According to Wang Yuqiong, a student’s performance in these so-called school organizations could affect their future job prospects.
Those who stood out would catch the eye of important people—almost like securing an early job offer—while even average performers earned some bonus points. It was always better than doing nothing at all.
Of course, students who focused purely on their studies had their own paths, such as pursuing graduate school or landing specialized job offers.
This setup effectively divided career tracks into two categories: one for management and practical experience, the other for technical expertise.
Wang Yuqiong went on to share more details that Shen An hadn’t known about.
Nominally, the Student Union fell under school management, but in reality, it enjoyed significant autonomy, granted by the Board of Directors.
From that perspective, East China Comprehensive University wasn’t a purely public institution—a fact borne out by the North District apartments.
The companies that recruited here each year were mostly the “gold masters” backing the university, creating a closed loop. Students got initial training in on-campus organizations, then transitioned straight to corporate jobs. For non-technical talents, the work in school orgs wasn’t much different from entry-level corporate roles.
Zhao Qingyu, as the Art Troupe’s Deputy Troupe Leader, was essentially like the head of your department—a top manager.
Xu Yijing, the Student Union Vice President, was equivalent to a company general manager.
The analogy wasn’t perfect, but it pointed to the same underlying system.
After all, getting picked on by Zhao Qingyu now was no different from dealing with a demanding boss in the future.
Most students’ first jobs after graduation involved grunt work, which wasn’t far off from the busywork in Student Union departments.
That’s why recruitment into these groups was so rigorous—they didn’t mess around. Events were run with real seriousness, not like the play-acting in high school.
Screw up, and you actually bore the consequences.
For a more technical major like the English Department, students didn’t need to throw themselves into org activities; the field itself provided solid skills.
That said, joining in could only help, opening up more job opportunities down the line.
But for majors like literature or management, where true expertise was rare and most students were just coasting, on-campus activities were crucial for padding resumes.
This whole model greatly diminished the focus on academics, turning the school into a corporate training ground.
Your classmates, colleagues, and friends could become your workplace rivals in the blink of an eye.
Universities were usually half a society unto themselves, but East China Comprehensive University shattered that limit, transforming fully into a microcosm of the real world—survival of the fittest, dog-eat-dog.
Beyond that, Wang Yuqiong specifically warned Shen An about another key factor: relationships.
Society ran on connections, and building a wide network in university was like stockpiling contacts ahead of time.
Plenty of students here had impressive backgrounds, including children of the corporate bosses bankrolling the school.
Finally, in a subtle aside, Wang Yuqiong dropped a bombshell: the university’s biggest gold master bore the surname Zhao.
At this point, Shen An couldn’t possibly miss her implication.
No wonder Chen Nannan had warned him not to provoke Zhao Qingyu. Even if school leaders intervened, it wouldn’t help—he’d have no choice but to drop out.
The Zhao family was the school’s top backer; that carried serious weight.
It also explained why Zhao Qingyu could run rampant in the Student Union like some untouchable demon king, doing whatever she pleased on a whim.
But Shen An’s thoughts quietly shifted to Zhao Li.
If she was from the Zhao family too, then arranging for him to join had been a piece of cake—no effort at all.
Seeing him lost in thought, Wang Yuqiong assumed enlightenment had dawned. She softened her voice. “Now you know what to do, right?”
Shen An blinked, then shook his head. “The New World really is something else.”
“Huh?”
Wang Yuqiong stared at him, baffled. New World? What was that supposed to mean?
Meeting her puzzled gaze, Shen An offered no further explanation.
A school system like this would have been public enemy number one back in his old world.
“I was just wondering—have you picked out a place to eat yet?” Shen An sidestepped, chuckling lightly.
Wang Yuqiong shot him an annoyed glare, her cheeks flushing. “We haven’t even reached the South District, and you’re hungry again?”
“Even if we haven’t, can’t we plan ahead?”
“Ugh, you’re impossible. Don’t worry about it—I’ll take you somewhere great once we get there.”
“Not bad for our Class President.”
“Save the flattery. I’d rather let you starve!” Wang Yuqiong huffed, raising her hand in mock dismissal as she strode ahead.
“Bus!”
Shen An shouted, pointing at the campus shuttle about to pull away. He grabbed Wang Yuqiong’s small hand and dashed over.
