Chapter 150: No, I Can't Scheme Against Him
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Having absorbed all the knowledge, Shen Yuan took a deep breath and rested on the sofa for a while.
When his spiritual power had somewhat recovered, Shen Yuan decided to take a bath.
Because he had only roughly wiped himself with a tissue earlier, he now felt sticky and uncomfortable.
However, this was the counselor's home, and she wasn't there. Shen Yuan had sent her a WeChat message, but she hadn't replied, likely because she was in a meeting.
So Shen Yuan had no choice but to knock on Lih Meng's bedroom door. After a series of "knock knock" sounds, Lih Meng quickly came out to open the door. Shen Yuan asked, "Would it be okay for me to take a shower at your place?"
"Sure, I'll grab you a towel."
After saying that, Lih Meng went to rummage through the wardrobe.
Shen Yuan noticed that Lih Meng's face was flushed, and her expression was somewhat strange, not knowing what she had just been doing.
Lih Meng quickly handed over the towel: "Here."
Shen Yuan didn't think much about it, took the towel, and walked into the bathroom. As the "splish splash" of the water hit his body, Shen Yuan's fatigue was greatly relieved.
Lih Meng's bedroom was right next to the bathroom. This was the first time a boy was taking a shower in their sisters' house. Hearing the sound of water from next door, her heart inexplicably raced.
After a failed romantic experience, she was indeed averse to the opposite sex, but that didn't prevent her from watching adult films.
After all, physiological needs and emotions are two different things.
Especially after graduation, she felt her needs growing stronger, often searching online for adult movies and novels.
Therefore, she even knew some things better than most men.
As the frequency increased, Lih Meng even wondered if she was addicted to sex, after all, how could a normal girl frequent it so often?
But she later came to accept it, realizing that everyone's body is different, and she also saw many girls online with the same peculiarities.
However, she never thought about turning to men to resolve it, always quietly satisfying herself in the dead of night.
But today, after seeing Shen Yuan, she felt a stir inside her.
It wasn't emotional loosening.
It was purely... craving Shen Yuan's body.
The first time they met, over a month ago, Shen Yuan looked fit but a bit slim.
But just now, when she was being affectionate with her sister, it was clear that he was the type who looks slim with clothes on but has muscles underneath.
The necessary abs and pectoral muscles were all present, indicating he must work out regularly.
Regrettably, due to the couch blocking her view, she couldn't see the size down there...
At this thought, Lih Meng felt shy and also guilty toward her sister.
That was her sister's man... why was she entertaining the thought of him?
"Phew!"
Lih Meng took a deep breath, shaking her head repeatedly trying to dispel these thoughts.
"Lih Meng, I'm heading out!"
Shen Yuan's voice came from outside the door, and Lih Meng paused before loudly responding, "Oh, okay."
Hearing the "bang" door, Lih Meng felt an inexplicable sense of regret as Shen Yuan left.
Shen Yuan probably couldn't imagine that another little aunt had eyes for him, and it was different from Chen Xinyu's feelings.
At least Chen Xinyu had a feel-good index for him, whereas Lih Meng's was purely primitive desire.
Just as he settled into the driver's seat, he suddenly received a call from Secretary Kong Zongping of the International campus' Youth League Committee. He said that Vice Chancellor Xu Shoutai wanted to invite him to dinner as a gesture of gratitude for his investment in the entrepreneurship base.
It was to be expected, and Shen Yuan did not refuse. However, considering the hints Xu Shoutai had given last time, he suspected there was another agenda behind the dinner.
High trees catch much wind; in the eyes of the other students and staff at the International campus, he was a walking billionaire, while to these campus leaders, he was a cash cow.
When he arrived at the restaurant, Xu Shoutai and Kong Zongping had been waiting for a while in the private dining room.
Seeing Shen Yuan enter the room, Xu Shoutai immediately stood up with a beaming smile and warmly shook Shen Yuan's hand: "Classmate Shen, we meet again."
"Indeed, Principal Xu."
Shen Yuan returned the friendly smile and then greeted Secretary Kong.
Xu Shoutai gestured for Shen Yuan to sit down: "You can drink a bit, can't you, Shen Yuan? I've ordered a bottle of Wuliangye just now."
"Sure."
Kong Zongping chuckled, saying, "Shen Yuan can hold his liquor. Last time both Old Lui and I couldn't outdrink him."
"That's very impressive."
Xu Shoutai exclaimed, "Secretary Kong's capacity for alcohol is also known in our school. I didn't expect that he and Secretary Lui couldn't outdrink you."
Shen Yuan modestly downplayed his skills, though inside he was thinking, stop beating around the bush with your flattery and get to the point, you old fox.
Though such business socializing would become more frequent, Shen Yuan didn't enjoy beating around the bush.
Xu Shoutai was quite adept at networking, constantly buttering up Shen Yuan, and at one point he also expressed the school's gratitude for Shen Yuan's investment on behalf of the faculty.
It wasn't until the dishes were served and the three of them were clinking glasses and their faces were flushed with drink that Xu Shoutai finally brought up the main point of the evening.
"Here's the thing, Shen Yuan, after discussion with the school leaders, we have formally decided to award you the titles of 'Outstanding Student of the School' and 'Top Ten College Students of the School.' In addition, we are planning to nominate you for 'Star City Outstanding College Student.'"
