Chapter 477: Suddenly, It

"Old Wang, you don't know yet—Zheng Wei's with Lin Jing. She told us last night when she came back."

Ruan Wan lay in Wang Yan's arms and spoke these words. Hearing only a soft "hmm," she felt compelled to lift her head: "Don't you have anything to say?"

"What should I say?"

"You two went back and forth for so long—good, then bad, then good again—and now Zheng Wei's really with Lin Jing. Don't you have any thoughts?" She sat up straight, looking up at him: "Didn't you see this coming all along?"

Based on Ruan Wan's deep understanding of her old Wang, it wasn't human reasoning—he analyzed everything with perfect logic, truly predicting the future.

This wasn't supernatural—Wang Yan had simply experienced more, understood more, and held a profound grasp of human nature, synthesizing it into life wisdom. Whether person or event, choices at certain moments may seem abundant, but are often just a few. Those without money or power have limited options; those with money and power are equally constrained, for they too are bound by many things. As long as you grasp key points, possess some empathy, and try to see things from their perspective, you can judge future outcomes with reasonable accuracy.

Yet human nature is complex, and nothing is absolute. No matter how clearly you analyze, it's still useless unless you observe. Few people make rational choices at crossroads, unless there's only one option.

As for Ruan Wan's mention of their relationship cycling between good and bad—it was after the last time Wang Yan took Lin Jing home and they returned to campus together that things were finally spoken out. The resentment faded, and they became calm.

Since then, Zheng Wei stopped avoiding Wang Yan, joined Ruan Wan and others for meals again, and could laugh and chat with Wang Yan as if nothing had happened. Ruan Wan had once suspected Wang Ba had corrupted Zheng Wei, but after quietly observing, she cleared Wang Mou's name.

"Didn't I tell you everything about that night at last year's gathering? Zheng Wei pretended to be drunk to give herself an excuse to sleep with him—that's still got feelings, right? You yourself told me how well they'd been getting along over the past year. Zheng Wei was always dependent on Lin Jing; their bond was never ordinary. And Lin Jing's five years older, with more experience, actively pursued her, and waited for over a year. It'd be strange if they weren't together. The fact that Zheng Wei held out this long before agreeing is already surprising."

Ruan Wan paused: "So you don't think they'll work out?"

"Lin Jing's cunning, and Zheng Wei's not stupid. But after all these years, her obsession is too strong—she idealized him too much. They wouldn't be truly satisfied unless they tried living together. If Lin Jing hadn't pretended to be drunk that night trying to sleep with Zheng Wei, they'd have been together last summer."

"But people can't stand being watched through a magnifying glass. Before, she thought everything about Lin Jing was perfect. Now that they're together, as time passes, the filter Zheng Wei automatically applied will slowly fade. When Lin Jing no longer shines in her eyes, won't she start thinking more? What do you think their outcome will be?"

"Maybe… never mind, let's not talk about her." Ruan Wan lazily stretched her body, her eyes soft and alluring: "One more time?"

"Why so forward today?"

"It's vacation, I'm happy, hmm…"

It was now mid-July 1997, another summer vacation. Ruan Wan and the others were third-year students on break; Wang Mou was a first-year graduate student. He had successfully earned dual bachelor's degrees in civil engineering and architecture, and had begun graduate studies in architecture.

The past year and a half had been uneventful—except that Zheng Wei and Lin Jing grew closer, spent over a year in ambiguity, and officially confirmed their relationship yesterday. Also, Xu Kaiyang had left.

Actually, Xu Kaiyang had already left school for an internship earlier this year. After the June graduation ceremony, he hosted a farewell dinner. The mood was melancholy—next year at this time, all of them would be separated, and no one could feel cheerful. Everyone drank heavily; Xu Kaiyang threw up again, and Zhang Kai clung to a utility pole, unable to let go. After all, they'd been close friends in college. And since they'd come together, now that everyone else had graduated, Zhang Kai still had another year left. Thinking of his own glorious record of repeating a year, sadness washed over him.

But that mood lasted only that night. The next day, with a throbbing head, he still grinned and enthusiastically invited Wang Yan to move into Room 310. Since Xu Kaiyang and the other fatty had graduated and left, only Zhang Kai and Chen Xiaozheng remained. Zhang Kai had even asked the school's logistics staff—the next incoming freshmen wouldn't be assigned to their dorm. So naturally, he wanted Wang Yan to come as a roommate.

