NOVPUBJust moments ago, Zhao Fei was boasting shamelessly, but now that the situation had escalated, he found himself at a loss, instinctively looking toward Gao Hongyi for help.
Gao Hongyi's face darkened as well. He lowered his voice and spat angrily: "You're asking me? Who the hell am I supposed to ask?"
He had reminded Zhao Fei more than once to quit while he was ahead, but this guy was as stubborn as an ox, refusing to listen to any advice, good or bad.
And now, look where that got them!
Gao Hongyi cast a pleading glance toward his uncle in the crowd, only to receive a fierce glare in return. He immediately shut his mouth, cold sweat running down his back.
Even his uncle, whose rank could barely secure him a spot in the second or third row of that group, couldn't dare to breathe too loudly. It was clear just how terrifying this man's true identity was.
Zhao Fei also started scanning the crowd for his uncle's silhouette.
All his confidence came not just from his status as a Nanzhong University student but also from his family background. Faced with the current situation, only one thought occupied his mind—calling in favors.
However, no matter how hard he looked, he couldn't spot his uncle anywhere.
What? Even his uncle wasn't deemed important enough to stand among this crowd?
"I—I'll make a phone call…"
Zhao Fei fumbled to pull his phone out of his pocket, his hands trembling slightly.
Gao Hongyi whispered in frustration, "Will you get a grip on reality? My uncle doesn't even have a voice here. What makes you think pulling your family's strings will help?"
Your uncle's rank isn't even close to my uncle's; what fucking good will it do?
Just then, Wei Zhuo had already walked up to Shen Yuan, enthusiastically extending both hands. "Mr. Shen, what a surprise and honor to have you here. My sincerest apologies for not welcoming you properly. It's entirely our oversight."
Shen Yuan smiled calmly. "It's my fault. I should've notified you before showing up early."
After the two exchanged some polite small talk, Wei Zhuo glanced at Zhao Fei and Gao Hongyi. He immediately guessed that these two were the culprits behind the mess.
Damn it, a couple of little bastards!
There was no need for further investigation—standing firmly on Shen Yuan's side was enough.
The priority was calming down their golden benefactor. The rest could come later.
Wei Zhuo shot a meaningful look at the head of campus security, signaling him to handle it.
The head of security gave a slight nod before walking sternly toward the two. "Name, class, major, and your advisor's name."
His tone was as cold and imposing as if he were interrogating criminals, making one wonder if he had been a police officer before.
Zhao Fei and Gao Hongyi, looking like two kids caught red-handed, hung their heads low as they provided their details.
After taking down their information, the head of security said bluntly, "Follow me to the Security Office."
Zhao Fei froze in disbelief. Wait, shouldn't they at least figure out what happened first? How could they just take them away like that?
What if it wasn't even their fault? Although Zhao Fei knew deep down he had done wrong, the Security Office head's heavy-handed approach seemed way over the top.
Gao Hongyi tugged at his sleeve, signaling with his eyes that this wasn't the time to argue. "You'd better shut the fuck up and behave," he thought to himself.
Can't you see it? Even Vice President Wei Zhuo doesn't want to cross that guy. We're clearly being served up as scapegoats for him to vent his anger.
Wei Zhuo spoke humbly, "Mr. Shen, the issue stems from our school's failure in student management. On their behalf, I offer you my apologies. Furthermore, apart from accepting criticism and education, we'll also be issuing them disciplinary warnings."
His posture was deferential, showing the utmost respect. Shen Yuan didn't want to push the matter further, especially since it involved nothing more than a couple of university students.
"There's no need for a disciplinary warning," Shen Yuan said lightly. "Just let their advisors teach them a lesson."
Disciplinary warnings, once issued, would remain on their records, even if later revoked. Shen Yuan believed that after this experience, Zhao Fei would learn to behave himself.
Wei Zhuo nodded appreciatively. "Mr. Shen, your generosity is admirable. However, I still think that…"
Shen Yuan shook his head. "There's no need for warnings. They're still young; making mistakes is normal."
Wei Zhuo considered this carefully and then added, "While Mr. Shen is gracious enough to let it slide, as an educational institution, we must uphold our principles. The two of them will receive public criticism across the university. Additionally, their advisors and department leadership will ensure they complete reflective essays."
Shen Yuan smiled. "That's for you, as Vice President Wei, to decide. I won't interfere."
At this, Tang Hong, the deputy secretary of the School Youth League Committee, finally exhaled in relief. A public criticism was a slap on the wrist—at most, it would embarrass them for a short while, but it wouldn't leave any lasting damage. For two young men, it was a relatively light punishment.
The students watching from a distance saw Zhao Fei and Gao Hongyi being led away, their heads hung low like deflated balloons. Meanwhile, Vice President Wei Zhuo treated Chen Xinyu's boyfriend with nothing but utter politeness and respect.
"Did you see that? Zhao Fei and Gao Hongyi didn't even dare make a sound before they were taken away."
"So, this is what happens when rich kids run into someone truly powerful? This is what they call a textbook case of hierarchical annihilation."
"What kind of status does Chen Xinyu's boyfriend even have? Even the Vice President is being so cautious around him."
"Alright, it's official now. Anyone who likes Chen Xinyu or plans to chase her can give it up completely."
"I've made a huge mistake coming to the field today. After seeing Chen Xinyu's boyfriend, every other guy suddenly looks so unappealing."
"Go back to the dorm and take a nap. In your dreams, anything's possible."
"…"
With this incident wrapped up, Shen Yuan prepared to attend the unveiling ceremony. He turned to Chen Xinyu and said gently, "Head back to your dorm for now, then grab something to eat at the cafeteria. I'll send someone to pick you up later."
Having seen his younger sister-in-law frightened today, Shen Yuan decided he would make an effort to comfort her properly that evening.
"Okay, okay," Chen Xinyu nodded obediently, her demeanor sweet and agreeable.
Wei Zhuo exchanged a glance with the deputy dean of Chen Xinyu's college.
The elderly deputy dean, with grey hair, gave a slight nod. It was clear that moving forward, Chen Xinyu would be treated as a special person of interest within the college.
The unveiling ceremony for the "Yuan Yi Building" officially began at 4:30. The primary attendees were the school leaders present on the field. The program started with the host announcing the ceremony and introducing the leaders and guests in attendance.
Particular emphasis was placed on introducing Shen Yuan.
This was followed by a discussion of the university's history, the significance of the new teaching building, and the role it would play in the future.
