Upon hearing Xu Hongdou's words, the classmates exchanged glances and nodded in tacit agreement.

"It turns out that Hongdou and Teacher Han have this connection; they really should catch up."

"Wow, isn't this the spitting image of a perfect, unattainable love?"

One of the students, Bai Jie, laughed and pulled the others along the corridor, joking as they went:

"Let's not be third wheels, let's leave this space for them to enjoy some alone time!"

"Pah, I'm ignoring you if you keep talking nonsense!" Xu Hongdou's cheeks flushed slightly from her words. She gave her a reproachful look before turning and walking towards the empty classroom.

After several years, they met up close again. She hadn't been in a relationship for two years due to her busy work schedule, and her heart, which was in a period of emptiness, was surprisingly stirred by a gentle ripple.

When she first enrolled, Han Tao was an exchange student from Hanzhong University of Science and Technology, and he gave a speech on behalf of the new students at the orientation ceremony.

He spoke with composure and had unique insights, and was secretly admired by many younger female students.

He later kept a very low profile and chose to stay at the university to teach after graduation, which gradually faded from the sight of his younger schoolmates.

But no one expected that the outstanding exchange student from back then would become the focus of attention again after years of lying low, thanks to two open classes.

"Senior Han Tao," Xu Hongdou said, suppressing her chaotic thoughts, stopping below the podium, her voice gentle, "Long time no see, you're still as charming as ever!"

"You are...?" Han Tao looked up at the sound of her voice and sized up the woman in front of him, who was dressed in a smart business outfit.

This beautiful and ethereal face was once a national goddess. He had seen her in many TV dramas, but he couldn't immediately match it to her current identity.

"I'm Xu Hongdou, a graduate of the School of Economics and Management, two years below you. You were the one who took me to my dorm during orientation back then."

Xu Hongdou smiled slightly and explained, "I came to Shanghai on a business trip and went back to the school with some classmates. We happened to catch your class, so we came in to listen."

  

I never expected that after all these years, my senior would be even more impressive than before, and would become a celebrity teacher who's gone viral online. I was just listening to his lecture from the back row, and I benefited greatly from it too.

"I remember now, all the other students were brought by their parents, but I think your older sister brought you, right? Her name is Xu Hongmi, and she's at Tongji University!"

Han Tao feigned sudden realization, and the original owner's long-forgotten campus memories were awakened.

I vaguely remember that during the orientation for new students that year, there was indeed a girl among the group of freshmen who had delicate features and didn't talk much.

His sister, Xu Hongmi, has a fiery personality that is the complete opposite of his, leaving a deep impression on people.

"That's right," Xu Hongdou nodded in surprise when she heard that he still remembered her. "Senior Han has such a good memory! It was my sister who brought me here!"

Han Tao stepped down from the podium: "So many years have passed in the blink of an eye. It's rare to see you all have time to come back to your alma mater."

Especially after graduation, everyone is busy with their careers or jobs, and very few people have the time to sit down and listen to an entire theory lecture.

"Yes, people in the workplace often have little control over their own lives. But your lectures are definitely worth attending." Xu Hongdou looked around at the empty desks and chairs and said with a smile:

"There are no empty words or clichés. It is based on reality and discusses career choices. Whether you are a student or already working, you can gain inspiration from it."

Over the years, I have mentored many recent graduates who are interns. Most of them are confused about their career choices or are constrained by their family backgrounds.

Some of the points you made in class precisely hit these real-world pain points, no wonder they resonated with so many people in such a short time.

Han Tao nodded slightly, and the two of them started chatting about everyday things, from the attention the two sisters had attracted among the freshmen back then to their respective life trajectories over the years.

Xu Hongdou also mentioned that she came to Shanghai on behalf of the hotel to discuss several cultural tourism projects. She was invited by her classmates to visit her alma mater.

Han Tao casually mentioned his years at the university and the job transfer incident he had encountered. Unexpectedly, this led to the creation of his later wildly popular open course.

Xu Hongdou couldn't help but sigh when she heard that he had almost been transferred to do odd jobs in logistics:

"With your knowledge and vision, it would be a waste of your talents to go to the logistics department. Fortunately, you demonstrated your abilities by giving lectures and turned the situation around."

However, with the current widespread online discussion and numerous industry insiders deliberately smearing the company, it will likely face considerable trouble in the future.

"A tall tree catches the wind, that's inevitable." Han Tao said calmly. "But there's no need to worry too much. As long as I'm still in office, the school should step in to coordinate."

However, criticism isn't necessarily a bad thing; diverse opinions can actually drive progress. As long as one has a clear conscience, there's no need to fear unfounded accusations and attacks.

Upon hearing this, Xu Hongdou felt even more favorably disposed towards this long-lost senior. She naturally took out her phone:

"Senior, since we've bumped into each other so coincidentally, would it be convenient to exchange contact information?"

"Of course," Han Tao readily agreed. The two added each other on WeChat: "Call me when you're done with your work, let's have a meal together, so I can show you some hospitality."

Xu Hongdou nodded and naturally took out her phone: "Senior, it's such a coincidence that we bumped into each other. Would it be convenient to exchange contact information?"

"Of course it's convenient," Han Tao agreed readily. After adding each other on WeChat, he continued:

"Call me when you're free, and we'll have a meal together so I can show you some hospitality."

Xu Hongdou smiled and nodded upon hearing this, then tapped the screen with her fingertip to save the contact information.

"Actually, I was particularly impressed with you when we were welcoming new students back then."

Han Tao suddenly spoke, his tone tinged with nostalgia, "Everyone else was chattering away, but you were always quietly following behind your sister."

But his eyes kept darting around; it was clear he was holding back, eager to break free from his parents' "control."

Xu Hongdou was slightly taken aback, not expecting him to remember such a trivial detail from the past.

She lowered her head and smiled, her ears burning slightly: "My sister has such a strong personality, I'm really afraid of being controlled by her."

I finally got into university, thinking I could finally be "free," but I forgot that she was at Tongji University and could still keep an eye on me.

Later, I chose a university in Beijing for my postgraduate studies, which was a way of avoiding her and embracing a wider world.

When Han Tao heard her say that, he held back his laughter and took the opportunity to ask how his sister was doing now and whether she was still keeping an eye on him.

Xu Hongdou responded that she couldn't control it even if she wanted to, and the two chatted as they walked out, talking about the changes in the school over the years.

Xu Hongdou's eyes lit up: "I really want to take a good look, but the schedule is tight this time. I have to fly back to Beijing the day after tomorrow, so I can only visit next time."

"So soon?" Han Tao glanced at his watch and smiled. "I don't have classes tomorrow afternoon. I can be your guide. After dinner, I'll take you to some newly built landmarks. It won't take up much time."

Xu Hongdou nodded, her tone lighthearted without her even realizing it: "Okay, it's rare for you to come back, so I'll trouble you, senior."

Just then, the sound of students chatting and laughing in hushed tones came from not far away. Bai Jie walked over and winked.

"Red Bean, we've already finished our walk around, are you still not done chatting? It's time to go, we have a dinner appointment with Teacher Li tonight."

Xu Hongdou then realized it was getting late. She stood up, straightened her clothes, and smiled at Han Tao, "Then, senior, see you tomorrow?"

"Okay, see you tomorrow." Han Tao nodded slightly, then waved politely to her and a few classmates.

Xu Hongdou suddenly turned around, smiled and said softly, "Actually, I'm really happy to see you again today, senior."

Han Tao stood there without responding, only gazing in the direction she left, a smile unconsciously creeping onto his lips.

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