Although Mr. Su had only requested one student to accompany him, Director Wang—out of respect for Mr. Su’s status—insisted on walking with him and his secretary for a while before excusing himself.
Seeing Director Wang leave so casually, Secretary Liu couldn’t help but feel surprised. A seasoned socialite like Director Wang wasn’t worried about the student’s hospitality affecting Kunlun Enterprise’s trust in the school?
"Mr. Su, Secretary Liu, please come this way. Be careful of the steps ahead—it rained lightly last night, so the ground is a bit slippery." Chao Musheng smiled playfully. "Perhaps even the heavens knew esteemed guests were visiting today and decided to wash the path clean with rain."
In ancient times, roads were sprinkled with yellow earth and washed with water to welcome royalty and nobility.
This student not only remained composed in front of Mr. Su but also managed to subtly flatter him with a clever remark about the weather. Quite impressive.
"How did you know I’m Secretary Liu?" Secretary Liu asked with a smile. "Mr. Su has quite a few secretaries and assistants around him."
"Many alumni from our school dream of joining your company. Wherever your staff appears, they attract admiration and envy."
Chao Musheng fell half a step behind Mr. Su as he answered Secretary Liu’s question. "A while ago, a friend mentioned that Mr. Su has a tall, exceptionally capable secretary named Liu, who is highly trusted and valued. The moment I saw you, I knew you must be the one my senior spoke of."
His words paused as he quickly stepped forward to brush aside a thorny branch blocking Mr. Su’s path.
"Thank you." Noticing Chao Musheng’s thoughtful gesture, Mr. Su slowed his pace and deliberately moved further away from the flower bushes on the right.
Standing closer now, Chao Musheng noticed that Mr. Su’s eyes were a lighter shade than most—under the sunlight, they gleamed with a faint tea-gold hue. "No need for thanks, Mr. Su."
"You’re quite observant," Secretary Liu remarked, clearly impressed. "Have you ever considered joining our company?"
Indeed, he was the most trusted and valued person by Mr. Su’s side.
Ahead of them, Mr. Su stopped walking, momentarily distracted by a passing butterfly.
"I’m working hard toward that goal," Chao Musheng replied, his smile unwavering. "It would be an honor to become your colleague someday, Secretary Liu."
Suddenly, Mr. Su turned back, his tea-gold eyes carrying a trace of imperceptible confusion and displeasure. "With your talents, didn’t the school assign you a summer internship position?"
Chao Musheng hadn’t expected the question. He smiled and explained, "Thank you for your confidence in me, Mr. Su. Rest assured, our teachers treat all students fairly. Besides, being entrusted with welcoming someone as distinguished as you is already the highest recognition I could ask for."
Secretary Liu watched as the student smoothly flattered his boss again. Glancing at the name tag on Chao Musheng’s chest, he noted the name: Chao Musheng.
If anyone else had said those words, they might have sounded obsequious. But coming from Chao Musheng, they somehow felt sincere—was it because his gaze was steadier and more earnest than most?
"Hm." Mr. Su studied Chao Musheng for a moment before asking, "Would you mind sharing some interesting stories about your school?"
"There are far too many to count." As they walked, Chao Musheng pointed out campus landmarks while weaving in amusing anecdotes tied to each location.
Mr. Su remained mostly silent but kept a careful distance from the foliage, occasionally slowing his pace to let Chao Musheng catch up.
Meanwhile, Secretary Liu was so engrossed in Chao Musheng’s storytelling that he nearly burst out laughing several times.
"Up ahead is Swan Lake," Chao Musheng said, gesturing toward the graceful birds gliding across the water. "Earlier this spring, a senior became obsessed with collecting swan feathers. He camped by the lake day and night, waiting for them to molt. Eventually, a few nesting swans mistook him for an egg thief and chased him half a mile, pecking him all the way."
"After that incident, a new rule was added to the lake’s noticeboard."
Chao Musheng led them to the sign and pointed at the bottom line: "Do not disturb nesting swans. They can fly. You cannot."
"Hahaha!" Secretary Liu, who had been holding back laughter the entire time, finally lost his composure. "Your school actually posts rules like this?"
The new regulation wasn’t inherently hilarious, but juxtaposed with the sternly worded ones above it, the contrast was priceless.
Just then, several swans suddenly took flight, their white forms cutting through the air as they gracefully tossed small fish into the grass.
"Meow." Three plump cats emerged from the bushes, each clutching a fish in their mouths.
"Your school’s swans… feed cats on purpose?" Secretary Liu couldn’t hide his astonishment. He’d heard Jinghua’s students were brilliant, but he never expected the animals to be just as clever.
"It happens occasionally, but not often," Chao Musheng replied, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Maybe the swans are in high spirits today—perhaps they want to impress an honored guest like Mr. Su."
Secretary Liu: "..."
Chao Musheng, you’re laying it on thick again.
