After ninety-nine online romances, I finally met my ex in person when school started.

The main sports field of Kyoto University's East Campus fell silent instantly.

The crisp sound of high heels clicking on the rubber track grew louder as it approached. Dozens of usually imposing deans and department heads were now all hunched over, lagging behind by half a step, obediently following behind that silver-white figure.

Meng Wanqing walked at the very front.

A silver-white Suzhou-embroidered cheongsam clung to her voluptuous curves. At the high slit, her shapely legs, encased in sheer flesh-colored stockings, moved with each step. The exquisite texture of the stockings shimmered dazzlingly in the autumn sunlight. A cream-colored cashmere shawl was casually draped over her shoulders, exuding an air of unapproachable nobility.

Xia Wanying pushed up her large sunglasses, her red lips pressed tightly together. She was the female CEO of a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, but she also knew this was China's top university. Going head-to-head with the executive vice-president, who held all administrative power, on Peking University's premises was not a worthwhile trade. Besides, she didn't want to cause trouble for Zhu Xunchuan.

Xia Wanying raised her right hand and made a gesture. The dozen or so menacing bodyguards in black behind her immediately took three steps back, abandoning their previous arrogance.

Su Mucheng, standing at the edge of the stage, was even more sensible. People in the entertainment industry have a natural, keen sense for power. She turned around, picked up a lyric book to cover half her face, and quietly retreated behind the sound control console, completely giving up the main stage.

This is Zhu Xun Chuan's current confidence. As long as he stands in the middle, these proud and powerful beauties will all unconsciously consider his feelings and automatically follow the rules.

Meng Wanqing stopped outside the cordon.

"Principal Meng, this is Zhu Xunchuan, the freshman representative from the School of Literature..." Director Zhang from the Academic Affairs Office quickly stepped forward, pointing to Zhu Xunchuan in preparation for introduction.

"I know him," Meng Wanqing said, raising her hand to interrupt him.

Her voice was clear, cold, and dignified, carrying an unquestionable authority. The surrounding school leaders immediately fell silent, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Meng Wanqing's gaze pierced through the several meters of space and landed directly on Zhu Xunchuan's face.

Zhu Xun Chuan stood with his hands in his trouser pockets, completely at ease. He met Meng Wan Qing's gaze, a casual smile playing on his lips.

"Zhu, how's the stage preparation going?" Meng Wanqing asked in a businesslike tone.

"Reporting to Principal Meng, it's basically finished." Zhu Xun Chuan pulled his hand away and casually pointed behind him, "The equipment has been replaced with the latest batch, and safety hazards have been checked. There won't be any problems tomorrow night."

Meng Wanqing nodded, her gaze shifting slightly to Xia Wanying.

"This must be Mr. Xia from Dinghe Group," Meng Wanqing said calmly. "I just heard someone report in the administration building that more than a dozen heavy trucks drove in. Thank you, Mr. Xia, for sponsoring the equipment for the Peking University welcome party."

Xia Wanying took off her sunglasses and looked directly into Meng Wanqing's eyes.

"Principal Meng, you're too kind." Xia Wanying raised her chin slightly, not showing any weakness. "As a member of the school board, it's my duty to care about the students' physical and mental health. This is just a small token of my appreciation for the equipment; there's no need to go through the school's accounts."

Two top-tier forces clashed in the air. One was the executive vice-principal from a long-established political family in Shanghai, and the other was the head of a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate that controlled the business world in North China.

The air around them seemed to freeze. Director Zhang frantically wiped his sweat with a handkerchief, terrified that these two powerful figures might suddenly turn on each other on the playground.

Meng Wanqing suddenly smiled. This smile, while dignified, carried a subtle, authoritative pressure.

"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Xia. However, Peking University has its own rules. Any externally sponsored equipment requires the joint signature of the Logistics Department and the Audit Department." Meng Wanqing turned to Director Zhang, "Director Zhang, expedite the process. Finalize the equipment receipt for Dinghe Group before midnight tonight."

"Yes! Yes! I'll take care of it right away!" Director Zhang felt as if he had been granted a pardon.

In a single sentence. With a simple, understated statement, Xia Wanying was stripped of her privilege of forcibly interfering with the stage arrangements using her equipment, and all resources were brought back under the school's control.

