Chapter 176 I Will Bring an End to You (Part 2)

ound. Wanting to shirk my duties No way! Didn't you say from a young age that one should be independent That's exactly what I'm aiming for—to walk my own path and fly freely like a bird. Tell Dad not...Chapter 176: I Want to End You (Part 2)

After the May Day holiday, Su Can packed his bag and returned to school with Tang Wuyuan. Soon after, he received a golden invitation card enclosed in a glossy yellow plastic folder.

Su Can was puzzled when he saw the invitation. However, Zhang Xiaoqiao, Li Han, and Xiao Xiu, who were already gathered around it in his dormitory, eagerly handed it to him and urged him to open it and see what it was about.

The sender of the invitation card was a senior sister from the mathematics department, not particularly pretty but with an outstanding presence. She also had the title of deputy director of publicity at the student council. She was one of the most famous female students in the math department, reputedly causing many seniors to vie for her attention.

Seeing this senior sister come into their male dormitory and specially deliver an invitation card to Su Can made the three young men eager to pry some information from her mouth. However, she maintained a lofty demeanor and didn't say much, only saying that she would personally hand it over as soon as he returned because it was very important. She seemed to have planned to wait for him in his dormitory but felt uncomfortable facing off with the three of them directly in their male dormitory. Therefore, after repeatedly emphasizing that they must deliver it into Su Can's hands, she left.

This only piqued their curiosity even more. They wondered where such a well-sealed invitation card could have come from Could it be the Big Brother Club at Nan Da University Zhang Xiaoqiao said he had never heard of the club using this method and that its influence was not as high internally compared to the student council, so it seemed unlikely for the deputy director of publicity to personally deliver such an important invitation.

The speculation continued. Su Can received the invitation card and could still smell the lingering scent of perfume on his hand. Opening it, they saw that it was an official invitation letter from the establishment ceremony of Nan Da University's Financial Research Institute, with the university seal affixed below.

In the administrative system at Nan Da University, the school seal carried significant weight. An ordinary department’s stamp could already be used to requisition classrooms or books and enjoy certain privileges. The student council, branch committees, and various seals were quite effective as well, but the school's official seal was rarely seen outside of graduation certificates and other important documents.

Now this emblem of authority had accompanied an invitation letter for the establishment ceremony of the Financial Research Institute to find its way into Su Can’s hands.

Even Zhang Xiaoqiao, who saw a lot in his position, found it hard to believe. He said, "Did they make a mistake But this is definitely your name."

They were at a loss as to how to interpret it, but such an incident could indeed explain why the deputy director of publicity had delivered it.

"Perhaps there was some confusion when writing out invitations. For example, during a Lunar New Year gathering in early spring where Nan Da University's highest leadership met with some academicians and national representatives, someone mistakenly wrote Mayor Zhou as Deputy Mayor."

Another time, "During the establishment of the Manchester Bioinformatics Center at Nan Da University, the vice president mistook the visiting Manchester University President Martin Harris, who was a knight, for a baronet."

Zhang Xiaoqiao's father worked at Nan Da University and knew all sorts of inside stories. "Just last month during an international conference on engineering colleges hosted by Nan Da University, there were some small errors too. It’s impossible to be perfect," he added.

To everyone in the dormitory, this invitation letter from a senior sister regarding the establishment of the Financial Research Institute at Nan Da University seemed like a wrongly addressed envelope left mysteriously on Su Can's desk.

They even joked that it was probably sent to someone else with the same name. In the evening when Wang Dongjian and others returned, they mentioned this incident as a joke, saying, "The senior sister must be puzzled too! She couldn't understand why she ended up sending the invitation to Su Can. I think there's some other Su Can who deserves it more! Why not ask your advisor or go directly tomorrow for a big surprise!"

Su Can didn't comment, just smiled and placed the invitation on the table.

This was merely an insignificant incident that did not stir any ripples in their quiet college life.

Despite not understanding what had happened, Su Can decided to attend as per the invitation the next day.

The establishment of Nan Da University's Financial Research Institute was just another administrative task for the university. Such events, which are publicized with red banners, happen frequently and rarely interest regular students who are focused on their studies.

This financial research institute would consolidate the scattered financial research forces from various departments such as economics, management, mathematics, computer science, and history into a new collaborative platform for research efforts.

