Psst! We're moving!
Chu Ning’s anger and struggle instantly subsided after hearing his “thank you.”
How to describe this feeling?
Pure, without any impurities. His thank you was sincere, and Chu Ning could feel it.
Ying Jing hugged her for three seconds, then released her with great tact. He stepped back a large step, hands behind his back, and solemnly bowed to her.
For a moment, Chu Ning thought he was about to get married.
This situation was unexpected, leaving her speechless for a long time.
Ying Jing grinned, “So? Shall we go home?”
Chu Ning awkwardly nodded, and he flew to the passenger seat like a butterfly. She stood in place for two seconds, patting her chest as if trying to brush away the heat brought by that hug.
The next day, Ying Jing took his team members to Mingyao Technology’s lab.
It was grand, elegant, orderly, and high-end, like a sacred temple. Such a high-standard laboratory was something they, as students, had only learned about in textbooks. Truly experiencing it was their first time.
“This company deserves its reputation. I thought I was touring a palace,” Zhou Yuan praised.
“Mingyao Technology is indeed the palace of the industry, quite famous,” Zhang Huaiyu sighed, “If we could collaborate with such a big company, that would be incredible.”
“They wouldn’t look at our small team,” Qi Yu said, then asked Ying Jing, “Does President Ning have extensive connections? Does she know the person in charge here?”
“It’s a friend of her friend,” Ying Jing replied.
“Wow, impressive,” Zhang Huaiyu sincerely added, “President Ning is so young. I wonder if I can become as excellent as her when I reach her age.”
After the chatter, they officially began the experiments.
Since this model of switch was already top-tier internationally, the results were better than expected.
The three-dimensional spatial layout would give future engine designers a more intuitive experience, with spatial precision, extendibility, and even simulating performance changes under any complex conditions.
In short, what Ying Jing and his team were researching was “advance”—simulating a series of production states before the prototype was truly put into production.
Cost-saving, cycle-shortening, and full of potential.
Mingyao Technology also specially arranged an engineer to assist them in solving equipment operation issues. It seemed that Feng Ziyang’s ‘dog boss’ gave him plenty of face.
During the interactive experiment comparison process, Ying Jing noticed that a man almost always stood in the glass room on the second floor of the laboratory, watching their operations every day.
Sometimes their eyes met, and Ying Jing would nod and smile amiably.
Until the last day of the experiment, this man entered the laboratory.
Ying Jing didn’t suspect anything and assumed he was one of the staff here, so he continued working.
“Seasonal unit simulation completed, Qi Yu, move on to the next environmental test,” Ying Jing called out while operating the device.
But Qi Yu was called away by Zhou Yuan and didn’t hear.
The man who had been standing nearby for some time walked up to the computer and skillfully typed a set of codes—smoothly jumping the program into a new testing unit.
Ying Jing looked at him, his gaze pausing momentarily.
The man showed no signs of abnormality, calmly accepting Ying Jing’s questioning gaze, and faintly smiled. He asked, “Which company are you collaborating with on this project?”
Ying Jing was very cautious.
The man still smiled, “Very brave.”
“...” This didn’t sound like a compliment. But Ying Jing remained polite, confidently adding, “Not only brave but also visionary.”
“Hmph.”
The man’s expression tightened. Whether it was his tone or appearance, he exuded an indescribable arrogance. It was natural and innate.
He was about the same height as Ying Jing, both looking directly at each other. He said, “There is only one way to increase the return on investment for this kind of project.”
Ying Jing asked what it was?
“Throw money at it.”
“...”
Ying Jing inexplicably developed hostility towards this person; his words were too harsh.
Being concise, the man soon left. Ying Jing sneered at his back, “Arrogant.”
Not long after, the company’s engineer came over to inquire about the situation, and Ying Jing said everything was going smoothly.
“Oh, almost forgot,” Ying Jing remembered and asked, “Don’t your employees need to wear uniforms when entering the lab?”
“Of course.”
“The person who just came in wasn’t wearing one.” Ying Jing briefly described him, letting his imagination run wild, “Could it be a spy?”
The engineer pieced together his description fragments and suddenly realized, “Oh oh oh! Was he wearing a black coat?”
“Yes.”
“That’s our CEO, Tang Yao!”
Ying Jing didn’t understand, blinking, “Which Mr. Tang?”
