The morning sun was glorious. Zhang Yang drew back the curtains, and the two of them settled comfortably onto the balcony, basking in the soft morning light while sharing breakfast.
The meal was Zhang Yang’s preparation—milk, bread, and fried eggs. Simple fare, yet everything he put together tasted exquisite; Mi Xue certainly ate her fill that morning.
Now that their relationship was settled, having breakfast together felt entirely different from before, a wave of sweetness washing over both of their hearts.
Returning to school after an absence of over a month, Zhang Yang felt a deep sense of ease.
“Zhang Yang?”
Just as he finished dropping Mi Xue off at her teaching building and before he could even turn around, someone called his name with surprise nearby.
Gu Cheng and Xiao Bin were strolling together by the roadside. It was Xiao Bin who had called out. Both of them stared at Zhang Yang, frozen there on the pavement like statues.
“It’s really you! When did you get back?”
Rubbing his eyes, Xiao Bin grabbed Gu Cheng and hurried over to Zhang Yang, excitement blazing across his face.
“I only got back last night. How come you two are together?”
Zhang Yang curved his lips into a smile. Xiao Bin and Gu Cheng weren’t in the same department, and their teaching buildings were on opposite sides of the campus—one east, one west. It was rare for them to bump into each other.
“We were just discussing some Student Union matters. It’s great that you’re back. While you were gone, that brat Zhou Yichen got arrogant again!”
Gu Cheng immediately nodded, speaking animatedly. Zhang Yang was his anchor; without him for the last month, Gu Cheng had been shouldering immense pressure in the External Liaison Department.
He was the only one left in the department, and all the burdens had fallen squarely on him.
The first issue to deal with was Zhou Yichen’s counterattack. Although Xiao Bin and Gu Cheng firmly controlled the treasury, Zhou Yichen, as the Chairman, still wielded considerable authority. He had been making aggressive moves recently, leaving Xiao Bin and Gu Cheng feeling overwhelmed.
Furthermore, Zhou Yichen had exploited Zhang Yang’s absence to maliciously slander him, claiming Zhang Yang repeatedly missed the Monday meetings and demanding his removal as the head of the External Liaison Department. With Zhang Yang gone, Xiao Bin and Gu Cheng struggled to hold the line.
Fortunately, many others did not want to see Zhang Yang leave, and his securing a twenty-thousand sponsorship had been a major contribution. For this reason, Zhou Yichen’s attempts had failed over this long period, only managing to bring it up sporadically.
“Don’t worry, he won’t be jumping around for much longer!”
Zhang Yang chuckled. From the very beginning, he had never taken Zhou Yichen seriously, neither then nor now. If Zhou Yichen wouldn't behave, Zhang Yang would simply kick him out and promote one of his own supporters. Zhang Yang had plenty of ways to deal with a mere Student Union Chairman.
“I believe you! Once you’re here, he won’t dare to make a sound!”
Gu Cheng nodded enthusiastically. The feeling when Zhang Yang was present versus when he wasn't was completely different. Earlier, Zhou Yichen had seemed formidable, but the moment he saw Zhang Yang, he realized Zhou Yichen was nothing more than a paper tiger.
Perhaps not even that.
It was a strange feeling; even Gu Cheng didn’t know why he had such complete confidence in Zhang Yang. In fact, it wasn't just him; over this past period, Xiao Bin, Hu Xin, and even the girls like Xiao Dai and Nannan had developed a blind faith in Zhang Yang.
Deep down, there was even a certain inexplicable admiration. Gu Cheng was the most evident example; now, when he undertook tasks, he would unconsciously mimic Zhang Yang’s methods.
“Xiao Bin, find me after school at noon today. Lunch is on me at the Triumph Tower!”
Zhang Yang smiled again. Having just earned a substantial sum, treating them to a meal was only right. He now possessed enough money to buy several Triumph Towers.
The invitation wasn't impulsive; he had discussed it with Mi Xue that morning—to meet up with everyone for a proper meal during lunch break.
“Really? That’s amazing!” Xiao Bin shouted. For many students, the Triumph Tower was the pinnacle of dining; being treated there was cause for great celebration.
“What about Zhou Yichen?”
Gu Cheng asked again. He had been with Xiao Bin today precisely to strategize on how to counter the resurgent Zhou Yichen. Their only leverage was financial control, which they had indeed utilized effectively during this time.
“Today is a joyous occasion. Why bring up someone who spoils the mood? Besides, now that Zhang Yang is back, how many days can he possibly keep causing trouble?”
Xiao Bin frowned, turning to Gu Cheng. Gu Cheng blinked, then immediately broke into a wide grin. Xiao Bin was right; with Zhang Yang returned, Zhou Yichen wouldn’t last long.
For someone whose time was limited, there was certainly no need to take him seriously anymore.
The three of them walked toward the classrooms together. Along the way, Zhang Yang took the opportunity to ask Gu Cheng about recent campus affairs.
Zhang Yang’s month-long leave had indeed made the professors suspicious. However, the Third Affiliated Hospital had provided genuine documentation, and one time, the Dean of the Third Hospital had even called personally, causing them to drop their suspicions.
If a student was genuinely ill, they couldn't be forced to attend classes; health was paramount.
