The sweltering summer was fast approaching when Ma Qiang suddenly summoned Zhang Tianxing.
"Tianxing, come here, I have something to tell you," Ma Qiang said with a broad smile.
Seeing Ma Qiang's ill-intentioned grin, Zhang Tianxing's heart sank. Whenever he saw such a smile, he knew there was a story behind it that would bring him sorrow.
"Brother Qiang, let's talk properly. Can you stop smiling? It makes me nervous," Zhang Tianxing replied honestly.
Hearing Zhang Tianxing's response, Ma Qiang was amused to the point of anger.
"You've got quite a lot going on in that head of yours. Here's the deal: next semester, our school has two exchange spots for overseas universities. After careful consideration, the school has decided to have you represent us as an exchange student."
Upon hearing this news, Zhang Tianxing was stunned. This was impossible. Exchange students were usually outstanding in both academics and character. While his character was impeccable, his academics were just a tiny bit lacking. Would he disgrace himself if he went?
Zhang Tianxing looked at Ma Qiang with suspicion. "Brother Qiang, we're friends. Are you kidding me? They want me to go? Have the school leaders gone mad? My grades are just a tiny bit off."
Fine, he wouldn't pretend anymore. Zhang Tianxing directly revealed his poor academic performance. Sending him abroad for an exchange would be a laughingstock for China in the eyes of international friends.
Zhonghai University, a vast institution, actually sent a slacker for an academic exchange? How could he show his face after that? He was the respectable president of the Zhuge Long Xia Association, a recipient of the city's Three Good Student award, and a Ten Best Youth awardee.
If it got out that he couldn't keep up academically abroad, he'd be devastated.
Seeing Zhang Tianxing's expression, Ma Qiang chuckled. He spread his hands and said, "What you say doesn't matter. The school leadership made the decision about you beforehand. What are you afraid of? It's the same everywhere, especially for a successful person like yourself."
"There are always scoundrels trying to harm me!" Zhang Tianxing thought bitterly. What was this all about? His entire foundation was in Zhonghai. Going abroad would mean missing out on crucial development opportunities for his business.
"Brother Qiang, can you think of a way? We're not outsiders. You know how busy I usually am. By all logic, this exchange program shouldn't even be considered for me," Zhang Tianxing said, resorting to a childlike plea, hoping to get more specific information from Ma Qiang.
"Alright, I understand your situation. However, if you refuse to go this time, people will likely gossip, as this spot was not easily obtained," Ma Qiang said with a sigh.
The situation was clear. Some influential figures must have taken a dislike to Zhang Tianxing. Fine, he would use a strategy of "praise to destroy," and see if he could handle it.
If he refused, all the good impressions he had made with Dean Hou and other university leaders would be gone.
After all, in the eyes of these influential figures, school was a prime opportunity for learning. Going abroad would benefit Zhang Tianxing. His company could be managed by professional executives, and if Zhang Tianxing focused on his studies, he would achieve great things in the future because his circle would change.
An overseas exchange spot was not something anyone could get. Typically, these spots were monopolized by the upper elite.
"Like father, like son; like mother, like daughter; rats' children can burrow."
Hearing Ma Qiang's words, Zhang Tianxing understood the implication. Damn it, it seemed he had no choice but to go, otherwise, he wouldn't be able to afford to offend those academic titans.
Just then, the office phone on Ma Qiang's desk rang. Ma Qiang picked it up. "Hello, who is this?"
A stern voice came from the other end of the line: "Little Ma, it's Dean Hou. Ask Zhang Tianxing to come to my office. I have something to discuss with him."
"Understood, he'll be right there," Ma Qiang said respectfully, hanging up the phone. "Tianxing, you heard it yourself. Dean Hou wants to see you. Don't forget Dean Hou's kindness."
He was afraid Zhang Tianxing would outright refuse. The current situation had put Zhang Tianxing in a dilemma.
If he went on the exchange, Zhang Tianxing would be unable to focus on his company's affairs. During his absence, his company would likely face various challenges.
If he refused the exchange, he would gain a bad reputation, which would greatly impact his future.
"Alright, Brother Qiang, I'm going right now." Zhang Tianxing had no choice but to head directly to Dean Hou's office, wanting to hear the dean's perspective.
Upon arriving at Dean Hou's office, Dean Hou, who was engrossed in academic research, stood up upon seeing Zhang Tianxing. "Young Zhang, you're here. The school plans for you to go on an exchange program for three months, to Harvard University in the United States."
"Can I say no?" Zhang Tianxing asked with a wry smile, completely at a loss. He wanted to see what Dean Hou would say.
"I suggest you go. I know your company is experiencing rapid growth opportunities, but I want to say that there are always opportunities for rapid development. With your talent, seizing opportunities comes naturally. However, this overseas exchange is a rare opportunity that may not come again."
"Dean Hou, I'd like to know whose decision this is," Zhang Tianxing asked in a low voice. Having been stabbed in the back, he wanted to know who he had fallen prey to this time.
"It's my decision, because someone approached me and asked me to be practical. They want to see your true capabilities," Dean Hou said with a smile.
He knew things would turn out this way. Nothing happens without a reason, but Dean Hou's directness surely had his own agenda.
"Elder Hou, you've put me in a difficult position. I don't know what to do. Whether I go or not is a difficult choice," Zhang Tianxing said, spreading his hands.
"Young man, you have ambition and drive. However, I believe in your abilities. Some people are like gold; they shine wherever they go and won't be buried in the mud. You are a smart person. Quite a few people have been pressuring me lately. After much deliberation, I think sending you away for three months is appropriate," Dean Hou explained the situation directly.
"The three-month absence is my idea, because recently, several people have wanted to do something to you. As the dean, I will not help others target my own students."
However, Dean Hou thought again, a strategic retreat to advance. First, leave this whirlpool, and then return after three months.
"Alright, Elder Hou, if you put it that way, I will go," Zhang Tianxing said resolutely. What was three months abroad? He'd go see if the moon was rounder overseas and enjoy the scenery. He'd also take this opportunity to see the world.
"The tallest tree in the forest will be destroyed by the wind." This was the perfect opportunity for Zhang Tianxing to go abroad, observe the international market, and witness the moment of miracles.