Chapter 1, Award Ceremony

"No, no—" Zhou hurriedly explained, "Our department's teaching building hasn't been renovated yet, so there are no classes for the next two weeks." In fact, she was working part-time as a graphic designer for a company, introduced by a friend. For a full two weeks, day and night, she worked tirelessly, and she just finished, finally earning two thousand yuan

Upon entering the grand auditorium, one is met with a sea of dark figures, silent as the grave, while the school leaders are already seated on the podium. She crouched as she entered through the back door, glancing at the time, only to find it was just 3:10 PM, and the award ceremony was already in full swing. Feeling disheartened, she thought to herself that meetings had never started on time before; today, of all days, she happened to be late, and how unfortunate that was!

In the school, tasks are often delayed; although it is said to start at 3:00, it certainly cannot commence before 3:30. Therefore, she is not truly in a rush.

As the cool night breeze blew, Li Mingcheng became somewhat sober, supporting Zhou Shi as they walked back. Zhou Shi, with flushed cheeks from drinking, mumbled, "Li Mingcheng, do you want to watch a movie?" The cinema's large advertisements hung down, featuring a glamorous and aloof movie star, causing every passerby to turn their heads and take a look.

Zhou thought for a moment and said, "I guess I will look for a job. After so many years of studying, I feel like I've become foolish." He then casually asked, "What about you? Preparing for graduate school?" Li Mingcheng nodded; of course, he was preparing for graduate school.

Zhou thought carefully and realized that pursuing a graduate degree seemed quite appealing. If she were to be accepted into a program with public funding, not only would she be exempt from tuition fees, but she would also receive a living allowance, thus avoiding the daily grind of a 9-to-5 job and the constant irritation from a boss. With a decisive gesture, she patted her chest and declared, "I have made up my mind; I will pursue a graduate degree!" Was Zhou merely speaking nonsensically after a night of drinking? No, she was genuinely beginning to take steps towards preparing for graduate school.

Lin Feifei is a student in the performing arts department and must control her weight. The so-called performing arts department in this school refers to modeling and runway walking. She usually eats only half of her food. When faced with a tiny piece of cream cake, she engages in a mental struggle. After a moment of determination, she finally buys it, but without hesitation, she breaks off a large portion and ruthlessly throws it into the nearby trash can, creating a beautiful arc in the air. Zhou witnessed this firsthand.

Why are you still standing here in a daze? Isn't today the award ceremony?

Bi Qiujing shot her a glance and said, "What do you mean by not being young anymore! She is not even thirty!" Zhou Shi laughed and replied, "Well, that is a bit old." Bi Qiujing, feeling irritated, retorted, "Then what kind of man do you think is good?" Zhou Shi thought for a moment and said, "Clean, cultured, familiar, reassuring..." Bi Qiujing did not wait for her to finish and pulled her up. Many award recipients were heading towards the podium.

She raised an eyebrow and asked, "Oh? Why did the school invite him?" She had received scholarships before, but never had there been such a solemn and grand award ceremony! Bi Qiujing whispered, "I heard the school is planning to build a new cafeteria and wants to obtain sponsorship from Yunma, so they specifically organized an award ceremony. Our school has the Yunma Scholarship, so they found an excuse to invite him over." Zhou nodded, understanding now. She did not expect that the scholarship she received was provided by the person in front of her.

Thus, Zhou awkwardly walked to the front row under the gaze of the crowd. Someone stood up to offer their seat, the best position, directly facing the podium. Her scalp tingled, and she could not refuse, so she had no choice but to sit down as if nothing were amiss

Zhou has been extremely busy these days due to a part-time job, to the point of not even returning to school. He had no idea about this matter and thought to himself, "This is bad," and hurriedly asked, "When? Where?" Lin Feifei shook her head and asked Gao Yang, who was beside her. After a while, she said, "It must be in the auditorium! I think it's at 3:00, but it has nothing to do with me, so I'm not very clear about it either." It is now already 3:02.

