Chapter 25
Lin Chuan: “??????”
Lin Chuan: “Why does it sound like she’s calling you?”
The school leaders’ eyes quickly followed Jiang Shangwan’s gaze and locked onto a figure. In the crowd stood a tall, slender figure who was calmly looking their way.
“That seems to be the top-performing student in our Finance Department,” the dean leaned over and whispered quietly to the president.
Everyone’s attention was drawn by that crisp and radiant voice. Gao Ming stared in disbelief—this woman with a personalized nameplate had to be their school’s distinguished investor. But… whose name had she just called???
Shi Yu was momentarily dazed, slightly stunned, but quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
“Hello, President Jiang. Hello, teachers.”
Jiang Shangwan smiled brightly as she introduced him: “This is a student I previously sponsored. He’s like a younger brother to me—we’re very close. I just happened to spot him and couldn’t help calling him over. He’s recently been working on a development project. The idea is quite innovative. I’m just wondering if he’s been slacking off in his studies while being so busy with it.”
“Oh?” The president nodded appreciatively.
“The School of Information Technology reached out to me a while ago,” the dean added. “They expressed a strong desire for Shi Yu to transfer over. Apparently, he’s been taking computer science courses as a minor and has already won two national awards. But our department hasn’t been willing to let him go—his performance in Finance is also outstanding.”
“From his first year up to junior year, he’s ranked first in GPA every year. Not only are his grades excellent, but his competition results are also remarkable.”
“Truly impressive.” The president smiled as he flipped through the list in his hand. Sure enough, Shi Yu’s name appeared at the very top of the scholarship recipients.
“Our Jiang University needs students like you to set a great example for all-around academic excellence. You’re doing very well.”
The group chatted and laughed, clearly familiar and at ease with one another. Far off in the crowd, Gao Ming was practically grinding his teeth to dust: How does he even know someone that powerful?
Jiang Group was the leading company in Jiangcheng. If he remembered correctly, this woman often appeared on financial news as a CEO.
“Go on, head back,” Jiang Shangwan gave Shi Yu a nod.
After Shi Yu sat down, Lin Chuan couldn’t hold back anymore. He leaned over and poked his arm excitedly: “You actually know her? Isn’t she the boss of Jiang Group? I’ve seen her at one of my mom’s dinner parties before!”
“Yeah,” Shi Yu said calmly. “She’s my immediate superior.”
Lin Chuan felt like something was off, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
The rest of the presentations and scholarship awards were just formalities. Jiang Shangwan was surrounded by people as she left the auditorium. The updo of her hair caught the light from the glass chandeliers above, reflecting a faint golden hue that gave her a gentle glow.
Jiang Yingting waited for her outside in a corner. “Phew—so slow. You finally finished the meeting.”
“Coward, shy,” Jiang Shangwan scolded her. “You didn’t even dare come in for the meeting. You weren’t here last time either.”
“I don’t want to make a big deal out of it. It’s so awkward,” Jiang Yingting mumbled, defending herself. “Even if I don’t attend, the teachers know me. I just don’t want to stand out too much among classmates. It’s annoying to be talked about all the time.”
Jiang Shangwan patted her head. “Let’s eat.”
—
“Isn’t that Shi Yu? I’ve always thought he’s really handsome.”
“Shi Yu is so close to the big boss?”
“I don’t know. He’s usually pretty low-key.”
He had just been the center of attention in front of everyone, and after the event, countless people whispered about him behind his back. He was already good-looking and high-achieving, and now he was backed by a wealthy investor with a shining reputation.
But he didn’t feel very happy.
The noisy crowd buzzed like mosquitoes in his ears. He walked mechanically, his mind repeating her words with a smile: He’s like a younger brother to me.
Again with younger brother.
Do younger brothers also touch each other’s skin, caress one another, even kiss and hug?
Seeing him dazed, Lin Chuan couldn’t help but ask out of curiosity, “Jiang Group donated a whole building before. Was that for you?”
“No way,” Shi Yu frowned. “My last name isn’t Jiang.”
“Oh, right.” Lin Chuan wasn’t too surprised. After all, his mom almost donated too, but he just felt the vibe between him and that female CEO was a little strange — a kind of instinct.
Suddenly, a light bulb went off in his head. He remembered one time Shi Yu didn’t come home all night, returning looking exhausted and a bit disheveled with an obvious air of… well, desire.
“Damn, she must be that big sister who used you and then threw you away last time!”
Shi Yu lowered his head, glanced at him faintly, and said nothing — basically confirming it.
Lin Chuan: “Damn! Such a young and beautiful big sister, that’s a jackpot, insanely impressive.”
He admired him sincerely: “Gao Ming’s level is still too low. You’ve already left him far behind. While he’s struggling to protect his research, you’ve gone straight for the big boss’s thigh. She’s the richest person in Jiangcheng, even richer than my family.”
Shi Yu wasn’t in a good mood and didn’t want to say much.
