by Dragon King
Wawawawa…
Waves of applause erupted at the moment Hao Zhonghua ended his speech.
Yue Yang smiled at Hao Zhonghua and gave him an encouraging look. Although Yu Yang surpassed Hao Zhonghua on the administrative level, in Yu Yang’s mind, Hao Zhonghua would always be better than her.
Xie Yujia was also clapping her hands as Hao Zhonghua’s speech was wonderful.
Next, it was time for the provincial and municipal officials’ relatively boring speeches. Hao Zhonghua sat in the middle of the first row and was quietly chatting with a few officials around him.
Although he was a world-famous scientist, he was no Frankenstein who only stayed inside a boring lab! With his abilities and talents, even if he didn’t make a name for himself in the scientific community, he could still excel in any other fields!
Based on his friendship with the provincial governor, these officials of the East Ocean City wouldn’t dare to challenge him!
Next, was the inauguration ceremony.
The dean of the Chinese Academy of Science handed a golden wheel that symbolized the future developments of the Ocean Research Institute to Hao Zhonghua.
Click, click, click… All the flashes of the cameras were on.
Hao Zhonghua didn’t want to approach the media and the public. However, he had to make this choice since he wanted to stay in the East Ocean City.
Less research and more managing work. Not only did he not lose his scientific research career, but he could also spend more time with his son.
“Now, we would like to announce that the chairman of the Mingri Group, Mr. Zhao Guang, has donated 300 million yuan of research funds towards the Ocean Research Institute!” The host of the ceremony announced.
294 A Perfect Match?
Zhao Guang, who was sitting on the left side of the first row, stood up slowly and was directed to the podium by the host.
He looked magnificent and dignified in a black suit.
Compared with him, Hao Zhonghua was taller and more elegant.
“Hao Zhonghua is amazing. The moment he takes the position of the director of the institute, he gets a 300 million yuan donation from a business group…”
“Mingri Group sure is rich; it donated 300 million yuan just like that…”
“By donating such a large sum of money on Hao Zhonghua’s inauguration day, this gigantic business group at East Ocean City is showing great respect to him…”
“Seeing Mingri Group’s act today, the other companies will probably follow up and begin to contribute to the science research in East Ocean region…”
“Yeah. Didn’t the mayor say that the East Ocean City will gradually develop into a city that specializes in both scientific research and tourism?”
While Zhao Guang walked to the podium, people whispered to each other.
Hao Ren didn’t expect that Zhao Guang would show up here. After looking toward Zhao Guang’s seat, he found that Zhao Hongyu was also sitting in the first row in a rose-colored dress.
He was sitting on the opposite end of the first row and didn’t notice them before now.
“Zi’s father is giving your father a great boost by contributing 300 million yuan,” Yue Yang looked to the podium and said.
“Zhao Yanzi’s family is indeed rich…” Xie Yujia thought to herself.
Before the podium, Zhao Guang handed Hao Zhonghua an oversized cheque with 300 million written on it.
The series of 0s on the check was dizzying.
The journalists began to flash their cameras.
As the No. 1 business group in the East Ocean City, Mingri Group was the first to show their support for Hao Zhonghua’s ocean science research career by donating 300 million yuan, helping Hao Zhonghua to establish his reputation in the Ocean Research Institute.
Hao Zhonghua had won the support not only from the governor and the local government but also the big business groups as well.
With money, there would be projects which would produce results. It was highly promising to work under a world-famous scientist.
The younger, ambitious researchers were all excited. Meanwhile, the experienced researchers of the institute who held a grudge against Hao Zhonghua, the outsider, knew that they would get nothing if they tried to set traps for him in the future.
Everyone knew that Mingri Group, the largest business group in Eastern China, was listed in the U.S. stock market had had businesses all over the world.
With the support from such a huge business group, who would dare to edge Hao Zhonghua out? It would be suicidal!
“Zi’s family did such a big favor for us. We must invite them to dinner to thank them,” Yue Yang said in a low voice.
“Ok.” Hao Ren nodded slightly.
