Chapter 126 Banquet (Part 1)

ying: "Sorry, Master Zhang has guests today."He asked who the guests were, and Daoist boy didn’t know either. Tao Changping’s secretary had a slightly displeased expression. At this moment, someone in...Chapter 126: Banquet (Part 1)

In the administrative building's conference hall used for discussions, the atmosphere was intense and tense. Everyone had their own opinions, and no one seemed to be willing to give in. Some were expressing personal views, some might have received certain information privately, while others preferred to keep a low profile and avoid conflicts.

President Wang Xiaoyi raised his hand slightly, effectively calming everyone down without saying a word.

"Enough for now. It's not the right time to deal with this student issue. Right now, we need to focus on how to minimize the impact of this incident on the entire Nan University Homecoming Festival. The vast number of alumni and leaders both domestically and internationally have always supported and cared about our university, which means that our responsibility is significant, and we must fulfill all aspects of this meaningful event well. Unexpected incidents are not scary; what's truly terrifying is if people become anxious and lose sight of the big picture afterward. Therefore, from now on, we need to strengthen leadership and coordination during the remaining time of the Homecoming Festival, comply with instructions, ensure stability, and guarantee a successful festival."

Wang Xiaoyi looked around at everyone, "Considering yesterday's incident, it is necessary for all departments to remain vigilant. They must take responsibility seriously, handle conflicts properly, address issues promptly, ensuring the preparatory committee can solve problems immediately during the Homecoming Festival period and maintain stability."

Everyone then looked at Wang Xiaoyi with suspicion, speculation, or deep thought. Noticing that he hadn't taken a stance yet but was adopting a delaying tactic, it was hard for them to discern his true intentions. It was even harder to infer the attitudes of those powerful figures based on his expressions.

However, Wang Xiaoyi repeatedly emphasized "stability." Seeking stability might be the most crucial conclusion for Nan University at present, and possibly even a directive from higher-ups. As a deputy-ministerial university, it was obvious where these higher authorities came from.

After the meeting ended, Zhang, the dean of the economics college, patted Luchuanming's shoulder with eyes full of determination to stand together in adversity. Luchuanming nodded slightly back at them. Watching those senior Nan University officials who had just left with smiles on their faces again, none showing any signs of fierce confrontation as before, he felt that people’s minds were truly unpredictable.

At this moment, his phone rang again. Within such a short period, Luchuanming knew that the external attention towards this matter was already surging beneath the surface.

Picking up the phone, it was Cai Guotao from No. 27 High School in Rongcheng calling, "Old brother Chuanming, there's no need to say more between us. In '76 we both entered Hangzhou University under Teacher Song’s guidance; back then I ate Old Mother’s West Lake Vinegar Fish at your home and was half-starved when entering university, which shows how much her cooking tempted me. After class, I always looked forward to eating fish with you guys since she would invite me every time she made it, a taste that my brotherhood will never forget."

"I remember this bond; during your period of cooperative research, I visited Old Mother each time I came for meetings and brought her all sorts of good food. There’s no difference in the treatment between you and your mother; our relationship is solid as ever. Now give me a definite answer since my phone is almost busy with inquiries from Rongcheng. Tell me what Wang Xiaoyi's current stance is, whether he keeps Su Zhan or lets him go. If letting him go, do it early so I can bring him back. Nan University cannot retain people; there are plenty of places like Tsinghua and Peking University that welcome him with open arms. They don’t lack a spot for someone like your Nan University."

Lu Chuanming rubbed his eyebrows. From an outside perspective, the principal of No. 27 High School seemed to be composed and cautious, with no loose ends. Only Lu Chuanming knew that this Western Sichuan man had a fiery temperament completely different from his public image. This could be seen in his days at Hangzhou University when he served as vice-chairman of the student council. He was unafraid to call out the director of general affairs, who had banned long-distance calls between students to prevent them from dating over the phone, for being incompetent.

He could only say, "Old Cai, don't act impulsively. We need some time to cool off. President Wang clearly stated in a meeting that he would put this matter on hold for now and focus all efforts on the Return Festival and regular teaching duties. I'm sure you'll get satisfactory results once the festival is over."

After a moment's silence, Cai Guotao replied on the other end of the line, "Old Lu, you know that I never beat around the bush. The motto of Nan Da is 'Widely Informed and Resolute in Aspirations; Asking Questions with Precision and Reflecting on Immediate Matters.' A university's responsibility lies in seeking knowledge, truth, virtue, and nurturing talent. If it allows external factors to influence its purity and prioritizes administrative power over academic pursuits, this will lead Nan Da down a path of irreparable errors."

After hanging up the phone, Lu Chuanming remained silent.

***** After just one or two days had passed, Su Cen received several calls. The first was from his father, Su Licheng. The fact that it was Su Licheng who initiated the conversation rather than Zeng Ke, who usually liked to speak up first, indicated a lot.

Su Licheng asked about Su Cen's life at Nan Da and whether he encountered any difficulties. He advised him to tell his family early on if there were any problems so that they wouldn't have to endure them alone. In Su Licheng's eyes, the current Su Cen was mature enough but still viewed as a child in certain aspects.

When he heard that Su Cen wasn't feeling downcast, Su Licheng said, "I know about what happened at Nan Da; your counselor, Ms. Su, explained the situation to me on the phone. Your mom is also worried but I didn't let her speak up because I was afraid she'd use her old套路 and say how concerned the school and teachers were about you when you disrupted the ceremony."

