Chapter 35

Chapter 35

As it happened, today Nan Liujing and Shen Gali were heading to the school together. Their driver, Uncle Li, drove the two of them, dropping Shen Gali off at the school gate before taking Nan Liujing to meet up with the school officials.

As soon as Shen Gali got out of the car, he raised his hand to shield his eyes from the sun and looked around.

People—countless people, packed tightly together.

Besides the graduates in their academic gowns, a crowd of middle-aged people who seemed to be parents had gathered at the gate. For some reason, many of them were carrying basins of water and rolling pins, huddling together and whispering.

Were they planning to make fresh hand-pulled noodles on the spot?

On a day like this, he doubted anyone could stomach it.

"Senior! Senior!" Suddenly, a girl's voice came from the side.

Shen Gali turned to look and saw a few fashionably dressed girls huddled together, holding a DSLR camera. Their faces were red, from the heat or excitement.

"Senior, you're really handsome. Could we take a photo with you? We might not see you again. It's rare to meet someone as good-looking as you at Jinhai University."

The girls chattered away, practically jumping up in their excitement.

Shen Gali was about to refuse when a bright "Brother!" shattered his daydream completely.

Shen Lanqing walked over in a well-fitted academic gown, the pink trim on his hood making his face look as fair as if it had been powdered. Shen Gali suspected he had secretly installed a tracking device on him. Once or twice could be a coincidence, but he always managed to spot him precisely in a crowd. Yeah, he smelled a conspiracy.

What made it weirder was that Shen Lanqing was holding a leash—attached to a massive husky. Its icy blue eyes were as beautiful as the waters of Fiji, but they had a hint of goofiness.

"Wow! It's Senior Shen Lanqing! Do you know him?" Shen Lanqing seemed to be a big shot on campus; everyone could recognize him at a glance.

They even recognized the husky he was walking, bending down to rub its head vigorously. "Bochi~ Long time no see! You're getting smarter every day~"

Bochi tilted his head, sniffing the girls' pockets: Damn, don't just grope me without paying up. Got any snacks? Hand them over.

Shen Lanqing's eyes lit up. When he saw Shen Gali, a faint blush appeared on his fair cheeks.

He gave a strange glance at the girls bothering Shen Gali, his expression darkening slightly, then subtly stepped in front of them and looked at Shen Gali. "Brother, let's take a photo together."

Shen Gali had the word "no" at the tip of his tongue, but then he recalled Shen Lanqing's classic line: "If you won't agree, I'll keep begging until you do."

Fine, whatever.

Shen Lanqing took his silence as consent and smiled at the girls. "Sorry, junior sisters. I need to take a photo alone with my brother. Could you please give us some space? You're blocking the light a bit."

The girls looked uncomfortable. They felt something was off about Shen Lanqing today—he seemed less friendly than usual. They tactfully left.

With the troublemakers gone, Shen Lanqing pulled out his phone, switched to the front camera, and gently placed his hand on the small of Shen Gali's back. With a slight tug, he pulled him closer. "Brother, am I the first person to take a photo with you today?"

Shen Gali's irritation reached its peak. Every part of him resisted, but the dog Shen Lanqing had brought was sniffing at his feet, leaving a bunch of white fur on his gown.

Shen Lanqing held the phone up, glancing sideways at Shen Gali.

The waist pressed against his palm was slender and delicate, the fabric of his T-shirt smooth and cool to the touch. He couldn't help but smile at the two faces in the camera—like the moon reflected in a river.

They were the ones who truly belonged together, weren't they?

Today, many local parents had also come to witness their children's moment of glory. Dressed up with red flowers pinned to their chests, their faces beamed with pride and joy, just like parents seeing their sons off to the military.

Shen Lanqing's parents naturally put aside all their work to attend as well.

After a few photos, his adoptive mother and father found their way to them.

Gong Yuan's grin stretched from ear to ear the moment he saw Shen Gali.

"Li Li looks so spirited today! Look at you in that gown—Dad is so proud of you. You've graduated, congratulations." Gong Yuan's voice wavered, and his eyes reddened.

Shen Gali looked at him and, for once, responded: "Thank you."

"What are you crying for?" His adoptive mother snapped coldly, impatient. "Are you afraid no one will know you grabbed the wrong kid? Stop embarrassing me!"

Gong Yuan didn't dare to talk back after his wife's shout. He stepped aside, quietly wiping his tears, while Shen Lanqing rushed over to comfort him.