She hadn’t even processed it before he was tugging her along, the warmth of his palm sending her into a fluster.
“You…”
Before her thoughts could settle, she yelped, “Slow down!!!”
Thanks to Shen An’s sprint, they barely caught the bus. As payback, Wang Yuqiong collapsed into a seat, gasping for air and muttering complaints under her breath.
Shen An tuned her out, his mind buzzing with anticipation for whatever food awaited.
The South District lived up to the hype—pure pandemonium.
As the school’s sole designated entertainment zone, stepping off the bus felt like plunging into a night market. The street buzzed with noise, throngs of people jostled shoulder-to-shoulder, and the air swirled with a symphony of tantalizing aromas.
Brilliant lights drowned out the lonely moon overhead, their earthly clamor outshining any starry halo.
Shen An glanced around and spotted several stalls manned by fellow students hawking their wares.
He chuckled. “Does part-time work pay well around here?”
Wang Yuqiong followed his gaze and rolled her eyes. “Part-time? Those are the owners.”
“Student-run businesses?”
“Mm-hmm. Plenty of shops here are student-owned. They get investment from family, snag a school license, and boom—they’re in business.”
“Profits are sky-high too. It’s all student cash, and we’re a spending machine.”
She rose on tiptoe, whispering in his ear. “But to open up here, you need more than money. Family connections are key.”
“The licensing process is cutthroat.”
Shen An watched intently, then grinned. “I don’t care about that. I’m just wondering if part-time gigs pay decently.”
Wang Yuqiong was speechless. “Can’t you have a little ambition?”
“Ambition requires prerequisites. I don’t have ’em yet.”
Shen An murmured, “You said it yourself—need money and connections. I’ve got zilch, so I’m destined to be a wage slave.”
A sly glint flickered in Wang Yuqiong’s eyes. She teased, “Why so down? Senior Sister Zhao seems to like you. Get in her good graces, and she could carve out a whole street just for you.”
Shen An arched a brow. “So, you’re saying I should eat soft rice?”
“What’s wrong with eating soft rice? Especially Senior Sister Zhao’s.” Wang Yuqiong declared righteously, “Plenty of guys would kill for that chance.”
“See that shop? Prime spot by the stop, tons of foot traffic. Or that one over there—everyone passes through. Opening there would rake it in.”
Wang Yuqiong bubbled with excitement, but Shen An couldn’t muster any interest.
“Hey, are you even listening?” she grumbled.
“I am, but this has nothing to do with me. Can we eat first?”
“It’s got nothing to do with you now. Hug Senior Sister Zhao’s thigh later, and suddenly you’ve got all the connections.” Wang Yuqiong winked suggestively.
Hug a thigh again!
“Wouldn’t that be overkill? If I’m already eating soft rice, why bother scheming about shops? Why not just kick back as a happy slacker?”
Shen An leaned into her logic, turning it back on her.
Wang Yuqiong’s mouth twitched. She fell silent.
He had a point.
“You’re not seriously thinking of eating soft rice, are you?”
After a beat, she prodded his arm softly.
Shen An turned, his smile mischievous. “What’s wrong with soft rice? It was your idea.”
Ah…
Wang Yuqiong regretted her words a bit but doubled down. “Sure, it’s good, but serving someone is a hassle. You’ll catch plenty of grief.”
“Especially serving Senior Sister Zhao.”
Suddenly, Shen An locked eyes with her, his grin turning eerie. She felt a shiver.
“W-What are you doing?”
“I’ve noticed you contradict yourself. First, soft rice is great and exclusive. Now, it’s all grief and hassle. You say yes, then no—you’ve covered both sides.”
Wang Yuqiong stammered, “I… I was just suggesting. I didn’t mean you had to.”
“Eating soft rice is the ultimate lack of ambition!”
Shen An lifted his chin proudly and huffed. “I’ve decided. I’ll follow your advice—straight to soft rice!”
Wang Yuqiong: ……
“Fine, eat away. Hope you stuff yourself silly!” She crossed her arms, voice icy with embarrassment.
“And don’t get cocky yet. Senior Sister Zhao might not even want you!”
“She’s the type who loves freeloading. She wouldn’t part with her own money if it came down to it.”
Shen An narrowed his eyes. “How do you know she loves freeloading? Are you two that close?”
“Not at all!”
“Then that’s that. And who doesn’t love freeloading? Don’t project your malice onto basic human nature.”
