“My goodness! What kind of divine—erm—luxury club is this?”
“I thought university clubs were always poor. The school barely gives any funding, and students have to go out and beg for sponsorship themselves.”
“Every small event scrimped to the bone. You’d split a single person in half to save resources. In short, college clubs are traps, you only realize how deep after you fall in.”
“Million-yuan magazine, hiring famous performers, building their own runway and even a golf course? If you didn’t know better, you’d think they were starting some big enterprise, turns out it’s just a club?”
“Maybe rich people’s happiness really is just this simple and unpretentious.”
“I’m such a peasant, I don’t deserve this [smile].”
“Excuse me, are Ming University’s young masters and ladies still looking for followers?”
“I heard students at Ming University can freely join any club without paying fees…”
“Two minutes! I’m transferring to Ming University!”
“Heh, a so-called ‘dodo’ university, but with some filthy rich students. Everyone just goes nuts over it, this generation of Huaxia is doomed.”
“Those talking about transferring probably go to schools worse than Ming University in real life. Never seen students from top universities aspire to a dodo school? That’s the difference.”
“Everyone calls it a ‘dodo’ university, but the people upstairs aren’t much better either.”
“No, you’re wrong. I’m a freshman at Capital University of Finance and Economics, and I’m super envious of Ming University students. Not only do they win in military drills, they also participate in so many high-quality clubs.”
“A freshman at Trade University checking in, I’m jealous of Ming University too. Rich and they have Goddess Yue.”
“Looks like both Finance and Trade have spoken, so I, a Q University student, won’t hide either. If you haven’t eaten at Ming University’s cafeteria, you’re definitely not from the main campus.”
“Only Q University students truly know how amazing Ming University’s swimming pool, basketball court, and gym are!”
“Ming University may rank low, everyone knows that nationwide, but yes, they really are rich.”
“So what if it’s a dodo school? At least it’s a golden dodo!”
“Is it really so hard to admit they’re rich?”
“Such sour grapes! Can’t have the grapes, so you call them sour. Too funny.”
Public opinion had escalated from the clubs to the school itself. As Director Li said—
“In over twenty years, Ming University has never been this noticed by outsiders.”
Though opinions were mixed, the heat increased, and along with it, the university’s visibility rose steadily.
According to search indices on major websites over the past three days, “Qi Ming University” consistently ranked in the top three.
Ming University – President’s Office
Jiang Fuyue set down her iPad, the screen frozen on her Weibo homepage, filled with posts about Ming University.
“So far, the results seem okay.”
Compared to her calm, composed demeanor, Xiao Shan was much more expressive.
His eyes shone, and he rubbed his hands together in excitement. “Luckily, the public opinion was redirected in time, and Ming University gained exposure, it’s a blessing in disguise.”
Here, one cannot ignore the ferocious combat power of the “Yue Army.”
Xiao Shan even suspected that Jiang Fuyue might have turned things to her advantage: while taking the spotlight herself, she simultaneously propelled Ming University into the forefront, back into public attention.
Terrifying.
Controlling the clouds and rain, seeing ten steps ahead with every move—how calculating must such a person be? How skilled at strategy?
Xiao Shan twitched, suddenly meeting Jiang Fuyue’s gaze. In that instant, he felt his scalp tingle and the back of his neck grow cold.
Jiang Fuyue raised an eyebrow. “Something wrong?”
Xiao Shan’s lips moved, but no sound came out.
After a long moment, he shook his head slowly. “…Nothing.”
Jiang Fuyue didn’t press further, standing. “I’m heading back to the lab.”
“…Okay.” Xiao Shan watched her leave.
After a while, he finally exhaled lightly.
A knock at the door interrupted him. He looked up, and the next second, eyes wide in surprise: “It’s you? Please, come in…”
No wonder Xiao Shan had lost his composure, the visitor was Shen Wenzhao, Professor Shen!
This was a top academic, on the same level as Xu Kaiqing, a heavyweight in the scholarly world.
Shen Wenzhao entered smiling. “Principal Xiao, busy?”
Xiao Shan quickly stood. “Not at all. Please, have a seat.”
“Thank you.”
Once the elder was seated, Xiao Shan followed, exchanging pleasantries. “What brings you here? Anything I can help with?”
“Principal Xiao, you’re too polite. I saw that Ming University is recruiting teaching staff on their website?”
Xiao Shan nodded. “Yes, they just posted last week.”
“Have they hired anyone yet?”
Shan shook his head. “Schools select teachers, but teachers also select schools. Ming University…”
He sighed lightly.
For nearly twenty years, Ming University’s reputation had collapsed so completely that the label “dodo school” stuck. Even with Jiang Fuyue’s efforts, which had initially shown results, prejudice ran deep.
Everything needed time to prove itself.
In the short term, attracting high-quality faculty would be difficult.
Luckily, Xiao Shan had anticipated this outcome. Not disappointed, but inevitably a bit melancholy.
He knew Ming University was improving day by day, but outside stereotypes persisted.
Shen Wenzhao asked, “But I heard you’ve recruited a lot of professors from Q University? Even Old Xu is teaching?”
