1994: From a young man from a small town to a second-generation resident of Shanghai

Chen Fang wasn't very old, and being a university teacher, she knew exactly how to interact with these prospective college students.

In addition, since she was a faculty member of Fudan University, the students in the county school immediately regarded her as a big shot.

Even though Ye Huiling's father is the county magistrate, he can't compare to Chen Fang, who came from Shanghai.

What everyone is most interested in is the students at Fudan University, how they differ from others, and what they study differently.

Chen Fang's answer was simple: "Just look at Chen Yong next to you, and you can get a glimpse of what Fudan University students are like. Many Fudan students were among the top students in their high schools, but once they get to university, everyone is on the same starting line. It all comes down to who does better in university."

Chen Fang's statement about starting from the same point was still meant to comfort these students from the county.

With her support, Chen Yong will definitely study abroad in the future. With someone guiding him on his life path, he will have a much smoother journey than others.

The real turning point in life is not going to university, but the choices you make after graduating from university. She understands this better than these students from the county school.

Even if Ye Huiling's father is the county magistrate, his knowledge and experience are no greater than hers.

After talking with Chen Fang, everyone felt nothing but jealousy and envy towards Chen Yong.

You've already been admitted to Fudan University, and your future is practically secured, but now this powerful aunt of yours has suddenly appeared.

Even Guo Hao and Wang Chong, who had previously mocked Chen Yong, dared not fire any more shots at this moment.

They used to be able to disrespect Chen Yong, the top scorer in the college entrance examination, just because their families were richer than his. But now he has an extremely wealthy aunt from Shanghai...

Ye Huiling went out to toast everyone and then came back.

According to local custom at graduation banquets, the top scholar (or "Zhuangyuan") is expected to toast the guests at each table. He doesn't necessarily have to drink the wine, but the gesture is important.

Moreover, the table is full of guests who have come to offer their congratulations, and when toasting, they will definitely give a red envelope containing one or two yuan.

After going around the circle, Ye Huiling received nearly two hundred yuan in red envelopes.

Ordinary students would never receive so many red envelopes. Even Chen Yong, who held a graduation banquet, wouldn't receive that much; at most, he might receive a few dozen yuan.

Ye Huiling returned to the private room, where only her friends and classmates were present. Her parents, as was customary, also came over to have a drink with her classmates.

Ye Huiling's parents are both prominent and influential people in Xina County, but they were very polite to their daughter's classmates.

While drinking, Ye Jianhua asked, "Has Chen Yong from your class come?"

"It's right here!"

Sitting next to Wang Chengbo is Chen Yong.

"Uncle, I'm here."

Seeing Chen Yong's handsome appearance, Ye Jianhua praised him, "Not bad! Not bad! A handsome man indeed."

"You are now the leader of your class, and your university is better than everyone else's. You should make full use of the resources in this top university to improve yourself."

Chen Yong, this leading figure, has been met with considerable skepticism.

It's just a temporary lead.

"Uncle Ye, I dare not accept this leadership role."

We're all just ordinary students; who can predict the future?

Chen Yong refused, as it seemed like he was being overly flattered.

With so many students here today, have they agreed to be the leader?

Why is this County Chief Ye praising him so much?

Ye Jianhua was slightly surprised that he didn't respond to him. Given his status, he was trying to flatter a prospective college student, and the student didn't even appreciate it.

Ye Jianhua began to save face, "Chen Yong, Xu Tao, Chen Qingqiao, and Ye Huiling, all four of you have been admitted to key universities, so your starting point in the future will definitely be higher. I hope you will not waste this precious opportunity."

"Of course, the same goes for other students. Even if your university isn't a top-tier one, life is still full of opportunities! This era needs university students like you to build it!"

Ye Jianhua delivered an inspiring speech, which greatly motivated the students.

They said that at the very least, they would become county magistrates, so they should have confidence in their future.

The opportunities of our time are before us; let's not miss them.

After saying that, he left the space to these young people.

