Facing Father Chen's question, Han Lie felt completely numb.
How did the conversation suddenly get here? Totally out of the blue! And you, Chen Yanfei, can you stop looking at me like that? I'm under so much pressure... (ToT)
But the question still had to be answered. There was no point in hiding it.
"I'm also at Shanghai International Studies University..."
Just as Han Lie had spoken halfway, Chen Yanfei's eyes suddenly sparkled, her mouth stretching into a wide grin, twelve large teeth already half-exposed.
Then, Han Lie slowly added the second half of his sentence.
"But I'm from the School of Foreign Languages and Cultures."
"What?!"
The surprise on Chen Yanfei's face instantly turned to shock. Her mouth opened wide enough to swallow a whole... a whole duck egg. Her teeth were no longer visible; only the back of her throat could be seen. Her little tongue trembled as if she was about to lose her mind.
Old Chen was also dumbfounded.
The School of Foreign Languages and Cultures... Aren't those usually private, third-tier institutions?!
Caught off guard and still somewhat in disbelief, he blurted out, "Is it like the Guanghua School of Management?"
The room fell silent. A certain song seemed very fitting for the moment.
Tough guy Han was getting a bit annoyed. What's wrong with you, big brother? I've already surrendered, and you're still attacking?!
Han Lie tried to keep his voice steady as he answered, "Tier three." He suddenly felt like singing again.
*If those two words did not tremble, I wouldn't discover I'm in pain...*
The lack of effort during his high school years was indeed an enduring pain for Han Lie. If it was something he simply couldn't learn, no matter how hard he tried, then it would have been nothing to worry about. If one's talent isn't in academics, one simply has to accept it. People without talent shouldn't fight it. They should recognize their limits, change paths when necessary, and have no regrets.
But the problem was, Han Lie's grades had been pretty good in his first year of high school. With some effort, he even had the prospect of getting into a 985 university. It was only because he indulged himself too much and his attitude towards studies went awry that he finally fell into an abyss.
When he entered society and was repeatedly knocked down, Han Lie finally realized what he had missed. The regret was indescribable. Unfortunately, his life had mostly taken shape, and it was all too late.
Even now, given a second chance, Han Lie no longer needed a diploma as a stepping stone, yet he still felt guilty for not working hard in high school. His capricious self had let down both his parents and himself. He had been so foolish.
Han Lie didn't try to hide anything, concisely sharing his journey.
"I used to be too arrogant, always thinking that grades didn't represent anything, convinced that 'I was naturally gifted for something,' so I spent a lot of time on other things. When the results came out, the feeling of regret suddenly overwhelmed everything else. So, after much pain and reflection, I spent a long time settling down, straightening out my mindset, and contemplating the future. I'm not as frivolous now. But it's too late for my grades. I can only start the next phase of the sprint in college."
His explanation was good, but it was futile. Chen Yanfei was still staring, mouth agape, unable to recover.
You're so mature, so intelligent, yet you only got into a tier-three university?! So, the person I admired so much... is actually an academic slacker?!
It wasn't that she looked down on third-tier institutions; the contrast was just too stark, and the "guardian beast" was having a hard time accepting it. Han Lie indeed didn't seem like a third-tier slacker.
Compared to Chen Yanfei, Father Chen accepted it a bit faster. After all, his contact with Han Lie had been brief, and all his impressions were superficial.
"So, Little Han, with such a large compensation you've received, are you planning on starting a business?"
In his eyes, Han Lie was someone with strong ambition who wouldn't settle for the status quo. Someone with ideas and courage, and now with money, would inevitably stir things up. The success or failure of such a business would be uncertain, but Han Lie's future looked promising.
But unexpectedly, Han Lie shook his head.
"I won't consider starting a business in the short term. In the initial phase, I will calm myself and focus primarily on acquiring knowledge and strengthening my body. Starting a business is not child's play. It's a war of life and death. I won't easily step onto the battlefield without being fully prepared."
Chen Yanfei's eyes suddenly brightened.
Yes, that's the spirit!
Father Chen was also pleasantly surprised by Han Lie's clarity and steadiness. Frankly, he had seen many young people who were daring and willing to strive, but Han Lie was truly one of a kind. To become wealthy overnight without losing one's principles was extremely rare. So he nodded in approval.
"I'm very gratified that you think this way. Huaxia's development is so fast; it's practically a new era every ten years. The current business environment is a completely different concept from what it was ten or twenty years ago. Past successful experiences are no longer reliable; we all need to keep up with the times. Thinking clearly before acting—that's good!"
