Chapter 260: Welcoming New Faces

The Creative and Media College’s welcoming event was still underway.

After the department heads had shared their thoughts, the host teacher stepped up to tie the segments together briefly.

Next came the ‘senior student exchange session’.

There were two guests, one of whom was the highly anticipated Bai Miao, our senior.

The first to take the stage was a senior in his early thirties, an outstanding graduate from the college.

He was now a professional photographer based in Germany and also a visiting scholar at a European school.

This senior had graduated from the photography department and shared some highly specialized insights.

He covered recent explorations in photography art, technological innovations, and media advancements.

His sharing was brief but left everyone feeling like their eyes had been opened wide.

Xu Chen gained some valuable takeaways too.

Colleges and disciplines tied to the arts are full of fascinating elements…

In his previous life, Xu Chen studied marketing at a second-tier normal college and barely touched on artistic knowledge or practices.

Now, studying advertising at this creative and arts-oriented college, he felt like new windows to the world were opening up.

Compared to pure business and marketing, diving into art was so much more fun and engaging.

No wonder so many rich kids flock to the arts.

The way it feeds spiritual freedom and satisfies personal expression is unmatched by other fields.

Xu Chen started thinking he could dive into some truly artistic pursuits during university.

Even just for the fun of it, that’d be great…

The senior’s sharing ended to a round of enthusiastic applause.

They then had a simple Q&A session where two photography freshmen asked some naive questions.

But the senior answered them in detail.

…

Then, amid even louder applause, Senior Bai Miao took the stage.

Her face appeared on the large screen behind her.

This sparked more admiration from the guys below about her looks.

“Bai Miao is one of the most stunning athletes out there!”

“More than that—if she weren’t an athlete, she’d still be a campus beauty…”

Xu Chen couldn’t help but think to himself:

Bai Miao is pretty, but her looks still get overshadowed by my Bing.

Hmm…

Still, Bing looks better.

Xie Bingran’s biggest event so far was the National Games, but with less hype and attention, she hasn’t gained real fame yet.

Xu Chen believed that once the Asian Games kicked off at year’s end and Xie Bingran stunned everyone on the track, her fans would explode.

As Coach Cheng Hong once said, Bing isn’t just talented and beautiful; her personality and vibe make her a fan favorite.

And unlike Bai Miao, who mostly attracts guys…

Bing appeals to everyone, guys and girls alike.

With her current status, Bai Miao already has huge popularity in Shanghai and a solid fanbase.

It’s hard to imagine the scene when Bing rises to fame.

She’ll probably need bodyguards like a celebrity…

Hmm…

Zhao Feng, Fang Tao, and their crew could make perfect bodyguards for Bing—reliable and trustworthy.

He was getting ahead of himself.

Xu Chen pulled his thoughts back from those happy daydreams and focused on the stage.

Bai Miao had a speech prepared.

Unlike her fierce presence on the track, she spoke in a soft, gentle voice that gave off a sweet, girly vibe.

Her speech didn’t have much substance—just thanks to the college, welcomes and well-wishes to the new students, and so on.

But really, they didn’t invite her for deep insights.

For the freshmen in the audience, it was all about her being there—that was the highlight.

Having a sports star like her in our college is something to be proud of and show off.

That was the main reason the organizers invited her…

After her speech, Bai Miao stood on stage, pausing for a moment.

She looked a bit flustered, like a shy girl, which made her seem adorable.

This instantly melted a bunch of guys in the crowd…

Bai Miao bowed deeply, earning thunderous applause.

The host walked up, and a photographer followed right behind:

“Thank you, Bai Miao…”

Under the host’s direction, Bai Miao first posed for photos with the college leaders and teachers in the front row.

Then she was seated in the first row as the photographer captured a group shot of everyone looking joyful.

The host grabbed the microphone again:

“Once more, thanks to Bai Miao!

Senior Bai Miao needs to head back to the National Team for training, so let’s give her a warm send-off!

That wraps up today’s welcoming event. Head to the south and north teaching buildings for your first class meetings as arranged by your homeroom teachers.”

Amid the applause, Bai Miao and the two coaches stood and made their way to the lecture hall door.

Xu Chen thought for a second, then quickly pulled out his phone.

He didn’t have Bai Miao’s contact, but he could get it.

Xie Bingran was in training all day, might not have her phone, and he didn’t want to disturb her anyway.

After a brief hesitation, Xu Chen sent a message to Coach Cheng Hong.

…

…

A few minutes later, the event dispersed.

Students needed to go to the south and north buildings on the main campus for their class meetings.