At this point, Wang Yan finally understood why Chen Xiaozheng and Zhang Kai got along. Originally, Xu Kaiyang had beaten up Chen Xiaozheng because of Zheng Wei, while Zhang Kai didn't lift a finger. Now, with only the two of them left in the dorm, even if Chen Xiaozheng was a quiet type, sharing a room for a year would naturally build affection.

As for Zhang Kai's later poor fate, without help from Xu Kaiyang—that was normal. Xu Kaiyang had left a year earlier; their bond had grown distant. Their family backgrounds differed, and Zhang Kai still had some pride—he wouldn't lower himself to beg.

Not everyone who graduates from architecture ends up in architecture. Design institutes aren't easy to enter. Zhang Kai had no talent, no connections, was a small-time nobody, and dabbled in artsy youth culture. In the end, he ended up hanging around graveyards, offering to write biographies for people—no big deal.

Of course, no matter what, he was a graduate of a top-tier university, in this era—living an ordinary life wasn't hard. Zhang Kai's eventual downfall must have involved some experiences. Otherwise, it could only be explained as plot armor.

Wang Yan of course didn't move into the neighboring room—he didn't want to stare at Chen Xiaozheng's dead face all day, and there was no need to make it seem like he had some rift with those three idiots in the dorm. Wherever he slept didn't matter.

Besides, his business was going smoothly, growing rapidly. Key companies in information technology and construction had all been staffed. This time, the construction company wasn't called "Long Teng"—it was "Future." Before, he hadn't focused on it, so the name didn't matter. Now he was serious about construction—he needed a better name, a good start. By the time he graduated in 1998, it would be the critical moment when housing allocation was fully halted and the commercial housing system implemented. He could use this year to save money, buy land, and secure qualifications—graduate and start working, perfect…

The next day, afternoon: Ruan Wan looked radiant and beautiful, carrying a small bag, wearing a sun hat, holding a few light gift boxes. Wang Yan dragged two large suitcases in one hand and carried a pile of bags in the other, following behind her. They took a taxi downstairs to the train station, boarded a train to Guizhou Province, endured transfers, and finally arrived at a Buyi village near Huang Guoshu Shihao.

Although road construction hadn't yet reached its later level, Huang Guoshu was a scenic area, and Ruan Wan's home lay within its boundaries. For places generating income, roads were naturally good. They arrived at the village's edge by minibus.

The village sat in a small mountain hollow. From afar, dozens of homes were scattered unevenly along the slope, appearing naturally arranged. Of course, this wasn't unique to this place—minority ethnic settlements all looked like this.

"Didn't I tell you? Isn't it cool? Much more comfortable than Jin Ling," Ruan Wan smiled brightly at her old Wang.

Wang Yan chuckled and shook his head: "I've read books—I know geography fine. I haven't been here, but I've learned about it." He'd been here before, but saying he hadn't made Ruan Wan enjoy being a guide more, so he hadn't been.

"Boring." Ruan Wan rolled her eyes: "You're meeting my parents—nervous?"

"How big is my face? In twenty-some years, I've never known what nervous means."

This trip with Ruan Wan to Huang Guoshu was to meet her parents. It was July now—the best season for Huang Guoshu—and he'd also take in the scenery, stay ten or so days, then return to Jin Ling.

It was all because Zhao Shiyong. Ruan Wan's parents knew she was dating Zhao Shiyong and were quite satisfied. They'd met Zhao Shiyong in the county earlier this year and learned they'd broken up a year ago. Zhao Shiyong, disgustingly, didn't mention his own faults—he claimed Ruan Wan had changed her heart and invented some "wallet guy." Though Ruan Wan's parents didn't fully believe him, they were confused, so they called Ruan Wan to come home. At the time, Ruan Wan was still "working part-time," so she reluctantly returned, told her parents what Zhao Shiyong had done, and said she'd found a new boyfriend to reassure them.

With a new boyfriend, parents naturally wanted to meet him. They set the summer vacation for the visit. Ruan Wan accepted she couldn't marry yet, but her parents had to meet him. So when she mentioned it, Wang Yan didn't hesitate—and here they were in Huang Guoshu.