Xie Yujia was silent. All of a sudden, she felt like Zhao Yanzi and Hao Ren’s families matched each other perfectly while she could do nothing for Hao Ren.
The ceremony ended with great success. The journalists went back to write articles while the government officials came over one by one to shake hands with Hao Zhonghua before leaving.
Zhao Guang and Zhao Hongyu stayed behind, and they stood at the gate to chat with Hao Zhonghua a little.
Not wanting to catch attention, Yue Yang waited until the audience had almost all left before taking Hao Ren and Xie Yujia over to them.
“It’s been a while since I last saw you, Mrs. Zhao. You look even younger than before!” Yue Yang complimented Zhao Hongyu.
Whether it was flattery or out of sincerity, complimenting a women’s looks was always the best conversation starter. Even Yue Yang, a scientist, knew that.
“Mrs. Hao, you look more energetic than before!” Zhao Hongyu replied with a smile.
While they chatted, Hao Zhonghua continued with what he was saying, “Then, it’s settled. You and your family come to have dinner at our house at six o’clock tomorrow evening!”
“Ok! We’ll be there!” Zhao Guang agreed immediately.
They talked like old friends. However, Hao Zhonghua didn’t know that Zhao Guang would donate 300 million yuan to the Ocean Research Institute until yesterday. It had been a great surprise for him.
“Yujia, you come tomorrow afternoon as well!” Hao Zhonghua glanced at Xie Yujia and said.
“Oh. I… I can’t.” Xie Yujia declined in a stammer.
“Please come. It will be a lively occasion,” Zhao Hongyu tried to persuade her.
“No, thank you!” Xie Yujia shook her head determinedly. “I have things to do tomorrow.”
Since it looked like she would be busy, they didn’t push her.
Zhao Zhonghua looked at Xie Yujia and Hao Ren, saying, “Ren, Yujia, are you going back to school?”
“Yeah… We are going to head back with the group…” Xie Yujia turned her head and realized that Lu Qing had left with the students of East Ocean University already.
“Why are you looking so distracted?” Hao Ren asked her.
“I’m fine…” Xie Yujia answered in a whisper.
“I’ll drive you back.” Hao Zhonghua took out his car key and patted Hao Ren and Xie Yujia’s shoulders.
“Yue Yang, you keep Mr. and Mrs. Zhao company while I drive them back to school,” Hao Zhonghua looked back and said when they were outside of the hall.
“Ok!” Yue Yang answered without hesitation.
Hao Zhonghua’s white Ford was parked in the open parking lot before the City Hall.
“How come Grandmother didn’t come?” Hao Ren asked.
At the sight of this car, he knew that his dad had gone back home as soon as he arrived at East Ocean.
“She’s not interested in such events.” Hao Zhonghua opened the door and got behind the steering wheel.
Hao Ren pulled Xie Yujia gently to the back seat.
Hiss… Xie Yujia’s arm emitted a weak current of electricity, numbing his fingers.
The Five-Elemental Life-Death Note was the nemesis of the Light Splitting Sword Shadow Scroll. Even if Xie Yujia only had a tiny tra
ce of resistance on her mind, Hao Ren couldn’t even touch her.
On the way, Hao Zhonghua talked about the things he did and saw in Beijing to break the awkward silence.
The car arrived at the gate of the East Ocean University shortly. Hao Ren tugged at Xie Yujia’s sleeve and got out of the car with her.
“Uncle, I need to go to the library. I’ll have to leave now!” Xie Yujia said, bowing slightly at Hao Zhonghua who was sitting in the car.
“Ok! Goodbye!” Hao Zhonghua answered her warmly.
“Dad, I have class, and I’ll have to go, too,” Hao Ren said as he looked at Xie Yujia who was walking away fast.
“Wait!” Hao Zhonghua leaped out from the car and grabbed Hao Ren’s arm.
“What is it?” Hao Ren looked at his dad in surprise.
“I need to talk to you.” Hao Zhonghua pulled him to the roadside.
“What is it?” Hao Ren looked up at his dad.
