Chapter 139: It's Difficult to Be a National Hero and T

Cen stared blankly at Ling Ge Ran. This woman had black hair that cascaded like a waterfall, dark brown eyes, and diamond earrings hanging from sharp ears.In this moment, Su Cen felt somewhat dazed....Chapter 658: The Difficulties of Being a National Hero and That Woman

"Su Cen, do you mind taking a walk with me" Wang Xiaoyi pointed to the avenue lined with ancient trees. At this moment, Su Cen could sense that his breathing had become calm.

"Sure, whatever you say goes." Su Cen smiled innocently in reply, thinking to himself, "Can I really be against it" However, Wang Xiaoyi was now not acting as the principal and behaved like an ordinary person. Therefore, Su Cen walked side by side with him without showing any deference.

The person who just received instructions from Wang Xiaoyi left at this moment. Then, turning around, Wang Xiaoyi said to Lu Chuanming and Su Yiyi: "The faculty meeting of the College of Economics is scheduled for next month on the first day. You personally need to talk with Professor Zhang about it; my idea is that we should rehire him as he's an expert in this field and shouldn't be allowed to drop his duties just because of a mood swing. This matter needs your personal persuasion, after all, you're from the same school, so what you say will be more effective..."

After giving some instructions to Lu Chuanming and Su Yiyi, Wang Xiaoyi turned around again and strolled towards the small stone path with Su Cen. His administrative assistant Tao Xi stayed in place to talk with Lu Chuanming and Su Yiyi. The two did not feel right about following them anymore. Su Cen thought that at this moment, Su Yiyi's look towards him was a performance of "fend for yourself."

Nanjing University's Alumni Return Festival had been prepared half a year in advance, followed by a month of meticulous preparation. Finally, it welcomed the return of thousands of old alumni from all over the world. During this period, Nanjing University made news on central television, and a vice-premier attended to congratulate them upon opening day. It was unimaginable how grandiose and bold the scale of Nanjing University's Alumni Return Festival must have been. Under such circumstances, Su Cen's causing trouble at the Economic Forum would naturally result in significant impacts. Even without Su Cen stepping forward, the forum might still become a farce; for Nanjing University, the final outcome might not make much difference. But to Su Cen himself, whether he stood up or not could mean entirely different results.

In such an event, one individual is insignificant.

Nanjing University was a huge conglomerate of interests and a gathering place for countless academic achievements and ideas. Losing face in such a place required finding an outlet to vent. Just like how major responsibilities must have someone step forward to take the blame and bear the brunt, Su Cen did not doubt that he would become the next floodgate.

This was not just about the pressure behind Jian Huagao's faction but also related to whether Nanjing University could maintain its prestige as a university ranked in the top tier of China, akin to the status of Shaolin or Wudang in martial arts circles.

This was a very realistic matter and did not change or shift based on Su Cen being an excellent college student or a successful entrepreneur at school. There were numerous prodigies at Nanjing University who even surpassed Su Cen's success today; they traveled thousands of miles to return to their alma mater for important gatherings, only to be affected by one matter.

In the future, Nanjing University would likely act decisively and resolutely. Both parties responsible for the incident at the Economic Forum might face corresponding repercussions and legal proceedings. Whether Su Cen could retain his student status was no longer within consideration; what he now worried about was whether his company would be dragged into litigation with Nanjing University, having to contend with the school's formidable legal department and its extensive influence over the city. This would undoubtedly become a powerful burden that束縛住自己的強大負擔，要真要應付這些事，那臉譜中文也彆想考慮發展了。

It was clearly the purpose behind Jian Huagao's faction.

Wang Xiaoyi, with his hands behind his back, walked and smiled at Su Can, saying, "Are you getting used to living in the dormitory at Nan University When the 'autumn tiger' season hits Shanghai, it can get quite hot. I also heard that students on Nan University's online forum were joking around, saying they'd tie me up inside a dorm room and see how long I could last..."

"The heat in Shanghai is indeed like being steamed in a pot. Students often complain why the school doesn't install air conditioners in the dorms. Nowadays, students seem to be less willing to endure hardships. But let's talk about it this way: when summer gets too hot, I remember having to take a cold shower at night and then sleep on the bed immediately after, or else I couldn't fall asleep..." Su Can smiled, feeling an inexplicable attachment towards his alma mater.

"Installing air conditioners involves architectural design, renovation, maintenance, logistics, responsibility contracting, and budgetary coordination. It's not something that can be resolved with a stroke of my pen by allocating funds from Nan University’s budget. I can only say I'll try my best. But in your dorm room, there are already many such things," Wang Xiaoyi paused for a moment before continuing, "This school has plenty of unique students, but you stand out even more. That knight-in-shining-armor thing is rather cliché... or maybe it's not very appropriate in the context of Nan University's Homecoming Festival. You really didn't leave any face-saving room for our university..."

