Chapter 065

"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s event is nearing its conclusion, but we’ve prepared one final highlight for you all. Luo Yao, the CEO of Luo Corporation and the generous donor behind our university’s high-value scholarships, will now deliver an inspiring speech. I hope everyone listens attentively and strives to become someone who contributes meaningfully to society and our nation."

Everyone’s eyes widened in shock. They knew an important figure was attending, but no one expected someone of this caliber.

Few had seen Luo Yao in person, but her name was universally recognized—except, perhaps, by narrow-minded individuals like Liu Yuemei.

She was the heiress of the world’s top financial conglomerate and the helm of Luo Corporation, the number one enterprise globally.

Luo Corporation spanned industries like healthcare, real estate, biotechnology, high-tech, and manufacturing—each division ranking among the Fortune 500.

No one knew the exact extent of Luo Corporation’s assets, but its estimated market value undeniably held the top spot.

In fact, just the previous year’s tax filings alone had catapulted her to first place on Forbes' list of mysterious billionaires.

Under the stunned gazes of the crowd, Luo Yao stepped onto the stage. She wore a striking crimson gown, adorned with the "Eternal Love" necklace, her every movement exuding elegance.

"Luo Yao is this young? Good heavens! She’s breathtaking—what kind of celestial beauty is this?"

"Big sister is stunning, but I’m unworthy of her love."

"Look at her gaze—if there weren’t so many of us here, I’d think I’d died and gone to heaven."

"Is this the most enigmatic billionaire? What kind of luck do I have today, seeing the heiress of the top financial dynasty at our school?"

"Her eyes are so sharp—I love it. I want her to be my husband."

"The former Luo family head, Patriarch Luo Tiansheng, was quite famous. But since Luo Yao took over, the rest of the Luo family has faded into obscurity. It’s clear her position in the family is unshakable, undoubtedly backed by the old patriarch."

"Luo Yao’s father was once considered a national heartthrob in our mothers’ generation. Back then, Luo Corporation didn’t wield the terrifying influence it does now. It was Luo Yao who single-handedly propelled it to its current peak."

Amid the buzzing whispers, Luo Yao swept a cold gaze across the room—silence fell instantly.

Only when her eyes landed on one particular person did a flicker of warmth appear.

"Everyone, on behalf of Luo Corporation, I’ll keep my remarks brief."

"First, I’m not particularly optimistic about your futures. I know many of you might resent that, but let me be clear: your decade of hard work to get here proves your diligence, yet it doesn’t mean you surpass others. Ten years of struggle can rarely overtake three generations of accumulated wealth."

The room fell deathly quiet. Even Principal Tang broke into a cold sweat—he had no idea what Luo Yao would say, as she had arrived mere minutes before.

No one dared refute her words—at most, a few prideful students wore expressions of disagreement.

"However, exceptions exist. At this university, your effort truly can change your life. To motivate you to push further, we’ve prepared the highest-value scholarships in the country. If you have the ability, you can claim them—even surpassing those who once stood above you."

"Today, I’m here for one purpose: to add 100 million Chinese yuan to Capital University’s scholarship fund this year. I believe this is the most practical and effective form of motivation. Strive hard, everyone!"

"I hope those who earn these scholarships never lose sight of their original intention. Ask yourselves: why do you study? Why attend university? If one day you succeed, contribute to our nation—but never forget those who love you most."

Thunderous applause erupted. Principal Tang was moved to tears—100 million in funding had landed in their laps so effortlessly it felt like robbery.

The students buzzed with excitement. Those admitted to Capital University were no fools—they were already mentally rolling up their sleeves, ready to fight for their dreams.

Luo Yao’s motivational tactic was undeniably effective.

Then, her voice echoed across the hall once more.

"Finally, a warning to some: keep your eyes open. Don’t approach those you shouldn’t—and never, ever bully someone under my protection."

The entire room froze in confusion. Luo Yao’s gaze lingered on one spot, and everyone reflexively followed her line of sight.

Was that... Lin Ran?

Her words sent the entire campus into deep contemplation. Then, with effortless grace, Luo Yao strode off the stage.

As soon as she left, Principal Tang wiped his brow and stepped up to deliver closing remarks—a task he was well-practiced in.

But just as he opened his mouth, a screech blasted from the speakers.

"Testing! Testing?"

"Hello, everyone. I’m Liu Ruxue."

Principal Tang glanced around in bewilderment. Below the stage, Lin Ran shuddered, instantly realizing the gravity of the situation.

He seethed inwardly—when would Liu Ruxue just drop dead?

The speakers crackled again: "Lin Ran, I know you’re here. There’s something very important I need to tell you—I’ve fallen in love with you. Will you be my boyfriend?"

The crowd erupted in shock. No one had expected the campus belle, Liu Ruxue, to publicly confess to her former admirer-turned-disdained.

Many freshmen, unaware of the backstory, began cheering at the spectacle of such a beautiful senior making a bold declaration.

Meanwhile, Luo Yao—who had just left under her bodyguards’ escort—whirled around, her eyes blazing with murderous intent. Onstage, Principal Tang felt as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over him.

Liu Ruxue, you’ve got guts—stealing Luo Yao’s man?

Principal Tang recognized Liu Ruxue; after all, she was the school’s beauty queen. But his concern wasn’t for her—it was Luo Yao’s fury.

If she withdrew her funding in a fit of rage, Liu Ruxue would become the campus’s public enemy.

Luo Yao stormed back toward the venue the moment Liu Ruxue’s voice rang out. En route, Lin Ran took the stage.

Step by step, he approached the platform. Liu Ruxue, who had somehow materialized onstage, gazed at him with starry-eyed adoration.

Lin Ran was determined to shut her down so thoroughly she’d never dare harass him again.

Nodding politely at Principal Tang, he took the microphone from his hands.

"Testing, testing—oh, the sound system works pretty well!"

Some in the crowd began chanting: "Get together! Get together!"

But others looked puzzled—particularly those who had witnessed Lin Ran’s harsh treatment of Liu Ruxue outside the dormitories.

They wondered: If he’d treated her like that before, why was she confessing now? Did she have a masochistic streak?

Lin Ran chuckled. "Hey, everyone! I’m Lin Ran—no need for introductions, since you just heard my name."

"Here’s the thing: stop cheering. Liu Ruxue isn’t confessing because she likes me. She owes me a million yuan and is trying to skip repayment by pulling this stunt."