“Tang Yao.” The engineer sounded extremely proud, “Our executive director of Mingyao Technology!”
“…………………………”
The colon in Ying Jing’s heart was even longer than this.
Borrowing this precious place, the first phase of the experimental report was finally completed ahead of schedule.
On Tuesday, they would go to Ningjing Investment for the presentation. Ying Jing flexed his muscles, revising and memorizing his speech repeatedly. Then he felt the wording was not beautiful enough and considered finding a high school classmate from the Chinese department to add some metaphors and parallelisms.
He hopped around in the dormitory, not sleeping, eating only three bowls of rice, acting as if heading to the gallows.
Meanwhile, things weren’t smooth on Chu Ning’s side either.
Zhou Qin reported to her, “Vice President Wang said he won’t attend tomorrow’s meeting.”
“Reason?”
“Sick leave.”
Vice President Wang’s name was Wang Shan. In his early forties, nearing middle age, he carried an air of arrogance. During the initial discussions about this project, he was the most vehement opponent. His venture capital and management departments under him all aligned against it. Chu Ning bore enormous pressure to barely pass the investment resolution.
Chu Ning sighed softly, “I’ll personally invite him.”
If he hadn’t swallowed this bitter pill, trouble was bound to arise.
However, this person couldn’t be offended. When Ningjing Investment started, it faced immense difficulties. Later, through attracting investments and having sufficient funding chains, the company managed to survive. Wang Shan was one of them. Behind him was Qiming Industry, wealthy and powerful. If they really pressed the issue, this project would definitely fail.
Chu Ning weighed the pros and cons carefully.
She took a deep breath and smiled as she entered Wang Shan’s office.
Of course, Wang Shan wasn’t deliberately making things difficult. Just soothing his ego would suffice. Chu Ning’s attitude was good, her tone soft, agreeing with him, which eased the atmosphere considerably. Finally, Wang Shan got to the point.
“You want to try new investment fields, which is commendable. But Chu Ning, shouldn’t you also consider the company’s reality? After all, your Ningjing Investment hasn’t reached a higher level yet.” Wang Shan pointed at the desk, “We can’t afford failure on this scale.”
His finger tapping on the table felt like it was knocking on Chu Ning’s heart.
Her back turned cold, but she quickly calmed herself, “I’ve made predictions. Once the second phase of the project is complete, we can achieve production-sales linkage and connect with relevant domestic enterprises to sell technology.”
“The particularities, confidentiality, and monopolization of domestic military enterprises are objectively present. How do you ensure the market? Okay, let’s not talk about that now. This college student team is very young, has advantages, but also hidden risks. What if their mentality collapses, or they abandon midway, encounter bottlenecks, or the project stalls? Your early-stage investment will go down the drain.”
Chu Ning inexplicably clenched her fists, “He won’t.”
Wang Shan smiled like a Maitreya Buddha. Without saying more, he stood up and buttoned his suit, “Alright, I’ll attend the meeting on time.”
On Tuesday, Ying Jing’s team arrived at the conference room at six o’clock to prepare.
At seven fifty, employees gradually entered the conference room. Ying Jing kept glancing at the door, filtering each person until he finally saw Chu Ning. His eyes sparkled, flashing a perfect white smile.
Chu Ning glanced at him, very faintly, then continued talking to the person beside her.
“???” Ying Jing internally screamed, why aren’t you smiling at me!!
Never mind, focus.
At eight o’clock, the presentation began punctually.
Ying Jing gathered his spirit, like a warrior putting on armor, able to swiftly enter the state—one of his strengths.
Due to thorough preparation, his speech was well-organized, neither hurried nor flustered.
Ying Jing addressed the content of the first phase in three main sections—design concept, operational implementation, and effect demonstration.
He was very meticulous. Engineering content was dry and boring, so he tried to use everyday language, expressing it in a simple and understandable manner. Chu Ning observed carefully—it was good, everyone didn’t appear confused.
During the effect demonstration section, Ying Jing executed one simulated environment command after another.
“No matter the condition, as long as a model of that condition is created, a realistic scene can be simulated—storms, sandstorms, tornadoes, heavy fog, hail.” He typed on the keyboard, issuing commands skillfully.
The little engine on the screen presented different performance states in various weather conditions.
In a storm, its blades looked like a cotton candy mixer, stirring up circles of water spray.
