Car-hailing Driver: Rewards from Complaints-Chapter 36: Sorry for Being Late

Because it was the midday rush, Yang Chen kept stalling until eleven-thirty but still hadn’t arrived at Baoqing Restaurant.

Wang Lixin kept messaging and calling, but Yang Chen didn’t want to deal with her, so he didn’t respond at all.

Therefore, Wang Lixin was convinced Yang Chen wouldn’t show up.

This gathering was arranged especially for Yang Chen, and without him present, it was meaningless.

Zhang Jiankun laid it out with Wang Lixin, saying he wouldn’t pay for this meal and wanted everyone to split the bill.

Wang Lixin was stunned upon hearing this; asking everyone to split the bill now, how could she face these classmates in the future?

The two started arguing, and the classmates in the room quickly came out to see what was going on.

After understanding Zhang Jiankun’s intentions, the classmates indeed exploded in anger.

Some people came obviously just to freeload a meal, and now being asked to split the bill, they were definitely unwilling.

"Wang Lixin, it’s pointless for you two to act this way. We may not be wealthy, but we can afford a meal. It’s not as if you have to treat us. But you invited us here under the guise of treating us, and now you say we have to pay for ourselves. Do you think that’s right?"

"No one forced you to treat us, but you offered, so you should follow through. What do you take us for, fools?"

"We even helped you criticize Yang Chen, and this is how you repay us?"

...

Wang Lixin, crying, complained to Zhang Jiankun, "Are you happy now? Do you have to ruin me so that I’m isolated and friendless?"

Zhang Jiankun immediately replied, "They’re your classmates, not mine. Why should I pay?"

Wang Lixin retorted, "Then why did you use my phone to text saying you would pay? Are you trying to destroy me?"

Zhang Jiankun was silent.

At this point, Wu Tao, who always had feelings for Wang Lixin, felt his chance had come.

Last time, Wang Lixin was stuck on the cross-river bridge, and he wanted to drive over to pick her up.

Back then, Zhang Jiankun was there too, so he didn’t dare to go.

Now that Zhang Jiankun and Wang Lixin were at odds, he thought his opportunity had arrived.

Of course, he didn’t plan to cover the cost of the meal himself. Instead, he aimed to persuade everyone to split the bill, thereby helping Wang Lixin overcome the immediate crisis.

"Alright, alright. You’re right, you’re not our classmate, so you shouldn’t be at our class reunion. We can afford this meal; since we’re already here, let’s split the bill. We can’t just cancel the dishes and leave, right? That would be too embarrassing for us. Don’t you all agree?" Wu Tao said.

The situation had developed to such an extent that this seemed the only option.

Wu Tao continued, "Zhang Jiankun, you’re not considering Wang Lixin’s feelings—it’s clear you don’t love her. If you loved her, how could you embarrass her in front of so many old classmates?"

Zhang Jiankun chuckled, took out a wad of cash from his bag, and said, "I’m not out of money, but you guys aren’t my classmates, so I have no reason to pay. Got it?"

Wang Lixin wiped her tears and said, "Zhang Jiankun, let’s break up. I don’t want to see you anymore; get out now!"

Zhang Jiankun chuckled and said, "Breaking up it is, don’t regret it later!"

Seeing his plan working, Wu Tao quickly laughed and said, "Alright, alright, let’s not ruin the mood because of him. Come on, let’s go back to the room and start dining."

With that, Wu Tao nudged Wang Lixin into the room, and the others sighed and followed suit.

Zhang Jiankun let out a breath and turned into the adjacent room.

This room had 10 people, all invited by Zhang Jiankun to help deal with Yang Chen.

Now that Yang Chen wasn’t coming, the money spent was wasted.

Wu Tao’s family was alright, primarily because his uncle owned a company, and he worked there as a business manager, giving him a head start.

When hosting clients, he mainly brought them to Baoqing Restaurant.

Now with Zhang Jiankun out of the picture, he was the most knowledgeable person at this gathering.

"Even though we’re splitting the bill, I can assure everyone they won’t regret it. Baoqing Restaurant is a local brand from Hai City, about to go public. Here you can find dishes from eight major cuisines as well as western food. The main location is excellent, just a kilometer from the Ming Pearl Tower, and a little further south is the Bund. Whenever guests visit, I usually bring them here, and none of them have ever complained." Wu Tao confidently described.

The other classmates were ordinary employees, rarely frequenting such a restaurant.

But hearing Wu Tao’s introduction, they felt even more reserved.

The more he praised it, the more it implied that the meal would be expensive.

These were young people who had just graduated a year ago, most relying on family support to survive in a city like Hai City.

If this meal turned out to be too costly, even splitting the bill would be unbearable.

"It’s nice, but I’m afraid after this meal, I’ll have to scrape by for the rest of the month."

"I checked last night, here the average cost per person is 500 yuan."

"Damn, that’s so pricey. I don’t mind admitting it, I just switched jobs, and I’m still in the probation period, completely relying on my family to survive. Dropping 500 yuan like this, I really will be scraping by afterward."

"Wang Lixin, have you ordered the food? Around how much will it be?"

...

Wang Lixin was flustered and quickly replied, "Around more than 8000 yuan."

With 14 people in total, wouldn’t that mean about 600 yuan each?

"Damn, not only would I be scraping by, but I wouldn’t even afford my phone bill."

"Anyone here with extra funds, lend me some please. Next month when I get paid, I’ll repay you."