The adoptive mother shot Shen Gali a glance, her red lips curling coldly. She whispered in his ear, "Shen Gali, I didn't come today to congratulate you. I hope you know your place."

"So when are you leaving?" Shen Gali countered.

She was taken aback, but quickly composed herself, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I've heard some things recently. Let me warn you: don't even think about making a move on Qingqing. He's the precious one who will marry into the Nan family. Oh, not like you—he's going to marry the sole heir of the Nan family."

She bit down on the word "heir" with gritted teeth.

Shen Gali never paid attention to what these people said. He looked away, watching the graduates happily taking photos with their parents.

Was this survivor bias? Or just the way things were?

If only Mom was here.

The only thing that really saddened him was that Mom couldn't be here to witness his official step into adulthood.

Instead, he had to listen to this irrelevant person's jabs.

"Economics grads, gather here for a group photo!" a voice called out from the crowd.

Shen Lanqing helped his father wipe away the last of his tears, picked up the leash, and walked over to Shen Gali. "Brother, sorry, I need to go take my photo. I might be busy with classmates later. Can you look after Bochi for me?"

Shen Gali's face went blank.

Shen Lanqing left with his adoptive parents, leaving Shen Gali and Bochi staring at each other.

Bochi circled him, sniffing once, then let out a snort: Foolish human, don't be ungrateful. Hand over some snacks now, or your sofa's getting trashed.

Standing in the sun for so long, Shen Gali's laziness had peaked. He desperately needed some shade to crash for ten minutes.

According to the school's schedule, the new college inauguration ceremony would start at ten, and the Computer Science department's group photo wouldn't be until at least eleven. It was only eight o'clock—time to goof off.

He looked around and spotted a classroom building nearby.

Since it was graduation day, no classes were being held. The building was empty, with occasional graduates stopping by to take photos.

He chose a random large classroom, tied the husky's leash to a chair, and lay down on the desk. He was asleep almost instantly.

Bochi circled, sniffing everything: Damn, no food here either?

It hadn't eaten in half an hour—was it trying to starve me to death?!

Its little eyes darted around, landing on the end of the leash tied to the chair.

Hmph, ridiculous. Did they think this could hold this dog? Humans were always so naive.

The Husky opened its wide mouth, bit down on the knot of the leash, and tore at it with its paws and teeth. Thumb-thick nylon soon showed signs of fraying.

When it gnawed through the last strand, it glanced at the still-sleeping human and strutted off like it owned the place, not giving a damn about its owner.

Along the school path, the Husky sniffed at everyone it passed: "Let me, the great one, sniff you—got any good food?"

The clock ticked round after round. Most departments had already finished their graduation photos. The school sent word for students to gather in the auditorium.

At 9:30, the vast auditorium was filled with students. The media and provincial education department leaders that the school had contacted were all in place. Parents were not allowed inside and were directed to wait in the gymnasium.

Ren Yinuo, as the only daughter of the country's biggest media tycoon, naturally received a personal invitation from the school. She sat in the front row alongside the education department leadership, basking in the prestige.

She pulled out her phone and sent a message to Nan Feiyao: "Feiyao, it's about time. You can come over now."

In the middle of the leaders' row, one seat sat empty.

At that moment, the double doors of the auditorium were slowly pushed open, casting long, dark shadows across the floor.

Before anyone appeared, the reporters, with their keen journalistic instincts, already knew who it was and rushed over with their equipment.

In that moment, an overwhelming pressure swept through the hall. The once noisy audience fell into a pin-drop silence.

A wheelchair appeared at the door, carrying a tall man. Even though his limbs were tucked in, his long arms and legs were still noticeable. But he covered his face with a mask and sunglasses, making it impossible to tell what he really looked like. Yet even that glimpse of his refined, elegant aura set hearts racing.

The education department leaders stood up as the man approached. The officials who normally puffed out their chests and clasped their hands behind their backs now hunched their shoulders like meek sheep, walking respectfully to the man's side, bending low to be at eye level with him.

"President Nan, hello. I'm the Director of the Provincial Education Department. I've heard so much about you, sir."

"President Nan, hello. I'm from the Provincial Education Commission. My surname is Wang. Your reputation precedes you. Just call me Wang."

Nan Liujing nodded, shook hands with each of them in turn, and, flanked by a swarm of sycophants, took the center seat in the front row. The department directors and commission heads sat on either side.

