The Secretly Rich Man

Gerald Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter 561

“Lolita?” said Gerald as he couldn’t help but smile.

He treated the girl like a younger sister. Lolita grew up with both Gerald and Xeno. She was also somewhat related to Xeno’s family.

Unlike Gerald and Xeno, Lolita had a pretty good family background. Her family owned a shop in town, specializing in making cakes and snacks. Because of that, she usually lived in town, rarely ever coming home.

Since Gerald and Xeno were still paupers who couldn’t even afford any good clothes back then, Lolita rarely played with both of them.

She didn’t talk to them much either, even though they were all classmates from the same elementary school. In short, there wasn’t much interaction between the two boys and her at all. One could say that it was similar to Gerald’s relationship with Queeny.

Unlike Queeny, however, they started interacting and forming a friendship late in junior high school.

In their first and second grade, Lolita coincidentally continued to share the same class with Gerald and Xeno. Even then, both parties still rarely interacted.

Things changed, however, when they were in their third grade.

Lolita had gotten into a fight with another girl then, and it was a huge one.

After school that day, Lolita’s way home was blocked by several ruffians from the same grade. The girl had ordered them to give Lolita some trouble to teach her a lesson.

However, Gerald and Xeno had seen what they were up to, and they led Lolita away from them.

Though Gerald was still a nobody back then, Xeno was famous for his fights at school.

When the group of ruffians saw him, they didn’t dare to do anything to the trio. In short, they had saved Lolita from a world of trouble that day.

From that day onwards, Lolita treated both Gerald and Xeno nicely, and they became friends just like that.

She would always secretly buy cigarettes for Xeno. As for Gerald, she would bring him cakes and pastries.

When they reached the age of high school, Lolita found that she had been admitted into the Third High School. It was considered to be the worst high school in the county.

Since none of them had cell phones when they were in high school, they couldn’t keep in constant contact with each other. They would only get a chance to get together and chat during New Year.

“When did you get back? Why didn’t you send me a text message or something?” complained Lolita.

“I’ve just been back for a few days! I’ve been wandering around town and the county. To be honest, I was just about to ask Xeno for your phone number!” replied Gerald as he smiled.

He wasn’t lying about that either. After all, he was planning to invite her over to celebrate his birthday with him too.

“Humph! Well at least you haven’t forgotten about me yet! By the way, aren’t you up to date with the messages in our junior high school class group chat? …Actually, wait. I don’t think you’re in it. But either way, today’s Chase’s birthday! He’s said that he wanted all our old classmates to get together since we haven’t met each other in such a long time.”

“Since he was going to host a birthday celebration anyway, he decided to make it a class gathering as well to kill two birds with one stone! Even our junior high school class teacher and English teacher will be attending today. Will you join us?” asked Lolita.

“Mr. Weiss will be attending as well? Hasn’t he already retired this year?” asked Gerald as he tried to recall who Chase was.

Though he had trouble remembering who the classmate was, Gerald could easily remember his class teacher, Mr. Carson Weiss. In fact, the memory of his teacher was very clear.

Mr. Weiss had been a particularly kind teacher who taught him the Weston dialect.

Back then, Gerald had a very difficult time at home and he couldn’t even afford to pay for his own textbooks. Mr. Weiss had always been there to help him, even going so far as to pay for Gerald’s textbook with his own money.

Gerald could still remember those scenes clearly in his mind.

In his first two years of university, Gerald would live a frugal lifestyle just so that he could save up some money. When he returned to his hometown for the New Year’s, regardless of how expensive it was, he would always bring some gifts with him whenever he visited Mr. Weiss. In the past two years, however, Gerald found it hard to even afford to pay for his own tuition fees. He was in such a destitute state back then that he couldn’t even visit Mr. Weiss at all.

“I heard that Mr. Weiss fell critically ill last year… Is he doing alright now?” asked Gerald.

“He’s recovered from that a long time ago. How else could he possibly have agreed to attend Chase’s birthday celebration today?”

“Actually, stop asking so many questions! You’ll be able to ask him personally when you meet him face to face later! He’s always thought very highly of you and Xeno, even from back then! He’ll definitely be very pleased to see you today. Though we’ve arranged to meet up at eight, you can bet that Mr. Weiss will definitely come earlier than that just so that he can chat more with us!”

“That’s great to hear! However, I don’t think I’ll be able to participate in the gathering,” said Gerald somewhat embarrassedly.

