The Rise of a Special Forces Soldier Abandoned by a Wealthy Family

While his three lively roommates, like imperial envoys announcing a decree, excitedly ran to the class to announce the momentous news that "Brother Long is going to hold a grand banquet for the world," Zeng Long himself quietly slipped away to the academic affairs office.

He was there on official business—first, to cancel his leave as normal (although Li Weiguo had given instructions, the procedures still had to be followed).

Secondly, I sincerely thank Vice Principal Yan for buying him time during this incident, and Professor Liu, who is known as the "Cold-Faced Yama" but unexpectedly stood up for him.

Zeng Long knocked gently on the door and heard a "Come in" from inside before pushing the door open. Huh? The always-smiling Director Sun wasn't there; instead, two important figures were sitting in the office.

One was a middle-aged woman with a capable demeanor, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, and with sharp, scrutinizing eyes.

The other was Professor Liu Jianguo, the lecturer of his "Advanced Macroeconomics" course. He was known throughout the school for his strict requirements, serious demeanor, and extremely high failure rate, earning him the nickname "Cold Noodle King of Hell."

The middle-aged woman was Yan Yazhi, the executive vice president of Jingqing University.

During this period of time, her ears were practically calloused from hearing the name "Zeng Long" so much!

His father, Yan Fushan, had mentioned it quite a bit at home (though he was vague about it), and Li Weiguo had personally called to inquire about it.

Zeng Sheng's proud and arrogant daughter, Zeng Lingyu, was frantic with worry for him, like a cat on a hot tin roof...

In addition, this young man managed to escape unscathed from a massive media storm, and several leading economists at the university spoke highly of his academic abilities…

All of this made Yan Yazhi extremely curious about this student she had never met.

So when she heard Director Sun say that Zeng Long was coming today, she immediately put aside everything else and came over to "stake out" him.

When Zeng Long strode in, Yan Yazhi's gaze was instantly drawn to him.

She automatically ignored his height and build; the focus was on his face! His facial features! The expression in his eyes!

It's so similar! They look like they were cut from the same mold when they were young!

Unlike others, Yan Yazhi's family and Zeng family were old friends. She grew up playing with the Zeng siblings and even attended the same high school as Zeng Sheng!

At this moment, Zeng Long's appearance and expression, especially the composure and unruliness that occasionally flashed in his deep eyes, overlapped with Zeng Sheng, who was spirited and a bit roguish in her high school days, by more than 70 percent!

Then, thinking of Zeng Lingyu's extraordinary concern and Li Weiguo's unwavering protection... a bold idea that startled even herself flashed into her mind like lightning!

Could it be...?!

She quickly shook her head violently, forcibly suppressing this shocking idea.

Impossible! If this were true, what a huge earthquake it would cause in Beijing's social circles! She dared not think about it, nor could she bear to think about it!

She took a deep breath, striving to maintain the vice-principal's dignity and composure, though a hint of surprise and uncertainty lingered in her eyes, and spoke:

"Zeng Long, is that you? Please have a seat. I am the Vice President of Administration of Jingqing University, my surname is Yan. Director Sun has something come up, so I am representing the university..."

Following procedure, she first expressed official condolences and apologies for Zeng Long's previous experiences (although the school hadn't actually done anything wrong).

He also emphasized the "difficult" process by which the school withstood pressure to protect him (appropriately praising the school), and finally mentioned that Li Weiguo had already helped him apply for leave, and the procedures were in order.

Zeng Long nodded, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant:

"Thank you, Principal Yan, and thank you to the school. I'm here today for two reasons: first, to clear my absence, and second, to express my special gratitude to the school, especially Professor Liu, for speaking up for me and clarifying the facts at this crucial moment."

Professor Liu, the "Cold-Faced Yama" standing to the side, surprisingly didn't have a frosty expression on his face; instead, he wore a hint of appreciative smile.

He waved his hand, his tone even a little...kind? (His classmates would probably be shocked if they saw this.) No need for thanks.

Your gratitude only makes us old scholars feel ashamed.

We've all witnessed your level of knowledge. We, the old-timers in economics, believe that as long as you dedicate yourself to your studies, you will undoubtedly become a shining star in the field of economics.

Your insights into the international financial and economic landscape sometimes even shock and inspire us.

We're just stating the facts. Professor Liu even made a rare joke, though it sounded a bit lame:

"Are you suggesting we old fogies help a student lie and brag? We might as well just send us winter swimming in Weiming Lake! You, Zeng Long, truly deserve it!"

Zeng Long was a little embarrassed by the praise from the professor, who was known for his strictness, and could only nod slightly in thanks.

"And also, Zeng Long," Professor Liu pushed up his glasses, his expression turning serious, "I'm here today to ask you about something important."

"Please go ahead." Winter break will start in about a month.

During this period, the United States, together with several prestigious Western universities, organized an academic debate competition on socioeconomics, and they wanted to hold the first stop at our Peking University.

They've come with ill intentions; they probably want to intimidate us.

Professor Liu's eyes gleamed with the light of academic struggle: "We old guys strongly recommend you to the school, hoping you can participate as a key member!"

