NOVEL NEXT Chapter 436: An Old Friend Returns
Under Yuanxi Entertainment's massive promotional campaign,Fate/Grand Orderdominated June's discourse—once again making founder Mei Fang a trending figure as its publisher.
Though offline discussions about Mei Fang remained scarce, online forums—especially campus boards—buzzed endlessly:
[Spotted wild site owner at North Campus cafeteria today! My classmate boldly asked for autograph but got rejected T_T]
[Damn, acting diva huh? Thought he seemed chill—didn't expect this!]
[Not really… He said he's just a normal student on campus—not a celebrity.]
[Fair point. If everyone asked for photos/signatures, he'd go insane.]
[I whale 648 weekly for site owner—consider me Yuanxi's spiritual shareholder now.]
[Rich guy! Share some cash!]
[Poster above, need girlfriend? Cheaper than gacha!]
[Pengda guys are so annoying.]
[How much doessite owner's FGO make daily? Millions? Why still study?]
[He said it's about experiencing youth! What else?]
[Same year assite owner! Gotta snag Yuanxi internship!]
[Dream on—they're already on third-round recruitment. Clueless?]
[Wait what?]
As Yuanxi's CEO attending university, Mei Fang couldn't enjoy typical college camaraderie. Beyond academics, he deepened collaborations with Peng University itself.
During the senior class graduation ceremony, Mei Fang spoke as a special student representative—thanking seniors for their contributions while extending opportunities:
First, Yuanxi offered resume-fast-track green channels for graduates still job-hunting or failing postgraduate exams.
Second, additional incubation support. While Pengda had existing entrepreneurship funds (mostly for Computer Science), Mei Fang targeted the new Game Design School—seeking indie talent to enrich Taptap's ecosystem through a scholarship-like program.
Winners from earlier Game Jam competitions (announced during FANG Dimensional's product launch) would receive angel investments to develop their concepts, plus promotional priority—expanding Mei Fang's network while nurturing future gaming talent.
Even former student council president Jiang Peihuan—the red-haired senior from Mei Fang's freshman year—resigned her position this month, engaging Mei Fang in lengthy discussions before graduation.
Jiang revealed she wasn't graduating but pursuing Pengda's new Game Design master's degree—the program's pioneer student. Though Mei Fang eagerly invited her to Yuanxi post-graduation, Jiang politely declined:
"Appreciate the offer, but I'm studying purely out of interest. Business decisions await inheriting family matters first. Hopefully we collaborate someday—not compete."
Her subtle remarks revealed formidable family pedigree, checking Mei Fang's assumptions.
Even as a self-made billionaire wonder kid, Mei Fang remained merely an upstart to Pengcheng's established elites in their eyes.
Universities mirror society—Pengda housed many extraordinary figures. Beyond self-improvement, Mei Fang needed sharper observation skills.
After all, his achievements stemmed largely from reincarnation advantages—still far from true prodigies like Lin Youxi or Guo Yun in technical mastery.
June marked graduation season. While Mei Fang celebrated seniors' milestones, Xia Yuan also cheered for a friend entering life's new chapter.
That morning, Xia Yuan rose early. When Mei Fang reached the living room, she lay belly-down on the sofa—bare feet kicking air as she played with cats while phone-chatting.
Mei Fang scooped up neglected kitten Xiao Bai just as apron-clad Lin Youxi arrived with cat food. "I'll help."
"Don't overfill—spoils easily."
"Got it… Who's YuanYuan chatting with? So happy."
"Who else? Gaokao results released today."
"Oh… Peng Xue's scores came out?"
Mei Fang scratched his head. "She's more excited than her own results day."
"That's YuanYuan… Hey! Overfilling again!"
Lin Youxi rapped Mei Fang's head, confiscating the food from him and Xiao Bai. "You always do this—look how fat Da Ju's gotten! Like a ball!"
"He's an orange cat—they get chonky anyway…"
"At least not by our hands. This is mostly your fault."
As Mei Fang pouted from scolding, Da Ju meowed cheerfully at his misfortune.
The six kittens left by San now thrived at three months old—rambunctious handfuls. Though care proved demanding, Xia Yuan insisted keeping the sibling group intact, vetoing adoption offers.
By now, the trio had adapted to their furry family—though recent busy schedules left Mei Fang little cuddle time.
"Ah Fang, something to discuss."
"Hm?"
"Your AI data model concept intrigues me—not just AI art, but AI writing and engines too. I want to assemble a team exploring this frontier."
"But first I need deeper technical understanding—which means intensive study periods ahead. Less free time for cooking…"
Mei Fang's heart clenched. "You… aren't considering studying abroad, right?"
Overseas exchanges often strained relationships—unthinkable after their years glued together.
"That face…" Lin Youxi pinched his cheek. "Of course not! Going abroad would take years—you'd probably sire a litter with YuanYuan behind my back by then."
"We're not pigs! How's a 'litter' possible?!"
Lin Youxi patted his shoulder. "Relax—with modern tech, I can research locally at Pengda. Just busier schedules—less home cooking."
"No problem… I'll support your pursuits. I'll cook for you."
"Deal."
Was AI investment premature? Mei Fang couldn't gauge—such cutting-edge fields surpassed his game-programmer expertise.
But Lin Youxi's brilliance deserved unchained exploration. Even if for Yuanxi's sake, she clearly relished these technical challenges.
As they chatted, Xia Yuan suddenly leapt up—her nightgown strap slipping unnoticed in her excitement:
"Ah Fang! Youxi! Amazing news!"
"Xue scored 644 on Gaokao! She's definitely getting into Pengda this year!"