Hua Qingqing was immediately surrounded by a throng of people as she entered the banquet hall—men and women, old and young—all appearing to be figures of some consequence. This left Hua Qingqing with no time to spare for me, which suited my desire for a moment of peace. After a quick scan, I couldn't find any classmates from my own cohort, suggesting I might have arrived a bit early. Spotting a few military officers chatting in a corner, professional instinct prompted me to drift closer to their conversation.

I soon learned their identities: Jia Tie, male, 27, an officer from the National Defense University, holding the rank of Colonel; Chen Wanzhi, male, 29, an academician from the High-End Weapons Research Institute, also a Colonel; Zhang Dahai, male, 27, a combat staff officer for the Navy’s B Fleet, Lieutenant Colonel; and Liu Hu, 26, a special operations instructor at the Army Academy, Major.

These men were affectionately dubbed the "Four Tigers of Class One" by their alumni—all promising young talents, bright stars in the military with limitless futures.

Chen Wanzhi was quite talkative. He clapped me on the shoulder and said, "Didn't expect Brother Zhao to have a military background too. But your luck wasn't as good; it’s hard to get back into the service after retiring. Even us brothers would find it tough to help you."

"Thank you for your kind intentions, Brother Chen. Since I've already left, I have no intention of returning." Yi Xiaorou had invited me [to something], but I declined. I felt it was better to focus on running my company honestly. Besides, having already decided to go solo, returning was out of the question.

Liu Hu was the most reserved and steady, always the quiet listener, yet his sharp, piercing eyes suggested he was far from simple; I suspected his capabilities were on par with those of Ten and Eleven. It was a pity the Little Raindrop's physical fitness testing apparatus was too large; otherwise, I could have calculated his true strength.

Jia Tie was a braggart, giving off an air of arrogance. He certainly didn't give me a pleasant look once he discovered I was merely a tofu seller. Zhang Dahai remained inscrutable, occasionally interjecting a remark, then settling back into a cool, aloof expression.

For some reason, Zhang Dahai and Jia Tie suddenly began arguing over whether the Navy or the Army would form the core of future warfare. Zhang Dahai maintained that large carrier battle groups would be the primary mode of future conflict. He argued that in the next few decades, humanity would not likely project warfare into space, preferring to avoid conflict on home soil, making the ocean the ideal arena for settling disputes. Observing the maritime dynamics of recent years, the atmosphere suggested storms were brewing on the horizon.

Jia Tie countered that with the rapid development of strategic missile technology, long-range, high-precision, high-yield, multi-warhead missiles would become the dominant form of warfare. Major cities and key industrial centers would become saturation targets for ballistic missiles. Even Ming Island was developing ballistic missiles with ranges between 1,200 and 2,000 kilometers, and their deployment would shift the balance of power along the southeastern coast of Great Dragon Country.

Seeing them argue until their faces flushed, I couldn't help but interject, "Gentlemen, in my view, naval fleets need development, and missile units need development too. Aren't the missiles on destroyers and frigates also missiles?"

"What do you know!" Jia Tie suddenly barked. I knew exactly what his expression meant without him needing to say it: someone who sells tofu wasn't fit to discuss matters this high-level.

Go to hell. I wouldn't have said anything if you hadn't provoked me. If you push me far enough, I’ll send you packing back to your hometown. I shot Jia Tie a fierce glare, found a seat in the corner, and stopped paying attention to them.

Zhang Dahai, unwilling to escalate the situation, ceased the debate and shifted the topic. "I believe that for our nation to develop aircraft carriers, we must first build cruisers—both anti-air and anti-submarine types. Only when cruisers with superior sea and air combat capabilities join the carrier group can the carrier's safety be guaranteed."

Liu Hu nodded in strong agreement, and even Chen Wanzhi voiced his approval repeatedly. Jia Tie opened his mouth in dissent but remained silent.

Zhang Dahai's tone shifted again. "Our Navy Research Institute just recruited a senior researcher specializing in carrier-based catapult systems. You’d never guess her age if you tried."