“How are you treating Yujia?” Hao Zhonghua was direct.
“Not bad,” Hao Ren answered. In fact, he knew he cared for Xie Yujia a lot, but he didn’t want to show it.
“Have you ever considered deepening your relationship?”
“Not for now,” Hao Ren answered cautiously.
“Ok, it is simple then. Since your attitude is clear, I’ll tell you mine. A few days ago, when I was in Beijing, I got a call from her dad, and he told me that Yujia’s aunt and uncle, Xie Wanjun’s parents, had arrived at the U.S. one week ago.”
“What?!” Hao Ren was surprised that Xie Wanjun’s parents went to the U.S. as well.
“How come Yujia never mentioned it?” he asked.
“It seems that Yujia didn’t want you to worry about her,” Hao Zhonghua shook his head and sighed, “On the phone, Yujia’s dad hoped… that I would take care of Yujia since she told him that she doesn’t want to study in the U.S.”
295 One Extra Person…
“Dad, you mean…” Hao Ren turned his head to look at his dad.
“During the weekdays, Little Carrot would still live on campus. But during the weekends, she is going to live at our house,” Hao Zhonghua said.
“Yujia will live in my home?” Hao Ren’s heart began to race.
“We can’t let Little Carrot live alone. Her family moved to East Ocean in the 1980s and has no other relatives here. Yujia’s dad is one of my best friends, and it’s my duty to take care of her,” Hao Zhonghua continued.
“I’ll live with Xie Yujia from now on?” At this thought, Hao Ren felt as if his blood was going to boil.
“Little Carrot’s family gave us help when we needed it the most, and your mom and I will take care of her as our own. I know you have a good relationship with her, but you are used to living alone; you must learn to yield to her a little in the future. After all, Yujia looks very independent and strong, but she’s still sensitive and fragile inside.”
Hao Zhonghua patted Hao Ren’s shoulder before walking to his car. He had a meeting in the institute in the afternoon and would be busy in the following days.
Hao Ren watched his dad get into the car and drive away as he exhaled deeply; he was surprised at the turn of events.
“If Zhou Liren and the other guys know about this, they would be even more jealous. Childhood sweetheart… gentle girlfriend… living sweetly together, going to and from school together, and have the parents’ support…” Hao Ren quickened his steps to return to his dorm for the books before hurrying to the classroom.
They had the mechanical drawing class that afternoon. The class began the moment Hao Ren arrived at the computer room in Academic Building A.
“Hao Ren! This way!” Zhao Jiayi gave him a little wave from a corner.
The computers in the school didn’t all run smoothly; some of them were very slow. The guys secretly installed some games into the faster computers in one corner, and they would always choose those machines whenever they came to this class.
However, Hao Ren just glanced at him. He looked around and saw Xie Yujia on the other side of the room, so he walked over to her.
“Damn! You forget friends at the sight of beauty!” Zhao Jiayi lowered his arm and mumbled.
Xie Yujia was adjusting the computer. When Hao Ren approached, she continued her work with her head lowered.
“Did you have a fight or something?” Sitting next to Xie Yujia, Ma Lina bumped her and asked.
“Let me do it!” Hao Ren walked behind Xie Yujia’s computer. He bent down behind the computer desk and adjusted two cords.
The mouse cursor could move again.
After that, Xie Yujia pursed her lips but remained silent.
Hao Ren looked at Ma Lina.
“Oh! Got it! Got it!” With a chuckle, Ma Lina packed up her books and pen. She saw the vacant seat by Zhao Jiayi and went for it.
Hao Ren took Ma Lina’s seat without hesitation.
“What are you doing here?” Xie Yujia turned and glared at him.
Today, she had pulled up her hair in a ponytail. When she turned, the ponytail swayed playfully.
“I never knew that our former Class President Yujia also has a little temper,” Hao Ren glanced at her and said while he tried the mouse and the keyboard of his computer.
“I… I didn’t lose my temper.” Xie Yujia snorted lightly and ignored him.
“Your face is all red from being upset,” Hao Ren continued.
