Cloud Sea University, nestled at the foot of a suburban mountain, boasts picturesque scenery and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Since its establishment, it has garnered significant fame at home and abroad, standing as a premier institution of higher education. A multitude of celebrities and wealthy entrepreneurs have graduated from Cloud Sea, earning global recognition.
As a representative alumnus, Arthur Lindsey, with his outstanding talent, extraordinary handsome appearance, and immense wealth that could rival that of a nation, is revered as a role model and idol by generations of juniors.
Back at his Alma Mater, Arthur strides ahead confidently, with Ella Lacey and Sally Jefferson trailing behind him.
Past the iconic South Campus Gate, the fountain plaza with circling doves, the distinctive library resembling a train tunnel, the towering bell tower, and the winding Emerald Lake, which stretches from the south to the north gate — Ella and Sally occasionally stop to whip out their smartphones for fervid selfies.
Arthur would humorously pause for a moment but never for more than a minute before heading to the next spot.
It was unprecedented for the CEO to wait for others patiently, especially a pair of student girls!
Despite running to keep up, Ella and Sally didn't dare to complain.
You must know that every time Arthur returned to Cloud Sea after graduation, it made the television news. Each event involved being surrounded by layers of leaders and security, like a superstar landing on the scene, the grandeur was astonishing.
His low-key demeanor at the moment was truly rare.
Soon, they arrived at the base of a slope at the northernmost part of the campus. A white waterfall cascaded down the mountain peak and splashed into a deep pool, creating emerald waves. The misty droplets felt cool on the skin.
The mountain was lush with treetops overlapping each other. Red cards, filled with wishes for good luck, hung from the branches.
This mountain, significantly famous in Cloud Sea, was known as the Fortune Turnaround Mountain.
On the eve of exams, it overflowed with students who wrote their wishes on cards and hung them here in the hope of earning good grades.
Ella, with her college entrance exam looming, also hoped for good luck. She trotted over to Arthur, grinning, "Arthur, the news always says that the Fortune Turnaround Mountain in Cloud Sea University is magical. Will you accompany me to make a wish up there, please?"
However, as Arthur, a man with an obsession for cleanliness, glanced at the muddy mountain, his handsome eyebrows furrowed. He sat down dispassionately in the pavilion at the foot of the mountain.
Ella was heartbroken for ten seconds, her admission to Cloud Sea University was a significant issue, especially with Arthur's mysterious promise concerning the castle... She turned around and dragged Sally, "Sally, he's not coming, let's go up."
"Ella, it's too dirty up there," Sally assumed the demeanor of a wealthy young lady, speaking with disdain, "Stop it, this wish and luck turning stuff are scams. You're so old, yet you still believe in these superstitions?"
"Psh, you both are born with silver spoons. Never mind, then. I'll go by myself."
Ella didn't mind the mud, having spent her childhood playing with it in the orphanage. Furthermore, the food she ate came from the soil. She dismissed their concerns, stepping on the rocks and gripping the tree trunks while she leisurely climbed the mountain.
Sally was quietly thrilled, her earlier provocation had indeed worked. With Ella climbing the mountain, she could be alone with Arthur!
She smoothed her skirt and calmly walked over to the pavilion to sit by Arthur, offering him a bottle of mineral water, "Arthur, the weather is dry, have some water."
Her voice was laced with concern and a hint of flirtation, so much so that she spared the use of the term 'brother'.
Arthur, however, seemingly missed her words, he didn't even turn around to accept the water from her. Sally froze in embarrassment as she stared at his broad and upright back.
Then, following his gaze, she looked up and saw -
To her surprise, Arthur had been paying attention to Ella's ascent all along?!