It was also groundbreaking cooperation between universities and government departments, receiving direct support from national authorities. The governor of the People's Bank of China served as the honorary president, while the vice mayor of Shanghai would serve as an honorary vice-president. This significant financial institute aimed to continuously supply top talents for the city’s international financial center, making it a priority for all relevant parties involved.

So today, the principal and party secretary of the school were involved. Some high-level leaders from various departments were also present. It's clear how grand today's unveiling ceremony is.

The entrance to the institute was bustling with cars and people. In fact, there are many celebrities in society who come to NanDa every day. A marvel that garners admiration and awe from ordinary people.

Su Cen felt extremely out of place today.

"Su Cen" As Su Cen was moving through the crowd, a low voice suddenly sounded beside him. Turning his head, he saw Lu Chanming, who was both the principal of the freshman college and an associate dean at NanDa's School of Economics.

Lu Chanming walked with a group of people, accompanied by two assistants, one male and one female. The woman was no stranger to Su Cen; she was known as "Avalokitesvara" in his grade and would issue directives about the pass rate for certain subjects every semester, causing much distress among students who failed or had low GPAs.

Lu Chanming naturally had a lasting impression of Su Cen. His assistants were also puzzled—why did their freshman student come to such an event

"Dean Lu," as someone at least on par with the "Chuan Tian" group, Su Cen gave him a somewhat awkward greeting. "Do you have no classes today Why are you here" He didn't see Su Yiyi, Su Cen's counselor, which was quite normal in such an occasion. Only those of some prominence from this university would show up; Su Yiyi merely held the lowest administrative rank and might only be able to attend such events after ten or more years.

"It’s a long story. Let me go inside first," replied Su Cen, handing over his invitation letter at the entrance. The greeter glanced at him before letting him in.

Waiting for Lu Chanming's group to enter, he asked, "How did you get an invitation" Financial Research Institute’s invitations were very limited; only relevant departments could receive them. There was no way their freshman college would have any; they simply didn't qualify. The Economics department had some invitations but not many. Departments within the institute fought fiercely for these few spots to gain titles and promotions.

"I don’t know," Su Cen replied, an answer that made Lu Chanming's eyes narrow as he looked at him. But it was the only answer Su Cen could give.

Lu Chanming was too busy to interrogate Su Cen further and just noticed how his assistants and several department heads from their college were surprised by seeing a young man like Su Cen mingling here.

This all happened within the time it took them to enter. Soon, Lu Chanming's group began to exchange greetings with others; they headed towards seats in the main hall. As Su Cen thought of finding a spot quietly, an elegantly dressed middle-aged man approached him and said, "Follow me."

The venue was filled with important figures including government officials, city leaders, and even the governor of the People's Bank of China. Thus, the atmosphere was solemn yet grandiose. Su Cen felt like a total outsider, but he paid no mind to it and followed the man over.

He found himself in a bustling area where he immediately tensed up upon seeing someone he probably didn't want to see at all.

Zhan Hua.

Zhan Hua was shaking hands with some people around him, smiling and conversing confidently. Su Cen noticed that the NanDa president had been chatting closely with Zhan Hua before moving on to greet others.

Su Cen’s mind raced. What was Zhan Hua up to by sending him this invitation It likely had something to do with that aviation group restructuring incident in Rong City.

The most frustrating thing was seeing their college principal, Lu Chanming, seated right at the center but not too forward or backward. As soon as he sat down, it became obvious that he spotted Su Cen; many curious glances shot towards him.

The middle-aged man who brought Su Cen over leaned in to whisper something into Zhan Hua’s ear.

Zhan Hua, tall and muscular, turned around upon hearing this, spotting Su Cen. He gave a chilling smile that sent shivers down Su Cen's spine before gesturing for him to come up front and sit beside him.

Su Cen strode forward without hesitation, showing no signs of nervousness or weakness.

Zhan Hua’s eyes flickered with approval but also a piercing gaze like that of a tiger's.

“I’m going to be your university professor. Maybe even your teacher,” Zhan Hua said suddenly as the governor of the People’s Bank was giving his speech, garnering applause from everyone present.

"Oh, just an honorary position," Su Cen replied coolly, clapping and smiling ahead with a composed look.