Oh, Lin Feifei, it's you! I just came back from outside. Are you going out?" Zhou stood beside Lin Feifei, nearly a head shorter.

Zhou threw the large and small bags in his hands onto the ground, gasping for breath under the scorching sun at the school gate. He was utterly exhausted and weary, with his hands red from the strain and sweat pouring down his face. Just as he straightened his back, he heard the sound of a horn, and the electronic gate slowly opened. He lazily moved the items on the ground aside, and upon turning back, he let out a loud whistle, "Hey, luxury car, I wonder which wealthy young master it belongs to"

She found a discreet spot in the back row to sit down, preparing to wait for her name to be called before going on stage to receive her award. Someone next to her recognized her and said, "Hey, Zhou Shi, you’re here! Teacher Xiao from your department has been looking for you like crazy, asking everyone he sees! Aren’t you going to hurry and find him?" She quickly asked, "Oh! What does he want with me?" The person shrugged and shook their head, indicating they didn’t know. It was likely that he hadn’t seen her come to receive the award, so he was inquiring everywhere.

To pass the time, I set my phone to vibrate mode and placed it under the table to send a text message to Li Mingcheng. "I received a scholarship today, come over quickly, I will treat you!"

The two of them walked back slowly. Li Mingcheng said: "Zhou Shi, you are still young and should consider taking the graduate entrance exam. Studying more will always be beneficial; there is a saying, 'You only regret having too few books when you need them.' Our school's School of Fine Arts is quite good." Li Mingcheng is already younger than most in the class, while Zhou Shi, who is in the same grade, is two years younger than him.

Zhou smiled triumphantly: "No matter how much I eat, I never gain weight—who told you that you can't eat!" Lin Feifei glared at her angrily

Feeling the phone vibrating in my pocket, it must be Li Mingcheng calling. I can't answer it, so I can only feel anxious. Finally, after the talkative party secretary finishes his "passionate and stirring" remarks, everyone is standing with sore legs, cursing in their hearts. The crowd disperses in a rush, pushing towards the exit

Li Mingcheng grew up with her, and they can be considered childhood sweethearts. He is currently studying at a nationally renowned first-class university, excelling in the physics department as a high-achieving student with outstanding academic and moral character

However, the teachers of the performing arts department still say that most of their students do not meet the weight standards and are overweight

Li Mingcheng accompanied her to the front of the girls' dormitory, paused for a moment, and finally asked: "Shishi, have you paid your tuition?" Zhou nodded: "Yes, I have. My dad made a trip for long-distance transport and sent me a large sum of money." He nodded again and asked: "Do you have enough money on you?" She hurriedly replied: "Yes, yes, yes, don't forget, I just received a scholarship." He responded with an "Mm" and said: "Alright, you can go up now, it's getting late. If you have any issues, just give me a call, don't keep it to yourself." He asked again: "Do you have enough money on you?" She hurriedly replied: "Yes, yes, yes, don't forget, I just received a scholarship." He responded with an "Mm" and said: "Alright, you can go up now, it's getting late. If you have any issues, just give me a call, don't keep it to yourself."

After waiting for a long time, Li Mingcheng still did not reply to the text message. It is likely that he did not hear the sound of the message, so she dialed his number again. While the call was connecting, Bi Qiujing next to her nudged her. She quickly looked up, whistled in her mind, and asked in a low voice, "Who is this person?" Bi Qiujing smiled and said, "Isn't he handsome? The president of Yunma, Wei Qing, is truly young and handsome!"

Li Mingcheng asked, "It's the fourth year, have you thought about what to do in the future?" At this moment, most people were anxiously worrying about their prospects. Zhou, seemingly unconcerned, replied, "What else can I do? I'll just see how it goes!" Suddenly feeling weak in the knees, she almost stumbled. Li Mingcheng held her tightly and asked again, "Are you thinking of finding a job or pursuing further studies?"

Zhou did not leave, standing under the podium while making a phone call: "Li Mingcheng, I just went on stage to receive an award, so I didn't dare to answer your call. Have you arrived now?"

