Chapter 137 Vigil in Florence

is is an internal matter of your Urban Management Bureau; you should decide it yourselves. Why are you asking me about everything" Hearing the continuous affirmations from the other end—"Yes, yes, yes...Chapter 137: Sleepless Night in Florence

After a brief moment of surprise, both parties returned to normal. Su Can let go of Tang Wu's waist, and her face turned slightly red. Now was not the time to scold Su Can for his inappropriate behavior; when facing Wang Yan and Gu Jun, Tang Wu quickly resumed her usual demeanor, though she couldn't be considered completely calm.

Wang Yan lived up to her reputation of working in a government agency by pretending she hadn't seen anything. She said, "... You need to register at the property management center if you want to renovate your place and pay an entry fee when hiring a construction company. The electricity card is also available there... Since we didn't know when you would arrive, we didn't pick it up for you..." She immediately steered the conversation away.

This time, Wang Yan's tone was free of any initial triviality, making her sound comfortable and devoid of past small vanity. Her speech was appropriate yet not servile; phrases like "didn't pick it up for you" sounded natural without seeming forced or compromising her dignity. If Su Can had met her for the first time, he might have developed a good impression.

In fact, that's how it happened in the beginning; when he and Lin Luoran came to look at the house and asked her opinion, due to their youth and certain details, Wang Yan naturally spoke with less caution and more of an air of superiority. People often overlook many things based on personal circles and experiences.

Now she couldn't say they had uncovered Su Can's true background, but they knew the man standing before them was even better at hiding his capabilities than expected; in this era, owning a Bentley in Shanghai could hardly be considered ordinary.

Hence their attitude changed dramatically without seeming abrupt. There were no flattery or sycophancy in their words, yet it felt comfortable to listen to. Just this skill alone impressed Su Can with the complexity of human nature.

He thought that if there hadn't been previous experiences, he might have had a positive impression of Wang Yan and left her with an impartially good image, without knowing her vain and self-interested side.

But people are contradictory and complex beings, and human hearts are the most unpredictable things in the world. Even Su Can couldn't guarantee that he knew what was truly on his employees' minds

Therefore, Su Can viewed Wang Yan and Gu Jun with a bit of tolerance, engaging in conversation with Tang Wu without being distant from them. After they bid farewell to Su Can and Tang Wu, Gu Jun thoughtfully said in the elevator, "This young man seems ordinary at first glance, but upon closer inspection, he doesn't show off his abilities in speech or action. If it wasn't for his age, I would suspect him of having our bureau chief's demeanor. This kid is no simpleton; give him a few more years and he'll be even more seasoned."

But in reality, no one could foresee how Su Can's life or the lives of those around him would change in another few years. Would they be swallowed by this grand era and world, or would they move forward resolutely like "not disappointing the Buddha nor oneself," undaunted through the flowing years

Soon, Lin Luoran called and said she was in Beijing, currently gathering with a group of friends. She thought about giving him a call and asked where he was.

At this moment, Su Cen was carrying his backpack and attending an elective course on project evaluation at the third teaching building of the School of Economics with Li Han and Xiao Xu among others.

Xiao Xu had posted a schedule in his dorm room: get up at 6 AM to memorize GRE vocabulary; look into the distance and do eye exercises at 7:30 AM; eat breakfast and attend class at 8 AM, ensuring attendance in both major and elective courses. He actively participates in discussions and doesn't miss any opportunities for joining the Party or further studies. In the evening, he watches CCTV's News Broadcast at the dining hall, or uses Su Cen’s or Zhang Xiaqiao’s computers to do so. Before sleeping at night, he listens to Bandari’s countryside music (note: can use Zhang Xiaqiao’s or Su Cen’s computer). He solves physiological issues through love action movies in a reasonable and regulated manner.

Under the ruthless schedule that left one speechless, Xiao Xu pulled several people into this elective course. Part of his motivation came from being stimulated by Su Cen's success at school. Hence, he strictly adhered to such a schedule from now on, not skipping any lectures related to economics and political ideology, striving continuously to catch up with Su Cen.