Chen Yong was asked by the class representative, Chen Qingqiao, "What are you doing having a graduation banquet?"

Chen Qingqiao is a short-haired girl with wheat-colored skin. Most children living in Yunnan Province have wheat-colored skin, except for a few who are exceptionally gifted and have skin as white as porcelain.

She was about 1.7 meters tall, with an oval face and pretty looks. Her advantage over Ye Huiling was that she was more developed and had longer legs!

The way Chen Qingqiao looked at Chen Yong was unlike how she looked at others; her gaze towards Chen Yong was filled with a burning intensity.

That look made Ye Huiling feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Although she knew that Chen Qingqiao liked Chen Yong and that she didn't have any romantic feelings for him, she knew that just not now, it didn't mean she wouldn't in the future.

Chen Yong is so outstanding, and their schools are even next to each other. If I go to university, I might consider Chen Yong.

Chen Qingqiao is at Wuhan University, which is so far away. How can she date Chen Yong?

Chen Yong said, "I'm going to Shanghai with my aunt tomorrow, so the graduation banquet probably won't be able to happen."

When he spoke to Chen Qingqiao, he did not avoid the woman's gaze.

He had a good impression of Chen Qingqiao; she was sincere, brave, and kind.

Although rumors circulated in the class that he had a crush on Ye Huiling, he did not deny that he had a physical attraction to her. Ye Huiling was indeed beautiful and proud, like a princess.

Besides physical urges, he also needs some genuine emotions.

"He's leaving tomorrow? There's still more than half a month before school starts!" Chen Qingqiao didn't expect Chen Yong to leave so soon. She wasn't ready to accept his departure.

I've been agonizing over this all summer, and I just want to find an opportunity to be honest with Chen Yong!

So as not to miss the opportunity, when Chen Yong got to university, surrounded by so many outstanding girls, she felt somewhat insecure.

Ye Huiling was also quite surprised. "A few of us who are studying in Shanghai were planning to go to Shanghai together. You're leaving alone first? That's really not nice of you."

"I just happened to hitch a ride with my aunt; she's leaving tomorrow."

Ye Huiling was quite happy to know that Chen Yong would be leaving tomorrow, which meant that Chen Qingqiao would have little chance.

Once she got to university, she was definitely the most suitable choice for Chen Yong. They were classmates, their universities were very close, and Chen Yong had even had a crush on her.

As long as she didn't say she didn't want Chen Yong, Chen Qingqiao couldn't take Chen Yong away from her.

After attending Ye Huiling's college entrance celebration banquet, Chen Yong returned home and began packing his things.

His mother, Wang Juan, helped him pack his things while speaking to him with reluctance.

"Chen Yong, once you arrive in Shanghai, you'll be at your aunt's disposal for now. I wasn't originally planning on having you go to Shanghai so soon, but considering that going earlier will help you adapt to university life sooner, I've agreed."

"Bring these autumn and winter clothes with you too. It's almost September, so don't think of Shanghai as a strange place. It gets quite cold there in autumn and winter."

"Sister-in-law, there's no need to bring so much stuff. I'll buy it for Chen Yong when we get to Shanghai."

Chen Fang looked distressed. "Although it's cruel to send Chen Yong to university so early, once he's in university, he can no longer enjoy your care like before. He has to learn to be independent."

"I understand how my sister-in-law and brother feel. A fledgling eagle will eventually spread its wings and fly. All we can do is not let the child worry."

Wang Juan and Chen Dagang will not go to Shanghai with Chen Yong. It's tiring to travel back and forth, and the travel expenses are quite expensive!

They plan to visit their son in Shanghai once their financial situation improves and he graduates.

Night had fallen; this was Chen Yong's last night away from his hometown.

An unexpected guest arrived at Chen Yong's home.

"I'm looking for Chen Yong. Is he home?"

Wang Juan stared blankly at the pretty girl outside the door for a moment, then realized what was happening. "Oh, Chen Yong, a girl is looking for you!"

Wang Juan called out into the house.