Chapter 256: Campus Echoes

South Campus, Little Yellow Building lecture hall.

The projection screen played a promotional video for the Creative and Media College.

The video was anything but dull; it kept everyone hooked.

Normally, students would zone out during these promos, but today they were all focused.

From the camera work to the content structure and wording, it was cleverly done.

No surprise, coming from a college that specializes in creativity and media—it showed real skill and ingenuity.

But at its core, it covered the usual topics.

College history, top programs, famous professors, standout students, and graduates…

When they introduced the current dean, Lin Ruyang, Xu Chen paid extra attention.

This dean, back from studies in Germany, was one of the top creative design experts in the country.

In fact, Tonghai University’s Creative and Media College only got off the ground thanks to Lin Ruyang’s involvement.

As they listed Lin Ruyang’s many roles, Xu Chen paused in surprise.

The video flashed a line:

[Great Wall Advertising Award Honorary Advisor and Judge…]

Xu Chen couldn’t help but smile.

Wang Laoshun’s ad, which Nie Fei had just submitted to the Great Wall Advertising Award, had the college dean as a key judge.

Wang Laoshun’s promotion was exploding, on track to become one of the top three beverage brands in the country.

Even judged purely on marketing results, it deserved at least a silver or bronze.

Lin Ruyang judging a student from his own college…

Though the dean didn’t know yet, once the awards were announced, he’d find out—and it might feel a bit awkward.

Xu Chen thought it over; it probably wasn’t a big issue.

Wang Laoshun’s results were out in the open; not winning would be the real shock.

Skipping the award would just seem off.

Xu Chen hadn’t won anything yet, but he already felt entitled to that victory.

He reflected a bit, then chuckled at his own self-mockery.

…

Lin Ruyang had a long list of titles, even serving as a judge for the 2008 Olympics designs, highlighting his status in China’s creative field.

Xu Chen couldn’t help but wonder…

Xie Bingran… and this dean…

Would he get a chance to be involved in the 2008 Olympics?

If so, it would contribute to the rise of Eastern University.

His father, Xu Zhiquan, always had a strong sense of national pride.

He used to talk about Xu Chen serving the country.

Even in the Bright Factory acquisition, he wove in themes like ‘science for the nation’ and ‘industry to strengthen the country’.

Those weren’t just words; they were Xu Zhiquan’s genuine feelings.

Having lived through fiery times, he held onto deep patriotism.

If his son contributed to the 2008 Olympics, Xu Zhiquan would be incredibly proud!

Xu Chen figured he might seek out opportunities.

Reborn with some foresight, and connected to Xie Bingran, he could maybe make a small impact.

But if Xie Bingran won a medal at the Olympics, that alone would make Xu Zhiquan beam with pride.

Though not his biological daughter, Xu Zhiquan treated her like one.

…

Xu Chen pulled his thoughts back from missing Bing and focused on the screen again.

The video also featured Associate Professor Wang Jian from the advertising department.

Wang Jian taught courses on advertising management and consumer psychology.

He was currently abroad for exchanges, so who knows if someone else was covering his classes.

Homeroom Teacher Shi Dinghai taught advertising media research and held the title of lecturer.

Clearly, Wang Jian had deep roots in the college.

Having Wang Jian as a contact from the start could help Xu Chen with problems or snag some college resources down the line.

Either way, he needed to keep that connection strong.

…

When they showcased outstanding students and graduates, another familiar face popped up.

Bai Miao…

On the screen, Bai Miao stood confidently on the podium.

Xu Chen knew she was at Tonghai University, but didn’t realize she was in the same college as his senior.

Behind him, roommate Huang Hao seemed excited and whispered:

“Bai Miao, our senior!”

Huo Dashan, sitting next to him, whispered back:

“You know her?”

Huang Hao kept his eyes on the screen and replied quietly:

“Bai Miao was my senior in high school.

She got a direct admission to Tonghai University and was a big name back then—tons of fans.

She won so many championships…”

Xu Chen turned and asked:

“She’s an athlete, so why is she in our college?”

Xu Chen remembered Xie Bingran mentioning she studied something like sports education, still in the athletics world.

But the video showed Bai Miao as a senior in broadcast television directing.

Huang Hao explained: “Bai Miao’s parents are both PE teachers at our high school.

I heard they thought an athletic career peaks early and worried about her future after retiring…

So when she got into Tonghai, they had her choose a humanities major instead.

Just to keep other options open…”

Among the others, Jiao Tianbo and Chen Wenyi from Shanghai high schools also knew Bai Miao as one of the Shanghai Twin Stars.

But Hong Xiaoqiang, Pei Qian, and the rest hadn’t heard of this hurdling star.

After seeing her intro and clips in the video, they couldn’t help but admire:

“Bai Miao’s amazing—won all those championships…”

“And she’s gorgeous, with that classic Jiang Zhe look, plus she’s a sports powerhouse!”

“Is she single? Would she date someone younger?”

“Seriously pretty—A+ level beauty…”

…

Huang Hao seemed annoyed and muttered:

“Bai Miao has plenty of admirers—you guys should forget it.”

He stared at the screen, suddenly looking starstruck:

“I saw in our high school alumni group that Bai Miao’s coming to Tonghai University tomorrow for the opening ceremony!”

Xu Chen was surprised…

Bai Miao and Xie Bingran were both on the National Team—weren’t they prepping for the late September competition in Osaka?

Xie Bingran was stuck at the Qinhuangdao training base, no leave in sight…

But if Bai Miao showed up at tomorrow’s ceremony, Xu Chen could ask her to pass something to Xie Bingran.

