NOVPUB"Huh?"
"They're quite far apart in age. How did they even end up together?"
"He's handsome, has charisma, dresses well—if it were you, wouldn't you be moved?"
"Hmm... That handsome? Forget second-tier universities, I'd even go for a vocational school guy!"
The girls could empathize with Chen Xinyu, but many of the boys furrowed their brows in disapproval.
The soon-to-be campus queen of Nanzhong University actually chose someone from a second-tier university? What's up with her taste?
Going for looks alone? That's way too superficial.
They felt like their goddess image of her had been shattered, and their glances toward Chen Xinyu carried a hint of disdain.
No wonder it's been so long since school started, and only now she's brought her boyfriend around—she probably also felt he wasn't someone to proudly show off.
In that moment, their thoughts aligned with Zhao Fei's, silently chanting the slogan in their hearts: "Knife in hand, slay the second-tier dog."
Zhao Fei seized the chance to taunt: "Here to experience our school's academic atmosphere? But you might have difficulty attending our classes here. Oh, I forgot, you've got such a genius girlfriend to tutor you."
"Enough, enough. Let's just go, Fei."
Gao Hongyi was already losing patience. So many people were watching, and here Zhao Fei kept yammering on.
Initially, there'd been no issue today, but Zhao Fei just had to step in and stir the pot. Now it's all messed up—everyone's awkward, and grudges have formed.
Throughout, Gao Hongyi kept observing Chen Xinyu. Surprisingly, despite Zhao Fei's biting remarks and provocations, Chen Xinyu didn't show discomfort or panic. Instead, she remained composed.
What is this—love's transformative power?
Gao Hongyi increasingly felt that Chen Xinyu was one of those remarkably self-driven, good-hearted girls... Damn it, this "International Campus" guy is so infuriating! Such a great girl!
Privately, Zhao Fei also had grievances against Gao Hongyi. Damn it, I'm fighting on your behalf, yet you keep pulling me away?
You might not care about your reputation, but I still care about mine!
Zhao Fei ignored Gao Hongyi. Feeling he had been humiliated earlier, he now had to retaliate exponentially.
"No worries. At Nanzhong University, we're inclusive and open. Other college students are welcome to attend our lectures—after all, you don't have such teaching resources at your school." Zhao Fei pretended to be magnanimous but was actually sarcastic.
Shen Yuan found it amusing. Is this what being a Nanzhong student feels like—with such an inflated sense of superiority?
At this moment, Shen Yuan's phone suddenly rang. He picked it up to check—it was Wei Zhuo calling. Shen Yuan glanced at Zhao Fei and said, "I hope you'll keep this same energy when you speak later."
With that, he answered the call. "Hello."
A polite and enthusiastic voice came from the other end: "Mr. Shen, you should be on your way now, correct? I'm currently at the school gate with my team, waiting to greet you."
"Sorry, Vice Principal Wei, I've already arrived early. I'm currently at the sports field," Shen Yuan replied casually.
Vice Principal Wei? Both Zhao Fei and Gao Hongyi were familiar with Nanzhong's leadership team and knew of a Vice Principal named Wei Zhuo.
"What a moron, always pretending," Zhao Fei muttered in a low voice, swearing under his breath.
Even Gao Hongyi didn't believe it—the Vice Principal at Nanzhong really called you?
Alright, I admit you managed to win over Chen Xinyu, that's a skill. But this act of yours is way over the top, buddy.
On the phone, Wei Zhuo chuckled: "It's our fault for not realizing you'd arrived early. Please hold on a few minutes; I'll head over right now."
"Alright, no rush. But I do have something to mention," Shen Yuan replied in a calm tone.
"Go ahead," Wei Zhuo said.
"Regarding the graduate school recommendation... your university's educational philosophy seems to differ from what I envisioned, so I think I'll pass," Shen Yuan said plainly.
A politically astute Wei Zhuo immediately sensed underlying implications: "Wait, Mr. Shen. Did something happen?"
"Nothing much—just overheard some remarks from students at your school that quite shocked my worldview," Shen Yuan remarked indifferently.
This guy—is his brain short-circuited? Zhao Fei was perplexed and thoroughly embarrassed on Shen Yuan's behalf.
You're just a regular senior at a second-tier university, yet you're pretending to know our Vice Principal? And you're making up a story about him begging you for a graduate recommendation?
Nanzhong's graduate recommendation rate is 22%. It's already tough for their own students—let alone someone from a second-tier university.
Geez, cut out this ridiculous act!