“Cough…” Xiao Shan lightly coughed, glancing at the elder’s still-smiling face. Calmly, he said: “They’re just teaching courses. Their employment is still with Q University, they technically aren’t Ming University staff.”
Xiao Shan had wanted to tackle both at once: first, secure the Q University professors to teach; then, hire a proper Ming University faculty team.
The first step went smoothly, but the second…
“Haste makes waste. I understand.” Xiao Shan exhaled lightly, smiling again. “Slowly, it’ll all work out.”
Shen Wenzhao nodded. “I appreciate your calm and steady approach.”
Xiao Shan smiled wryly and waved his hand.
Suddenly—
“Principal Xiao, what do you think of me?”
Xiao Shan froze. “You?”
Shen Wenzhao still smiling: “I’m here to teach at Ming University, what do you say?”
A huge gift fell from the sky with a clatter, and Xiao Shan was stunned.
After a moment, he realized: “Of course! We would be thrilled!”
“Since you’d be welcomed, and others have been contacted, why skip me?” the elder feigned anger.
Xiao Shan, awkward, didn’t know where to put his hands, and sheepishly said: “It’s just that… we feared your status was too high to invite… cough! At least we have some self-awareness.”
On the recruitment list, Xiao Shan had deliberately skipped the top-tier candidates, Shen Wenzhao was among them.
“What about Old Xu? Isn’t his status high?”
Xiao Shan embarrassed: “The key point… Old Xu wasn’t invited by me…”
“Oh?” Shen raised an eyebrow. “Then who? Quite a face to invite over.”
“This…” Xiao Shan hesitated.
“Fine, I’m here to find a side job anyway, so I won’t make it difficult. Principal Xiao, do you accept me or not?”
“Yes! Of course!”
Xiao Shan immediately pulled out a contract, and they signed on the spot.
When sending Shen Wenzhao off, Xiao Shan handed him a magazine from the table, expression slightly awkward: “This is Ming University’s own fashion magazine. Pretty interesting, you should take a look if you have time.”
Shen Wenzhao was puzzled. A fashion magazine? Him, looking at a little girls’ magazine?
Still, he didn’t show it, smiled, accepted it politely, and thanked Xiao Shan.
Back at Q University, he tossed the magazine onto his desk, ignoring it.
Then he proudly went to Xu Kaiqing’s office. “In a few days, I’m also teaching at Ming University.”
Xu Kaiqing froze, looking suspicious. “You?”
“What? Not allowed?”
“Why do you suddenly want to teach at Ming University? Xiao Shan invited you?”
Shen Wenzhao’s eyes twinkled—no, he had gone on his own initiative, but he couldn’t say that outright. Embarrassing.
He hummed softly: “You went, why can’t I?”
Xu Kaiqing shrugged: “Of course, Ming University isn’t mine.”
He was just curious, he went because Jiang Fuyue invited him; but why did Old Shen go on his own?
Shen Wenzhao strutted off, satisfied, even happily scheduling to teach together with Xu Kaiqing next week, plus, snagging two cafeteria vouchers.
Reason: “Consider it borrowed. I’ll return them once Ming University issues theirs.”
Xu Kaiqing: “…Alright. As long as you’re happy.”
Back in his office, Shen Wenzhao cheerfully brewed tea. Before he could take more than a sip, his phone rang.
He checked the caller ID, a string of international encrypted numbers, with the region hidden. He guessed who it was and quickly answered:
“Ah Yuan?”
“Teacher, it’s me. I need your help with a problem…”
Shen Wenzhao’s expression instantly hardened.
Xie Dingyuan was at the F Continent research base, with all signals blocked, contacting the outside world was strictly forbidden.
If he could reach Shen’s phone, it meant something urgent had happened.
“Go on… alright, I roughly understand. Send all the data packaged via encrypted email, I’ll handle it immediately!”
After hanging up, Shen Wenzhao immediately opened his computer and logged into his email.
Less than two minutes later, an email arrived.
He used the decryption procedure in reverse to open it, and a large amount of data appeared on the screen. Shen Wenzhao grabbed a scr*p of paper and began calculating.
Half an hour later, he finally exhaled, putting down his pen.
During the wait, he double-checked everything, confirmed correct.
Then, his phone rang again. Same number. Xie Dingyuan was calling right on schedule.
“Teacher, how’s it going?”
“I wrote the processing steps on paper. How should I send it to you?”
“Take a photo, send it via WeChat.”
“Alright.”
Shen Wenzhao didn’t ask further. He spread the paper flat on the table, opened the camera, and snapped three photos in a row, sending them over.
On the other end, Xie Dingyuan quickly replied: [Received]
Shen Wenzhao’s tense nerves slowly relaxed.
Just then, Xie Dingyuan sent two more messages. Shen Wenzhao sat up straight, his first thought: had he made a mistake in one of the steps?
However—
Xie Dingyuan: “Teacher, what is this? Can you take a clearer picture?”
Xie Dingyuan: [image]
Shen Wenzhao zoomed in on the image. It was one of the three he had sent. In the top-left corner, a red circle had been drawn.
Because it wasn’t focused properly, the image was blurry. Only the female model’s facial features on the cover could be vaguely distinguished.