Gerald Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter 562

“Oh? Are you busy or something? Oh! Don’t worry, it’ll be Chase’s treat today! Even if we have to settle our own bills, I’ll back you up, alright?” said Lolita as she assumed Gerald’s worries.

Naturally, it wasn’t about monetary issues. It was just that Gerald still had to celebrate his own birthday today!

Even if Gerald turned her invitation down, it wouldn’t matter much to Lolita. However, since he now knew that Mr. Weiss would be attending as well, he couldn’t help but feel like he would be letting his ex-teacher down if he didn’t join the gathering.

“No, it’s not about the money… In all honesty, I was originally planning to invite you to celebrate my birthday with me today! But since you’ve mentioned Mr. Weiss, how about this? I’ll just go along with you to have a brief chat with him. After that, I’ll return and get back to my own celebration!” replied Gerald.

“…Oh? It’s your birthday today? Well this is embarrassing! Alright, I think your plan sounds good. We’ll go there, have a chat with Mr. Weiss and the rest of our classmates, then we’ll leave together and celebrate your birthday! What about Xeno? Have you already invited him?” asked Lolita.

“I have, but he’s told me that he can only come over at noon. His business is still new after all, and he hasn’t had the time to hire more employees yet. He has to deal with so many things!”

“Alright! And yeah, he’s really impressive now! Though my dad used to look down on his family, he personally brought some gifts over to them yesterday!” replied Lolita, slightly enviously.

Gerald simply nodded without adding anything to that.

By the time their plans were finalized, it was nearing eight o’clock.

Both of them then rushed to the designated restaurant in town. Since Gerald lived in the main village, the main street in town was within walking distance.

Meanwhile, several of their former junior high classmates were already at the restaurant’s entrance.

They were all gathered together as they chatted among themselves. After all, wasn’t this the purpose of all class reunions? Meetings like these would always be very cordial.

The contents of their conversations mostly regarded their current status quos as well as ample reminiscing of their shared pasts.

“Look there! Lolita’s here!” said a few classmates as they pointed toward her and Gerald.

“…Huh? That’s Gerald right? Well d*mn! I didn’t think that he’d be here today!”

“Hahaha! I know right? I thought he had already disappeared off the face of the earth. Nobody would have expected to see him here today!”

“You know, I heard some news that Gerald lived a miserable life in university. He was even struggling to pay for his own tuition fees! Another friend of mine told me that when he was having a meal with his own friend in Mayberry City, he saw Gerald washing the dishes in the kitchen! It was too embarrassing for him to even go up to Gerald and say hello!”

“Heh, he’s always been poor after all. He doesn’t really have a choice but to take on any jobs he can find!”

When everyone saw Gerald, he immediately became the main topic of their conversations and they simply laughed.

Within the group, one of the girls clearly stood out among her other classmates due to her outstanding temperament. She was just chatting with her friends when she heard Gerald’s name being mentioned.

She immediately felt goosebumps on her skin as she blushed and turned to look at Gerald who was still walking over.

“Hehe… You used to be in a relationship with Gerald, right Sherry? Don’t even try to deny that both of you used to date!” said one of the girls as she covered her mouth with a hand, trying not to laugh.

“Don’t go spouting nonsense! When were we ever in a relationship?” replied Sherry as her cheeks became as red as tomatoes.

“Both of you were definitely in a relationship at one point. I can still remember you exchanging letters with him! You used to be very close to Gerald!” added the same girl from before.

“That’s not true…!” replied Sherry in a softer tone.

“Sherry, don’t you remember why Xeno beat someone up…? Hehe… Anyway, let’s forget about that. Let’s just talk about something else!”

Realizing that she had almost stepped on a landmine, the girl quickly tried to change the topic as she stuck her tongue out rather awkwardly.

“By the way, are you still seeing the guy who tried to beat Gerald up back then?” asked another girl.

“We’ve stopped seeing each other a long time ago…” replied Sherry as she blushed.

After saying that, she turned to look at Gerald again. She hadn’t met him for the past six years.

Gerald Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter 563

When Gerald was finally close enough, he started greeting the classmates who came over to say hello to him.

He also saw Sherry, and Gerald couldn’t help but feel slightly embarrassed as well.

After all, both of them had dated before in the past. Though they technically hadn’t truly dated, the relationship they shared back then was similar enough to dating.

