Chapter 15: In the Prime of Youth

"What's your relationship with the provincial party secretary?"

This was a question Jin Ming couldn't ignore. If Li Yi had a close relationship with Wen Yuxi, then today's setup would be like lifting a stone only to drop it on his own foot!

"Absolutely no relation. I only met him twice today."

"Really?"

"Of course, it's the truth."

"Never mind then."

Li Yi sighed, "Why is it that the truth is never believed?"

"Hmph, why didn't you teach them a lesson just now?"

"Please! We were lucky to get out of there. We owe it to Secretary Wen's business card. Otherwise, we would have had a rough time. It's just a pity that Wu Jie ran too fast. Otherwise, I would have beaten him up more."

Jin Ming smiled smugly, "That was a trick. He didn't even touch me."

"Ah!" Li Yi exclaimed, "You really have some skills!"

"You're the one with skills. You're just a police officer, and you threw him around so easily. Have you practiced?"

"No." Li Yi searched his memory and found that this guy was lazy and rarely participated in sports, but his body was quite strong. Suddenly, a clue surfaced in his memory: this guy had practiced breathing exercises from an ancient book at home when he was young. The book was passed down by his mother, who once said, "Child, I don't ask for your future glory and wealth; I only wish for your health and safety. I can die in peace then." This might be the reason for his physical strength.

"Li Yi," after this incident, the unfamiliarity between Jin Ming and Li Yi diminished somewhat, and his tone became more friendly, "You're a billionaire now. Have you thought about how to spend this money?"

Li Yi blinked and smiled, "Well, I'll buy a house for my mom and get her some nice clothes."

"That's not much money! Have you thought about investing?"

"Not really, not yet. Do you have any good suggestions?"

Jin Ming said, "I'm just a secretary, what good suggestions could I have? But I have a good friend who studied finance. She's been job hunting after graduation, but hasn't found a suitable position. She's really capable..."

"If I need it, I'll consider it." Li Yi interrupted him, unwilling to reveal too much too soon.

Jin Ming wisely closed his mouth, thinking that he was still upset.

A cool river breeze blew in through the window, making everyone feel refreshed.

The car passed over the Xiangjiang Bridge and soon entered the Southern University campus.

It was almost ten o'clock at night, but the campus was still bustling with energetic students playing basketball and strolling around.

Li Yi got out of the car and waved goodbye to Jin Ming, "Thanks for bringing me back!"

Jin Ming also got out and asked, "Will we meet again?"

Li Yi shrugged, "I believe in fate. Drive carefully."

Jin Ming nodded and got back into the car, driving away.

Li Yi watched the car until it was out of sight, then turned to head to the dormitory.

"Li Yi!"

Guo Xiaoling and a few roommates stood nearby, watching. Yao Lin and two other boys were also there.

Guo Xiaoling waved at him.

"Hey! Everyone, how are you?" Li Yi said happily.

A girl shouted, "Wow, Li Yi, who was that beautiful girl just now? Is she your secret girlfriend?"

"I wish! If only she would agree! She's just a fellow townsman. I attended a banquet today, and she happened to be there, so she gave me a ride."

"How did you leave the hospital without permission? Is your leg better?" Guo Xiaoling asked with concern.

"It's fine, see? I can move around freely. What are you guys up to? Any activities?"

Guo Xiaoling said, "Sun Wei found an internship, and she's leaving in a couple of days. We're going out tonight to celebrate and say goodbye."

A delicate girl said, "Li Yi, if you're free, why don't you join us?"

Li Yi was about to refuse, but seeing the hopeful look in Guo Xiaoling's eyes, he nodded and agreed, "Sure, why not? How about we invite a few more guys? To be your protectors."

Sun Wei clapped her hands and laughed, "Great! Go invite them quickly!"

Li Yi suggested this because he wanted to invite Zhu Feng and Bi Zhengguang. These two guys always talked about girls in the evenings but froze up when they were around them. Li Yi wanted to help them socialize more so they could adapt to society more easily after graduation.

Sure enough, only these two bookworms were in the dormitory. When Li Yi mentioned it, they both cheered. The three of them eagerly went downstairs to meet up with Guo Xiaoling and the others, and they headed towards the South Campus Road. The road next to the campus was a famous street for eating, drinking, and entertainment, which the students affectionately called "Fallen Street."

"Girls, what's the plan?" Li Yi asked, rubbing his hands together. He was excited to relive the student life he had missed.

Sun Wei smiled, "Let's have some late-night snacks first, then sing karaoke. What do you think?"

Yao Lin suggested, "How about this: we go dancing first, then come out for snacks when we're tired. Around two or three in the morning, we can go to a private room for karaoke. It'll be easier to stay up until dawn."

Sun Wei teased, "Yao Lin, looks like you've been quite the party animal! You know the ropes!"

Yao Lin chuckled, "I've gone out a few times with the guys."

He glanced at Li Yi with a look of disdain, clearly implying that Li Yi, the country bumpkin, had probably never been out before. By suggesting they go dancing, he intended to embarrass Li Yi, who surely couldn't dance, and then win Guo Xiaoling's favor.

Thinking about the chance to hold Guo Xiaoling properly, Yao Lin was as excited as if he had been injected with adrenaline. He waved his hand with a leader-like air, "Follow me, I know a great dance hall."

Li Yi walked behind Guo Xiaoling and asked softly, "Have you found an internship yet?"

In the final year of university, students generally interned, ostensibly to apply theory to practice. At the start of the semester, the counselor, Wang Haibo, had told everyone that as long as they found an internship, they didn't have to attend classes for the year and could submit an internship report at graduation.

Guo Xiaoling shook her head, "Not yet. What about you?"

Li Yi smiled bitterly, "I'd be surprised if I could find one! Xiaoling, if you have a good opportunity, don't forget about me. I'm living in dire straits, waiting for your help."

Guo Xiaoling couldn't help but laugh. How had Li Yi become so eloquent?

"Where did Sun Wei get her internship?" Li Yi asked.

"Seems like a government agency. Her father is a high-ranking official," Guo Xiaoling whispered, "Don't tell anyone."

Li Yi nodded, gaining a new understanding of the word "official." He couldn't help but ask, "If you had a choice, would you go into the government or a company?"

Guo Xiaoling said, "Would I have that choice? That would make me a leader's child. I'm not that ambitious. I'd be content with a decent job."

Guo Xiaoling, wearing white sneakers, kicked a small stone and looked up at Li Yi, "What about you?"

Li Yi smiled, "I'll follow you."

Guo Xiaoling gave him a sidelong glance, "You're not serious!" She quickened her pace to catch up with Sun Wei and the others, chatting with them.

Yao Lin always talked to the girls. The other two boys chatted among themselves, while Li Yi, Zhu Feng, and Bi Zhengguang walked together. This was perhaps the small circle within the group. Li Yi felt a sense of reflection, thinking that even in school, it was a microcosm of society.

"Here we are! This is the most luxurious dance hall on Fallen Street, 'Jinshengyuan.'" Yao Lin pointed to a dance hall lit up with neon lights, his pride evident as if he were introducing his own private property.