He wasn't Hu Xin, nor did he have any connection to Zhang Yang; moreover, he had previously followed Zhou Yichen. Since the boss of the company was Zhang Yang's friend, he had even less hope.

"Hu Tao, wait a moment!"

Zhang Yang suddenly called out to him. Hu Tao turned around, looking at Zhang Yang with some surprise.

He still felt a degree of apprehension and fear in his heart, worried that Zhang Yang would use this opportunity to humiliate him. Right now, it was just him, surrounded by Zhang Yang's people, so he would have to endure whatever Zhang Yang said.

"Zhantao, this person wants to apply, but his qualifications aren't quite enough. However, he claims to have ability. Why don't you give him a chance and test him on a computer?"

Zhang Yang turned back and said this to Su Zhantao.

His words caused Hu Tao to snap his head up, looking at him in disbelief.

Hu Tao never imagined that the reason Zhang Yang called him over wasn't to humiliate him, but to speak up for him, giving him a chance to demonstrate his capabilities.

At this moment, Hu Tao felt an inexpressible emotion stirring within him.

"He... he can. No problem. Xiao Zhang, have him report directly to the company tomorrow. Let Section Chief Zhao test his abilities!"

Su Zhantao paused slightly, then immediately nodded. He was just one person; since Zhang Yang had spoken, he absolutely had to give face.

In reality, let alone just a test—if Zhang Yang needed it, he could pay this person to do nothing at all. In Su Zhantao's eyes, Zhang Yang was far more important than several others.

"Yes, CEO Su!"

Xiao Zhang was the girl who later asked for Hu Tao's personal website URL. Her name was Zhang Jing, and she appeared very demure.

"This is our company address. Arrive at the company before 8:30 tomorrow morning and look for me. I'll take you to the interview!"

Zhang Jing handed Hu Tao a business card. When Hu Tao took it, he was still somewhat stunned. If it was just a test interview, he was certainly confident. If he hadn't possessed that confidence, he wouldn't have come here to apply, even though his background didn't perfectly match the role, and he hadn't graduated yet.

"Okay, thank you, thank you!"

After taking the card, Hu Tao finally reacted and quickly expressed his gratitude.

Zhang Jing smiled faintly and whispered, "You don't need to thank me. You need to thank our CEO Su; he's the one who gave you the opportunity for an interview!"

"CEO Su, thank you so much for this opportunity!"

Hu Tao immediately turned and thanked Su Zhantao. He was still clearly agitated. If he could secure this job well, he wouldn't have to worry about going home after graduation. With good development, perhaps living in this city through his own efforts wouldn't be impossible. After all, managing to stay here meant he had already taken the first step.

"Don't thank me either; I'm doing this for Zhang Yang's sake!"

Su Zhantao waved his hand. He didn't know Hu Tao and didn't care about him. By saying this, he was essentially directing Hu Tao to thank Zhang Yang.

"You don't need to thank me. Young Master Su and I happen to be friends. Just make sure you perform well; don't let him down!"

Seeing Hu Tao turn to him, Zhang Yang immediately shook his head and said.

In truth, it was simple for Zhang Yang to help Hu Tao; he just didn't want to see Hu Tao rejected because of his major or other arbitrary reasons. Zhang Yang knew that many people achieved greater success through passion projects than through their formal training.

Of course, Hu Tao himself had to possess genuine ability, otherwise, if he failed the interview, Su Zhantao would still not hire him.

"I understand, but I still must thank you!"

Hu Tao nodded, visibly moved. He never expected Zhang Yang to help him. If it had been Versace or Zhou Yichen doing this, it would have been normal. He and Zhang Yang had previously belonged to opposing factions—they were adversaries, even if he was merely a loud supporter. Yet, this very rival stepped in to help him when he needed it most. Even just saying a few words on his behalf was a form of help, enough to move him deeply.

In contrast, Zhou Yichen, whom he had once loyally served and helped, and Versace, whom he followed, hadn't spoken a word to him since, ignoring even his requests.

In that moment, Hu Tao truly felt the difference between people and began to regret some of his past actions.

"No need to be so polite!"

Zhang Yang smiled again, then turned back to Su Zhantao and said, "Let's go to Triumph Tower for lunch. My treat, as a small gesture of hospitality, so you don't later say I invited you to my territory but didn't even treat you to a meal!"

"Haha, no problem! Triumph Tower it is, then. See you there at noon!"

Su Zhantao laughed heartily. He certainly wouldn't refuse Zhang Yang's offer to treat him. Even if Zhang Yang weren't involved in his business, his opinion of Zhang Yang wouldn't change. Furthermore, his father had called him recently, vaguely inquiring about Zhang Yang. Su Zhantao didn't know why, but he understood that his father wouldn't call without reason, and specifically asking about a business partner meant Zhang Yang must have caught his father's attention somehow.

"Alright then, I'll take my leave now; I still have classes," Zhang Yang said with a smile and a wave. There was nothing more for him to do here, so there was no need to stay.

"Zhang—Zhang Yang, wait a moment!"

Hu Tao suddenly called out, his face betraying some hesitation.

Zhang Yang turned back, casting him a questioning look.