In short, it had been quite an ambiguous relationship.

Sherry had also been the reason why Yale, the school bully, set his eyes on Gerald in the first place.

Everyone knew what happened next. In the end, Sherry got together with Yale.

Gerald had earlier wondered whether she would be here at the gathering as well.

It would be extremely awkward and embarrassing to meet her today. After all, he hated her. He hated her a lot.

Though Xeno and Gerald had done everything because of her, she still decided to be with their rival instead.

Xeno lost his opportunity to continue studying. And it was all because of her.

How couldn’t it be awkward for Gerald? He wasn’t even sure what kind of attitude he should show toward her at this point!

Even though they had been quite close to each other before that incident, both of them completely stopped talking to each other after it happened.

Should Gerald strive to take revenge on her?

it was her own choice to be with him in the end.

to settle the score, he should look

his mind up, he simply decided

to you at all! By the way, Sherry, doesn’t Gerald seem to have a pretty good temperament now? What more, he’s dressed so well now! He’s actually quite handsome!” said one

found herself fixing her own hair. She couldn’t help but feel slightly uncomfortable when she heard someone else

If he was truly living a better life now,

he is pretty handsome!” replied

and Miss Yahn are here!”

opened,

age of twenty-seven. She was equally mature, sexy, and beautiful. Bearing a very good temperament herself, the woman in question was Kristen Yang, their old English teacher from third

when she taught them, she had just graduated from university at the

she got along easily

Gerald simply gave a simple glance toward her. He

Mr. Weiss however, he immediately ran over to help

you! Why didn’t you come

face was immediately filled with joy. As he spoke, he held on

of both Gerald and Xeno in the

why he hadn’t been

Why’re you dressed so pretentiously?” said Kirsten as she skimmed a glance at

him and Gerald. Though Gerald hadn’t been directly involved with it, the friend of her enemy was also

was his own fault for being such

she would consistently make things difficult for both Xeno and Gerald who were simply paupers in

was also the reason why Gerald hadn’t planned to greet her earlier. After hearing her remark, he

broke the silence by saying, “Gerald, you’re an adult now so you can drink alcohol! Why don’t we use this opportunity? Accompany me and

“Mr. Weiss, wait…”

Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel

say something, he was promptly cut off by another person talking loudly. It was

a lot of face for attending!

walked over to both of them before

see Gerald so he simply greeted him

see that our class teacher is already here?”

soon as she stood beside him, Chase immediately

when they saw this,

was apparently in a relationship

it was only going to get more awkward the longer

couldn’t just leave now because Mr. Weiss was still holding on to

Weiss about it then,’ Gerald

everyone had entered the room, the classmates continued chatting among

topic shared by most of the conversations, was regarding the

be the one

had started working even before he finished high school. He had learned about

used his family’s wealth to buy himself two big trucks. Now, he’s started his own

of his peers in the county, he was definitely doing very well. It was no wonder why Sherry

a blessing for Sherry to be able to be together with Chase now. She must be enjoying the life of

I guess

of the classmates were talking

are you doing

have many notable interactions back in junior high, Chase was well aware of Gerald’s

hate toward his girlfriend’s ex, and this was exactly

Seeing

was looking at

doing my own business!” replied

Gerald’s actually started

female classmates immediately

running? Are you

is doing the same? Gerald, it’s not like we’re trying to put you down, but you should be more self-aware of yourself! Wouldn’t it be easier for someone like you to just look for a

bone with you or Xeno, but even though both of you have really good grades, the two of you are at the bottom of society! Do you know why? It’s because both of you have no connections. You even lack a proper family background!

her sentence as she

well now. He’s opened his own large automobile trading company, or at least that’s what I

really lucky since the Dream Investment Group decided to invest in his

Kristen heard this, she couldn’t help but

people will decide to withdraw their capital and investment! When that

which, Chase, didn’t you inform Xeno about the gathering today?” asked Mr. Weiss quickly to change the subject, sensing the awkwardness

don’t really keep in touch with him,” replied Chase as he put his

now, Chase! You’re actually not the only one celebrating your birthday today! You share the same

Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or

their birthday today too?” asked

as well! Going back to Xeno, when I told him about

their junior high classmates. Though he was a pretty honest and straightforward

he realized he wasn’t cut out for studying,

now looking at

d*mn! Why didn’t you tell us it was your birthday today too, Kirk?

