when the Lei family appears, due to the developed situation, they would have no choice but to submit."

Gu Fan drew his conclusion, the boss must not be putting the search for the Lei family as a priority. Instead, he was figuring out how to bring down Shennv Xuanhui, and Gu Fan. Even if the boss has not thought of this, he has a very cunning adviser in Leng Le.

At this moment, as Gu Fan was walking off, he saw someone standing in his path—who could it be but the boss himself?