Xie Yujia had been trying to keep a straight face, but she flushed instantly at Hao Ren’s words.
“Ok! Let’s start the class!” Standing in the center of the computer room, the teacher said in a loud voice.
Xie Yujia gritted her teeth and sat up to look at the teacher.
Sitting on the square stool in the computer room, her posture looked straight and tall while her curves were as beautiful as a drawing.
“Today we’ll learn about the gears commonly used in mechanical drawings,” the teacher continued as he looked around at the students
Xie Yujia looked like a beautiful stone statue, and Hao Ren felt like he would watch her all class if he didn’t control himself. Therefore, he forced himself to turn and look at the teacher standing in the center of the room.
Xie Yujia turned to look at Hao Ren after a while and saw that he was also listening to the teacher attentively. Taking out a notebook, she turned her head and continued to listen while making notes.
After explaining the process with words, the teacher demonstrated it on his computer and projected his computer screen onto the big screen before asking the students to draw by themselves.
Since mechanical drawing is one of the most challenging courses this semester, many students didn’t quite understand the process, and they began to consult each other.
Hao Ren understood the general concept but didn’t note down the details. When he turned on the computer and began drawing, he couldn’t make the drawing right.
“Yujia, what should I do with this?” The girl sitting next to Hao Ren walked past him and asked Xie Yujia.
“Open this icon and draw a cross first, then do this. Yeah, this is a spur gear. If you are drawing a bevel gear, you must…” Xie Yujia taught her patiently.
“Yujia, Yujia, how do I draw the turbine?”
“First you draw a gear, then add central axis in the center of the gear. Draw a circle, and we get…”
“Oh, I understand it now. Yujia, you’re amazing!”
“Yujia… how do I do the catching of gears…”
One by one, Xie Yujia answered the questions of her classmates in a patient and gentle way. Hao Ren glanced at Yu Rong, the current Class President, across from them and saw him scratching his head. It was clear that he didn’t know how to do it as well.
“Yujia, I don’t know how to draw the turbine,” Hao Ren leaned over and asked.
“Oh, first you draw…” Xie Yujia was about to explain when she realized that it was Hao Ren. Immediately, she turned her back at him.
“Ok! Ok! Get back to your seats!”
Seeing the disorder of students crowding around Xie Yujia, the teacher yelled.
They returned to their seats reluctantly and raised their hands to ask the teacher about the things they didn’t understand.
“Hey! You don’t have to treat me this way.” Hao Ren bumped her arm.
Xie Yujia pouted. She began to draw on the screen with the mouse while she checked the project the teacher given out on a piece of paper.
“What’s wrong? What did I do?” Hao Ren moved his stool closer to her and asked.
The computers were placed closely together. The old-style CRT screens provided a natural block, and the teacher standing in the middle couldn’t see everything the students did behind the screens.
“Gongzi Hao, you are too high up for me to reach,” Xie Yujia curled her lips and whispered.
“Is it because my parents got promoted?” Hao Ren bumped her with his hand, amused at her frustration.
“Gongzi Hao has a perfect official match…” Xie Yujia gritted her teeth and busied herself in the drawing.
“It’s no use bickering with him. Anyway, I, Xie Yujia, am not a good match for Hao Ren,” she thought while typing on the keyboard in frustration; a lot of meaningless words appeared on the screen.
“I don’t know about the official match you are talking about. But it seems someone… will join my family at my house,” Hao Ren looked at her and said.
296 Different Stance!
Xie Yujia continued to type on the keyboard with a cold expression on her face. Seconds later, the meaning of Hao Ren’s words dawned on her, and she turned to him. “Who… Who’s going to live in your home?”
“You know this person,” Hao Ren said with a smile after seeing her nervousness
“Zhao Yanzi?” Her eyes shifted.
“No.” Hao Ren shook his head.
“Lu Linlin? Lu Lili?” Xie Yujia guessed after a moment of thinking.
“No.” Hao Ren shook his head again.
“You’re teasing me!” Xie Yujia threw the words at him before turning to the paper with the project on it.