Ouyang Qian punched me a few times: "Who told you the Publicity Department specializes in handing out condoms? Everyone is here, don't let people make fun of you."

Xu Chen and He Yuqing smiled and remained silent; having spent so much time together, they were long accustomed to such things. As there was still some time before the election began, everyone chatted casually.

Because of my involvement, He Yuqing had become quite familiar with Xu Chen and the others. "Chenchen, I heard you recently started the 'Star Studio.' The response on the school forum has been huge."

Xu Chen looked a little embarrassed. "It was just for fun, Sister Qing, please don't tease me."

I asked Xu Chen, "What's going on? How come I didn't know? (Fastest updates http://wap.16k.cn)."

Xu Chen explained, "Lately, Sister Jingjing and Sister Susu have given me so many production orders that I couldn't handle them all by myself. So, I teamed up with a few students from the Computer Science and Fine Arts departments to work on animation creation together. Unexpectedly, some well-intentioned students added spice and flavor and posted it on the forum. In reality, we're just doing some very simple work; we gave it a name just to make addressing each other easier."

I praised her, "Chenchen, you did a great job with this. At the very least, you already know how to leverage the school's rich resources. One person's ability is always limited. While profits are now shared, the output has increased, and more people mean more ideas—there might be many unexpected gains."

Xu Chen agreed wholeheartedly, "Big Brother Zhao, you are absolutely right. Only now do I understand the true meaning of pooling collective wisdom. Our Star Studio's first collaborative work received praise from Sister Jingjing; she said it possessed more spirit and vitality than our previous works and encouraged us to keep striving."

I patted Xu Chen's shoulder. "Then keep up the good work, Chenchen. If you need any support, just tell Big Brother Zhao. I will definitely help you with all my might."

Xu Chen replied, "Our biggest hurdle right now is the venue. Since we are all students, it's inconvenient to rent an external office space. Everyone is currently communicating via QQ or MSN, and discussing plans is never as convenient as sitting down together."

Before I could speak, He Yuqing interjected, "I'll contact Qiqi and have her sort out this problem for you. The school has plenty of empty rooms; she can easily borrow a few for you to use as a studio."

Xu Chen was delighted. "Thank you, Sister Qing."

He Yuqing waved it off. "Why thank me? I'm just doing this for Zhao Qian."

I understood that He Yuqing's dedication to helping me stemmed largely from a sense of repayment. Even if she believed in the existence of two scepters symbolizing authority, she knew she had genuinely misplaced one. Although I hadn't pressed the matter, the guilt she felt was unavoidable. Since the loss could not be undone, He Yuqing wanted to compensate for her mistake by doing more work for me.

Xu Chen asked me, "Big Brother Zhao, does this count as a company? Do we need to register with the Administration for Industry and Commerce? Do we need to pay taxes? I don't know any of this, and I'm worried it will cause trouble later."

He Yuqing laughed. "Don't worry about these things; I'll handle them for you. Profitable companies on campus enjoy special treatment. Besides, with Qiqi and Zhao Qian backing you, you can proceed boldly without fear."

Ouyang Qian teased me, "Zhao Qian, you've found yourself a wonderful secretary! Beautiful and capable—truly one in a million."

He Yuqing retorted, "Qianqian, don't make fun of me. You are also famous across Longteng University now. Mention Ouyang Qian, and everyone shows deep respect."

I thought to myself, I wonder if the respect He Yuqing means refers to the younger male members. Ouyang Qian is the type of girl who ignites a man's desire; few boys see her without feeling an erection—the sick ones excluded, of course.

Ouyang Qian responded, "Are you making fun of me? What have I done now? I've been quite reserved lately, don't let Zhao Qian suspect anything."

He Yuqing continued, "Doesn't every student on campus know you're the spokesperson for the Baixing Shopping Group's Human Resources Department? Any graduate you approve can secure a good position at the Baixing Group."

Ouyang Qian blushed. "That's Sister Jingjing's project; I'm just lending her a hand. It's not something worth making a topic of conversation."

While the two women were talking, Xu Chen quietly handed me a bankbook. "Big Brother Zhao, here are the profit shares from the recent jobs. Please check if the accounts are correct and keep it."

Because I had been out of the country for a while, I had let Xu Chen, Xu Jing, and Cheng Susu coordinate with me separately. By now, Xu Chen understood most of my affairs, so there was no need to keep anything from her.

I glanced at the amount on the bankbook; it was over one hundred thousand. I closed the book and handed it back to Xu Chen. "Keep it. You need the money right now. Big Brother Zhao isn't short of funds."

Xu Chen became anxious. "How can that be, Big Brother Zhao? I actually asked Sister Xu Jing; you never took any money from the previous jobs. You bought the computers, and you secured the business. How could I possibly take all the profits alone?"

"Chenchen, Big Brother Zhao said that back then just to put your mind at ease. Don't worry about these small details with me anymore. Big Brother Zhao wants you to devote all your energy to your studies and Star Studio. The greater your achievements in the future, the happier Big Brother Zhao will be."

"Big Brother Zhao, I understand what you mean, but I owe you too much. Xu Chen doesn't know how to thank you."

"If you want to thank me, then work hard. In the future, it won't just be Baixing Shopping Group and Yuejin Construction Engineering Company seeking you out; major corporations like Chaoyang Energy and Huashi Pharmaceutical Group will hire you for advertising planning and production. Doing your job well is the best repayment to Big Brother Zhao."

Xu Chen was not only excited and happy but also displayed a deep seriousness on her face. "Big Brother Zhao, don't worry, I won't let you lose face. Xu Chen keeps her word."

I solemnly placed the bankbook in Xu Chen's hands. "Very well. Invest this money into Star Studio. Pay salaries, purchase necessary equipment, and if you run short, Big Brother Zhao has more. Don't hesitate to ask. The greater your future success, the greater the return to Big Brother Zhao."

Xu Chen accepted the bankbook speechlessly, discreetly wiping a tear from the corner of her eye, and sat quietly beside me. But I knew she would follow through with what was said today, and likely do even better than I had imagined.

The election was about to begin. Amidst thunderous applause, the breathtaking Li Qi walked onto the stage in professional attire. The applause immediately died down, and every eye was fixed on her. Li Qi's beauty was different from Ouyang Qian's, different from Su Xue's, and different from Xu Chen's. Ouyang Qian possessed a seductive glamour, Su Xue a cute charm, while Xu Chen exuded a moving sense of pitiable delicacy.

Li Qi carried a noble aura, akin to that shared by Hua Qingqing and Cheng Susu. Such an aura could not be cultivated without excellent family upbringing, nor could it be displayed without immense self-confidence and capability. At this moment, Li Qi seemed even more like a queen. Standing high on the stage, her gaze swept over the crowd below.