After all, they shared a dorm on the team.

…

…

Once the informal orientation ended, everyone drifted out of the lecture hall in groups.

The guys from the two dorms stuck together, except for Huo Dashan from 3104.

Xu Chen glanced back and saw Huo Dashan chatting up Homeroom Teacher Shi Dinghai and counselor Zhai Chunshui, clearly trying to make a good impression.

Chen Wenyi remarked:

“What’s Huo Dashan up to? He’s already so chummy with the homeroom teacher?”

“Stock expert” Pei Qian sneered:

“He’s just networking… but does that even matter in college?”

Huang Hao chimed in:

“It does have its uses.

The college hands out resources every year, like overseas exchanges or projects—good relations boost your chances.

Plus, for grad school recommendations or landing admin roles, it’s key to connect with faculty.”

Xu Chen was surprised; Huang Hao, the local Shanghai guy who seemed self-focused, was actually tuned into this stuff.

Jiao Tianbo overheard and scoffed:

“That’s not real skill—it’s just playing politics.”

…

No one responded to Jiao Tianbo, maybe they didn’t hear.

The group kept chatting and laughing as they headed out.

Xu Chen realized his roommates were already scouting the attractive girls in their department and college, knowing them by name.

“That Su Rong’s stunning—total campus beauty material, and she has that rich-girl poise.”

“The one with glasses, Min Siyang, is so pure—I like that type!”

“And Chen Qiong’s got a killer figure—that’s top-tier…”

…

Xu Chen just listened and smiled.

Young guys, full of hormones and energy…

Even in a top 985 university full of high-achievers, the pull of youth and attraction was inevitable.

Huang Hao, the Shanghai local, added: “None of them hold a candle to Bai Miao.”

He was clearly Bai Miao’s biggest fan…

“Computer whiz” Hong Xiaoqiang glanced at Xu Chen and said:

“I think none of them beat that girl who came looking for Xu Chen at lunch…”

Xu Chen: “…”

He thought to himself, then said to Hong Xiaoqiang:

“Aren’t you the computer hardware and software expert? Shouldn’t you be all about tech and staying in your lane?

Why are you so focused on girls?”

Hong Xiaoqiang adjusted his glasses and grinned:

“I love computers, but I love girls too. Who comes to college without wanting to date and experience life?”

“Jiang Zhe’s little prince” Qian Xin asked curiously:

“The girl who found Xu Chen—was she his girlfriend?”

Xu Chen said flatly: “Just a regular friend.”

Qian Xin took off his sunglasses with a sly grin: “Introduce me sometime then.”

Xu Chen didn’t respond but glanced at Jiao Tianbo.

Sure enough, Jiao Tianbo’s eyebrows shot up, looking furious.

He didn’t hold back: “Don’t even think about it—you’re not her type.”

…

Xu Chen stayed silent.

Jiao Tianbo’s social skills were hitting new lows…

Wu Feifei was Xu Chen’s friend, and Qian Xin’s joke was cheeky but not over the line.

Jiao Tianbo calling him unworthy was blunt and offensive—probably his honest opinion, but it rubbed people the wrong way.

And Qian Xin, with his cocky vibe…

Qian Xin took off his sunglasses, barely containing his anger:

“How’s your dorm got a jerk like that?!”

Sensing things escalating and with “social butterfly” Huo Dashan absent, Xu Chen jumped in to deflect:

“I flaked on lunch earlier and promised to treat you all—don’t bail on me now!”

Qian Xin was still heated: “If there’s a jerk around, I’m out—it kills the appetite…”

Jiao Tianbo snorted: “I don’t want to go anyway…”

With that, he stormed off ahead.

Qian Xin put his sunglasses back on and laughed: “He admits he’s a jerk—talk about fitting the part…”

Xu Chen: “…”

Hong Xiaoqiang seemed relieved: “Good riddance—now we can chat freely without the drama.”

Chen Wenyi added quietly: “Jiao Tianbo’s a top student from our high school.

But he does have issues with people…

He rubbed folks the wrong way back then too.”

Xu Chen laughed: “See? With his attitude, he’s probably taken a few beatings privately.”

Everyone burst out laughing.

The others took it as a joke, but Chen Wenyi looked a bit uneasy, recalling the tough guys Xu Chen had brought yesterday and wondering if it wasn’t just talk.

…

…

At Xu Chen’s suggestion, they headed for crayfish, skewers, and fried bites—the same spot he’d hit with Fang Jun and Zhao Feng the day before.

They ordered a feast, plus a couple dozen beers, and the vibe was electric.

A group of seventeen- and eighteen-year-olds, fresh from exams and in full relax mode, loosened up without even needing drinks.

It was the first hangout for the two dorms, and everyone bonded more.

Xu Chen liked these classmates; each had their quirks, flaws, and charm.

In a way, as a thirty-something in spirit, he saw them as kids.

Still naive, awkward, and a bit immature before entering the real world.

Jiao Tianbo meant no real harm, just had zero social savvy—stubborn and childish to a fault.

No wonder Wu Feifei wasn’t into him; she was mature, outgoing, and sharp.

She probably found his immaturity annoying.

…

…

By 10 p.m., as the drinks flowed, Xu Chen got a text from Fang Jun’s sister:

“Where are you? Come drink with me.”

Xu Chen smiled wryly, paid the bill, and said:

“Sorry, guys, I have to bounce.”

That sparked some teasing:

“Is it a girl? If not, you’re not going!”

“Stay safe—guys need to watch out for themselves.”

“If it rains, grab a raincoat!”

Xu Chen ignored the cheeky comments, waved, and headed out…