Perfect Superstar.

On June 9, 2015, Jianghai University held its graduation ceremony for the class of 2011 in the grand He Liangwei Auditorium.

The He Liangwei Auditorium was donated by He Liangwei, a patriotic businessman and the richest man in Macau, and it features traditional Chinese architectural style, impressive scale, and modern facilities. With two levels, it can accommodate 6,500 people.

He Liangwei, famously known as the "Betting King," owns the seven-star Great Restaurant in Macau and three luxury casinos. His business ventures span across gambling, real estate, logistics, entertainment, and other industries, with a total net worth of over 50 Billion.

Coming from a poor background, he didn't even finish high school before he became a street vendor selling fish balls. Through hard work and a sharp mind, he rose to become one of Macau's most influential figures, creating a legendary story in the modern city.

However, what people talk about the most isn't his success story, but his countless romantic escapades.

Despite his unremarkable appearance, He Liangwei has seven wives. Besides his first wife, the remaining six include four Miss Macau titleholders and two Miss Hong Kong titleholders. Altogether, they have nineteen children, truly making him a winner in life.

In his later years, He Liangwei became devoted to charity, donating more than a Billion Yuan annually within China, mainly for education and medical support. Buildings named after him, including hospitals, libraries, auditoriums, laboratories, and sports halls, total over a hundred.

Jianghai University's He Liangwei Auditorium completed two years ago, is among the top university facilities in the country.

By 9 a.m., the auditorium was packed.

Lu Chen and his three friends sat in the back row on the lower level, surrounded by their classmates from the same department.

Since there was a six-month internship period during senior year, many classmates hadn't seen each other for a long time. Naturally, everyone was happy to reunite here, exchanging laughs and catching up.

But the thought of parting ways after today couldn't help but bring a sense of sadness and nostalgia.

Lu Chen had applied for an internship six months earlier, so he had been away from campus for a year. Many classmates came to chat with him, asking about his recent life and future plans. Some even invited him to join in business ventures.

Lu Chen had built good relationships in college—not that everyone liked him, but he did have quite a few friends.

Of course, some people didn't get along with him.

Like this tall, skinny young man who had just walked over with a sneering look and an irritating tone.

"Lu Chen, how's life going in Capital City? The 'Capital Drifter' life must be tough, huh? Making enough to eat?"

Before Lu Chen could respond, Gao He stood up angrily.

He glared at the guy and said, "Zhang Jinping, if you can't say anything nice, just keep your mouth shut. Are you looking for a beating?"

The tall, skinny young man took a step back and said sulkily, "Gao He, don't bite the hand that feeds you. I was only asking Lu Chen to help him. I'm starting at NetEase next month, so since we'll all be in Capital City, we can look out for each other."

NetEase is one of the top ten web portals in China and is listed on NASDAQ in the United States, making it a good career choice for computer science graduates from Jianghai University.

So, this skinny young man named Zhang Jinping spoke with barely concealed pride.

"NetEase? Isn't that the famous pig farm?" Zhou Rui chimed in sarcastically, "Yes, that's perfect for you!"

The CEO of NetEase had invested a large sum in a "modern, eco-friendly" pig farm two years ago, reportedly losing millions in the process. Ever since then, NetEase had been nicknamed the "Pig Farm" by netizens, with all kinds of implications.

Gao He and Wan Hongzhi burst into laughter.

Lu Chen also laughed, saying, "Zhang Jinping, thanks for your good intentions, but you should probably get back to your seat."

Zhang Jinping, who was also in the computer science department but in a different class, had once pursued Wang Ying. Lu Chen had outshone him completely, leaving him among the list of those who failed. 

Later, after Lu Chen's family problems and his breakup with Wang Ying, Zhang Jinping had delighted in Lu Chen's misfortune, taking every chance to mock him.

He likely thought today was his last chance to put Lu Chen down, so he came over specifically to taunt him. But Gao He and Zhou Rui's responses shut him down immediately, turning his attempt into a self-inflicted humiliation.

Lu Chen didn't take him seriously. Even in his worst moments, he had never bothered about Zhang Jinping.

Why would he now?

Zhang Jinping still wanted to say something snide, but one look at Gao He's fierce eyes, and he reluctantly left.

He had been beaten up by Gao He before.

"Some people are just trash."

Zhou Rui sneered, "I heard that after Old Third went to Capital City, he tried chasing after Wang Ying again, but she couldn't be bothered with him. This time, who knows what connections he used to get into that 'pig farm.'"

Jianghai University is a top university in the country and has excellent partnerships with many well-known companies, recommending a select group of outstanding graduates to them each year.

Of course, being recommended by the university doesn't necessarily mean someone is the best student.

Wan Hongzhi discreetly tugged Zhou Rui, and Zhou Rui quickly realized and stopped talking.

It was best not to mention Wang Ying in front of Lu Chen.

Lu Chen didn't mind, smiling and saying, "Forget him, the ceremony's starting."

With the sound of grand music, Jianghai University's graduation ceremony for the class of 2011 officially began. As usual, it started with speeches from university leaders, which were filled with standard phrases about cherishing the past and looking forward to the future.

After the leadership's speeches, a representative of the outstanding graduates gave a speech.

Everyone was barely staying awake until it was time to award the diplomas.

Jianghai University operates on a credit system; if you earn enough credits, you graduate.

Lu Chen had coasted through his first two years, but in his junior year, he buckled down to gather the credits he needed to graduate. Otherwise, he'd have had to give up his diploma to head to Capital City for work in his senior year.

As he lined up to receive his heavy, bright red diploma from the university president, Lu Chen could feel its weight.

Although he might not need this diploma in the future, it represents his past.

Those joyful, sweet, sorrowful, painful, and hardworking memories!

After receiving the diploma, they donned their bachelor's gowns and all headed to the lawn to take graduation photos together.

A group photo with the computer science department, one with classmates, and one with dorm brothers.

The constant sound of cameras clicking was accompanied by laughter, becoming the main rhythm of university life at that moment.

Let go of the sadness of parting and remember our college days.

Never forget 2015!

…

At 7 p.m., the graduation evening party was held in the He Liangwei Auditorium.

Compared to the daytime ceremony, even more students attended the evening party. The 6,500-seat auditorium was filled with over 8,000 people, with many standing in the aisles and others squeezing in wherever they could.

Many weren't even part of the 2011 graduating class; they were just there to enjoy the excitement and bid farewell to the seniors.

The stage was ready, and a large LED screen was playing Jianghai University's promotional video. As the music played and lights illuminated the stage, the two hosts appeared.

"Respected leaders, esteemed teachers,"

"Honored guests who support Jianghai University's growth,"

"And to all the students of Jianghai University, good evening!"

"Let us first give a big round of applause to our teachers, who have put in so much effort and care for our growth: teachers, thank you for all your hard work!"

As the male and female hosts delivered their speech with enthusiasm, Jianghai University's 2015 graduation evening party officially began.

Thunderous applause erupted in the auditorium, like a summer storm.

"Dancing to the rhythm of youth, letting the notes of youth soar, igniting boundless passion, fueling our dreams of flying!"

"We come together with joy and hopes, yet feel sorrow as we approach farewell!"

"We gather in this vibrant season; green fills our view, and new growth touches us. Dear teachers, beloved classmates, as we hear the cicadas of summer, we come to the final moment of our farewell!"

"Tonight, nearly ten thousand teachers and students have gathered here with a unique sense of emotion."

As the hosts continued their speech on stage, Lu Chen quietly slipped backstage.

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(End of this chapter)

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