The speech by Wei Qing was not particularly emotional; it was polite and appropriate, merely expressing hopes that the students would continue to work hard and strive for further progress. However, at the end, the applause was thunderous and lasted for a long time, with some female students deliberately letting out screams amidst the chaos. Zhou naturally understood the reason behind it and couldn't help but smile, saying to Bi Qiujing: "How can he be that handsome! He must be getting on in years, and he looks like a workaholic with no sense of fun. How could so many people have a crush on him?"

Zhou Shi pouted: "With my grades, how could I possibly get into Tsinghua University Academy of Fine Arts! The first hurdle is English; I haven't even passed Level 4 yet!" Students in the Fine Arts department generally struggle with English. By the time they reach their senior year, Zhou Shi is the only one in the class who has passed Level 4. Not only did he pass Level 4, but he also passed Level 6 with an unprecedentedly high score. Therefore, this time the National Scholarship went to Zhang Shuai, not Zhou Shi. In June, Zhou Shi scored 419 in Level 4, ranking second in the class. By the time they reach their senior year, Zhou Shi is the only one in the class who has passed Level 4. Not only did he pass Level 4, but he also passed Level 6 with an unprecedentedly high score. Therefore, this time the National Scholarship went to Zhang Shuai, not Zhou Shi. In June, Zhou Shi scored 419 in Level 4, ranking second in the class. The school has an unwritten rule that Fine Arts students only need to score above 350 in Level 4 to receive their graduation certificate.

The teacher in charge announced loudly: "Zhou Shi from the Art Department, Class 804, is the recipient of the Yunma Scholarship. Let's give her a warm round of applause." Zhou Shi received the award certificate from Wei Qing, the president of Yunma. Wei Qing extended his hand and smiled, saying: "Congratulations, Zhou Shi. Please continue to work hard." Zhou Shi hurriedly extended her hand and shook his firmly. She was still not accustomed to such formal greetings. Wei Qing released her hand and handed another award certificate to a classmate beside her, also congratulating with a handshake. He smiled and said: "Congratulations, Zhou Shi. Please continue to work hard." Zhou Shi hurriedly extended her hand and shook his firmly. She was still not accustomed to such formal greetings. Wei Qing released her hand and handed another award certificate to a classmate beside her, also congratulating with a handshake.

"It has been two weeks since the school started, and you are just returning to school?" Lin Feifei glanced at the bag on the ground, which contained clothes, food, and various odds and ends.

She leaned forward and saw Mr. Xiao standing at the other end of the auditorium, so she had a classmate she knew relay a message to him. Mr. Xiao, not yet forty, was already known for his "exceptional intelligence," sporting a large pair of glasses typical of the 1960s and 1970s, which led everyone to secretly refer to him as Old Xiao. Upon hearing that Zhou had arrived, he frowned and walked over without exchanging any unnecessary words, simply stating: "Zhou, go sit in the front row." This was not the time for educational work. The award-winning students were all seated in the front row.

Zhou privately always felt that the male students in the drama department were rather ordinary in appearance, not particularly handsome, with features that were not refined, and some were frighteningly tall; however, their temperament was indeed quite different.

Li Mingcheng sighed: "Shishi, you have had too much to drink, I will take you back first." Zhou was not very steady on his feet, but his mind was quite clear, saying: "Alright then, it's late, you should also return to school. We can watch the movie another time."

Lin Feifei linked her arm with Gao Yang and was about to leave. Just before getting into the taxi, she leaned out and asked, "Zhou Shi, did you receive a scholarship?" It seemed she had seen Zhou Shi's name on the bulletin board at the cafeteria entrance

Bi Qiujing is a prominent figure in the Chemistry Department, with teachers using her answers as the standard for grading exams. This time, she has naturally received the National Scholarship again. She is dedicated to her studies, tirelessly focused, and attends evening self-study sessions punctually every day without fail. Zhou once thought that she probably aims to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to bring glory to the country

Zhou was smiling, and he was indeed always available at a moment's notice, hurriedly saying, "Then you wait a moment, I will be there right away!" He went out the back door and immediately saw the school leaders shaking hands and bidding farewell to Wei Qing, bowing their heads and being very courteous, with flattering words. She felt a chill in her heart, took a turn, and made her way across the adjacent grassy area.

