Chapter 83 Long-Awaited Return

more beautiful than the old theater and what caught his eye the most were all the girls participating in the performances at City No. 1 High School.At that time, he must have drooled a lot. Chen Ling...Chapter 83: Long-Awaited Reunion

The start of the semester at Nanda University was as bustling and lively as ever. Cars continued to flow through its gates, with freshmen brimming with excitement and a hint of reverence towards this relatively well-known institution. In contrast, returning students seemed much more comfortable with the routine.

As usual, Su Cen entered via the same radiant avenue that he had used during his freshman year. The road was filled with ceaseless traffic, and his ears were met with the slow rhythm of car horns and occasional rattling sounds from bicycles riding on side roads.

The surrounding area was dotted with construction sites sprouting up everywhere. Shanghai's pace of development was measured in seconds; not only was the second phase of Pudong International Airport under construction, but so were the magnetic levitation train project, Port Waigaoqiao Zone Four engineering works, Longquan and East China Canal dredging projects, as well as the Huangpu River downstream crossing embankment project. Even future landmarks like the Lupu Bridge were being built in full swing. Projects such as the West-to-East Gas Pipeline, IBN chip production, Shanghai Exhibition Center, Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Base, Songjiang University Town, and more - all over Shanghai, construction was everywhere.

The main building of Nanda University already showed its initial form; it could be anticipated that after completion, this structure would be listed among Shanghai's landmarks.

Compared to a year ago, there had been significant improvements around him. Sometimes, one could feel the changes in a city from just a single corner. Su Cen, at his remote location within Nanda University, felt the rapid transformation of its surroundings from an originally desolate Yangpu district into a bustling university town.

The sense of being amidst such change was exhilarating by itself. Su Cen didn't aim for politics and wouldn't limit himself to a small corner. This decision stemmed both from rationality and emotion; his previous life as a minor figure would offer limited assistance in the political arena, where seniority mattered most. At twenty-something years old, it would be difficult to rise above within ten years or so. He couldn't guarantee that he could perform better than others, given his current limitations.

Most importantly, the advantages brought by rebirth were precious and invaluable. Would he waste such youthful vigor on accumulating political capital

Walking along this campus road a year later, surrounded by bustling traffic and occasional excited voices of freshmen, Su Cen did not turn back to look.

But if he had turned around, would the sight have made him feel like he was still at his third high school or city's top high school, feeling as though time hadn't changed anything Would he imagine encountering a cherished woman and passing her by in the blink of an eye

Four years ago, he had started from a small city in southwest China. Four years later, he was now at one of China’s top universities in its financial heartland. Four years ago, he couldn't even scrape together ten yuan. Now, he possessed tens of millions of assets and the wealth to alter his lifestyle.

Yet, with catalpa trees, sunlight, and a vibrant place full of imagination, he chose to follow a steady path like brewing tea - slightly bitter yet hard to discard.

So he got used to calmly walking on the road he had chosen.

At a turnstile seat, Su Cen put down his luggage and called Lin Guangdong, who was coming to see him off. Then he could leisurely admire the young women in short skirts strolling around the campus.

"Before flying to Boston, I visited Chengdu and met with them. Unlike others, I don't think continuing your studies is a waste of time; it's not something worth arguing about. They hope you can take action yourself rather than just reviewing work logs or project reports weekly. As for qualifications, Zhao Mingnong and the rest wouldn't understand why he participated in Tsinghua University's Entrepreneurs Program and got an MBA certificate, even lecturing at university seminars. You still want to waste your time on a mere undergraduate degree from Nanda"

"You know, Mr. Zhao is straightforward; I can't communicate with him much. They often discuss your qualifications during tea breaks, saying that it would take ordinary people decades to reach where you are if everything goes smoothly. But you've achieved this in one go. We all know there's still more to what you envision."

"But they don’t understand; Zhao Mingnong especially can't comprehend it. Anyone at your stage would be too busy expanding crazily, working 24/7 without stopping. Yet, you manage to remain calm and collected - he’s practically driven mad by that. Haha—Old Zhao is sincere, having experienced hardships and despair running a toy factory on the brink of collapse. He grasps every opportunity like a hungry man grabbing food. But Old Zhao lives hard; Shushan Chain needs his stubborn persistence.

Living requires striving for wealth and glory but also embracing life's carefree joy. Modern commercial warfare isn't won just by fervent belief as in Japanese comics. Your success is due to your unique insights others can’t think of."

Su Cen felt ashamed, saying, "Do you believe it Before this lifetime, I only wanted some small wealth and a life fulfilling yet modest enough for ordinary people but perhaps trivial before super-wealthy folks. A stress-free job with a non-ugly wife and a son who at least looks normal. A home in a quiet place, a car to get around, and occasionally strolling in the park’s fallen leaves during the twilight... Is this ideal too artistic"

"A bit, but still acceptable. I once had similar thoughts, but they got flushed down the toilet like sewage sent to the Brahmaputra River."