This man exuded an intensely oppressive aura, as if he could command the weather with a flick of his wrist. Even though officials and businessmen normally kept their distance, who wouldn't fear a rich man? A single word from him could decide one's fate. The world was both unfair and terrifying.

Students in the back quietly filmed on their phones.

A major corporation! Many people would never see such a figure in their lifetime. Whether he was a creep or not was beside the point, but at least in his presence, they had to show respect.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, President Yu Yanxiang took the stage with poise. He first expressed his blessings and expectations for the graduates, earning enthusiastic applause.

"Students, life is full of partings. Whether your future days are joyful or sorrowful, sunny or stormy, please learn to endure and move forward resolutely."

Applause mingled with tears. Hope for the future intertwined with reluctance to leave campus. At that moment, everyone must have had the most passionate and resolute answer in their hearts.

In the applause, Nan Liujing leaned back in his wheelchair, his gaze behind the sunglasses shifting quietly to the student group behind him.

But from this angle, he could only see a small area, so he didn't spot the figure he was looking for.

Could he be sleeping somewhere right now?

Shen Gali: You guessed it.

Then came the long speeches from student reps and various leaders. The students' applause went from enthusiastic to mechanical.

Yu Yanxiang went up to the stage again, adjusted his tie, and said solemnly to the audience:

"Today is not only an important milestone in the lives of all graduates but also a significant step in the century-long development of Jinhai University. So I officially announce! From today onward, the long-awaited new college—the College of Psychology—is officially established!"

Thunderous applause broke out from the crowd, each person harboring their own thoughts.

"Next, I would like to invite an outstanding graduate as the representative to speak. This student is well-known to everyone—he is the face of our campus recruitment video. Shen—"

"Bang!" A loud crash interrupted Yu Yanxiang's speech.

Everyone in the auditorium turned to look at the door in unison.

From outside came a series of rhythmic shouts, and as the rhythm continued, the door seemed to be struck hard.

Then, a cacophony of footsteps grew louder. The shouts outside became chaotic, mingled with angry curses, scolding, and the sound of objects being struck—like a boisterous market.

Before anyone could react, the door banged open on both sides. The old antique door bolt snapped in two.

The next moment, a swarm of people rushed in from outside, making a grand show of force as they surged toward the stage.

Those behind pulled out banners with white paper and red characters: "Give us fairness! Stop building the new college!"

Those below were stunned. The education department leaders quickly stood up to shield Nan Liujing, shouting "Security!"

But the few elderly and weak security guards had already been trampled underfoot by the rioters...

"Yu Yanxiang!" A burly middle-aged man at the front was carrying a washbasin and banging it with a rolling pin, shouting wildly, "Are you sure you want to push us this far? All the parents oppose building the new college! How dare you ignore our demands!"

Yu Yanxiang had seen big scenes before. He remained unfazed and said calmly, "Sir, this is still the graduation ceremony. If you have any concerns, why don't you come to my office to discuss them after the ceremony ends?"

"Cut the bullshit! You think you can stall us? Don't think you're the only one who knows strategy! We need a proper explanation right now! Why do you look down on us and ignore us? Our children also paid tuition to study here—why should they suffer such unfair treatment?"

"Give us an answer or we're not leaving!" Other parents joined in the uproar.

A perfectly good graduation ceremony had turned into a big mess. In everyone's eyes, this was an ominous sign. Some began to worry secretly about their own futures.

Yu Yanxiang waved his hand, still calm: "Causing a scene won't get you anything. Only by calming down can we discuss a reasonable solution. Why not let us finish the ceremony first? Then I promise to give you a satisfactory answer."

"You're full of shit! You officials all flip-flop when it suits you! Do it now! We need an answer now!"

All eyes were on Yu Yanxiang, waiting to see how he would handle this sudden crisis.

Yu Yanxiang looked at the empty seats in the back row and said to the parents with a smile: "It's hot today, and you've been waiting all morning—you must be tired. Why not move to the back rows and rest a bit?"

Maybe because Yu Yanxiang was too polite, some parents felt a bit embarrassed and moved to the back rows to sit down. Only a few extremists stood their ground, raising their hands and shouting "Give us fairness!"

But that wasn't the end. Some began to go after anyone, shifting their target to Nan Liujing, demanding: "So you're the contractor, huh? Tsk tsk, no wonder you'll be stuck in that wheelchair forever. It's called karma!"