Yes, the circled area was exactly the magazine Shen Wenzhao was casually handed over.
He was puzzled, but fearing Xie Dingyuan didn’t have enough time, he didn’t ask. Instead, he took out his phone, aimed at the magazine cover, and took a new photo to send over.
This one was very clear.
Not bad—the girl was quite striking, with a strong aura.
Xie Dingyuan: [Received. Thank you, Teacher.]
……
F Continent, Su Weitan Military Base
After receiving Shen Wenzhao’s photo, Xie Dingyuan immediately followed the steps to carry out special processing on the virus.
With layers of protective gloves, he reached into the isolation box and used a micro-processor to isolate the virus.
Time ticked by, everyone watching the enlarged screen tensely.
Even their breathing was careful, afraid that a single mistake would ruin everything.
Finally—
“Success!”
“Quick, send it to the incubator immediately!”
The researchers moved forward, taking over the remaining steps with practiced efficiency.
Xie Dingyuan was sent to the decontamination pool. After multiple steps, he removed his protective suit and exited the lab.
Kaza waited outside, smoking, brows tense with worry.
But the moment he saw Xie Dingyuan, all tension vanished, replaced by relief: “Yes! I knew it!”
He clenched his fist and struck Xie Dingyuan’s shoulder with excitement.
Xie Dingyuan gave him a cold glance. Instinctively, Kaza softened his force, and the tap landed lightly on his shoulder.
“Tough day, want one?” Kaza offered a cigarette.
“No.”
Xie Dingyuan shrugged, not insisting.
It was as if he already knew Xie Dingyuan didn’t smoke.
“Come on, let’s eat. You’ve been hungry for almost twelve hours, you’ve got stamina, I’ll give you that…”
After the meal, Xie Dingyuan sat on the base’s fort wall, the wind blowing sand across his face, unfazed. The sunset blazed across the horizon, the distant desert golden.
He held his phone, scrolling, paying no attention to the harsh wind.
“Hey—” Kaza came over, tapping his shoulder. “Why aren’t you resting? What are you doing just sitting here?”
Xie Dingyuan calmly lowered the screen. “Not sleepy yet.”
“Tch, there’s no signal in the base. The encrypted channel changes after you use it. Your phone is just a brick now. What’s there to look at?”
Xie Dingyuan: “None of your business.”
Kaza’s eyes darted. “Bro, don’t tell me you’re bored enough to hide and play some puzzle game alone?”
Xie Dingyuan’s mouth twitched, ignoring him.
Kaza grew more curious. Convinced he was playing some childish game, he suddenly snatched the phone.
As a professionally trained special forces soldier, his reflexes and speed were excellent.
Xie Dingyuan had no time to react. The phone was gone.
“Ha! Got you! How old are you and still playing kid’s games—” Uh!
His words cut off abruptly.
Kaza stared at the screen, dumbfounded and a bit silly.
It was a fashion magazine, the top center of the page boldly printed with “Fashion” in stylized font.
Yet the most striking thing wasn’t the title, it was the model, nearly filling the entire page.
The girl wore a black dress, her long hair pinned up, adorned with a diamond crown.
The diamonds sparkled brilliantly under the camera.
They contrasted beautifully with her delicate collarbones.
But what was truly breathtaking wasn’t these, it was her gaze. Looking at the camera, frank and honest, yet deep within, pride and aloofness lurked.
She exuded a mysterious, noble aura.
“Wow, this is an Eastern beauty? Looks like a queen!”
Xie Dingyuan’s expression had darkened the instant Kaza grabbed the phone. Hearing him comment on Jiang Fuyue, his eyes sharpened, piercing.
When Kaza wasn’t looking, he snatched the phone back and warned: “No next time!”
“Come on, don’t be so petty. I just looked at your phone, didn’t break anything!” Kaza felt wronged and slightly aggrieved.
Xie Dingyuan ignored him, pocketed the phone, and walked off.
Kaza pursed his lips, the image of the beautiful girl from the magazine flashing in his mind: truly stunning, the kind of charm that captivates and sparks imagination.
“Bro—wait—” Kaza chased after him. “Good things are meant to be shared. Send me that photo too!”
Xie Dingyuan paused, expression cold, and turned to him: “What did you say?”
“That photo, I really like it. Can you send it to me? It’s just a magazine cover model, meant to be seen by everyone. You shouldn’t mind. We’re all friends, right? Should be…”
“I mind.”
“Ah?” Kaza froze.
“I said,” Xie Dingyuan enunciated each word, “I mind. I mind a lot. Next time you make this kind of request, I see you once, I’ll hit you once.”
He strode away, his back radiating anger.
Kaza was utterly baffled.
“This isn’t your girlfriend, why do you care?”
“Also, what request did I make? Why are you making it sound like I committed some heinous crime?”
Most importantly—
“Do you think you can take me on?!”
Xie Dingyuan didn’t look back, his cold voice reaching Kaza’s ears:
“She is.”
This isn’t your girlfriend, why do you care?
She is.
Want to show your support? Go donate at Paypal or Ko-fi to show your appreciation! :)
