Chapter 191
Evening self-study, Lecture Hall 1 of the School of Economics and Management.
The room was brightly lit and buzzing with voices.
As the first official class meeting for the freshmen, the scene could only be described as a massive peacock strutting exhibition.
Most of the guys had washed their hair, and the girls had secretly touched up their makeup. Everyone wanted to max out their first impression score in this new group.
On the podium, Qin Zhaoyang was testing the microphone.
He had clearly gone all out tonight, wearing a well-tailored dark gray Armani suit, his hair slicked back and shiny with pomade.
The Rolex Green Submariner on his wrist dangled intentionally or otherwise under the lights.
His entire being screamed the words, I have money.
As he tested the sound, he used his peripheral vision to scan the back corner, his gaze dark and brooding.
In that corner, Gu Ran was looking down at his phone.
Compared to Qin Zhaoyang trying too hard, he was dressed much more casually.
Wearing a simple T-shirt, he leaned back lazily against his chair.
On the screen was a text message from Li Sinan.
[Boss, the internal beta package for MicroChat 1.0 has been compiled. The server stress tests have passed, and we can conduct a small-scale canary test at any time.]
Gu Ran calmly replied with two words.
[Wait for me.]
Sitting next to him, Zhang Qi and Li Ming weren't quite so calm.
Brother Gu, looking at Qin Zhaoyang's posture, he's going to unleash his ultimate move tonight.
Zhang Qi lowered his voice, glancing toward the podium.
I heard he was sweeping the boys' dorms this afternoon, handing out Chunghwa cigarettes and Red Bulls to everyone he saw. He's gone crazy canvassing for votes.
Li Ming also looked worried.
Brother Gu, do you want to go up and say a few words later? With your aura, crushing him would be a piece of cake.
Gu Ran put away his phone, not even batting an eyelid.
Not interested.
Fighting to be class monitor?
That was a game of house only kids were enthusiastic about.
His current energy and time had to be spent seizing the mobile internet boom.
Who had the free time to deal with trivial matters like collecting class fees and doing dorm checks?
Just then, the crisp sound of high heels echoed from the classroom door, and Qin Zhaoyang hurriedly went down to take his seat.
The originally noisy classroom gradually quieted down.
A tall young woman wearing a professional skirt suit walked in.
The counselor of Economics and Management Class 1, Su Qing.
Although she was a senior who stayed at the university to teach, her resolute and powerful boss lady aura instantly intimidated the entire room.
Su Qing held the class roster in her hand, her gaze sweeping around the classroom.
When her eyes brushed past Qin Zhaoyang, who was puffing out his chest in the front row, she gave a polite, slight nod.
When her gaze landed on the lazy figure in the back corner, her eyes paused.
Before she came, Vice Dean Zhang of the faculty had specially called her into his office to give her repeated instructions.
That student in your class named Gu Ran, his situation is special...
He paused for a moment before continuing.
Also, according to his father, he has already started his own business. The school needs to heavily protect this kind of entrepreneurial talent. Give him plenty of freedom, and don't bind him with rigid rules.
Su Qing had walked out of the Dean's office bewildered, her mind full of thoughts about accidentally stumbling into royalty.
Now, she took a deep breath, and a friendly smile appeared on her face.
The young man noticed her gaze. He looked up and calmly returned a smile.
This scene was perfectly captured by Qin Zhaoyang, who had been keeping an eye on Gu Ran the whole time.
His heart skipped a beat, and a bad premonition arose spontaneously.
Alright, quiet down, students.
Su Qing walked up to the podium and knocked on the blackboard.
Today is our class's first meeting. The main agenda is to get to know each other and elect a temporary class committee.
We are all young people, so I won't do any of those empty, flashy opening remarks. Let's start with self-introductions now. If you want to run for a position, just add it in directly.
As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Zhaoyang couldn't wait to raise his hand.
Teacher, I'll go first!
He strode up to the podium, picked up the microphone, and cleared his throat.
Hello everyone, my name is Qin Zhaoyang, a local.
He leaned both hands on the lecture desk, striking what he thought was a very domineering pose, and looked provocatively toward the back row.
