Victory and Tender Embrace

As the presentation concluded, the three exchanged imperceptible glances, subtly steadying their breathing at the center of the stage.

The crucial defense round was about to begin.

However, as the judges on the panel began raising their question cards, the anticipated technical interrogations did not materialize.

An investor-like judge adjusted their microphone. “This model is incredibly novel. Have you considered how to rapidly replicate it across universities nationwide?”

The professor beside them followed up, “Your profit model is cleverly designed, but could you elaborate on your user growth strategy?”

[The defense segment was omitted.]

Each question probed towards a broader future.

The trio responded with composure, their meticulously rehearsed plans from countless study sessions now transforming into clear, articulate statements. From the judges’ panel, occasional appreciative taps on the table could be heard.

When the last judge finally lowered their question card, the lead judge began slowly. “Assuming you secure seed round investment now,” he said, gently adjusting his microphone, “which module would you prioritize allocating funds to?”

Zhou Yi gently nudged Li Yanze’s elbow, offering an encouraging glance.

Li Yanze took a deep breath, stepped half a pace forward, and took the microphone.

“First, we would invest in server and data security upgrades to ensure the platform’s fundamental bedrock of trust.”

“Second, we would introduce professional consultants to refine the dispute resolution mechanisms for skill transactions.”

“Third, we would establish a system for our initial batch of campus promotion ambassadors.”

Having concluded his points, he looked up at the judges’ panel. “We do not wish to be a project that runs fast only to crash spectacularly.”

A brief silence fell over the judges’ panel, which then gave way to waves of knowing chuckles. One investor nodded while making notes, and approval flickered in the lead judge’s eyes.

Finally, Professor Chen, seated in the center, closed his evaluation form and folded his hands, waiting at the table.

“What impressed me most about your project wasn’t the novelty of its technology, nor the cleverness of its business model,” he said, his gaze sweeping over the three young people.

“Rather, it was your genuine commitment to solving real problems within the campus environment and constructing a sustainable solution.”

His voice, amplified by the microphone, resonated throughout the auditorium. “In an era constantly chasing the next big trend, the spirit of quietly focusing on practical work is especially commendable.”

As these words were uttered, a suppressed murmur immediately rippled through the audience.

On stage, the trio collectively let out a breath they hadn’t realized they were holding.

When they bowed in gratitude, the audience erupted into thunderous applause, bringing a perfect conclusion to their remarkable presentation.

Li Jianguo gazed at the confident, composed figure on stage, listening to the praise from parents around him.

“These young people are truly impressive; their project is solid, and they articulate it so clearly!”

“Whose child is that, to be so accomplished?!”

A surge of emotion, unlike anything he had ever felt, broke through his usual stern demeanor. He unconsciously straightened his back, his voice thick with undeniable pride.

“The one in the blue shirt on stage? That’s my son!”

Li Yanze’s mother cast a gratified look at her husband, then turned her gaze back to their son, who was shining brightly on stage. Her nose pricked with emotion, and she quietly squeezed her husband’s slightly trembling hand.

****

Once all teams had finished their presentations, the judging panel and corporate representatives left the hall for closed-door deliberations.

The lights in the auditorium brightened once more, illuminating faces that were a mix of exhaustion and eager anticipation.

The audience voting channel opened shortly after. A parent beside Li Jianguo smiled and said to him, “Brother, I’m casting my vote for your son! The young man truly spoke well!”

Li Jianguo blinked, then gave a stiff nod of thanks before immediately pulling out his phone. He followed the instructions to complete his vote, just as he had done before with the voting machine.

An hour later, the auditorium lights refocused on the stage.

As the lead judge slowly walked to the podium, the previously bustling hall instantly fell silent. Everyone held their breath, their gazes fixed.

“After comprehensive evaluation by the judges and tabulation of audience votes,”

At the utterance of these words, everyone’s heart collectively leaped into their throats.

The lead judge’s gaze swept across the hall, pinpointing the three anxious figures below the stage, a look of gratification blossoming on his face.

“The champion of this year’s Campus Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition is—”

A brief, almost cruel second of silence stretched.

“The Campus Skill Exchange Platform team: Zhou Yi, Jiang Chen, and Li Yanze! Congratulations!”

Following the brief silence, the entire venue erupted in an explosion of fervent applause.

The thunderous ovation seemed to shake the very dome of the hall, as cheers, screams, and whistles surged towards the center of the stage like crashing waves.

Li Yanze stood frozen, as if struck by lightning, taking a full two seconds to process the reality.

‘…We won?’

He leaped up excitedly, pulling Jiang Chen and Zhou Yi into a tight embrace.

This time, Jiang Chen didn’t push him away in annoyance; instead, he hugged him back with equal force.

Zhou Yi’s eyes instantly welled up. All the pressure, grievances, and exhaustion accumulated over the past days transformed into the sweet reward of success at this very moment.

Their three names gleamed brilliantly on the large screen, as golden ribbons fluttered down from the ceiling, shimmering under the spotlights.

Amidst the jubilant crowd, Li Yanze instinctively glanced towards where his parents were seated.

He saw his usually stern father, whose face remained taut, yet whose hands were clapping forcefully, producing the loudest applause. His mother beside him was already tearfully wiping the corners of her eyes in excitement.

In a daze, Li Yanze stepped forward to receive the heavy trophy from the lead judge. The golden award gleamed blindingly under the spotlights, yet his hands trembled slightly.

It wasn’t until the host smiled and gestured for him to exit that Li Yanze, as if awakening from a dream, slowly descended the steps, clutching the trophy.

His steps halted before his parents.

His mother, her eyes already misty with tears, couldn’t help but step forward and gently embrace him. “This is wonderful, truly wonderful. Mom… I’m so happy for you.”

Li Yanze’s throat tightened, rendering him speechless.

Li Jianguo remained rooted to his spot.

He looked at the trophy in his son’s arms, then at his son’s hands, which trembled slightly from nerves.

He gruffly said, “Hold that trophy steady! Don’t… don’t drop it!”

Having said his piece, he quickly turned his face away.

Li Yanze froze for a moment, then his eyes reddened instantly.

****

The clamor of the awards ceremony was muffled behind the thick curtains.

Backstage, for the moment, only Zhou Yi and Jiang Chen remained. Equipment and assorted items were stacked in the corners, a stark contrast to the dazzling glamour of the front stage.

The euphoria of victory still surged within Zhou Yi’s chest, an irrepressible smile gracing her face. She tucked her notebook into her backpack and turned, intending to high-five Jiang Chen in their usual celebratory manner.

Instead, she unexpectedly found herself staring into his deep eyes.

Her raised hand paused mid-air.

This time, Jiang Chen didn’t respond with his usual smile. He simply gazed at her with intense focus, his eyes like a gentle tide that instantly enveloped her.

“Zhou Yi.”

He called her name, his voice lower and hoarser than usual, imbued with an indescribable magnetism.

Suddenly, he stepped forward, opened his arms, and embraced her firmly, yet with an overwhelming tenderness.