Nan Liujing gazed calmly at them, letting out a soft laugh.

Everyone present thought that with Nan Liujing's twisted and extreme personality, he might get so mad he'd somehow rise up and start whacking them with his wheelchair.

But for some weird reason, Nan Liujing suddenly began to clap, slowly and loudly.

The parents were confused by the applause, then it hit them—this guy was mocking them!

In a flash, the auditorium turned into a madhouse. Some students grew frightened and fled in panic.

"Don't misunderstand, everyone. I'm not mocking you," Nan Liujing said with a light laugh. "I admire your nerve."

Parents: ?

"I bet you're all just regular employees at your companies, diligently sticking to your jobs, enduring scoldings from superiors and reproaches from colleagues for your families, yet never daring to resist, just bending over backwards to keep the peace."

Nan Liujing raised an eyebrow: "But for your kids, you're willing to risk getting arrested just to demand a fair hearing—that kind of courage is really admirable."

However, to the enraged parents, Nan Liujing's words sounded like mockery of their incompetence, made them sound like a bunch of troublemaking mobs, even threatening to call the cops and lock them all up.

Meanwhile, Ren Yinuo, as if she'd just heard something unbelievable, her eyes widened in shock.

Raised in luxury, her father might have been strict with rules, but she never wanted for anything. Whether in life or academics, she had access to top-tier resources, and she mostly hung out with trust-fund kids. She had no idea some people lived like that—getting yelled at and just taking it.

She didn't understand what people meant by "striving for Rome," because she was born in Rome.

In all the noise, Nan Liujing stayed perfectly calm, looked up at Yu Yanxiang: "Principal Yu, everyone has concerns. Why don't we let the parents hear what the students want first? Let's move on."

Yu Yanxiang just smiled, brushing off the parents, and said, "Now let's welcome the graduate representative, Shen Gali, to give his speech."

Every eye went to the brightly lit podium, and in the spotlight, a husky stepped up.

Huh?

A husky?!

This time, not only the students but even the protesting parents were dumbfounded.

A husky with a look of pure genius strutted up to the podium like he owned the place, plopped down in front of the mic and stared down at the crowd like he was the king:

*Got any snacks around here? Hey, you—baldy, pig-faced, fat-headed—you probably got goodies in your pocket, don't you?*

"Woof woof woof!"

Yu Yanxiang: ...?

If the parents causing trouble at the ceremony was a five-star level of absurdity, a husky giving a speech was a hundred-star absurdity—no risk of overdoing it.

Below the stage, Shen Lanqing stood there stunned for a good while, then hissed, "Boqi! Get off!"

Standing by the door, Shen Gali got lost in thought—

Since someone—well, some dog—had already gone up, should he still go?

Ten minutes ago, Shen Gali woke up, checked the time, and found it was just right—he could even prepare a few minutes early.

Being on time was the last shred of dignity for a lazy slacker like him.

But he felt like he was forgetting something.

He stared at the snapped leash still attached to the chair leg, racked his brain for a while, but couldn't figure it out.

Until he heard the principal call his name and prepared to go on stage, he saw the husky and finally remembered what he had forgotten.

Husky: "Woof woof woof!" (For crying out loud, is there food or not? Don't mess with me, you think you're hot stuff?)

Finally, the crowd burst into laughter.

The parents, loving the drama, yelled, "Some prestigious school you claim to be—if we hadn't shown up today, we wouldn't have seen a dog give a speech on stage!"

Nan Liujing shut his eyes slowly and pressed his forehead tiredly.

Shen Gali, is this another one of your stunts? Do I owe you a debt from a past life?

He could play chess in the business world, but when it came to Shen Gali, he was completely powerless.

Even after Shen Gali tanked his own business.

Viewers livestreaming the graduation scrambled to order delivery, thinking, "Wow, this top school is really force-feeding us rice, huh?"

"LOL. This is what they get for trying to build a new college—karma's a bitch, huh?"

"Husky: Time to drop some non-human reality on these so-called elites."

"Let's see how they spin this—a dog hopping up on stage, hahaha."

"This is ridiculous. Why is everyone freaking out? Building a new college is normal for any school—why's it such a big deal at Jinhai?"

"Haha, the problem now isn't the new college—it's the husky!"

In the middle of all the racket, Ren Yinuo's eyes suddenly welled up.