Su Cen answered the call from Lin Luoran with a smile when he stepped out of the classroom, saying, "I'm at school. No wonder there hasn't been any news recently. You secretly ran off to Beijing Suddenly feeling guilty and gave me a call."

During Nan University’s Alumni Festival period, Su Cen felt that Lin Luoran had vanished suddenly from his surroundings without contact for a long time. Who would have thought she was in Beijing meeting friends—this breezy woman whose thoughts and actions were equally free.

While Lin Luoran was in Beijing during this period, naturally, she knew nothing about what happened at Nan University.

"Why should I feel guilty" Lin Luoran asked with confusion on the other end of the phone. Then somewhat cluelessly added, "You didn't suddenly miss me and give a call out of nowhere"

There seemed to be quite a few people around her at this moment, noisy as they were. At this time, someone urged, "Who is it Lin Luoran... boyfriend checking up on you"

The person speaking sounded hesitant and unsure over the phone, with a hint of bitterness. He then said in his native Beijing dialect under Lin Luoran's scrutinizing gaze, "Alright, I’ll drink three cups today as punishment. Aren’t I thinking about your interests Yang Kuan asked me to find out some details; Pan Yi hasn't slept all night after seeing you yesterday and dragged me along excitedly asking me loads of questions about you. He’s waiting for a reply from me on whether you have a husband like Luo Fu or are indifferent like the goddess. Considering how many cans of 7-Up beer I’ve drunk at his place, it's only right that I remain loyal to him..."

Lin Luoran then told Su Cen, "Wait for me a moment, I’ll handle this person and come over." After which, the phone seemed to have been put down as there was a sharp sound of someone running away.

Wang Weiwei picked up the phone and bluntly asked Su Cen, "What's going on with your American Facebook It’s making quite a stir recently. How much money are Silicon Valley venture capitalists planning to invest in you Are you now a real billionaire overnight Do you have plans to buy several big houses in Beijing and Chengdu We won’t talk about that. You won't have any worries wherever you go for a year. The most critical question is, why aren’t you going to the US right now, but still staying in Shanghai

Su Cen had to explain to Wang Weiwei how Facebook's financing plans would strategically manage these venture capitalists separately. He then said angrily, "Do you think I'm a printing press Valuation and actual funding received are two entirely different concepts. The US media hyping Zuckerberg as a billionaire is just an illusion; once there’s any operational problems, or if the situation gets out of control, or management fails, this illusion can collapse instantly. A billionaire would then become worthless."

"You’ve always had great ideas since I first met you. You won't be influenced by your surroundings when making decisions. I've heard some information from both sides; there are comments from the US and within China. Some see a bright future, while others who can’t get what they want criticize harshly. I haven't bothered to look into these details or think too much about them. My parents used to educate me in various ways, always talking about how kids in their neighborhood were talented since childhood, chosen by foreign schools for study abroad programs, winning youth awards like the Silver Sail Award and so on. I've never agreed with their definition of success. But I must say, Su Cen, you are the most successful among our close friends. When your big news comes out, we will definitely celebrate day and night over American dollars. Oh, right, if you come to Beijing, I have some friends here who would like to meet you."

Su Cen noticed that when he talked with Wang Weiwei, the noise on his end became very quiet, and occasionally heard him laugh at something interesting. It seemed that Wang Bo was doing well as the Secretary of Chengdu's Communist Party Committee, potentially advancing further in his political career to reach a ministerial position.

Although Wang Weiwei’s mother wasn’t outstanding within the legal system, her family's background influence couldn't be underestimated. In many aspects, Wang Weiwei might be quite prominent in Beijing. Although he usually kept a low profile, it was clear that when talking to Su Cen now, those around him were being quiet, indicating these pieces of information mattered greatly and were closely watched within his social circle.

