Lin Ran was immediately taken aback. "So this is what you were leading up to—first the small talk when I walked in, then the flattery, then playing hard to get before agreeing to my request, and finally revealing your true intentions."

Principal Tang spoke with righteous conviction. "Now, now, no need to be so formal. After all, I’m practically family—your grandfather’s junior, no less. You really must help me with this."

Lin Ran saw right through the old principal’s act.

"Trying to play the family card again? Besides, didn’t you just get promoted half a rank? If you climb any higher, you’ll hit vice-ministerial level. Aren’t you worried about moving too fast and throwing out your back?"

Principal Tang chuckled. "Who would ever complain about climbing too high? And what I’m asking you to do will benefit the entire school—heck, even society at large!"

Lin Ran sighed and threw up his hands. "Fine, fine. What do you need from me? But let’s be clear—if it’s beyond my ability, don’t force me."

Principal Tang’s face wrinkled into a grin. "Of course, of course! It’s a very small favor. All I need is for your wife to attach Luo Corporation’s name to our graduating students’ employment placements."

His eagerness was barely concealed, and Lin Ran finally understood the real purpose of today’s visit.

Still, this was something his wife would have to approve—though, come to think of it, she might be happier if he just agreed on the spot.

"Alright, since you’re not a bad guy, I’ll give you a decent outcome. I’ll pass along your request, but no promises, got it?"

Luo Corporation hired a large number of fresh graduates every year, and competition was fierce.

But with their new project in Shanghai, demand would only increase. Adding one more school to their recruitment list shouldn’t be a problem.

"That’s all I need—just your word in my favor."

Principal Tang knew exactly what he was doing. Luo Yao was the type to spoil her husband without question—if Lin Ran asked, she’d make it happen.

Of course, Lin Ran was just as devoted to his wife.

How did Principal Tang know them so well?

Because he was also a devoted fan of the "Goddess Luo Tames Lin" ship.

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave. My wife’s waiting for me to bring her lunch."

Lin Ran was ready to bolt before the old man could make another request.

"One more thing—could you reach out to Old Chen’s granddaughter and clarify the situation with Yu Chengqun? We don’t want rumors spreading among the students."

This time, Lin Ran hesitated. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to help, but the matter involved Chen Qingtian’s privacy.

Still, Principal Tang had reminded him of something important.

Even if the conflict between Chen Qingtian and Yu Chengqun hadn’t gone public yet, with how fast information spread online, it wouldn’t be long before everyone knew.

At the end of the day, Chen Qingtian was an artist under his company. As her boss, he couldn’t just ignore it.

As for how to handle it?

That was PR’s job.

One thing was certain—they wouldn’t be telling the public, "Superstar Chen Qingtian kicked a Jingda University student in the balls so hard they exploded."

"By the way, what’s happening with Yu Chengqun?"

Principal Tang sighed. "Still figuring that out. He’s still recovering, so we can’t investigate until he’s in better condition."

Though Principal Tang had some connections, he wasn’t part of the top-tier elite and didn’t know the full story. All he knew was the bare facts: "Chen Qingtian kicked Yu Chengqun in the groin."

That’s why he wanted Chen Qingtian to issue a statement first—so the school could decide how to handle it.

But in the end, it might just get swept under the rug. After all, the Yu family wasn’t to be trifled with in the capital.

After a brief pause, Lin Ran said, "Expel Yu Chengqun. And Ai Xianbai too. As for the reason… I’ll have someone explain it to you."

Principal Tang was momentarily speechless. That seemed a bit extreme.

"What? Not willing? Then I might have to reconsider my earlier promises."

"Young man… did I say no? Fine, fine. Once Chen Qingtian’s PR statement is out, the school will take action."

Lin Ran smiled in satisfaction. For the past six months, he’d been giving this old man favors—this was the first time he’d gotten something in return.

"Alright, I’ll ask my cousin. But I’m just the messenger—no guarantees she’ll agree to a PR move. If she refuses, I’ll have to apologize in advance."

Principal Tang nodded approvingly. He didn’t actually want Lin Ran to agree to everything.

Learning to say no was part of growing up, and Lin Ran had finally mastered the art of measured responses.

"Principal, I’ll get going now."

"Good. Your advisor will contact you about your diploma."

As Lin Ran left Jingda University, he felt a weight lift off his shoulders—no more school obligations.

From now on, he was officially a working adult.

Checking the time, he headed back to the estate, prepared lunch, and took it to Luo Corporation.

The moment he stepped inside, envious gazes followed him.

"CEO Luo is so lucky—Lin’s already visiting her on her first day back at work."

"Did you see the livestream a few days ago? They’re even sweeter in private. I watched for two days and got diagnosed with diabetes during my checkup."

"You think Lin’s here to check up on her?"

"Like CEO Luo needs monitoring? Use your brain! The whole internet’s obsessed with them."

"They’re just… I can’t even. I cried from how sweet they are."

"Apparently, during those two days, Assistant Wang Fang spent the whole time catching employees slacking off—until someone caught her watching the livestream too. Then she just gave up and put it on all the office screens, leading a company-wide slacking session."

It was true—Lin Ran was now famous. Not just at school or Luo Corporation, but nationwide.

In the days since, matchmaking agencies and dating services had seen a surge in business.

Inspired by the couple’s public affection, even sworn singles were suddenly looking for love.

Even marriage registries reported more weddings than divorces for the first time in ages.

No one had expected a simple show to boost the country’s marriage and birth rates.

The increase wasn’t huge, but it was noticeable.

That was the power of their influence.

Neither Luo Yao nor Lin Ran were in the entertainment industry, yet their impact dwarfed even the biggest celebrities.

When Lin Ran reached the 88th floor, heads popped out from the assistant office the second the elevator doors opened.

They all knew him—some even considered themselves experts on the "Goddess Luo Tames Lin" saga.

But after the livestream, they’d gone full fangirl.

They were even more obsessed than the online shippers.

The moment Luo Yao arrived that morning, they’d started a betting pool: Would Lin Ran show up at lunch?

Even at measly 1:1.1 odds, everyone bet on "yes."

The "no" option sat at a laughable 1:30.

Winning wasn’t the point—being right was.