Chapter 16

Before this, Meng Bai had never paid any attention to these sponsors. She certainly hadn’t imagined what sorts of connections or vested interests might lurk behind the scenes.

But right now, a bright red banner stretched vividly across the space in front of her, while crackling applause echoed from not far away.

She looked up and spotted the construction site boss, Boss Zhang, approaching with a few of his lackeys in tow.

The Principal and the teachers were greeting them with great enthusiasm.

The earnest students stood off to the side, clapping along, their eyes shining mostly with admiration.

After all, it was their money that had built the school.

In everyone’s eyes, Boss Zhang was the real deal—a true philanthropist.

Zhou Chuxing wore a look of utter disgust. “Looks like this welcome party’s all for them.”

Meng Bai stared in Zhang Gou’s direction. “This isn’t the first time.”

“What?”

“This isn’t the first welcome ceremony they’ve thrown for them.”

Meng Bai finally remembered why Zhang Gou had looked so familiar. If memory served, there had been a similar event right after the school was built—a ribbon-cutting ceremony that had been quite the spectacle.

But Zhang Gou hadn’t been there back then.

“Let’s bounce!” Zhou Chuxing grabbed Meng Bai’s arm and tugged her toward the school building to hide.

Meanwhile, the Principal made his way to the flag-raising platform. Zhang Gou and his entourage took their seats, while students and teachers gathered around to watch.

The Principal tapped the microphone and spoke in a clear, booming voice. “We didn’t announce this ahead of time because Mr. Zhang wanted to keep things low-key. It’s first period right now, but rest assured, we won’t keep you long.”

Zhang Gou, seated below the platform, beamed broadly and nodded along.

“This visit from Mr. Zhang is mainly to open up more opportunities for our students.” The Principal turned his gaze to Zhang Gou and gestured for him to come up. “I’ll let Mr. Zhang explain it himself.”

The students clapped in eager anticipation.

Zhang Gou ascended the platform, offered a slight bow, and broke into a gentle smile.

Meng Bai peeked out from the corner of the wall. Hah—the sleazy Boss Zhang had morphed into the respectable Mr. Zhang, looking every bit the part. He was unrecognizable from the man she’d seen that day.

He gripped the microphone, straightened the hem of his suit jacket, took a steadying breath, and addressed them with a warm smile.

“Students, I came from a small town myself—right next door in Long County, just a few dozen kilometers away. That’s where I grew up, so we’re practically neighbors. Seeing all of you feels like looking at my own kids!”

He narrowed his eyes, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m here today to talk about your education. Most of you have spent your whole lives in this town, and we have to face facts: it’s remote. It’s cut off from the world. Am I right?”

The words resonated deeply with the crowd.

Even Meng Bai, eavesdropping from behind the wall, had to nod along. The town was too small, too isolated.

“That’s why I fully support you all getting out there! Studying matters—right? A lot of you want to keep studying—right?!”

Sure, the town was tiny, but some dreams burned bright.

And those dreamers needed a helping hand.

“That’s why all us bosses at GM Engineering have decided to pick twenty top-performing students from this school and sponsor you! Get into university, and we’ll cover everything. Every last expense—GM Engineering’s got you!”

The crowd below froze for a beat, stunned that such windfall luck could drop from the sky.

Then the Principal nodded from behind and murmured something.

The applause erupted even louder.

The school’s college admission rate was dismal to begin with—only a handful made the cut.

Twenty spots might sound few, but Senior Year 3 only had two classes. It covered nearly everyone with a shot.

A few girls in the throng could barely contain their excitement. Tuition was their biggest hurdle; their families were so dirt-poor that even acceptance letters might go to waste.

The Principal reclaimed the microphone, his face wreathed in a kindly smile. “Students, let’s thank Mr. Zhang. Thank GM Engineering. They’ve given us more chances—and a brighter future!”

The high achievers clapped with gusto; the rest joined in.

“Thank you—”

“Thank GM! Thank Mr. Zhang—”

Zhang Gou had the students’ pulses pegged perfectly. He snatched back the mic and pressed on. “And it’s not just for the top scorers. Got ambition? Show some progress? Come find me one-on-one. Tell me you want to study, want the big city lights. As long as you do, I—Zhang Gou—will make it happen!”

Thunderous applause rolled across the entire playground. He’d won them over at last.

Good news.

Great news for every soul at the school.

Mr. Zhang Gou—a downright savior.