Hearing this, Zhang Yang nodded in satisfaction. The Third Hospital had treated him very well. Now that he had secured their sponsorship and received so much consideration, it felt appropriate for him to contribute something. Zhang Yang planned to honor the contract soon by working one day a week at the hospital.
Working only one day a week—this was a lifestyle Zhang Yang could easily accept.
The morning classes passed quickly. His classmates were mildly surprised by Zhang Yang’s return, but no one made a fuss. University life was inherently relaxed; some students missed several days without even having a formal leave slip.
The moment lunch break hit, the group rushed over, unwilling to miss out on Zhang Yang’s treat at the Triumph Tower.
The food at the Triumph Tower was undeniably better than anything served in the school cafeteria. Despite the high prices, the flavor was unmatched.
Perhaps it was a case of you get what you pay for.
Having been away for so long, Hu Xin and the others were very curious about Zhang Yang’s trip. As soon as they saw him, they began bombarding him with questions.
Only Mi Xue knew the full details of Zhang Yang’s business collaboration with Su Zhantao; he hadn't told the others.
“Stop! Stop asking, everyone! I just went out for a few days to help someone recover from an illness. If you don't want the fancy meal, we can go to the cafeteria. Let’s not waste time here!”
The simultaneous barrage of questions gave Zhang Yang a headache. He shouted loudly, his voice startling everyone.
This time, the first to react was surprisingly Hu Xin. He immediately grabbed Zhang Yang’s arm and laughed, “Of course, we want the feast! Let’s go! Zhang Yang, did you earn a lot again helping that person get well?”
None of them doubted his medical skills anymore.
Curing a patient for the Third Hospital earned him a twenty-thousand sponsorship and a two-thousand bonus. Treating Su Zhantao’s uncle earned him an antique small bowl worth over a hundred thousand. A trip that far to treat someone must have yielded substantial rewards.
As the group walked forward, Hu Xin and Xiao Dai looked at Zhang Yang with envy.
Zhang Yang shook his head slightly, offering no further reply this time.
What he said wasn't entirely a lie; he had indeed treated Zhao Zhi in Jiaoyi, and Zhao Zhi had given him a valuable gift. However, the money he had truly earned came from other avenues.
“Hu Big Guy, where are you all heading in such a large group? Want a lift?”
Behind Zhang Yang’s group, a slightly used Santana had pulled up at some point. Even being "slightly used," such a car was remarkable on campus; only official school vehicles or perhaps some professors’ personal cars were seen frequently.
In '98, very few students actually drove to school.
“Fan Monkey!”
Hu Xin’s brow furrowed sharply. The person speaking to him through the window was named Fan Sizhe. He was tall and very thin, hence the nickname Fan Monkey. He was a Physical Education major and a well-known figure in that department.
Fan Sizhe wasn't local, but his family held significant official positions, meaning he was quite powerful. With power came ease in making money. Fan Sizhe didn't deal in huge sums, but his petty cash flow was constant, and he could use anything his family owned at any time. He often drove to school and took the car back to his home over two hundred kilometers away on weekends.
He was in the same class as Hu Tao and was also a member of the basketball team, though for him, basketball was purely recreational—just something to play occasionally for fun.
“Who are you calling a monkey?”
Fan Sizhe, driving the car, paused momentarily, then roared back. His feud with Hu Xin was nearly as intense as Hu Tao’s with him.
He wasn't alone in the car, either; Hu Tao was sitting in the passenger seat. Unfortunately, upon seeing Zhang Yang, Hu Tao immediately lowered his head, not daring to utter a word.
“Whoever takes offense is the one I’m talking to!”
Hu Xin scoffed. He and Fan Sizhe were old rivals, so pleasantries were out of the question.
The root of their conflict lay in an inter-departmental basketball game where Hu Xin had successfully blocked Fan Sizhe multiple times, completely shutting him down and preventing him from scoring a single point.
Fan Sizhe considered that game the most humiliating moment of his life, a permanent stain.
Being petty, he had developed a deep grudge against Hu Xin because of that incident, and subsequent small clashes had only deepened their animosity.
“Hu Xin, if you have the guts, challenge me to a one-on-one!”
Fan Sizhe suddenly slammed on the brakes and stormed out of the car. Standing up, he was slightly taller than Hu Xin, but he was too slender; he lacked Hu Xin’s solid build.
“Based on what? I can beat you with one hand. Tell me, are we fighting or playing basketball?”
Hu Xin gave him a contemptuous glance and waved his fingers dismissively. They had challenged each other before.
Once, Fan Sizhe had resorted to physical aggression against Hu Xin and ended up the loser. In one-on-one basketball, he had never once beaten Hu Xin.
Hu Xin’s assertive response made Fan Sizhe hesitate.
He had only shouted the challenge out of impulsive anger. In a physical fight, he certainly wasn't a match for Hu Xin, who was essentially a walking muscle-bound brute.
Basketball was even worse—pure self-torture. He knew he couldn't compete with Hu Xin on the court.
However, having already exited the vehicle, he couldn't just retreat shamefully. His eyes darted around, and he suddenly yelled into the car, summoning Hu Tao from the passenger seat.