"Fine, you're the most shameless." Ruan Wan still admired Wang Yan's thick skin.

"Thick skin gets you fed; thin skin leaves you hungry. If I ever cared about my dignity, there'd be no us." Wang Yan's self-awareness was always crystal clear…

"Enough, enough, stop talking. Walk faster—we're almost there."

Soon they entered the village, greeted people, and arrived at a house halfway up the slope. The architecture was a two-story wooden ganlan-style structure, a three-sided courtyard with one main house and two side wings—ancient and charming, quite evocative.

Ruan Wan's parents came out to greet them, warmly inviting Wang Yan inside. Ruan's father was honest; her mother was gentle—both outwardly soft but inwardly strong, decent people. It was natural they raised a gentle daughter like Ruan Wan.

Wang Yan's background was perfect—even if her father were a heavenly king, it wouldn't matter. Wealthy, both parents deceased—ensured post-marriage material comfort, and no mother-in-law conflict. To Ruan Wan's parents, it was flawless.

He chattered away, charming them immensely. When asked about marriage, Wang Yan said it depended on Ruan Wan's wishes. Ruan Wan just smiled sweetly, saying nothing, giving her parents the impression it would happen soon.

Thus, Ruan Wan's parents were satisfied. One Zhao Shiyong gone, a better Wang Yan arrived—perfect. They were happy for Ruan Wan, proud too. Their own daughter, excelled in studies, went to university, dated someone impressive—each better than the last. They were delighted.

After pleasing Ruan Wan's parents, Wang Yan followed her around, sightseeing and wandering.

Huang Guoshu had no harsh winters, no scorching summers—a perfect retreat. The air was fresh, with over 28,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter—a natural oxygen bar. It was the rainy season now; rain pattered constantly, misty and dreamlike—perfect.

The Huang Guoshu Waterfall, China's largest, was a must-see—its curtain-like cascade hanging from distant peaks. They also strolled past Tianxing Bridge, where Zhu Bajie carried his wife, and the Houpao waterfall from Journey to the West, where the monk and his disciples led their horse. With Ruan Wan as a local guide, they had a great time.

The only downside: staying in the side room, they couldn't openly sleep together…

No surprises, no encounter with Zhao Shiyong, no ridiculous "show-off and slapdown" nonsense. After ten days of hiking and river-wandering with Ruan Wan, and celebrating the Buyi's June Sixth Festival, Wang Yan left Huang Guoshu.

Ruan Wan knew he had many things to do, and knew his nature—she didn't throw tantrums, only gazed at him with moist eyes and a blushing face, silently seeing Wang Mou off on the bus.

Did Wang Yan have many things to do? Of course—he needed to take Shi Jie on a trip. Earlier, when he took Ruan Wan out, Shi Jie was unhappy. Now that he'd met Ruan Wan's parents, Shi Jie's mouth had pouted all the way to the sky. To make up for it, Shi Jie took half a month off—she wanted to be with him every day…

Time flies like a white horse passing through a crevice—suddenly, it's over. This suddenness means university life is over.

The campus was still lively, but the sorrowful ones had changed again and again.

Everyone knew this moment would come—even before it arrived, they'd wished time would hurry up, faster, faster. But now that it was here, students about to become members of society couldn't help but sigh: how fast it went…

The boundless hopes of four years ago, when they first entered campus, had turned into uncertainty about the future, mixed with the sorrow of parting from the roommates they'd shared bunk beds with for years.

"I heard you got the government-sponsored study-abroad qualification?"

In the hot June, Room 310, Wang Yan and Zhang Kai sat facing each other, sipping hot tea while playing Go, seeking that elusive feeling of natural coolness. Chen Xiaozheng sat beside them, his usual dead face, watching them, suddenly remembering when Xu Kaiyang and the fatty were still in school—back then, they'd played just like this.

After Xu Kaiyang and the fatty graduated, the dorm became clean. Only Zhang Kai remained—he felt too guilty to mess it up. Chen Xiaozheng now cleaned daily, but his workload dropped significantly, and he wasn't used to it.

He said: "Yes, I've gotten the visa. Don't know when it'll be approved."

Zhang Kai asked: "I heard the other person isn't Ceng Yu? What's going on between you two?"