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"It's rare to find a student as young and accomplished as you, so we plan to make you the student spokesperson for the International campus,"
"That way, you'll become the face of our International campus. After the summer break, you'll have to speak as a student representative during the new student military training, sharing some of your successful experiences with your junior brothers and sisters, haha."
Shen Yuan smiled without replying; these honors were merely nominal and had no substantial effect on him at this stage.
In his view, Xu Shoutai was about to reveal his ulterior motives.
Sure enough, Xu Shoutai paused before adding, "The school is planning to renovate the library soon. The current library, whether in terms of exterior design, interior decoration, or the number of books, can't compare with other institutions."
"For education, a library is a treasure trove of knowledge, the heart of a university, the second classroom for students, and also a place for cultivating talent...."
Xu Shoutai laid out many justifications, all indicating in the end that he wanted to freeload.
Shen Yuan was no fool; investing in such a project would provide no substantial benefits other than a chance to show his face during the library donation ceremony and having his name on the plaque.
Shen Yuan answered perfunctorily, changing the topic, "Principal Xu, our school arranges for medical check-ups every four years. Which health inspection organization are we currently in partnership with?"
"Previously it was Meideng Health, but it changes every year."
This area fell under Xu Shoutai's responsibility, so he knew the details well: "Why do you suddenly ask about this?"
"I recently acquired a health company, which has a medical check-up center. I'm planning to expand its business and naturally hope to collaborate with the school."
While Shen Yuan did not intend to invest in the library renovation, he decided to see if he could swing some business from Xu Shoutai's side.
The essence of business is the exchange of resources; you covet my resources, and naturally, I also want yours.
If the deal worked out, Shen Yuan wouldn't let Xu Shoutai lead the way for nothing. If it didn't, Xu Shoutai would find it difficult to ask for more without offering anything in return, which wouldn't hurt Shen Yuan.
Moreover, with nearly 30,000 students on the International campus, it was no small project.
Even with a check-up every two years, it would be quite profitable.
"Getting older really doesn't cut it; a few drinks and I need to use the bathroom."
Kong Zongping stood up, offering an apologetic smile, "I'll head to the bathroom and grab a cigarette on the way."
Only after Kong Zongping left the private dining room did Xu Shoutai say with a laugh, "I didn't expect you to have such a wide range of businesses."
"That's a good thing. You're an outstanding talent from the International campus; of course, you should have frequent business dealings with the school."
"I happen to be in charge of this area. If your side passes the qualification assessment and presents a reasonable price, there should be a chance for collaboration."
After Kong Zongping tactfully exited the private dining room, Xu Shoutai left some room in his conversation, his implication unmistakable.
Shen Yuan spoke deliberately, "I'll have my associate liaise with the school, so they can review our credentials and put their minds at ease before discussing specific plans and prices."
"Extra benefits, of course, I understand."
Hearing Shen Yuan's response, Xu Shoutai laughed, "Haha, good. Have them contact me first when the time comes."
After they broadly settled this matter and Kong Zongping had returned from his smoke, everyone was just about done with their meal, so Xu Shoutai paid the bill and they went their separate ways.
Xu Shoutai called for a driver and said to Kong Zongping from the back seat, "Shen Yuan is indeed more complicated than I thought. It's rare for someone his age to be indifferent to titles."
Having worked at the International campus for many years, Xu Shoutai knew very well what university students were like, so Shen Yuan was somewhat unexpected for him.
Moreover, Shen Yuan had acquired a company, which showed that he not only had achievements in finance but was also planning to branch out.
Kong Zongping replied with a smile, "Shen Yuan really is different from students his age; he speaks and acts quite maturely."
"Yes,"
Xu Shoutai lamented, "I originally wanted him to invest in the library renovation today. The library didn't pan out, but he found a business opportunity instead."
Although the library project didn't work out, he could earn a substantial kickback from the medical check-up project, so the day wasn't entirely unprofitable.
Continue your adventure with empire
And as for the meal, he could just get a receipt and expense it to the school.
...
Elsewhere, Shen Yuan was waiting for his ride.
For someone like Xu Shoutai, as long as you offer him enough benefits, there will be opportunities for future cooperation.
The fear is that he might get greedy, asking for too much without discretion, so Shen Yuan also planned to keep an ace up his sleeve.
The ride soon arrived on a bicycle, asking, "Hello, you're heading to the Grand Hyatt Hotel, right?"
"Right."
Shen Yuan sat in the back seat, pressing his temples. He had drunk quite a bit with those two old men tonight and felt a bit dizzy.
When he arrived at the executive suite of the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Liew Menglu had already arrived. She noted that Shen Yuan's face was a bit red and that there was a strong smell of alcohol on him.
"Did you drink a lot?"
Liew Menglu asked, then called the room service manager to send up a cup of honey water.
After taking a sip of honey water, Shen Yuan felt much better, smiling, "I never knew that honey water could cure a hangover before."
Liew Menglu, massaging his head from behind, replied, "Honey contains fructose and glucose, which can help break down alcohol."
"So that's how it is."
After a moment's thought, Shen Yuan asked, "How's the research I had you do progressing?"
"These past few days, I've been working out at one of the fitness centers. I haven't had the chance to visit the other two yet, but this fitness center doesn't have any major issues. There are a few minor problems that could be improved."
"Go on."