The private booth, usually closed to the public, exuded an elegant, traditional atmosphere.

Its design mirrored the distinctive style of the Hongyan Restaurant, prompting Ye Chen to admire He Wan'an's refined taste.

"Ye Chen, can you tell us your story?"

As soon as they sat down, Teacher Gao couldn't hold back his curiosity.

The other teachers also gazed at Ye Chen, eager to hear his tale.

Ye Chen chuckled wryly. "There's not much to tell. In those years, I was indeed lost in my own world, spiraling downwards. I almost ruined everything – nearly lost my family. That's why I didn't reach out to you. Fortunately, after hitting rock bottom, I managed to turn things around. I made some investments and earned a decent fortune. Now my wife and I are starting over with a new business."

"What about the chairman of Wan'an Group? How did that happen? How did you meet such a business giant?" Teacher Chen jumped in curiously.

"It's quite a coincidence. I unintentionally helped He Wan'an out of a tight spot once. It resolved a significant crisis for them, and he's been grateful ever since," Ye Chen explained with a smile.

"No wonder!"

The teachers sighed in relief.

Teacher Chen laughed. "We almost thought you had risen so quickly in the business world that even the chairman of Wan'an Group had to answer to you. If that were the case, we'd be terrified!"

Ye Chen teased, "What? Teacher Chen, you don't want me to climb the ranks of the business elite?"

"You brat! Don't twist my words!" Teacher Chen scolded with a smile. "It's not that we don't want you to succeed. We're just worried about how fast you get there. In any field, success comes step by step. If you achieved that kind of success overnight, it might not be a good thing. We're looking out for you!"

Ye Chen felt warmth surge through him, knowing the teachers' care was sincere and heartfelt.

Despite the years and his self-destructive path, their concern never wavered.

That alone was something Ye Chen felt deeply grateful for.

Not to mention, earlier, Teacher Gao had downed a full glass of wine to protect him. Ye Chen knew that Teacher Gao couldn't handle alcohol well.

"Let's not dwell on the past," Teacher Gao said with a sigh. "As long as you're on the right path now, that's all that matters. It's not about how much money you make or whether you become famous. As long as you live with a clear conscience, that's enough for us. Of course, if you achieve great things, we'll be proud of you."

"Honestly, Ye Chen, since the day I became your homeroom teacher, I've genuinely liked you. Sure, you had your flaws, but your morals were sound, and you were kind and smart. I've taught countless students, but you were unique. I even saw you as half a son. Knowing your background, I truly hoped you could turn your life around one day. But now... I just hope you can live a peaceful life."

"Come on, Gao, don't act like you're the only one who cares about him. We all feel the same!" Teacher Yan chimed in with a laugh. "I still have a photo of us together on my desk at home. My daughter always asks to meet 'Brother Ye Chen'!"

"Ye Chen, don't listen to him," Teacher Huang added. "I believe you have a bright future ahead. Just stay away from anything illegal. I want to see you thrive and make those who doubted you regret it!"

The teachers' banter brought tears to Ye Chen's eyes.

He knew that, at first, their concern stemmed from pity for his circumstances. But over time, it turned into genuine affection. They treated him like family, and he felt it deeply.

"Teachers, rest assured. I won't let you down," Ye Chen promised, his voice trembling with emotion. "I feel incredibly lucky to have had you in my life. Your kindness extended far beyond those three years of high school. It's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life."

Hearing Ye Chen call himself lucky, the teachers exchanged glances, blinking away their own emotions.

They knew how hard life had been for Ye Chen – living alone in a shabby house, hauling bricks at construction sites during holidays, battling illness and injury in silence.

Was that really luck?

Compared to his struggles, the warmth they offered seemed insignificant.

As they reflected on the past, the dishes arrived, and Ye Chen quickly shifted the conversation to lighter topics, dissolving the somber mood into laughter.

Without alcohol, they enjoyed tea and food, savoring the long-overdue reunion.

Before they knew it, it was already past ten.

Teacher Gao glanced at his watch and exclaimed, "It's already after ten!"

The other teachers were equally surprised.

"Ye Chen, I'd better head home, or my wife won't let me off the hook. I'll call you once I wrap things up. Come over for dinner – my wife will cook your favorite dishes!" Teacher Gao said, standing up.

"Of course. Oh, by the way, Teacher Gao, have you been getting regular checkups?" Ye Chen asked suddenly.

In his past life, Teacher Gao's health had deteriorated because he avoided medical checkups, missing the early warning signs.

"Checkups? No, I'm perfectly healthy. Don't worry about me!" Teacher Gao waved it off.

"Teacher Gao, even if you feel fine, you should at least get checked every three months!" Ye Chen insisted, his tone serious.

"You sound just like an expert," Teacher Gao chuckled. "Fine, I'll go with them next time."

"Promise me, all of you – regular checkups!" Ye Chen urged, addressing all the teachers.

The teachers laughed and agreed.

"Alright, time to head home," Teacher Gao said, patting Ye Chen on the shoulder.

As Ye Chen escorted them downstairs, two figures paced nervously outside the hotel, lighting cigarette after cigarette – but Ye Chen and the teachers were nowhere in sight.