The question she'd been wrestling with finally clicked, and the answer came from a husky.

That smart-looking dog, full of swagger, gave her a determined look.

As the parents laughed, Ren Yinuo abruptly stood up and strode toward the podium, her long pleated skirt swishing with a resolute rhythm.

A strange woman going up on stage—the parents eerily fell silent.

Ren Yinuo gently patted the dog's head, then turned to the rowdy parents and took a deep breath:

"Everyone, I can tell you for sure that the answer you've been demanding—this husky already gave it to you on behalf of the school!"

Everyone: ???

"Who the hell is this woman? Isn't this circus crazy enough already?"

But the principal didn't chase her off—he just stood there listening intently, same as when he let the husky go up.

"When light was first understood, Impressionism broke away from the Academic School; when handmade weaving flourished, the steam train of the era was born; when letters took forever and carriages were slow, the internet came along. Progress is an inevitable part of any era. Now, we have AI and automated devices making our lives more convenient. And this dog standing on this podium today wants to tell you—"

"You've read a ton of books, know all the rules of living, and can own this stage—but this husky can too!"

"If humans only care about their own needs, trapping themselves in an arrogant bubble and refusing to change, then one day, you'll be replaced by something you never expected. So why should you only think about your own demands? What right do you have to block a school's growth just for your selfish benefit?"

Ren Yinuo's words hit like daggers—the students were left speechless.

"Jinhai University's new college fills a field gap, boosts enrollment, and sends more talent to the country—that's a good thing! You're crying because you're selfish! How does sabotaging the school help your kids? You're so short-sighted!"

Husky: "Woof woof woof!" (So, do you have any food or not? Are you really trying to starve a dog?)

The parents slowly turned red and shoved their basins and rolling pins out of sight.

Yeah, even a dog understood that. Why had they been so blinded?

Because someone online said that a new college always brings down the old ones—taking faculty is just the start, and then all the resources get funneled to the new one.

But is that actually true?

When Impressionism first emerged, it faced opposition and ridicule from the old guard, yet today, doesn't it peacefully coexist now? That very coexistence has fostered the vibrant diversity of art we see now.

Ren Yinuo took a deep breath, tears welling up in her eyes as she shouted with all her might:

"Living is not about clique warfare! Living is about embracing all things! It is about tolerance! It is about humility! This is the philosophy that Jinhai University has always pursued!"

As her words faded, thousands of graduating students in the audience jumped to their feet, clapping wildly.

Those parents, who had been red-faced and furious moments ago, finally saw their own ugliness. Calming down, they exchanged awkward, embarrassed glances, silently reaching an understanding. Then, with a sense of shame, they shook hands with the education department leaders to apologize and slunk out of the auditorium.

Nan Liujing stood stunned for a long moment before slowly raising his hands to clap.

*Shen Gali, was this part of your plan too?*

Shen Gali, who was outside the door, thought: So, do I go in or stay out?

Before he could decide, Ren Yinuo spotted him at the entrance, marched over and took his hands. "Shen, thank you. You made me understand the meaning of life. You helped me break free from my old, rigid traditions and take this brave step. You and your dog—you helped me break through my own limits."

She gave a deep bow. "Thank you! You are my guide."

Shen Gali: ...?

What did I even do?

The audience burst into applause again. Students poured down from the stands, shouting, "Shen Gali! Shen Gali!"

Shen Gali: ???

The husky, unable to resist the excitement, squeezed into the crowd, sniffing each person's pockets.

After having its head roughly tousled by the students, the husky puffed out its chest with a smug smirk: I know, little ladies like you all love a buff dog like me.

Yu Yanxiang was clapping from behind, laughing. "Shen, I knew I wasn't wrong about you. You and your dog are both incredible. One move fixed everything. Yes, humans aren't that great. If we become arrogant and proud, we will eventually be replaced—even by a husky."

Shen Gali was surrounded by students. In the chaos, someone grabbed his shoulders and ankles, and the next moment, he was hoisted into the air and thrown up.

Up in the air, Shen Gali seemed to visibly shrink: What did I do wrong to deserve this...

Nan Liujing watched him quietly, then muttered under his breath, "Idiot."

Then came a gentle, relieved chuckle hidden behind his mask and sunglasses.

After the parents left of their own accord, the ceremony continued as usual, but it was already near its end. The speech Shen Gali had prepared never got to be used, because everyone was sick of hearing sweet talk.