Han Lie smiled shyly. "Thank you for your guidance, Uncle Chen."
Well, it doesn't seem fake, but honestly, it's a bit ugly.
Old Chen waved his hand and laughed. "It's not guidance, just sharing some experience. The future belongs to you young people. Seeing you makes me feel old!"
Mutual flattery? I'm quite familiar with this!
Han Lie didn't hold back, launching into a full-blown flattery offensive.
"We have just set sail, while you remain a pillar in the midst of the torrent. For the next twenty years, we can only learn from you. Chen Yanfei is independent, smart, and principled. You've raised her very well. I believe she will definitely carry on your business and spirit, becoming an even more outstanding person."
This barrage of compliments clearly pleased them both. Chen Yanfei squinted, slightly shy but mostly openly happy. Old Chen laughed heartily, nearly praising Han Lie to the skies.
Actually, Han Lie wasn't very good at flattery. However, with Chen Yanfei present and constantly smiling so radiantly, his mind was more than twice as sharp as usual.
This is the power of Strength.
The conversation had reached this point, and Old Chen was truly in high spirits, but time was running short. He glanced at his watch and got up with a smile.
"That's it for today. Yanfei and I need to catch a plane. Little Han, get some good rest, and remember to visit us when you're back in Dream City for the holidays."
Han Lie nodded obediently. "Okay, Uncle. I wish you both a safe trip!"
"Bye-bye, Little Han!" Chen Yanfei waved, her right hand held up like a beckoning cat, fingers gently curling.
Han Lie was almost driven to tears by her cuteness.
Who waves goodbye like that normally? But it's so adorable!
The frisky old boy waited until the father and daughter had left before finally letting out a huge sigh of relief. Dealing with Old Chen was genuinely not easy; Han Lie hadn't relaxed for a single moment.
After all, he could potentially become my father-in-law. I have to humor him, right?
Now that the mission was accomplished, he could finally rest for a bit.
Time to read!
The book Chen Yanfei had brought over was half a set of *Douluo Continent*. The beautiful lady had really put thought into it, probably assuming Han Lie liked Tang Jia San Shao's novels.
But Han Lie felt rather helpless.
I only like Tang Jia San Shao's earlier works... It's not that his later works aren't exciting, but they lost the defining characteristic of his initial creations; the flavor just isn't right anymore. But I can't blame Chen Yanfei. It's fine that she doesn't get it. Those who do understand aren't necessarily good people. Oh well, I'll just make do and read it!
Just as Han Lie opened the book, Uncle Pan and his wife arrived swiftly, bearing the settlement agreement.
"Little Han, do you need me to notify the police station and have them get you a lawyer to review the agreement?" Uncle Pan was very enthusiastic, getting straight to the point.
"Thank you, Uncle Pan. I'll contact someone myself later," Han Lie replied politely, declining the offer.
Reconciliation is one thing, but maintaining some distance is still necessary.
Han Lie took the agreement and reviewed it. The document was solid, especially the case summary, which clearly stated that Pan Shaohang had unilaterally assaulted Han Lie and that there had been no mutual combat. The focus, of course, was the compensation amount—a seven-figure sum.
Seeing the figure, Han Lie's pupils involuntarily shrank.
A full 1.15 million!
On top of the 880,000 in compensation, the amounts for medical treatment, plastic surgery, and psychological damages far exceeded standard rates. Moreover, it was to be a lump-sum payment, with no need for hospital invoices for reimbursement, indicating complete sincerity.
Seeing how forthright Uncle Pan was, Han Lie naturally had no intention of dragging things out.
"I have no issues. Once my lawyer has reviewed it, I can sign anytime."
"Great, great! Should we come back tomorrow then?" Uncle Pan was overjoyed, eager to set a time for signing.
After a brief thought, Han Lie nodded. "Tomorrow is fine."
And so, the matter was settled smoothly, without any complications.
If Pan Shaohang had even half his father's intelligence, there's no way I could have earned this first pot of gold. And I most likely wouldn't have had a chance with Chen Yanfei. After all, she's a top student from a prestigious university. Why would she waste time on a dud from a third-tier university like me? Thanks again for the assist, my good 'big brother' Pan Shaohang! Too bad there's no live broadcasting on Douyin now, or I would've definitely asked the bros to give Pan Shaohang a follow. Where else could I find such a generous top supporter? But after today, I'm afraid Big Brother Pan Shaohang might have to run away with a train on his back...