Volume One, Chapter Three: Letting Go of a Tree, You Will Gain a Forest

At nine in the morning, the city’s finest five-star hotel was teeming with people—nearly fifty by a quick estimate. The men dressed casually, but the twenty-some girls were dazzlingly adorned, like peacocks displaying their feathers. After three years of high school uniforms, graduation had set them free; especially for this gathering, many harbored ulterior motives, their outfits bold and alluring. Slender white legs and graceful waists abounded; to the uninitiated, it might have seemed a beauty contest.

Zhang Han, though known for his devotion to Liu Xin, possessed the kind of tan skin that made men envious, stood at six feet, and had striking features—he was admired by many at school. Liu Xin had arrived as well, her expression sour. Last night, she’d seen in the group chat that Zhang Han had won eighteen million yuan, sending her parents into a frenzy. Who could have predicted such fortune for someone so slavishly devoted—a windfall that had not only saved him from a trap but showered him with riches.

Thus, Liu Xin felt compelled to lower her status a bit and come to the hotel herself, giving Zhang Han a way to save face. In essence: “I, Liu Xin, am here to show you respect; don’t fail to appreciate it.” Her parents had even chosen a deep-V princess dress for her—sensual and provocative. They spared no expense; their precious daughter was meant to be groomed for high society, not dressed so brazenly.

At ten past eight, a black Maybach stopped at the hotel. Zhang Han stepped out of the back, carrying a black handbag, clad only in a Kobe Bryant basketball jersey, shorts, and flip-flops. As soon as he got out, a group of girls from his class swarmed him; before, they never would have dared. But now, everyone knew Zhang Han’s devotion to Liu Xin was absolute. And now, things had changed—he’d won eighteen million. Even if he had a girlfriend, even if he were happily married with kids, people would still rush to him.

“Zhang Han, you’ve made it! Glad you didn’t forget us old classmates.”
“Yeah, you’re lucky as hell—eighteen million, most people never see that in a lifetime.”
“Which university did you apply to, Zhang Han? I want to change my choice.”
“Zhang Han, remember I said my cat can do backflips? Are you still coming to see?”
“Zhang Han, I can add ice today! I brought my ID—want to spend the night at the internet café?”

The male classmates joked about calling him godfather—they didn’t mind an extra wealthy benefactor. Zhang Han remained calm; he’d experienced this kind of attention in the dorm, so he kept his usual demeanor, without any airs, which only endeared him further to the girls.

At a distance, Liu Xin, still holding herself aloof, watched sourly. Zhang Han dared carry his resentment from last night into this morning? And ignored her messages? Normally, Zhang Han was utterly obedient to Liu Xin.

He’d never dare go west when told east, or delay fetching sugar water from the southern part of town late at night. His devotion to Liu Xin was legendary; he’d even said that if she agreed to be his girlfriend, he’d transfer his family’s house to her immediately.

Liu Xin’s temper flared; she forcefully pushed aside the girls gathered around Zhang Han and snapped, “Move, all of you. Zhang Han, what are you doing here? Showing off your money?”

“Sending red envelopes in the group chat, treating everyone to a meal at a five-star hotel? Did you get my permission?”

At once, everyone fell silent, watching Liu Xin nervously. Her spoiled temperament was well known, cultivated by Zhang Han’s pampering—who else had a six-foot-tall, slavishly devoted admirer with half a million in the bank?

Over two years of high school, people speculated Zhang Han spent at least six figures on Liu Xin. With her outburst, not only was the gathering in jeopardy, but even the red envelopes sent in the group chat might have to be returned.

Liu Xin folded her arms, glaring up at Zhang Han. She knew he’d never dare refute her in front of so many classmates; he’d already embarrassed her yesterday, and she hadn’t settled accounts with him yet. If he dared again today, he could forget about ever winning her favor. Plenty of admirers would line up from the school gate to the neighboring village.

Zhang Han deliberately feigned a conflicted look, straightening his chest. “You’re not my girlfriend. Why should you control me?”

At those words, a stir rippled through the crowd. Was the sun rising in the west? Zhang Han was actually contradicting Liu Xin for the first time?

Liu Xin stared at him in disbelief. What? Did she hear wrong? Zhang Han actually questioned her authority?

Fury flashed in Liu Xin’s eyes. “Over two years of high school—without me, you idiot orphan, your half a million would have been seduced away by other girls. Not only do you not thank me, you dare ask why I control you?”

“So, you win eighteen million and your tail’s up in the air?”

She pointed at Zhang Han’s nose. “I’ll ask one more time: are you coming with me or not?”

Zhang Han shook his head.

“Then forget about ever winning me over again. If I didn’t pity you, you wouldn’t even have a chance to talk to me!”

Liu Xin turned and stormed off, confident Zhang Han would come crawling. She understood why he dared to contradict her—because of yesterday’s incident.

She knew that yesterday, Yang Song had touched her, and Zhang Han couldn’t accept it yet. After two years of devotion, their most intimate exchange was a kiss exchanged for a five-thousand-yuan LV bag. Yang Song, Zhang Han’s best friend, had touched her—no wonder Zhang Han was upset.

But it had all been a misunderstanding. Nothing really happened—how could he still be angry?

Who could understand—truly disappointing!

Zhang Han watched Liu Xin’s angry departure, a hint of a smile curling his lips. Did she really think he was still the pathetic devotee he used to be?

The revenge plan... had begun.

Inside Zhang Han’s handbag were red envelopes—one thousand yuan each. He handed them out, then led everyone into the five-star hotel for a meal. For many, it was their first time here, and they were stunned by the luxury. Zhang Han had reserved a large private room, where each table’s meal cost fifty thousand yuan.

With five tables, it was a total of two hundred and fifty thousand spent, shocking his classmates yet again. The girls’ eyes were filled with longing.

How handsome Zhang Han was.

A man so attractive, he could look stunning even in a basketball jersey and shorts!

Love at first sight.

And now, it seemed something had happened between him and Liu Xin—did that mean they had a chance?

After the meal, Zhang Han took them to the city’s best karaoke bar. The revelry continued, music and dancing, while the senior class group chat was flooded with photos—more than ninety-nine, mostly featuring Zhang Han: singing with different girls, drinking, dancing...

Yang Song and Liu Xin, seeing these updates, nearly ground their teeth to dust.

Especially Liu Xin, who resolved not to let Zhang Han approach her for two days!

As festivities drew to a close, three attractive girls insisted Zhang Han escort them home, claiming they were timid.

Zhang Han smiled coolly. Three’s fine.

“Then why not come to my place and play mahjong? Do you mind?”

All three spoke as one: “We don’t mind!”

Zhang Han left arm-in-arm with the trio. Indeed, abandon one tree, and you gain a whole forest!