"Hey! Zhou Shi, what are you doing here?" Lin Feifei asked in surprise as she walked out, looking at Zhou Shi who was vigorously drinking mineral water with his hands on his hips.

Lin Feifei looked at her strangely and said, "Don't you know? For you scholarship recipients, the school has specially prepared an award ceremony, which is today."

The sound of the whistle had not yet faded, but the car had long since sped away. She took out a tissue to wipe her sweat and looked around to see if she could spot an acquaintance. She ran to a nearby convenience store and bought a bottle of ice-cold mineral water, gulping down more than half of it. The afternoon sun was truly scorching, feeling as if it were ablaze and unbearable.

Li Ming had his hands in his pockets and, seeing her running towards him, waved and called out: "Hey—Shishi, over here!" Shishi is the nickname of Zhou Shi. Originally, she was named Zhou Shi, but after starting school, she discovered that there were two other Shishis in her class. In a fit of frustration, she changed her name to Zhou Shi. As a result, many people later assumed she was a boy upon hearing her name.

Zhou was taken aback, "What award ceremony?"

This school has a stark contrast between students in the science and engineering disciplines and those in the arts, with a clear distinction between the two groups

The leaders at the school began to speak, merely reiterating old topics. Zhou let out a sigh of relief, finding the clichés so familiar that her ears had grown calloused from hearing them. Drowsiness crept over her, making her feel drowsy. However, the leaders above were all watching, and even if she had the courage of a lion, she would not dare to be so audacious.

Li Mingcheng said irritably: "Who told you not to study properly! When you were in high school, your English was quite good, wasn't it?" Zhou sighed: "It was forced out of me back then." In fact, her English had always been poor, really terrible. After a moment's thought, she added: "Li Mingcheng, if you can really get into your school, that would be great! You would have both face and substance. Oh—by the way, you are planning to take the graduate entrance exam for your school, right?" In this way, the two of them could once again become alumni, which seemed increasingly appealing the more she thought about it.

Zhou was completely unconcerned, pushing him as she said, "Alright, alright, let's go, I will treat you to a meal." Li Mingcheng was surprised, "So early?" It was not yet five o'clock. Zhou smiled cheerfully and said, "Take your time eating, we can spend two or three hours on it." She was already hungry, having not eaten lunch, and at this moment, her stomach was growling.

Lin Feifei exclaimed "Oh" and then asked, "Why did you buy so much food? What are you planning to do? Are you treating someone?" There were three large bags filled with beef jerky, potato chips, honey dates, walnut kernels, chocolate... everything one could think of. Zhou Shixiao smiled and said, "Of course, it's for myself!" After working hard for so many days, I have to reward myself. As soon as I received my salary, I went straight to the supermarket. Lin Feifei showed a jealous expression and raised her eyebrows, saying, "Be careful not to get fat!" Zhou Shixiao smiled and said, "Of course, it's for myself!" After working hard for so many days, I have to reward myself. As soon as I received my salary, I went straight to the supermarket. Lin Feifei showed a jealous expression and raised her eyebrows, saying, "Be careful not to get fat!"

Zhou was panting heavily and instructed Li Mingcheng: "Go, buy an ice cream, I'm dying from the heat!" She waved her hand vigorously to fan herself, making her short, messy hair look even more disheveled. Li Mingcheng, quick-witted and agile, grabbed her as she was about to leave and quickly stepped aside, saying, "Be careful of the car!" A black Lamborghini just brushed past them.

Lin Feifei held a floral-patterned sunshade, dressed in a cool manner, with her long hair casually draped over her shoulders. She wore a tank top featuring a kitty cat design and a pair of denim shorts, exposing a large expanse of her fair skin, which sparked the imagination. Her slender legs were accentuated by delicate high-heeled sandals, further highlighting her enviable figure. However, the students here were accustomed to such sights; it was not a lack of beautiful women that concerned them, but rather the abundance of them.