Su Cen also joked poetically for the first time ever, saying, "Alright, on the day news of my big success reaches us, we will gather again."

Lin Luoran finished dealing with people before picking up her phone. She found a corner and asked, "Nothing major happened in Shanghai, right Is everything okay there Are you still leading your dull university life"

Su Cen was amused but also exasperated; he thought to himself that Miss Lin’s ominous words were indeed accurate as some big things had recently occurred in Shanghai. The situation was becoming volatile with various forces making compromises and engaging in fierce competition behind the scenes, even though there wasn’t open warfare or bloodshed. Some people's political and career progressions were soaring while others quietly stepped down.

However, Su Cen wouldn't mention these matters openly; he merely nodded and said, "I’m fine. The first theme of university life is aimless wandering and boredom, the second is enduring loneliness. Unfortunately for me, I’ve passed both tests."

"You're being narcissistic," Lin Luoran chuckled lightly before asking again, "Is your house under renovation You must not have much of a say about it."

After that, there was silence between them for a while. After some time, Lin Luoran spoke in a voice unlike her usual clear and soft tone; instead, she sounded somewhat low and tenderly, saying, "Let's not talk about these trivial matters... Do you know why I came to Beijing this time"

"I haven't moved my hukou for university; it's still in Beijing. I'll come over to coordinate with the Education Work Committee and the Study Abroad Office to handle some preliminary procedures needed for studying abroad."

Su Cen was taken aback, opening his mouth to ask, "Where..." But he found that his voice didn't carry well, only producing a dry and empty sound. This pause made the person on the other end of the line freeze momentarily. Su Cen quickly cleared his throat before asking normally, "You mean you're going abroad for further studies Where exactly are you headed"

Lin Luoran's voice from the other side was clear and ethereal, like a breeze carrying her along, "I can't say for sure. Do you remember when we graduated high school You, Weiwei Wang, Zouwu Lin, Wu Tang, your childhood best friend Yiyang Xue, and Rui Liu—all of us were drinking outside the Music House Bar in Chengdu. I said then that I wanted to study philosophy and finance because it would help me understand and traverse the world. Now, I want to go out there. Since I'm studying French at Shanghai International Studies University's second campus and taking Japanese as a minor, Paris is a possibility—shopping on Champs-lysées is every girl’s dream, right Or perhaps Hokkaido University in Japan by the sea for skiing and cherry blossom viewing, which would be so romantic. Or maybe Florence, Italy. If one day I send you photos of me standing next to Leonardo da Vinci's portrait in a Renaissance church or amidst lavender fields, you must compliment my looks; otherwise, I’ll get angry."

Su Cen said with a bitter smile, "Women...

“Be that as it may. If I’m free tonight, I might call again. Also, there’s dinner to attend. Gotta go.”

Hanging up the phone, Nan Da's Three Teaching Building didn’t look like newly constructed or modern buildings; instead, its aged appearance was slightly shabby, with bubbling walls and slight cracks in the pillars. The blackboard on the classroom wall behind him had almost no green paint left.

The ancient building stood tall under a golden ray of sunlight, while the leaves of paulownia trees rustled gently as they brushed against the ground.

Su Cen put his phone in the back pocket of his pants, an unrefined and somewhat lecherous move. This university was full of such unsavory fellows who might have just hung up on their distant girlfriends or were annoyed by their parents' nagging over the phone, or perhaps they were simply chatting idly without a care for what lay ahead.

Only in Su Cen’s mind floated an image of Lin Luoran with her skirt fluttering wildly as a strong wind blew through lavender fields in Florence. But he knew very well that he couldn’t utter any praise.

This is where it gets interesting, but I need your monthly votes to keep the story exciting; otherwise, it’s just a stagnant pool of water. If not, updates will be delayed even further. Fish grills silently: strength, strength, power!edient earlobe; their vigorous movements caused her hair to scatter, making her rosy cheeks appear even more alluring.Su Cen felt a tinge of emotion and said, "Your mother will kill you.""It doesn't m...