As one of the most prestigious century-old institutions in Xia Country, Fuhua University's heritage was not merely written on paper.
When the Aston Martin DB11 drove off the overpass and turned onto the tree-lined University Road, the surrounding air seemed to settle down with it.
Tall, flourishing sycamore trees lined both sides of the road, and sunlight filtered through the layers of leaves, casting countless dappled, dancing spots of light onto the asphalt.
The architectural style along the way also subtly shifted, moving away from the cold modernity of the city center, replaced by red-brick buildings marked by the passage of time and classic Republican-era structures.
This place was a world unto itself, filled with a rich humanistic atmosphere and academic solemnity.
Lu Zhe slowed the car, the window half-down, letting the breeze carrying the fresh scent of grass and wood brush against his cheek.
He really liked this atmosphere—quiet and profound—which involuntarily allowed one's restless mind to settle.
However, this tranquility was completely shattered the moment he arrived at the main south gate of Fuhua University.
September 1st was the peak period for new student registration.
The ancient and elegant school gate, engraved with the four gilded characters "Fuhua University," was currently bustling with noise and traffic.
A massive red banner read, "Warm Welcome to the Class of 2025," and colorful flags fluttered in the wind along both sides of the road.
Senior students, dressed in uniform volunteer outfits, were enthusiastically guiding new students and their parents.
The air was filled with the restlessness of youth, the sadness of parting, and boundless anticipation for the future.
It was against this vibrant, down-to-earth backdrop that a star-purple aston martin silently glided into everyone's view at an extremely moderate speed.
Initially, not many people noticed it.
Its engine sound, tuned to be exceptionally deep in SPORT mode, was inconspicuous amidst the surrounding clamor.
Until it stopped in front of the vehicle registration booth at the school gate.
In that moment, time seemed to hit the slow-motion button.
The first person to fall silent was a sophomore student responsible for guidance at the entrance.
The standard smile on her face froze slightly, and the speech she had prepared got stuck in her throat.
Her gaze was firmly captured by the car's extremely smooth lines and the deep, starry purple color.
Immediately after, the students around her also noticed it.
The crowd's noise was like a lake struck by a large stone, and ripples of "silence" spread outward, centered on the car.
Whispers began to rise from various corners of the crowd.
"Did... did I see that right? Is that an Aston Martin?" A glasses-wearing boy who looked quite knowledgeable about cars subconsciously pushed up his spectacles, his tone full of uncertainty.
"The DB11... it's definitely the DB11! This color is stunning, I've only ever seen it in magazines! That must cost millions, right?" His companion had already pulled out his phone, pointing the camera at the car, his fingers trembling slightly from excitement.
"Oh my god, which deity is registering at our school? Driving a supercar to college—what kind of family wealth is that?"
"Maybe it's a parent dropping off a younger sibling?"
"Would a parent drive this kind of car? They look too young!"
The discussions spread rapidly like a prairie fire.
More and more people turned their heads, focusing their attention here.
The attention of the new students—those who were just saying reluctant goodbyes to their parents, those who were anxious about finding their dormitories, and those who were still full of beautiful fantasies about college life—was ruthlessly seized by the appearance of this car.
Lu Zhe sat in the car, calmly watching everything unfolding before him through the dark window.
He felt the converging gazes: fervent, curious, scrutinizing, envious, and even a hint of barely perceptible jealousy.
He frowned slightly.
This was the trouble he had anticipated.
He had originally wanted to park the car outside the campus and walk in, but the navigation led him directly here, and the volunteers at the gate explicitly stated that new students' vehicles could register to enter the campus and park temporarily in designated areas.
He did not enjoy the feeling of being the center of attention.
To him, there was no essential difference between this and being locked in a cage at the zoo, watched by tourists.
The security guard responsible for registration was clearly a bit stunned as well.
He had seen plenty of luxury cars—Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and even Porsche—none of which were rare at this university, a place where hidden talents gathered.
But an aston martin, appearing on a new student registration day, was absolutely a first.
He composed himself, walked to the car window, and tapped it somewhat nervously.
The window smoothly lowered, revealing the young, handsome, yet slightly aloof face of the driver.
It was a face that could overshadow most idol celebrities.
His features were defined, his eyes deep, his nose high and straight, and the curve of his lips suggested a certain coldness.
His skin was a healthy tan, not the pale complexion currently in vogue.
Most impressive were his eyes—pitch black and calm, like two ancient, bottomless wells, revealing no emotional fluctuations.
When this face was combined with this top-tier supercar, it created a marvelous and convincing chemical reaction.
The surrounding chatter instantly quieted down even more.
Some girls who had originally held onto fantasies were now completely captivated.
"Hello, student. Vehicles for new students need to be registered," the security guard said, trying to keep his tone professional.
"Mhm." Lu Zhe nodded, handing over his acceptance letter, his voice crisp and clear: "Economics Department, Lu Zhe."
The security guard took it, verified the information, quickly completed the registration procedure, then gave Lu Zhe a complex look and pressed the barrier lift button.
"Thank you."
Lu Zhe retrieved his documents, and the car window slowly rose, once again isolating him from the outside world.
He did not hesitate, lightly tapping the accelerator, and the DB11, in a gentle manner highly unsuited to its status, slowly drove into the century-old institution.
Long after the car had driven inside, the commotion at the school gate still hadn't subsided.
"Holy crap! He really is a new student! From the Economics Department, named Lu Zhe!"
"He's way too handsome! He just looks a bit distant..."
"Now *that's* a real heartthrob! Rich and good-looking—why does he even need to go to university?"
"Quick, check the school forum! Someone has already posted, the title is 'Shock! Aston Martin Appears at Fuhua University South Gate on First Day of School!' and the thread already has hundreds of replies!"
The entire school had been "blown up" prematurely by the arrival of one car.
Yet, Lu Zhe, the center of this storm, was completely unaware of it and utterly uninterested.
He drove slowly through the campus, following the volunteers' directions.
The scenery outside the window was beautiful: ivy climbed the ancient academic buildings, and on the wide lawns, students sat scattered in small groups, holding books and talking softly.
This was the university life he wanted.
He found the temporary parking spot and parked the car.
Then, like the most ordinary new student, he took his simple suitcase from the trunk, put on his backpack, and locked the car door.
He did not look back at the sports car that had attracted countless eyes, walking straight toward the Economics Department new student registration area.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting flickering spots of light onto his pure white T-shirt.
His figure was tall and lonely, standing out against the surrounding hustle and bustle.
He was just here for school.
That was all.