Even Gao Hongyi felt the act was overdone. You're trying too hard, bro—how are you going to wrap this up later?
Raised in a system-driven family, Gao Hongyi wasn't great at dating but had polished emotional intelligence and keen observational skills from years of exposure. From the outset, he hadn't wanted to escalate this conflict and had been playing mediator.
Unfortunately, some pig-headed teammate insisted on arguing, and now—in comes this "Big Bad Wolf."
Wow. Just awesome!
"Mr. Shen, please stay at the sports field. I'll bring people over immediately!"
On the phone, Wei Zhuo sounded urgent, rushing to gather reinforcements.
With furrowed brows and short strides, he led a group of Nanzhong officials in hurried pursuit.
Wei Zhuo was anxious: "Mr. Shen just invested 20 million, with another 10 million yet to be transferred. And this is just one project. There's always potential for future funding—this relationship must be preserved at all costs!"
"Damn it, which little punk dared to act out like this?!"
.....
At the sports field, the onlookers spread the story of Shen Yuan's phone call among themselves.
"Uh... honestly speaking, is Chen Xinyu's boyfriend putting on a show?"
"Yeah, he's showing off too much—bringing up Vice Principal Wei's name. Isn't it obvious? A second-tier university senior knows a vice principal at a top-tier school? Come on."
"Zhao Fei and Gao Hongyi have relatives in Nanzhong's leadership—they'd know its administrative team well."
"Oh well, earlier we thought this handsome guy from another school was here to crush us. Turns out he's gonna end up embarrassing himself instead."
"But why did Chen Xinyu's boyfriend create all this drama out of nowhere?"
"Trying to impress the girl he likes. Didn't want to lose face. Well, now he's in deep trouble."
"...."
Not only the girls, but some boys crossed their arms, eagerly waiting for the spectacle to unfold. Initially, if Zhao Fei had just thrown out a couple of jabs, this matter would've passed quickly.
But Shen Yuan had gone and stirred up an enormous hornet's nest.
Still, none of the students voiced these thoughts. They simply wore amused expressions, waiting to see how he'd dig himself out of this mess.
Gao Hongyi, one of the people involved, still held to his belief of "minimizing chaos" and felt the current situation was spiraling out of control. After much internal deliberation, he cautiously began, "How about we just..."
Before he could finish, the sound of rapid footsteps disrupted him. Turning to look, he saw a group of formally dressed, stern-looking figures approaching the sports field...
Wait a second! Isn't that the head of the security department?
Neither physical conflict nor serious quarrel—this minor matter doesn't even warrant a regular security guard's intervention. Why is the department head here?
Hold on!
Gao Hongyi's pupils contracted sharply. Leading the group was a slightly chubby middle-aged man in gold-rimmed glasses. Wasn't that Vice Principal Wei Zhuo?
Following closely behind was the secretary of the School Youth League Committee and his own uncle—the Youth League Committee's deputy secretary, all with stern expressions.
It's over.
Chills ran down Gao Hongyi's spine, his thoughts reduced to just these two words.
The students munching on the drama also noticed the incoming leadership team.
Honestly speaking, the number of officials gathering here was comparable to those seen during the school's opening ceremony.
Judging by their demeanor, they seemed highly concerned about Chen Xinyu's boyfriend—like they were welcoming some provincial or municipal VIP.
In an instant, the students exchanged complicated glances aimed at Shen Yuan.
Who *is* this guy?
Initially, they'd just wanted to spectate a minor fiasco. But this has snowballed into full-on chaos, with even the leadership deeply involved.
"Three years at Nanzhong, and it's my first time witnessing such drama."
"This is better than any TV show!"
"I think I can feel some of Chen Xinyu's happiness—wow, seriously!"
"No wonder Chen Xinyu seemed so calm. Turns out it's because she has backup... Tall, handsome, and well-connected. Ugh, why can't I meet someone like that?"
"Does 'International Campus' have these deceptively ordinary senior students? Waiting here for answers... it's urgent."
"....."
The boys were just as dumbfounded, their expressions subtly transforming. The contempt and doubts in their glances at Shen Yuan were replaced by awe and conflicted admiration.
No wonder Chen Xinyu ended up with him.
Thinking about it made things clear—this kind of guy was worthy of Xinyu, so their lack of success with her didn't feel so bad.
But the most stunned person was Zhao Fei. His mind went blank, his heart skipping two beats as he stared dumbly at the torrent of school officials heading their way.
After a long pause, his lips parched, he turned to Gao Hongyi. "Hongyi, w-what do we do now?"
