"Principal, is there anything else you need?" Lin Xuan frowned as he asked.
"Sit for a while longer. Let’s have a proper talk. If you still insist on not pursuing graduate studies after hearing what I have to say, I won’t pressure you any further," the Principal said with a smile, looking every bit like a child trafficker at the moment.
Lin Xuan furrowed his brows.
During his time at Shangqing University, the Principal had been quite accommodating toward him. Since he had nothing urgent to attend to right now, he might as well hear him out.
Lin Xuan returned to the sofa in the office and sat down.
"Lin Xuan," the Principal poured him another cup of tea.
"Boss Su holds 51% of the shares in Shangqing University. To put it simply, she has invested tens of billions into this institution."
Lin Xuan frowned in confusion. Why was the Principal suddenly bringing up Hua?
The Principal continued, "Student enrollment and the university’s research projects are directly tied to its revenue. Lin Xuan, your abilities are exceptional. You saw the impact of the last National College Computer Team Competition—our university’s reputation skyrocketed, and countless students applied to Shangqing University."
"If you become a graduate student here and even achieve some notable results, you’ll help elevate the prestige of our graduate program. More talented students and research projects will follow, increasing the university’s revenue—and by extension, Boss Su’s profits."
Having said his piece, the Principal fell silent, leisurely sipping his tea.
Now, all he had to do was wait.
Given how much Lin Xuan cared about Boss Su, he was certain Lin Xuan wouldn’t refuse.
Just as the Principal expected, Lin Xuan fell into deep thought after hearing his words.
Simply attending school could increase Hua’s income.
And on days when he overindulged with Hua in bed and needed an excuse to avoid her, he could always use school as a cover.
With that in mind, Lin Xuan didn’t hesitate. "Fine, I’ll enroll in the graduate program."
The Principal immediately beamed. "Lin Xuan, don’t worry. I’ll make sure everything is properly arranged for you."
Perfect, just perfect. Whenever he needed Lin Xuan’s help in the future, all he had to do was bring up Boss Su.
And when he needed Boss Su’s cooperation, he’d just mention Lin Xuan.
Yes, this was the way forward.
The Principal couldn’t help but mentally pat himself on the back for his cleverness.
"Principal, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave now," Lin Xuan said.
"Of course, Lin Xuan. Would you like me to escort you?" The Principal was practically fawning over him.
"No need. I’m just heading back to the dorm," Lin Xuan replied.
His mind was foggy, and all he wanted was a good, long sleep.
Only twenty minutes had passed since the Principal called him over, and he didn’t feel like returning to class—he didn’t want to be disturbed again.
"Then take care, Lin Xuan." The Principal saw him off at the office door.
Watching Lin Xuan walk away, the Principal was all smiles. Now that Lin Xuan had agreed to stay as a graduate student, the weight on his shoulders had finally lifted.
Lin Xuan was Shangqing University’s golden ticket.
Back in his dorm, Lin Xuan collapsed onto his bed and fell asleep in seconds.
Meanwhile, in the classroom, Professor Chen kept glancing around, waiting in vain for Lin Xuan to return.
After the first lecture ended, he couldn’t resist contacting the Principal.
"Principal, is Lin Xuan still with you?"
The Principal replied, "He left twenty minutes ago. Why?"
Professor Chen frowned. "Then why hasn’t he returned to class yet?"
"Principal, has something happened to Lin Xuan?" His voice was laced with concern.
"Ah, that," the Principal chuckled. "No need to worry. He was just tired and went back to the dorm to rest."
Professor Chen: "..."
Lin Xuan was in his dorm? That meant no one could help him solve his problem now.
Lin Xuan barely showed up at school once a month, and with just over a month left before his graduation, if he didn’t solve this issue now, Professor Chen might never get another chance in his lifetime.
No, after class, he absolutely had to find Lin Xuan!
---
Su Corporation
Su Hua hadn’t been to Su Corporation in a long time, and work had piled up in her absence.
Executives streamed in and out of the CEO’s office, each coming to report to Boss Su.
As they stepped out, some couldn’t help but discuss among themselves.
"Boss Su seems to be in an exceptionally good mood today. That smile on her lips is downright radiant. Even when I was reporting, she was unusually pleasant."
"She hasn’t been to the company much lately. I bet she’s been spending time with Young Master Lin. Boss Su cares about him the most—they’re practically inseparable. No wonder she’s in such high spirits."
Huo Shen appeared at the office door, holding a file. Hearing their conversation, his grip on the document tightened.
His eyes darkened.
Ever since he arrived at the company these past few days, people kept talking about Hua and Lin Xuan, praising how well-matched they were.
Hah.
Well-matched?
With Lin Xuan’s background, how could he possibly deserve Hua?
He was the one who truly belonged by her side!
A cold glint flashed in Huo Shen’s eyes.
One day, he would drive Lin Xuan away from Hua. When that happened, she would be his—and so would Su Corporation.
The two executives continued their lively discussion.
"Young Master Lin is really something, winning Boss Su’s heart like that. Before he came along, I never imagined Boss Su could be so tender. When she’s in love, she acts just like any ordinary girl."
"Exactly! All I hope is that their relationship stays strong. If they’re happy, Boss Su will be in a good mood, and our lives at the company will be much easier."
But if they ever broke up—especially if Lin Xuan initiated it—things would take a disastrous turn.
The executive’s expression grew troubled.
They say men change when they gain wealth and power. With Tianmu Group’s rapid growth, and given Boss Su’s strict demeanor—both in and out of the bedroom—it wouldn’t be surprising if Lin Xuan eventually sought comfort elsewhere.
"Hey, Manager Liu, do you think Young Master Lin might one day break up with Boss Su?" the executive asked worriedly.
If Boss Su ended things, it would mean she had lost interest—whether they stayed together or not wouldn’t matter to her.
But if Lin Xuan left her?
That would be a catastrophe.

