(TL: Sorry for the delay.. Finals are eating up my time. On the bright side, I’ll be done in 2 weeks)

The uneventful days of senior year passed quickly as 2013 drew to a close. After donating 2 million yuan to Jiangcheng No.1 High School, the trio’s public status granted them special privileges – Mei Fang could now take unlimited leave or early dismissals to focus on his ventures.

While some students grumbled about this preferential treatment, Mei Fang’s low-profile demeanor and tangible improvements to campus facilities earned him genuine respect rather than resentment.

Following Mei Fang and Lin Youxi’s public relationship announcement, Xia Yuan released her second album “Notice in the Fog,” featuring songs inspired by Xu Song’s and Xu Liang’s works, predominantly melancholic love ballads. Without their prior media appearances, this album might have drawn criticism toward Mei Fang, but Xia Yuan’s public blessing in promotional videos dispelled most doubts.

Meanwhile, under Mei Fang’s guidance, Yezi Studio completed version 1.0.0 of their debut mobile game “Happy Match.” Notably, Mei Fang chose to distribute it through Tencent’s app store ecosystem rather than under Ximilu Games’ branding, showcasing their capabilities to investors.

For Mei Fang, Yezi Studio had a clear purpose – serving as Ximilu’s financial backbone by developing broadly appealing yet ethical games. Plans for their indie platform and new projects would wait until after completing the card game “Reign: Three Kingdoms” with their club members, which required Guo Yun’s continued involvement.

C-Site’s livestreaming module would enter beta testing early next year, alongside a 3D virtual idol project expected by summer. The latter half of 2013 proved even busier than before, with numerous university offers arriving as Mei Fang advanced various ventures. After negotiations, only two options remained suitable:

Fudan University in coastal Shanghai, and Pengcheng University in southern Shenzhen.

“Academically, Fudan is undoubtedly superior with better faculty and alumni networks,” Mei Fang explained. “Shanghai’s economic potential and thriving ACG scene make it ideal for our industries.”

“But you’re considering Pengcheng University too. Does it have particular advantages? Or is there an issue with Fudan?”

“Fudan lacks a music department for YuanYuan’s studies,” Mei Fang pondered. “They offered to arrange Shanghai Conservatory, but we’d be separated. Plus, they couldn’t accommodate all our special requests.”

“That’s not ideal…” Xia Yuan mused. “Personally, I prefer Shanghai as a city. Shenzhen has too many urban villages, less metropolitan.”

“But I’ve heard Shanghainese can be cliquish, while Shenzhen’s all transplants – no such barriers.”

“Right – ‘Come and you’re a Shenzhener.’” Mei Fang smiled bitterly, his words carrying unspoken echoes of past struggles they’d never understand.

Pengcheng University resembled another institution from Mei Fang’s previous life but had developed more rapidly. Located in Tencent’s birthplace, this rising university already matched mid-tier 985 standards (part of China’s elite universities) academically while dominating Shenzhen’s scene. With China’s highest university budget and top-tier computer science programs producing exceptional talent, it had become a darling of internet entrepreneurs – key reasons for Mei Fang’s interest.

“While less prestigious than Fudan, Pengcheng isn’t easy to enter. As Pony Ma’s alma mater with deep Tencent ties, its funding is substantial. Their game design program also lets me recruit talent more directly than Fudan.” Mei Fang paused. “For YuanYuan, their music department ranks well too. Most importantly, their admissions dean promised maximum flexibility if we meet first-tier cutoff scores – waived GPA requirements, startup support, funding, and mentorship.”

He shrugged. “The latter perks are nice but not essential. If I were broke, I’d accept immediately.”

“Wait, we still need to take exams?” Xia Yuan groaned. “I thought fame meant skipping that!”

“Nothing’s that easy. Even as public figures, we must follow admissions rules. Fudan would lower requirements through independent enrollment based on NOIP scores, but you’d still need to qualify, YuanYuan.”

“Ugh… I know my grades suck… Don’t rub it in.” She turned to Mei Fang. “So which do you prefer?”

“I want your input too. Our university location will determine C-Site’s new headquarters. A provincial city like Jiangcheng can’t support further growth.”

“Ouch… but true.” Xia Yuan considered. “I prefer Shanghai, but being separated would defeat the purpose. Our main goal isn’t academic advancement anyway.”

“YuanYuan’s right,” Lin Youxi said gently. “University is for networking and life experience, not rankings. Though I’ve never visited either city, Shenzhen’s newness might offer better opportunities. Ultimately, it’s your decision, Ah Fang. I’ll support it.”

“Me too!” Xia Yuan chimed in.

Shenzhen or Shanghai? The dilemma weighed on Mei Fang. Professionally, Shanghai’s gaming industry and anime culture outshone Shenzhen’s. Basing operations in Shenzhen meant bowing to Tencent’s ecosystem – useful but limiting.

Yet Shenzhen held personal significance. Though he bore no particular affection for the city, his past life’s struggles and memories there created an emotional tether. Failing to succeed there now would leave him unsettled.

Noticing his hesitation, Lin Youxi suggested, “If you’re torn between experience and career, focus on the next four years. With modern transportation, we can always operate in both places.”

“True… I do have three companies to manage.” Mei Fang nodded. “But keeping YuanYuan separated would be inconvenient. The experience matters most.”

“So… Shenzhen?” Xia Yuan wrapped her arms around his neck. “Final answer?”

“Final answer. Shenzhen it is.”

“Yay!” Xia Yuan jumped up. “I’ll start house-hunting! Let’s get a big place near campus!”

“Make it a penthouse with panoramic views,” Lin Youxi added. “And a beach villa too.”

“Right! Ah Fang, let’s look together!”

Buying property in Shenzhen… In his past life, this would have been unimaginable.

[Author’s Note:
Professionally, Shanghai makes more sense. But having been rejected by Shanghai in my past life, I’m more familiar with Shenzhen’s stories – hence Pengcheng University (an enhanced version of Shenzhen University). My apologies!]