Chapter 63: The Clown Turned Out to Be Himself

That beam of light shattered the gloom in the room, drawing everyone’s attention toward the doorway.

Viewers in the livestream found it strange, and the comment section bubbled over with speculation:

“What’s happening? Why is everyone looking over there?”
“Streamer, turn the camera—come on, we can’t see anything!”
Against the light, the newcomer’s features were indistinct.

He wore a dark suit, his stride steady and powerful, moving step by step toward the podium.

As he drew closer, some sharp-eyed students recognized him.

It was Gu Xiangnan!

Whispers swept through the students:

“Why is Gu Xiangnan back?”
“Does he want to cause trouble by showing up now?”
“Maybe he’s here to complain to the president.”

Cao Guang’s class sat nearest the podium, so they were the last to see clearly—it was Gu Xiangnan.

Zi Xiaoyin, upon seeing him, exclaimed joyfully, “Gu, it’s wonderful that you’ve returned!”

Cao Guang, however, grew furious at the sight. This guy was like a persistent stain—impossible to shake off!

He stepped forward and accused, “Gu Xiangnan, why are you here again? You’ve already been expelled from the University of Traditional Medicine. Leave at once—we don’t welcome you!”

Gu Xiangnan had been about to ask Hua Hongwen, “How have you arranged this?”

Before he could speak, Xu Chenyu rushed forward, shoving Cao Guang aside. “Even the president hasn’t told him to leave—what gives you the right? Nan, don’t mind him. Come sit with me,” he said, reaching for Gu Xiangnan’s arm. But Gu Xiangnan deftly evaded him.

Xu Chenyu was momentarily stunned.

Gu Xiangnan strode straight toward the podium.

Seeing this, Xu Chenyu felt a surge of unease. He suspected Gu Xiangnan intended to make a scene—given his skill, if he acted impulsively, the consequences would be dire.

Xu Chenyu hurried to block Gu Xiangnan’s path, whispering urgently, “Nan, calm down! Don’t be reckless. If you lay a hand on the leadership, you really won’t be able to come back!”

Gu Xiangnan looked at Xu Chenyu’s tense expression, feeling a wave of warmth rise within him. He smiled gently, patted Xu Chenyu’s shoulder, and reassured him, “Don’t worry. I won’t do anything foolish.”

Xu Chenyu searched his eyes—there was no hint of violence—so he relaxed and stepped aside.

Gu Xiangnan ascended the podium in long strides, standing tall and silent.

Meanwhile, the livestream erupted into a frenzy. Suddenly, a flood of viewers poured in, and comments multiplied:

“Whoa! Who’s this handsome guy? Did they invite a boy band idol?”
“He looks familiar—wasn’t he the male student rumored to be supported by a wealthy woman?”
“Yes, that’s him!”
“Is the school holding a meeting to punish him?”
Cao Guang shouted loudly from below, refusing to back down: “Gu Xiangnan, get down! Don’t delay the genius professor!”

Other students from different classes echoed him:

“Get down, we want to see the genius professor!”
“Professor! Professor! Professor!”

The entire hall was instantly drowned in the rhythmic chants of the students.

Gu Xiangnan remained unmoved, gazing down at the crowd with an air of authority.

“Please, Mr. Gu,” Hua Hongwen stood up, walked to Gu Xiangnan’s side, and addressed the teachers and students with solemnity: “Allow me to introduce the genius professor invited by our university—Gu Xiangnan!”

At his words, the students’ chants abruptly ceased.

Everyone drew a sharp breath, stunned.

The genius professor was Gu Xiangnan?

Wasn’t he a student of the Acupuncture and Tuina School, and even a poor performer who had to retake courses?

How could this be?

No one was more shocked than Cao Guang.

His face flushed deep red; the fool turned out to be himself! He’d just tried to chase Gu Xiangnan away.

Xu Chenyu was rendered speechless in astonishment.

He had befriended a university professor—would he never have to worry about failing again? The thought was exhilarating.

The livestream comments raced by:

“Holy—what a breathtaking reversal!”
“He’s not just a male student; he’s a professor!”
“The internet spreads rumors with a word, but truth has to run a marathon—doesn’t anyone care?”
Gu Xiangnan’s identity had shifted suddenly, and the teachers and students were awash with mixed emotions.

Some doubted Gu Xiangnan’s abilities, suspecting the president’s praise was exaggerated.

Such is life—when people know little of each other, a mysterious aura often shrouds the unknown.

When Gu Xiangnan appeared as a student, that aura vanished.

Even the leaders on stage cast skeptical glances his way.

Hua Hongwen, keenly aware of the mood, spoke into the microphone: “Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special guest today. Upon learning that Professor Gu Xiangnan would be formally introduced, he feared you might not know Gu well enough, so he recorded a video for you. Please, watch the large screen.”

On another screen appeared the image of Song Jinlong, the King of Jiangning.

Dressed in a crisp suit, he sat before the camera, his face aglow with a warm smile.

“Students of the University of Traditional Medicine, greetings. I am Song Jinlong.”

The students erupted instantly.

Song Jinlong—a name known to all in Jiangning.

Everyone recognized him: the King of Jiangning! The city’s most distinguished figure.

Applause surged like a tide, and the atmosphere reached its zenith.

The livestream exploded, tens of thousands of viewers flooding in.

“Today, I wish to recommend a young friend to you: Gu Xiangnan.”

“As an ordinary patient, I speak to you candidly—it was Gu Xiangnan who saved my life in a critical moment.”

He paused, then continued:

“And as a citizen of Jiangning, I extend heartfelt thanks to Gu Xiangnan. In a mass poisoning incident, he stepped forward to save countless lives.”

Admiration filled Song Jinlong’s voice.

“Now, Gu Xiangnan has chosen to teach, to share his knowledge without reservation with the next generation of doctors. I am deeply moved and gratified.”

“I hope you cherish this rare opportunity—learn from Professor Gu, and devote yourselves to the cause of traditional medicine.”

The video ended, and the hall erupted once more in thunderous applause.

The students’ blood ran hot.

Their gazes toward Gu Xiangnan were transformed—now filled with admiration and reverence.

Hua Hongwen, beaming, invited Gu Xiangnan to take his seat.

He nudged the leaders beside him to shift their positions, pulling Gu Xiangnan to sit right next to him.

Next, a leader stood to announce:

The University of Traditional Medicine had received a significant donation; a philanthropic entrepreneur had generously established a scholarship.

It was designed to support students who excelled in the field of traditional medicine, encouraging them to redouble their efforts.

This scholarship would bear the name “Gu Xiangnan Scholarship.”