Truth may not be beautiful, but it is real.

By the time Nan Feiyao arrived, all that was left was Shen Gali getting tossed into the air by the students.

Where are the troublemaking parents? Where'd they go?!

Where was the scene of Nan Liujing struggling for his life?

Nan Feiyao stood in disbelief for a long moment, then rushed over to Ren Yinuo, demanding, "How did things go?"

The flush on Ren Yinuo's face hadn't faded yet. She smiled cheerfully, "It's all resolved, Feiyao. You were right—Shen Gali came in and turned the tide. The parents even apologized and said they'd fully support the new college from now on."

She didn't mention that it was Shen Gali's dog. Adding two more words wouldn't have changed anything. After all, it was because Shen Gali had trained the dog so well.

"Resolved?!" Nan Feiyao's eyes widened. "The parents apologized?! Are you pig-brained?"

Ren Yinuo flinched at his outburst. In that instant, a spark of annoyance rose inside her.

Her father had always taught her to be a proper lady and not have tantrums at the man she liked. But that was no excuse for him to insult her like this.

She didn't understand why Nan Feiyao was still dissatisfied after everything had been resolved so smoothly, but today's Ren Yinuo was not the same one as before.

She gave Nan Feiyao a gentle smile. "Pigs come in tenth in animal intelligence, equivalent to a three-year-old child's IQ. Maybe even higher than yours, you know?"

"What did you say?" Nan Feiyao's brows furrowed in anger. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

What did this bitch say?

Ren Yinuo took a slow, deep breath and continued smiling. "Too bad. Now you not only need to see a doctor for your head, but you might as well also stop by the ENT clinic."

Nan Feiyao was stunned.

With that, she grabbed her little leather purse, stepped into her high heels, and walked away proudly with her head held high.

She didn't understand what had ever attracted her to Nan Feiyao in the first place. Compared to Brother Gali, this guy had no class and no brain. Go to hell, idiot.

Her father always said a girl should be reserved, gentle, and proper. But he never said that the hardest thing in the world is to pursue your true self.

Screw propriety, screw rules and dogma. So what if I dance on your head, huh? Hmph.

After this battle, Shen Gali became a campus celebrity before even fighting a battle. Graduates lined up to take photos with him as if he were a monkey in a zoo.

In the photos, he was almost blindingly pale, his eyes lowered but full of life. When the sunlight hit him, even his eyelashes were tinged with a faint gold. He looked like fragile glass—crystal clear, delicate, and lovely.

Nan Liujing and Uncle Li waited in the hidden shade under a tree, watching and waiting with keen anticipation.

Uncle Li smiled. "Mr. Shen is really amazing. He solved a huge problem so easily. I think the old master won't complain this time."

Nan Liujing said nothing, his gaze fixed on the tall, slender figure in the distance.

"Although he's a bit clumsy and can't do many things well, he's still the young master's little lucky star," Uncle Li continued, sparing no praise for Shen Gali.

Nan Liujing let out a haughty snort.

A lucky star? The whole plan to build this college came about because of his untimely fainting spell.

Still, I suppose it was a blessing in disguise.

"Young master, today is Mr. Shen's big day. Wouldn't you like to go congratulate him?" Uncle Li asked with concern.

Nan Liujing turned his head away. "No need. On such a happy day, he probably doesn't want to see me here."

"Young master, don't put yourself down. Mr. Shen does care about you," Uncle Li tried to salvage the situation.

Nan Liujing looked up. "Care? How can you say that?"

Uncle Li: "It's just... you know..."

How do I make something up? Online, waiting, urgent.

"Alright, just push me over now. The school leaders are still waiting."

Uncle Li sighed and pushed the wheelchair.

Before leaving, Nan Liujing suddenly turned his head for one last glance.

Shen Gali, standing in the crowd, no matter how gloomy or negative he may be, always shines.

He's glowing.

Suddenly, he turned his head and gazed deeply at that figure.

Whether by coincidence or intent, in that moment, their eyes met.

Through the noisy crowd, they locked eyes in silence.

*

On the vast campus, beneath the shade of countless trees, unknown small flowers hung from the branches, giving off a faint, elegant scent.

A woman in a white dress, wearing low-heeled leather shoes, walked slowly along the white line painted on the roadside. Her honey-brown hair rippled in waves, catching the sunlight.