He stole a glance at his boss. Though Mr. Su said nothing, Secretary Liu could practically feel the man’s good mood radiating.
The old saying held some truth—flattery never failed. Even someone as composed and rational as Mr. Su wasn’t immune to Chao Musheng’s charm.
"Or perhaps they simply like you," Mr. Su mused, watching the swans preen by the lake. One flapped its wings toward them before abruptly dunking its head underwater.
Secretary Liu: "..."
What a lively, yet utterly unnecessary, exchange of compliments.
"Mrrow?" The three cats finally noticed the trio standing by the noticeboard. The orange tabby, Xiao Ju, tilted its fluffy head before trotting over and dropping the fish at their feet. It then mewed sweetly at Chao Musheng.
"Uh… what does this mean?" Secretary Liu stared at the still-wriggling fish on the ground. "Is this kitten… offering us a meal?"
"Meow?" Xiao Ju blinked at Chao Musheng in confusion. Humans, why aren’t they accepting my generous gift?
"Thank you, Xiao Ju, but we’ve already eaten." Chao Musheng crouched down and gently patted the cat’s head. "You can have it."
Mr. Su’s gaze drifted downward, settling on Xiao Ju’s fur as Chao Musheng stroked it.
"Mrrp?" Xiao Ju shivered inexplicably, glancing between Mr. Su and Secretary Liu. Deciding they weren’t interested in its offering, it snatched the fish back and sashayed away with dignified haste.
The atmosphere had shifted. Xiao Ju suspected mischief afoot—this was no place for a feline monarch to linger.
Cat Xiaoju and his two feline companions bolted away, scampering off in the opposite direction as Chen Er swaggered past with his three lackeys in tow.
Upon spotting Chao Musheng, Chen Er abruptly changed course.
The two players trailing behind Chen Er were even more rattled—the sight of Chao Musheng instantly reminded them of that puppet doll crushed to smithereens.
Wait, why were the players the only ones scared? Why was Chen Er, an NPC with a campus bully persona, also afraid of Chao Musheng?
Just who was the real bully of this school?
Chao Musheng frowned slightly. Why were two exchange students mingling with Chen Er?
Secretary Liu was still stunned by the series of bizarre animal antics. Only after the three kittens had vanished from sight did he snap out of it and remark, "The cats at your school aren’t just clever—they’re also incredibly hospitable."
"Those three kittens have lived on campus for a long time, so they’re quite friendly with humans," Chao Musheng replied, mentally noting the faces of the two exchange students before regaling the guests with amusing anecdotes about the school’s cats and dogs.
Before they knew it, Secretary Liu had followed Chao Musheng around the entire Swan Lake, charmed by the stories and the school’s humane treatment of animals, which left him with a newfound interest and appreciation for Jinghua University.
By the time they returned to the lounge and Chao Musheng stepped into the pantry to prepare tea, Secretary Liu suddenly realized that just two hours had completely shifted his perception of Jinghua.
"That Chao Musheng is quite impressive," Secretary Liu said, his expression resembling a palace eunuch recommending a beauty to the emperor. "Boss, our company could use someone like him."
"Indeed," Mr. Su replied, his golden eyes shimmering as he gazed toward the pantry. "He’s always been exceptional."
Secretary Liu: "..."
Boss, I was complimenting Jinghua’s student, not our company. What exactly are you so proud of?
Mr. Su added, "You have good taste."
Secretary Liu: "Thank you for the praise, Boss."
So the boss was proud of his eye for talent! That lifted his spirits again.
"Mr. Su," Director Wang entered, carrying a tray of fruits and pastries. "My apologies for the inadequate hospitality today."
"Chao Musheng’s guided tour was quite engaging," Mr. Su stood and nodded at Director Wang. "Through his thoughtful introduction, I witnessed your school’s dedication to animal welfare."
Secretary Liu instantly grasped his boss’s intent. "Director Wang, our boss wishes to establish a personal fund for your school’s animal protection efforts. Please spare some time after the anniversary celebrations to discuss the details with me."
"Thank you, Mr. Su! Secretary Liu, would tomorrow morning work for you?" Director Wang clasped Secretary Liu’s hands eagerly. "If not, the afternoon is fine too—I’ll adjust my schedule to accommodate yours."
If necessary, he’d even camp outside Secretary Liu’s doorstep right after the gala.
When it came to funding, enthusiasm was only natural.
He’d always known Chao Musheng was reliable, but he never expected the student to excel to this degree—convincing a guest to voluntarily sponsor the school out of pocket.
If Jinghua had a few more talents like Chao Musheng, financial shortages would be a thing of the past.
Given how outstanding Chao Musheng was, that matter he’d mentioned at noon deserved a thorough investigation.
When Chao Musheng returned with the tea, he found Director Wang staring at him as if he were a priceless treasure.
Huh? What’s going on?
