Can following the rules be called rebirth?

Chapter 203, Section 201: The Same Campus Celebrity
The largest auditorium at Jiangcheng University of Economics and Law, Mingde Hall, was brightly lit and bustling with activity.

The red carpet stretched from the audience to the stage, the air thick with tension and anticipation.

Since the slogan "mass entrepreneurship and innovation" was launched, innovation and entrepreneurship competitions have been held in various universities under different names.

Today is the final competition and awards ceremony of Jiangcheng University of Finance and Economics.

After all the project presentations were completed, the final and most important part was about to begin—announcing the first-prize winner.

A huge LED screen played introductions of the projects that had entered the finals in turn. The changing lights reflected the serious faces of the judges, the clenched fists of the contestants, and the countless focused eyes in the audience.

Gu Caiwei and Li Zhi sat side by side in the first row of the contestants' seats, near the edge.

The little princess is dressed much more formally than usual today.

A simple yet high-quality light gray cashmere sweater paired with black straight-leg trousers, her long brown hair flowing smoothly over her shoulders, adorned only with a small, delicate pearl hair clip by her ear.

She didn't wear many decorations, yet she possessed a quiet elegance.

"Baby, we should have won, right?"

"of course."

After the second prize winners were announced, Li Zhi finally changed her sitting posture.

She had just placed her hands on her knees, her fingertips slightly white, indicating she was still a little nervous.

After going from an award of excellence to a participation award and then to a real competitor, Li Zhi finally breathed a long sigh of relief after not hearing her own name called at all.

"We're so good, taking first place is a piece of cake!"

The short-haired girl, dressed in a neat beige suit, crossed her arms and wore a confident smile.

The first prize winner of this year's Jiangcheng University of Finance and Economics Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition is—

The host was Gao Hongbo, the vice president of the school's student union.

His voice was loud and clear, with deliberate pauses, which piqued everyone's interest.

The spotlight swept quickly across the representatives of the participating teams, and finally settled steadily on the front row.

"—Gu Caiwei's team's stress-relieving coffee!"

"Wow!!!"

A tremendous roar instantly engulfed the entire auditorium.

Despite the small audience at Nanhu University's entrepreneurship presentation, most attendees were there voluntarily.

Good schools tend to have a more steadfast stance and position. At Jiangcheng University of Finance and Economics, the auditorium was packed, and many colleges required freshmen to attend.

The School of Finance, where Gu Caiwei studied, and the School of Law, where Li Zhi studied, erupted in enthusiastic cheers and applause. Students whistled and clapped loudly, feeling proud of themselves.

These days, it's normal not to have heard of niche entrepreneurial projects from senior students.

But anyone who says they haven't tried the popular "Relief Coffee" in Nanhu is definitely an oddball!
You're falling behind the times!

Under the spotlight, Gu Caiwei and Li Zhi stood up, first turning slightly to the side and bowing deeply to their classmates and friends who supported the "Worry-Free Coffee" before walking calmly onto the stage to receive their awards.

The lights followed the two girls, and every step they took seemed like they were riding the waves amidst applause.

Congratulations!

The principal stood personally on the podium, and the heavy golden trophy was handed to Gu Caiwei.

The leader smiled kindly and, in turn, firmly shook hands with her and Li Zhi.

"The Worry-Relieving Coffee lives up to its name; its project concept, operating model, and social value are all outstanding! It has brought honor to our school!"

"I'll buy a cup from the app and try it out later!"

"Thank you, Principal! Thank you, leaders! Thank you, judges!"

Gu Caiwei giggled, her soft, sweet voice carrying clearly through the microphone throughout the auditorium. After the awards ceremony, reporters from the Jiangcheng University of Finance and Economics' publicity department and the school newspaper couldn't contain themselves any longer, instantly swarming around with microphones and recorders.

A capable-looking senior from the publicity department got the first chance to ask a question.

"Congratulations, Gu Caiwei! As one of the less prominent participants in this competition, and the only one with a physical project, how did the idea for 'Relief Coffee' come about, which started as a small campus coffee shop and has now developed into a platform integrating diversified services?"

"This one"

Holding the trophy, Gu Caiwei faced the camera and countless eyes, her face still adorned with a sweet smile, her dimples sparkling.

"The birth of Jieyou Coffee actually stems from the connection between people. I want to thank my good sister Li Zhi, as well as another shareholder classmate who was unable to attend."

She paused for a moment, then continued.

"Everyone's initial idea was very simple."

"The coffee shop is a carrier, a physical space, a place for people to relax. But as more and more ideas came to fruition, my partners came up with more novel and feasible ideas, which led us step by step to where we are today."

“Even now, our core focus is not on selling coffee, but on creating a safe, warm, and supportive community hub.”

A slight smile played on her lips, and her eyes grew even more determined.

"The Relief Cafe made me realize that true value lies in creating connections, in conveying warmth, and in responding to the real world with action."

"The satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that this career brings me far exceeds any expensive gift."

"Thank you for your answer, Gu Caiwei!"

The interviewer was clearly moved by this sincere and insightful answer. She turned the microphone to the other side and asked the short-haired girl next to Gu Caiwei.

"Then let me ask Li Zhi."

"What does receiving the university's highest award and the 600,000 yuan innovation and entrepreneurship reward from the university mean for you and Jieyou Coffee? What are your next plans?"

Li Zhi looked at the prize money slip in her hand, its bright light reflecting in her clear eyes.

"Winning the first prize and the prize money is not only a great affirmation of the concept of Relief Coffee, but also a heavy responsibility."

"It means that what we do is needed and valuable, and it gives us a larger platform and stronger confidence."

"At the same time, this is also the best birthday gift for Vivi~"

The short-haired girl cleared her throat and spoke earnestly.

"Next, we will use this prize money and the incubation support provided by the school to expand the scale of Jieyou Coffee stores, improve services and technology, and ensure that everyone gets the best consumer experience!"

"Of course, before that, I'll take Vivi out to celebrate and have a nice meal!"

This remark drew laughter from those around him, and the reporter chimed in with his own comments.

"That's right, I believe that the affirmation and blessings from the school will definitely be the best birthday gift for Gu Caiwei."

Thunderous applause erupted again and lasted for a long time.

After the ceremony and interviews ended, Gu Caiwei and Li Zhi were immediately surrounded by the crowd.

"Weiwei! Weiwei, is your birthday coming up soon?"

"Six hundred thousand! Six hundred thousand! Oh my god~"

"She's going to become a rich woman."

"What are you talking about? She's a rich woman!"

He was surrounded by flowers, applause, and smiling faces.

Even classmates who weren't that close to each other were all suggesting that the trophy should be placed in the most prominent position in the store.

(End of this chapter)