The name “Blue Star Group” carried a solid reputation, so it wasn’t a surprise that around twenty people signed up for this course—way more than the “Elite Courtyard” discussion room could handle. Eventually, they had to switch to a multimedia classroom in the School of Economics and Management.

After several days, Xia Fu found herself face-to-face with her boyfriend’s older brother, Fang Siyu, again. The man with distinct features wore a grayish-blue shirt under a dark gray pinstriped suit, giving off a professional vibe. Though he didn’t bother with a tie, leaving the collar casually open, he seemed much more approachable than the cold and impersonal figure he usually portrayed on the business field.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m Fang Siyu, your instructor for this course, from Blue Star Group, and an alumnus of F University’s Class of 2008 Finance program. This school-enterprise seminar is an opportunity for me to connect with you as a senior and discuss how we can apply academic knowledge practically in the workplace.”

Fang Siyu’s formal opening had barely begun when Fang Jingcheng, sitting below, couldn’t resist providing his own “color commentary,” muttering under his breath, “A guy pushing thirty still calling himself a senior… such an old man. Take my advice—never let someone like this smooth-talker get too chummy in the workplace. You’ll end up getting PUA’d into doing all the grunt work. Remember that ‘senior’ from the internship chat who came back to recruit a personal assistant? Said it was all about ‘mentorship in finance leasing,’ but really just hired undergrads at dirt-cheap rates to write reports and draft contracts while he pocketed the big bucks. Eventually, he got kicked out of the group after a warning from management.”

His detailed storytelling of workplace horror tales, filled with exaggerated tones, sounded like some Uncle Wang from the village trying to scare kids by saying ghosts would pull their feet if they left them out of the covers at night. Xia Fu couldn’t help but feel relieved they were seated inconspicuously in a corner, with Fang Jingcheng’s muttering low enough to avoid any potential chalk projectile from an irritated Fang Siyu.

Resting her chin on her hand, Xia Fu gazed thoughtfully at the lecturer on stage.

Cunning? Maybe. Old? Definitely.

As Fang Siyu introduced his resume, a slide with his student-era achievements popped up. Amidst various awards and accolades was a small photo—a young man in his early twenties standing with his professor, holding a trophy. He stood straight, his short black hair falling softly around his face. His pale, delicate features looked almost girlish, with large, dark-framed glasses perched on his nose. His thin lips pressed into a straight, serious line, making him look like a stern little old man. The light blue polo shirt and khaki suit pants only added to that effect.

A true model student, tucking his shirt neatly into his pants.

And of course, Fang Jingcheng couldn’t resist a critique.

“I told you, besides work, he’s hopeless. Guy can’t even dress himself—needs his assistant or his mom to pick out his suits every morning. Talks big, but can’t do the basics.”

Though his complaints were endless, even Fang Jingcheng had to admit that when it came to managing a company and teaching, his brother was as flawless as they come.

“This year, we’re seeing an accelerated development in digital technology. Blockchain, IoT, AI—these techs are becoming a part of our daily lives. So, the theme for this course is ‘Fintech and Digital Finance.’ After reviewing some classic case studies, you’ll form groups, brainstorm on integrating technology into finance, and design a digital financial product or service.”

Unlike the energetic and eye-catching style of Fang Jingcheng, Fang Siyu’s approach was steadier, his tone calm and deliberate, drawing the class in as he highlighted key points with a laser pointer. The way he leaned against the desk, directing the discussion without singling Fang Jingcheng out for his distractions, showed a surprising amount of patience.

At that moment, it was hard for Xia Fu to connect the brother described by her boyfriend with the poised young man in front of her. Perhaps, like anyone, he had flaws only family would know.

She nodded absentmindedly in response to Fang Jingcheng’s whispers, hoping to form her own judgment. But midway through the class, Fang Siyu’s biggest flaw became evident.

Being a teacher isn’t just mentally taxing; it demands some physical stamina too. Many spend the whole 45-minute session on their feet, some even moving around the room multiple times. But after about thirty minutes, Fang Siyu’s fatigue showed. Supporting himself against the desk, he let out a soft sigh. Then, with a brief, self-deprecating smile, he looked up and asked, “Sorry, I’m not feeling well. Would it be alright if I taught the rest of the class sitting down? Let’s move on to the group discussion. Decide on your team names, slogans, and choose a group leader. Each team will showcase their ‘spirit’ afterward.”

No one begrudged the pale-faced lecturer his request.

Fang Jingcheng, determined to keep anyone from invading his time with Xia Fu, had specifically chosen some good friends from the Elite program to join the class. One of them, the wealthy kid from her first meeting with Zhou Hongxia, was a round-faced, easy-going guy who let Xia Fu take the lead and was always reliable and cooperative—the perfect teammate.

“With tech advancements, scams are evolving too. Since this is finance, security should be our focus. How about a blockchain-based stamp for transactions?” he suggested.

With an expert on board, they settled on the project theme quickly, but ended up spending more time on the team logo and name.

“Security makes me think of shields. And since ‘C’ for blockchain kind of looks like a round shield, let me sketch it out.”

Finally in his element, Fang Jingcheng eagerly started drawing, with his buddy cheering him on with remarks like “Man, you’re a pro, Fang-ge.”

“Whatever you say.”

Xia Fu didn’t have strong opinions on aesthetics, so while her boyfriend was absorbed in his work, she idly scanned the room to see what other students were up to.

And that’s when she spotted the silent figure again.

While the students around him animatedly discussed their projects, Fang Siyu was doing nothing. His dark, inky eyes seemed unfocused as if he were in a daze. He sat by the lectern with his elbows resting on his knees, his long fingers interlaced—a relaxed posture that, oddly enough, looked weary, as though some invisible weight pressed down on his narrow shoulders, making even breathing a chore. In the lively little classroom theater, he alone was the shadow behind the curtain.

This frail eldest son, shaped by a lifetime of care and attention, seemed to have grown into someone entirely different from his younger brother, Xia Changqing.

He had become the type every parent would love.

Like a perfect doll, crafted by his mother.

Recalling his glowing resume and Fang Jingcheng’s grumbling, a nonsensical, irrational thought crossed Xia Fu’s mind.

She realized she wasn’t afraid of him.

When the discussion ended and the class moved on, Fang Siyu asked, “Would any group leaders like to be the course representative?” Without hesitation, Xia Fu raised her hand.

Being proactive in a small class like this meant more opportunities to stand out, unlike the big classes where a sea of heads often greeted teachers’ questions. Xia Fu knew that if she hesitated, she’d miss out on “points.”

Sibling rivalry or not, she figured Fang Jingcheng could use a little nudge to step up. Since she’d chosen this course and led her group, she might as well aim for the best score.

She had already discussed this with Fang Jingcheng beforehand.

Though he hesitated, he didn’t stop her. With a slight twitch of his lips, he mumbled, “Yeah… there’s really nothing to be afraid of.” His concern—that she’d get too close to his brother—was one he kept to himself.

“I’d like to. Ever since choosing a Blue Star Group project for the ‘Challenge Cup’ and winning, I’ve been really interested in your company’s culture.”

Her clear voice resonated through the classroom.

And Fang Siyu paused for a moment.

He seemed momentarily thrown off, given that he’d been ignoring his chatty little brother in the back without a single glance.

After a moment, those deep, dark eyes studied Xia Fu intently. Pressing his lips together briefly, he nodded in reply:

“All right.”