Brookford University of Business and Literature. BUBL for short.
If it was up to Darren, he would have renamed this place Brooklyn University of Literature and Business. Why?
For the sake of creativity.
Ever since he entered this college, it had always perplexed him how they'd criminally missed the opportunity to make 'BULB' their abbreviation.
Especially with bulbs being an indicator for knowledge and ideas and stuff.
Darren let out a sigh. That was all by the way anyhow.
Brookford University was a college where prestige met ambition, where the bright minds of tomorrow were shaped through rigorous education and relentless competition.
Darren didn't necessarily hold this opinion but it was what the school's pamphlet said.
The sprawling campus stood as an attestation to excellence, its neoclassical architecture mixed with modern designs, signifying a transition between old-world academia and new-age innovation.
Tall white pillars supported the grand façade of the main administrative building, giving it an air of timeless authority.
To the right, a row of pristine glass-paneled structures housed the business faculty, reflecting the world outside like a mirror.
To the left, ivy-clad brick buildings stood proudly, home to the literature department, where great authors and scholars once debated philosophy and prose.
The university grounds were vast, with manicured lawns stretching in all directions, intersected by paved walkways lined with towering oak trees.
Students moved about in clusters, some engaged in lively conversation, others buried in books or hurrying to their next lecture.
Here and there, banners fluttered in the breeze, advertising upcoming events, academic conferences, and student-led initiatives.
Darren took steps forward, walking past the main gate into the college premises.
At that moment, his system activated.
-------------------------------------
┏Insight Protocol Complete: Information on Brookford University of Business and Literature (BUBL) is as follows┛
┏Estimated Net Worth: $312 million┛
┏Primary Income: Tuition fees, alumni donations, business partnerships, research grants┛
┏Owner: Privately owned by Micheal Terrence, but facing internal instability regarding leadership succession┛
┏Known for: Elite business programs, strong literature faculty, moderate prestige among Ivy League aspirants, notable alumni in corporate and political spheres┛
┏Public Reception: ★★★★☆┛
┏Tactics: Maintaining tradition while expanding modern courses, aggressive recruitment of high-profile professors, securing corporate sponsorships to fund research and infrastructure┛
┏System's Advice: Institution's ownership is fragile. Brookford will face certain collapse but future intel suggests Brookford will ascend to rival colleges such as Harvard and Princeton, making it a prime investment opportunity. Keep a close watch on leadership shifts and potential buy-in points.┛
-----------------------------------------
Darren's eyes narrowed slightly.
He scanned the school, seeing a few memories flashing in his gaze.
Not much had changed since he was in this school, but in his initial timeline, ten years from now, a lot had actually changed.
Brookford had undergone a drastic transformation, rising to global prominence over the next decade. It expanded its faculties, upgraded its infrastructure, and became a powerhouse in business and literature studies.
The signs of that future greatness were already here, just not yet realized. They would first have to suffer the consequences of their owners' legal scandals and court cases.
Darren remembered much of it.
The system was right.
'I don't really know what investing in a college could do for a crypto enthusiast like me,' he thought. 'But an investor never looks down on an opportunity.'
He made a mental note of that. If he played his cards right, he could position himself in the school's growth trajectory and reap the benefits later.
For now, though, he had a more immediate concern — paying off his damn student loan.
--
Darren walked across the campus, his polished Seamaster watch that he'd bought the other day, glinting under the afternoon sun.
His crisp iron-sleeved shirt, the kind meant to be worn with a tuxedo, fit snugly against his athletic frame, though he hadn't bothered to wear the full suit.
Instead, he tucked the shirt into a pair of iron-pressed trousers, the simple but refined look completed with fine leather shoes that clicked softly against the pavement as he walked.
Despite the subtle elegance of his outfit, Darren wasn't actively trying to draw attention. Yet, it seemed impossible to avoid.
As he moved through the campus, he noticed two female students lingering by a nearby bench. One of them, a brunette with bright eyes, waved at him flirtatiously, while the other giggled into her hand.
Darren narrowed his eyes.
'What happened to me all of a sudden?' he thought. 'It's like women can't take their eyes away from me now.'
Was it the confidence that came with knowing the future? Or maybe his time in the business world had refined his demeanor into something more commanding?
Either way, he wasn't complaining — just… surprised.
He did not say anything to the two girls and just looked straight ahead. That's when he saw someone approaching.
His expression shifted.
A woman.
Her blonde hair was neatly tied back, save for two strands that fell on both sides of her dainty face, the ends dyed pink.
She had a poised and confident posture, her hips slightly swaying as she walked and her ponytail did as well. She had a slender yet curvy frame, the tailored fit of her light-gray blouse and black skirt accentuating it perfectly.
Their eyes met.
A flicker of recognition sparked between them, though neither spoke at first. Instead, they studied each other, still walking closer and closer.
Until they both stopped. Just a few feet apart from themselves.
Then, she broke the silence.
"Excuse me," she said, tilting her head slightly, one hand resting on her hip. Her sharp blue eyes swept over his face, assessing. "Is there a possibility that we've met before?"
Darren frowned slightly. Huh?
'So she doesn't even recognize me.'
"Yes," he replied after a brief pause. "You're Alison Parker."
Her eyebrows shot up. A flicker of surprise, then curiosity.
"Oh!" she said thoughtfully, studying him the more. "You do know me, then. That means I know you too… but I can't seem to place your face."
Darren didn't react to that.
"We went to this college together," he reminded her. "Although I'm not surprised you don't recognize me."
He took a cold breath. Then answered with a more detached, confident tone.
"It's me. Darren Steele."
Alison's eyes widened.
"Eh—" She blinked, her disbelief evident. "Darren Steele?!"
A mixture of shock and confusion crossed her face as she stared at him.
What?