Gritting his teeth, Hu Tao finally managed to say, "Last night, Zhou Yichen was eating at Zeng—!"

Zhang Yang frowned slightly and asked quietly, "What does that have to do with me?"

"Besides him, there were a few other student union members. Rumor has it that the meal cost several thousand. Zhou Yichen didn't have that much cash on him. Zhang Yang, I'll be going now. I hope to thank you properly when I have the chance in the future!"

With that, Hu Tao hastily left, clutching the business card. He left his resume behind.

Watching his retreating figure, Zhang Yang was first surprised, then a slight smile gradually curved his lips. He understood Hu Tao's implication very clearly: Zhou Yichen had dined with some student union members at Triumph Tower yesterday, and since Zhang Yang didn't carry much cash, they must have used student union funds. The money the student union currently possessed had been sourced by Zhang Yang from sponsorships he secured from the Third Institute.

A meal costing several thousand was indeed extravagant. At that rate, the former budget could be wiped out in just a few meals. However, this also showed that Zhou Yichen had regained complete control over the student union; otherwise, he wouldn't dare engage in such lavish public spending. This was actually better for Zhang Yang. If Zhou Yichen didn't go overboard, Zhang Yang couldn't make him suffer a crushing defeat, ensuring his life carried a stain that would forever block any political aspirations. This way, at least one potential menace to the common people would be neutralized.

Su Zhantao didn't grasp the meaning behind Hu Tao's words and couldn't be bothered to guess. Once Zhang Yang left, he immediately leaned back, closed his eyes, and continued contemplating how to shape his network company. Now he needed to do even better, to prove to Zhang Yang that his choice was flawed.

Zhang Yang went back and truly spent time studying. Some material was essential for the upcoming exams. Due to his cultivation of inner strength, Zhang Yang’s memory had always been excellent. It wasn't photographic recall, but reading something a few times was enough to commit it to memory.

At noon, Zhang Yang went with Mi Xue. Su Zhantao drove his car, along with the two employees he had hired that morning. They had found two suitable talents and decided not to remain on campus in the afternoon. Su Zhantao's original plan was to hire three people; having found two meant Hu Tao was clearly being factored in. If Hu Tao’s interview tomorrow met a certain standard, he would certainly be hired.

Before the meal, Su Zhantao waited downstairs with his two employees for Zhang Yang. When they saw Zhang Yang getting out of a Mercedes with Mi Xue, the two girls' eyes widened. They hadn't expected this seemingly ordinary student to be such a hidden financier, no less wealthy than their boss. Simultaneously, they thought, like attracts like; no wonder their boss was so courteous to this person—they were clearly peers.

Fortunately, Zhang Yang was unaware of their thoughts; he would have laughed if he knew. Speaking of which, he and Su Zhantao weren't exactly the same kind of person; they were just friends who got along well. This car, in fact, was a gift from Su Zhantao.

After lunch, Zhang Yang and Mi Xue returned to school. As the exams approached, Mi Xue's coursework also became demanding. The two didn't speak much before heading to their respective classrooms. Before parting, Zhang Yang gave Mi Xue a hug, which shattered the hearts of many male students on campus. Previously, it was just a rumor, but now it was practically confirmed: Zhang Yang and Mi Xue were truly together. Hadn't they seen Mi Xue walk away with a blush, looking blissfully happy after the hug? That was the typical behavior of a girl in love.

The following days returned to a quiet routine. On Saturday, Zhang Yang worked half a day at the hospital, starting by checking on his patients. Huang Ju had been living very well these past two days; she was eating comfortably and had gained some weight, her sallow complexion significantly reduced, and she appeared much more energetic overall. Zhang Yang gave her another acupuncture session, and this time, Huang Ju lavished praise on him while he treated her. She knew the sudden improvement in her meals was thanks to Zhang Yang. While she had agreed not to be picky, who didn't love eating meat? Having meat at every meal, and plenty of it, was certainly a comfortable life. Moreover, eating this way was helping cure her illness; Huang Ju felt genuinely content.

After seeing his patients, the free Zhang Yang went to see Nannan. Her mother had also recovered very well in the last few days; she could already eat and even get out of bed to walk a short distance. For post-surgery recovery, Zhang Yang didn't have many advanced methods; he could only apply a few more needles to stabilize her yuanqi (vital energy). Then, he gave Nannan some medicinal herbs he had brought, instructing her to decoct them for her mother to drink. Most of these were tonics for building the foundation and nourishing qi. Intensive supplementation wasn't suitable right after surgery, but avoiding supplementation altogether was also unwise. These herbs, combined, would greatly benefit Nannan's mother's health.

Before long, Mi Xue and Hu Xin also arrived, bringing plenty of delicious food. They stayed until the afternoon before leaving, having arranged to go shopping together the next day for a full day out. Nannan's father and brother were also there, and they encouraged Nannan to go out and enjoy herself. Since her mother had arrived, Nannan hadn't stepped out, so this was a good opportunity for her to truly relax.

Sixth update, bonus chapter four. I am really tired, but my mood is also very pleasant. With over forty votes, Little Yu has added four bonus chapters—I kept my promise!