C16 Guo Yuan's Request

The dean chimed in with a voice like a ringing bell.

"Very good, very good."

At that moment, Zhang Heng sensed something amiss. Initially, he had distinctly heard the footsteps of three people, but now only two had shown up. This indicated that there was still someone behind him, remaining silent.

As Zhang Heng's confusion grew, the person behind him finally spoke up.

"Do you think I'm invisible?" the person blurted out.

Zhang Heng racked his brain; the voice was oddly familiar.

After a moment's thought, considering the few acquaintances he had made here, it dawned on him. Could it be...?

"Guo Yuan?"

"Exactly, it's me."

The dean beamed with delight, "As soon as your issue came up, he was already here to see me. That's why I say you have quite the knack for relationships. You've got my granddaughter making appeals on your behalf, and now Guo Yuan as well."

Zhang Heng hadn't anticipated such a turnout of advocates.

"How did you come to know about my situation?" Zhang Heng inquired.

It made sense for the dean's granddaughter to be in the know, as the matter required notifying the dean. But how about Guo Yuan?

"Finding out about this was simple for me. I'm not only aware of this incident, but I also know you had them locked out for so long because you were asleep in the dorm," Guo Yuan revealed.

At this revelation, Zhang Heng was taken aback and somewhat baffled.

Surely this person wasn't deranged enough to have installed a camera on him?

"Don't entertain such thoughts. I haven't put any cameras or listening devices on you. I'm just privy to the various goings-on around the school," Guo Yuan clarified.

Noticing Zhang Heng's bewildered expression, the dean added, "You're probably new here, so you're not yet familiar with the ins and outs of the school. Guo Yuan has eyes and ears throughout the campus, so consider yourself lucky to have made his acquaintance."

Zhang Heng was astounded.

He hadn't realized the extent of Guo Yuan's influence, nor had he expected that someone so powerful could be so easily bested by him in just a few moves.

And now Guo Yuan was offering him the position of big brother?

The world was indeed full of surprises.

"Alright, let's keep things low-key. This issue is resolved. Time to head back and get some sleep," Guo Yuan told Su Meng.

"Yes, Grandpa, we've resolved the issue. Let's head back and get some sleep," Su Meng encouraged her grandfather to leave quickly.

Prompted by Su Meng, the dean stood up.

With her hand on her grandfather's shoulder, Su Meng guided him to take big steps forward. The dean, looking back, quickly gestured with his hand, "Next time, let's grab a meal together."

Guo Yuan watched as the dean walked away.

"Alright, Dean," he responded.

Once everything had concluded, only Guo Yuan and Zhang Heng remained in the office.

Guo Yuan moved to the dean's desk, sat down, and tapped it twice.

"Come on, don't you think it's time you gave me an answer?" Guo Yuan asked.

"What answer?"

"About becoming your right-hand man!" he said with enthusiasm. "You've seen what I'm capable of, my strong connections, and how much I know. Aren't these reasons enough for me to be your right-hand man?"

Zhang Heng was somewhat at a loss for words.

He hadn't expected this person to be so persistent in wanting to be his right-hand man.

"It's not about whether I want someone to sweep the floors or not, nor is it about your lack of merit. It's just that I'm not keen on having a right-hand man. Do you get what I'm saying?" Zhang Heng explained.

"So, I'm just not up to par," Guo Yuan persisted stubbornly.

"Why can't you understand plain English?" Zhang Heng was exasperated and ready to leave.

Seeing Zhang Heng's reaction, Guo Yuan quickly got up.

"Wait, I'll make it worth your while. I'll agree to any terms you set. If I become your right-hand man, everyone at the school will be at your beck and call. You can do as you please, and you'll have people to run errands for you," Guo Yuan said desperately.

The thought alone was enough to give Zhang Heng a headache.

He was already short on cash; having others buy things would only worsen his financial situation.

"No, that's not necessary. I don't need people to run errands for me."

"There are other perks to consider. Just think about it, and we can discuss it further."

Zhang Heng was growing impatient.

To dismiss Guo Yuan, he said, "Look, you've had a long day, and I'm beat. How about we call it a night? I'll head back to my dorm and catch some sleep. We can revisit your proposal later, okay?"

"Sleep? Absolutely, I can!"

Guo Yuan walked out grinning from ear to ear.

Just when Zhang Heng thought he had managed to get rid of him, Guo Yuan called from behind, "Follow me."

Zhang Heng, feeling resigned, asked, "What now?"

"I heard you didn't bring much with you today, even the bamboo mat you're using belongs to someone else. Why not stay with me for the time being?" Guo Yuan offered.

"For the last time, I haven't used anyone else's things. I don't need to stay with you. My dorm is great. I really like it and I'm going back there to sleep now." Zhang Heng was irate upon hearing the suggestion that he was using someone else's belongings, and he was eager to clear the air.

"You're really not coming over? I prepared a lot of good food for you today, like steak and lobster. If you don't come, I'm afraid it'll all end up in the trash."

"Steak and lobster?" Zhang Heng echoed.

"Yes, exactly. I thought you'd be staying in the same dorm as me, but it turns out you want to go back to your own."

Suddenly, Zhang Heng remembered his mounting debts and lack of funds. He'd need to eat in the morning, so why not save some money by spending the night at someone else's place? He could figure out a longer-term plan later.

"Let's get one thing straight. I'm only considering this because I don't want your food to go to waste," Zhang Heng stated.

"Of course, if you don't come, it will all spoil."

"Then I'll come over, albeit reluctantly."

"Really? That's fantastic!"

Guo Yuan led the way to a magnificent villa.

Zhang Heng was taken aback. Could it be that this guy lived in a villa?

"You live in a villa?"

"Yes, what about it?"

Zhang Heng was crestfallen. It's true what they say about comparisons being odious. Here he was, fretting over past decisions and how to cover his accommodation fees, while others lived in luxury apartments and villas.