Chapter 258: Orientation Day at Tonghai University

Tonghai University, December 9th Sports Field.

The 2006 freshman orientation ceremony was underway.

Two rows of leaders and guests sat on stage, while the audience below was packed with neatly lined-up students.

Xu Chen and a few guys stood at the back row, able to sneak in some distractions.

The host was a vice principal, who first gave a general introduction to the attending leaders and guests.

Besides the secretary, principal, and various university leaders, there were over a dozen heavyweight academician guests, highlighting Tonghai University’s prominence in domestic science and engineering fields.

The principal spoke on behalf of the school and staff, with sincere content that was a bit on the dull side.

The guys at the back started glancing forward again, mostly focusing on the pretty girls from various departments.

“Top Student Bro” Jiao Tianbo looked serious, still standing at the back.

Hong Xiaoqiang whispered:

“Aren’t you supposed to do a poetry recitation? Why are you still standing here?”

Jiao Tianbo: “It’s early; I’ll head to the staging area later.”

Xu Chen glanced up and noticed Jiao Tianbo had clearly put effort into his appearance—hair styled with gel, a standard cultural shirt on top, dark jeans below, and brand-new white sneakers.

Far ahead at the front of the line, Huo Dashan stood there holding a sign for the Creative and Media College.

…

The principal’s enthusiastic but somewhat lengthy speech ended, and the vice principal announced the list of 2006 undergraduate freshman scholarship recipients.

Jiao Tianbo straightened his back a little, tilting his chin up slightly.

Xu Chen and his three dorm mates then remembered that earlier that morning, “Top Student Bro” had casually mentioned he was not only reciting poetry on stage but also a scholarship winner who would receive an award…

From his proudly puffed-up neck, it looked like he was ready to dash straight up to the stage.

The vice principal’s resounding voice echoed across the sports field:

“There are a total of one hundred and eighty students receiving the Tonghai University 2006 undergraduate freshman scholarship.”

“Now, announcing the twenty-five students who received the first-class freshman scholarship…”

“They are Chen Qi, Xue Yue, Yang Haihong…”

But when the twenty-five names were read, “Jiao Tianbo” wasn’t among them.

Hong Xiaoqiang paused, unable to resist poking the “Top Student Bro” in front:

“Why didn’t I hear your name?”

Xu Chen felt a bit speechless and wanted to tell Hong Xiaoqiang: Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t…

Jiao Tianbo raised his eyebrows slightly but whispered:

“I’m on the second-class scholarship.”

Hong Xiaoqiang’s expression turned amusing as he drew out an “Oh~”.

Xu Chen: “…”

Jiao Tianbo turned away, his back showing he was a bit disappointed.

He had probably prepared to have his name called and go up for the award.

But the vice principal only read the first-class list…

“Congratulations to those who received the first-class, second-class, and third-class freshman scholarships!”

After a round of thunderous applause, the vice principal continued:

“There are twenty-two students receiving the Tonghai University 2006 star admission scholarship.”

“They are Zhao Haijun, Xu Chen…”

Before Xu Chen could react, the other guys turned to look at him:

“Whoa! Is that you, Xu Chen?!”

Even “Top Student Bro” Jiao Tianbo turned his head, his face full of intense curiosity.

Xu Chen didn’t get a word in, just managed an awkward smile.

After all, he couldn’t brag about winning like Jiao Tianbo had.

And now, with Jiao Tianbo’s name missing, Xu Chen’s mention made him stand out even more.

The others were a bit confused and skeptical; Xu Chen wasn’t as flashy as Jiao Tianbo, seeming quiet and unassuming.

Xu Chen, Xu Shen, Xu Zhen…

It sounded like a common name, and besides, there were plenty of people with the same name.

Seeing Xu Chen look a bit stunned, the guys figured it was just a coincidence.

But then their homeroom teacher, Shi Dinghai, walked over from the back row and gently patted Xu Chen’s shoulder, whispering:

“Xu Chen, get ready to go up for your award…”

Xu Chen: “…”

The crowd: “!!”

Jiao Tianbo: “????” “!!!!” “??!!”

…

With the teacher still there, Hong Xiaoqiang and the other guys couldn’t express their shock openly, but their eyes widened at Xu Chen.

Xu Chen looked helpless and mouthed:

“I’ll treat you all to milk tea at noon…”

…

On the podium.

The vice principal finished announcing the “star admission scholarship” list and moved on to the “undergraduate freshman academic competition scholarship” list.

…

Shi Dinghai reminded Xu Chen:

“Once all the lists are read and the vice principal calls you up, just hurry to the stage.”

Xu Chen nodded and said, “Thanks, Teacher Shi.”

Shi Dinghai turned and left.

The other guys turned back with shocked expressions.