In fact, even if your home were next to a park with just a few dozen meters' distance, you might not bother going there anymore.

On the other end of the line, the now successful Lin Guangdong sounded somewhat melancholic: "My ex-wife and I officially divorced. She still lives in our old house—the unit had given it to us as newlyweds. Back then, she hesitated to marry me because one middle school required married couples. So she felt slighted back then. Now I feel I might have wronged her a bit. I often think of going back but sometimes busy or without the mood to go there. Hence, until now, I haven't returned. Yet even though Chengdu or Shanghai are just an hour or two away from Xiahai, it feels like crossing vast distances."

Pausing, Lin Guangdun said again, "Maybe I will never set out."

Humans are strange creatures, and life is an unpredictable journey.

If back then, Lin Guangdun hadn't invited Su Cen to his office; if he had not been a teacher who couldn’t go with the flow; if he hadn't had the courage to resign... many things cannot withstand the scrutiny of 'what ifs.'

For example, if Su Cen had never founded Shushan, Pineapple Media, Dunhuang, and FaceBook Chinese Industries, would his life have been easier

Su Cen's life is already affluent, but he no longer fights just for personal affluence. Below him are the interests of many people, making him a collection of various stakeholders.

If he were to fall, it would drastically change the lives and destinies of many others. The only way not to collapse while running his business is through constant development and expansion. This has become an irreversible game with no room for error or regret. What sets this apart from other games is that there are only two outcomes: success or failure.

After making a phone call and sending a text, Su Cen enjoyed the sun while squinting at the bustling crowd on the road in front of him. His eyes suddenly widened in the next moment.

He seemed to see someone who shouldn't be there at this time and place.

"There's no one here." Song Zhen, dressed in a red lotus edge dress, sat down beside Su Cen without hesitation. Her wavy blonde hair casually rested over her shoulders as she bent down gently massaging her ankle wearing high-heeled sandals. With great poise, she extended both slender legs apart on the campus chair, leaving Su Cen stunned by this aura.

"Who's that cute guy Really" Song Zhen’s sudden appearance was quite impactful, which caused Su Cen to overlook a woman beside her wearing a short top and carrying an LV classic bag over her shoulders with halter shorts. The woman could be described as above average in looks; she excelled at dressing up well, had fair skin, making her highly eye-catching wherever she went. She was currently standing by Song Zhen, sizing Su Cen up from head to toe.

The woman had a sense of superiority since childhood and probably quickly inferred that this must be one of the high-profile friends of Song Zhen's due to his meticulous attire, even down to details like his watch.

Song Zhen introduced her.

Zhang Bozhu half-slung his arms, nodding at Su Cen as a greeting upon hearing this. Clearly, she hadn't paid him any attention. Due to being busy with work and receiving a call on the phone, she waved dismissively before walking off to take it.

This left Su Cen facing Song Zhen who unexpectedly appeared in Nan University halfway through her enrollment.

"If I remember correctly, you were studying ENBA at some American university, right Have you graduated" Su Cen had seen this girl during his last trip to the US for funding FaceBook. Her family's influence was vast within domestic enterprises, spanning investment and finance, real estate, home appliances, etc., though not as rapidly established or famous as GOME in later times. Nonetheless, their ability to stand firm over two to three decades made them notable.

Vast yet low-key - this was Su Cen's initial impression of Song Zhen’s family business.

Even in a place like Nan University where beautiful women abound, Song Zhen’s conservative attire still revealed her captivating charm, adding another spectacle to the campus.

However, this spectacle being right beside him was somewhat unsettling.

After all, Su Cen had been something of a minor celebrity at Nan University for the past year. He'd accumulated numerous gossip news around him; now with Song Zhen's flirtatious demeanor and her unhesitant sitting next to him like an old acquaintance, it often led to his portrayal as the public enemy in college campuses.

Of course, Su Cen ignored these somewhat hostile glances from those nearby. He was not afraid of harsh criticism, so he treated such matters with indifference.

"Pretty much done. My official graduation will be next year. Since this year, I've been shuttling between China and America to complete my thesis and projects. Our family discussed in the previous month and decided that I should take up a position here at Nan University’s Financial Research Institute to gain practical experience. First, I'll manage a small company and see how the market reacts," Song Zhen said lightly.

"So that's how it is, really impressive. The NanDa Financial Research Institute is indeed a valuable resource; first-hand industry insights! Big companies are different—they know exactly where to start and take action with great determination." Su Cen nodded in admiration.

"It's just small talk," Song Zhen stared brightly at Su Cen, her intense gaze made this woman unique. Su Cen wasn't sure if it was because of her own experiences or whether she deliberately wanted him to feel that she took him seriously.

The best way for someone to trust you is by making them know how much you like them. People like Song Zhen and him lived in different worlds, but this girl definitely wasn't ordinary; she knew how to deal with all kinds of people very well. For instance, every time she spoke, her eyes were fixed on Su Cen as if each word he said was important to her, which gave one a sense of pride.

After all, not everyone could be treated equally and have direct conversations with such a girl.