Give full play to your abilities and showcase the style and level of our country's students!

Let the world see what it means for each generation to surpass the last! How about it? Are you interested and have the time?

Zeng Long thought for a moment. Those "nuclear bombs" from Little Sparrow were about to be airdropped into China, and he would have to "receive them" and "maintain stability" throughout the entire process. His future was truly uncertain… He could only say with a slight apology:

Professor Liu, thank you very much for your trust. However, I have several very…very important friends abroad who are coming to China soon, and I need to accompany and arrange their entire trip.

Therefore, I cannot give you a definite answer at this time. I will get back to you as soon as they arrive and I understand their itinerary, is that alright?

Professor Liu was a little disappointed, but he understood: "Okay, this is a serious matter. Please consider it carefully and let me know as soon as possible."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Zeng Long took his leave and left the Academic Affairs Office.

He had just left when Vice Principal Yan Yazhi was still staring blankly in the direction of the door, the astonishing guess still swirling in her mind.

Professor Liu stroked his chin, already pondering how to coordinate Zeng Long's schedule, and who to contact as a backup plan should Zeng Long be unable to attend...

Meanwhile, Class 2 of the Economics Department at Beijing Qing University had just finished a required course.

But no one left the classroom; it was actually a hundred times more lively than during class!

Zhu Yiqun was standing on the podium, spitting as he spoke, his face flushed, as if he wasn't announcing lunch, but rather announcing that he had won the lottery for 100 million!

"Comrades! Sisters! Brothers! Quiet! Quiet! Listen to me!"

Zhu Yiqun slammed his hand on the podium, trying to quell the commotion below (but it was to no avail).

"Fantastic news! Our Brother Long! Zeng Long! The king is back! To thank everyone for your strong support recently (although it was useless, the sentiment was there), we've decided! This weekend! We'll host a grand banquet! We'll treat the entire class to dinner!"

"Awooo—!" A cheer like a wolf howled immediately erupted from below, especially from the female students, whose eyes shone like searchlights!

"Location!" Zhu Yiqun waved his hand confidently, "We'll decide it ourselves! Brother Long has spoken! Don't worry about money! The key point this time is:

"Class, you all have to eat well! Play well! Go all out! Let's have a blast! Budget? Forget about it!" The whole class burst into laughter, the atmosphere instantly reaching its peak!

The female students had already started whispering among themselves, rubbing their hands together excitedly.

"Having dinner up close with my crush! That's practically a date!"

"Although it wasn't a private candlelight dinner, I'm content just to be able to breathe the same air in a private room!"

"I want to sit next to my crush! Nobody can take him from me!"

"Dream on! The seat next to the heartthrob will definitely be the class monitor or Zeng Lingyu! Haven't you seen how busy she's been helping Zeng Long lately (if she could come)?"

The male students were also very excited.

Although there might have been a little jealousy before, when someone is so outstanding that you can't even see their taillights, jealousy turns into pure admiration.

What's more, Zeng Long is so generous and magnanimous, treating the whole class to a meal—his character is impeccable! Who wouldn't like a classmate like that?

Then Zhu Yiqun mysteriously added, "And! We might invite school beauty Yan Rugo and classmate Zeng Lingyu to join us!"

At that moment… “Wow—!!!” The boys instantly erupted in excitement! Although the two top campus beauties were unattainable, just being able to have dinner together was enough for them to brag about throughout their entire college years!

Just as the whole class was immersed in the joy of about to "eat the big fish", the classroom door was gently pushed open.

Zeng Long appeared at the doorway.

In an instant, the classroom, which had been in an uproar, became completely silent, as if someone had pressed the mute button!

All eyes turned to the figure in the doorway. Their expressions varied widely.

There was surprise, joy, envy, admiration, and in the girl's eyes, an almost tangible, intense, and overwhelming affection...

At this moment, Xiao Wanru, the class monitor of Class Two, stood up.

She was a girl with a cool and aloof demeanor, usually quiet but very authoritative. She tried hard to maintain a calm and composed expression, but the slight upturn of her lips betrayed her inner turmoil.

She walked up to Zeng Long, cleared her throat, and said in a slightly joking, raised voice:

"Classmates! What are you all standing there for? Let's give a warm round of applause to welcome our class hero, academic star, and campus heartthrob—Zeng Long! Come back!"

She deliberately emphasized the words "campus heartthrob," which drew good-natured laughter from everyone.

"Oh—! Hero! Hero! Hero!" Zeng Long's three roommates, Du Ziteng, Zhu Yiqun, and Hao Shuai, immediately jumped up and started cheering, waving their arms like windmills.

The classroom erupted in cheers and applause, nearly lifting the roof off!

Looking at the group of enthusiastic and sincere classmates in front of him, and feeling the long-lost pure campus atmosphere, Zeng Long's usually frozen heart seemed to be warmed by the warm atmosphere.

He smiled somewhat helplessly, raised his hand to touch his nose, and his slightly embarrassed yet charming appearance drew another round of low screams from the girls.

Well, it seems my days at Beijing Qing University are destined to be anything but peaceful.