Hidden truth, intricate love

The autumn sun streamed through the exhibition hall's vast glass dome, casting a soft golden glow throughout the hall. The venue was bustling with activity, a grand cultural event bringing together exhibitors, business representatives, scholars, and government officials from around the world. The gentle music of the guqin echoed in a corner of the hall, while calligraphers painted with brush and tea masters demonstrated the elegant process of brewing tea, attracting countless visitors.

Lin Yue and Li Hao walked side by side into the exhibition hall, their steps crisp and powerful, with a hint of the nervousness of entering a new battlefield. This exhibition was crucial to their rural cultural projects, and both knew that if they could connect with the right partners here, it would be a huge boost to their projects.

Lin Yue flipped through the exhibition schedule and whispered to Li Hao, "We don't have much time today, so we need to focus on the key points. Let's first visit those influential companies and try to get some cooperation intentions. We can discuss the specific plan in detail later."

Li Hao nodded. He was a gentle person and always good at cooperating with Lin Yue's plans. "Okay, let's split up. If everything goes well, we can meet the organizer this afternoon."

The exhibition hall was bustling with activity, with exhibitors milling about the various booths. The calligraphy and painting stalls were crowded, while the handicraft displays attracted numerous media photographers. The two walked together, occasionally stopping to chat with booth staff, exchange business cards, and note potential partners.

The atmosphere in the exhibition hall was busy and professional, but beneath this calm surface, fate had quietly arranged an unexpected reunion for them.

Just as Lin Yue and Li Hao were about to head to the next booth, a clear voice came from behind them: "Li Hao? Is that really you?"

The voice was especially clear in the noisy hall, carrying an inexplicable joy. Li Hao paused for a moment and turned around. He saw a figure approaching from the crowd—a woman in an off-white dress, her long hair cascading like a waterfall, her face beaming with a brilliant smile.

"Chen Wan?" Li Hao's expression gradually changed from surprise to familiarity and politeness.

Chen Wan stood in front of the two of them, raised her chin slightly, her eyes sparkling: "Long time no see! How many years have we not seen each other? I didn't expect to run into you here."

Her voice carried a hint of the familiarity of a long-lost reunion, like long-lost friends meeting again, and the affection in her eyes, never hidden, was clearly visible.

Lin Yue stood aside, her brows furrowed slightly, but she maintained a professional smile. She didn't like the feeling of being ignored, and Chen Wan's enthusiasm was clearly for Li Hao.

"Chen Wan, why are you here?" Li Hao was a little surprised, but still maintained a polite smile.

"I currently work in a cultural promotion organization, and I am responsible for the curatorial part of this exhibition." Chen Wan's face was full of confidence, and there was a hint of pride in her tone.

Lin Yue secretly observed the woman in front of him. Her words and actions seemed natural and easygoing, but her undisguised intimacy and gentleness had clearly crossed the line between "ordinary classmates."

"Li Hao, what are you busy with now? We haven't been in touch since graduation from college. I thought you went abroad." Chen Wan asked with a smile, a hint of regret in her eyes.

"No, I have been developing in China. Now I am mainly responsible for rural revitalization and cultural promotion." Li Hao spoke in a gentle tone, trying to maintain a just right sense of distance.

Lin Yue felt that something was wrong with Chen Wan's attitude. She smiled slightly and interrupted quietly, "Hello, I'm Lin Yue, and I'm in charge of the rural cultural project with Li Hao."

Chen Wan then turned her gaze to Lin Yue, her smile a little perfunctory: "Oh, hello." There was a hint of coldness in her tone, as if Lin Yue was just a supporting role not worth caring about.

Lin Yue was unhappy, but still maintained a polite smile.

Chen Wan's attention quickly returned to Li Hao: "Li Hao, since we meet by chance, why don't we have dinner together tonight? It's been a long time since we last met, and I have a lot to talk to you about."

Her tone was natural and intimate, as if she was unaware of Lin Yue's existence, or rather, deliberately ignoring her.

Lin Yue's eyes were slightly cold, but a faint smile still hung on her face: "I'm sorry, Li Hao already has plans tonight. We need to discuss the details of the project cooperation with the organizer, so I'm afraid we don't have time."

Chen Wan was stunned for a moment, then she smiled again: "Oh, is that so... Then let's do it another day." Although her tone was soft, a hint of loss flashed in her eyes.

Li Hao noticed the atmosphere was a little awkward, and quickly tried to smooth things over with a smile: "Yeah, I've been pretty busy with work lately. Let's get together again when we have time."

Chen Wan smiled and said, "Okay, but don't forget to contact me. I still have your WeChat." After that, she waved her hand gently and turned to leave.

Lin Yue watched her disappear into the crowd, a chill inexplicably rising in her heart. She knew this "old classmate" would never give up so easily.

The two walked to a corner of the exhibition hall, temporarily avoiding the clamor of the crowd. Lin Yue crossed his arms, tilted his head slightly to look at Li Hao, and said with a hint of teasing, "This classmate of yours seems to be very interested in you?"

Li Hao smiled bitterly and shook his head: "You think too much. She is just an old classmate, nothing special."

"Nothing special?" Lin Yue raised an eyebrow and snorted softly, "The way I look at her, she wants to swallow you up."

Li Hao felt a little helpless, but he knew arguing with Lin Yue would only make things worse. He tried to explain gently, "We all had a good relationship in college, but many people lost touch after graduation. She might just be missing those days."

Lin Yue glanced at him sideways. Although she was still a little unhappy, Li Hao's attitude somewhat eased her mood.

"I hope so." Lin Yue said lightly.

The exhibition continued, the hustle and bustle as usual. Lin Yue and Li Hao continued their work, but Lin Yue's mind was no longer at peace. She kept an eye on Chen Wan, silently warning herself: This woman has serious intentions, and I will never let her succeed.

Although Li Hao seemed unconcerned with Chen Wan's behavior, Lin Yue understood that some feelings would not fade away with the passage of time. Facing Chen Wan's relentless pressure, she had to be more cautious.