Chapter 44 Counterattack

ver, these heartwarming scenes are forever unchanging.Eating the crispy walnuts, reminiscing about all the things from the future era, he feels that in this house eleven years ago, with its old furnit...Chapter 44 Counterattack

The smoke was thick, adding to the heat. The lamb on the barbecue stall sizzled, and the stir-fried egg pancakes emitted a mouth-watering aroma. Meanwhile, pots in nearby restaurants continuously clattered with ladles as chefs cooked, subtly stimulating everyone's appetite.

South University's snack street was well-known in the vicinity; even students from neighboring universities would specially come to improve their dining experience. As it attracted food enthusiasts from all over, the place was always bustling with people and often saw appearances of excellent female students, which indirectly contributed to the high popularity of the snack street.

Su Can treated everyone, without limiting the number of guests. Many naturally didn’t hold back in front of him. People like Zhang Xiaoqiao, Li Han, Xiao Xu, Wang Dongjian, and Tang Wu's dorm mates were all aware of Su Can’s identity as an entrepreneur. Moreover, Su Can usually did not拘泥於小節，上學期為了儘責任硬是把班會開到了五星級酒店的宴會廳裡，這也是一段佳話趣聞。因此，在場的一些熟人也冇有客氣，都把他們圈子的朋友拉過來了。

Many people in attendance weren’t familiar with each other on a daily basis, but some had met and recognized one another. Some could even name the class or department of others, making it easy for everyone to get acquainted quickly. They passed around drinks and chatted about various topics, creating a lively atmosphere.

The upcoming summer vacation made everyone eager to return home while also occasionally feeling sentimental about the end of this academic year. Anyone at this time would probably reflect on their achievements during the year. The hearts that once pounded like chicks when they first entered university had gradually adapted to college life and its rhythm.

They now had many things to ponder, such as how to spend more than two months of summer vacation with close friends. Someone restless like Cheng Congcong might plan an extensive trip or shopping spree for this break, while Ruan Sige probably looked forward to another crazy summer in Hangzhou with her buddies. Tong Tong likely would develop a holiday fitness regimen to maintain her impressive bust without gaining weight elsewhere.

Xiao Xu had to face his father, whose glasses prescription was as high and as pedantic as his own, during the break. Li Han was expected to return to his hometown in Jiangxi and continue playing basketball under dilapidated hoop frames with friends returning for summer vacation one after another. Zhang Xiaoqiao would worry about his academic dad dragging him around various department heads’ tables for drinking sessions.

Everyone’s life progressed slowly, like the vines climbing up the administration building or like snails in a corner, or like the red sunlight rising from the East Campus forest and setting on the other side. Though gradual, it moved forward indomitably, unstoppable.

Su Can used to daydream about the lives of those elite students at top domestic universities just as many others did who weren’t too lucky. Now, rebirth had given him a fresh start with an entirely new trajectory. Looking back on his first year at Nan University, it didn’t seem as unattainable or high and mighty as he once imagined.

Of course, geniuses were everywhere, but the stories of these heroes and remarkable figures unfolded similarly across every university, taking turns to shine without ever fading. Just like this bustling season and the young, energetic bodies among them.

He could look at the lights hitting Tang Wu’s porcelain cheeks and causing her to glow, from a side view in the Nankai campus where he had stripped away its mystery and reverence. It was like that night when he looked through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Tang Wu's home on Shanghai Peninsula Bay Xuehai Yi Ju and saw the prosperity and chilliness of the city.

The clinking of glasses could be heard, and the people present—ranging from freshmen to upperclassmen—couldn't help but reflect on their university life. For instance, what lessons should they take away regarding course selection next semester Which aspects would benefit them more in terms of knowledge and abilities. Or perhaps which senior sister or brother was handsome and when they could get closer to them. Or how the internal scheming among the Student Association members managed to grab everyone's attention. Furthermore, Su Chen and Tang Wu were probably the most famous students that year.

Those who were more capable than them weren't as well-known; those who were better known weren’t as impressive.

Suddenly, laughter and commotion came from the side. Everyone turned to look at the source of the noise—a stall next to their restaurant where a group of seven or eight men were staring at some beautiful women nearby while whispering something among themselves before bursting into another round of laughter.

The few girls present frowned, as it was clear that these guys were making fun of them and seemed to be placing bets on whether they could manage to talk to one of the girls. Xiao Xu, who had a sensitive side, felt indignant because he viewed these brash individuals as morally twisted scoundrels.

But in reality, it was uncertain that the girls present, who all frowned and seemed annoyed by their antics, weren't secretly pleased by others’ attention.

"Two of them are sophomores. That guy over there is Qian Feng from Automation’s third year; he's known for approaching new students every semester under the pretense of being a Student Association member and always manages to find beautiful freshman girls. Last year, his girlfriend was even expelled due to pregnancy, but after some family connections intervened, all that happened was he received a disciplinary record. He has been notorious in this department," Tong Tong, who recognized several of these guys, whispered.

In fact, the other party also knew some girls from Su Chen’s side, having seen them at previous social events or meetings, but they weren’t close enough to be concerned about their feelings.