Chen Wanzhi chided, "You've learned to be coy lately, kid. Keep dangling the bait and I'll have you kicked out of the alumni association."

Zhang Dahai teased, "Her figure is the same as that beautiful lady over there," indicating Hua Qingqing in the distance, "and her appearance is similar to that cute little child," gesturing toward some older alumnus's pretty, adorable young daughter.

Chen Wanzhi grew impatient. "Just tell us how old she is!"

"Only fourteen! That's a marvel in Great Dragon Country, isn't it?"

Jia Tie suddenly scoffed, "What marvel is that? She's just a loli. Let me tell you, our National Defense University also recently brought in a senior researcher. Her figure and appearance are identical to that loli, but do you know how old she is?"

Chen Wanzhi sighed, "What’s with you two today? You sound like you’re deliberately trying to keep us in suspense."

Jia Tie gloated, "She has a baby face, but she’s twenty! We have an entire reinforced company pursuing her at the National Defense University, but not a single one has caught her eye."

Listening from the side, the more I heard, the more these two reminded me of Zhao Fen and Zhao Fang. However, after that small spat with Jia Tie, I didn't care to engage him further. Besides, how long had Zhao Fen and Zhao Fang been in the capital? Even if they were brilliant, it was unlikely they could transform into senior researchers in just a few days.

"The 'Princess' is here! The 'Princess' is here..." A surge of excitement rippled through the entrance of the banquet hall.

Princess? A wave of questions hit me. I stood up and looked toward the entrance, seeing Class Monitor Wu Jiale appear from seemingly nowhere, clearing a path ahead of him and shouting loudly, "Make way, make way! A celestial maiden descends; mortals, yield the path!"

"Monitor, you tease me! I won't come to the next alumni meeting."

That voice was truly captivating, its softness easily matching Xiao Hui's, threaded with a hint of delicate complaint that sent a pleasant shiver through the heart. Following the sound, I froze.

A beautiful woman in a qipao drifted into the banquet hall as if a celestial being had descended. A throng of drooling male classmates followed behind her. One classmate couldn't contain his excitement and raised his arm to cheer, "Long live the beauty Zhang Xiaoya!"

Zhang Xiaoya? She... she... could she really be the Zhang Xiaoya who sat at the desk in front of me back then? Impossible. I had a clear memory of what Zhang Xiaoya looked like five years ago—the difference now was too vast.

But if she wasn't Zhang Xiaoya, there was still a shadow of that meticulous, by-the-book little girl from five years ago in her bearing. Moreover, even if I was mistaken, the class monitor and the other classmates couldn't be wrong. She must be the Zhang Xiaoya who used to wear pigtails.

My eyes, like those of every male present, swept over Zhang Xiaoya from head to toe. Suddenly, she seemed strangely familiar—I felt I must have seen her somewhere before, though not, of course, at school five years ago. Yet, for a moment, I couldn't recall where.

The most remarkable feature was the dark-toned qipao Zhang Xiaoya wore, which immediately showcased her exquisite figure. Most girls avoid qipaos—the main reasons being fear of exposing a slight tummy bulge, or insufficient curve in the hips or projection in the chest to support the garment’s flow. Zhang Xiaoya had no such worries, for her waist was impossibly slender, her hips wonderfully rounded, and her bust remarkably full. This tight, low-slit qipao fully displayed her devilish figure, a fact clearly evident in the envy and jealousy in the eyes of the surrounding women and the flaming desire in the eyes of the men.

The qipao perfectly accentuated Zhang Xiaoya’s classical Eastern beauty, fitting her precisely, appropriately—fitting the scene of a collective, downward-flowing drool. Calling her a princess earlier was no exaggeration.

The beauties I had met each possessed unique qualities. Starting with Hua Qingqing, the special scent of jasmine surrounding her, her refined temperament was also captivating. Rare was the fact that she lacked an aloof demeanor, making her very approachable.