On snowy days, it shrank cutely, its volume reduced, displaying subtitles: “Aww~ so cold~ need a warm hug~”
Laughter rippled through the conference room.
The atmosphere was kept very well.
Chu Ning observed Ying Jing, this little guy was quite charming.
Next, they continued to simulate extreme weather conditions like tornadoes, hailstorms, and sandstorms.
It could be seen that any abnormal indicator of the engine on the 3D screen would trigger a clear alert in these environments.
The demonstration was over.
There was a brief silence in the conference room.
Not long after, Chu Ning led the applause.
One clap, two claps, then everyone joined in with friendly applause.
Ying Jing breathed a sigh of relief inside, ah, passed!
After the presentation ended, he lingered around with two big boxes, not leaving. Through the glass window, he saw Chu Ning outside, very busy, constantly approached by people either for discussions or signatures. Just as she finished signing and prepared to turn around, someone else came to her.
She was like a luminous body; Ying Jing thought she was too dazzling.
Chu Ning wore formal professional attire today. The one-piece skirt was of moderate length, bright high heels, probably ten centimeters high. Her ankles were delicate, calves proportionate, and knees pretty... Ying Jing’s gaze continued upward, hmm, her figure was really good.
His heart and eyes drifted upward together until suddenly meeting Chu Ning’s eyes.
“...” Ying Jing’s heart raced wildly, damn, caught doing something wrong.
Chu Ning did not understand his rich inner activities. Through the glass window, she beckoned him with a finger. Ying Jing immediately ran to her. His speed was so fast that Chu Ning couldn’t help but step back a few steps, fearing being knocked over.
Ying Jing braked just in time, his face full of anticipation: “What is it?”
“Treat you all to dinner.”
“Why? Is it because I performed well, right?”
“...” Can you be more tactful? Chu Ning didn’t answer his question, only said: “You decide the time.”
“Friday.”
“Okay.”
“Are you coming?” He suddenly asked.
Chu Ning nodded, “Yes.”
Ying Jing’s eyes curved into crescents, “Great!”
On Friday, everyone was very excited.
“This restaurant is so delicious! And especially expensive! I must eat their signature pig’s trotters!” Zhou Yuan licked his lips and made an evil sound.
Wan Pengpeng disdainfully took a big step to the right, keeping away from him.
“Shit, you little pervert, what do you mean?” Zhou Yuan bared his teeth and claws.
Wan Pengpeng clasped his hands together, “Amitabha.”
“Hahaha.” Everyone burst into laughter.
Zhang Huaiyu seemed more interested in Chu Ning: “Great! I must learn more from her!”
In fact, when they met her, Zhang Huaiyu found... it wasn’t so easy to learn.
When Chu Ning ate with them, she was very warm and friendly. When boys talked about sports and basketball, she could join in a few words. When discussing entertainment gossip, she could keep the conversation going smoothly.
This kind of proficient social skill couldn’t be learned without experience.
Hearing that Zhang Huaiyu liked a male star, she was quite enthusiastic: “Next time, I’ll get you an autographed photo, okay?”
“Really?!” Zhang Huaiyu got excited: “Handwritten signature?!”
Chu Ning nodded happily.
“Wooow!” Zhang Huaiyu’s eyes sparkled, “Sister Ning, do you know people in the entertainment circle?”
Zhao Jia had a popular actress, which wasn’t difficult.
Chu Ning: “If there’s an opportunity, I’ll introduce you to him in person.”
Oh my god, happiness was making her dizzy.
Ying Jing observed Chu Ning throughout, humph, a few words and she won people over.
He thought, usually so cold and fierce towards him, yet so gentle with these guys.
Hmph humph humph.
Coincidentally, Chu Ning also looked at him.
Uh... This kid, looking so bitter, which nerve got crossed?
After dinner, everyone went to KTV to sing.
Zhou Yuan mimicked the mannerisms of a socialite, feeding into the microphone obsequiously, inviting Chu Ning to say a few words.
Chu Ning was also generous, standing up to take the microphone, “Nothing much to say. This private room is very expensive. Wasting this time, I’d rather sing a couple more songs.”
A light-hearted and fun atmosphere.
Qi Yu nudged Ying Jing, “Her personality is so nice! So easy to get along with.”
Wan Pengpeng agreed: “Not fierce at all.”