“Nice one, Xu Boss!”

“What’s the star admission scholarship all about?”

Xu Chen thought for a moment and explained quietly:

“A professor from the Creative College happened to be recruiting in our city.”

“He ran into me and wanted to pull me into our college, so he gave me this scholarship spot…”

“It’s more of a personal choice by the professors in each college, so it doesn’t have much credibility or value.”

He noticed Jiao Tianbo’s raised eyebrows and added:

“It’s not like the first-class or second-class ‘freshman scholarships,’ which are based purely on exam scores and rankings—those have real weight.”

Jiao Tianbo’s face didn’t brighten up.

The others, though, were excited:

“How much is the prize money?”

“Xu Boss, milk tea alone isn’t generous enough!”

“How about throwing in a barbecue?”

…

Xu Chen whispered, “Treat’s on me! You pick the spot!”

On the podium, the vice principal finally finished the lists:

“Please come up to receive your certificates, all first-class scholarship, star admission scholarship, and freshman academic competition scholarship winners!”

From the rows of students, people started jogging toward the podium.

Xu Chen chuckled helplessly and headed quickly to the stage.

As he passed through the front rows, he stirred up some murmurs.

“Oh, there’s someone from our college—I thought it was all from the top ones like architecture or mechanical engineering!”

“Which major?”

“From what those guys said, it seems like advertising department…”

…

…

Xu Chen hurried to the base of the podium.

A teacher organizing the event lined up the roughly fifty students into four or five rows.

They went up in order.

The school leaders on stage handed out certificates one by one.

It wasn’t long before it was Xu Chen’s turn; when he got his certificate and glanced at it, he saw they were all standard ones.

No distinctions for the different awards, and no names on them.

It was just a symbolic ceremony for photos and announcements.

This setup was efficient and practical, keeping things moving smoothly.

After all, it was a scholarship; as long as the money reached the students, that was what mattered.

Of course, Xu Chen’s “star admission scholarship” was special—it covered his four years of tuition.

…

After leaving the stage, Xu Chen quickly returned to the back of his college’s line.

Hong Xiaoqiang and the others turned, offering sincere congratulations.

…

The award ceremony wrapped up.

Next, a teacher representative—an academician from the engineering institute—and an alumnus who completed undergrad, master’s, and PhD here—gave short speeches.

Even a head chef from the cafeteria went up, representing the logistics group and promoting Tonghai’s excellent “dining tradition.”

Then came the outstanding student representative’s speech.

From afar, Xu Chen spotted “Bai Miao senior” again.

Of course, to Xu Chen, she had another identity:

Xie Bingran’s national team teammate, roommate, and former rival…

“Please welcome the outstanding student representative, second-year senior and national athletics team member, Bai Miao…”

The field erupted in applause.

The enthusiasm even surpassed that for the principal and academicians.

Clearly, Bai Miao senior was already popular among the freshmen.

It made sense—nearly half the new students were locals from Shanghai.

And Bai Miao had been a sports star in Shanghai since middle school, featured in local media.

Beyond her athletic achievements, her fresh and cute image had won over fans like Huang Hao.

In the end, looks still ruled the world—they were a huge advantage.

Xu Chen couldn’t help but think with a smile, My Bingran has that edge even more…

Huang Hao watched Bai Miao take the stage, applauding wildly on his toes like a total fanboy.

The applause died down.

Through the speakers, Bai Miao’s soft, slightly sweet voice carried her speech.

The script was probably written by someone else—full of standard formalities.

But coming from Bai Miao, the students below listened intently and watched closely…

Xu Chen assessed the situation; it didn’t seem like there’d be a chance to talk to her this morning.

Luckily, she’d be at the afternoon college welcome event as a senior.

In the smaller lecture hall setting, there might be a chance for a quick chat and to pass on Xie Bingran’s things.

…

Bai Miao bowed and left the stage, triggering another wave of cheers and applause.

Xu Chen looked up and saw she was wearing the same national team uniform as Xie Bingran.

…

Finally, the somewhat awkward poetry recitation began.

“Top Student Bro” Jiao Tianbo had gone up earlier and now stood with other outstanding freshman reps on the podium, each holding a manuscript.

Their rhythmic, emphatic tones amplified through the speakers.

Xu Chen felt a twinge of secondhand embarrassment for them…

The delivery was so dramatic and forced, like elementary school kids praising a ‘great general.’

It was tear-jerking, heart-stirring, thought-provoking, soul-touching…

Way over the top.

Jiao Tianbo lived up to his “Top Student” title—his emotional flair stood out among the six.

As he recited passionately, his dorm mate Hong Xiaoqiang in the audience shuddered, looking uncomfortable.

Goosebumps scattered everywhere…