Chapter 901

After the semester started, Li Luo's life returned to its usual routine.

He woke up early every morning and went jogging with Yan Zhusheng.

Sometimes he saw Xu Youyu, who struggled to wake up early and rush over to meet them; if he did, they'd sneakily cuddle for a while.

After the jog ended, they'd go home, eat breakfast, and prepare to head to school for their 8 a. m. class.

If there was no class, he'd accompany Yan Zhusheng to the fourth-floor piano room to practice and warm up her voice.

After daytime classes, Li Luo had to rush to the company to handle some simple daily tasks.

In the evening, depending on the situation, if Yan Zhusheng had plans to eat with her roommates, Li Luo would return to the dorm to gather his own roommates for a meal.

If Yan Zhusheng went home, Li Luo would instruct Butler Liu to prepare dinner early, and the two would eat together at home.

At night, back in the study, he'd diligently write, stockpile drafts, and prepare thoroughly for the new book's release.

After finishing writing, he'd go upstairs to play music with Yan Zhusheng.

When tired, he'd carry her downstairs to bathe, then tease her in bed.

Without Ying Chanxi and Xu Youyu around, Yan Zhusheng bore the full brunt of Li Luo's attention alone, finally understanding how important the two older sisters were.

Yan Zhusheng, who had once secretly rejoiced at first, now only hoped the two sisters would return soon and not leave her to struggle alone.

Li Luo didn't tease her every day, after all, he'd been quite busy lately.

Two or three days after the semester started, the site for Xu Rongsheng's Research Center was approved—it was in the building next to the College of Literature.

Several offices had already been cleared out; Jian Chun, appointed by Xu Rongsheng as office director, had rushed over early to organize everything.

Li Luo took a break to bring over a few roommates to help; his uncle Lin Xiufeng also arrived, and Li Luo watched from the side, occasionally chatting with Jian Chun.

"I really owe you a huge thank you," Jian Chun said to Li Luo with a smile. "Without you, this opportunity would never have come my way."

"You're Professor Xu's student—he promoting you is only natural. You should thank him more."

Li Luo leaned against the window, gazing outside, then turned to Jian Chun and said, "No need to thank me—thank my uncle instead."

"I know, I know," Jian Chun sighed with a wry laugh. "You're just too humble, otherwise everything's perfect."

"The Research Center has just been established—there isn't much to do yet," Li Luo said. "Auntie, take it easy for now. Once Professor Xu drafts the official guidelines, there'll be plenty to handle."

"Don't worry, I'll work hard," Jian Chun said seriously. "You've helped me so much already—I can't let you down."

"What I mean is, relax a bit," Li Luo sighed, rolling his eyes. "You're already very familiar with your duties as a counselor."

"For scholarship approvals, you're only the final reviewer—you don't need to micromanage the earlier steps."

"As for the Research Center, daily tasks will probably be minimal; the office director is likely the least busy position."

"Plus, two teachers will be assigned to assist you—you just need to direct them."

"After you marry my uncle this National Day, if you suddenly feel like having a baby, you can take maternity leave—no one will dare remove your position."

Hearing this, Jian Chun felt slightly embarrassed, as if she were taking too much advantage.

But then she thought again and said nothing—after all, there were plenty of people at the university even more idle than her; what was she compared to them?

At least she actually worked.

After helping Jian Chun organize the office, Li Luo took his roommates out for a meal to celebrate.

He then returned to his daily routine.

Until Saturday, when Li Luo wrote in the morning, handled affairs at the company in the afternoon, and near evening, drove to Qianjiang University's faculty housing complex.

He got out of the car, checked the time, looked up at Xu Youyu's balcony, and took a deep breath.

The time he'd arranged with Xu Rongsheng to come over for dinner had finally arrived.

He pulled out his phone and sent Xu Youyu a message, then walked upstairs, took the elevator, and arrived at her door.

As soon as he knocked, Xu Youyu, who had already been informed, opened the door immediately, smiling broadly, and welcomed him inside.

