Chapter 766 - 264: Recognizing an "Uncle", Office XXOO (Two-in-One - : Monthly Ticket Bonus Update)_4

Listening to Principal Ma Tengfei’s praise, Li Yuan felt as sweet as if he had tasted honey. His eyesight was excellent, and when his gaze swept over the newspaper in Ma Tengfei’s hand, a slightly shy expression appeared on his face. A few days ago, a reporter from Modu Business News had interviewed him, mainly about student entrepreneurship. He hadn’t expected it to make the papers today, let alone be seen by Ma Tengfei.

"Principal Ma, you flatter me. It’s only under your personal guidance that I’ve managed to achieve this small success. For my future development, I’ll still need your continued advice and guidance."

Ma Tengfei smiled at the high praise and didn’t refute it. He was quite pleased with Li Yuan’s perceptive and sensible nature. He put on no airs with the legendary star of Daxia University, asking cheerfully, "Little Li, you never visit without a reason. Go on, what brings you to me today?"

Li Yuan gave a slightly sheepish smile and took several gold-foil invitation letters from his black LV briefcase, handing them to Ma Tengfei.

"Principal Ma, my company is hosting an awards gala on January 5th at 6:00 p.m., and I would like to invite you to attend. I was hoping you’d be available."

Ma Tengfei picked up an invitation, and as he examined its contents, his gaze softened even more.

"The evening of January 5th, you say? I happen to have another engagement that day."

Ma Tengfei drew out his words, noticing the tense look on Li Yuan’s face begin to change. Then, shifting his tone, he looked at Li Yuan and smiled.

"However, since you came to invite me personally, Little Li, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t go. You’d probably hold it against me."

Li Yuan grinned. "How could I?"

Ma Tengfei laughed heartily and nodded. "Alright. Rest assured, I will be there on time on the evening of January 5th."

Listening to Ma Tengfei, Li Yuan was speechless for a moment. These leaders in administration certainly have a unique way of speaking. First, they express how busy they are with numerous obligations to make you feel a bit disappointed. Then, they pivot, indicating they will cancel other engagements to attend, thereby showing how much they value you. This is the art of a leader’s speech. Although I was only a minor subordinate in the system in my previous life, I don’t feel too much resentment toward it.

Li Yuan nodded quickly and mentioned casually, "Principal, shall I arrange for a private car to pick you up from your home then?"

Under normal circumstances, Ma Tengfei would have refused such an offer outright. To Li Yuan’s surprise, however, the principal asked a question in return.

"You’ve been so busy these days. Surely you don’t have the time, do you?"

A jolt of joy went through Li Yuan, and he replied with a smile, "Principal, I’m just a hands-off owner now, so I’m not that busy at all." After his self-deprecating joke, he asked again, "Principal, would you prefer I pick you up from your home or from the university?"

Ma Tengfei gave Li Yuan a deep look and smiled. "Come to my home. January 5th is a Sunday, and I should take a day off for myself..."

Li Yuan nodded quickly. "Principal, if I may be so bold, which residential complex do you live in?"

"It’s not far from the university," Ma Tengfei replied. "Xinghe Bay. I just moved there not long ago."

"Xinghe Bay?" Li Yuan was momentarily stunned. Could it really be such a coincidence?

Ma Tengfei, who had long since developed his Eyes of Golden Flame, noticed Li Yuan’s astonished expression and sensed there was a story behind it. "Why do you look so surprised?" he asked curiously.

Li Yuan smiled back. "Principal, it seems we are truly fated. I’m also living in Xinghe Bay."

Upon hearing that Li Yuan also resided in Xinghe Bay, Ma Tengfei showed a flicker of surprise before his expression returned to its usual calm.

"That is quite a coincidence. I live in building 20. Where do you live, Little Li?"

"Principal, I live up front in number 16."

As soon as he spoke, Li Yuan understood. Building 20 was not a villa but a Garden Mansion. It was not too far from his villa area, with property prices around 20,000 per square meter.

However, given Ma Tengfei’s status, he could easily afford to buy a property in the villa area, let alone a Garden Mansion.

Hearing Li Yuan use "number 16" instead of specifying a building, Ma Tengfei immediately understood that he was referring to the villa area. He was well aware of the property values in his complex; each detached villa at the front was worth over ten million and was primarily inhabited by hundred-millionaires.

Ma Tengfei looked at Li Yuan intently. Considering the young man’s legendary reputation and vast fame, it didn’t seem strange at all. As the executive vice principal, he had personally watched Li Yuan establish the Zhihu website and the Tea Color Moonlight restaurant brand. He had also personally approved the policies supporting student entrepreneurship, which effectively made Li Yuan his proud protégé.

The greater Li Yuan’s success, the more it reflected as a remarkable political achievement for him...

Ma Tengfei spoke cheerfully, "Well, that’s wonderful! That makes us neighbors. When you have time, feel free to drop by."

"My wife’s cooking is quite good. Just let me know in advance when you’re free."

Li Yuan replied promptly, "Of course, Principal."

Ma Tengfei gave him another deep look and waved his hand.

"I’m much older than you, probably around your parents’ age. From now on, just call me Mr. Ma."

Li Yuan’s heart stirred. He knew this was Ma Tengfei’s deliberate attempt to foster a closer relationship, and he was quick to seize the opportunity.

"Alright, Mr. Ma. In that case, I’ll be sure to visit you often in the future."

Seeing Li Yuan accept his gesture of "goodwill," Ma Tengfei’s smile broadened, and his gaze grew even more favorable. Although Li Yuan had achieved great success at a young age and built a considerable reputation, he didn’t possess the arrogance common among talented youths. Instead, he showed him a great deal of respect.