Restarting your life starts with filling out your college application.

Chapter 69 A Chance Encounter with Xiang Wanyu

Chen Zhiyuan smiled and shook his head: "You guys go ahead, I have something to do today."

Duan Bin chimed in, "What a pity! The internet speed at the new internet cafe must be fast. My boss and I were planning to play StarCraft online for a couple of hours!"

The autumn of 1999 was a time when games like Red Alert and StarCraft were all the rage on local area networks, and when text-based MUDs (MudDs) and early ICQ chat rooms attracted countless young people.

As Chen Zhiyuan listened, a more distant blueprint flashed through his mind: Once my first pot of gold is thicker, perhaps... I should acquire the agency rights for "Legend," which will one day sweep the nation.

The thought flashed through his mind, and he smiled but said nothing.

After a while, the four students from dormitory 217 went out together to the cafeteria for breakfast.

Although there are breakfast stalls outside the school, the school cafeteria's breakfasts, with their amazing variety, generous portions, and unparalleled value for money, have firmly captured the stomachs and wallets of students (especially freshmen).

Despite it being the weekend, the cafeteria at Jiangnan University, with its tens of thousands of students, was still bustling with activity.

Chen Zhiyuan swiped his card and bought himself an exceptionally lavish meal: two large meat buns, two fried dough sticks, a scallion pancake, and a bag of fresh milk, piling the plate to the brim.

The four of them found a place to sit down and started eating and chatting.

Du Jiancheng looked at the "mountain" of food in front of Chen Zhiyuan with surprise: "Third brother, can you finish this? Your appetite has increased lately!"

The dormitory was arranged by age, with Du Jiancheng being the eldest, Duan Bin the second, Chen Zhiyuan the third, and Liu Haiyang the youngest.

Chen Zhiyuan took a bite of the juicy meat bun and laughed, "It's probably because I'm so tired from training every day, I get hungry quickly."

He himself noticed that as the systematic training progressed, his appetite had indeed increased, and the lines of his body muscles seemed to be clearer and stronger.

"Yes, yes, although the third brother is exempt from military training, the daily sprint training is still physically demanding." Du Jiancheng nodded in understanding.

Chen Zhiyuan, who didn't have to participate in the brutal military training, was already seen as living a "heavenly life" in their eyes, so it was only right that he ate more.

The group enjoyed a leisurely breakfast without having to rush or worry about military training, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Chen Zhiyuan's hearing is far beyond that of ordinary people. Even in such a noisy environment, he can clearly hear some conversations around him.

For example, the excited chatter of several girls nearby drifted into his ears:

"Eat quickly! After we finish, let's head to Jiefang Road! The second volume of 'Those Things About the Ming Dynasty' is launching today, and there's a book signing event too!"

"Isn't there a need to rush? The autograph session doesn't start until 10 o'clock, and it's only a little past 8 now."

"Are you crazy?! Lots of people will definitely go! What if you're late and can't get in line? I really want to see what the author looks like, and I want to get an autograph!"

"That's true... Let's hurry! I'm so excited, I'm finally going to meet the author in person!"

"..."

Listening to these expectant discussions, Chen Zhiyuan's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile.

It seems that Wu Shuhan and his team did a very good job in promoting the book, and many fans have received the news.

He could almost picture the bustling scene that would unfold in front of the Xinhua Bookstore on Jiefang Road later.

After finishing breakfast, although it was still early, Chen Zhiyuan set off.

Driving from Jiangnan University to Jiefang Road in the city center takes at least 40 to 50 minutes, even without traffic jams.

He had just stepped out of the cafeteria and was walking towards the parking lot when his phone rang in his pocket.

"Zhiyuan! Congratulations! The second volume is available nationwide today, what a joyous occasion!" Zhou Shutang's clear and melodious voice rang out, carrying heartfelt congratulations and joy.

"Thank you, Sister Zhou!" Chen Zhiyuan's tone was also filled with joy.

The release of the second volume is indeed a milestone event, which means that royalties will see another surge.

The first volume has sold over 300,000 copies so far, and Wu Shuhan told him that another 100,000 copies are being printed urgently.

According to the contract, the higher the sales volume, the higher the royalty rate will be.

Jiangnan Publishing Group made the payments very promptly. In total, more than 1.3 million yuan of royalties from several payments have been deposited into Chen Zhiyuan's account.

1.3 million in 1999!

Chen Zhiyuan has already firmly entered the ranks of millionaires, and the "value" of this millionaire is extraordinary.

"How could I miss such a big event? I have to come and support you!" Zhou Shutang said enthusiastically. "Where are you? I'll drive over and pick you up so we can go together."

Chen Zhiyuan laughed heartily: "Sister Zhou, there's no need for you to make the trip. I can drive there myself. Shall we meet at the Xinhua Bookstore entrance on Jiefang Road?"

"Okay! I'll wait for you at the bookstore entrance!" Zhou Shutang readily agreed.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Zhiyuan continued walking towards the parking lot.

His Grand Cherokee was parked there.

Jiangnan University has a large area and several parking lots.

Chen Zhiyuan parked his car in a spot relatively close to the dormitory and canteen.

When he was still two or three hundred meters away from the parking lot, he paused slightly and saw a familiar face.

The other person clearly saw him too, and a surprised smile immediately appeared on their face as they quickened their pace to greet him.

"Chen Zhiyuan! What a coincidence!" Xiang Wanyu was wearing a floral dress today, with her long hair flowing down her shoulders, looking exceptionally youthful and beautiful on the weekend campus.

"Hello, senior." Chen Zhiyuan greeted her politely, "Are you getting ready to go out?"

"Yes!" Xiang Wanyu said happily, "Let's go to Jiefang Road! What about you?" Next to her was a round-faced girl wearing glasses, who was probably her friend or roommate.

The round-faced girl looked Chen Zhiyuan up and down curiously, then said to Xiang Wanyu, "Wanyu, is this the junior you mentioned before? The one with the same name as the author of 'Those Things of the Ming Dynasty'?"

"Yes, that's him, Chen Zhiyuan," Xiang Wanyu introduced, then turned to Chen Zhiyuan, "This is my roommate, Wang Xia."

Wang Xia nodded to Chen Zhiyuan in a friendly manner and said excitedly, "Hello, Chen Zhiyuan! We're on our way to the Xinhua Bookstore on Jiefang Road! The second volume of 'Those Things About the Ming Dynasty' is being released today, and there's also a book signing event by the author! We've been looking forward to this for so long, and we'll finally get to meet the author in person!"

Her eyes shone with the longing unique to book lovers.

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhiyuan couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.

The author himself is standing right in front of you.

However, he didn't show it on his face, but just smiled and said, "That's quite a coincidence, I'm also going to the Xinhua Bookstore on Jiefang Road."

"Really? That's great!" Xiang Wanyu's eyes lit up, and she extended an invitation, "Then we're going the same way! There are three of us, so we can save some money by taking a taxi together!"

Upon hearing this, a natural smile appeared on Chen Zhiyuan's face, a smile that carried just the right amount of pride and casualness.