I'm a pretty straightforward person and don't like playing games. If everyone elects me as class monitor, I promise that for all class dinners over the next four years of college, I will cover all the drinks!
Seeing the surprised looks of his classmates below the stage, he grew even more energetic.
We'll organize a whole-class outing once a semester, and I'll pay half the cost! Additionally, if any classmate runs into financial difficulties, come find me anytime. A few thousand yuan is a small matter, no need for an IOU!
The audience was in an uproar.
How was this running for class monitor? This was a local tycoon coming down to the countryside for targeted poverty alleviation!
For this group of freshmen who had just been liberated from high school and were tight on cash.
This simple and crude display of money power was incredibly lethal.
Brother Qin is awesome!
Vote for Brother Qin as monitor, and we'll drink till we drop!
A few boys who had already been bought off by Qin Zhaoyang took the lead in cheering, and the atmosphere instantly heated up.
Qin Zhaoyang enjoyed this feeling of being surrounded by stars like the moon, his mouth grinning from ear to ear.
He looked at Gu Ran, his eyes full of provocation.
Did you see that?
This is grassroots support!
This is power!
When you're out in the world, you need background and strength!
What do you have to fight me with?!
After him, the self-introductions proceeded in order, interspersed with a few students running for positions like Youth League Secretary and Study Commissary.
But contrasted against Qin Zhaoyang's bold and visionary words, they all seemed somewhat dull and lackluster.
Soon, the process was halfway done.
Su Qing looked at the roster, frowning slightly.
She raised her head, her gaze sweeping over the crowd to directly call upon the figure who hadn't made a single move.
Student Gu Ran.
The class immediately quieted down, and everyone, not understanding why, followed Su Qing's gaze.
As everyone's eyes turned to the back row, Gu Ran was leaning back in his chair resting with his eyes closed. Hearing his name, he slowly opened his eyes.
Su Qing asked with a smile.
I've read your file, and your resume is excellent. As a member of our class, are you interested in running for class monitor or Youth League secretary? I believe everyone is looking forward to it.
Holy crap, an inside job! He hasn't even introduced himself yet, so how did you know his name, Teacher, and even read his file?!
I demand an inspection!
This naked favoritism made the smile on Qin Zhaoyang's face instantly stiffen, his fists clenching tightly.
On what grounds?!
I gave a speech and threw money around just to get these people to cheer.
You, Gu Ran, didn't even lift a finger, and the counselor is practically begging you to take a position?
Zhang Qi and Li Ming excitedly nudged Gu Ran.
Brother Gu! Go for it! The teacher called you out!
Under the watchful eyes of dozens of classmates, Gu Ran slowly stood up from his spot.
He didn't walk to the podium; he just stood where he was, his expression calm.
Thank you for the compliment, Teacher.
Gu Ran's voice wasn't loud, but it was clear and powerful, easily penetrating every corner of the classroom.
However, I'm quite a lazy person, and I have some personal affairs to handle in my spare time, so I'm afraid I won't have the energy.
He paused for a moment, his gaze lightly sweeping over Qin Zhaoyang, whose face was tense on the podium.
There was a hint of amusement in his eyes.
The position of class monitor requires hands-on involvement and is quite exhausting. I see that student Qin Zhaoyang has great enthusiasm, so this opportunity to temper his abilities...
He smiled, his tone so sincere that no one could find a single fault with it.
"I would rather leave it to a classmate who needs to prove themselves more."
You could hear a pin drop in the classroom.
The smart ones had already caught the underlying meaning.
What did "needs to prove themselves more" mean?
The subtext was obvious.
I do not care for this kind of dirty, exhausting servant work, so let the eager little clown have it.
Talk about seeing the bigger picture!
Qin Zhaoyang stood on the podium, his face flushing the color of pig liver.
The class monitor position he was so proud of.
In Gu Ran's mouth, had it actually become a training opportunity given as charity to him?
"O... Okay."
Su Qing was also taken aback for a moment, but quickly recovered.
She took a deep look at Gu Ran.
Neither haughty nor humble, knowing exactly when to advance and retreat, truly someone destined for great things.
"Since student Gu Ran is so modest, we will respect his wishes."
The voting process went quickly.