"There are some beauties over there. That one is a freshman and surnames Tong; I heard she’ll be in our Math department next year, how would I know You don’t understand the struggles of being here—there’s an abundance of duds in Engineering departments, but we’re like Jurassic Park with just a few decent girls coming through. Of course, we need to gather all the intel we can; do you think those guys over there are vegetarians But I haven't managed to get her contact number yet, which is such a pity,"

"What, am I going over there to chat with them It seems like you guys are interested in those gorgeous girls. They’re all freshmen, so it’s not my turn to make the move, right Did you really bet on winning your dad's pack of Little Pandas Hehe, but they have quite a few tough-looking men over there; I’m afraid someone might beat me up. But with this phrase from our group, what do I need to fear Even walking around South University horizontally would be fine."

The crowd on the other side erupted into more lecherous laughter, and one of them loudly pushed back his chair before swaggering over in their direction.

The nerves of Li Han, Wang Dongjian and others instantly went on high alert; they had to assess the situation at this point.

They were just freshmen, while the other side consisted not only of a few strikingly confident first-years but also upperclassmen from their second and third years. Moreover, it seemed that those present weren't even all of them—people kept coming over, adding to the crowd. Over the past half-hour or so, several more individuals had arrived, none of whom resembled Xiao Xu in any way; instead, they exuded an aura of being seasoned troublemakers.

There was always a hierarchy wherever there were people, and survival required some measure of discernment.

Even for newcomers like Li Han and Wang Dongjian who had spent just one year navigating the complex social dynamics at Nan University, it was clear that these individuals were seasoned veterans. Their casual gait, indifferent demeanor, and adept networking skills all indicated their seniority compared to this group of first-year students.

These observations were obvious enough; for instance, a fourth-year student's presence on campus would be unmistakably different from that of a first-year one—anyone with keen observation could immediately tell the difference. Similarly, there was a noticeable distinction between masters and undergraduate seniors, as well as between PhD students and master’s degree holders.

"You're Tong Tong from the Tea Art Society, right Ha ha, nice to meet you! Our department head is on good terms with your society's president; I've heard about you several times. Next year, when you transfer into our math department as a sophomore, I'll be one of your seniors—let’s keep in touch!" The visitor raised his wine glass and smiled warmly at Tong Tong.

Upon spotting Cheng Congcong, the man's eyes lit up; he then focused on Tang Wu, finding it hard to tear away his gaze. Of course, this brief fixation probably lasted less than a second and would not be noticed by most people.

"Yes, I know you, senior," Tong Tong replied with a cheeky grin towards her audience before turning to the visitor with a smile and raising her glass to clink with his. "Please give me your guidance in the future."

“Did I hear that correctly You said you know me Ha! Am I really so famous” The senior’s expression was one of astonishment tinged with delight.

"At the last joint student organization meeting, when you were on the guest panel, I saw you there," Tong Tong felt somewhat insincere in her flattery.

The senior couldn't hide his smug satisfaction but maintained a natural demeanor. "Oh, that thing...I was handling it back then.

This senior started talking incessantly, and Tongtong didn’t want to interrupt him, so she could only nod in agreement. But everyone could see that she was extremely embarrassed, while this senior failed to notice her discomfort. He seemed to feel a great connection with Tongtong and grabbed her hand, preparing to take her over there: "Ah, that’s perfect! I have some guys on my side who are part of the Student Union, including some freshmen like you. You should go over and get acquainted by having drinks together. It will be easier for everyone to get familiar with each other."

Cheng Congcong was unhappy at this sight, thinking that he really had a high opinion of himself. She said, "Hey, Tongtong is our central figure; it’s not appropriate for you to take her away like this."

Tongtong gave Cheng Congcong an eye signal, knowing that she didn’t want to make things awkward and cause trouble in the future.

This senior stared at Cheng Congcong with bright eyes and smiled, "What’s inappropriate about it I’m not going to eat Tongtong; are you also coming with us Are you afraid of being eaten by us"

Cheng Congcong narrowed her eyes slightly before smiling back, "I’ll only go if I think you have what it takes. Alright then, I’ll come too and see who these bigwigs are."

The senior felt accomplished and returned with the two girls in high spirits and with great dignity. Cheng Congcong accompanied Tongtong over there; the group of around ten people immediately became excited, their eyes naturally focused on the two girls.

“Does she really worry about Tongtong losing out” Ruansiguo frowned as she watched Cheng Congcong’s back. She thought that Cheng Congcong was rather vain. Although those boys were a bit extravagant, there were indeed several handsome ones among them who would appeal to girls. It wasn’t certain if Cheng Congcong might be playing a trick on them.

Cheng Congcong and Tongtong went over there, causing quite the commotion for a while; even the bustling snack street paid attention to their voices.

The situation was indeed one of mutual drinking. Since Tongtong didn’t have much tolerance for alcohol, Cheng Congcong was rough yet generous in her drinking manners.

Tongtong had a soft personality while Cheng Congcong had a tough side, especially under such circumstances. After walking around and having quite a bit to drink, the other side couldn’t hold their own against Cheng Congcong; she returned safely with Tongtong. It should have been an outcome pleasing everyone, but someone muttered something as they turned.

Cheng Congcong smiled as she walked back with Tongtong, silently grabbing a cup of hot tea from the restaurant’s aluminum pot and turning back to where the group was gathered. She then threw a handful of water from her hand over the round table towards those who had spoken earlier, drenching them.ic political courses. His daytime revision was systematic, so taking the tests felt relatively stress-free.This method of systematic review might sound abstract; using Zhang Xiaoqiao’s elective course...