The Rise of a Special Forces Soldier Abandoned by a Wealthy Family

The hostesses skillfully led the group of students to the reserved large private room.

The private room was extremely luxurious, with two large round tables that could easily accommodate all the students, yet the space still felt spacious. A crystal chandelier cast a warm glow, illuminating the exquisite tableware and decorations.

"Class monitor," Zeng Long said to Xiao Wanru in a calm tone, "please arrange for the students to sit wherever they like." His composure calmed the students' initial anxiety upon arriving at this place.

Next, Zeng Long briefly introduced his three "friends," Lin Xiaoya, Ye Feng, and Shi Tiezhu, as well as Gao Lin, Zeng Yuan, and Zeng Ke.

His introduction was concise and to the point, without much embellishment, but Shi Tiezhu's imposing physique, Ye Feng's aloofness, and Lin Xiaoya's sharp wit amidst her quirky nature still made the students feel that these people were unusual.

Gao Lin's composure and the Zeng sisters' radiance added weight to the occasion.

After everyone was seated, the waiters began serving dishes like butterflies flitting among flowers.

The beautifully presented and fragrant dishes drew gasps of delight from the students. A wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages were also available to satisfy diverse tastes.

Zeng Long picked up a glass of red wine and stood up. He didn't deliberately raise his voice, but the entire private room instantly fell silent, and everyone's eyes were focused on him.

"Thank you all for speaking up for me recently." His voice was steady, yet it carried a penetrating power.

"I'm even happier to have shared my university days with everyone. I hope you all enjoy yourselves tonight. Cheers to our friendship!"

"Cheers!" Everyone stood up, the clinking of glasses and cheers blending together, instantly igniting the atmosphere.

Zeng Long tilted his head back and drank it all in one swift, decisive motion. At that moment, he was not only a top student, but also a natural leader.

For the rest of the time, the private room was filled with the cheerful laughter of young students.

Delicious food brought the students closer together, and they toasted each other (mostly with beverages), engaging in lively conversation.

Many people toasted Zeng Long to express their admiration and gratitude. Zeng Long accepted all toasts with humility and without any airs.

Lin Xiaoya and Ye Feng sat to the side, watching this pure and warm friendship among classmates, and their long-cold hearts couldn't help but ripple slightly.

They were relieved that Zeng Long had such a relatively clean and peaceful place to live.

Shi Tiezhu, on the other hand, has finally found his "battlefield".

He focused intently on the food in front of him, his gluttonous appetite astonishing his classmates, and even the waiter couldn't help but glance at him a few more times.

His simple and honest way of eating actually lessened the intimidating feeling brought by his size and added a touch of comedy.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the atmosphere was lively, and some students with low alcohol tolerance were even starting to slur their words when the door to the private room was gently pushed open.

Zeng Xuan, holding a glass of red wine and wearing a calm smile, walked in first, followed by two young men with composed demeanors who were clearly wealthy and influential.

His gaze was fixed on Zeng Long, who was in the main seat, and he walked forward with steady steps.

He extended his hand to Zeng Long very formally, his smile sincere and with just the right amount of friendliness:

"Zeng Long, I've long admired your name. I apologize for bothering you, but I'm Zeng Xuan, Xiao Yu's cousin." His manners were appropriate, clearly stating his identity without appearing too abrupt.

"Brother Xuan!" Zeng Lingyu, Gao Lin, Zeng Yuan, and Zeng Ke stood up almost simultaneously to greet him, their tone filled with intimacy and a hint of barely perceptible surprise.

Zeng Lingyu walked quickly to Zeng Xuan's side, her voice slightly coquettish:

"Brother Xuan, what brings you here?" "Hehe, you little rascals are out enjoying yourselves while leaving your brother all alone at home. That's not very kind of you, is it?" Zeng Xuan joked with a smile, but his eyes never left Zeng Long.