Zeng Ke's voice suddenly came through the line, "I see that you're talking nonsense. How could I have said anything like that You've gone senile! Let me talk to my son!"

Snatching the phone from an obviously irritated Su Licheng, Zeng Ke spoke up, "So what's going on now Did they say anything at school Your counselor told me you're right for standing up against social injustice. Su Cen, just like your mom back then, you're too idealistic."

"Your mother has always been bothered by many things in life, which is why she didn't advance further at the material trade company. Others sacrificed first and foremost were people like her. Your mother has seen a lot in this world, Su Cen. I worry that you'll suffer in society. Thus, mom doesn't want to see you lose out. Some people are impossible to reason with, so sometimes you need to be strong. Now that you're older and have your own thoughts and actions, what I want to tell you is no matter what you do or how far you go, don't forget that both of us, your mom and dad, will always firmly support you."

Through the phone call from thousands of kilometers away, even though it was just Zeng Ke's usually excited tone, Su Cen had an overwhelming urge to cry. However, as a man carrying two lifetimes' worth of soul despite his youthful appearance, crying frequently wasn't exactly proper behavior.

So, Sun Can resigned himself to it and said, "Mom, you're being too sentimental." He thought that no matter how powerful he became, whenever he encountered his parents who were looking out for him from afar, he would always be at a disadvantage.

This remark prompted Zeng Ke on the other end of the phone to complain, "Look at your status now. You're still as slick and smooth-talking as ever."

"No matter what my status is, you'll always be my mom," Sun Can said with ingratiating laughter, his skills becoming more and more polished.

Zeng Ke was overjoyed.

***"I knew things wouldn't settle down when you arrived at Nan University. It's come true just as I predicted. In such a solemn place as the ceremony hall for alumni returning to Nan University, not having organizational discipline and causing chaos isn't something that can be excused merely by speaking up courageously."

Wang Bo was one of those who called Sun Can later on, criticizing his inappropriate behavior.

Sun Can smiled and said, "I am honored. How could I have the honor to move Secretary Wang It's rare for you to call me personally."

"Yesterday when your dad and I were having dinner outside, we learned about what you've been up to. What are you planning now What waters do you intend to wade into The unfair treatment of Senchuan Company is related to a major layout by certain interest groups, an area that's weak for us. To single-handedly make a move here would be like walking on thin ice."

The southeastern region itself wasn't under the control of Wang's faction, and the other side could also compete with Wang's faction. Although there was always a principle of stability in the competition and compromise between major political factions, this didn't prevent them from possibly putting pressure on or surrounding Sun Can.

"That's why I can't act alone but must tie down as many targets as possible to work alongside me, rallying all those who could become friends and allies. In war, one should adhere to conventional tactics while also employing unconventional ones to win; under the circumstances of having offended some people, adhering to convention has become very difficult, so only by taking an unconventional path can I break through."

Wang Bo pondered for a moment before saying, "But now the biggest issue is that what happened with Senchuan Company doesn't concern us." This was related to the behind-the-scenes high-ranking figure backing Zhan Hua and the moves made by the Yan faction within the ministry, which were battles on another chessboard and not part of Wang's territory.

"If you are the Lord of Xiang, I will be Su Qin." said Su Can.

Wang Bo pondered for a long time. Su Qin accepted the mission from King Zhao of Yan to hold the seals of office as Chancellor of six states and persuade them to form an alliance against their common enemy. What Su Can meant by his statement was that they could use this opportunity to establish political marriages on behalf of the Wang clique, thereby building up a network for it. After deep consideration, Wang Bo finally said, "It's worth trying, but you must be careful about what is important and urgent."

Su Can nodded. This was an ancillary matter; so far, his business ventures had been developing independently without large-scale strategic planning with allies. Experience has shown that it wasn't enough to focus solely on development; one also needed to pay attention to social relationships and have a few friends who could help out in times of crisis. Therefore, the Senkawa Corporation was an excellent choice.

If this indirectly led two factions with backgrounds to cooperate, it would be another story altogether.

Although Su Can's father knew about this matter, and so did Wang Bo who is the Secretary of the Municipal Committee of Rong City, it wasn't public knowledge. At least Weiwei Wang, Zouwu Lin, and even Luanran Lin in Shanghai were unaware of it. Perhaps people from that foreign language school only heard rumors about the smear conflict at the South University's Homecoming Festival. During lunch breaks or while shopping outside on the streets, they might spread these rumors, but without knowing the details.

On the fourth day of the homecoming festival, teaching activities continued as usual at South University. As soon as Su Can and others came out of Building 3, they saw Song Zhen's BMW Z4 parked nearby; her red Jaguar was currently being repaired. This car had also been seen by Su Can before.

Song Zhen stood under the catalpa tree next to the BMW, wearing a beige one-piece dress and flat shoes that made her tall model-like stature seem non-threatening. It wasn't clear how long she had been standing there.

When Su Can came out and saw her, she was leaning on her right arm with her left hand, holding the strap of her LV bag with its unique dark-colored canvas finish; her head was slightly tilted as if lost in thought while staring at the ground. Her black hair fell to one side of her face, occasionally stirred by the breeze. It was a scene that would kill any otaku.

Seeing Su Can approach, she walked up quickly with her large eyes narrowing slightly, and said with a smile, "My mother has reserved a table at Renaissance Hotel and specifically told me to take you there."

(To be continued)ears"Tang Wu tightly clenched her hand. However, those clear eyes remained completely unaffected as she nodded and said, "Mm-hmm." She then gave a slight smile, saying, "Four years of university will...