The lecture hall was packed.
Professor Han Zhiguo, known across departments as "The Unbreakable," stood at the podium with his arms crossed. He wasn't the kind of professor who spoon-fed success. He let students drown or swim.
"For this semester," he said, adjusting his glasses, "you will work in teams. But individual excellence will be rewarded."
The class murmured, excitement and anxiety mixing.
Xiao Lie remained quiet in the back row, notebook open, pen poised. While others whispered about how strict Professor Han was, he was already noting down the structure of the term project.
It was a business simulation—an intensive competition judged by creativity, data use, and impact.
"One shot," the professor said. "Top five teams will get internship recommendations. And top individuals may receive one-on-one mentorship. That is, if you're worth my time."
A Week Later – Club Room
While others scrambled for team members, Xiao Lie stayed solo. His clubmates found it odd.
"Bro, you sure you don't want in on our team?" one offered.
"Thanks, but I've got something different in mind."
In reality, Xiao Lie had already drafted his proposal: a social venture aimed at helping students from low-income backgrounds get career guidance and peer mentorship.
Not flashy. But real.
Two Days Before Submission
Professor Han paced through the library's upper floor, holding a few half-baked proposals in his hand, irritation building. Most students were focused on gimmicks.
That's when he saw it.
A lone student, eyes sharp, hands typing fast. Xiao Lie sat by a pillar, research tabs open, financial models built from scratch. Graphs, projections, case studies—clean, detailed, thoughtful.
Han stopped.
"You're Xiao Lie, yes?"
Xiao looked up. "Yes, sir."
"You've submitted your draft already."
"I've been revising it. Every data point should have a purpose."
Han paused. His expression unreadable.
Then, a rare nod. "Good. Keep this up."
The Results Day
The top five teams were announced.
Cheers. Smiles. Pictures.
Then Han stepped forward again.
"I also reviewed individual work. There was one submission that showed maturity, purpose, and real-world potential."
He turned slightly.
"Xiao Lie. Stay back after class."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Some looked shocked. A few surprised.
Yao Yixuan, sitting with friends nearby, turned sharply.Lin Shuyun, seated two rows back, narrowed her eyes—focused.
After the lecture, Xiao Lie walked up. Calm. Unaffected.
"You wanted to see me, Professor?"
"Yes." Han folded his arms. "Your proposal—it's rough, but it has heart. Let me ask you… why this idea?"
Xiao met his gaze. "Because it's the kind of help I wish I had. And I don't want to wait for someone else to build it."
Han smiled slightly.
"Then let's build it together."
That Evening
Back in his dorm room, Xiao Lie sat alone, the city lights glowing beyond the window.
He wasn't chasing love now.Not praise.Not validation.
He was chasing value—and for the first time…
Someone powerful had seen it.