University cafeterias often serve purposes beyond feeding students. The VIP sections, resembling private banquet halls with reserved dining rooms, are typically used by faculty to host visiting guests.
Though technically a student, Mei Fang was undeniably Pengcheng University’s honored guest. As one of China’s most talked-about young CEOs in recent years, while not quite warranting the president’s personal reception, he certainly merited attention from department heads.
Today’s luncheon hosts included the deans of Game Design, Computer Science, and Music departments, along with student affairs staff. The only other student present was Jiang Peihuan, Game Design’s student council president, who’d coordinated the event.
Mei Fang rarely attended such functions—Uncle usually handled corporate networking unless it involved Tencent executives. Still, he navigated the scene effortlessly, immediately offering apologies upon entry.
“Deans, faculty, my sincerest apologies. Work kept me up late, and I rushed out without my work phone this morning… Have you waited long?”
“Not at all! We just arrived. Mei Fang, Xia Yuan, Lin Youxi—please, take your seats. Peihuan, let’s have the dishes served.”
Li Tiancheng, Game Design’s dean, was a sharp-eyed bespectacled man in his early forties—remarkably young for his position, especially overseeing a niche like game development, hinting at his capabilities.
While technically only half a rank above Mei Fang’s father, a 985 university dean’s influence dwarfed most peers through connections alone. As both authority figures and industry mentors, Mei Fang treated the trio with utmost respect, rising to greet each.
“A-Fang, you’re driving later,” Xia Yuan reminded.
“Ah! Right—thank you. My apologies.”
“No need,” Dean Li chuckled. “We understand youth today dislike drinking rituals. No pressure.” ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ No(ᴠ)ᴇlFire.nᴇt
“Then I’ll substitute tea—but the respect remains.”
Music Dean Wu Meixia remarked, “Such poise for one so young. No wonder you’ve built an empire.”
“I’ve much to learn. Though busy, I hope to acquire knowledge here to enrich my endeavors.”
“We discussed this last year,” Dean Li noted. “Given your relocation to Pengcheng, we’ve adjusted your academic terms.”
Mei Fang reviewed the revised privileges on Jiang Peihuan’s tablet:
“Previous requirements were stricter, but with C Station’s rapid growth, we’ve relaxed them. Does this suit—”
Xia Yuan peered over, then gasped. “Dean Li, these are so lenient it feels like we’re just diploma-hunting!”
Her bluntness drew laughter. Mei Fang mused—well, isn’t networking the real goal here?
“This generosity is appreciated, but I worry about fairness and the university’s reputation.”
“All within regulations. Given your achievements, few would object. Besides,” Dean Li winked, “We all know how students really spend their college years.”
Computer Science Dean Guo Song added, “Beyond concessions, we hope you’ll consider postgraduate opportunities—especially Lin Youxi. Your NOIP first prize showed great promise. Why forgo NOI?”
“Training was exhausting,” Lin Youxi said flatly. “I preferred staying with A-Fang.”
Undeterred, Dean Guo pressed, “Have you considered advancing here?”
“It’s too early. I’ll assess after experiencing university-level coursework. The company demands much time.”
Compared to Mei Fang’s diplomacy, Lin Youxi’s indifference bordered on rudeness. Quickly intervening, Mei Fang said, “Postgrad is definite for me—with no plans abroad, Pengda’s game design program is unparalleled.”
Though failing to secure all three commitments, landing Mei Fang sufficed. The administrators recognized the trio’s power dynamics.
After exchanging pleasantries, Mei Fang pledged the standard “distinguished alumnus” donation in exchange for institutional support, finally escaping to the car with Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi.
“Ugh, adulting is exhausting. Only the food made it bearable.”
“You bolted fast—snagging shotgun this time.”
Xia Yuan smirked. “I refuse to always play the comic relief. Makes me seem like some side character, not A-Fang’s lover.”
“Adorable as always. But—” Lin Youxi adjusted the driver’s seat, reclining Mei Fang fully before climbing atop him. “Dominance isn’t about seating arrangements.”
“Seriously?! How many servings of A-Fang do you need per day?!”
Fuming at being edged out, Xia Yuan’s gaze suddenly dropped—
Noticing, Lin Youxi broke their kiss, grinning.
“Oh? Seems you weren’t full either?”