On the eve of the school anniversary, many people were reaching out to Lin Ran, mostly classmates—some from high school and even Wu Zhishang.
The reason, of course, was that the Lin family was desperately searching for him.
Over the phone, Wu Zhishang said, "Bro Lin, Lin Jian said that Lin Tianba is at the end of his rope now. If you don’t help them, he’s going to take drastic measures."
Lin Ran scoffed outright.
"Tell him this: If he wants money, he won’t get a single cent. If he’s got a plan, good for him. If not, tough luck."
"Got it."
Lin Ran added, "By the way, don’t forget to promote our short drama during the anniversary event. I’ve already cleared it with Principal Tang—this year’s celebration is being livestreamed nationwide."
Wu Zhishang on the other end immediately perked up.
"Damn, Bro Lin, you’ve got the magic touch. A few words from you just saved us a fortune in marketing costs."
Lin Ran chuckled. "Heh! If it weren’t for fear of you guys losing your jobs, I’d have retired ages ago. Now I truly understand how blissful it is to be pampered by my wife."Wu Zhishang instantly erupted. "What the hell?! Why’d you have to twist the knife like that? You damn #@%$..."
Before Wu Zhishang could finish cursing, Lin Ran hung up.
His mindset wasn’t just different from his past life—it had changed drastically even compared to when he first reincarnated.
Take this so-called "entrepreneurship" of his—it wasn’t even a drop in the bucket compared to Luo Yao’s achievements.
Still, he had to stay true to his original goal. Once this short drama turned a profit, he’d buy Luo Yao a gift.
After hanging up, Wu Zhishang cursed Lin Ran internally for a long time before finally relaying his message to Lin Jian’s family
When Lin Jian heard Lin Ran’s exact words, his eyes burned with hatred, his teeth grinding audibly.
"Fine, Lin Ran. Just you wait."
He then repeated the words to Lin Tianba, who flew into an even greater rage.
"That ungrateful brat! I raised him, fed him, and this is how he repays me? If not for me, Lin Tianba, he’d have starved to death long ago! Instead of groveling in gratitude, he won’t even show his face?"
Lin Jian’s tongue had mostly healed, though his speech was still stiff.
"Dad, if Brother refuses to help us, we have no choice but to fight with our backs against the wall."
Lin Tianba frowned. "What’s your plan?"
"Our school’s centennial anniversary is coming up. I wanted to suggest something about Brother... @%#..."
After hearing Lin Jian’s idea, Lin Tianba fell into brief silence.
"But if we do this, that brat’s reputation will be ruined. Won’t he hate us even more?"
Lin Jian’s eyes gleamed with calculation.
"If Brother comes to his senses, he won’t lose everything. Then we won’t have to pressure him further."
Lin Tianba sighed. The plan felt flawed, but they had no better options.
"Fine. If he shows no mercy, then this father won’t either. Since he’s willing to hurt his own family, we’ll force his hand."
"Xiao Jian, you and your mother should go. Even though that brat wouldn’t dare act out in public, I’ll arrange some bodyguards for you."
"Thanks, Dad. Aren’t you coming?"
Lin Tianba shook his head. "No. If he sees me, he might lose control and make things worse."
In truth, Lin Tianba just didn’t want to embarrass himself—this was merely an excuse.
Meanwhile, Liu Yuemei suddenly perked up. Their recent poverty had driven her to despair, and Lin Ran was her only hope for salvation.
"Don’t worry, dear. This time, I’ll make sure Xiao Ran apologizes and returns to the Lin family. You’ll just have to show him more fatherly love afterward."
Lin Tianba sighed dramatically. "Fine. What else can I do? I’m his father, after all."
Time flew, and soon it was the day of Jingda University’s centennial celebration.
Despite meticulous preparations, the campus gates were swarmed with crowds by morning.
As a prestigious century-old institution, its alumni included numerous historical figures—even an academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering made an appearance.
Dozens of media outlets and education bureau officials also attended.
Zhang Xiaonuan and other volunteers were assigned to greet distinguished guests.
When she checked her list, her heart nearly stopped—Lin Ran’s name was clearly printed there.
But no matter how many times she called his contact number, it never went through. So at dawn, she anxiously waited at the registration desk amidst the sea of people.
Just then, a fleet of luxury cars rolled up. The campus gates swung open, and one extravagant vehicle after another drove in.
At the center of the procession, Lin Ran cruised in a sleek Aston Martin, turning heads effortlessly.
His flamboyance served two purposes: first, to boost Nuanyao Group’s prestige, especially with the media present; second, to rub his success in certain people’s faces.
"Who the hell is this show-off? Parking’s a nightmare today, and they just waltz in like they own the place?"
"You don’t recognize him? That’s Lin Ran—our campus heartthrob."
"So what? Heartthrobs get special treatment?"
"He’s also a young entrepreneur. The library was his donation."
"And that convoy behind him? Probably his security team."
"Oh. My bad."
Hearing this, Zhang Xiaonuan sprinted after the departing cars.
She didn’t notice the icy gaze from someone inside the lead vehicle.
Uncle Fu kept his head down, not daring to meet Luo Yao’s eyes in her current mood.
Inside campus, the convoy split—Luo Yao’s group headed to the administration building, while Lin Ran and most bodyguards went to the parking lot.
As Lin Ran stepped out of his car, a voice suddenly shouted,
"Senior Lin Ran!"
Lin Ran blinked in confusion.
"You’re calling me?"
"Yes! I’m Zhang Xiaonuan, assigned to escort you."
Instead of letting her approach, Lin Ran kept a ten-meter distance.
"You look familiar…?"
"I’m Zhang Xiaonuan! Zhang Xiaolong’s sister."
Recognition flashed in Lin Ran’s eyes.
"Ohhh! Now I remember. Guys, block her—don’t let her near me!"
"I’ll handle myself. Go assist someone else."
Watching Lin Ran vanish instantly, Zhang Xiaonuan stood baffled.
Why did Senior Lin Ran seem… afraid of her?
Disappointed but helpless, she could only sigh.