"Old Zhang, I've told you countless times—I'm just friends with Ceng Yu."

"Friends, friends, friends—you say whatever you want, but why didn't she get selected?"

"Her father is the dean, and I'm close to her. There are only two public sponsorship slots. If both of us got selected, it would affect her father, so she's planning to wait another year, first pursue a Ph. D., and go abroad next year."

After a moment of silence, Chen Xiaozheng continued: "I did get the public sponsorship slot because Ceng Yu fought for it—but we're just friends..."

"You say you're friends, but what about Ceng Yu?" Zhang Kai shook his head with a cluck-cluck sound, giving a thumbs-up: "Only you could pull this off, Ah Zheng—you're truly amazing. I admire you. Seriously, I mean it, no sarcasm, not a hint of mockery. Now, returnees are valuable. Go to America, hang around for three or five years, come back, and everyone will be fighting to hire you. You're already smart and hardworking; after soaking up some overseas culture and returning to our China, you'll be making a hundred or two hundred thousand a year, instantly rising above the crowd. Hey, wait—why even come back after going through all that trouble? Ah Zheng, push forward! I believe in you. Don't forget to call me from that distant shore once you're there, so I can be jealous."

Chen Xiaozheng shook his head bitterly. He knew exactly what Ceng Yu felt for him—since university, for five full years, she had always been by his side. He never said anything, but he also knew she had silently accepted their relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend. This public sponsorship slot was beyond his reach by merit alone; even Wang Yan, a four-year dual-degree graduate from the Architecture Department, hadn't said a word. Now he was stuck—Ceng Yu's advances were fierce, and he didn't know how to respond.

He sighed and asked Wang Yan: "Why aren't you going abroad? You know—if you wanted to, just say one word to the leadership, and the public sponsorship slot is yours."

Zhang Kai burst out laughing: "You don't even need to ask him—I can answer for you. He never thought about working for someone else—he wants to start his own business and become a boss, right? Wang Ge?" By the end, his face was dripping with sycophantic flattery.

Wang Yan grunted: "That's the idea."

Chen Xiaozheng nodded knowingly: "The state is heavily developing the economy and supporting infrastructure. You've got a dual degree in civil engineering and architecture—your professional skills are solid. Start a studio, take on projects—you've got the ability to make money, just like when you sold computers in college."

Wang Yan knew this was Chen Xiaozheng trying his best to respect him—but clearly, he still underestimated him. He silently thought of the land parcel he'd just acquired in Jianye District, and the large-scale commercial complex, schools, and other buildings he'd promised the government, sinking into thought...

"Wang Ge, check out your little brother Zhang—I volunteer to serve you loyally, through fire and water, no hesitation!" Zhang Kai flashed his white teeth: "I haven't even looked for a job yet—I'm just waiting to team up with Wang Ge and make big moves. What do you say, Wang Ge? Drop a hint, brother."

He'd been hanging around graveyards writing biographies for others, not asking for help—just too embarrassed, too proud to beg. But now it's different: everyone just graduated, and we're starting from zero together—two entirely different things.

He knew Wang Yan was awesome, and their relationship was good. Starting a business together, riding his coattails—how thrilling.

Wang Yan glanced at him and smiled: "Aren't you an artsy youth? I remember you wanted to break into the literary world."

"Are you mocking me?" Zhang Kai's face twisted into a tragic mask of fate's cruelty: "You know damn well—I sent submissions to newspapers and magazines for five straight years, and only three essays got accepted. These people don't know quality..."

"I've got an idea—just see if you're willing."

"Don't ask if I'm willing—ask if you're willing. If you're in, I'm in. Point me anywhere, I'll strike there. No questions."

Wang Yan nodded. This kid wasn't bad—he'd clung tightly to the right leg, and his attitude was commendable. He spoke: "I remember the latest data: China's internet user base has surpassed one million. That's a strong signal. Computer performance improves every year, while prices keep falling. Though still expensive and unaffordable for most, it's clear computers will eventually enter every household. The fourth national census in 1990 recorded over 1.1 billion people. Eight years later, despite family planning, those who wanted children still had them—twelve billion shouldn't be a problem."

"No, Wang Ge—just tell me what to do. Don't dump data on me—I don't get it."