At that moment, Cui Suling was busy in the kitchen, nearly finished preparing all the dishes.

Several dishes were already laid out on the dining table; as Li Luo stepped in, he caught the rich aroma of the food.

"You're here," Xu Rongsheng rose from the sofa, nodded to Li Luo, then walked straight to the table and gestured for him to sit. "Come, let's eat."

Li Luo nodded and followed Xu Youyu to the table to sit down.

Cui Suling then carried out the last dish from the kitchen, set it down, removed her apron, and sat beside Xu Rongsheng.

As for Xu Youyu, she naturally sat right next to Li Luo, with no hesitation or concealment.

During this period, although she occasionally woke up early to join Li Luo and the others for morning runs, most days she couldn't overcome her laziness and just stayed in bed sleeping.

Besides, during the runs, all they could do was kiss and hug—nothing more.

Since they broke through the fourth wall after the college entrance exam, they hadn't been apart this long.

They'd usually have a little "battle" every few days.

Now, it had been over half a month, and the only time she'd gotten any "meat" was once, when Li Luo came to their house, and she sneaked a snack in his car.

This frequency was driving Xu Youyu crazy with longing—she just waited for her parents to finally agree.

But once dinner began, Cui Suling unusually said little; instead, Xu Rongsheng and Li Luo chatted casually.

"I've drafted a rough outline for the Research Center's procedures—I'll send it to you later," Xu Rongsheng said while eating. "Give me your thoughts."

"Actually, I don't have many suggestions," Li Luo chuckled. "Professor Xu is the expert—I'm just offering minor help."

"Don't be so modest with me," Xu Rongsheng shook his head. "The priority now is producing results. The next Dean election is only two years away—you must seize the opportunity."

"Our Research Center mainly targets employment issues for undergraduate graduates," Li Luo considered. "But traditional job paths are already overcrowded—they're not our focus."

"We aim to expand employment options for humanities graduates, so we should extend as much as possible into the internet sector."

"For example, the most popular online profession right now: video blogger."

"I suggest starting with elective courses to lay groundwork—let undergraduates get exposed to these subjects early, then guide and promote them into our Research Center's projects."

Xu Rongsheng frowned as he listened: "But can you guarantee every student involved will pursue an internet career? It's probably not as easy as you make it sound."

"Of course not," Li Luo nodded lightly. "But whether it's the university or the Ministry of Education, what they want from the Research Center isn't for everyone to succeed—they just need a decent-looking statistical ratio."

Li Luo isn't a god; even with the advantage of being a Reborn, he can't guarantee every student will succeed.

Xu Rongsheng naturally nodded in agreement: "Of course, but at least we must ensure the statistics look good."

"Ultimately, it depends on practical execution—no amount of talk now will help." Li Luo shook his head, then said, "We can admit fewer research students, and I'll give each one personalized, comprehensive advice tailored to them."

"Whether they ultimately succeed still depends on their own fate."

"All I can do is act as a traffic amplifier, and help pave the way for their account's commercial operation."

"How far they ultimately go still depends on their own effort."

Xu Rongsheng clearly understood this point; after nodding, he shifted to the topic of the Student Aid Fund: "That fund's name—you came up with it? Xiao Tian told me about it earlier."

"Yes." Li Luo smiled. "What do you think of the name, Uncle Xu?"

"Very good." Xu Rongsheng gave a light nod.

"What's the name?" Xu Youyu asked curiously.

"It's called the Chongran Rongyin Student Aid Fund," Xu Rongsheng cleared his throat. "Chongran is Li Luo's pen name. Rongyin—Rong is the 'Rong' from my name, and Yin means shade from a tree."

"Eee~" Xu Youyu glanced at Li Luo and grinned. "You're really good at buttering up Dad."

"Don't talk nonsense," Li Luo replied seriously. "Rongyin means a great tree providing shade for students—what a beautiful meaning."

"Ah yes, yes, yes." Xu Youyu nodded vigorously in agreement, though her smile never faded.

Xu Rongsheng himself was deeply moved by Li Luo's indirect, tactful approach; upon hearing the name, he immediately agreed without hesitation.

