Super God-Level Top Student

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..."

...

Outside the female dormitory at Xilin University of Technology.

Su Mucheng briskly walked out of the dormitory building towards the man waiting for her at the door.

"Dad, why have you come to see me so early?"

"I came to say goodbye; I'm heading to Shencheng shortly."

"Huh? Didn't we agree to pick up Qiao Ze's mother together this afternoon?"

"I had decided to meet Qiao Ze's mother because the project was ultimately Qiao Ze's work, and since he doesn't want to deal with the matters, I, representing both of you, should at least hear what Qiao Ze's mother has to say in a show of respect. However, after communicating with Professor Li these past few days, I feel that there might not be much to discuss with Qiao Ze's mother.

Adding onto the complexity of your relationship with Qiao Ze, which is not merely that of partners, meeting on this occasion might be inappropriate," Su Lixing explained.

"Is it?" Su Mucheng asked, tilting her head.

"Indeed, it is. Originally, I planned to have dinner with you and Qiao Ze's mother to welcome her, but Professor Li just called to say that this afternoon's welcome ceremony has been upgraded. The school and college leaders will all be in attendance, and with that, there's even less reason for me to join the crowd.

Even if I take a step back and consider that if you and Qiao Ze end up together, it would be inappropriate for me to meet my potential future in-law for the first time in such a setting, right?" Su Lixing spoke gently.

This time Su Mucheng nodded in realization but still corrected him, "Why step back at all? There's no need, I'm certain that Qiao Ze and I will be together in the future."

"Alright, alright! I'm off to Shencheng soon, let's not talk about that now," Su Lixing waved his hand and casually added, "By the way, did you mention to Qiao Ze yesterday that you had already sent out the red envelopes with 660,000 yuan to everyone?"

Su Mucheng nodded, saying, "Yeah, why keep it a secret?"

"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!