"Excuse me, where do graduates take photos?" she asked, stopping a passing student.

The student looked at her curiously. Although she wore a mask, the more he looked, the more familiar she seemed.

The student pointed the way for her, and the woman thanked him politely again.

"Miss, are you... a celebrity? You look very familiar," the student finally blurted out, a bit presumptuously.

The woman smiled, her eyes crinkled into beautiful crescents behind her plain glasses. "No, you must have mistaken me for someone else."

Meanwhile.

After taking photos with students from his own college, Shen Gali felt half-dead. Then he looked up at the students from other colleges lining up behind him.

Shen Lanqing, holding his troublesome husky, followed Shen Gali closely, never leaving his side, and kept a close watch to make sure the students' hands weren't wandering.

He thought he would be lucky enough to be the only one who could get a photo with his brother, but unexpectedly, his brother's popularity was so high that there were more people than when he'd gone to see giant pandas.

But he quickly reassured himself: It's okay, I'm the only one who has ever hugged my brother around the waist.

Adoptive father Gong Yuan went out of his way to buy a bouquet of flowers to congratulate Shen Gali. He believed that what other children had, his child should also have, even though buying the flowers had gotten him an earful from his wife.

It is said that raising a child for twenty years could warm even a stone, but for the adoptive mother, Shen Gali was impossible to warm. Before finding out he was switched at birth, she already didn't treat him well; after learning the truth, she told herself her earlier dislike was justified.

Oh, so he's not her biological kid—that figures.

Today, her precious son Shen Lanqing, as an outstanding graduate, gave a speech on stage. She sat in the audience grinning from ear to ear, fully enjoying the envious glances from other parents.

But all of that ended after Shen Gali took the stage.

She thought Shen Lanqing was also foolish. Why did he have to be so close to this imposter, glued to him?

Thinking it over, she firmly believed that her son must have been manipulated by this little fox.

When angered, bitter, cutting words would spill out.

The adoptive mother looked at her husband Gong Yuan, snatched the bouquet, and said sarcastically, "He's not your biological child, why are you buttering him up? Does he need your lousy flowers?"

"He's so amazing, he got a free ride on our dog's coattails. Truly, better to be born lucky than good."

Fearing the child would be hurt, Gong Yuan quickly pulled Shen Gali aside and said softly, "Don't mind her. The weather is hot, and your mother is just in a bad mood. It's not directed at you, it's at me."

Shen Gali gave his adoptive mother a faint glance and said, "Auntie, have some Banlangen. If one packet isn't enough, try a whole box."

"Don't even get me started, Shen Gali. I've raised you for over twenty years, and you changed how you address me that fast? What? 'Auntie'? Have you no conscience?" The adoptive mother, completely disregarding the crowd around, raised her voice dramatically.

The people around turned to stare curiously.

Shen Gali: "Aunt... Auntie?"

As soon as he said "Auntie," the adoptive mother's hands clenched into fists, and veins popped out in her neck.

"You motherless brat, have you no basic decency?" She didn't care anymore; she had to vent her anger today. "I said, how could a little piece of trash like you be my child? You're nothing like my family. When I was your age, I had already started taking over the company. Look at you, a total loser."

Shen Gali: "At your age, some people are already dead."

Exactly.

The adoptive mother was stunned, and the next second her eyes widened like saucers.

This loser was cursing her?!

"You deserve a lesson! As long as you're still on the family registry, I can still discipline you!"

The adoptive mother was completely enraged by his words. Whether it was anger or fear, she was shaking like a leaf.

She raised her hand high, and the slap whistled through the air.

Shen Lanqing was chatting with classmates when he heard the sound and turned to look. Seeing the raised hand, he wanted to stop it, but it was too late.

"Smack!" – the sharp sound of skin meeting skin.

A pale, slender hand firmly caught the falling slap, the five fingers gradually clenching, the knuckles turning white as she squeezed.

Before the adoptive mother could react, her hand was grabbed and shoved aside.

She glared with fierce eyes at the interloper, and saw a woman with slightly curly long hair, wearing a mask. Her eyes behind the plain glasses were cold and resolute.

It seemed like an ordinary gaze, but inexplicably it sent a chill down her spine.

The adoptive mother, feeling guilty, backed down. Rubbing her aching wrist, she warily eyed the hostile woman.

The woman gave her a faint glance, then turned her gaze to Shen Gali standing nearby.