Chapter 404: Chapter 404

Shen You’an stood not far away, listening to the excited and animated discussion of two girls carried along by the wind. Underneath the mask, the corners of her lips gently curved upward. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by ⓝovelFire.net

Jiang Han’s name would once again resound through Hua Country’s streets and alleys, known to everyone.

She hoped that in this lifetime, he could avoid some detours, find more straightforward paths, and focus on his own creations, living freely and naturally.

This could be considered her way of repaying kindness with kindness.

Time passed gradually, and Shen You’an walked along the lakeside toward the School of Computer Science.

Not far ahead, a multifunctional building came into view; the golden three characters on its main structure glimmered under the sunlight — Chongzhen Building.

Since a competition was being held here today, there were four security personnel in uniforms at the entrance, along with staff members and volunteers checking passes.

Three young men, dressed like university students, strode over. Leading the group was a boy with thick glasses perched on his nose bridge, exuding a scholarly aura, walking straight ahead without looking to either side.

"Old Xu, why are you walking so fast? I really want to check out what this PT team looks like, acting so arrogant."

"Well, they have the right to be arrogant. Their score was ten times ours, plain and simple. Admit it, we’re just not as good as them."

"Qian Chao, why are you boosting others’ morale while crushing our own? Maybe their team excels at problem-solving but isn’t good at attack-defense. Today’s our chance to redeem ourselves!"

The leading boy remained silent, walking past Shen You’an without saying a word, ascending the steps.

Qian Chao and Zhang Qiang continued bickering noisily, following behind him.

At that moment, two sedans arrived one after the other, stopping in front of the building.

Shen You’an turned her head to look.

The three standing at the entrance — Xu Xin and his companions — instinctively turned their heads to glance down from the steps.

A young man stepped out of the first car, dressed casually, looking very much like an energetic college student.

By his side was a man around forty years old. To everyone present, this face was not unfamiliar—it was Cui Xing, the director of Qingzhou University’s Computer Science Department.

With him personally accompanying the young man, the latter’s identity was instantly clear.

Feilian Group’s Chief Technology Officer, a pioneer in domestic cybersecurity, and reputed as a computer prodigy in his youth—Cheng Fan.

He had already become a core member of Feilian Group at a young age, leading research and development. Joining his team was a dream for countless computer science students.

Zhang Qiang excitedly grabbed Qian Chao’s arm and exclaimed, "It’s Cheng Fan! It’s Cheng Fan! He’s my idol!"

Cheng Fan lowered his head and said something to Cui Xing. Realizing something, he suddenly looked up, gazing at the black-clad teenager standing at the bottom of the steps.

Cheng Fan’s eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded with a smile, greeting him.

Cui Xing followed the direction of Cheng Fan’s gaze and curiously asked, "Does Mr. Cheng recognize him?"

Cheng Fan did not answer.

From the second car emerged another man, dressed in a suit, in his early thirties. His demeanor was refined and gracious, every move exuding elegance and maturity.

Cui Xing hurried forward to greet him, saying, "I didn’t expect Mr. Ren to honor us with his presence. Please forgive any lack of welcome."

The man smiled faintly, appearing very approachable. "I just came to watch the competition. Sorry for the trouble, Director Cui."

"You’re being too modest, Mr. Ren. Your visit is an honor to our department. Please, do come inside."

The man walked over to Cheng Fan, smiling warmly as he said, "I’ve long admired Mr. Cheng’s reputation. Meeting you today, you truly live up to being so accomplished at a young age."

"Not at all. You, Mr. Ren, are the one truly dignified and extraordinary."

The man shook his head and chuckled. "My company and yours have enjoyed a stable, long-term collaboration. There’s no need to be so formal with me, Mr. Cheng. We’ll likely have more chances to meet in the future."

Cheng Fan had little interest in prolonged pleasantries. Being more focused on technology and less adept at interpersonal matters, he left after exchanging greetings.

Cui Xing looked at Cheng Fan walking ahead, then glanced at the man beside him. Gritting his teeth, he stayed where he was.

This Ren Mingze, Mr. Ren, was far more influential than Cheng Fan. He merely preferred to keep a low profile.

Ren Mingze’s gaze flicked toward the slim black silhouette. Taking long strides, he climbed the steps in just a few steps and disappeared into the security checkpoint.

The man casually asked, "Director Cui, is there anyone promising in this competition?"

Cui Xing replied with a smile, "That would have to be our department’s Team 01. In the recent problem-solving contest, they achieved an impressive second-place finish."

The man raised an eyebrow. "Second place?"

"Please don’t underestimate this second-place finish, Mr. Ren. I’m confident they’ll achieve excellent results in today’s attack-defense competition."

"Hmm. And first place? Are they also from Qingzhou University’s Computer Science Department?"

"Well..." Cui Xing awkwardly rubbed his nose.