“No way. He’s that generous?” Zhou Chuxing muttered from their hiding spot behind the wall. “Gotta be some ulterior motive.”

Meng Bai eyed the row of men below the platform. Several looked polished and bookish—not the rough-and-tumble construction types. Zhang Gou, though? He had that everyman vibe down pat.

“What’s their angle?” She shot a sidelong glance at Zhou Chuxing. “I don’t buy free lunches.”

Zhou Chuxing drew a blank. “Beats me. Can’t picture it.”

“You expecting handouts from him?” A woman’s voice drifted from behind them.

Meng Bai whipped around to find Xu Zhou standing there, arms folded, like she’d been listening in for a while.

“What are you doing here?”

Xu Zhou’s lips quirked. “What’s it to you? Can’t I be here?”

Zhou Chuxing didn’t know her and blinked in confusion. “Meng-jie, who’s this?”

“Xu Zhou.” Meng Bai studied her, sensing something off. “I’ve been seeing you everywhere the last couple days.”

Xu Zhou’s smile deepened. “What, can’t I listen to the speech?”

Meng Bai: “…”

Xu Zhou pressed on. “Any word on Zhou An?”

Zhou Chuxing’s eyes narrowed at the mention of his sister, sizing Xu Zhou up. “And who the hell are you?”

“She just said—Xu Zhou.”

Spittle flew as Zhou Chuxing snapped, “I’m asking why you’re sticking your nose in my sister’s business! Butt out!”

Meng Bai turned fully, giving Xu Zhou an appraising once-over. Whatever she’d been holding back spilled out. “Xu Zhou, spit it out already.”

Although Xu Zhou always trailed off mid-sentence, leaving people guessing at her true intentions, Meng Bai didn’t mind her at all.

She even wondered if Xu Zhou really did know something.

From not too far away, Xu Zhou’s voice drifted over softly. “Meng Bai, let’s be friends. Let’s team up. I want to find Zhou An with you.”

Xu Zhou’s expression grew serious. She wasn’t joking.

Zhou Chuxing watched her without blinking, finding the whole thing a little odd. “You want to find Zhou An too? Why? Give us a reason.”

“Do I need one?” A flicker of disappointment crossed Xu Zhou’s eyes. “If there’s one Zhou An, there’ll be two. If there’s one Ye Hong, there’ll be two. How many more girls have to suffer?”

“I’ll do it.” Meng Bai met her gaze and nodded. “Friends it is. We’ll find Zhou An.”

With Meng Bai on board, Zhou Chuxing could only manage an awkward chuckle, regretting his words a little. He stuck out his hand, offering a shake to Xu Zhou.

“Fine, fine. More hands make light work. Our trio sounds perfect.”

Xu Zhou shook with Meng Bai but ignored Zhou Chuxing’s outstretched hand.

Leaving him to pull back in embarrassment once more.

Over on the athletic field, thunderous applause erupted again. Surrounded by the crowd, Zhang Gou made his way slowly toward the school building.

“Holy crap? He’s not leaving?” Zhou Chuxing panicked.

“He said he wants to see the Senior Year 3 students. Didn’t you hear?”

“Then I gotta hide. See ya!” Zhou Chuxing waved and bolted toward the boys’ restroom.

The students came swarming over, a bunch of girls clustering around Zhang Gou and chattering away. He looked like he was enjoying every minute of it.

Meng Bai glanced at Xu Zhou. Their eyes met.

“You know Zhang Gou’s a real scumbag, right? Zhou An’s disappearance is directly tied to him.”

“Of course I know.” Revulsion flashed in Xu Zhou’s eyes. “I even know how it went down. He made a bet with Zhou Qiang—wanted Zhou An to meet him—and Zhou Qiang actually went and did it. Later, Zhou Qiang took Zhou An…” Xu Zhou glanced behind Meng Bai. “They’re coming. Let’s head to the classroom first. I’ll fill you in on the details later.”

Meng Bai eyed Zhang Gou, wondering if he’d come looking for her.

One thought raced through her mind: Should she still hide?

Zhang Gou was approaching slowly, just ten meters ahead.

Meng Bai made her decision on the spot. Instead of turning toward the school building, she strode right up to him.

She stopped when she was less than five meters away.

“Mr. Zhang?”

Zhang Gou looked up, his gaze settling on Meng Bai.

His expression shifted subtly. He froze for a couple of seconds, as if he wanted to say something.

But Meng Bai beat him to it. “Do you remember me? It was just a few days ago.”