Su Can thought Wang Xiaoyi was getting to the point, and he awkwardly chuckled, saying, "If I had a choice, I'd prefer to ride a white horse across a plain like Don Quixote's knight-errant. But alas, circumstances are against me."

Wang Xiaoyi clearly has profound insight; Su Can’s teasing was as if it fell into the vast sea and did not make any waves on him. He looked far away and said calmly, "For our class reunion at the 77th year, when we printed out the list of participants, many were already deceased or absent. Why are so many deceased It's because they were executed; as for those who didn’t show up, there’s still quite a few in prison now. In our line of work, once we come out, we either become academicians or end up in hospitals, and if things go badly, the courts... So no matter how high one climbs on the ladder of life, there is always awe and helplessness that accompanies it. Do you understand what I mean"

"How can one not feel helpless Perhaps because of this sense of helplessness, perhaps the greatest dream of a person’s life might be to start over," Su Can nodded his head and said, adding, "After being reborn, I cherished my health more than ever; I don't smoke, but now I really want to have a cigarette. It's rare for Nan University to have such magnificent clouds at the horizon today."

"Rebirth" Wang Xiaoyi was surprised, then he calmed down and smiled, saying, "Very interesting. Talking with someone young like you is very refreshing. Do you know why You're a student, but not an ordinary one; to some extent we can communicate. However, talking to you feels more free than talking with old scholars like me; it leaves me feeling the urge to speak my mind freely, which is great. Youth really is wonderful."

Su Can didn't know what psychological state led Wang Xiaoyi to say "Youth is truly great," but he could only agree and said, "That's indeed true. The older one gets, the fewer people they find who they can genuinely communicate with."

"How do you as a young student in school know so much about the intricacies" Wang Xiaoyi chuckled softly then muttered to himself, “A real university is not measured by the size of its modern buildings or how advanced its equipment is but rather by whether its study rooms are brightly lit at night. Nan University has many famous sayings, and this one could be considered a notable saying.”

"It's just nonsense," Su Can said somewhat embarrassedly.

“Nonsense” Wang Xiaoyi laughed softly, “But it’s not ridiculous at all. Your social network in America is widely used by many of my alumni and they give good feedback. It's impressive; keep going with it. I heard that there are new rounds of funding coming from the US as well. I'm very interested in you, for example, as a second-year student at Nan University, could you already be managing your company and handling capital operations based on what you've learned”

“There's no need to delve into such profound theories; take it one step at a time and learn through practice. Practice is always more important than theory. Otherwise, why are all practitioners the leaders while theorists tend to be managers Capital operation is just moving funds around like building walls—pull down one wall to build another, never letting any of them fall. Borrow new debts to pay off old ones, never let a debt go unpaid,” Su Can grinned.

Wang Xiaoyi chuckled, "If I were a Silicon Valley investor or an American capitalist, hearing what you just said, I might cry today."

The conversation seemed amicable, but Su Cen didn't know if this was Wang Xiaoyi's way of killing with a blunt knife, hiding daggers in smiles—a plot that has endured for millennia. Judging Wang Xiaoyi by his demeanor and outward appearance would be naive.

Su Cen thought the situation awkward and felt that Wang Xiaoyi might have wanted to announce Nan University's decision long ago or was afraid he would harbor resentment, hence adopting a conciliatory attitude. He said, "Life at Nan University is great; I will never forget it. But running my company while attending classes and earning credits has stretched me thin, so I am considering dropping out. Just wanted to let you know, President Wang."

There was no earth-shattering conflict, just a simple retreat, much like life.

Su Cen thought that if Wang Xiaoyi used this as an opportunity for him to drop out, he might escape punishment. Su Cen had once been admitted to Nan University with all A's from Exeter High School and now was leaving in the same graceful manner, a way of saving face.

Furthermore, if Wang Xiaoyi still valued his status as an alumnus of Nan University, easing the pressure on him during the alumni reunion would allow Su Cen to focus on development.

Wang Xiaoyi looked deeply at Su Cen but avoided the topic. "This year's World Cup in Korea and Japan saw defending champions France, Portugal, and Argentina, teams with star-studded lineups, being eliminated in group stages. Why is that"

Su Cen shrugged his shoulders, "I’m not a football fan."

Wang Xiaoyi continued, "They forgot their responsibilities. They neglected their duty to the team and their country. I have always emphasized this: I hope every Nan University student is not just a detached critic from atop the ivory tower or a bystander who comments coldly on societal issues after they occur. Instead, be someone who takes responsibility and solves problems."

Wang Xiaoyi raised his gold-rimmed glasses, "A regular university might feel proud if it could produce elites capable of securing positions in society, attracting billions in capital, or finding a few girlfriends. But that's not the goal for Nan University."

