Chapter 50:

The Lian family’s banquet was a great success, achieving their goal of announcing their status and the return of their heir.

As a result, the upper echelons of Yuzhou society became somewhat unsettled—perhaps not to the point of upheaval, but there were certainly ripples.

Many families were now watching closely, eager to see whether Lian Huijie could be considered a suitable candidate for marriage alliances. The enthusiasm was palpable.

As for their previous behavior—scattering like startled birds when Lian Huijie was paralyzed—it meant little to them. The upper class may value face, but they also know how to shamelessly pivot when necessary.

In their view, they had merely distanced themselves back then, without actively kicking him while he was down. Surely Lian Huijie and the Lian family wouldn’t hold that against them.

Thus, the Lian household found itself unusually bustling these days, with invitations arriving like snowflakes.

Yet, for reasons unknown, the Lian family declined them all, maintaining their usual low-key demeanor. Even so, this left many families uneasy, wondering what it meant.

The affairs of high society, however, had yet to reach Yuzhou University.

Students went about their classes as usual. The only thing troubling Qin Chaoyu was a certain male student who kept “coincidentally” running into her.

At first, Qin Chaoyu hadn’t noticed his intentions, dismissing the encounters as mere chance. But after repeated incidents, even a fool could see what he was up to. Since the locations weren’t hers to control, she couldn’t exactly tell him to leave.

Especially when the boy seemed to realize she’d caught on—he began appearing openly in front of her.

Qin Chaoyu’s sole focus now was reviving her sect. Romantic entanglements weren’t even on her radar, rendering his efforts futile.

“Hey, Chaoyu,” Qian Fangyuan nudged her as they walked back to the dorm after class, tilting her chin forward. “That senior’s here again!”

The boy’s behavior was anything but subtle, so Qian Fangyuan and the others were well aware of his pursuit. While they deferred to Qin Chaoyu’s feelings, that didn’t stop them from teasing her.

Snapping out of her thoughts at Qian Fangyuan’s words, Qin Chaoyu frowned and looked ahead.

A man in a white shirt and black pants stood quietly by the roadside, watching her.

The simple, classic outfit was the ideal “dream guy” attire in many girls’ minds—the kind of “youth in white” that sparked first loves.

But as the saying goes, good looks make any outfit work.

And this man was undeniably good-looking.

Thick brows, sharp eyes, a clean buzz cut—unlike the long, stylish hairstyles many boys sported these days. Yet this very simplicity amplified his striking presence.

His lips were pressed tightly together, and his cool demeanor made him seem unapproachable.

“Why do you think Senior Tan is standing here?” a nearby girl whispered to her friend. As a computer science major, she’d long admired Tan Xiaohong—his reputation was legendary. Seeing her idol stationed on the path to the girls’ dorm, she couldn’t help but linger. “I thought he was busy with his startup and rarely on campus?”

Her friend rolled her eyes. “You call yourself a fan? You don’t even know his latest news!”

After some chiding, she relented under her friend’s pleading gaze. “What else would he be doing here? Waiting for a girl, obviously.”

“What?! Senior Tan likes someone?”

“Why the shock? Even if he didn’t, it wouldn’t be you. Face it—you’re no match for the beauties chasing him, even the campus queen got rejected. This time, he’s after a junior—a well-known talent from the Chinese Medicine department. Look, there she is now.”

Following her friend’s gaze, the girl saw four approaching figures. Three were distinctly attractive, though she couldn’t pinpoint which one was the target. Not that it mattered—her confidence deflated instantly.

Sigh. Figures—handsome guys always go for the beauties.

Qin Chaoyu stepped forward and said to her roommates, “Go ahead. I need to talk to Senior Tan.”

“Ooooh~” Qian Fangyuan drawled, grinning mischievously.

“Cut it out,” Bai Pengpeng interjected coolly. “Let’s go. Give Chaoyu some space.”

With that, she strode off, leaving an aloof silhouette behind.

Qin Chaoyu turned to the boy, who had waited patiently. Once they were alone, his expression softened slightly. “Let’s find a café. We can talk over coffee.”

She shook her head. She’d stayed to be direct, not to waste time. “No need. I just want to say one thing—I’m not interested in relationships right now. My focus is entirely on my studies, so I have to decline your feelings.”

Her words weren’t false, though “reviving her sect” was replaced with “studies.” She thought this was gentle enough to spare his pride.

But Qin Chaoyu didn’t realize her rejection was a cliché. In high school, such an excuse might hold weight, but in college—especially as a freshman—it rang hollow.

The boy’s heart twinged. Having rejected others bluntly in the past, he now understood how much it stung.

But he sighed. If he liked her, he’d endure it.

“I know you don’t like me yet, but give me a chance. Maybe you will.”

This boy—Tan Xiaohong—had fallen for Qin Chaoyu at first sight during that rainy day. Normally not one to persist, she was his first crush, and he couldn’t bring himself to give up.

Qin Chaoyu didn’t get why he wouldn’t take no for an answer, but disliking the audience, she deflected, “Do what you want. I’m leaving.”

Tan Xiaohong didn’t stop her. After she left, he lingered briefly before departing too.

“Wow, even someone as amazing as Senior Tan can get rejected,” a spectator remarked, disappointed.

“Duh. No one’s universally liked—not even money. This is a story for the gorgeous folks. Us normies should mind our own business.”

With that, the crowd dispersed, though news of Tan Xiaohong’s failed confession would likely spread campus-wide soon.

Never underestimate college gossip—especially when it involves campus celebrities.

And here, “celebrities” didn’t just mean Tan Xiaohong, but Qin Chaoyu too.

~

After the banquet, Lian Huijie plunged into a busy period.

As the former heir, he’d already mastered much of the company’s operations. His father had nearly handed over the reins before his paralysis. Now, he had to review everything and reestablish his authority.

Once things stabilized, he finally caught his breath.

Signing the last document his secretary brought in, Lian Huijie set down his pen and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.

The Lian family’s company occupied a 30-story skyscraper in Yuzhou’s bustling business district—a testament to their wealth. Many self-proclaimed elite families could only afford rented floors in shared buildings.

Lian Huijie enjoyed the view, the world below seeming small from this height.

Crossing his arms, he reflected.

His recovery owed thanks to two people. Swamped lately, he hadn’t properly expressed his gratitude. He’d make time soon.

His thoughts turned to Qin Chaoyu.

At the banquet, his parents had dropped hints about her to curious guests. They knew this crowd—facts they uncovered themselves held more weight than any praise.

Their motive was simple: A physician of Qin Chaoyu’s skill deserved recognition. While treatment was transactional, the Lian family valued gratitude. Money alone couldn’t repay her, so promoting her reputation was the least they could do.

As Lian Huijie pondered how to thank Qin Chaoyu and Bai Jixi, a knock interrupted him.

“Come in,” he said evenly.

The secretary entered, eyes downcast to avoid presuming his boss’s thoughts. “Mr. Lian, an invitation—the Song family’s banquet tonight at seven. They hope you’ll attend.”

Though Lian Huijie had declined many invites, some were unavoidable. The Song family’s was one.

“Accepted. You may go.”

“Yes.”

The secretary shut the door softly.

Distracted, Lian Huijie returned to his desk.

Back to work—finish everything before leaving.