East Capital University, Dean’s Office of the Law School.
Sunlight slanted through the windows, casting a gentle glow on the polished mahogany floor.
The air was thick with the rich scent of old book pages mixed with a faint aroma of tea.
The office’s decor was both elegant and solemn, with entire walls lined with bookshelves filled with heavyweight tomes on law and foreign literature, exuding a sense of accumulated knowledge.
Dong Yunchuan sat behind the tea table, skillfully handling a set of exquisite Yixing clay tea utensils.
His fingers were thick and strong, evidently the hands of someone who practiced martial arts for years, seeming slightly out of place with the identity of a law school professor.
Yet, his movements in brewing and pouring tea carried the particular elegance unique to literati.
"Come, Ah Cheng, try this pre-rain Longjing tea of mine."
He steadily pushed a cup of clear, emerald-green tea soup in front of Fang Cheng, wearing a kind and approachable smile.
Fang Cheng lifted the teacup, taking a gentle sip.
The tea was smooth and slightly bitter at first, quickly turning sweet, a refreshing fragrance spreading between his lips and teeth.
"Good tea, thank you for your hospitality, Dean."
After setting down the teacup, Fang Cheng gazed steadily at the elderly man opposite him.
The image of Dean Dong before him quietly merged with that night at Wangjiang Building accompanying Representative Zhao, as a composed elder.
Even though he recognized Dean Dong’s appearance, Fang Cheng did not proactively mention it.
After all, interpersonal relationships in official circles carry a certain sensitivity.
However, at this moment, the other’s demeanor seemed overly warm, the cordiality like an elder pampering the most cherished junior.
"Hehe, it’s been a long time since we last met."
Dong Yunchuan smiled, asking with concern:
"How’s your mother? And your grandfather, I heard from Senior Brother Ma last time that he was unwell, is he better now?"
As he spoke, he refilled Fang Cheng’s cup again, as if yesterday’s phone call was merely about chatting on ordinary family matters.
"They’re all doing well, thank you for your concern, Dean Dong." Follow current novels on novel★fire.net
Fang Cheng politely responded, expressing gratitude once more.
After a few exchanges, he no longer wanted to talk in circles, so he took the initiative to say:
"Dean Dong, did you call me here today for anything in particular?"
Dong Yunchuan’s hand holding the teacup hesitated slightly in mid-air.
He set down the teacup, his smile receding a bit, his expression becoming solemn.
The elderly man pondered for a moment, seeming to carefully choose his words, his tone very tactful.
"You previously applied for the law master’s program at our East Capital University, didn’t you?"
"After our school’s comprehensive evaluation and the feedback from higher-level background checks, your qualifications, for the time being, do not meet our admission requirements."
"So, regarding this... we express our deepest regret..."
The office fell silent for a moment.
Only some occasional bird calls from outside the window, and the rustling sound of the wind moving the branches and leaves of camphor trees, remained.
Fang Cheng’s expression did not change in the slightest, as calm as a deep pool, without the slightest ripple.
Dong Yunchuan observed his demeanor, feeling somewhat surprised.
He had expected this young man to be shocked, or angry, at least to express something or question him.
But... Fang Cheng did nothing.
Assuming Fang Cheng’s introverted nature kept his massive disappointment tightly constrained, Dong Yunchuan quickly explained:
"Don’t misunderstand, this matter has nothing to do with your academic performance."
"To be honest, both in written exams and interviews, you are the most outstanding student I’ve seen in my lifetime!"
"The issue in this case lies mainly in the candidate’s background check."
Upon hearing this, Fang Cheng’s gaze flickered slightly, finally asking:
"I checked the requirements for graduate political review in advance, and for the law program I applied for, as long as there’s no criminal record or misconduct, I should meet the criteria, right?"
Bear in mind, the background check for graduate students is not as stringent as the civil service exams, nor does it easily implicate family members.
Dong Yunchuan sighed deeply, looking at him with a complex expression.
"This matter is quite complicated; it involves a... hidden rule unknown to ordinary people. The problem lies in your father’s files."
Fang Cheng’s hand holding the teacup tightened slightly, almost imperceptibly.
He lifted his head, his originally calm eyes instantly becoming as sharp as a blade.
"Is the admission for graduate school even supposed to investigate blood relatives?"
Fang Cheng’s voice was low, yet carried an inexplicable forcefulness.
At that moment, Dong Yunchuan felt as though the air in the office had solidified.
He even imagined an illusion.
As if facing him was not a student in his early twenties, but a seasoned warrior wielding life-and-death authority.
This dignified presence flashed and vanished quickly, making him think he was hallucinating.
Dong Yunchuan composed himself, shaking his head with a rueful smile, decided to speak plainly.
"Ah Cheng, I know part of the reason you applied for the law master’s program is to overturn your father’s case."
"I completely understand your feelings, and... I personally respect your persistence."
Dong Yunchuan’s tone was full of sympathy, as if carefully peeling back an old scar.
"You truly are of good character and excel academically, without any problems."
"But this time the investigation work is quite unique, not led by our school, but by an official agency, the Special Search Team."
These three words caused Fang Cheng’s heart to sink suddenly.
To speak frankly, whether he is ultimately admitted for the graduate exams, he actually doesn’t care too much.