University Anniversary

When Fang Zhou received the message from his junior, it was quite sudden. He was in the middle of organizing his personal belongings.

These were items he had moved from his home to Qin Yun’s place.

With his obsessive-compulsive tendencies, Fang Zhou had to categorize and neatly place each item.

This led to Qin Yun being the first to see the message from his junior when it popped up on his phone.

At that moment, she had just finished her shower and was drying her hair nearby. A glance at the screen caught her eye.

“Senior, tomorrow is the school’s 100th anniversary celebration. Are you really not coming?”

Qin Yun raised an eyebrow, picked up Fang Zhou’s phone, and read the message aloud, word by word. She then remarked, “You sure have a lot of juniors, don’t you?”

Fang Zhou, who was folding his clothes and placing them in the wardrobe, paused and looked at her in confusion.

“Where did you get that idea?”

Qin Yun smirked and retorted, “Isn’t it true? I know of at least two.”

She was referring to Chu Xinran and this new junior.

Fang Zhou glanced at the contact note on his phone and explained, “This is my direct junior, mentored by the same advisor. We haven’t been in touch for a long time.”

“Really? Then why is she suddenly asking if you’re attending the anniversary?”

Qin Yun’s natural curiosity as a woman kicked in.

Fang Zhou shook his head, indicating he didn’t know either.

“How would I know?”

“Previously, someone in our advisor’s student group was counting the number of people returning for the anniversary. I didn’t respond, which means I’m not going.”

“She probably just wanted to remind me so I wouldn’t miss it.”

Fang Zhou’s explanation seemed flawless.

Qin Yun couldn’t pursue more questions about this junior, so she switched topics.

“Why aren’t you going to the anniversary?”

Logically, wouldn’t everyone be eager to return to school as a ‘successful person’?

It’s a form of ‘returning in glory,’ and people seem to enjoy doing that.

Fang Zhou had just finished folding his last shirt and neatly placed it in the wardrobe.

He finally had time to check his phone.

While doing so, he answered Qin Yun’s question.

“I didn’t have money back then.”

So-called face projects are built on money.

Three months ago, Fang Zhou was a washed-up streamer, neither making a comeback nor starting his own company, nor having the opportunity to appear on a dating show.

He was even worried about his sister’s surgery costs. How could he have the time, money, or energy to attend the anniversary?

“And now that you have money, you still don’t plan to go?”

Just as Fang Zhou was about to nod, his junior sent another message on WeChat.

“Professor He is retiring at the end of the year. This might be our last chance to gather at school as her students.”

“If you have time, I suggest you come. After all, flowers may bloom again, but youth never returns.”

The junior’s words were sincere, filled with the bond between teacher and student.

This brought Fang Zhou into a nostalgic mood.

During his university days, their advisor valued Fang Zhou highly, treating him as a key talent. He was included in all performances and important projects.

Although Professor He was getting older, she remained young at heart and loved interacting with her students.

Fang Zhou was always grateful for her recognition, even though he wasn’t working in his field of study. Professor He would occasionally send messages to check on him.

This bond made Fang Zhou feel warm and cherished.

So, he immediately changed his mind.

“What time does the anniversary start tomorrow?”

When this message appeared on the junior’s phone, it was quickly forwarded to someone else.

“Xinran, it’s done. Fang Zhou will attend the anniversary tomorrow.”

Within a minute, a reply came.

“Okay, thanks a lot, senior. I’ll treat you to a meal sometime.”

“No problem, I just asked.”

***

Fang Zhou had no idea this was a premeditated plan.

He only knew that the next day, when he returned to his alma mater and saw various big shots walking the red carpet, he felt a bit anxious.

Wait, why are we walking the red carpet?

Sure, he knew his alma mater was wealthy and had invited many reporters to live stream the event.

He also knew many famous alumni would be returning, but that didn’t mean he wanted to be on camera.

Just as Fang Zhou was looking for a side path to avoid the main entrance and crowd, a clear female voice called out to him.

“Senior! Fang Zhou! Over here!”

Fang Zhou turned to see the junior who had messaged him the day before.

She was only a year younger than him and had graduated two years ago.

Surrounded by familiar faces, all former students of Professor He, they had performed together in many places.

Fang Zhou’s eyes lit up, and he quickly walked over to greet everyone.

“Long time no see! Ye Rong, you’ve gotten so handsome!”

“Not as handsome as you, Senior Fang Zhou. You haven’t changed a bit!”

“Hahaha, I must say, the biggest change is Senior Wei. From a pure girl to such a charming woman, it’s heartwarming!”

“Get out of here, you rascal, always talking nonsense!”

Everyone joked as they walked towards Professor He’s office.

They had already contacted her in advance, and she was waiting for them.

As they crossed the red carpet together, Fang Zhou felt it wasn’t so bad.

As the saying goes, one person’s embarrassment is embarrassing, but a group’s embarrassment isn’t.

However, Fang Zhou noticed a familiar figure at the corner ahead. She looked like Chu Xinran but also didn’t.

That girl had blonde hair. How could she be Chu Xinran? She was a good girl.

Fang Zhou laughed and shook his head, thinking he must be imagining things due to lack of sleep.

Soon, he followed the group to the fourth floor of the main building of the Music Academy, where the teachers’ offices were located.

The respected Professor He was in one of those offices.

When they saw the smiling female professor, everyone rushed in with flowers and fruits, their words sweet as honey.

“Professor He! Long time no see! We missed you!”

“Professor He! Can I get a hug?”

“Hehe, I’m different. I want a photo with Professor He!”

Fang Zhou quietly followed, placing his items on the table and watching their interactions with a smile.

This moment felt no different from their university days, making him feel youthful again.