Chapter 1

I successfully wrapped up a five-year research project, and my girlfriend, who comes from a wealthy family, and I finally decided to get engaged.

While sampling dishes at the hotel, I happened to run into my ex-girlfriend Esme and a group of old classmates who were also celebrating an engagement party.

So much has changed over the years. I had long since let go of any past grievances and was ready to offer Esme my congratulations and catch up with old friends.

Esme, on the arm of her affluent fiancé Declan, pointed at my simple clothes with a finger adorned by a five-carat diamond ring, and with a smug look, mocked me as someone who could only afford verbal blessings.

Laughter erupted from the wealthy guests and old classmates as Esme tossed her hair with exaggerated confidence.

Fingering the black card in my pocket, I thought she might be in for a surprise.

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"Declan, this is Caspian, our class president from high school. Look at his thrift store outfit; I wonder how he's been managing all these years. Let's just take his blessings as a token of goodwill."

Esme, dressed in an extravagant haute couture gown, wore a smile full of undisguised contempt, casually displaying the five-carat diamond ring on her finger while holding her fiancé's hand.

A few mocking laughs echoed around, and disdainful glances swept over me, making me frown with discomfort.

These past years, I've been dedicated to my project, working tirelessly day and night, often re-wearing the same clothes for convenience, my mind focused solely on work, leaving little room for fashion.

I came straight from the research institute today and didn't have time to change.

Despite their education, these people still judge by appearances.

I suppressed my annoyance.

After all, we've been classmates for many years; I didn't want to argue with them. And since it's an engagement, a joyful occasion, I should show some courtesy.

I touched the black card in my pocket, feeling it might be impolite to just use it, and they might not even have a card machine.

Scanning the crowd, I saw my good high school buddy Jude winking at me.

"Jude, I didn't bring my phone today. Could you lend me some money?"

As soon as I finished speaking, laughter erupted.

"Hahaha, really, Caspian? You're actually asking for money?"

"Look at him, so pathetic. Can he even pay it back?"

"If you can't offer anything, just say so. Don’t give me the 'I didn't bring my phone today' excuse, it's hilarious."

Jude jumped in front of me, glaring angrily at everyone, speaking harshly.

"What’s wrong with you? Caspian just forgot his phone; it's no big deal."

I patted Jude's shoulder, ready to take out the black card, but Esme, covering her mouth with a light laugh, interrupted me.

"Caspian, it's clear you're having a tough time. Don’t pretend to be wealthy; Declan and I aren't concerned with your token gifts."

Declan arrogantly scrutinized me, sneering with disdain in his eyes.

"Forget it, Esme. Today's our big day. Later, let the kitchen pack up some food for him."

Esme smugly raised her eyebrows at me, then turned with a face full of affection, playfully teasing Declan.

"Declan, you're so kind-hearted."

The people around them fawned and echoed, bowing and scraping so much that calling them lapdogs would be an insult to dogs.

Declan chuckled, not caring, but his words had a pointed tone.

"I'm used to doing charity with my mom. It's no trouble at all."

Jude, unable to stand it, wanted to argue with them, but I held him back.

I coldly scoffed, finally seeing Esme for who she really was.

Thinking she had snagged a rich guy, she wanted to flaunt and belittle her ex to satisfy her pitiful vanity.

And her wealthy fiancé wasn't any better; his refined appearance couldn't hide his vulgar roots.

"Did you throw this engagement party just to collect money?"

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