"The point is simple: the number of people online will keep growing. You like writing, and there are many like you. But publishing outlets are limited—if you don't meet their standards, your work won't get published. We can build a website where anyone who loves writing can post. One million internet users—even if your article is trash, someone will glance at it, right? Once enough people read it, we charge. We take a cut from readers' payments and split it with authors. For the best writers, we can even adapt their work into movies. Get it?"

Zhang Kai's eyes lit up. He slapped his thigh: "Done!" Then he realized: "Bro, this'll cost money, right? We need to hire people to build the site, promote it on forums... and we can't charge until we have enough users. Where are we gonna get the cash?"

Wang Yan nodded approvingly. Smart kid—how the hell did he end up hanging around graveyards writing biographies?

"Don't worry about that. I just thought of it. I'll sort out the details later—I'll handle the money. You take charge of building this website from scratch. It's all yours."

"And what about you?"

"I'm going to build buildings. Didn't I mention it? I've already contacted Future Design Institute—you might not have heard of them. They were founded last year, under Long Teng Group's Future Real Estate subsidiary. You know that drink? The one made by Long Teng Tea? Three months ago, they bought a plot in Jianye District to develop commercial real estate. I'll work there for a while, gain experience, and we'll see what comes next."

He didn't want to reveal his wealth. Women knowing was fine—that gave them confidence. But if others found out, it'd be a nightmare.

As for the website idea he told Zhang Kai about—he truly planned to do it. Zhang Kai was a decent kid; helping him was easy. Since he looked good, why not lend a hand? Besides, the website didn't require any key technology. Once launched and operated, it'd make money anyway. He wouldn't have to lift a finger—just pay and give advice. Profitable, helpful, perfect.

Besides, it was a small compensation for ruining his goddess's fate. If Zhang Kai ever found out later, he could just cry about it. Even though Zhang Kai didn't know Wang Yan knew he liked Ruan Wan, this gave him some comfort. Wang Yan had already been paying attention to Zhang Kai's feelings before anything happened—who else would be so kind?

Chen Xiaozheng watched, dumbfounded. He hadn't expected these two to exchange a few words and come up with a plan that seemed utterly feasible—and it sounded like they'd start in a few days. He didn't know what to say, only marveling at the vast gap between people.

He truly couldn't compete. He knew Wang Yan's parents had died—he'd known that long ago. He knew Wang Yan inherited a substantial fortune, but that didn't matter much. Without ability, even vast wealth vanishes. Now, every achievement Wang Yan had was his own. He had no choice but to admit defeat.

"Alright, I'll wait for your arrangements," Zhang Kai replied decisively, glancing at his watch, then stood: "Time's up. Let's go. Hey... after this meal, when will we meet again?"

The graduation ceremony had ended. The school allowed graduates to stay in dorms until mid-August, to give those without jobs enough time to prepare. Of course, few remained unemployed—even without guaranteed assignments, Southeast University graduates were never at a loss.

Today, he'd made plans with Ruan Wan and others for a farewell dinner—after this, everyone would scatter, hard to meet again.

Yesterday, Wang Yan had already shared a farewell meal with his three roommates. After today's graduation ceremony, he'd said goodbye in the afternoon. Wang Kang went to Shanghai. Zhou Army Supervisor returned home, saying he'd first try for a civil service exam. Sun Mingbo, with the most connections and the best resume, hadn't secured the overseas slot and couldn't afford self-funded study—he'd returned home, gone through the motions, and was now entering government service directly.

Of course, there was sadness in parting—but the three roommates mostly felt relief. Wang Yan was just too awesome. If you didn't know him, you'd just sigh and admire. But living in the same room, seeing him every day, their pressure had been crushing. Now, finally free—they were happy.

"We're off first, Ah Zheng," Zhang Kai patted Chen Xiaozheng's shoulder cheerfully. "You're about to head to America—stop holed up in the dorm reading. Go out, walk around, see the world. Once you leave, coming back will be hard—a plane ticket really means bankruptcy."

In 1998, a flight to America cost eight or nine hundred U. S. dollars—exchange rate 8.2—over seven thousand RMB per ticket. No joke.

Chen Xiaozheng nodded, forcing a smile: "Eat well, drink well. If you get drunk, I'll clean up when you get back!"

"You're a real guy! Let's go!"