Zhan Hua is not a permanent member of the university, and naturally took advantage of the establishment of the Financial Research Institute to recruit him as an honorary professor. After all, even the president of the bank is an honorary dean; it’s just that they want to weave a vast network covering China's financial and economic sectors.

This Financial Research Institute seems quite powerful.

Zhan Hua smiled without making any comments, clapping his hands as if he still found Su Cen interesting. After all, who knew this kid had once bid against him at an auction in Shanghai and then engaged him in a battle in the US while also winning one round.

After the speech by the president of the People’s Bank of China, it was the vice mayor of Shanghai's turn to speak. Afterward, there would be a plaque unveiling ceremony outside the auditorium. Everyone stood up and left for the ceremony.

The sunlight outside was dazzling, with green trees swaying in the breeze, casting patches of light on the ground. Some students walked past in groups from the outer ring. However, Su Cen beside Zhan Hua did not feel as leisurely as a student would when strolling around campus; instead, he felt cold sweat trickling down his back and found it most tragic that he had to remain calm even if he wasn’t losing.

Zhan Hua took out matches and lit a slender cigar. He looked at a small path beside him and said, "There isn't anything interesting left. I haven’t eaten lunch yet; where are your school’s snack stalls Show me the way."

He who does not move, neither will I. Su Cen was well aware of how to use stillness to achieve movement. He could not understand how Zhan Hua had managed to send him an invitation from the university, and his goal couldn’t possibly be for him to attend this meeting or just have lunch at their school’s food stall

But since Zhan Hua wanted to play hard to get, Su Cen knew he shouldn’t follow his rhythm. Dealing with someone as cunning and experienced in the capital market as Zhan Hua, one couldn't let him control the pace of the game; thus, he smiled and said, "There’s a decent dumpling stall at the South District, I’ll treat you."

Despite their age difference, there was no impediment to their conversation. Instead, they were each stepping carefully.

Su Cen led Zhan Hua along the tree-lined path towards the South District. Along the way, they passed European-style buildings and beautiful college girls in white dresses (or at least had their own unique charm), which earned nods from Zhan Hua.

They ordered two bowls of dumplings at a rather simple food stall. Zhan Hua poured half a bottle of chili sauce onto his dish, skillfully mixing it with chopsticks before eating the noodles one mouthful at a time while holding a cigar and wearing an expensive coat; even the boss who served them looked somewhat bewildered.

After lunch, Su Cen paid for their meal. Zhan Hua took out some tissues to wipe his lips and said, “We don’t have much here apart from these things; no fancy delicacies.”

"It tastes good. Occasionally eating this is better than those fancy dishes," Zhan Hua smiled before continuing his walk and finally asking, "Are the data at Da Zhuang Construction's board meetings related to you Were you present at that incident on Bund No. 3"

Su Cen thought, Here it comes, and nodded frankly, “Yes. You know I’m not making things up about Peng Lixin.”

"That’s a fool; that was my biggest mistake." Zhan Hua narrowed his eyes as he looked at Su Cen. "How did you obtain those documents" "The data provided by Da Zhuang Construction is quite accurate, and with the right materials, it isn’t difficult to analyze many things. Including your heavy investments in certain stocks, I once studied Han Tang Securities and Century Securities and knew that these securities firms like to gather large sums of money for big stocks," Su Cen attributed his foresight to "experience."

"But do you know what damage my self-estimated data caused me after it was used Air China Group started withdrawing funds from the two securities companies, and some investors followed suit. Do you understand how much that cost" Zhan Hua held his cigar but his gaze became sharper.

"From my perspective, I’m right." Su Cen smiled. "Time will prove it."

“I don’t need your proof.” Zhan Hua shook his head. “To me, losing is just that—there’s no other outcome. That’s why I sought you out today.”

Su Cen noticed a black Cadillac following them from behind, steadily keeping pace as they walked under the Three Teaching Buildings.

“If you want me to explain this matter, all I can say is ‘I’m sorry’.” Su Cen said. It was just that ruthless in the world of competition and defeat.

"I don’t need your apology." Zhan Hua’s voice rose, causing even the cool air under the paulownia trees to seem agitated; some students looked over curiously.

