Xu Chen felt the morning had been like a nightmare, even more terrifying than the time she handed out recruitment flyers in front of No. 1 High School during the college entrance exams. Yet, precisely at that critical moment, 'He' had grasped her hand just in time, pulling her free from the terrifying dream, leaving behind only a lingering sweet memory in her heart.

This time, he had also given her the hope of a new life. Though Xu Chen still found it hard to believe now, the notebook was undeniably resting on her shoulder.

Walking across campus, Xu Chen suddenly felt she possessed the courage to face anyone, no longer fearing any extracurricular activity that involved money. If everything went smoothly, she might even return home for the winter break with a considerable sum of savings—something she couldn't have dared to imagine before.

Xu Chen didn't go straight back to the dormitory; instead, she took the notebook to the professor's office. She wasn't trying to show off; rather, she wanted the professor to help her pre-install several drawing and animation software programs first.

The professor was astonished when he saw Xu Chen's notebook. He exclaimed, "Xu Chen, as far as I know, this model doesn't come cheap, nearly thirty thousand yuan. Where did you get it? I've been wanting one myself."

Xu Chen explained to the professor, "Professor, I know a friend who funded the purchase for me. Later, when I master animation production, he will help me find jobs, and we'll split the profits. I wanted to ask for your help installing some software."

The professor nodded thoughtfully. "So that's how it is. I have legitimate software here. However, if you seriously want to learn 3D animation, I can recommend another excellent mentor. He’s a good friend of mine, and his technical skills in that area are among the very best in our entire Great Dragon Country. With his guidance, you’ll achieve twice the result with half the effort. But for complex 3D animation, the specifications of this computer won't be sufficient; you’ll require high-end servers."

Xu Chen bowed deeply to the professor. "Thank you, Professor, for your immense help. I will never forget your guidance as my teacher. I suppose I won't delve too deeply into 3D animation for now; this computer should be adequate, right?"

The professor smiled. "That's true enough, especially since you're just starting. Don't worry about that for now. I have a condition for helping you."

Xu Chen paused, "What is it?"

The professor’s smile deepened. "You are the most gifted student I have ever seen in drawing. Once your difficulties in life are resolved, could you dedicate more effort to strengthening your studies in painting? Becoming a master in the future would certainly bring honor to your teacher."

Xu Chen nodded solemnly. "Professor, please rest assured, I guarantee I will work hard. I dare not neglect my main studies; earning money through animation will absolutely be based on the premise of not affecting my coursework."

The professor replied, "That’s good to hear. Come, I'll install the software for you. Have time to see me tomorrow, and I'll introduce you to that mentor."

Everything was settled. By the time she returned to the dorm, it was already past noon. As Xu Chen set up the computer on her desk and powered it on, Su Xue and Ouyang Qian burst through the door.

Su Xue collapsed onto her bed. "I'm exhausted, Chenchen. What were you up to all morning? You weren't just sitting in the dorm the whole time, were you? I truly admire your willpower—doesn't your butt hurt?"

Xu Chen turned around. "No, I went out on an errand."

"Aiya!" Su Xue pointed at the laptop on the desk and gasped. Ouyang Qian, who was taking off her clothes, looked up and saw it too. Both asked in surprise, "Chenchen, where on earth did you get this? Did you borrow it from a fellow student? It’s so new, so beautiful! And it’s so fast, an imported brand no less, fantastic! Must have cost tens of thousands, right?"

Xu Chen didn't want to reveal the origin of the notebook, as these two roommates held strong opinions about that person. But ultimately, she couldn't withstand the relentless bombardment from Su Xue and Ouyang Qian and had to tell the truth.

"What! It was that flirtatious kid!" Su Xue and Ouyang Qian were considerably shocked. A steamed bun or a fountain pen, perhaps, they could understand, but this was a high-end laptop costing tens of thousands!

Su Xue anxiously pressed, "What exactly happened? Chenchen, hurry up and explain. Did he trade this laptop for your chastity? I can tell your eyes are strange; you must have been crying this morning. Chenchen, if you don't speak now, we’ll strip you and check for ourselves! If he dared to *** you, we’ll report him."

Xu Chen knew these two roommates dared to say it and dared to do it; if she didn't tell the truth, they might really pull down her pants for a virginity check—they had caused a scene like this before.

So, Xu Chen could only tell the truth: "Brother Zhao said he wants to partner with me on 3D animation production. He invests, and I work; later, when we make money, we split it four-six. I know Brother Zhao genuinely wants to help me, so don't jump to wild conclusions."

Ouyang Qian commented, "So that's how it is. Then he’s still a decent guy. You get six and he gets four?"

Xu Chen replied, "No, I get four, he gets six."

Su Xue shouted, "That’s unfair, unfair! Chenchen, he's ripping you off! I know 3D animation is valuable, and the production is complicated and troublesome—sometimes you can't even finish a few seconds of animation in a month. You’ve been tricked! I’ll go find him and set things straight for you!"

Xu Chen calmly held Su Xue back. "It was my suggestion for a four-six split. Brother Zhao never mentioned anything like that in the first place. Besides, I’m very satisfied with getting forty percent. Even getting one job every six months is much better than working odd jobs outside."

Su Xue insisted, "Chenchen, you are too kind! No, I must find that 'Money-Seeking' guy to reason with him. At the very least, you should get seven and he gets three. He wants the lion's share by doing nothing? In his dreams."

Xu Chen tightly held Su Xue's hand. "Su Xue, don't disturb Brother Zhao unnecessarily; he has things to attend to."

Ouyang Qian asked from the side, "Chenchen, you still haven't told us why you were crying. Were you moved to tears by him? Anyway, he earns plenty of money; it’s not worth crying over."

Xu Chen admitted, "I cried out of anger at the Agricultural Bank!"

Ouyang Qian exclaimed, "Didn't I tell you not to go there anymore? Why didn't you listen? I hate that place too. I even changed my bank card because of it. I don't know what the government is thinking, establishing a bank with such a tarnished reputation."

Xu Chen explained, "Because of this issue, Brother Zhao got so angry he smashed the bulletproof glass at the counter! Then a lot of police officers showed up, but Brother Zhao knew them, so we left safely. You two didn't see it—those two tellers were scared stiff by Brother Zhao. It was so satisfying! The male employee who bullied me even wet his pants from fear—such a disgrace."

Su Xue and Ouyang Qian burst into laughter. Su Xue remarked, "I never thought the Money-Seeker had some human decency after all. Chenchen, you have some status now; someone stands up for you and even bought you a laptop. How about treating us to lunch today?"

Xu Chen cheerfully agreed, "Let's go. Where do you want to eat?"