Chapter 191: Generous Contribution

September 1st, the start of the new school year at Jiang University.

Walking through the wooded paths on campus and seeing the throngs of people, Li Dong felt as if he were in a different world.

He had previously considered dropping out, but a few words from Li Chengyuan had dispelled his thoughts.

Old Li said that not a single member of the Li family, even up to the eighth generation, had ever been educated.

In Li Dong's generation, they finally had a college student. No matter how much money Li Dong had, he couldn't drop out of school!

Li Chengyuan didn't care how much money Li Dong had; he only knew that even if Li Dong ran out of money one day, this diploma would still be useful.

Li Dong really wanted to tell his father that having a diploma didn't guarantee a livelihood.

But thinking it over, Li Dong chose not to argue with his father. Since his parents wanted him to continue his education, he would comply. After all, it wouldn't take up too much of his time.

...

The first thing Li Dong did upon arriving at school was to see Huang Zhigao.

If he wasn't planning to continue his studies, it would be one thing, but since he was, he needed to see Dean Huang.

Huang Zhigao had given him a favor by passing all his courses last semester, so it would be inappropriate not to pay a visit to the Dean at the start of the new semester.

Since it was the beginning of the school year, Huang Zhigao was very busy.

When Li Dong arrived, Huang Zhigao was busy reprimanding a few teachers.

Seeing Li Dong standing at the door, Huang Zhigao was momentarily puzzled. He stopped his lecture and asked, "Student, do you need something?"

He had only spoken to Li Dong on the phone and had never met him in person.

Although he had seen Li Dong's information and photo, the Li Dong in front of him had changed significantly since the photo, and Huang Zhigao didn't immediately recognize him.

Li Dong smiled and said, "Dean Huang, I'm Li Dong."

"Li Dong?"

"Li Dong!"

Huang Zhigao took a moment to react and then realized who Li Dong was.

Given that the person confidently stating his name was Li Dong, there was no other Li Dong from afar.

Huang Zhigao immediately smiled warmly and said, "Oh, so it's you, Li Dong. Please, have a seat!"

He remembered there were others in his office and quickly instructed the two astonished new teachers, "You two should head back. Pay extra attention to the new student reception; make sure nothing goes wrong."

The two newly hired teachers quickly nodded. Though curious about why this student named Li Dong received such special attention from the Dean, they understood not to ask unnecessary questions.

In the School of Economics and Management, Huang Zhigao was the authority.

Although there was a higher-ranking official in the university, that person was merely a figurehead. Huang Zhigao was the real leader of the college.

As they left, the two new teachers cast one last deep glance at Li Dong, as if trying to discern what was different about him.

Li Dong didn't mind and gave the young teachers a smile.

Once they were gone, Li Dong said with a smile, "Dean Huang, sorry to bother you."

Huang Zhigao also smiled and said, "It's no trouble at all. I'm just busy with trivial matters. If you think I'm busy, I'm probably not as busy as you."

They both smiled and then Li Dong, not being polite, followed Huang Zhigao to the adjacent reception area.

As the largest college at Jiang University, the Dean of the School of Economics and Management had quite impressive facilities.

Huang Zhigao's office was larger than Li Dong's. It was fully equipped with an office area, reception area, small meeting room, and a lounge.

Once they were seated, they exchanged some pleasantries.

Then Huang Zhigao remarked, "Jiang University has produced many talented individuals over the years. However, most of these individuals only rose to prominence after graduation. You are the first to achieve success while still a student."

Li Dong humbly responded, "Dean, you flatter me. I can only say that I've achieved a modest success. I'm still far from being truly successful."

Huang Zhigao laughed and said, "If you're not considered successful, then there have been very few successes from Jiang University in recent years."

This wasn't flattery. Huang Zhigao didn't need to flatter Li Dong; it was the truth. Jiang University had indeed been impressive, producing numerous elite figures in both politics and business. While not mentioning the political realm, in the business world, only a handful of people had more money than Li Dong.

Some might be surprised that there were people at Jiang University who were wealthier than Li Dong.

But with over a hundred thousand graduates from Jiang University in the last thirty years, including many offspring of officials and wealthy families, it was clear how significant Li Dong's achievements were.

A young man just turned twenty, achieving more than thirty batches of alumni—Li Dong had every right to be proud.

With Huang Zhigao's comment, further modesty from Li Dong would have seemed disingenuous.

So, Li Dong merely smiled and chose not to pursue that topic further.

Li Dong then expressed his gratitude for Huang Zhigao's support and proceeded to say, "Dean, I'm planning to establish a Yuanfang Scholarship in the college. What do you think?"

Huang Zhigao looked at him thoughtfully, and at this moment, he was certain that Li Dong's success was not accidental.

Such initiatives would definitely be pursued by the school even without Li Dong's suggestion.

However, if the school proposed it, it would be just school policy. Li Dong's contributions would be seen as merely charitable, and the credit would not be attributed to him.

But if Li Dong himself proposed it, it was different. Not only would the school remember his goodwill, but Huang Zhigao would also remember it.

Because it was Li Dong who took the initiative to contribute generously, which made the nature of the act different.

Huang Zhigao said nothing but his enthusiasm became even more sincere.

The two then discussed details about setting up the scholarship, and eventually, Li Dong left Huang Zhigao's office with warm farewells from the Dean.

...

After leaving the office building, Li Dong exhaled deeply.

Huang Zhigao was perceptive. Although Li Dong had only mentioned the scholarship, Huang Zhigao should understand the broader implications.

By making this contribution, Li Dong would be free at Jiang University from now on. Skipping classes and other issues would be managed with someone else's help.

Just a short distance from the office building, Li Dong heard someone calling his name.

Turning around, he saw Bai Su running towards him, breathless. "Li Dong, I finally found you."

Li Dong raised an eyebrow and asked, "What's up?"

Bai Su had a lot on her mind that she wanted to ask Li Dong, but when he inquired, she didn't know how to start.

After a moment of silence, Bai Su finally voiced her biggest question, "Is Yuanfang yours?"

Li Dong didn't deny it. He nodded silently.

At this point, denying it would be pointless. Previously, no one knew, and Li Dong didn't need to show off.

But now that many people knew, denial would only seem hypocritical.

Even if people guessed, when Li Dong admitted it, Bai Su still felt a bit dazed.

"So, the investment in Baidu stocks was real?"

Li Dong nodded again and smiled, "If you have more questions, just ask them all at once. I'll tell you everything I can."

Bai Su shook her head. Once she confirmed that Li Dong was the head of Yuanfang, there was no need to ask anything more.

Li Dong prepared to leave, but Bai Su, looking somewhat dejected, said, "What about Shanshan?"

Li Dong's brows furrowed, then he relaxed and said:"Everyone has their own fate. Huang Shanshan will find her own path."

Bai Su didn't say anything more. She already knew the answer in her heart.