Zeng Long stood up and shook hands with Zeng Xuan. The instant their hands clasped, Zeng Long could feel the warmth and strength in the other's palm. His expression was calm, his tone neither humble nor arrogant:

"Brother Xuan, you're too kind. Your presence is an honor to our humble abode. We are most welcome." The two exchanged a brief but meaningful glance.

Zeng Xuan saw it as exploration, recognition, and a kind of affection within the family;

Zeng Long's eyes held a calm yet insightful gaze, along with a complex mix of emotions regarding this sudden, seemingly "blood-related" relationship.

Zeng Lingyu looked at her cousin and brother standing together, her eyes shining with excitement.

Zeng Xuan then introduced his two friends behind him, both of whom were prominent figures in Beijing's social circles.

They toasted Zeng Long, and their conversation was quite polite, even showing a hint of wanting to make friends.

Before leaving, Zeng Xuan looked at Zeng Long meaningfully, his voice slow but clear:

"If you encounter any trouble in the capital, feel free to contact me or one of my brothers." The three left their business cards before taking their leave.

This move is undoubtedly a declaration to everyone who is paying attention to this matter: Zeng Long is someone I, Zeng Xuan, value.

Not long after Zeng Xuan left, the door to the private room opened again. This time, Teng Ao led in two men who looked like elites.

"Zeng Long, I hope I haven't disturbed your enjoyment?" Teng Ao greeted Zeng Long with a hearty smile. "I'm Teng Fei's older brother, Teng Ao, and also the owner of this Yue Ting Yuan restaurant. I heard that my younger brother and his classmates were having a gathering here, so I came to offer a toast."

He not only clinked glasses with Zeng Long, but also warmly interacted with all the students present, speaking politely and making everyone feel comfortable. Finally, in front of everyone, he said to Zeng Long and the students:

"Tonight's meal is on me! Everyone, please enjoy yourselves. All expenses will be on my tab!" The words were not loud, but they clearly echoed throughout the private room, giving Zeng Long ample face and demonstrating the Teng family's strength and attitude.

Immediately afterwards, several more groups of young people from the entertainment industry, who had received the news and wanted to get closer to Zeng Long, came in to offer him a toast.

Although it was just a brief exchange of pleasantries, it was enough to leave the students from the Economics Department Class 2 speechless.

They watched as Zeng Long calmly dealt with these powerful "big shots," their eyes overflowing with admiration and envy.

Zeng Long's image became increasingly mysterious and towering in their minds.

After the private room returned to calm, Zeng Long took a deep breath and looked at Zeng Lingyu beside him with complicated emotions.

He hesitated for a moment, but finally spoke softly, his voice slightly hoarse: "Thank you... Xiaoyu."

This "thank you" is not only for Teng Ao's free meal tonight, but also for Zeng Lingyu's silent and selfless dedication and support all along.

And this word "light rain" carries far more weight than any polite remark.

Upon hearing this address, Zeng Lingyu trembled slightly, and her eyes instantly reddened.

She suppressed her surging emotions, looked at Zeng Long, her voice trembling slightly, yet filled with utmost sincerity:

"You call me Xiaoyu... then I'll call you Brother Long from now on, okay? These are all small things, as long as... as long as you're happy, Brother Long, I'll be happier than anything else."

These words, brimming with affection, struck Zeng Long's frozen heart like a heavy hammer, instantly cracking the once-solid defenses.

He gazed at the face that was very likely related to him by blood, a face that was on the verge of tears yet forced a smile, and a mixture of indescribable bitterness and warmth welled up in his heart.

This scene was observed by Yan Rugo, who remained calm and observant throughout.

Her heart trembled violently, and the scattered clues in her mind—the Zeng family's unusual emphasis, Zeng Lingyu's extraordinary concern, the resemblance between Zeng Long and Zeng Sheng, and this almost "recognition" conversation and exchange of glances...

It was as if they were instantly connected by an invisible thread. A startling guess was about to emerge! She felt as if she had finally touched the edge of the truth, and her heart was racing uncontrollably.

Beneath the surface of this banquet's merriment, undercurrents are surging, and the core secret is being revealed little by little.