Professor Shen led everyone on two laps around the campus, subtly highlighting the advantages of the school to Wen Ying and Xie Qian.
It was clear he was trying to entice them to apply.
It wasn’t obvious whether Wen Ying and Xie Qian were swayed, but Xie Tang was starting to feel tempted.
Even for further studies, returning to the capital wasn’t a must. Staying in Shanghai wasn’t a bad option.
Of course, if she stayed in Shanghai, it wouldn’t be for Yan Yuchuan anymore.
During the hours at the café, Xie Tang had mentally replayed her entire relationship with Yan Yuchuan.
Not telling him the truth was definitely her mistake, and she had to own that… but in their relationship, she had always been sincere, moving to Shanghai for him, earnestly planning their future, never deceiving him emotionally.
She had invested her feelings.
Financially, she had never taken advantage of Yan Yuchuan.
Was her concealment really so unforgivable?
Her family background, who her parents were, shouldn’t influence Yan Yuchuan’s judgment. Dating wasn’t like arranged matchmaking, where couples lay out their family wealth from the start. If they had reached the stage of meeting parents, she wouldn’t have hidden anything—Yan Yuchuan had a right to be upset, but breaking up publicly was too rash.
Those hours left Xie Tang emotionally tormented, oscillating between self-blame and guilt.
Joining Xie Qian for a meal shifted her focus. The way Wu Chunqin and Professor Shen interacted as a couple was exactly what Xie Tang subconsciously admired and yearned for.
Two people together should be like Wu Chunqin and Professor Shen, harmonious and comfortable, not one-sided compromise but a genuine, deep connection. By cautiously trying to protect Yan Yuchuan’s pride, she had already destabilised the foundation of their relationship!
In just half a day, Xie Tang’s mindset underwent a dramatic shift.
Her ability to adjust so quickly wasn’t because she didn’t love Yan Yuchuan enough.
When she loved, it was true love, but once she decided to pull back, Xie Tang didn’t linger or drag things out.
Before loving others, one must love oneself.
Losing oneself for the sake of loving someone else meant one didn’t deserve to be loved.
That was the pride of the Xie family!
With clear eyes, Xie Tang asked Professor Shen, “For my major, do you have any suitable mentor recommendations?”
Wen Ying blinked.
Was Cousin Xie Qian planning to stay in Shanghai for further studies?
Professor Shen smiled, “I do have a few candidates in mind. When you’re free, I’ll take you to meet them.”
Some mentors excelled in their own research but weren’t great at guiding students.
Others were the opposite, focusing heavily on nurturing their students.
Most students didn’t know what they wanted when choosing universities for their undergrad, but by the time they considered graduate studies, they had clearer goals. Choosing a graduate program was a mutual selection between school and student, though students’ abilities varied—some were just happy to get accepted and weren’t too picky.
Xie Tang was different. With a top-tier undergraduate degree, it was natural for her to seek a mentor who was both academically strong and suited her preferences!
Professor Shen had cast his net hoping to catch Wen Ying and Xie Qian but was pleasantly surprised to hook Xie Tang instead.
At least his efforts weren’t wasted!
Even Wang Shuang could tell Professor Shen wanted Xie Qian and Wen Ying to attend this university.
While Xie Tang and Professor Shen talked, and Wen Ying listened intently, Wang Shuang pulled Xie Qian aside, full of concern, “Xie, isn’t it a bit of a waste for you to study in Shanghai?”
Shanghai’s universities, including Professor Shen’s, could only vie for a top-three ranking. With the capital’s two top-tier institutions, Shanghai’s schools couldn’t claim the top two spots.
If Wang Shuang could get into Professor Shen’s university, it would be a miracle for his family—his father, Wang Jun, would throw a ten-day feast without accepting gifts and set off a truckload of firecrackers!
But Xie Qian was different. He could not only attend the nation’s top two universities but should aim for world-class institutions… To study in Shanghai seemed a pity, even to a slacker like Wang Shuang.
Xie Qian, however, was unfazed, “Does it matter which university I attend? I’m not pursuing an academic path.”
Being a pure scholar could bring social status, researching a beloved field, leading a simple yet fulfilling life—such a path didn’t seem bad.
But it wasn’t for him.
To be a scholar meant avoiding certain conflicts.
Xie Qian couldn’t do that.
Though his cousin Lin Lin once worried he’d renounce the world and become a monk, Xie Qian knew he wasn’t ready to let go of worldly ties.
He had people he wanted to protect.
Stepping away from worldly disputes to live purely might bring him peace, but it would strip him of the “weapons” needed to protect others.
Xie Qian had long considered the concerns Wang Shuang raised.
What mattered to him now wasn’t the university or major but how to enjoy university life while consolidating his existing resources, expanding new ones, and steadily building his foundation—yes, that’s it. He came to Shanghai because his business roots were here, so he had to study here!
Huh?!
Didn’t the choice of university matter?
Wang Shuang’s entrenched beliefs were shaken.
Then what was all his hard work—slaving over practice questions and improving his grades—for?!
Xie Qian saw through Wang Shuang’s thoughts and said coldly, “You’re different. You shouldn’t worry about settling for less but whether you can even reach the level of these universities with your best effort.”
Xie Qian attending a top-two or top-three university didn’t make a difference.
Wang Shuang, even at his best, couldn’t reach these schools.
Wang Shuang’s heart shattered.
Then Xie Qian left him behind. As Peng Guoguo caught up slowly, Wang Shuang shook off his dejection and asked, “By the way, forgot to ask—what year were you born?”
“’87. You?”
Peng Guoguo, unaware of Wang Shuang’s sly intentions, answered without caution.
“We’re the same age then! I’m in my final year of high school, so you must be too. With the college entrance exam coming up, what university are you aiming for?”
Wang Shuang was eager for Peng Guoguo’s answer.
With that green hair, Wang Shuang was certain Peng Guoguo was a total slacker!
Sure enough, Peng Guoguo grew uneasy and said, “I’m not planning to study domestically. My family’s sending me abroad—”
Wang Shuang patted Peng Guoguo’s shoulder with a knowing smirk, chuckling, “Oh, I get it, I get it!”
Some things hurt more left unsaid.
Peng Guoguo was fuming.
—Wang, what the hell do you get!
—What’s wrong with me studying abroad? My family’s rich, and paying for overseas education is normal!
Peng Guoguo’s dislike for studying was no secret.
His family didn’t expect him to get into any university. Studying abroad, getting a gilded degree, and being a trouble-free rich kid was good enough.
No one mentioned studying around Peng Guoguo.
No one asked him what university he aimed for.
Peng Guoguo looked down on those studious top students—they weren’t as free-spirited as he was.
Playboys had their own circles, and hanging out with Tai Xiaowu and the like was fun… right?!
Peng Guoguo, frustrated, tugged at his hair.
—I shouldn’t have come to this dinner. It’s made me uncomfortable and even sparked self-doubt!
