"What is this?"

Cai Keke hesitantly took the document. As Cui Hao watched with curiosity, she opened it and soon became engrossed in its contents. It was a proposal for a collaboration. At first, she was captivated by the promising prospects it described, but as she reached the end, a blush crept across her pretty face.

Seeing this, Cui Hao grew even more curious. What on earth could make a girl blush like that? Honestly, my godfather is something else. Since this involves me, why wasn’t I given a heads-up? Now I’m dying to know, but I don’t dare ask.

After reading it, Cai Keke’s first reaction was, "You want me to livestream? I can’t do that."

I want to be a star. Everyone probably has a dream of stardom. Deep within their hearts lies a hidden desire for the stage, a yearning for the spotlight, and an anticipation of applause. They dream that one day, they will shine brightly and become the center of attention. But to use such crooked ways to achieve fame and fortune was something Cai Keke couldn’t bring herself to do.

Cai Keke’s reaction was within Xue Yang’s expectations; she wasn’t his only candidate. However, the results would be better if she agreed to collaborate. After all, she was genuinely beautiful. With a little packaging, she would undoubtedly become very popular online. Of course, given that she had been accepted into Yanbei University, it was unlikely she would want to make money this way. In the words of the older generation, it was "improper."

Livestreaming? Cui Hao’s eyes lit up. He thought he was beginning to understand what Xue Yang was planning.

Xue Yang smiled. "I’m not trying to force you. If you think it’s a good idea, you can come find me anytime. If not, I’ll just find someone else. Of course, you can still decide to collaborate later, but by then, you won’t be getting the first slice of the pie."

Cai Keke asked in surprise, "You’re going to find someone else?"

I thought I was the only one. But she quickly reconciled herself with the idea. Xue Yang just mentioned the ’first slice of the pie,’ which means he thought of me first. It doesn’t matter if I’m not his only choice.

If Xue Yang knew what Cai Keke was thinking right now, he would have been speechless. This girl’s priorities are all wrong.

Xue Yang nodded. "Classmate Cai, go back and think about it. We’re just in the trial phase, so there’s no rush. If you feel it’s a good fit, you’re welcome to find me anytime. Take this document with you and study it carefully."

"Ah? Oh!" Before Cai Keke could react, Xue Yang had already stood up and started walking out of the library.

"I’m heading out too. Goodbye, Classmate Cai," Cui Hao said, hurrying to catch up. He threw a piece of advice over his shoulder, "Let me tell you, sticking with Xue Yang is a sure thing. Make sure you seize this opportunity to get in on the ground floor!"

"Godfather, where are you going? What was that livestreaming thing all about? I want to see that proposal document, too."

"I’m going to chat with Teacher Gong. Want to come?"

"Ah? No, no, you go on without me."

Probably only Xue Yang could so casually mention going for a chat with Teacher Gong.

"Teacher Gong."

"You’ve arrived."

Gong Li gently closed her laptop, as if momentarily sealing away the day’s hustle and bustle. She walked gracefully to the sofa and sat down, then cast a warm, inviting glance at Xue Yang, gesturing for him to join her. Next, she turned to the kettle and began the meticulous ritual of preparing tea, as the water within slowly heated and emitted faint wisps of steam.

Xue Yang sat opposite her, the atmosphere warm and pleasant. If any other student were to walk in and witness such a scene, their jaw would hit the floor. He’s on such good terms with Master Miejue? Does he have a death wish?

Once the water in the kettle was hot, Gong Li lifted the teapot and began to brew. Her movements were practiced and elegant, each pour like a note in a silent symphony.

The last time he’d sat down to enjoy tea so leisurely was when Lin Xi had prepared it.

Before long, the fragrance of tea filled the air, carried by the steam and creating a tranquil, comfortable feeling.

"Try this. It’s a new tea I just bought," Gong Li said, handing a hot cup to Xue Yang with a kind smile.

Xue Yang took the teacup, gently blew on the rising steam, and took a careful sip. He closed his eyes, savoring the flavor with a look of pure bliss.

"This is truly fine tea!" Xue Yang exclaimed. "The body is mellow, and the sweet aftertaste is endless. It’s like being transported to a tea plantation."

Gong Li was very pleased to hear his praise. She hadn’t expected Xue Yang to have such a refined palate for tea. This particular blend had indeed cost her a pretty penny, and she didn’t bring it out for just anyone.

The two chatted casually as they sipped their tea.

"How’s the company doing lately?"

"Quite well, thank you for asking, Teacher Gong."

"I heard you acquired Yonghui Supermarket."

"That’s right. I’ve been so busy counting money lately that I haven’t even had time for class."

Gong Li’s lips twitched. She refilled Xue Yang’s cup and advised him earnestly, "You’re only a sophomore; there’s no need to be in such a rush. I suggest you focus on your studies at this stage. Learning isn’t just about passing exams or getting good grades. More importantly, it helps you build a solid foundation of knowledge, enhances your overall capabilities, and improves your problem-solving skills. Only with a solid foundation can you go further on your future path."

"Without a solid academic foundation, even the greatest business acumen would have nothing to stand on. It’s like building a house without a sturdy base; how could it withstand the wind and rain? You’re right, Teacher Gong. I’m only a sophomore, so there’s no need to rush into building a business empire. Right now, I should be like a bee, focusing on gathering the nectar of knowledge to brew the sweet honey of my future success."

Xue Yang’s reply was so textbook-perfect that it felt like she was reading from a model answer sheet. Gong Li didn’t believe for a second that Xue Yang possessed such a noble mindset. If he really did, the number of classes he attended last semester could be counted on one hand. This semester was even worse. A month had passed since it started, and if she hadn’t personally summoned him, he certainly wouldn’t have shown up today.

She wasn’t fooled. Although Xue Yang had attended class today, she had no idea what he’d been doing the entire time. She didn’t really think he was trying to pick up girls; he was definitely cooking up another one of his money-making schemes.

"The school is taking your frequent absences very seriously. From now on, you must come to class every day."

"I came to class today precisely because I have now realized the error of my ways. Please rest assured, Teacher Gong. I will attend class every day from now on. I won’t miss a single one."

Gong Li was silent.

Was he for real? Somehow, she found that very hard to believe.