C520 – Xie Haijun Expressed His Sadness
The event was hosted by a charming young lady from the broadcasting department, who had a wealth of experience from emceeing numerous school galas.
The student had already made such a remark? She knew she had to keep the conversation flowing and let him bask in his moment of glory.
“Wow, this senior is incredible, founding a tech company at such a young age,” one student remarked in awe.
“It’s tough for many of us to even land a job at a tech company, and here he is setting a fantastic example for us all,” another added.
“So, what kind of high-tech company did you start?” the host inquired with a beaming smile.
That’s the mark of a seasoned presenter – making the conversation feel so effortless, lifting you up while giving you the stage to shine even brighter, and making it seem like you’re not just showing off since the host prompted the question.
“A large-scale computer offline joint experience center, combined with a software application and development tech company!” the young man declared proudly, puffing out his chest.
The crowd erupted into excited murmurs – the name alone was impressive, exuding sophistication.
Xie Haijun’s face gleamed with pride. Just like that, the first student had made him so proud. Eastsea only has two undergraduate universities: Eastsea Technology University and Eastsea University. Xie Haijun had always been fiercely competitive, especially since the other institution was a prestigious 985211 university with better resources and talent. Yet, here was a student from his university, setting such a high bar. How many from Eastsea University could claim such an achievement?
Xie Haijun was bursting with pride, sneaking a glance at Principal Ye, who remained serene and unperturbed. In his mind, he was thinking, “What’s there to be so smug about? Eastsea University has produced a Mr. Su, who alone could outshine all your students combined.”
But Principal Ye kept his thoughts to himself, maintaining the dignified composure expected of a university president.
“Senior, you’re truly impressive,” a student gushed.
”Could you share with us the trials and tribulations of your entrepreneurial journey? It would be great to hear about your experiences and get some advice to avoid common pitfalls,” the host suggested with a smile.
“Sure,” the guy on stage nodded, ready to share his story.
Everyone in the room was holding their breath, eyes wide with anticipation. There’s nothing quite like the story of a successful entrepreneur to capture an audience. There’s so much to learn from their experiences!
”Me! I’ve always been fascinated by electronics,” the speaker began. “Back in school, I was the one taking apart computers, phones, and all sorts of electronic components. I gained a wealth of knowledge in mechanics and electronic devices.”
He continued enthusiastically, while Xie Haijun listened with a growing sense of unease.
Damn it! It was you all along! No wonder the school’s computers were always breaking down. The repair technicians would come out and say someone had tampered with them. Xie Haijun had been skeptical, but now it all made sense. Replacing those computers had cost a pretty penny. So it was you causing all the trouble?
But with the situation as it was, Xie Haijun couldn’t very well make a scene. He might as well consider it an involuntary upgrade for the school.
“And then,” the speaker went on, “after graduation, I hit the job market, faced rejection after rejection, and ended up living in a basement, surviving on one meal a day.”
His face was etched with the hardship of those days, and the students around him nodded in understanding. The path to success is often paved with such trials.
“Eventually, I started selling knockoff phones,” he admitted. “You’d be surprised how many people fell for it. But then, the police caught up with me, and I’ve only just been released after serving two years.”
He was disarmingly candid, not filtering his words at all. The students, who had been eagerly listening, were now visibly shocked.
What was this? Where was the story of the company he’d supposedly started two years after graduation? If he’d been in jail for those two years, how could he have founded a company?
Xie Haijun was just as baffled. He turned to the head of the Human Resources Department, demanding, “What’s going on here? Where did you find this guy?!”
“I... I... I...” The HR leader was at a loss for words. Something was clearly amiss. The information his team had provided didn’t match this story at all.
Xie Haijun’s face was a mask of displeasure, his earlier smile completely gone.
Oh, Old Xie, no offense, but where did you dig up this Top Grade?
“Ah... So, senior, you opened an internet café? That must have required a substantial investment.”
The host’s professionalism shone through.
He zeroed in on the key issue.
Starting an internet café could cost hundreds of thousands, if not millions.
How could he open one without the funds?
Though this guy’s claims seemed dubious, having the capital to open an internet café certainly set him apart.
The students in the audience nodded in agreement.
Sure, it’s just an internet café, but how many people can’t even afford to frequent one, much less open their own?
What a joke!
At that moment, the guy shook his head with defiance.
“No, I’m the internet café manager!”
“Fellow students, Flying Dragon Internet Cafe welcomes you! Mention my name for a 20% discount!”
“Our cafe has just upgraded to the fastest machines for a top-notch experience, complete with luxury sofas, self-serve coffee, beverages, and snacks.”
“Plus, enjoy the company of charming ladies while you play.”
“It’s unquestionably your prime choice for surfing the web!”
“Come on down to Flying Dragon Internet Cafe.”
“Only five yuan an hour – it’s a bargain you won’t regret, and there’s no catch!”
This guy launched straight into his sales pitch.
Xie Haijun’s eye twitched, his expression as dark as a storm cloud.
He was itching to boot the man out of there.
The thought of this getting out was mortifying.
Being a network manager is a standard occupation, a legitimate way to make a living.
I mean no disrespect.
But let’s face it, it’s a commonplace profession.
Yet here we are, Eastsea Technology University, inviting our distinguished alumni for a symposium.
Even a network manager gets to take the stage.
To think, after four years at Eastsea Technology University, becoming a network manager is considered a mark of excellence.
How on earth are we supposed to attract new students now?