Without any suspense, Qin Zhaoyang, relying on his money power promises, received the highest number of votes and was elected class monitor.
However, there was not a hint of victorious joy on his face; instead, he looked as miserable as if he had swallowed a fly.
Just as he forced himself to perk up, preparing to deliver a few victory remarks to regain some face, Su Qing suddenly spoke again.
"There is one more thing to announce."
Su Qing closed the roster, her expression turning a bit more serious.
"Considering that our class is large and the affairs are complicated, and that the class funds and activity budgets involved are quite substantial. To ensure scientific decision-making..."
She looked at Gu Ran, her tone solemn.
"After deliberation by the college leadership, it has been decided to add a Special Advisor to each class. For our class, we will appoint student Gu Ran."
Special Advisor?
The entire class looked at each other in dismay, their faces full of confusion.
What kind of position was this?
They had never heard of it before!
Su Qing continued to explain.
"Student Gu will not be responsible for specific class chores, nor will he participate in taking attendance or dorm checks."
"However, before the class committee makes any major decisions, such as the use of class funds or the planning of large-scale activities, they must first seek the opinion of the Special Advisor. It must be signed and confirmed by him before being reported to me."
At this, the classroom completely exploded.
Everyone gasped, and the way they looked at Gu Ran changed.
How was this an advisor?
This was a freaking emperor emeritus!
He did not have to work, did not have to run errands, yet he held veto power!
The trace of a smile that Qin Zhaoyang had just managed to squeeze out shattered to pieces.
He abruptly turned his head to look at Su Qing, opening his mouth to protest, but found he had absolutely no grounds to speak.
He had won face and become the class monitor.
But he had lost the substance, completely reduced to an executive manager working for Gu Ran.
From now on, if he wanted to organize any activity or touch a single penny, he would have to go and beg Gu Ran for a signature first!
This class meeting was darker than the Munich Agreement!!!
......
......

e bizarre and supernatural had descended. The previous emperor was a thoroughgoing tyrant; no longer satisfied with human women, he had set his sights on a stunningly beautiful supernatural entity. He met his end in his bedchamber, drained of all his vital essence. As the legitimate eldest son and crown prince, Wang Hao was thus hastily enthroned, becoming the young emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty. No sooner had he awakened the "Imperial Sign-In Intelligence System" than he was assassinated by a Son of Destiny—a classic villain's opening. The Great Zhou, ravaged by the former emperor's excesses, was in national decline. The great families within its borders harbored their own treacherous schemes, martial sects began to defy the imperial court's decrees, and border armies, their pay and provisions in arrears, grumbled incessantly against the central government. Fortunately, the central capital was still held secure by the half-million Imperial Guards and fifty thousand Imperial Forest Army who obeyed the court's orders, along with the royal family's hidden reserves of power, barely managing to suppress the realm. As the Great Zhou's finances worsened and supernatural activities grew ever more frequent, the court sat atop a volcano. Ambitious plotters everywhere dreamed of overthrowing the dynasty, and even some reclusive ancient powers emerged, attempting to sway the tides of the world. At the first grand court assembly, the civil and military officials nearly came to blows, fighting tooth and nail over the allocation of fifty million taels of silver from the summer tax revenues. The spectacle opened Wang Hao's eyes—the Great Zhou's bureaucracy was not only corrupt but also martially proficient, a cabinet of all-rounders. Some officials even had the audacity to suggest the emperor release funds from the imperial privy purse to address the emergency. Wang Hao suddenly felt weary. Let it all burn.

