Chi Yan and Shen Chen walked over to the teacher. Shen Chen greeted the teacher briefly before stepping onto the stage.
“By the way, teacher, why is Senior here to give a lecture at our college?” Chi Yan asked.
“He had previously promised the school that he would attend the graduation ceremony, but when the Economics Department held theirs a while ago, he was abroad. So now, our department gets the benefit instead.”
“I see.”
Chi Yan recalled the graduation ceremony from her past life. It seemed there had indeed been such an event. However, back then, she had been preoccupied with urging her father to send Yang Lan and Yang Yueyi away. She had rushed home right after the rehearsal and left immediately after hosting, never even knowing who the speaker was.
In this life, she happened to be on campus for lunch and unexpectedly ran into Shen Chen.
“Make sure not to make any mistakes in the upcoming process. Review it a few more times. I’ll be overseeing things elsewhere, so once Shen Chen finishes speaking, go up immediately,” the teacher instructed.
“Alright, I understand.”
Chi Yan had expected to wait for a long time, but to her surprise, Shen Chen’s speech lasted less than five minutes.
As she waited backstage, checking her microphone one last time, she happened to meet Shen Chen’s gaze.
Seemingly aware of what she wanted to ask, Shen Chen said, “Back in school, I hated long-winded speeches from leaders the most. What’s there to talk about for so long? I have to go, I have other things to do.”
Chi Yan smiled and nodded slightly, replying softly, “I’m heading up now too.”
Stepping onto the stage, she walked calmly to her designated spot.
“Time flies like a fleeting horse…”
She had memorized the speech flawlessly, without missing a single word. Before the dean’s speech, there was still a song and dance performance, giving her a chance to step down and take a short break.
“Chi Yan, well done! Keep it up,” the teacher praised as they approached her. “I forgot to mention earlier, but this graduation ceremony is being livestreamed on X-Yin. Be extra careful not to make any mistakes.”
Chi Yan was stunned. “Teacher, why didn’t you mention this earlier?”
She had noticed cameras filming the stage but assumed they were just for the college news center to take some photos. Who would have thought it was a live broadcast?
Even though she had experienced many big events as an actress in her past life, the teacher’s lack of warning still left her feeling a little flustered.
“Sorry about that. I’ve had so much on my plate these past few days that I completely forgot.”
Seeing the apologetic look on the teacher’s face, Chi Yan said, “It’s fine, teacher. I was just surprised.”
After all, this hadn’t happened in her past life.
“Chi Yan, their performance is over. You should go up now,” the teacher reminded her with a pat on the shoulder.
“Alright.”
This time, Chi Yan didn’t avoid the cameras. She thought that maybe this livestream could be an opportunity for some talent agents to notice her.
Taking her role seriously, she spoke with more sincerity, naturally drawing people’s attention.
Under the spotlight, Chi Yan stood in a black cocktail dress, making her fair skin stand out even more. Her light makeup highlighted her delicate features.
She noticed some students taking out their phones to snap photos of her.
“And now, let’s welcome the dean for his speech.”
…
After going through the entire program, Chi Yan felt a bit tired. Thankfully, the degree-conferral ceremony was over, leaving only the final group song.
However, she hadn’t expected an issue to arise during the performance.
The lead singer stood beside her, holding a microphone. Just as they sang the first two words, their voice suddenly cut off.
Remaining composed, Chi Yan announced, “The microphone isn’t working. Teachers and fellow students, please bear with us for a moment.”
Then, she handed her microphone to the lead singer. But to her surprise, the singer pointed at their throat and shook their head, their hands trembling and sweat forming on their forehead.
Chi Yan’s mind froze for a second before quickly recovering. “The lead singer wants me to start off the song. This is quite a challenge for me—shall we have some applause?”
The audience was cooperative and applauded enthusiastically.
Chi Yan glanced at the lead singer, seeing that they were still too nervous to continue. So, she took a deep breath and started singing the first line.
After a few lines, she noticed that the lead singer had finally gotten into the right state, so she handed the microphone back.
In the end, the graduation ceremony concluded smoothly despite the hiccup.
Backstage, the lead singer sought her out specifically to express their gratitude.
“I was so nervous I could barely breathe. I don’t know what happened—I just couldn’t sing. If not for you, I would’ve been scolded badly.”
Chi Yan smiled. “It was nothing, don’t worry about it.”
“Let me treat you to a meal!” the lead singer offered eagerly. “Don’t say no, just something nearby.”
Seeing how enthusiastic they were, Chi Yan found it hard to refuse. “Alright then.”
“Chi Yan, I’ve known about you for a long time!” The lead singer introduced herself. “I live in the dorm next to yours. We’re both journalism majors. My name is Xu Yi.”
“Nice to meet you. I don’t stay in the dorm much, so I didn’t recognize you.”
“No worries. Everyone knows you never participate in group activities. It’s understandable that you don’t know me,” Xu Yi said as she stirred her drink. “I’ve wanted to meet you for a long time, but never had the chance.”
“You wanted to meet me? I’m not even famous.”
“You’re just really pretty!”
