The two middle-aged men were similar in age but very different in physique. One man, dressed in a grey Zhongshan suit, was slightly plump, with a gentle smile on his face. As for the other, he was in an ordinary suit, with a meticulous expression.

Even though nearly a thousand audience members in the auditorium were all watching them, the expressions of the two men did not change at all, as if this scene was just routine for them.

"It's Secretary Wang and Mayor Cui!"

Many who came to participate in the university anniversary were retired or still in office officials. While ordinary people might not know who these two were, they recognized them at a glance.

Both the top and second leaders of Shanghai are present!

If only one had come, they might not have been so shocked, but with both present, they couldn't help but wonder about the influence of Shanghai Theatre Academy to invite these two leaders simultaneously.

Li Yin Yin turned her head, glancing at the still shocked Hu Ge, Wan Qian, and others, and said with a smile, "Didn't I say? Only such influential leaders would have the privilege on such university anniversaries."

"I truly didn't expect it, I thought maybe they had invited some theater veterans. I didn't expect it to be Secretary Wang and Mayor Cui..."

Wan Qian still found it hard to contain her emotions.

As for Li Yin Yin and Xu Zheng, even though they didn't have much relationship with leaders of this level, they had chances to talk, and they were more composed than Wan Qian.

Wu Changyong led Gu Bai and the leadership of Shanghai Theatre Academy to welcome them.

"Welcome Secretary Wang and Mayor Cui to the 72nd anniversary of Shanghai Theatre Academy."

Wu Changyong couldn't suppress the smile on his face as he spoke.

Shanghai Theatre Academy is an art college, and compared to cultural institutions, it's generally considered less important. If today were the anniversary of Zhen Dan or Jiaotong University, no one would question these leaders' presence, but an art academy's anniversary attracting them was a tremendous honor. Thinking of this, Wu Changyong couldn't help but glance at Gu Bai several times. If not for Gu Bai, this scene wouldn't have occurred.

"Dean Wu, you're too kind."

Wang Rengang maintained a gentle smile, while Cui Hong nodded with a slight smile at Gu Bai without speaking.

"Secretary Wang, Mayor Cui, we have reserved seats for you. Please, go ahead and take your seats?"

Saying this, Wu Changyong led Wang Rengang and Cui Hong to the already reserved seats. Everyone had been wondering who those two central seats were for; now it was clear.

The hall was filled with whispers. Wang Rengang and Cui Hong, facing the welcome from the crowd, showed no airs, smiling and nodding at everyone.

Gu Bai was seated next to Wang Rengang. As he sat down, Wang Rengang turned to Gu Bai with a smile and said, "Chairman Gu, I've been hearing your name frequently lately, not only in Shanghai but even in documents coming from Kyoto, which often mention you. But as far as I know, this is our first meeting, right?"

Sitting next to two influential leaders and being watched by thousands, Gu Bai had never experienced such a scene in either of his lifetimes. He felt a little apprehensive but didn't show it; after a moment, he gradually adapted to it.

"Secretary Wang, it's the school's 72nd anniversary today. I'm merely here as a student to wish the school well. Moreover, even outside of this environment, you're still my senior, so there's no need to call me Chairman Gu; just call me by my name."

"Cui Hong told me you're steady in both speech and action despite your young age. Seeing it firsthand today, it seems he wasn't exaggerating."

Seeing Gu Bai's handsome and gentle face, Wang Rengang's eyes showed deep satisfaction.

"I don't deserve your praise, Secretary Wang."

Gu Bai replied quickly.

Wang Rengang waved his hand.

"Hey, it's good for young people to be steady, but being too reserved can lose vitality. Given your age, you're like my junior. Since you don't like me calling you Chairman Gu, you can call me Uncle Wang in private if you don't mind."

Hearing Wang Rengang's words, Gu Bai felt quite flattered.

"Then, let me cheekily call you Uncle Wang."

Hearing Gu Bai's words, Wang Rengang nodded in satisfaction.

Considering Gu Bai's current social status, calling him Uncle Wang wasn't taking advantage for Gu Bai.

And Cui Hong, sitting next to Wang Rengang, looked at Gu Bai with a semi-smile.

Gu Bai immediately understood.

"Uncle Cui."

Wang Rengang and Cui Hong exchanged glances and immediately laughed heartily.

Sitting around, people saw Gu Bai talking delightfully with the two leaders. Those who didn't know Gu Bai started guessing his identity, while those who had heard of him reassessed his status.

"Cui Hong probably told you, right? You could be named one of the Top Ten Young Leaders of 2017."

Gu Bai nodded slightly.

"Uncle Cui mentioned it, but I still feel my contributions aren't enough to bear such a title."

"Don't be modest. If even you aren't qualified, then no one is for this title this year. I'm somewhat aware of your Qian Gen Sheng Fiery Torch Project. Once implemented, it impacts not just one province or city but truly benefits the whole country. 1,000 Hope Primary Schools can provide educational convenience for millions of poor students every year!

I initially wanted to give you the Shanghai Top Ten Outstanding Youth award, but with the national youth leader title being such a prestigious precedent, I dismissed that idea."

"My purpose in doing charity isn't for these titles; I genuinely want these children to have access to education and escape hardship."

Gu Bai certainly wouldn't say he was doing it for system tasks. He calmly found a high-sounding reason.

"Well said, to benefit the world if you're successful. If all Hua Country's entrepreneurs had your mindset, how could Hua Country not prosper?"

Suddenly, Wang Rengang seemed to think of something and asked Gu Bai, "I heard the investment in your charity project has already reached 2 billion? Are you tight on funds? If you need more, we can use the name of the Shanghai Government to guarantee and help you raise more donations."

Gu Bai's 2 billion was truly invested, a fact Wang Rengang couldn't be kept in the dark about, which is why he had such faith in Gu Bai and was willing to raise donations for him.

Gu Bai shook his head.

"Uncle Wang, to be honest, 2 billion isn't enough. The cost of building Hope Primary Schools is actually a smaller expenditure in the Fiery Torch Project. The real expense lies in the subsequent support plans. Based on a base of millions of poor students, the annual cost for the support plan alone would reach tens of billions."

Wang Rengang nodded.

"You're right. But since it's already underway, you can't give up halfway. Go ahead with building your Hope Primary Schools. I'll make a proposal regarding the support plan. If we can solve that, the pressure on your charity foundation will lessen."

But Gu Bai just smiled and shook his head.

"Uncle Wang, you've misunderstood my intention. I'm not complaining to you.

I've already decided to add another 10 billion to the Fiery Torch Project in 2018, and barring unforeseen circumstances, there will be an annual investment of 10 billion.

As for public fundraising, let's skip that. There would be too many constraints, making charity impure."

This isn't Gu Bai boasting. With the system offering 10 billion annually for charity, Gu Bai is quite generous in philanthropy.

Anyway, the money was freely given by the system, and he gained the reputation.

After Gu Bai finished speaking, Wang Rengang and Cui Hong looked at each other in disbelief. Wang Rengang even uncharacteristically dug at his ears, as if to confirm whether he heard correctly.

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