CHAPTER 622: CHAPTER 622: THERE IS ONE EARTH-SHATTERING PERSON

It turns out Mayor Long is also a former student of Tianhai Middle School. Many graduates from Tianhai Middle School have become outstanding talents, some have made a lot of money and become successful entrepreneurs, while others have ventured into politics.

Mayor Long’s status is very special and important, as he holds the position of mayor of Tianhai City, making his presence even more significant.

For this centennial celebration, Mayor Long is a heavyweight among the honored guests. However, previously he had mentioned being too busy with official duties and might not be able to attend, but would try to come.

The excitement had lasted for quite some time, yet Principal Zhao hadn’t seen Mayor Long arrive, thinking he wouldn’t come. Nevertheless, as a heavyweight guest and a pride of Tianhai Middle School, Principal Zhao still intended to mention him to highlight the prestige of Tianhai High School.

Just as Principal Zhao was about to speak, a voice was heard: "Who said I couldn’t come? Here I am, hahaha..."

The speaker was indeed Mayor Long, who walked over accompanied by his secretary.

Principal Zhao was pleasantly surprised: "The Mayor is here! Students, let’s applaud!"

Applause thundered.

Everyone gazed at him with admiration; a mayor was too impressive. As a graduate of Tianhai, he truly was a Dragon and Phoenix among people, the pride of the school, and an idol for younger students.

Principal Zhao jogged off the stage, very politely ushering Mayor Long onto the stage.

"Old Principal, you’re too courteous. I’m a student, you’re the principal, I shouldn’t accept such honors," Mayor Long said humbly.

Principal Zhao laughed and replied, "You’re the mayor, I’m the principal, but we must adhere to proper protocol."

It is said that one rank higher in government can be overpowering; the mayor is certainly more than one rank above the principal. While the relationship between them is teacher-student, regarding hierarchy, they are superior-subordinate, making the teacher-student relationship defer to rank.

These words might not be spoken openly, but they are understood as unspoken rules.

After Mayor Long took the stage, following the program, Principal Zhao invited him to speak.

Mayor Long casually said some encouraging words, reminisced a bit about his school days, and upon finishing his speech, the applause from the audience was thunderous.

As the mayor, everyone wanted to curry favor with him. Meng Xiaoming, Lai Xiaomei, and others proactively approached to shake hands and chat with Mayor Long.

This centennial celebration could also be seen as a networking event, where outstanding talents connected, and successful people understood the primary importance of good relationships: more friends, more paths. Given they were alumni, a shared affinity existed, and such an opportunity would naturally not be missed.

No one would want to miss the chance to build a good relationship with the mayor.

Principal Zhao also stepped up proactively to introduce them to Mayor Long.

"Mayor, these are some of our school’s excellent graduates. They are special guests today; let me introduce them to you."

Principal Zhao introduced Meng Xiaoming, Lai Xiaomei, and others to Mayor Long.

"Mayor Long, I’ve admired you for a long time, and today, I finally got to meet you. It is a great honor," Meng Xiaoming said, extending his hand to Mayor Long.

Mayor Long replied with a smile, "You’re welcome. In terms of seniority, you’re my senior brother. Senior Brother Meng is a successful entrepreneur, very accomplished. I wonder if you have any plans to invest in Tianhai?"

"If the opportunity arises, certainly!" Meng Xiaoming chuckled, somewhat awkwardly, because it seemed he hadn’t planned to invest in Tianhai. Although Tianhai was his hometown, it was really too poor and lacking prospects.

Mayor Long laughed and said, "Then it’s settled. Let’s exchange business cards and schedule a time to discuss."

Although Meng Xiaoming had no such plans, he couldn’t outright refuse, so he said, "Alright, that depends on when the mayor is available."

The two exchanged business cards.

"Hello, Senior Brother Long. You’ve always been my idol and role model," Lai Xiaomei eagerly joined in.

Mayor Long smiled, "Oh really? Junior Sister Lai is very impressive. I’ve heard about your company."

Lai Xiaomei responded with a charming smile, "It’s true. When I was in high school, Senior Brother Long had already graduated years ago, but legends of Senior Brother Long still circulated in school. Senior Brother Long was a top student, and he got into the prestigious Jiangnan University. Many people set Senior Brother Long as their idol and goal, myself included."

Mayor Long laughed heartily, "You’re too kind."

Afterwards, others also came forward to meet Mayor Long.

Soon, the guests had all been introduced.

But Mayor Long furrowed his brow and asked Principal Zhao, "Old Principal, isn’t there one more guest who hasn’t appeared yet? Let me guess; he must be making an entrance as the mysterious guest, right? It must be him. Given his status, he truly deserves to be the mysterious guest."

"What?" Principal Zhao was puzzled, clearly not understanding Mayor Long’s remark, which seemed random and out of context. What did it mean?

The crowd also looked at each other in confusion. Was there a mysterious guest?

Who could it be?

Principal Zhao himself had no idea there was a mysterious guest, but Mayor Long saying so made it seem as if there should be someone like that, making Principal Zhao a bit uneasy: "Mayor Long, are you joking?"

Mayor Long replied with surprise, "Old Principal, are you kidding me?"

Principal Zhao wiped his cold sweat and awkwardly laughed, "Let’s put it this way, among all the guests here, the biggest one is you, Mr. Mayor. If we talk about a mysterious guest, it’s you. Otherwise, who else?"

Mayor Long was a bit surprised, "No way, Old Principal. I thought you knew, but it turns out you don’t? You look like you don’t know?"

Principal Zhao, still puzzled, asked, "What should I know, Mayor Long? Please clarify."

The crowd was also puzzled about what Mayor Long was talking about.

"There’s a mysterious guest? Can’t be, isn’t Mayor Long the mysterious guest himself?"

"Who else, other than Mayor Long, could deserve to be mysterious guest?"

"Could there be someone among the graduates more impressive than Mayor Long?"

"No way, if there were, how would the school not know!"

"I think the principal seems unaware. Otherwise, it would be impossible not to invite this person!"

"Exactly, I think that person doesn’t exist. What’s Mayor Long’s point, joking?"

"No way, what’s there to joke about in this matter, no need!"

The crowd began discussing.

Mayor Long paused for a moment and finally understood; it seemed no one present, including the old principal, knew about it. They didn’t know that among Tianhai Middle School graduates, there was a world-shaking figure!

This truly surprised him. How could Principal Zhao not know? Shouldn’t Principal Zhao have conducted investigations into past graduates? How could he not know?

In fact, he hadn’t planned to attend the centennial celebration today, but it was for this extraordinary person that he decided to come temporarily, only to be taken aback. Evidently, the principal didn’t know and hadn’t invited that person!

"Mayor, who are you talking about?" Principal Zhao asked again, genuinely curious. If there really was someone outstanding from Tianhai Middle School, he couldn’t possibly be unaware.

Mayor Long replied, "I’m talking about Lin Fan."

What?

The entire audience was stunned.