Perfect Superstar.

Gao He was a classic big man from Shandong Province. Standing at 1.95 meters, he was the main center of the computer science basketball team. 

He was straightforward, generous, and easy-going, although his mature appearance made him look like he could pass for someone's uncle. Gao He slept in the bunk below Lu Chen's.

On the way to the dormitory, Lu Chen asked, "How's the wife? Has she come back?"

Gao He's girlfriend, Wang Xiaoling, was also in their year, majoring in Chinese. They had been dating since their freshman year.

Gao He's expression darkened. "We broke up."

Lu Chen was taken aback. "What happened?"

He had played a bit of a matchmaker for Gao He and Wang Xiaoling and knew that they'd always gotten along well.

Even though there was a saying in college that "graduation season is breakup season," Lu Chen thought they'd make it through.

Gao He smiled bitterly. "I found a job in Ji City, but Wang Xiaoling wants to stay in Hangzhou. You know what housing prices are like in Hangzhou now; the cost of a bathroom alone could buy a whole house back home. Besides, my parents need me around.

Lu Chen fell silent.

Over the past decade, Hangzhou's economy had grown rapidly, bringing prosperity but also high prices-especially for housing, which continued to rise and was among the highest in the country.

For ordinary wage earners, buying a home here was almost a pipe dream.

Gao He's family wasn't wealthy, and as an only child, his college romance couldn't withstand the reality.

Lu Chen patted Gao He's shoulder in silent sympathy.

Gao He, however, seemed to be at peace. "I am fine, I was prepared for this. Old Third, how's life in the capital? Have you found a new girlfriend yet?"

Lu Chen grinned, "Not bad, I got lucky and made some money. As for a girlfriend, I have no plans for the time being."

Gao He knew about Lu Chen's family situation and was happy for him. "So, are you planning to settle down in the capital for the long term?"

Lu Chen nodded. "Yes. Come visit us when you're free. Ji City is not far from the capital."

Gao He laughed, "As soon as you get rich, I will lead the troops over to claim some loot!"

Lu Chen laughed heartily.

As they chatted, the two of them arrived at the dormitory building.

The door to room 405 was slightly ajar, and Gao He guessed, "Old K and Fourth Brother must be back!"

He pushed the door open with a bang and shouted, "Room check!

Sure enough, two people were already inside - one lying on his bed playing on his phone, and the other at a desk playing.

Both of them jumped at Gao He's beastly roar.

Lu Chen followed him in and shouted, "This is a robbery! Please hand over your bank cards, travel cards, and meal cards."

The one on his phone was Old K, real name Wan Hongzhi, from northern Hunan. He ranked second among the four roommates, but he couldn't stand being called "Second Brother," so he adopted the nickname Old K, like the second card in a poker deck.

The one gaming was Fourth Brother, Zhou Rui, a local from Hangzhou. He was thin and plain-looking, and now he looked like he was about to cry. "Boss, the BOSS has gone crazy!"

He'd been fighting a game boss with a group when he lost his rhythm thanks to Gao He's shout, and accidentally triggered the boss's rage mode.

And then - team annihilation!

Gao He, Lu Chen, and Wan Hongzhi burst out laughing.

Zhou Rui, after being scolded by his teammates, logged off, fuming and directing his frustration at his three troublemaking friends. "You just wait!"

Lu Chen was about to reply when his phone rang.

He answered it to hear the voice of Cao Xiuzhu. "Lu Chen, are you back at school already?"

Lu Chen smiled. "Just arrived. What can I do for you, Class Leader?"

Cao Xiuzhu said, "Good timing. Is the performance you're preparing ready? It's for the graduation ceremony tomorrow night, so don't let me down!"

Lu Chen replied, "You can count on me. I wouldn't dream of disappointing our Great Class Leader!"

Cao Xiuzhu chuckled. "The capital has made you a sweet talker. All right, see you tomorrow."

When he hung up, Gao He asked curiously, "What did the class leader want with you?"