too! Everyone, let’s add Kirk on WeChat so that

from one of their

I was your age, I had to prepare

Mr. Weiss! We can just send red envelopes to settle everything! From birthdays, to wedding celebrations!” replied the girls as

added you on WeChat, Kirk! Remember to

you so much, everyone! I really hadn’t expected my birthday

his classmates, Kirk was feeling extremely flattered. He kept thanking them over and

who else used to celebrate his birthday on the same day as Chase back in

Nobody really comes to

of the classmates

it’s Gerald! His birthday is today too! He’s always celebrated his birthday on the same day as

“Oh, so it’s Gerald!”

they now knew. However, nobody

going to be some activities in Fuenti later in the afternoon. Let’s go over there and have some fun! My dad said that it’s

heard too! Why don’t we all go there to enjoy

to agree with

do we have here? Oh, and Miss Yahn! You should come with us later in the afternoon too!

said that, a headcount was done and there

they found that one extra person

one person left and it really isn’t worth renting a cab just for a single person!” said one

saying, “If that’s the case, then Gerald shouldn’t join us. He has his business to attend to anyway, so if he comes along, we’ll only be stopping

think Gerald shouldn’t come along

of you go have your fun. Mr. Weiss, the only reason why I came here today was to meet you. I was originally planning to invite you over to my own birthday banquet today, but it seems that

Mr. Weiss who knew that everyone was ridiculing and making fun of

Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or

and she nodded before bidding farewell

here to visit Mr. Weiss? What a load

grudge against us just because we didn’t

It’s not that I don’t want to wish you a happy birthday through Line, but I really don’t want your number on my

“D*mn! Roasted!”

Laughing at him seemed to be their favorite

words. However, he decided to be the bigger person and just left with Lolita.

watched them leave. Throughout the gathering, she had been watching Gerald the entire time.

Did you hear what they said? Even Miss Yahn is still on to you! If I wasn’t this close to them I

your energy on them!” said Gerald as he

twenty minutes later, both of

birthday at home? Do you want me to cook for you? Just so you know, I’m pretty good at making noodles!” said

who had invited him to the gathering. She then continued, “Let’s just forget about them. Actually, since Xeno’s doing pretty well now, we could work under him and stick together!

indeed!” replied Gerald with a smile. “However, I won’t be celebrating my birthday at home. We’ll be

Springs? Real funny, Gerald. Someone’s already reserved the entire place! And I don’t just mean just the hotel!” said Lolita in a slight panic just thinking about it. “How could you even have managed to

Gerald didn’t understand why Zack reserved the entire place either. From what Gerald had expected, there wouldn’t be any more than thirty people attending his birthday celebration. However, Zack

“You’ll understand later. Now let’s go, it’s already eight! We have to hurry since

being serious? But how will we get there? Fuenti’s quite far away from here!” asked Lolita

there. I’ll drive it out and then we can go pick up

at the alley, Lolita was left

your car,

It’s a company car. You’ll be able to see mine in the hotel when we get there!” replied Gerald with a smile. He then

Man Novel (Invisible or

car as they headed for Fuenti. It took roughly around twenty minutes for them to arrive at Sunny

hadn’t expected to see such a huge crowd. Luxury cars continued to enter, one after another, and several hawkers had congregated at Sunny Springs’s entrance. After all, this was their prime opportunity to make a profit off the ever-growing

lively!’ Gerald thought

red carpet had been laid out from the entrance all the way to the hotel,

on such a grand scale. It didn’t even feel like the event

a reservation, Gerald? It’s impossible for me

Let’s just find a nice little diner to celebrate. Better yet, your momma could cook for us! It’s just so crowded here and the

that, we’ll still be celebrating

hide anymore. The celebration was made for him, and him alone. Just

Grandma? What are you doing here?” asked Francis when he saw

We could’ve told the employees to let them in. We only got

our leader. It’s not like we’re here for work, but could we even ask for something like that?

Gerald’s birthday. Speaking of which, where are your

here? This entire place is reserved!” said Francis as he glared

clueless—over despite knowing full well that the place had been fully reserved. It was as though Gerald only wanted to embarrass him in front

tone. All of a sudden, the entire family seemed to have gathered over to talk to

celebration being hosted

to expand their network. This

else? Gerald brought them here!” huffed Francis as

Have a good look around you! As if someone like you