Previously on Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group...
Zhang Ying pursued Ye Chen, making advances and hinting at a past encounter. Song Xiaoxiao arrived with friends, witnessing the interaction. Despite Ye Chen's dismissal, Zhang Ying's suggestive remarks caused tension with Song Xiaoxiao. A sudden call about his reporting day provided Ye Chen an escape, leaving both women behind. He then arrived at his new class, a mix of professionals, and drew immediate attention upon introduction.
As soon as Ye Chen made his introduction, gasps of astonishment rippled through the classroom. "Hello, everyone. I am Ye Chen, a deliveryman. It's a pleasure to be here and study alongside you all," Ye Chen stated nonchalantly. "What? A deliveryman?" You must understand that only company executives are permitted to study in this exclusive program; ordinary individuals are not qualified to attend. The fact that a deliveryman was present naturally caused considerable surprise among everyone. Earlier, when those women had lavished praise upon seeing Ye Chen, the surrounding men had seethed with jealousy. Now, an opportunity to mock Ye Chen had finally appeared, and they were certainly not going to let it pass. "Delivery boy, what's your monthly income? Can you even afford the tuition fees?" "How could someone like you possibly be worthy of studying alongside us?" "Being classmates with an individual like you is simply beneath my standing." These individuals held significant positions within their respective companies, and their inherent arrogance led them to look down upon others. Ye Chen paid no mind to their taunts, thinking that the more they acted this way, the less capable they likely were. Under their contemptuous gazes, Ye Chen calmly returned to his seat. The other classmates began introducing their occupations. There were CEOs from Fortune 500 companies, vice presidents of multinational conglomerates; in essence, everyone present possessed an impressive professional background. Only Ye Chen's identity seemed somewhat out of place. However, Ye Chen remained unconcerned. He reasoned that even if all their combined assets were tallied, they might not surpass his own, so there was no reason for him to feel inferior. The class was drawing to a close. Inside a meeting room at Modu University, Chen Lin, the university president, was visibly distressed as he convened a meeting. "We've just received urgent news: the lease agreement for our West District experimental building has expired, and the Yida Group intends to reclaim the property." "What? How could this happen? Our university is currently undergoing quality evaluations, and our overall ranking has been steadily declining. The experimental building is crucial; if it's taken back, we'll be ousted from the top ten. We absolutely cannot afford to lose it!" Chen Lin expressed his deep concern with a heavy tone. The other professors and deans nodded in agreement, their faces etched with worry. They all recognized that being pushed out of the top ten could relegate their esteemed institution to the status of a second-rate school, a fate entirely unacceptable for such an established establishment. "President, please consider other options, or perhaps report this matter to higher authorities." Chen Lin's brow furrowed. "Of course, I have reported it, but it's a legally binding contract. The Yida Group is acting strictly within the terms of the agreement, and rightfully so. I also heard they plan to construct a shopping mall on the site. There's truly nothing we can do." The atmosphere within the meeting room was thick with tension. Modu University occupied a prime location in the city center. This particular agreement had been signed over a decade ago; now that it had expired, the land had become incredibly valuable, making it an impossible demand for the university to expect its return. The critical issue was Modu University's financial constraints; they simply could not afford the exorbitant price now associated with the property. "Does anyone have any suggestions?" the Vice President in charge of planning asked, his expression troubled. "President, our campus is already quite limited in size. If the experimental building is occupied, we will truly be forced out of the top ten. We must find a way to negotiate." Chen Lin sighed. "I intend to negotiate, but they refuse to even grant me an audience. How am I supposed to negotiate?" "This..." Although Chen Lin held the esteemed position of president, the Yida Group was a formidable entity, ranking among the top ten listed companies. Naturally, they held little regard for him, consequently dismissing his concerns. Currently, Chen Lin couldn't even secure a meeting with their vice president. "Ah, businessmen prioritize profit above all else. On such valuable land, why would they possibly yield it to us?" Bitter expressions filled everyone's faces. A gathering of professors and deans, despite their extensive knowledge, found themselves utterly powerless in this situation. Ultimately, their expertise lay in research and technology, rendering them completely inept when faced with such complex practical matters. "Without our experimental building, the university's overall ranking will undoubtedly plummet, even negatively impacting our admissions." At that very moment, the director of academic affairs suddenly had a spark of inspiration. "I believe I might have an idea." "Our university is currently hosting an MBA program. Perhaps these students could offer some assistance?" Upon hearing the director's suggestion, Chen Lin's eyes lit up. "Indeed, are there any capable individuals among them?" The director responded, "Quite a number of them are CEOs and presidents. It's possible that some might have potential solutions." Hearing the director's words, everyone could only offer a wry smile. After all, Modu University's development in recent years had been less than stellar, failing to measure up to prestigious institutions like Huaqing or Wu University. However, at this juncture, there seemed to be no other recourse, much like attempting to revive a dying horse. Chen Lin harbored little optimism regarding these students. Ultimately, they were here to study, and whether they would extend the university the courtesy of their assistance was an entirely different question.
"Since this is the situation, Director Li, I will be handing this task over to you."
"Understood!" Director Li acknowledged with a nod.
Chen Lin then instructed, "Find out if there are any gifted students among them, will you?"
"There is a CEO from Tianhua Group, a Mr. Zhang Kai; he arrived in a Rolls-Royce valued at over ten million, appearing quite formidable."
"A Rolls-Royce worth more than ten million?"
A collective gasp went through the crowd.
To be able to afford a car exceeding ten million suggests personal assets amounting to billions, doesn't it?
"Hmm, let's ensure we connect with this student properly. Make certain he is invited to the symposium."
Just as Ye Chen concluded his class, Director Li made an appearance.
"Esteemed students, I have an important announcement. You are all exceptional individuals who have achieved success in your careers. We've decided to organize a symposium focused on future leaders. You might be interested in registering to attend; your peers are eager to hear your success narratives."
A symposium?
The eyes of everyone present lit up.
To be granted a platform at a university symposium is considered a significant honor.
What do accomplished individuals cherish the most?
Undoubtedly, it is prestige.
"My dear students, please note that available slots are limited. Only five individuals will have the opportunity to present."
Hearing Director Li's declaration.
"Only five?"
"Kindly submit your information, and we will proceed with the selection process from there."
Three days hence, the day of the symposium arrived.
Modu University was adorned with vibrant flowers and celebratory banners.
Ye Chen commenced his drive towards Modu University.
It was evident he was not part of the invited speaker group, as the selected individuals had already received notification from the university.
However, Ye Chen remained unconcerned; the prospect of giving presentations seemed rather mundane to him.
The moment Ye Chen exited his vehicle, Xiaoxiao swiftly approached.
Xiaoxiao, clad in her school uniform, looked undeniably charming.
Ye Chen's spirits lifted considerably upon seeing Xiaoxiao.
As the pair ambled across the campus, they instantly became the center of attention.
"Isn't that the campus beauty, Xiaoxiao? Who is the young man accompanying her?"
"He's strikingly handsome!"
Everywhere the two walked, they captured the gaze of countless fellow students.