At that moment, the server arrived with the menu. Chi Yan said, “Let’s order first.”
Only then did Xu Yi pause her chatter.
But later, Xu Yi started asking her again, “Have you ever thought about becoming an idol?”
Chi Yan felt this classmate was a bit too familiar and casually asked back, “Why?”
“My brother is a manager at Bo Le, the biggest talent agency in the country. If you’re interested, I can recommend you!”
Chi Yan didn’t believe in free lunches. “I don’t really have any special skills, so I’d rather not.”
“But you sang really well just now…”
Xu Yi trailed off mid-sentence, and when Chi Yan looked up at her, she simply smiled.
The meal ended quickly, and Xu Yi exchanged contact information with Chi Yan, clearly intending to keep in touch for future opportunities.
Chi Yan didn’t refuse but also didn’t linger. “I have some things to take care of at home, so I’ll be heading off.”
By the time she took a taxi back to her uncle’s house, it was already quite late.
As soon as she stepped inside, she saw her aunt pacing anxiously in the living room while her uncle sat on the couch, smoking.
“Yan Yan, you’re back.” Her aunt looked at her as if she were a lifeline, quickly walking over. “Go and persuade your mother. Just go back with your father.”
“My… father came?”
“Yes, he came personally to pick up you and your mother. He even promised your uncle that he would send that woman and her daughter away so they wouldn’t be an eyesore to you or your mother anymore. He’s really being sincere this time. But your mom refuses to go back.”
Chi Yan asked, “Where are they? I’ll go take a look.”
“They’re in the guest room. Try to talk some sense into your mom…”
“Enough!” Her uncle interrupted her aunt. “Let Yan Yan go. Stop talking.”
Chi Yan was grateful. “Thank you, Uncle.”
She stood outside the guest room, listening to her mother and that scumbag’s conversation.
Hearing no signs of an argument inside, she let out a sigh of relief before knocking on the door.
“Come in.”
Hearing her mother’s voice, Chi Yan turned the doorknob and entered.
“You’re back just in time, Chi Yan. Pack up your things and your mother’s—we’re going home.”
Chi Yan pressed her lips together and said, “I’ll listen to my mom. If she doesn’t want to go, then I won’t go. Besides, going back would just be suffering for us…”
“It won’t,” her father assured her. “I’ve already sent Yang Lan and Yue Yi somewhere else. There are no outsiders in the house anymore.”
“Even if they’re not in the house, your heart is still biased toward them. Don’t think I don’t know!” Chi Yan raised her voice slightly to express her ‘anger.’
“This…” Seeing that he couldn’t persuade her, Chi Hongzheng turned to Chi Yan’s mother instead. “Xiaoru, you’ll come back with me, won’t you?”
Chi Yan’s mother shook her head. “Chi Hongzheng, I don’t know why you’re here today, but Yan Yan and I are not going back. Maybe in a while, but not now.”
Chi Yan watched him coldly. Given his opportunistic nature, there was no way he genuinely wanted to bring his wife and daughter home. There had to be some ulterior motive.
She wasn’t wrong. One of the reasons Chi Hongzheng came today was because a rising company was looking for business partners in the city. After doing some digging, he found out that the company’s CEO was a firm believer in family values and despised men who kept mistresses. To put on a good front, he figured he had to bring his wife and daughter back.
Another reason was that Yang Lan had complained that, since Lin Ru had lived in that house for over twenty years, she and Yang Yue Yi felt out of place there. Seeing reminders of Lin Ru everywhere made them uncomfortable, and they wanted to move to a new house.
After hearing that from his mistress, Chi Hongzheng’s already half-hearted intention to bring his wife and daughter back became a full-fledged plan, leading him to come tonight.
He had thought that, since he was lowering himself for the first time, his wife and daughter would obediently follow him back. He never expected things to turn out like this.
He had always been strict and serious with Lin Ru and played the role of a stern father to Chi Yan. Now, after being rejected multiple times, he felt utterly humiliated.
Not to mention, his brother-in-law had already criticized him quite a bit earlier.
Frustrated, Chi Hongzheng stormed toward the door and said, “Do whatever you want!” before slamming it shut with a loud bang.
When he saw his brother-in-law still sitting in the living room, he didn’t even bother to say goodbye before walking out.
Everyone in the house simply watched him leave. Chi Yan sneered inwardly—some things never change.
Only her aunt ran after him for a few steps and called out, “What’s wrong, Hongzheng? Xiaoru is just angry right now. Try talking to her again later.”
Her only response was the loud slam of the front door.
“Mom, he’s definitely not sincere about bringing us back. Whatever you do, don’t agree to it.”
Chi Yan wasn’t afraid of anything—except her mother softening up. She still loved that scumbag, and while she wouldn’t go back immediately, if he kept showing up, things might change over time.
“I’m graduating this year. Once I find a job, we can rent an apartment and live together. There’s no need to lower ourselves just for a little money.” Chi Yan looked at her mother seriously.
Lin Ru smiled and gently ruffled her hair. “I understand. My Yan Yan is the most capable.”
Chi Yan made up her mind—no matter what, she had to go to that talent agency for an audition tomorrow.
