Chapter 188: Chapter 188

Ni Ma was the most dumbfounded. She had just remarked how Su Malie didn’t mind inviting them to eat even with insects around, and then snidely commented on how finicky Jingshu’s household was. In the blink of an eye, Su Malie had metaphorically slapped her across the face—and in front of everyone, no less.

But what could they do? It was Su Malie who had invited everyone to eat, and the meal was expected to be extremely precious. Even if it was awkward, nobody could bring themselves to say they wouldn’t eat.

Zhang Lingling said with embarrassment, "Then, what should we do? We can’t get rid of these red earthworms."

Su Malie said, as if educating them, "Having insects on your body is a very unhygienic habit, you know. I absolutely despise insects! So, you must soak yourselves clean in my saltwater pool before coming out, okay? Alright, let’s go. Oh, and Jing Shu, don’t forget to bring your things."

And just like that, the matter with Zhou Dafu was put aside. After all, eating was the most important thing.

Just then, another gas-guzzling Hummer drove into the community. A man in a sealed raincoat got out and said to the driver, "You go park the car first."

Turning to Su Malie, he said, "Hey, dear Miss Mary, I’m here! Oh, and these are...?"

"Ah Yu, you’re here! Let me introduce you; these are all my high school classmates." Then, turning to her classmates, she said, "This is my friend, Ah Yu. Let’s go; everything inside should be ready." This text is hosted at NoveIꜰire.net

"Then let’s go," the man said indifferently, expressing neither disdain nor mockery. His attitude was more like someone ignoring ants...

Jing Shu went home, grabbed a potted plant, changed her clothes, and nonchalantly followed behind the group. She was actually quite curious about what Su Malie’s house was like. In her previous life, various reasons had prevented her from visiting, but she had no major regrets about it.

Everyone followed Su Malie in silence. They had been so excited about the meal that they were a little out of their minds. Now, looking at the situation, it was like a group of beggars going to a landlord’s house to scrounge for food and drink, while the landlord class constantly mocked them for how poor and uncouth they were...

But no matter what, they were still much better off than the crowd now gathering at the gates of Su Malie’s villa to watch the spectacle. Today, the government had arranged for a large group of new residents in the Banana District. Only this area was brightly lit and filled with music, creating a grand spectacle that attracted many residents to come and take a look.

Even in the apocalypse, the gates of Su Malie’s house were luxurious, grand, and impressive. Two rows of uniformed greeters stood at the entrance, each holding a clean, long bath towel on a tray—a sight that once again wowed the onlookers.

In front of the entrance was a three-meter-long channel pool, hastily dug overnight. It bubbled and steamed; compared to the makeshift pool at Jingshu’s house, this one was obviously much more upscale.

Su Malie and Ah Yu were the first to descend into the pool and walk through the channel. The red earthworms on their raincoats were gone. Greeters quickly presented towels to the two of them, and they dried their raincoats. Only then did Su Malie remove her raincoat, revealing a pink princess dress and dark, curly princess-style hair. She looked extremely cute.

Once he removed his raincoat, the man was revealed to have delicate features and a handsome face. He was dressed in a blue suit, looking very much like a gentleman.

"Everyone, make sure to wash off all the red earthworms in the pool before coming up, okay?" Su Malie instructed.

The group then descended into the pool. Since Su Malie had insisted, they definitely needed to wash thoroughly before daring to emerge. At this time, more guests began to arrive, some in energy vehicles, others in luxury cars, appearing in twos and threes.

Basically, everyone wore sealed raincoats, ensuring they were free of insects. Seeing the group earnestly washing in the pool, they couldn’t help but whisper among themselves. To be covered in so many insects, layer upon layer—it was utterly shameful!

"Were these people also invited by Su Malie? Why do they look so unkempt?"

"Yeah, I heard they’re high school classmates. They look so pitiful."

"Su Malie is still so naive. This is a trade fair, yet she invites just anyone into her home. What could *they* possibly offer that’s presentable?"

"Enough, let’s just keep our distance from them later. It’s not that we look down on them, but imagine if their insects jumped onto us. How disgusting would that be?"

"Shh, don’t let Su Malie hear you, or she’ll lecture you for half an hour. She’s very sentimental, you know."

Even Jing Shu found herself shaking her head at the harsh sarcasm. While some wealthy individuals possessed high moral character and wouldn’t gossip, most people were unwilling to befriend those with whom there was a vast disparity in status or power. Not only did they lack a common language, but their lifestyles were also entirely different.

One could only imagine how mortified those classmates still dealing with red earthworms in their private areas in the pool must have felt.

The feeling was exactly like being a guest in someone’s house where the host demands you wash your stinking feet, while a crowd of people watches you, disgusted by the smell.

However, regardless of the embarrassment, they finally washed themselves clean. They quickly emerged, accepted the dry towels, and comfortably dried themselves. After everyone stated their names, they were led inside.

Upon entering the villa and removing their raincoats, Jing Shu, dressed in casual clothes and holding two potted plants, followed the others. The villa was brightly lit everywhere, showing no trace of the apocalypse, which felt a bit dazzling to those accustomed to darkness.

The villa’s yard was vast. It seemed several villa courtyards had been connected to form a huge U-shaped banquet area. Two rows of tables were arranged linearly, each already set with appetizers and name cards. A waiter stood by every three seats.

Various items were displayed in the middle, and at the front, a large electronic screen listed the items for this trade and auction event.

Su Malie sat at the head table like an empress, microphone in hand. "Everyone, please find your seats according to your name cards! Don’t just sit anywhere. Su Malie’s Housewarming and Auction Event is about to begin!" The young lady was very excited.

"Wow, so much food! And it’s individual servings, one table per person. I thought it would be a large communal table where we’d use chopsticks to pick food. If that were the case, I’d definitely grab a few bowlfuls first and even take some home."

"How crude! That would be so unhygienic. Do you think those people would want to share a dish with you?"

The group felt like Grandma Liu touring the Grand View Garden, almost overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. It was hard to believe that, in the midst of the apocalypse, this place had no shortage of food. Simultaneously, they gained a more direct understanding of Su Malie for the first time.

They each found their assigned seats. Most of them were placed at the very back, but Jing Shu was seated in the foremost position on the lower left, right next to Su Malie. Given Su Malie’s apparent high regard for her, Jing Shu wondered, could it be because her Honeysuckle had saved Su Malie’s friend’s life...?

No, that couldn’t be right, Jing Shu thought. Just as she sat down, Su Malie covered her mouth and giggled foolishly at her. Looking at Jing Shu with a beaming smile, Su Malie said, "You’ve raised them so well! Now we get to watch him eat shit live on broadcast!"

"Look, Su Malie really does treat Jing Shu differently."

"Su Malie looks down on us just like everyone else."