Chapter 273 I Have to Be There for the Important Moment in His Life

June, the start of midsummer. The sun blazed like fire, and waves of heat rolled through the air.

It was the annual graduation season at A University. Everywhere on campus, students in graduation gowns posed for photos, exuding the boisterous yet bittersweet energy of youth ending and new journeys beginning.

At the headquarters of the Lu Group, on the top floor, in the CEO’s office.

Lu Chen was buried in a pile of documents when the office door was lightly knocked.

“Come in.”

The assistant entered holding a folder. “Mr. Lu, the A University administration called to ask if you’re available to attend this year’s graduation ceremony. I’ve already declined on your behalf, citing your busy schedule, as per usual.”

The Lu Group donated tens of millions to A University every year for scholarships, research projects, and infrastructure, making them the largest donor on the board.

Because of this, every graduation season, the university sincerely invited this key benefactor and outstanding alumnus to attend the ceremony.

Except for the year Lu Er graduated, when Lu Chen personally attended, he usually declined due to work.

Just as the assistant finished the report and was about to leave, Lu Chen suddenly spoke.

“Wait.”

The assistant stopped, looking at him with slight confusion.

Lu Chen lifted his head. “Call the university back and tell them I’ll attend this year.”

The assistant froze, confirming instinctively: “Mr. Lu, you mean you’re accepting A University’s invitation and will personally attend the graduation ceremony?”

“Yes.”

Lu Chen nodded. “Coordinate the exact time with the administration. Also, prepare suitable gifts for the graduates, in quantities matching this year’s medical school graduating class.”

Medical school?

The assistant understood immediately and replied, “Understood, Mr. Lu. I’ll handle it right away.”

Lu Chen picked up his phone and opened the chat with Luo Bingbing. “Tomorrow is the A University graduation ceremony. Want to come?”

Luo Bingbing replied almost instantly with a delighted emoji: “Great! Husband, I’ll go with you to support Keyan.”

Lu Chen looked at the screen and smiled helplessly.

At noon, Lu Er and Song Jingmo were chatting over lunch.

Biting his chopsticks, Lu Er looked at Song Jingmo with bright eyes. “Dr. Song, Keyan’s graduation ceremony is tomorrow. Are you free?”

“Of course we’re going together. He’s my only precious nephew; I have to be there for this important moment in his life.”

Song Jingmo was sipping his soup slowly, pausing at his words, a hint of helplessness in his tone. “The university just called me this afternoon.”

“Ah? Why? Did you donate money too?”

“No.”

Song Jingmo put down his spoon and wiped his mouth. “They want me, as an outstanding alumnus, to give a short speech to the graduates.”

It was no surprise that A University’s Medical School invited Song Jingmo.

He had graduated almost with full marks, then studied abroad, and upon returning became a core member at Kangren Hospital. Both academically and clinically, he was the pride of his alma mater.

Inviting him to speak carried real weight.

“That’s great!”

Lu Er immediately perked up. “You have to go! Let the juniors see what it means to combine looks and skill, medical ethics and expertise all in one.”

Song Jingmo saw his excitement and smiled faintly. “I refuse.”

“Why?” Lu Er didn’t understand. “What a great opportunity.”

“I don’t want to. The hospital has work scheduled tomorrow.”

Concise and firm.

He was naturally introverted, not fond of speaking in front of large audiences, especially in formal, ceremonial settings.

“No way.”

Lu Er put down his chopsticks and began to pester him.

He reached across the table to hold his hand. “Dr. Song, think about it. Keyan calls you his uncle-in-law. As a senior, don’t you have to be there to support him?”

“Come on, come on, Dr. Song~ Brother Jingmo~ come with me! Can you bear to let me go alone to the graduation ceremony?”

“And it would be boring if you don’t go. What if some junior starts flirting with me? You have to assert your territory.”

Lu Er’s excuses grew increasingly absurd.

Song Jingmo watched him waving his hands and tossing illogical threats and flattery, and couldn’t help but laugh.

He grabbed his hand, pinched his puffed-up cheek: “Finish your meal. I’ll call the hospital and adjust tomorrow’s schedule.”

“Really?”

Lu Er’s eyes lit up.

“Yes.”

Song Jingmo’s tone softened. “I’ll go with you, to support our nephew.”

Lu Er, pleased, leaned over to kiss his cheek. “Dr. Song, you’re the best!”

Meanwhile, in the A University president’s office, the white-haired president frowned at his computer screen.

With the graduation ceremony imminent, several well-known alumni and corporate representatives originally invited had declined for various reasons.

Although students were the focus, without a few prominent guests, the ceremony felt lacking in weight and shine.

Especially the Lu Group’s CEO, who was nearly impossible to persuade every year.

The president sighed. He understood, but couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed.

At that moment, the office door was knocked. The secretary nearly rushed in, her face filled with excitement and disbelief.

“President, good news! Absolutely fantastic news!”

“What is it? Why are you in such a hurry?”

“Mr. Lu’s assistant just called back personally.”

The secretary tried to steady her voice. “Mr. Lu has agreed to attend our graduation ceremony this year, and he will bring his wife along.”

“What?”

The president stood up, almost knocking over his teacup. “Are you sure he’s coming in person?”

“Absolutely. The assistant clearly confirmed the schedule and asked us to send over the arrangements.”

The president’s face lit up, wrinkles spreading into a smile. “Wonderful! This is the anchor of our graduation ceremony!”

“Quick, arrange the best seats. Double-check the program. Everything must be perfect.”

Just then, the secretary’s phone rang again.

Covering the receiver, she said, “It’s Director Song Jingmo from Kangren Hospital.”

The president: “Song Jingmo is the best promotion our medical school could have. If he can come too…”

The secretary answered briefly. After hanging up, her expression went beyond mere excitement.

“President, Director Song said he’s free tomorrow and can attend the ceremony.”

The president stood there stunned for a full five seconds.

Then he slammed the table loudly. “Good, good, good! Double happiness—no, triple happiness! Notify everyone, adjust the ceremony schedule.”

“Include Song Jingmo’s speech in a prominent slot. Also, inform more media partners; tomorrow’s press release will have major news.”

That night, the president tossed and turned, excited beyond measure, his mind full of the sensational impact of the Lu Group CEO and top scholar Song Jingmo appearing together at the ceremony.