Chapter 165: Chapter 96: Jiang Wanyi’s Reward
Song Jianye looked at Zhou Jianye in surprise. "How’d you know I have enough money on my card to cover hitting some old guy?"
Zhou Jianye: ???
Chen Yuan: ???
’Is he cracking dark jokes in broad daylight now?’
"I told you to hit the brakes!"
"Oh, right."
Song Jianye slammed on the brakes, nearly sending Chen Yuan flying.
And that slam on the brakes brought an end to the day’s driving practice.
"So, Instructor, how do you think I did?"
"In all my years, I’ve only had a few students like you."
The session ended half an hour early. It wasn’t because Song Jianye had reached his limit, but because Zhou Jianye had reached his.
On the way back, Chen Yuan checked the video he’d posted last night. It had over 400 likes and more than 50 comments.
With over 10,000 followers and it being a local business review, Chen Yuan felt those numbers were pretty decent for a video that hadn’t even been up for 24 hours.
The matter was also being discussed in the External Relations Department’s group chat.
They had even gone to check on the place today. They saw people stopping by to buy coffee every now and then. It was having an effect, but it wasn’t a constant, endless stream of customers yet.
Once the video circulated a bit more, the results should be even better.
In any case, they had taken the first step. You could call it a success, just barely.
After dropping the two of them off at University City, Zhou Jianye parked the car by the campus entrance.
"Bye, Instructor," Song Jianye said, getting out of the car.
"We’re heading out, Instructor. Drive safe on your way back," Chen Yuan said casually.
"Xiaochen," Zhou Jianye said, lighting a cigarette.
"Making a living is brutal. You better study hard. In the future, even if you end up sweeping streets, don’t you dare become a driving instructor."
"Uhm... got it."
After an afternoon of being tormented by Song Jianye, Zhou Jianye had gained a profound appreciation for the importance of education.
The car slowly drove off, the exhaust fumes trailing behind it like the instructor’s sighs.
After returning to campus and finishing dinner, the two went to the main academic building to memorize vocabulary. Around six-thirty, Chen Yuan left for his regular meeting.
It wasn’t time yet, so the meeting hadn’t officially started, but some people were already there.
"Where is everyone else? Why is it just the three of us here?"
Not everyone from the External Relations Department had shown up. Only he, Jiang Shuyi, and He Xiaoxi were present.
"They all went to analyze the video data. We’re the only two with nothing better to do," Jiang Shuyi said.
"It would’ve looked bad if too few people showed up for the meeting, so I dragged you along."
"Well, making money is serious business."
He glanced at the members from other departments in the conference room; they hadn’t all arrived either.
Some had legitimate commitments, while others were slowly fading out after discovering that the Student Government wasn’t what they had imagined.
The ones who consistently attended every single meeting, without fail, were basically those who had their eyes on a department head position.
Glancing around, he noticed that Fang Youning wasn’t there either, probably because she was busy with something else.
But on closer inspection, the External Relations Department still had the smallest showing.
After all, running the account was a way to make money for themselves. Why waste time in a meeting when you could be figuring out how to earn more?
"Brother Dong, we need 5,000 yuan for the event budget. That’s no small sum. Do you think Brother Hao will approve it?"
The speaker was Hu Guangyuan, another member of the Arts Department who was on good terms with Li Dongyang.
"It might be a stretch for the Student Government to cough up that much. I’ve already figured it out. The Student Government will put up 3,000, and the External Relations Department can chip in 2,000. Pulling off the event shouldn’t be a problem then," Li Dongyang said matter-of-factly.
"Getting the External Relations Department to contribute 2,000? Won’t that be an even bigger ask?"
"That’s where you’re out of the loop. They just made a video and earned 2,000. It’s the perfect amount for them to contribute to our event."
"I just knew they’d started an account. They monetized it that fast?" Hu Guangyuan said with surprise.
"I just heard about it myself. Otherwise, I’d still be stressing over how to fund this event," Li Dongyang said.
"Coming up with 5,000 all at once is a lot of pressure for the Student Government. But now that the External Relations Department is chipping in 2,000, it shouldn’t be a problem."
"True, 5,000 is no small sum," Hu Guangyuan said.
"Still, it’s pretty impressive that they monetized 2,000 right after getting the account off the ground."
"Just a blind squirrel finding a nut. I’ve just been too busy lately, focusing my energy on other things. Once this event is over, I’ll start working seriously on our department’s account. Our ability to monetize will definitely be stronger than theirs."
"Our Arts Department definitely has a natural advantage in that area. Everyone here has a talent. If each of us films just one video, we could put out a whole series of content. If we put in even a little effort, our follower count would blow past theirs," Hu Guangyuan said.
"That’s what I think, too. But right now, we need to focus our energy on the event. Getting this done right is the priority. Stick with me, learn from me, and work hard. If I become president, you’ll be the next head of the Arts Department."
"Got it, Brother Dong. I’ll definitely give it my all."
Leaning back in his chair, Li Dongyang radiated a deep-seated confidence.
’What a bunch of idiots!’
Li Dongyang mused internally.
’At a time like this, results are what matter most. You can only be a competitive candidate for president if you have accomplishments to show for it. And yet, the people from External Relations are off making some bullshit videos, with no planning at all for their university careers. A bunch of idiots.’
’But this is good, too. It means Jin Yechao and Jiang Shuyi won’t be a threat to me.’
’The next presidency is as good as mine!’