Li Jian Gao was somewhat baffled; he hadn't anticipated the school making such a big fuss to welcome Lu Xiuxiu's arrival.
"Could this grand display scare off her mother?"
"No, Dean Xu, is this necessary? Wouldn't it suffice for a few of us to welcome her? Do the school leaders really need to be involved?"
"How could it be unnecessary? Jian Gao, have you been so involved with Qiao Ze lately that you've become insensitive? What does it mean to have a student publish two international top-tier journal articles in one month and create a project performance that can outdo ChatGPT? Have both the student and you lost all sense of the concept?
Nevermind, your most important task is to ensure Qiao Ze stays with us."
"Additionally, your Jieqing title is a sure bet this year. I'm speaking to you candidly, just listen. Chen has already made it clear that he will use every resource to push for your promotion. It isn't for anything else but to secure you with a "hat," and based on current policies, as long as he's in office, no one else can poach you. So, don't feel any pressure, and be grateful."
Li Jian Gao responded in a daze, "Oh."
"As long as you understand. Remember to send over the list of names for the meeting later. I'm hanging up now."
After hanging up the phone, Li Jian Gao began to furrow his brow and contemplate.
He recalled Qiao Ze's discussion with him that afternoon about the authenticity of this world and this universe.
How had things suddenly accelerated to the point where he had to jog just to keep up with the pace of the world's development?
After collecting his thoughts, Li Jian Gao came up with an idea and decided to make another phone call.
"Mr. Su, there's something I'd like to discuss with you..."
"Did Qiao Ze have any particular reaction to it?"
"He just acknowledged it with a simple 'Oh,' as usual. What kind of reaction should he have?"
Having just answered, Su Mucheng suddenly realized something was off and suspiciously looked at Su Lixing, asking, "Dad, what are you up to now? It was you who told me to give out red envelopes to everyone, and now you come specifically to ask about Qiao Ze's reaction?"
Su Lixing replied with a wry smile, "Can't you think well of your father? What kind of schemes could I possibly have? I'm representing you in negotiations with Youwei; I need to know if Qiao Ze truly doesn't care about money. You've also said before that Qiao Ze's family isn't wealthy. What if he's only saying he doesn't care about money, but actually feels differently?"
Su Mucheng, tilting her head, countered, "But isn't it all the same? Even if you find out he truly doesn't care about money, do you plan to take advantage of him? Besides, you're not that kind of person."
"I..."
Su Lixing glared fiercely at Su Mucheng, feeling frustrated, but the last remark eased his temper somewhat.
However, considering she was his only daughter, he patiently explained, "In negotiating this technology collaboration with Youwei, there are two major directions. Either we get enough profit upfront and give up the potential unlimited future benefits, or we demand little to no immediate profit, focusing instead on the future.
Only by understanding Qiao Ze's true feelings can I help negotiate an outcome satisfactory to him."
"To put it simply, if Qiao Ze only pretends not to care about money, I'd opt for the first approach. No matter how solid the technology, once you get into the massive costs for technical development, hardware, maintenance, and the volatile market environment, solely pursuing future benefits is risky and full of uncertainties. It's safer to secure a profit now.
If Qiao Ze truly doesn't care about money, I will aim for the second strategy, especially given the potential of this technology. Do you understand?"
"You could have just told me directly. I could have asked Qiao Ze myself, instead of all this beating around the bush. Aren't you tired?" Su Mucheng pouted.
Su Lixing offered a bitter smile; how could he get her to understand that often people's words don't reflect their true intentions? Unfortunately, Qiao Ze seemed to be the rare type who meant what he said, consistent in his words and actions—setting a positive example and leaving him at a loss on how to educate his child!
It was mentally exhausting!