Chapter 42: A Surprise on the Rankings

As the weather grew hotter, business at the milk tea shop flourished accordingly. Lin Qianfan’s new "smoothie milk tea" was met with universal acclaim, and many customers even specifically requested this new flavor. The daily order volume kept the staff constantly on their feet. Lin Qianfan could only squeeze in time to write his book at home, his schedule becoming increasingly tight. Yet, he did not feel tired; instead, he felt fulfilled.

The college entrance exam results were released. Lin Qianfan checked the results website early at the milk tea shop, watching the progress bar on the computer screen spin a few times. Several striking digits caught his eye—688! As he scanned them, the corners of his mouth curled upward involuntarily. Although he had expected it, the score still gave him a sense of reassurance.

Yongpan lunged down from his chair and crowded in front of the screen. "How is it? With this score, you're set for A University, right?"

Lin Qianfan nodded, saved a screenshot of the score report, and turned to look at Dawei. "Did you check yours?"

"Checked, I checked." Dawei handed over his phone. The score on the screen was significantly lower than Lin Qianfan’s, but it was passable. "Barely made it. I can definitely apply to those ordinary universities in the city."

Lin Qianfan glanced at it. "It's fine, don't worry too much. We can discuss it when it’s time to fill out the applications."

Dawei grinned, "Just waiting for those words."

His roommates finished checking their scores one by one. Yongpan’s results were slightly better than expected, but he would still have to choose from ordinary undergraduate institutions in the city. Watching them, Lin Qianfan suddenly thought of Xia Ruo and sent her a message: "Did you check?"

Xia Ruo replied quickly, clearly excited as well: "Checked, I... I got 682."

"That's great. Let’s go out for dinner tonight. Bring everyone from your dorm."

"Okay."

Lin Qianfan closed his phone and looked back at his roommates. "I’m treating everyone tonight. Don't eat dinner; save some room."

Upon hearing this, Yongpan immediately perked up. "Are we having meat?"

Lin Qianfan picked up a water glass from the table and tossed it at him. "I've invited everyone from Xia Ruo’s dorm, so don't embarrass me."

Dawei winked, "Oh, Qianfan, so we're just an afterthought, huh?"

"You don't have to come if you don't want to."

"Coming! I’m definitely coming!"

***

In the evening, Lin Qianfan chose a food stall not far from the school and ordered a table full of dishes. Not long after, Xia Ruo and her roommates arrived. Xia Ruo led the way, followed by a few other girls. As soon as they sat down, Yongpan and Dawei took charge of livening up the atmosphere, introducing themselves enthusiastically and making the girls laugh repeatedly.

Lin Qianfan had spared no expense for this meal. He had booked a private room at the city's most luxurious hotel, and delicacies were brought out in a steady stream. Xia Ruo and her roommates were all stunned.

Lin Qianfan paid them no mind and poured a drink for Xia Ruo. "Be happy today, don't overthink things."

Xia Ruo nodded. "Did you feel more relaxed after checking your scores?"

"I suppose," Lin Qianfan said, picking up a piece of roasted ribs and taking a bite. "But there are still a ton of things to handle, so I can't really relax."

Hearing this, Yongpan immediately jumped in, "What else could you be busy with? The exam is over, now we're just waiting for college."

Lin Qianfan shook his head. "College isn't going to be a time for leisure either; I have to prepare in advance."

"Prepare for what? Can it be more troublesome than the college entrance exam?" Dawei asked, his mouth full of skewers.

"You'll know in the future." Lin Qianfan didn't explain further and turned to Xia Ruo. "How did you all do? Where are you planning to go?"

Xia Ruo hesitated. "I’ve decided to apply to A University."

Zhang Lin, the girl sitting next to her, spoke up, "I’m going with Xia Ruo. I’m applying to A University too." Zhang Lin was Xia Ruo’s best friend from high school, and she had always protected Xia Ruo whenever Xu Qian caused trouble in the dorm.

Another girl added, "I want to try for A University. It’s a bit of a stretch, but I’ll give it a shot."

The last girl kept her head down and didn't speak. Lin Qianfan noticed her expression and asked, "What about you?"

The girl looked up at him and said rather sheepishly, "My score is low; there's basically no hope for the universities in the city. I also want to be close to you all."

Xia Ruo quickly comforted her, "Xiaoyan, don't think like that. The vocational college next to A University is quite good. It's close by, so we can still hang out."

Xiaoyan sighed, "I guess that's the only way."

Lin Qianfan nodded. "Vocational colleges have their benefits, too. At least you learn a trade. When you graduate, finding a job won't be any harder than for undergraduates."

As they chatted, the conversation drifted back to filling out applications. Lin Qianfan briefly shared his plans and offered a few suggestions to Dawei and Yongpan. "It would be best if we all chose schools in the city. It’s close, and we can look out for each other."

Yongpan nodded, "Yes, that’s what I was thinking."

***

Dawei agreed, "Anyway, with my score, there are only a few schools to pick from, so it doesn't matter."

One of Lin Qianfan’s roommates also didn't have enough points for A University and decided, like Xiaoyan, to apply to the vocational college next to it. Xia Ruo’s roommates also expressed their agreement, all feeling that staying in the city was the most convenient option.

The dinner lasted until nine o'clock. Lin Qianfan settled the bill and walked Xia Ruo and the others back. On the way, an idea suddenly popped into his head.

"Xia Ruo, what do you think about starting a business in college?"

Xia Ruo was stunned for a moment. "Starting a business? Don't you already have a milk tea shop and a delivery platform?"

"Those are just small ventures. There are more opportunities in college." Lin Qianfan paused. "However, if you want to start a business in college, you have to find a place in advance."

Xia Ruo nodded. "So, what are you planning to do?"

"I’ll talk to the principal later and see if he can help me connect with a university in the city."

The next morning, Lin Qianfan went to the principal’s office and explained his idea. After listening, the principal pondered for a moment. "You’ve got a sharp mind, kid. But the universities in the city aren't our school, after all. It’s not that easy to apply for a studio in advance."

"Principal, I know it's troublesome, but I really want to try."

The principal looked at him with approval. "Alright, I’ll help you ask around and see if we can establish a connection with one of the universities in the city."

"Thank you, Principal!"

Two days later, the principal invited Lin Qianfan to dinner, saying he had found an opportunity for him to meet with the president of a university in the city. The dinner was set at a restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere. Lin Qianfan arrived early and waited in the private room.

Before long, the principal walked in with a middle-aged man. "This is President Meng from the city university."

Lin Qianfan quickly stood up. "Hello, President Meng. I’m Lin Qianfan."

President Meng smiled. "I’ve heard you’re a student with vision. Let’s talk about your business plan today."

At the dinner table, Lin Qianfan clearly and logically explained his ideas, detailing everything from the content of the project and his expected goals to the resources he would need.