Chapter 36: Am I the kind of person to hold a grudge?

After leaving the hospital, Yin Shize returned to the Douyin headquarters to report the situation to the big boss.

"Boss, Wu Bin has already been signed by the television station. It is estimated that they will focus on promoting him, which could potentially have an adverse impact on us."

Upon hearing Yin Shize’s analysis, the big boss frowned and remained silent. For years, traditional television programs had hardly been watched by anyone. This was the era of short, fast-paced, and punchy videos—the very mantra that had allowed Douyin to build its fortune and dominate the field. Their original plan had been to squeeze the TV stations out of existence, only to acquire them or negotiate partnerships later. Yet, out of nowhere, a "fragile college student" had emerged, dominating the trending lists for two consecutive weeks. Watching the popularity of Wu Bin's livestream soar, the big boss was green with envy. How could a Wu Bin have suddenly appeared to rescue the dying TV stations?

"If they signed him, so be it. That college student can’t be sick every single day anyway. I believe this hype is just temporary. While everyone’s attention is on this student, we can start promoting a batch of our own new streamers."

Yin Shize quickly handed over a list he had prepared in advance. "Boss, these are the three new streamers we plan to promote heavily this month. Would you take a look and see if there are any issues?"

The big boss glanced over them. The three new streamers were Beibei from the dance category, General Fish who specialized in 'social shaking' dance moves, and Geng Hao, an athletic prodigy. Their livestream data had been quite good lately, especially General Fish, whose follower count was skyrocketing; it seemed that today's youth enjoyed that kind of earthy, kitschy style.

"Fine, let’s push them this month. Allocate more resources and see if they can compete with that fragile college student."

...

In the hospital room, ever since signing the contract with the TV station, Wu Bin saw money entering his bank account every day, a feeling he found incredibly satisfying. However, as his discharge date approached, he felt increasingly uneasy. He knew the next illness on the list was a fracture, and crucially, he had also purchased the "Chain Reaction" effect. If that were to trigger, he couldn't imagine how painful it might be.

"Wu Bin, you can be discharged now." A young nurse stood at the door and called out.

Wu Bin was somewhat reluctant. "I can be discharged already? Could you double-check for me?"

The nurse had grown familiar with Wu Bin and said with a smile, "Aren't you going to school? Hurry back; the Dean is complaining that you're taking up a bed."

Wu Bin sighed. Since Li Guotai had said so, it seemed he had no excuse to linger any longer. He changed out of his hospital gown and walked out of the hospital with his bag. He Bingbing and her camera crew followed him, filming the whole time.

Wu Bin was now the trump card for their station, and they had brought in extra equipment to ensure the best possible livestream quality.

"Sister Bingbing, where is your car?"

He Bingbing said somewhat awkwardly, "Do you want to ride in our car? I’m afraid... another accident might happen like last time."

Wu Bin couldn't help but laugh out loud. "What are the odds of that? With so many of you following me, you can't expect me to take a taxi back to school, right?"

"That’s true. Wait a moment, the car will be here shortly."

Before long, the car arrived. Wu Bin returned to school and learned from the dormitory warden that it was currently class time. He could have chosen to sleep in his dorm, but since He Bingbing and her team were livestreaming the entire process, Wu Bin thought it over and decided he needed to set a positive example for college students. With that, he headed straight to the teaching building.

"Report." Wu Bin stood at the door to inform the teacher.

When the teacher, Wei Hong, saw Wu Bin, she was instantly terrified. "Wu Bin, you've been discharged?"

Wu Bin said with a smile, "Yes, I was discharged today, and I've come to attend class."

Wei Hong felt incredibly panicked. "Since you've been sick, you should have stayed in the dorm for a few more days. There was no need to come to class right after being discharged."

Wu Bin shook his head. "Thank you for your concern, teacher, but I am a college student, and my priority must be my studies."

Wu Bin’s words left Wei Hong with nothing more to say; she couldn't exactly stop a student from attending class. "Alright then, come in, but be careful." Wei Hong watched Wu Bin with a nervous expression, even more worried than if she were watching her own child walk.

As Wu Bin went to find a seat, he didn't notice a step and stumbled, nearly falling. Wei Hong’s face turned pale with fright, and the surrounding students let out gasps! Seeing everyone staring at him in horror, Wu Bin scratched his head. "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. Everyone, don't worry, I'm very healthy now; there's no problem at all."

*I don't believe a word of it!* Wei Hong felt as if she were about to have a heart attack. Fortunately, Wu Bin made it to his seat without further incident, which finally allowed Wei Hong to relax slightly and continue the lesson.

Song Bing and Xue Gui leaned over. "Old Wu, look how awesome you are now. Everyone was scared to death just because you tripped."

Wu Bin was left between laughter and tears. "Do you think I want it to be like this? I can't help it; I’m just naturally frail and sickly."

Xue Gui said, "Did you know the principal applied for a recommendation for graduate studies for you?"

"Huh?" Wu Bin shook his head. "I really didn't know that. Where did you hear this?"

"Everyone is talking about it. Apparently, the principal mentioned it during a meeting. He said you're a talent and must be kept at the Agricultural University. It’s not just the graduate recommendation; they've also arranged the best mentor for you and told you that you could choose any research project you want. Brother, you've hit the jackpot!"

Wu Bin hadn't expected Xu Wenyao to go to such lengths just to keep him. It seemed he had misunderstood him before. Wu Bin scanned the classroom and asked, "Where is Zhao Hao? Why don't I see him?"

Song Bing’s expression turned odd. "Why are you looking for him? Aren't you two enemies?"

Wu Bin said with a straight face, "Do I look like the kind of person who holds a grudge? I'm looking for him mainly because I want to hear him call me 'Dad.' I didn't hear it last time, so it feels like a bit of a loss."

As soon as Wu Bin said this, the netizens in the livestream were laughing hysterically.

"Brother Wu is truly savage. Even now, he's still thinking about making the guy call him 'Dad'."

"That's exactly what should happen. If it weren't for Brother Wu, the situation would have completely reversed."

"True, that rich kid didn't play fair at all; I look down on him too!"

Wu Bin had no time to worry about the netizens' discussions. He was still looking everywhere for Zhao Hao.

Song Bing said, "Stop looking. Zhao Hao transferred schools."

"Huh?" Wu Bin was somewhat surprised. "He transferred already? That seems extreme; it was just one 'Dad'."

Xue Gui added from the side, "It’s not just about the 'Dad' issue. Do you remember when Zhao Hao's mom pointed at your nose and cursed you? The netizens couldn't stand it and went directly to their flagship store to leave malicious reviews, buying items and then returning them. By now, his biological father's company has already lost over a million."

"You're their living nightmare now; Zhao Hao had no choice but to transfer."

Wu Bin was amused and gave a thumbs up to the camera. "Netizens are awesome!"