Wang Yuqiong gritted her teeth inwardly. “I see you’ve really taken a shine to that soft rice. No wonder you’ve been defending her all day.”
“I’m just speaking reason. You’re the one being petty here.”
“Who’s petty?!”
Wang Yuqiong’s eyes widened, her long legs standing straight like spears, as if she’d skewer Shen An on the spot if he didn’t watch his mouth.
“I’m petty! I’m petty!”
Shen An raised his hands in surrender.
“Hmph!” Wang Yuqiong puffed out her cheeks in a pout, all haughty. “I’m not talking about this with you anymore. You’re so boring.”
“Fine then. Let’s talk about what to eat instead!”
Shen An licked his lips and patted his stomach.
Wang Yuqiong lifted her chin, saying coolly, “My stomach’s feeling off right now. I don’t want to eat.”
“?”
Shen An rubbed his hands together. “That would make me feel bad. You came all this way just to keep me company for a meal.”
Wang Yuqiong laughed in exasperation. “Heh, if you turned that silver tongue on Senior Sister Zhao, who knows? You might actually latch onto her thigh for real.”
Shen An sighed. “Why are we back to thighs again?”
“How about I give you some advice on the matter? If it works out, we split the profits fifty-fifty?” Wang Yuqiong pressed her lips together, her words dripping with sarcasm.
“Ha, playing the strategist now?” Shen An chuckled dryly. He looked at her, his voice softening. “Truth is, I’m not interested in hugging her thigh. If I’m hugging one, it’ll be the longest one.”
“Hers aren’t long enough?”
“In my eyes, your legs are the longest!” Shen An’s gaze traveled up and down her long legs.
Even through her pants, Wang Yuqiong could feel the “invasive” intent in his stare.
She shrank back involuntarily, gritting her teeth. “You’re such a perv.”
“Pervy it is, then. Dare you let me hug them?”
Shen An pressed forward boldly, without a hint of fear.
Wang Yuqiong’s mouth fell open, but no words came out.
“Too scared, huh? Then drop the thigh talk. Let’s eat first.”
Shen An curled his lip and walked ahead on his own.
Wang Yuqiong stood there stunned for a moment, clenching her little fist. “Who’re you looking down on? You dare hug them?”
She rushed up hurriedly and blocked Shen An’s path.
“If you dare let me hug them, I’ll dare to do it.”
“If you dare hug them, I’ll dare to let you!” Before speaking, Wang Yuqiong glanced at the bustling crowd around them, muttering to herself that this guy probably wouldn’t be that shameless, right?
“So, will you let me?”
“Do you dare?”
“Of course I dare!”
“F-Fine, then I dare too!”
“Deal?”
“Deal! Whoever backs out is a little punk.”
“Alright.”
Shen An spread his arms wide, giving Wang Yuqiong no time to back out. He bent slightly at the waist, scooped up one of her calves, and hoisted her onto his shoulder.
Wang Yuqiong froze on the spot.
From the moment her foot left the ground until she was slung over his shoulder, her mind went completely blank.
Only when the teasing, amused gazes from all around crashed over her like a wave—those looks hitting her cheeks like something tangible—did her face flush bright red in an instant.
“W-What are you doing? Put me down right now!!! Shen An!!!”
Wang Yuqiong pounded frantically on Shen An’s shoulder with her little fists.
Shen An didn’t budge an inch. He walked straight ahead, completely ignoring the stares from passersby.
“S-Stop… Put me down…”
Seeing that pounding wasn’t working, Wang Yuqiong could only lower her head and plead softly.
“What’s wrong? Not letting me hug anymore?”
“I…”
“Giving up?”
“I… I give up.” Wang Yuqiong’s voice was soft.
She truly hadn’t expected Shen An to be so bold, actually following through on his word.
“Then you’re the little punk.” Shen An flashed a grin full of white teeth, smug as could be.
Wang Yuqiong’s delicate brows shot up, her gentle demeanor turning to simmering anger. “You’re the little punk!”
“Oh~”
Shen An shrugged and kept carrying Wang Yuqiong on his shoulder, drawing stares from every direction.
Wang Yuqiong wanted to die from embarrassment, but even in death, she wouldn’t admit to being the loser. She could only cover her face with her hands.
Hmph!
Carry me if you want.
Let’s see how long you can keep this up.