] [Lone Wolf, No Male Gaze] [Protagonist is pursued early on; extreme protagonist-stans, stay away!] The "Carnival Paradise" descends and slowly devours the real world in the form of a game. By chance, Zhu Yan awakens the talent [Roleplay], becoming one of the first beta players. He thought he could develop safely, but after clearing the first instance, he is branded by humanity as the chief culprit behind the game's spread—a traitorous villain. A villain? Who would ever... become one! He'll be the villain! From then on, Zhu Yan is not only a player but also a lackey for the Carnival Paradise. Between the straight path and the crooked path, he chooses the con. With his left hand, he dons the villain's mantle, staging scenes within instances, infuriating players who decry him as a despicable traitor, all while the game happily promotes him. With his right hand, he joins the non-human organization "Fangcun Mountain," which opposes the Carnival Paradise, transforming into a mysterious player who slaughters game bosses, earning cheers of "Long live the expert!" from fellow players. Gradually, Zhu Yan rises to become an S-rank human player in Fangcun Mountain's archives, while also being the Carnival Paradise's certified top game Boss. But when the final war erupts and both major factions place their hopes in him— Players tag his various aliases: "Experts, this offensive depends on you." The Carnival Paradise's supreme Boss throws an arm around his neck: "Bro, you're the iron, I'm the steel; you can't let me down again!"

rowess are unmatched, commanding a million-strong army! Yet, the Emperor wants to depose him for the sake of a false prince? Hold on, are you throwing me into some female-oriented romance plot? How can I tolerate this? With a grand wave of his hand—the Nine Clan Extraction Technique! Slander the Emperor? Very well, all of you shall die! ... The False Prince: "Although I am not the biological son, Father and Mother love me more. The throne should be mine!" The Female Lead: "Qin Xiao, you are the Emperor, and I am a commoner. If you wish to marry me, you must abdicate. Otherwise, you will never have me!" The Empress: "After we divorce, you must give me half the empire!" The Transmigrator Consort: "You worthless Emperor, why should I kneel to you? All men are equal—I advise you to be kind!" The Great General: "The enemy general is my childhood sweetheart. For her sake, I willingly abandon the frontier defenses!" The Retired Emperor: "Although Yu'er was adopted, I prefer him. Qin Xiao, you should abdicate and let him become Emperor!" ... Very well! So this is how you want to play? Facing this twisted world of female-oriented tropes, Qin Xiao grins and raises his hand to unleash—the Nine Clan Extraction Technique! I am the Emperor. Why would I bother reasoning with you? Seal the gates! Leave none alive!

u Chenyuan transmigrated into a female-oriented novel about a real and fake heiress, becoming the CEO elder brother of both. Unfortunately, the entire Lu family—including himself, the CEO—were mere cannon fodder in the story. Determined to save himself, Lu Chenyuan took action. The spoiled, attention-seeking fake heiress? Thrown into the harsh realities of the working class to learn humility. The love-struck real heiress? Pushed toward academic excellence, so lofty goals would blind her to trivial romances. As for the betrayed, vengeful arranged marriage wife… the plot hadn’t even begun yet. There was still time—if he couldn’t handle her, he could at least avoid her. "CEO Lu, are you avoiding me?" Mo Qingli fixed her gaze on Lu Chenyuan. For the first time, the shrewd and calculating Lu Chenyuan felt a flicker of unease.

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."