"It’s fine."
Lin Beichen smiled and shook his head, then put away his identification documents, picked up his luggage, and left with Hao Jianhua and the others.
The airport staff watched them leave. Once they disappeared from sight, one of them pulled out a phone and quickly dialed a number: "The target has appeared."
Naturally, Lin Beichen and his group couldn’t see their actions.
Under Hao Jianhua’s leadership, they arrived at their lodging hotel, settled in, and then gathered in Hao Jianhua’s room.
Hao Jianhua said, "This afternoon, we will start our academic exchange at Shenzhao University. It will last for three days. This afternoon..."
He looked at the students, including Lin Beichen, and after scanning them briefly, he continued, "It will be up to you to perform well. The next two days won’t have much to do with you; mainly, it will be us professors facilitating the exchange with Shenzhao University."
This was the itinerary.
Hao Jianhua was actually explaining this to Lin Beichen and the other students because the teachers had participated in several academic exchanges and were very familiar with the procedures.
"Got it."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
Seeing this, Hao Jianhua said, "Alright then, go back to your rooms to tidy up and prepare. After dinner, we’ll head to Shenzhao University together."
"Okay!"
Everyone got up and walked out.
Lin Beichen intentionally walked slowly and soon found himself lagging behind.
Hao Jianhua noticed Lin Beichen’s dawdling and awkward gait, and since everyone else had left except for him, he knew there must be something up.
"Lin Beichen, why are you still here? Do you need something?"
Hao Jianhua asked directly, not beating around the bush.
Lin Beichen was thinking of asking something. Upon hearing Hao Jianhua’s question, he felt relieved and said, "Yes, Principal. I do have a small matter I want to consult with you."
"I had a feeling there was something up with you."
Hao Jianhua laughed heartily, then impatiently said, "Alright, just spit it out."
"It’s like this, Principal."
Lin Beichen scratched his head shyly. "According to the schedule you mentioned, we don’t have much to do in the next two days. I was wondering, could I perhaps go out and explore?"
"Go out and explore?"
Hao Jianhua was momentarily stunned, then seemed to think of something and said, "You want to go to Jingli Mountain?"
If not for Shenzhao University and Jingli Mountain, Hengban County would be a godforsaken place in the Divine Light Country.
Lin Beichen was going to Shenzhao University in the afternoon.
The only remaining place worth visiting...
... was Jingli Mountain.
Lin Beichen nodded and said, "Yes, I heard Jingli Mountain is stunningly beautiful. Since we’re here, it would be a pity not to visit."
"Alright then..."
Hao Jianhua was about to agree since he also thought it would be a pity not to visit Jingli Mountain as Lin Beichen said.
But...
At that moment, he remembered how Lin Beichen always caused various incidents when he took leave to go out. He was worried that Lin Beichen might stir up some trouble in the Divine Light Country.
After all...
In the Great Xia, there was the security bureau to rely on.
But if something happened in the Divine Light Country...
It would be disastrous!
"Lin Beichen, are you sure you just want to enjoy the scenery and have a casual stroll?"
"Absolutely."
Lin Beichen instantly understood Hao Jianhua’s worry. He wouldn’t dare reveal his true intentions now; otherwise, he might not be allowed to go.
Seeing his firm response, Hao Jianhua felt a bit more at ease. After considering it further, he thought Lin Beichen was quite sensible and wouldn’t lose control. So, he nodded and said, "Alright, I agree."
Although he agreed, he couldn’t help but advise, "Although Jingli Mountain hasn’t erupted in years, it doesn’t mean it won’t. It’s the world’s largest active volcano, so be very careful."
"Yes, I understand, Principal."
Lin Beichen nodded repeatedly. As long as he could go, he’d agree to anything.
After chatting a bit more...
Lin Beichen left Hao Jianhua’s room, went back to his own room to refresh himself, then joined the group for lunch before heading to Shenzhao University.
The hotel was very close to Shenzhao University.
It was only about a ten-minute drive.
When Hao Jianhua and his group arrived at Shenzhao University...
At the entrance of Shenzhao University...
Compared to the grand and historically rich entrance of the Imperial Capital University, Shenzhao University’s entrance had a distinctly Shenzhao and wind-like feel.
It didn’t exhibit much cultural depth, but it evoked a strong sense of cultural identity.
A strong cultural identity for their own country!
The entrance wasn’t grand but it had elegance.
At this moment, there were about ten people standing under the entrance.
The leading man appeared older than Hao Jianhua, with white hair but still energetic. He was dressed in traditional Shenzhao clothing and wore wooden clogs.
This man was none other than the principal of Shenzhao University, Nohara Hikofu.
Next to Nohara Hikofu were teachers from Shenzhao University, warmly dressed in traditional Shenzhao attire, hands crossed in front.
Upon seeing Hao Jianhua get off the bus, Nohara Hikofu quickly stepped forward to greet his long-time friend: "Principal Hao, welcome, welcome. Sorry for not receiving you from afar. I apologize."
He spoke in Great Xia dialect.
After so many years of academic exchange and his love for Great Xia culture, he had become a Great Xia expert.
"Principal Nohara, you said we didn’t need these formalities anymore. We’re all old friends; these ceremonies feel out of place."
Hao Jianhua smiled, hugged Nohara Hikofu, and started making small talk.
During their chat...
The teachers and students from Imperial Capital University got off the bus one by one.
At this point, Nohara Hikofu’s gaze naturally swept across the students behind Hao Jianhua, finally landing on Lin Beichen. His eyes were filled with admiration.
"Hello, Lin Beichen."
Nohara Hikofu approached proactively.
Lin Beichen was taken aback, not expecting the principal of Shenzhao University to talk to him. However, he quickly reacted, shaking his hand humbly and smiling.
"Principal Nohara, hello."
"I’ve long heard of Lin Beichen’s exceptional talent. I’ve only seen you in the news before. Now meeting you in person, I see... it’s true. Your presence is even more remarkable than what’s described online!"
Nohara Hikofu generously praised Lin Beichen. He felt a unique aura emanating from him.
Hao Jianhua stood aside, letting Nohara Hikofu praise Lin Beichen.
For Imperial Capital University...
Having a student like Lin Beichen, admired by an international university principal, was a significant compliment, wasn’t it?
He thoroughly enjoyed this moment.
Seeing Lin Beichen getting embarrassed from the praise, Hao Jianhua couldn’t help but smile and shake his head. He stepped in and said, "Alright, Principal Nohara, if you keep praising him, it’ll be nightfall soon. Let’s get to business."
"Yes, yes."
Nohara Hikofu nodded quickly, laughing, "I was so thrilled to see Lin Beichen that I almost forgot our main agenda."
Then he gestured towards the entrance and said, "Please, please, let this old man lead the way."