Zuo Jie was shocked into silence by the 660,000 in red packets; after all, he couldn't understand why a project that only provided a monthly allowance of 2,000 could end up distributing 660,000 in red packets.
Xu Dajiang, who also hadn't eaten dinner yet, couldn't figure it out either. It was already dinner time, so why did the principal call him to the office with a phone call?
Shouldn't he have been invited for a meal at this time?
Grumbling to himself, he rushed to the principal's office, where the secretary had already left, leaving only a light on in the office.
Xu Dajiang knocked on the door politely twice.
"Come in."
"Principal, you wanted to see me?"
"Oh, Xu, take a seat."
"Sure thing."
"I don't have any good tea here. Do you want some boiled water?"
"Haha, no need, just get to the point."
"Well, the first thing is, your School of Mathematics' application for an investigation to check into that matter was rejected. The higher-ups also sent a message for you: Stop fussing about this and that all day long; do you think everyone is as idle as you? Still thinking about having everyone play along with your drama? What, you're the conductor now? At your age, still so unreliable!"
When Chen Yuanzhi relayed this message, it was tinged with personal emotion.
Or maybe it was an uncannily accurate imitation.
Honestly, just thinking about how a month ago I could've invested two million to talk about an in-depth cooperation with Youwei, my heart feels like it's been drenched in ice water in the dead of winter."
"Ah..." Xu Dajiang sighed deeply, the frustration on his face was all too real.
And indeed, there was no faking this frustration.
Xu Dajiang had always wanted to secure funding for Qiao Ze's project, though he hadn't held out much hope at the time and just wanted to firmly tie Qiao Ze to the university using the project and personal obligations. But things didn't go as he wished.
Chen Yuanzhi glared at Xu Dajiang and said, "It seems you really can't stand Zhang. You never forget to take a dig at him whenever you can. Do you know why I haven't left yet at this hour?
Before calling you here, Zhang Xiaoquan just visited, lugging a box of documents, lamenting to me, insisting on dumping all the documents he has handled over the years here so I can see if he's done anything improper."
Hearing this, Xu Dajiang blinked rapidly and said, "Hiss... Well, Principal Chen, don't blame me for speaking bluntly, but you're really overstepping your duties! I think that Principal Zhang's request isn't excessive, and you really should give him some face. Investigating academic misconduct is a hassle as it involves arranging expert panels and such.
But checking these accounts, don't we have dedicated auditors for that? How many times has our admissions office been audited?"
Chen Yuanzhi glared at Xu Dajiang: "Do you really think Zhang Xiaoquan has issues?"
Xu Dajiang immediately shook his head: "No, no, no, I just think that Principal Zhang, since he's actively wanting to..."
"Speak plain language!" Chen Yuanzhi chided.
Xu Dajiang quickly changed his tone: "Well, to put oneself in his shoes, if I really didn't have any issues, I definitely wouldn't do something like bringing documents to you claiming I've been wronged. Who can understand all those materials without being a professional? I've never heard of principals managing that.
And back when Xu had that position, there was always some reserve for special applications every year, In case any department had a worthwhile project to not miss out on. How come, as soon as he surnamed Zhang took over, the path for special applications has been completely blocked?"
Chen Yuanzhi laughed and said, "Heh... In the end, you're dissatisfied because you didn't get the funding, right? Alright, next I'll discuss a thorough audit of all the scientific research funding the school has approved over the years with the secretary. I'll fulfill your desire on this matter, but I also have demands for your School of Mathematics.
Since you've got everything planned out, both Qiao Ze and Li Jiangao must stay at the university during my tenure, and their next project must be applied for and approved by the school just like any other project. Of course, I can provide a fast track for you, guaranteeing the fastest review and approval."