Lu Chen explained, "I was asked to perform something for the graduation party tomorrow night."

Wan Hongzhi sighed, "It used to be the New Year's Gala, and now it's the graduation ceremony. Time really flies!"

Time shows no mercy, and the days in the Ivory Tower always pass too quickly, leaving only memories behind. Room 405 fell into a brief silence.

Gao He asked, "Old K, Fourth Brother, what are your plans after graduation?"

Wan Hongzhi replied, "I know an elder who opened an IT company in Huhai. He asked me to help out there. I want to learn as much as I can, and if there's an opportunity, I might emigrate.

Of the four, Wan Hongzhi had the best grades, and emigrating through a technical route had always been his goal.

As for Zhou Rui: "I'll join the game department of Feiteng Company after graduation- I've already signed the contract."

Although he tried to say it casually, he couldn't hide his pride completely.

Gao He wanted to slap him and shouted, "Wow, Feiteng Company!"

Lu Chen smiled, "Congratulations!"

Feiteng Company is one of the top three technology companies in the country, known for major platforms such as YiBao and YiFuBao, as well as a powerful gaming division known for its popular online games.

What's more, Feiteng Company is based in Hangzhou and is known for offering some of the best benefits in the industry.

Since Zhou Rui was from Hangzhou, getting a job there was something to celebrate.

Wan Hongzhi shouted, "You have to treat us tonight!"

Zhou Rui smiled, "No problem, but whoever doesn't get drunk will pay the bill!"

Gao He patted his chest. "When it comes to drinking, you can count on me - I won't leave until we're drunk!"

Lu Chen stood up, "Let's go to the Old Tavern!"

The Old Tavern, known for its century-long history, was located just beyond the town square and was famous among students for its tasty and affordable food.

Because of its popularity, tables were hard to get if you went too late. The four from Room 405 hurried over before the dinner rush and managed to get a table by the window.

They ordered some specialties and cases of Jiangchao beer at two yuan a bottle, bringing out boxes one after another.

No need for glasses; they just opened the bottles and drank straight from them.

After a couple of bottles, they started chatting, talking about life, reminiscing about youth.

Lu Chen drank bottle after bottle, saying little and mostly listening to his roommates talk about girls from other classes, the new female counselor, the girls they couldn't win over, and their hopes for the future.

Little by little, the alcohol washed over him, leaving him more relaxed than he'd felt in a long time.

But all good things come to an end.

Graduation was here, and soon, they'd be scattered across the country. They'd likely only meet again at one another's weddings.

By then, reminiscing about these times would never feel quite the same.

One case held 12 bottles, and between the four of them, they polished off four cases. They drank from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with Zhou Rui and Wan Hongzhi each making two trips to the bathroom to throw up.

Zhou Rui, barely able to stay upright, paid the bill before Gao He helped him out of the tavern.

Lu Chen and Wan Hongzhi could still walk, but neither could walk in a straight line.

So they staggered along, supporting each other, into the town square.

It wasn't the weekend, but the square was still lively. On one side, older folks were dancing, and on the other, children were rollerblading, with couples strolling hand in hand.

In the summer night breeze, a sad love song played. 

Small groups gathered around a street performer singing an old ballad.

"Ugh!" 

Gao He cursed, "That singing's awful! Old Third, you could do way better— go show him up!"

His tolerance was the highest of the four, but even after drinking one and a half cases, he was a bit tipsy.

Zhou Rui chimed in, "Sing! You have to sing! Another two bottles if you don't!"

The alcohol-fueled Lu Chen said, "Fine, I'll sing!"

He let go of Wan Hongzhi, marched over, and asked the street singer, "Hey, mind if I borrow your guitar and spot? I want to sing a song for my friends!"

The street singer was easygoing and handed over the guitar, saying, "Sure thing."

"Thanks!"

Lu Chen took the guitar, deftly plucking the strings to test the sound.

It was a basic guitar, but it was decently tuned, hooked up to a microphone and a small battery-powered speaker.

A classic street performance setup.

(End of Chapter)

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