This is the absolute suppressive power of those in power.

Xia Wanying gritted her teeth. She knew she was at a disadvantage in this exchange, but in front of Zhu Xunchuan, she suppressed the urge to lash out.

Having dealt with the external threats, Meng Wanqing looked at Zhu Xunchuan again.

"Thank you for your hard work, classmate." Meng Wanqing took a thick red folder with an official red stamp from the secretary behind her.

Holding the folder, she took two steps forward and walked directly to Zhu Xun Chuan.

The distance between the two shrank to less than half a meter. A scent, a blend of sophisticated cool fragrance and the natural scent of a mature woman, entered Zhu Xun Chuan's nostrils.

"This is the final version of the program checklist just issued by the Education Bureau, and it's the only standard for tomorrow night's proceedings." Meng Wanqing handed the folder to Zhu Xunchuan with both hands.

Dozens of school leaders watched from behind. Xia Wanying and Su Mucheng watched from the side.

Zhu Xun Chuan reached out his hands to receive it.

The moment their hands met beneath the red folder.

Meng Wanqing released her left hand. Her right index finger silently slid down, the fingertip touching Zhu Xunchuan's outstretched palm.

The jade-like finger, painted with clear nail polish, with a warm touch, slowly and heavily traced the lifeline on Zhu Xun Chuan's palm from bottom to top.

Zhu Xunchuan's arm muscles tensed instantly.

Right there in the open-air playground where thousands of people were watching, right under the noses of the school's richest chairman and a top pop star, this unapproachable executive vice principal made the most provocative and seductive gesture with the most dignified expression.

An extreme sense of immorality mixed with stimulation rushed straight to Zhu Xun Chuan's head.

Zhu Xun Chuan's eyes darkened. Instead of backing down, he took the opportunity to press his right thumb against Meng Wan Qing's soft hand as he took the folder, a clear act of retaliation and implication.

A hint of embarrassment and annoyance flashed in Meng Wanqing's eyes, and she quickly withdrew her hand.

She straightened her shawl and turned to face the entire audience.

"The Education Bureau's latest directive is that, in order to promote teacher-student relationships in the new era, tomorrow night's gala must deepen the theme of teachers and students performing together." Meng Wanqing's clear voice echoed across the playground. "As the executive vice principal, I should set an example. Tomorrow night's finale performance will be a special interactive segment in which I personally participate."

These words caused an uproar in the room.

Director Zhang's eyes widened. Dozens of school leaders exchanged bewildered glances. No one had expected that Principal Meng, usually so aloof and unapproachable, would actually take to the stage to perform.

Xia Wanying gripped the temples of her sunglasses tightly. Su Mucheng stopped flipping through the lyric book.

Women's intuition is terrifying. From Meng Wanqing's words, they sensed an extremely dangerous signal for war.

"Zhu, student." Meng Wanqing turned her head and gave Zhu Xunchuan a meaningful look. "This is the first time in decades that a university-level leader has taken the stage at Peking University. You need to prepare well and cooperate fully with the university. There can be no mistakes."

"Understood." Zhu Xun Chuan held the folder, his smile widening. "I will cooperate fully and ensure the principal's satisfaction."

Meng Wanqing gave him a deep look, then turned and left, surrounded by a group of school leaders. Her silver-white cheongsam-clad figure quickly disappeared at the end of the tree-lined path.

The oppressive atmosphere that had been hanging over the playground finally dissipated.

Xia Wanying walked over in high heels, staring coldly at the red folder: "She went on stage herself? What's a vice principal in charge of administration doing on stage?"

Su Mucheng also quietly leaned closer, her big eyes full of worry: "Brother Chuan, why do I feel like Principal Meng looked at you strangely just now?"

Zhu Xun Chuan did not answer. He lowered his head and opened the folder stamped with a top-secret red seal with one hand.

The first dozen or so pages are all regular choral singing, recitation, and dance.

He flipped directly to the last page.

The pupils suddenly contracted.

The final draft of tomorrow night's grand finale program was printed in black and white on white paper.

[Grand Finale Interactive Program: Tango (Couple Dance)]

[Performers: Executive Vice President Meng Wanqing, and Zhu Xunchuan, freshman representative from the School of Humanities]

[Music: Por Una Cabeza (One Step Away)]