“You two still haven’t confirmed your relationship, right?” Lin Chuan clicked his tongue, thinking the prettier the woman, the crueler she is. Such a handsome ‘little puppy’ being easily toyed with, having his feelings played with — not even allowed the identity of a lover, let alone a relationship.
And this woman was really skilled—so adept at helping him stand out in front of everyone, lifting him high, then smashing him down hard behind their backs. Truly a master.
So Lin Chuan leisurely said, “You can’t handle her. Bro, I’ll give you a tip.”
“With women like that, the ones high above everyone else, you have to be shameless, okay? Like a dog’s skin ointment—cling to her tightly.”
Lin Chuan’s little lecture continued with strategy tips: “Second, you need a thick skin. Sometimes she might get emotional and be very close and warm to you, but then when she clears her head, she’ll push you away with countless actions, put distance between you, even attack you with harsh words, trying to force you to leave. That’s when you have to hold your ground. Self-respect is bullshit—never give up.”
Shi Yu was silent, truly taking it to heart.
It really was just like Lin Chuan said.
“And then?”
“Got it right, didn’t I?” Lin Chuan rubbed his chin meaningfully. “Next, you have to be confident in yourself. If she lets you get close, it means you’re definitely her type. So, at the right time, try seducing her until she can’t control herself.”
“We hardly meet or message each other,” Shi Yu spoke honestly. “Last time I asked her out for a meal when I borrowed her to report on study life, she rejected me too.”
“Oh, the key secret is to shamelessly cling to her,” Lin Chuan said. “A woman like her, surrounded by so many men, if you keep your distance, you naturally give others the chance to get close. Only by constantly showing your presence by her side do you have a chance to get closer. Otherwise, just wait—your relationship will always be like this, neither near nor far. She’ll call you when she wants to, and ignore you when she doesn’t.”
Shi Yu thought about the few times he had contact with her, and the men around her—the well-matched elite ex-boyfriend who studied abroad, a minor celebrity from the entertainment industry, the son of a tech tycoon, and a charming childhood friend who lives a carefree life.
Just in their few encounters, he had seen so many.
“You’re right,” Shi Yu said. “Indeed, she has many outstanding men around her.”
Thinking of this made a faint bitterness rise in his heart, a sourness spreading from his chest to his throat. Those men all had one thing in common—their glamorous appearances and prestigious backgrounds. Only he, an ordinary student with no connections.
No matter how much confidence he built up, or how hard he tried to become stronger, when facing her, he easily felt inferior.
“Just listen to me, bro. If you can do these few things I said, handling her will be easy.”
Lin Chuan patted his shoulder. “When you confirm your relationship, remember to thank me and buy me a drink.”
Shi Yu recalled how, when she was moved, her slender arm clung around his neck and gave a low “mm” in response.
He clenched his palm tightly, his nails digging into the soft skin.
—
At the end of April, the temperature in Jiangcheng was rising steadily, already feeling like summer heat, with some days reaching an astonishing 29 degrees Celsius.
Within just a few months, under strong advice from his teacher, Shi Yu had submitted his competition entry, completed the company registration, and the “Wish Come True” platform design was basically finished, only waiting for the follow-up publicity and launch.
Taking action is always the best way to relieve all anxiety.
In early May, Children of the ’80s premiered simultaneously on two major platforms and local satellite TV. It quickly gained buzz and positive word-of-mouth. Comments under clips on Weibo flooded with praise.
“No wonder Director Wang doesn’t act rashly—when he does, he makes a big move. Watching seasoned actors perform is truly thrilling.”
“It’s been a while since I watched a period drama, usually they feel clichéd, but this script is really fresh. Is the screenwriter a newcomer? The director really dares to use new talent.”
“The most enjoyable show I’ve been following lately—no over-the-top melodrama, just everyday family stuff that’s really engrossing. I like the male lead’s younger brother, his acting really got to me.”
Shi Yu swiped away the Weibo app and returned to the higher-level WeChat screen. Below the only pinned chat was the top message from Lin Chuan.
Lin Chuan: 【Bank account 123456789 has been credited】
【Bro!!!!! You’re amazing!!! The dividends are through the roof!!!】
【My mom praised me so much, hehe… but it seems someone secretly complained and found out that the person who went to the investment conference last time wasn’t me. I had to come clean about what happened.】
【She wants to invite you to dinner, you coming?】
Shi Yu’s finger moved slightly and tapped into the bank account. After facial recognition, he entered the asset summary page—there was already a full seven-figure balance.
Shi Yu replied: 【Okay.】
He tapped the screen with his fingertip, thought for a moment, then opened the pinned chat and typed: 【When is it convenient to meet? Need to sign an agreement and prepare a copy of your ID.】
After a long wait, the other side slowly replied with a question mark.
Jiang Shangwan: 【What for?】
Shi Yu said: 【Transferring 50 shares to you.】