Han Luoli's first action upon sitting down was a customary cold glance over the entire room.
In just a moment, the man's eyes turned incredibly dark, his features grave, "Principal Wang, are all the graduates from your architecture design department present?"
Principal Wang nudged Professor Liu, who was at his side with a large belly.
Professor Liu adjusted his glasses, aware that the visitor was not someone to be trifled with, and stepped forward respectfully, "All four hundred and eighty-six students from our department are here."
The principal had already messaged him earlier, and now everyone was silent and orderly, all lined up.
"Yes, yes, all accounted for," Principal Wang echoed.
Narrowing his eyes, Han Luoli finally parted his lips, "Is Gu Xiaoer, a senior student of your architecture design department, from your school?"
The portly professor was taken aback, nodded, and said, "Gu Xiaoer is indeed a student of our department. Gu Xiaoer, please stand up."
There was no response, and Professor Liu cleared his throat softly and called out again, sensing an ominous premonition within.
After calling out three times, no one responded.
Sweat began to form on the foreheads of the rotund professor and Principal Wang—how could there be no one at such a crucial time?
"Principal, professor, Gu Xiaoer... she asked for leave," Ai Le said with a trembling heart, but not wanting her good friend to be punished, she bravely stood up.
From her angle looking up to the second floor, she couldn't see the man's face clearly, only knowing that he was a man with a commanding presence. Dressed in a sharp black suit, the cold aura he emitted was so intense that she could feel it even from this distance.
Poor Xiao Er, I hope you find luck! Who knows why they're suddenly calling names, and of all people, it had to be you who's not here!
Such an unfortunate child; after attending classes for so many days, you just had to walk into the line of fire this time.
Xiao Er, this is all I can do for you.
Han Luoli rose cleanly from his seat, his tone as dark as his expression, "Whenever everyone is here, that's when we can talk about investment again!"
Well done, Gu Xiaoer, lying to him about attending class at the school, but no one knows where you've run off to!
Principal Wang's aged face fell, he said angrily, "Get in touch with Gu Xiaoer immediately, have her come to the principal's office!"
Having said that, he quickly followed after Han Luoli.
In the exhibition hall, the only ones left were the students looking at each other in dismay.
Gu Xiaoer, oh Gu Xiaoer, skipping class has doomed you this time.
Ai Le's face went ashen as she grabbed her phone and dialed the oblivious protagonist, but after trying three times, no one picked up.
By the time Gu Xiaoer saw the missed calls on her phone, she was already at the design institute.
Just as she was about to return the call, she was summoned by the person in charge, "You're Gu Xiaoer, right? Hurry over here to change your clothes."
Half an hour later, Gu Xiaoer stood in front of the teacher in charge, wearing a fitted evening gown, looking rather constrained.
"Teacher, do I really have to wear this?" This is supposed to be a formal design institute, isn't it, but isn't this dress a bit too revealing?
"Young lady, this is the fashion design branch. Are you trying to scare people by modeling in plain, frumpy sportswear?" The responsible teacher seemed to have read Gu Xiaoer's thoughts, rolled her eyes, and sneered, "Don't think such nonsense. This place is a design institute, not a nightclub. The people you're serving are all top designers, and the visitors are also esteemed guests. Clear your mind of all that mess. Besides, even if there was such good fortune, do you think you'd be chosen?"
Gu Xiaoer nodded in relief, thinking that with her ordinary looks and lack of figure, she definitely wouldn't catch anyone's fancy.