The advertising class would gather in the north building classroom in twenty minutes.

Xu Chen pushed through the slow-moving crowd and hurried out the back door.

As he rounded to the front, he bumped into Huang Hao.

Huang Hao looked downcast and was telling Huo Dashan:

“What a shame—I didn’t get a chance for a solo photo with Senior Bai Miao, let alone an autograph…”

Xu Chen slowed his pace and tapped Huang Hao on the back:

“Come with me…”

Huang Hao was confused: “What for?”

Xu Chen smiled: “You’ll see!”

Huang Hao looked puzzled but followed quickly.

He trailed Xu Chen down the stairs and instead of joining the crowd, they circled around to the back of the Little Yellow Building.

They reached an office on the first floor, and Xu Chen knocked lightly.

The door opened, and when Huang Hao saw who was inside, he nearly fainted from shock.

…

“Xu Chen, I can’t believe you’re here in our college!”

It was Senior Bai Miao speaking.

She smiled sweetly at Xu Chen as he entered.

Xu Chen chuckled: “I knew you were at Tonghai University, but I never imagined we’d be in the same college.”

He glanced back and saw Huang Hao still frozen at the door.

Xu Chen paused, then said to Huang Hao:

“Wait here a bit; I’ll chat with the senior about some personal stuff and then call you in…”

Huang Hao nodded vigorously, still in a daze.

He was completely baffled—his idol Bai Miao not only knew Xu Chen but had waited just for him.

This went way beyond just a casual acquaintance…

Xu Chen had already walked back to Bai Miao with a smile:

“My classmate is a big fan of yours. Could you sign something for him later?”

“Sure!”

Bai Miao smiled sweetly and introduced the two coaches beside her to Xu Chen.

One was an assistant coach from the National Team, and the other was from Shanghai, also Bai Miao’s former middle school coach.

Xu Chen greeted them politely.

Bai Miao added:

“Xu Chen is Xie Bingran’s…”

She hesitated, unsure how to phrase it.

As Xie Bingran’s roommate, Bai Miao knew how close they were.

Xu Chen recalled that the National Team discouraged athletes from dating, so he smiled and said:

“I’m Xie Bingran’s classmate from middle and high school, and we’re neighbors from the same town, so we’re really close personally.”

The two coaches smiled, seeming to get the hint.

“You two chat; we’ll step out and talk with Teacher Chen about some things.”

With that, the coaches left.

Bai Miao looked thrilled:

“I’m so happy to see you here! Bing might act cool and quiet, but she thinks about you all the time. I’ll tell her I checked in on you for her.”

Xu Chen smiled: “Is she still in intensive training?”

Bai Miao: “Yeah, she’s stuck at the training base with the competition coming up soon.”

Xu Chen couldn’t help asking:

“How come you got out? You’re not competing in September?”

Bai Miao pouted a little, looking slightly upset:

“My results aren’t as good as Bing’s, and I’m in an adjustment phase right now. I’ll compete in September, but my chances of winning are slim, so I could take some time off…”

Xu Chen smiled gently and changed the subject:

“I wanted to say hi and ask for a favor.”

Bai Miao beamed: “Just tell me!”

Xu Chen pulled a delicate red brocade pouch from his pocket:

“Could you pass this to Bing?”

Bai Miao took it, grinning mischievously.

Xu Chen explained: “It’s a good luck charm. My dad got it from the mountains for Xie Bingran. Since she’s not back until mid-September, and you’re here…”

“Don’t worry, I’ll hand it to Bing personally tonight when I get back to the dorm!”

Xu Chen: “Thanks so much!”

Bai Miao: “No need to be so formal!”

Xu Chen paused, then asked:

“How’s Bing doing in the National Team lately?”

Bai Miao smiled: “She’s great—just relax! Bing won the National Games and is now the Athletics Team’s ace. The team gives her all the resources she needs. I’m jealous!”

Xu Chen: “Really…”

Bai Miao winked: “You seem worried about more than that…”

She added: “Bing’s doing fine. The National Team has great conditions, though training is tough. Despite her tough exterior, everyone likes her, and the coaches look out for her.”

Xu Chen: “That’s good to hear…”

Bai Miao: “After the Osaka competition, she’ll join Shanghai University. Then we’ll both move to the Xin Zhuang Training Base for dorms, so you can visit her. When there’s no competition and training’s light, she can come see you!”

Xu Chen nodded with a smile: “When I go see Bing, I’ll treat you to a meal too.”

Bai Miao: “Of course!”

She suddenly remembered something and teased: “That big Labrador dog on Bing’s bed—is that from you?”