Zhou observed coldly from the sidelines, barely reaching his chin. His brows were brows, and his eyes were eyes. Compared to the leaders present, he was neither old and decrepit nor unattractive. No wonder he attracted numerous screams from the girls. Given his unsmiling demeanor, it was hard to imagine that there were so many girls below, like wolves and tigers, fantasizing about him.

They ordered several extravagant dishes that they usually wouldn't indulge in, and also wanted to order steamed crabs, but Li Mingcheng stopped them, saying, "Shishi, you'll end up eating alone later!" Zhou looked at the menu and realized that two people indeed couldn't finish all the food, so they decided against it. The meal was consumed with great enthusiasm and satisfaction. The two of them drank a large bottle of dry red wine, a bottle of Erguotou, and five bottles of beer, returning home in high spirits. Zhou had a good capacity for alcohol. They drank a large bottle of dry red wine, a bottle of Erguotou, and five bottles of beer, returning home in high spirits. Zhou had a good capacity for alcohol.

Zhou nodded: "Hmm, it seems like she is holding some kind of Yunma Scholarship. What happened?" She filled out the application form and fell short by 0.5 points compared to another male student, missing out on the National Scholarship. Each department only has one quota for the National Scholarship.

Li Mingcheng admonished her: "You should also pay attention to the road; what if you run into something!" He thought to himself, this driver is too arrogant, daring to drive so fast in the school, and even when seeing people standing aside, he does not slow down

A young man walked out, dressed in a fashionable manner, with only two buttons of his shirt fastened, revealing a hint of his chest muscles. Zhou greeted him with a shrug: "Hi, Gao Yang!" Gao Yang is currently Lin Feifei's boyfriend and is also a student in the performing arts department, a rare find—there are fewer than ten male students in the entire performing arts department. Like this school, where females outnumber males, Zhou stood in front of him, a head and a half shorter.

Art is the pastime of the wealthy, while the week is a struggle filled with hardship

Zhou was taken aback, thanked her, and hurried towards the auditorium. Carrying numerous items, he was drenched in sweat. After a moment's thought, he realized he wouldn't have time to return to the dormitory. He ran to a nearby teaching building, quickly found a classroom, tossed his belongings into the podium cabinet, and dashed towards the auditorium.

Zhou glanced at the person speaking on the stage, who was tall with deep-set features, a prominent nose, and somewhat thin lips. Dressed in a white shirt and dark suit, with a tie that was conventional and meticulously arranged, he exuded an imposing presence that conveyed a serious and earnest demeanor, radiating the aura of a successful individual.

When it was time to settle the bill, Li Mingcheng took the initiative to pay. Zhou was dissatisfied: "I received a scholarship, so it is only right for me to treat you to a meal!" Li Mingcheng smiled: "There is no reason for you to pay the bill for me." He pulled her out. As night fell, the city lights began to twinkle. Vehicles flowed continuously on the road, and the trees were adorned with brilliant lights.

Two people live on the same street and have attended the same school since childhood. He is well aware of Shi Shi's family situation. Since her mother passed away due to illness, the family's financial condition has plummeted, and the tuition fees for the art academy are frighteningly high. The usual expenses for daily supplies such as paper and pens cannot be overlooked. Some students in the fine arts department spend thousands just on sketching pencils, not to mention other expenses

Li Mingcheng shrugged and said, "Probably. The diploma from our school can at least impress some people." He is currently contemplating the idea of studying abroad, but for now, it is just a thought, and he hasn't even submitted the application yet.

I have arrived by taxi and am now at the entrance of your school

Take him to the restaurant at the street corner and say: "Don't be fooled by the unassuming appearance of this restaurant; its business is thriving! The cuisine is authentic Sichuan food." The prices are naturally not cheap. Although it is still early, there are quite a few customers. The two of them chose a table by the window, directly facing the cinema. Zhou thought to himself that after finishing the meal, it would be just right to catch a movie and digest.