The generation of Chen Hansheng was largely influenced by the one-child policy, so many people, like him, Wang Zibo, and Xiao Rongyu, grew up without siblings. As a result, close friends who spoke the same dialect often replaced the need for family-like bonds. This was the case for Chen Hansheng and Wang Zibo. Wang Zibo was also the first person from Hong Kong who would be formally introduced to Shen Youchu.
Hu Linyu quickly arranged the dinner for Saturday, and brought it to Chen Hansheng for review while he was studying.
Chen Hansheng looked at it in surprise: "Why did you book a roadside stall?"
Hu Linyu was confused: "What else should I book? Other classes are also going to these places."
Chen Hansheng sighed. "You're kind-hearted, but this time is different. If it were just Old Guo, then it wouldn't matter, but if Guo Shimu is coming too, the level of the stall is too low. They won't say anything, but they might not come next time."
Chen Hansheng put down his book and decided to handle the matter personally at Yiwu Shopping Center.
After he left, Hu Linyu pouted and said to Shen Youchu, "He's so fierce. You'll have a tough time later."
Shen Youchu blushed a little.
Yiwu had plenty of places to eat, and Chen Hansheng quickly found a hotel that was about 300 yuan more expensive. After agreeing on the time and dishes, he went to buy gifts. These gifts weren't just for Guo Zhongyun and his wife but also for Zhong Jiancheng, Yu Yueping, and Guan Shuman.
This semester, Chen Hansheng had made more connections, but he hadn't yet managed to get close to people like Cai Qinong, the president of the finance school, or the vice president, Lu Gongchao. So for now, he needed to solidify his existing relationships.
The gifts were chosen carefully: he bought cigarettes for Yu Yueping and Guo Zhongyun, and silk scarves with features from Jiangling for Guan Shuman and Guo Shimu. The reason for calling them "Jiangling characteristics" was because of the famous weaving house from *Dream of the Red Chamber* located in Jiangling.
Zhong Jiancheng was different; he wasn't short of money, and giving him cigarettes or alcohol wouldn't impress him. Chen Hansheng thought it better to go for something more intellectual. When Chen Hansheng showed up with a banner reading, "Sincere thanks to Manager Zhong Jiancheng for providing part-time jobs for students at Jiangling University," Zhong Jiancheng couldn't stop smiling and insisted on taking a photo with him.
After the photo, the two sat down to chat. This was probably the last time they would meet before the New Year. Next time would be in the Year of the Sheep.
"When are you closing?" Zhong Jiancheng asked, noting that the delivery workers would return home for the New Year and wouldn't be around.
"Our school breaks on the 14th, but the notice I posted says we stop handling business on the 17th," Chen Hansheng replied.
Zhong Jiancheng nodded and then asked, "Have you talked to Liu Zhizhou?"
Chen Hansheng didn't hide anything. "I've asked, but the electronics factory delivery business won't start until next year."
Zhong Jiancheng thought for a moment. "Well, I won't pressure you. If you regret it later, you can always quit midway. If anything comes up, I'll help you out."
"Thanks, Brother Zhong."
Chen Hansheng shook Zhong Jiancheng's hand firmly, and before leaving, Zhong Jiancheng handed him a pack of Su cigarettes as a return gift. Chen Hansheng didn't refuse.
In the meantime, Chen Hansheng had collected over 300,000 yuan worth of parcels. With the cost of labor, logistics, and transportation, Zhong Jiancheng had made quite a profit, while Chen Hansheng's total commission was about 14,000 yuan. The money wasn't much, but it was the connections that mattered most to someone like Chen Hansheng.
After returning to school, Chen Hansheng took the cigarettes and silk scarves to the Youth League office.
Yu Yueping had already figured out Chen Hansheng's ways, and when he saw him holding a promotional bag before the holiday, he knew what was going on.
"Secretary Yu, wishing you an early Happy New Year."
Chen Hansheng cheerfully handed over the cigarettes.
As usual, Yu Yueping placed the cigarettes on the floor and asked, "How's your exam preparation?"
"I haven't studied. I'm definitely going to fail," Chen Hansheng replied directly, giving up on pretending.
This wasn't a surprise to Yu Yueping; Chen Hansheng didn't seem like the type to sit down and study.
After finishing two cigarettes, Chen Hansheng stood up to leave. "I still need to go upstairs to connect with Teacher Guan."
Chen Hansheng said this plainly, without any hesitation, and Yu Yueping didn't mind. "Go ahead. She's the teacher managing the student leaders, so it's right to get closer to her."
However, talking to Guan Shuman required a bit more finesse. When Chen Hansheng knocked and entered, he saw Guan Shuman writing something.
Guan Shuman wasn't tall, but she had a petite frame. Her figure was good, especially since the room's air conditioning was turned up, making her take off her down jacket and wear a form-fitting black sweater. With her long black hair, she was probably considered the most attractive in the finance school's Youth League.
"Student Chen, is there something I can help you with?" Guan Shuman asked, brushing her long hair behind her ear.
"Teacher Guan, I saw a scarf while shopping with my girlfriend, and I thought it would be perfect for you."
Chen Hansheng took out the silk scarf box.
Guan Shuman hesitated for a moment, then quickly declined. "No need, no need, you're too polite, Chen Hansheng."
"It's not politeness," Chen Hansheng smiled. "I asked my girlfriend, and she also thought it would suit you."
He took out the pure white silk scarf and walked over. "Let me put it on for you to try. If it doesn't fit, we can return it."
Guan Shuman blushed a little. She knew Chen Hansheng could be bold, especially since he had teased her in an unfamiliar environment.
"Alright, alright, you can stop now. Since it was picked by your girlfriend, I'll pay for it. Please thank her for helping me choose the scarf."
If Chen Hansheng hadn't mentioned "girlfriend," Guan Shuman wouldn't have accepted the gift.
The scarf was worth at least 100 yuan, but Guan Shuman handed Chen Hansheng 200 yuan, and he had no choice but to accept it.
After receiving the money, Guan Shuman relaxed a little. The two chatted briefly about student union matters, and then Chen Hansheng was about to leave.
But Guan Shuman suddenly stopped him. "Our department's student union doesn't have a president. Among the three vice presidents, who do you think is most suitable?"
"Teacher Guan can decide," Chen Hansheng replied humbly.
Guan Shuman rolled her eyes. "This is the Youth League's decision, not mine. Since you're a student leader in the Youth League and a vice minister in the department's student union, I want to hear your opinion."
"Ah, I see." Chen Hansheng appeared to ponder for a moment, but in reality, this wasn't a tough question for him.
"I think Senior Mu Wenling is the most suitable. She led the department to second place in the debate competition, and she also did well in the school anniversary event."
Chen Hansheng paused and continued, "Also, Mu Wenling is a woman. If one of the two male vice presidents becomes president, the other might be unhappy, which could affect work."
Guan Shuman nodded but didn't say anything.
After leaving Guan Shuman's office, Chen Hansheng bumped into Mu Wenling, who looked like she was in a hurry.
"Senior Mu, where are you going?"
"Ah, Chen, I'm going to the Youth League office. Teacher Guan asked me to go over," Mu Wenling said, slightly out of breath.
Chen Hansheng thought that Guan Shuman had made her decision quickly and replied, "I just came from the Youth League office with Teacher Guan."
Mu Wenling immediately stopped in her tracks.
"Congratulations," Chen Hansheng said as he walked over. "From now on, the responsibility on Senior Mu will be even greater."