Yi Xiaorou was a strong and influential woman. Perhaps she presented a facade of toughness and coldness to others, but to me, she was always a delicate woman needing protection. I particularly cherished the feeling of her lying softly and shyly in my arms—so tender, giving a man a profound sense of pride.

Zhao Fen and Zhao Fang were like two molds from the same batch, yet their personalities differed. Zhao Fen was quieter, reserved, and diligent, while Zhao Fang was bubbly, energetic, and rarely still. Most crucially, they were rare treasures: one, at 14, possessed the figure of an adult; the other, at 20, had a naturally childlike face—a dream combination for countless men!

Comparing Zhao Fen, Zhao Fang, and Zhang Xiaoya, they shared commonalities and differences. All three were purely lovely, but Zhao Fen and Zhao Fang possessed a simple, unadorned cuteness, whereas Zhang Xiaoya exuded a classical Eastern beauty characterized by purity, elegance, and noble grace.

Fang Yanmeng was the type of pretty girl who was also open; I hadn't yet asked if she was open to other men. Xiao Chuchu, on the other hand, was mature and romantic.

Assessment complete. I silently placed a full stop in my mind. I wondered where those four girls had gone; I’d give them a good swat on the bottom once I found them.

"Zhao Qian! I didn't expect to see you here, this is quite a surprise. Why are you still sitting here? Hurry up and find a chance to connect with your classmate, Zhang Xiaoya!"

I snapped back to attention to see who was speaking to me. "Xia Gao! Finally, a real classmate. I thought I'd run into only unfamiliar faces tonight."

Xia Gao was two years my senior. We became acquainted purely through the school track meet. In the final sprint of the 5,000 meters, he was a few steps faster than me; thus, he came in second, and I came in last. From that moment, we became friends.

Xia Gao had a digital camera hanging around his neck and a DV camcorder in his hand. He ignored catching up and physically pulled me from my seat. "Come on, come on! I remember that little girl had some good feelings for you back then. Help me play matchmaker; let’s deepen that relationship."

"What are you talking about, Old Gao? When did Zhang Xiaoya ever have good feelings for me? You’re making things up."

Xia Gao adopted a serious expression. "Don't you remember in our first year when you yanked her braid, and her deskmate was about to report you to the homeroom teacher? It was she who held back that shrew of a classmate, even while crying. Isn't that a sign of affection?"

"You don't understand the situation, stop talking nonsense. I accidentally snagged her hair when I swung my schoolbag; I never intentionally pulled her braid!"

"It amounts to the same thing! Hurry up, or those perverts will get to her first, and we’ll be at a huge loss! I’m still single, Brother, and I come to every alumni meet just for this beautiful flight attendant."

So Zhang Xiaoya was a flight attendant now. This qipao really suits her profession. I imagine this typical image of an Oriental beauty would be top-tier even in an airline.

Xia Gao, tall and sturdy, dragged me along as we bulldozed our way toward Zhang Xiaoya. Xia Gao raised his digital camera and snapped a picture of her, then grinned, "Beautiful Miss Zhang, look who I brought for you!"

Zhang Xiaoya and Xia Gao clearly knew each other. Zhang Xiaoya smiled sweetly, "Xia Gao, please don't publish my photo in the evening paper this year. My dad had a fit last year! And this classmate is...?"

Xia Gao announced, "Isn't this Zhao Qian from behind your desk? You don't even remember him?"

"Zhao Qian? Is that really you? You’ve changed so much—taller, handsomer..."

The beautiful woman's praise was sweet to my ears, but the men nearby wouldn't allow it; everyone launched an attack. This was the perfect moment to lower others and elevate one's own status.

"Who is this kid? Is he even from our Class One? Security, check his ID immediately..."

"Attending such a formal gathering without a suit, and wearing a hat, too? Doesn't he know the rules..."

"Look at his shabby appearance. Did his family not have enough money to buy a decent outfit? Go find somewhere cool to sit!"