"Su Cen, I have to admit you are a prodigy," said Zhan Hua as he adjusted his collar. The car approached them unseen. "You can grasp my internal data strategies just based on your experience and intuition, even create a financial magazine, start a stationery chain brand… yet you’re still only in your first year of university and have already set up an entire team of managers to serve you—when I was your age, I was moving rocks in the remote northwest…" Zhan Hua pointed at Su Cen with his cigar and laughed. "Oh, almost forgot: you also founded this social networking site which is currently quite popular in America. How much money do you have You should be able to buy an entire street of businesses outside Nan Da." He looked curiously at him. "I’m curious as to why someone your age with such wealth would choose to低調地像一個普通學生讀書，你有冇有看到今天會場上所有人看你的眼神，在這所學校那些院係領導麵前，你格格不入。”“為什麼？因為他們知道你不過就是一個再普通不過的大學生，甚至可能還會為掛科而著急。你有什麼資格進入那樣的地方？”

"If you wanted to cause trouble in my life, then you've succeeded." Su Can thought about the look Principal Lu Chuanming gave him and how he was being appraised by most of the other key figures at this school whom he didn't recognize. It was strange and awkward that he, Su Can, could sit next to Jian Hua.

Then Jian Hua's words made Su Can feel a chill run down his spine. "That isn't really trouble. Not even close..."

"I've been wondering why a teenager who has control over wealth and wisdom comparable to an adult would be content with being low-key." Jian Hua looked at Su Can, a student who didn't need a college degree to secure his future.

He suddenly smiled. "But today, I think I understand. Campus life and women are like cigars and fine wine—beautiful things that form an important part of someone's life," said Jian Hua as he looked around before quietly smoking his cigar. Smoke curled up from the burning tip of the cigar, and light spots filtered through gaps in a nearby tree onto his solemn overcoat. He seemed like a statue with an indescribable presence.

Jian Hua cracked a smile. "You crave such a ridiculous yet uneventful life that you deliberately kept your identity as one of the founders under wraps while in America. You could have taken time off to do what you wanted, but you insisted on attending classes here. Genius They're all twisted."

Jian Hua walked over, opened the car door, and was about to get in when he turned around with a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Oh, right. I forgot to remind you that everything is going to end."

"Don't understand Simple. All I did was reveal the name of one of the founders of this social network to some media outlets. Your relaxed and pleasant university life has ended, Su Can." Jian Hua got into the car, closed the door, and the Cadillac glided down the campus road.

Su Can stood there in a daze.

After a while, he found a step to sit on, but students streaming out of class were staring at his back in bewilderment. After a moment, Su Can sighed and suddenly felt overwhelmed by memories.

In 1998, he had told a girl that he wanted to become an unparalleled hero; in 1999, when bidding farewell to his brother, he said they would play games together one day—trampling each other or fighting side-by-side. In the year 2000, during four hours of wargaming with an American youth in a high school dormitory, they boldly declared that they wanted to change the world.

Thus, over the years, they pursued dreams that would make them billionaires someday.

There were so many people deeply connected with his second life. They moved parallel to him, performing on their own stages and occasionally standing out, but Su Can was never outstanding among them.

But now, it seemed he had no choice but to take the lead first.

The students at this university continued to live a busy yet profound college life. Li Han's passionate relationship with his girlfriend Chen Jia was flourishing like any other couple on campus. They held ice cream cones and fought for a park bench where they read magazines bought from a newsstand. When Li Han said, "What the heck," without warning, it caused Chen Jia to turn her head in confusion.

Li Han handed his girlfriend the page of the Computer World magazine and shook his head, not realizing anything unusual. He just thought it was absurdly coincidental that there were so many people with identical names.

Cheng Congcong rushed back to her dormitory with a new magazine in hand. Rou Siou, who had never gotten along well with Cheng Congcong, smiled and said, "When did you become so brazen, Cheng Congcong Is it your period or did someone handsome confess his love for you in public"

Cheng Congcong slapped the copy of The Three-Connected Weekly on the table. "Tell me, do you remember what high school Tang Wu studied abroad at It had a rather complicated name."

"Phillips Exeter Academy. What's up" Rou Siou looked down and flipped through the magazine without understanding.

Next to them, Tong Tong peeked her head over and said, "You can confirm it. I specifically asked back then; they studied abroad together at that high school.".No one had suspected a deeper relationship between Tang Wu and Su Cen. Firstly, Tang Wu was aloof and belonged to the top tier of the school, being prioritized for exchange programs with internationa...