Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Eminent Patron of Kangda

Lei Zhiyi stood on the stage, announcing the donation list for the third time. Once again, I heard Luo Ange’s name; not only was he establishing the Lan Feng Scholarship at Kang University, he would also fully sponsor outstanding students to study abroad, and welcomed Kang University graduates to work at Lan Feng.

Lei Zhiyi, representing Kang University, presented flowers to Luo Ange and, smiling like a fairy, asked, “Mr. Luo, may I represent all the faculty and students of Kang University and give you a hug?”

Luo Ange rose and gave Lei Zhiyi a big embrace.

The crowd erupted in screams. A girl behind me protested, “He’s my idol! Why doesn’t he hug me?”

As the celebration neared its end, Aunt Su came over and told us we’d have dinner together later—no one was allowed to slip away.

The final program was a recitation by faculty and student representatives of “Hello, Tomorrow,” a poem widely circulated on Kang University’s campus network. Their passionate reading swept through the audience, students rising to join in the recitation.

The host declared the anniversary celebration a complete success, and petals rained down from above. I saw many girls surround Luo Ange for autographs, photos, and hugs. He obliged every request, smiling like a friendly older brother.

Beside him, his rumored girlfriend was escorted away by bodyguards.

The three of us got into Aunt Su’s car and headed to a famous club in Kang City for dinner.

Halfway there, my phone vibrated with a message—just a few simple words: I regret it.

I knew it was from Luo Ange. I didn’t react, but pondered the meaning behind those four words.

He couldn’t regret biting me, nor could he regret retaliating against Rong Luo Zheng. So it must be regret about the donation promise made at the celebration.

I replied quickly: What do you want?

His response came swiftly: Don’t leave until we meet.

Tonight, the club was reserved by Kang University, with name cards on every table. Principal Xia had clearly put in tremendous effort, but judging by the results of the celebration, it was all worth it.

Aunt Su led us straight up to the top floor, to a private room overlooking the sea. She whispered, “Master Luo is a great benefactor to Kang University. You three behave yourselves.”

I sighed. She had no idea that whether Luo Ange honored his pledge—the money and everything else—was entirely up to me.

Principal Xia and the others were already inside. Besides him and Luo Ange, there was Madam Mo Yinghuai and several historians and biologists, all said to be academicians of the two institutes, who had also donated.

Principal Xia spoke excitedly, “Master Luo, we truly owe so much to you this time—I don’t know how to thank you.”

Luo Ange glanced at me as he replied, “Principal Xia, you’re too kind. It’s only what I should do.”

Aunt Su seated us. Mo Yinghuai looked us over and asked, “Principal Xia, Kang University truly produces talent. Every program today was impressive, but what struck me most was the performance by these three young ladies.”

Others chimed in, and Principal Xia nodded, “We’re honored, Madam Mo.”

Mo Yinghuai said, “My little grandson has recently taken a fancy to roller skating. If you don’t mind, Principal Xia, may I borrow one of these young ladies?”

Luo Ange pointed at me. “Let her do it.”

Mo Yinghuai looked at her grandson. “You rascal, meddling in my affairs again.”

Luo Ange pursed his lips. “Tired of me? Then I’ll leave. There’s business to attend to in Moscow.”

I knew that if he left, not only my own dreams would shatter, but Xia Qi would be implicated as well.

She was my closest friend, so radiant and cheerful—she couldn’t be harmed.

I smiled. “I’m willing.”

Xia Qi tugged at me under the table. “Are you out of your mind?”

Aunt Su was delighted. “Lanshan got her roller skating coach certificate two years ago—she’s an old hand. She’s the perfect choice.”

Mo Yinghuai paused, then nodded. “Very well, then. I’ll trouble you, young lady.”

I nodded. “Don’t mention it.”

Throughout the meal, I kept my head down. My mood soured my appetite; nothing tasted right, and I didn’t dare look up lest I meet Luo Ange’s gaze.

Someone brought up Luo Ange’s rumored girlfriend. He laughed, “Forgive me, uncles and elders, if I were really as fickle as the gossip says, my grandparents would have beaten me.”

Mo Yinghuai shot him a glance. “If you truly settled down and gave me a little great-grandchild, how could I bear to hit you?”

Someone remarked, “The girl you brought to the celebration looked quite nice—why isn’t she here now? Master Luo, are you hiding her away?”