transmigrates into the world as the sect master of the Heavenly Yan Sect, which is on the verge of being wiped out. He binds a system that grants him cultivation power based on the number of disciples he has: for each disciple, he automatically gains a year's worth of cultivation every single day! Take one disciple: every day he gains 1 year of cultivation power. While others struggle through a year of bitter training, he gets the same just by sleeping through a single night. Take ten disciples: every day he gains 10 years of cultivation power. Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, Nascent Soul—he breezes through all bottlenecks without lifting a finger. Take one hundred disciples: every day he gains 100 years of cultivation power. Even a Soul Transformation Venerable before him can’t survive a single blow. Take ten thousand disciples: every day he gains 10,000 years of cultivation power! With a wave of his hand, he topples empires. With a single step, he crushes the sacred grounds of the universe. ... While others fight tooth and nail for secret techniques, Lin Yan casually hands out Nascent Soul-level cultivation manuals as beginner textbooks. While others strain to find talented recruits, Lin Yan opens his doors to anyone—so long as they’re human. In just three short years, the Heavenly Yan Sect went from a backwater sect made up of three crumbling huts to a sacred land that every cultivator under heaven would kill to enter. ... One day, otherworldly demon gods invade, with a million demon soldiers pressing down upon the realm. Lin Yan, yawning, rises from his lounge chair and glances at the system panel: [Current Disciples: 1.28 million] [Daily Cultivation Increase: 1.28 million years] He waves his hand casually, and the countless demon soldiers are reduced to ashes in an instant. “So noisy… interrupting my fishing.”

shall grant"] ["Inscribing the glory of our race upon tombstones"] ["All that is threatened, I shall protect"] How his younger sister sees her brother: A brother who only makes eye contact once a day, mostly fading into the background as he tinkers with who-knows-what in his room all day. Their life paths should have remained largely separate. Until one day. Su Qi created an equipment card for his never-met "online girlfriend." His sister fell into silent contemplation upon receiving the "white stockings." [Card can be upgraded] [Upgrade by fulfilling any of the following conditions] [Condition ①: Consume one hundred higher-tier cards] [Condition ②: Complete one 'Heart-Pounding Adventure'] What constitutes a Heart-Pounding Adventure? [Heart-Pounding Adventure (Beginner Level): Equip the card and invite 'Su Qi' to admire it.] [Heart-Pounding Adventure (Easy Level): Equip the card, invite 'Su Qi' to touch it, and analyze the equipment's texture.] [Heart-Pounding Adventure (Entry Level): Equip the card and invite 'Su Qi' to...] [Heart-Pounding Adventure (Challenge Level): Freely combine the words 'Brother' 'Out' 'Brother' 'Me' 'Please' into a complete sentence...] "Please help me analyze both teams' mistakes in this match, brother..." His sister exhaled in relief—surely... surely there couldn't be anything more difficult? [Heart-Pounding Adventure (Suicide Mission Level): Sneak a peek at the names of the galgames in 'Su Qi's' hidden E-drive folder]

young master of the Shen family—a figure of immense power and wealth beyond measure—and awakened the "Destined Ultimate Villain System"! His starting scenario? Running into his icy fiancée who shows up with a mountain-descending divine doctor to break off their engagement. The divine doctor arrogantly taunts: "What does your Shen family have besides a bit of stinking money? You're not even worthy of tying Qingxue's shoelaces!" Shen Fei just smiled. He completely defied the usual script: "Fine, I agree to break off the engagement. Also, notify the finance department to withdraw all investments from the Su family." Minutes later, with its capital chain severed, the Su Group teetered on the brink of bankruptcy! The once aloof and proud ice queen CEO was thrown into utter panic. That very night, she went to Shen Fei's villa, casting aside all dignity to beg and plead desperately... From then on, in this world teeming with Sons of Destiny, Shen Fei embarked on a path of extreme dimensional suppression! A mountain-descending divine doctor? Peerless medical skills? Shen Fei: "Reporting you for practicing medicine without a license! I'll gladly take your ancient medicinal cauldron and twin sister assassins." The Crooked-Smiling Dragon King? Commanding a hundred thousand soldiers with a single order? Shen Fei: "Illegal assembly and suspected treason! Let a fleet of attack helicopters sanitize the area and teach you what the state apparatus really means!" A reborn tycoon? Knows all the golden opportunities of the next decade? Shen Fei: "A trillion in capital to reverse and pump the stock market, making you blow your margin and jump on the very first day of your rebirth!" What Chosen Ones? What bearers of Heavenly Fortune? In Shen Fei's eyes, they're all just chives (i.e., suckers/marks) waiting to be harvested! Shen Fei: "Sorry, but as the Destined Ultimate Villain, I don't play by the rules of honor. I only play the game of dimensional suppression."