"Survival comes with pressure; many graduates from Nan University can't find jobs after graduation. But if everyone loses themselves under survival pressures, wasting talents and idling away twenty years, then at the end of those twenty years, who will look back on what they've done and how it reflects on their university's mission to cultivate leaders capable of guiding societal development and bearing national responsibilities This is why I emphasize responsibility. It’s the key to solving this conundrum."

Wang Xiaoyi gestured with his hand, "From your thoughts, I've always known you criticize the administration for overpowering academic pursuits. Everyone talks about it but offers no solutions. In today's society where talent and research competition is intense, universities are increasingly conforming to government and societal demands on resource allocation; academics are more closely intertwined with market needs, turning academic research into commercial activities. Universities compete fiercely over quantitative metrics, quantifying these indicators leads them to become part of the administrative bureaucracy. Even I have to frequently engage in lobbying for funds. We need resources and national funding for our professors and projects, but there's only so much pie. If we don't focus on securing those allocations, we won’t get more resources and funds needed for projects and research. Under such a paradox, utilitarianism and opportunism prevail... I am the president of Nan University; perhaps you think my influence is great. Many things are seen by everyone but no one touches them because that would touch upon scars, causing pain to many. It's nearly impossible to uproot these issues, even with personal strength there are still limitations in changing such realities; rash actions only invite trouble... It’s hard for someone to shoulder the responsibilities of a national pillar!"

The phrase "it's hard to be a national hero" gave Su Can a deep sense of resonance. In this world, people see many things, but there are too many issues and systemic flaws that cannot simply be changed by a single-minded passion. It is a process that involves planning and gradual progress.

"So even in the case where administrative power suppresses academic cognition, it's an era trait that can't be changed. As the president of Nan University, I may not be able to change this situation, but I guarantee that as long as I am in charge at Nan University, I won't abandon its sense of social responsibility. With a commitment to instilling responsibility and justice into our students' minds, even if universities become increasingly politicized, they can still maintain their mission."

Wang Xiaoyi finally looked at Su Can; his gold-rimmed glasses glinted in the white sky light, and his small eyes peeked out from behind half-occluded lenses as though he were staring at a treasure. "Although your actions during the economic forum of Nan University's homecoming event caused some trouble for me and had consequences without consideration, with administrative power pressing down on me to handle you... all that is nonsense."

Su Can looked at Wang Xiaoyi in shock; hearing two crude phrases from a top university president was far beyond what ordinary people could imagine.

Wang Xiaoyi's gaze shone intensely, saying, "If I were to be pressured by the State Council to kick you out of Nan University, it would be as if I am slapping myself in the face while advocating that universities cultivate a sense of responsibility."

"So your application for withdrawal isn't accepted. Starting a company doesn't mean giving up on your studies; even if you have to leave, it should only happen after repeated warnings from Nan University and through proper procedures—otherwise, forget about it!"

Su Can looked at the ruthless Wang Xiaoyi who seemed like a robber stealing money and grain, feeling slightly moved. He suddenly thought that two years later when he left this university, he might forget the scent of osmanthus and grass in its gardens, or the charming scenery of the campus. But there would be no way to forget some people from these four years: the fragrance of Tang Xiaofu's hair, the graceful girl who always appeared naturally and vanished without a trace, Li Han and Xiao Xue tirelessly playing World of Warcraft day and night, and Wang Xiaoyi’s gold-rimmed glasses and robust figure.

Wang Xiaoyi smiled and said, "There is one more thing: with so many people lining up to take you on board, I naturally wouldn't give you away easily. Nor do I hope that years later when someone asks about your alma mater, you'll mention another university's name... University life has beautiful sides but also ugly ones; mostly ugly, even some feel they were taken advantage of by the university rather than having graduated from it. But after graduation, I hope my memories and those of my students will recall these ugliness as beautiful."

"That's about it, I've said enough for now, there's a meeting to attend so I must leave. Focus on your studies and career development, the rest is all nonsense." As Wang Xiaoyi turned around to leave, he added with a smile, "Remember this: an alma mater is where you can curse it eight times in one day but no one else can curse it once. And only Nan University qualifies."

After Wang Xiaoyi left, Su Can sauntered back home, thinking that at this time nobody would likely believe the shocking conversation he had with Wang Xiaoyi just now. It seemed to cut off all external clamor and waves in a domineering manner, leaving an impression of having dust settled.

When he reached Mao Zedong's statue, Su Can sat down on a long bench beside the square to rest and digest the latest progress information.

"You're not in your classroom, and your phone is off. It almost made me come all the way back from Beijing for nothing. Do you want to die"ly person. Yet seeing this street made him feel inexplicably close to home.Standing at the entrance, Su Licheng still stood out. People passing by the compound gate greeted him one after another. When...