Cui Suling glanced at her husband and sighed helplessly.

When Li Luo and Xu Rongsheng had nearly finished discussing the Research Center, the meal was also nearly over. Only then did Cui Suling put down her chopsticks and look at Li Luo with serious intent: "Li Luo."

"Auntie Cui, speak."

"I—" Cui Suling sighed again. "I've talked with your Uncle Xu for many days now, and I understand the intentions of all four of you kids."

"But as parents, we can't help feeling uneasy about this kind of thing."

"Still, since Youyu insists so strongly, we as parents don't want to tear you apart."

"So, the only final request I have before I can agree to your arrangement—is whether you'll accept it."

Hearing this, Li Luo felt a surge of joy, but then raised an eyebrow, curious what Cui Suling's demand might be.

Cui Suling didn't drag it out. She took a deep breath and said solemnly: "I don't mean anything against Chanxi or Zhusheng."

"Your Uncle Xu is a professor and Vice Dean at Qianjiang University. Youyu's grandfather is a member of Qianjiang University's Board of Governors."

"Our family is a scholarly household—we care most about face and dignity."

"So, Li Luo, when the time comes, could you and Youyu go get your marriage certificate?"

As she spoke, Cui Suling's tone grew almost humble.

Their own daughter willingly shared Li Luo with two other girls—and the parents had to genuinely accept it.

In normal circumstances, how could such a thing ever be so easily allowed?

But this situation truly put Li Luo in a bind.

Because it wasn't a decision he could make alone.

After hearing Cui Suling's request, Li Luo paused, then looked up earnestly: "Auntie Cui, I need time to think about this. Could I give you my answer in a few days?"

"Mm, no rush," Xu Rongsheng chimed in, helping her agree. "Go home, think it over carefully, and answer when you're ready."

"Yes, no rush," Cui Suling said, relieved her husband had spoken. She wouldn't pressure Li Luo to decide on the spot, but added: "The moment you agree, Youyu can go back to your place."

Hearing this, Xu Youyu nearly shouted out her agreement for him.

But remembering Chanxi and Zhusheng, she held her tongue.

After dinner, she rose and accompanied Li Luo downstairs as he took his leave, pulling him into the backseat of the car and straddling him.

"What are you doing?"

"What do you think I'm doing? Shut up."

That night, when Li Luo returned home, he was met by Yan Zhusheng throwing herself into his arms.

Carrying Yan Zhusheng upstairs, he heard her ask from his arms: "How was it at Senior's house? Did your uncle and auntie agree?"

"—I suppose they did."

"Then why didn't Senior come back with you?" Yan Zhusheng asked, puzzled.

"Hmm—because Auntie Cui made a request."

"What?"

"She wants me to get married to Youyu."

"Oh."

"What do you mean 'oh'?"

"No problem," Yan Zhusheng tilted her head. "Getting a certificate doesn't mean anything. I don't get why they care so much."

"For many people, a marriage certificate does carry special meaning," Li Luo sighed. "So I still need to—"

"Ask Sister, right?" Yan Zhusheng immediately understood. She pulled out her phone and called Ying Chanxi.

"Hello?" Ying Chanxi answered, puzzled. "What's up?"

"Sister," Yan Zhusheng said, sitting on Li Luo's lap with speakerphone on. "Auntie Cui said she'll agree to our arrangement if Li Luo and Senior get married."

Yan Zhusheng laid out the situation plainly, without hiding anything.

Upon hearing this, Ying Chanxi fell silent on the other end, remaining quiet for a long while.

Only when Yan Zhusheng asked again did Ying Chanxi softly say, "Mm."

"I understand," Ying Chanxi whispered. "Is Li Luo there too?"

"I'm here."

"Then let's wait until I come back to discuss this, alright?"

"Good." Li Luo nodded. "Then see you on the 14th?"

"No, let's meet on the 14th." Ying Chanxi whispered, "On my birthday, I want to be alone with you."

"No problem." Li Luo agreed. "Then see you on the 14th."