The two chatted aimlessly for a while.

"Do you talk like this with others" Song Zhen pouted unhappily. Boys who usually surrounded her either flattered her or acted justly but indirectly. Su Cen seemed to be the first one whom she had to initiate conversation topics and keep talking to. This made Song Zhen, who had never experienced such treatment before, feel somewhat neglected.

Su Cen shook his head, "No, I'm glad we met again."

Feeling annoyed by Su Cen's mannerism, Song Zhen wished she could bite him. It seemed like he was the only one who had the right to act this way.

Calm down.

"You still owe me something, last time I arranged a trip for you in America but it didn't work out because of your busy schedule; I wasted a lot of effort."

Su Cen felt embarrassed and said, "That time going to the US was urgent business; after finishing it, I had to return quickly. Not going saved you quite an expense, why would I owe you"

Song Zhen frowned unhappily, "Do people generally act so utilitarian I already acted impolitely on the plane, and compensation is due afterward; even if it saves costs and expenses, what's there for me to be happy about"

Su Cen could only say, "Actually, before leaving, I was thinking a lot about what you said. This time returning to Shanghai, wouldn't it have something to do with that so-called final act of rebellion"

Song Zhen stared at Su Cen for quite some time, then blinked her eyes playfully and laughed, "You must be... still thinking about what I said in front of Stanford University Do you think my words back then about 'one last act of rebellion' were directed at you"

Song Zhen's expression was one of surprise and innocence; Su Cen felt rather awkward.

Denying it now would seem forced, but the truth was that he had indeed thought so back then. He didn't need to deny it insincerely.

Su Cen had to admit that Song Zhen made him feel out of step, as if she controlled the pace of their interactions completely.

Su Cen reminded himself repeatedly that this woman had walked the runway at Paris Fashion Week and compared to veteran actors, even if she wasn't professional, her level was close. She knew well where her advantages lay; a woman with an attractive appearance, influential background, and intelligence was often quite formidable.

But ultimately, Su Cen couldn't tell whether Song Zhen's innocent expression was genuine or not. Being stared at by her for such a long time made him feel rather uncomfortable as her eyes changed from surprise to playful amusement.

"Classmate, you're so arrogant," Song Zhen chuckled softly.

Zhang Youxiu walked over after the phone call. "You know our Song Zhen, she is not only beautiful and intelligent but also virtuous. There has never been a lack of men who are devotedly pursuing her. Frankly speaking, the chances of that happening are slimmer than winning the lottery."

"Xiao Zhu!" Song Zhen tugged on Zhang Xiaozhu's sleeve as she spoke rather rudely.

Zhang Xiaozhu said this with a smile but was full of superiority throughout her statement. She did indeed 'wash Su Can’s mind,' leaving him somewhat depressed.

"However, if you know how to bribe me by treating me to meals and such, I could give you some exclusive information about her, like her bust size or hip measurement…," Zhang Xiaozhu said before Song Zhen tickled her under the arms and pinched her waist. She squealed and resisted as the two girls started a playful fight that was quite amusing.

Although she was playfully fighting with Zhang Xiaozhu, Song Zhen's eyes still subconsciously noticed Su Can’s slight changes in expression; he seemed somewhat disheartened and depressed, which made her feel a sense of vindictive satisfaction.

Even though she verbally stopped Zhang Xiaozhu from verbally sparring with Su Can, she did not mind provoking this stylishly confident little Su Can.

Who let him act high and mighty towards her before

"I still have things to do; I might need to leave first." Su Can looked at Song Zhen. "You will also be attending Nan University next year, in the same university district. May I leave my number with you"

“Of course not, what if you harass her at night Leave your own number. I’ll call when it’s appropriate,” Zhang Xiaozhu immediately said. Song Zhen smiled gently and did not refute.

Su Can could only sigh and leave his phone number. After a moment of thought, he told Song Zhen: "We should stay in touch more often; the trip to Shanghai that I owe you from America will be arranged by me."

“I am quite busy recently and may not have time; no need to rush,” Song Zhen said calmly, purposely appearing indifferent.

"Too late too late. You missed your chance in the US. Furthermore, even if you were still here in China, there’s no way it would be your turn," Zhang Xiaozhu then waved her hand at Su Can as an unspoken gesture telling him to leave quickly.

Su Can nodded and said, "My friends have arrived; I'll go now. Since you don't seem to have much time either, let's catch up over a meal next time."

With that, he stood up, grabbed his luggage, and walked towards the other side of the road.

A warm breeze blew by, causing the paulownia leaves to sway. In front of Su Can’s departing figure, Song Zhen's gaze fell upon the solitary Tang Xiaowu standing alone.

She watched as the boy smiled and frowned slightly, dissolving into the sharp sunlight.

Heading to Guangxi tomorrow, she needed to go to bed now.u Can realize that his financial resources still seemed inadequate. By the year 2000, having tens of millions of yuan was no longer extraordinary in Chengdu; at this time, many among the second and th...