Jia Tie squeezed his way over at some point. He shook Zhang Xiaoya’s small hand and said, "Miss Zhang, we meet again. You’re even more beautiful this year. How about you honor me with the first dance later?"

A roar went up. The men on the periphery shifted their attack target to Jia Tie. Seeing himself as the focus of everyone's ire, Jia Tie quickly employed the tactic of the golden cicada shedding its shell. He deliberately spoke loudly to Zhang Xiaoya, "Do you know what Student Zhao Qian does now? I guarantee none of us here tonight have a profession like his."

"What is it?" Everyone, including Zhang Xiaoya, asked.

Jia Tie, gossipy and smug, held up the business card I had exchanged earlier. "Sales General Manager of the Tieniu Tofu Company! Everyone who wants to eat tofu must find him!"

"Tieniu Tofu!" Zhang Xiaoya gasped, while the male students outside let out a chorus of boos.

I didn't feel ashamed. Sooner or later, I intended to sell tofu worldwide. Let them laugh now.

Zhang Xiaoya suddenly took two steps forward and yanked the hat off my head, instantly exposing my smooth, bald scalp to the crowd. The laughter grew louder.

"It really is you! It is truly you! I've been looking for you for so long, why wouldn't you leave your name, denying me even the chance to say thank you." Zhang Xiaoya was clearly agitated, gripping my arms and rambling incoherently.

I was slightly confused myself. "What? Why would you thank me?"

Zhang Xiaoya winked playfully at me, causing my heart rate to accelerate sharply. "Don't you remember Old Zhang, the man who bought your tofu one morning? He has a son who was coming home from overtime..."

My God! No wonder Zhang Xiaoya looked vaguely familiar. She was the girl I pulled out of the raging fire that day!

This sudden turn of events left me stuttering. "Sorry, sorry. I didn't recognize you when you were dressed."

Whoa! The male students watching collapsed in droves; some had already dashed outside the hall looking for bricks to smash me with.

A blush spread across Zhang Xiaoya's face, and she lightly patted me. "What nonsense are you speaking? Aren't you afraid people will gossip? I won't let you leave today, no matter what. After the alumni meeting ends, you’re coming home with me."

The remaining outer circle of students completely gave up hope. Some were already preparing to fight me; others decided to quit their careers and sell tofu when they got home; still others were looking for a razor to shave their heads bald immediately.

Zhang Xiaoya sensed the ambiguity in her words and quickly explained, "My father has nearly questioned every tofu seller in the capital, but he couldn't find you, the hero! If he can’t find you soon, he’s going to put out a missing person notice in the papers. So, you absolutely must come with me tonight."

What a strange coincidence! Who knew I would end up rescuing Zhang Xiaoya? If I had known she was the beautiful woman I saved that day, I wouldn't have come with Xia Gao even if my life depended on it. Seeing Xia Gao’s crestfallen face now, I could tell how much he regretted bringing me along.

"Zhao Qian, you’re here too. Come over to where Qingqing and I are. I need to tell you something." It was Yi Xiaorou’s voice. The surrounding pack of wolves froze again when they saw the appearances of Yi Xiaorou and Hua Qingqing. Zhang Xiaoya's radiance was instantly split into three parts. This was understandable; the three were essentially unmatched, so a three-way split seemed reasonable.

The wolves had sharp eyes; the hulking bodyguards behind the women Hua and Yi were no jokes. While awestruck, the crowd dared not approach too closely.

Zhang Xiaoya tugged my arm and pleaded, "Can I come along too?"

Yi Xiaorou beckoned to Zhang Xiaoya, and the four of them moved to a quiet corner. The bodyguards stepped aside. Even those who had been watching from a distance grew timid, leading to incessant cursing from outside—all directed at me, of course. In this large banquet hall, there were only three dazzling stars so far, and now they were all gathered around me, the bald tofu seller. How could the others not be furious?

Xia Gao was even more incensed. "Zhao Qian! You’re disloyal! I BS you!"