Ying Jing felt uncomfortable, humph humph humph.
Qi Yu: “Eh? Where’s Zhang Huaiyu?”
Wan Pengpeng scanned the area, “Didn’t see her.”
Soon, everyone joined the awkward singing session.
Zhou Yuan roared at the top of his lungs: “I really want to live five hundred more years—”
Ying Jing stood on the chair, raising his hand, “Reward! Five hundred years rewarded to you!”
Qi Yu immediately lay on the ground, rolled twice, stopping in front of Zhou Yuan, “Your five hundred years have arrived, please sign for it.”
Chu Ning found it amusing, laughing till she bent forward and backward.
This was so different from her usual icy beauty image. Ying Jing’s entire attention focused on her.
Perhaps it was the fault of this damned dim lighting. Chu Ning, immersed in the light and shadow, looked so beautiful. When she laughed, her head tilted slightly backward, elongating the curve of her neck, her skin appearing as if bathed in soft light.
Ying Jing suddenly felt hot.
His heartbeat accelerated, his limbs out of control, he jumped off the chair and walked towards her.
One step, two steps, three steps. With each step, he felt another bead of sweat on his back.
His mind was dazed, a jumble of emotions mixed into a surge of impulse—he didn’t know what he was going to do, just wanting to reach her side.
At this moment, the door of the private room opened, vaguely hearing a voice: “Where did you go?”
Ying Jing’s soul abruptly returned to its place.
He regained his senses.
Fortunately, Chu Ning didn’t notice him. Ying Jing felt so uneasy… he wanted to drink two bottles of Huiyuan Kidney Treasure.
He turned his head to the door, realizing it was Zhang Huaiyu who had just come in.
Calm down, calm down.
He silently consoled himself, but the next second heard Zhang Huaiyu’s voice—
“Ying Jing!”
“Ah?” He looked in the direction of the voice.
Zhang Huaiyu held the microphone, her face full of determined martyrdom. Her shout of his name was too loud, silencing the entire room.
Gradually, she became less tense.
Confidence reappeared on the young face, radiant and glowing. She raised the microphone and said to Ying Jing: “I like you!”
“...”
“...”
Ying Jing’s brain froze, utterly confused.
“Since sophomore year, I’ve liked you. Why didn’t I like you in freshman year? I’m also puzzled. But it doesn’t matter, now you know.” Zhang Huaiyu became more open, her eyes sparkling, “I’ve thought about it for a long time. I decided to officially confess to you—of course, whether you accept or reject me, I promise it won’t affect the team’s work. Hmm! Ying Jing, I really like you!”
The scene froze for a long time.
It was Qi Yu who first burst out: “Holy shit, impressive!”
Zhou Yuan clapped loudly, whistling, “Impressive, impressive!”
Ying Jing: “…………”
Zhang Huaiyu smiled at him, not in a hurry for him to respond immediately. She put down the microphone, sat down on the sofa gracefully, and started eating fruit.
The girl who should have been nervous acted as if nothing happened, neither awkward nor embarrassed.
All the embarrassment transferred to Ying Jing, who remained silent for a long time.
In his panic, he instinctively sought out Chu Ning, unknowingly forming the habit.
His gaze frantically searched for her, only to meet a face enjoying the show.
Chu Ning’s eyes narrowed slightly, lounging lazily on the sofa, her lips curled upwards, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
Enjoying the spectacle meant indifference.
She didn’t care about his affairs at all.
These jumbled thoughts pieced together illogically in Ying Jing’s mind. He suddenly felt very irritated, and his irritation showed blatantly. Deliberately taking a detour, he walked past her feet and “accidentally” brushed against her knee.
Then angrily walked out of the private room.
Now it was Chu Ning’s turn to be full of question marks.
Damn it... where did he get upset again?
Chu Ning found him outside. Ying Jing squatted at the entrance, blowing in the cold wind, his hair blown up, revealing a full forehead with a big word engraved on it—humph.
“Aren’t you supposed to be happy when a girl confesses?” Chu Ning had drunk tonight, and her mood was indeed good, her speech lacked its usual seriousness.
She lightly kicked Ying Jing’s shoe tip with her own, smiling and asking: “What? Got the wrong script?”
…Her foot was so hot.
Ying Jing’s ears reddened at this action. He suddenly stood up, towering over her by a head, regaining some composure, “Got the wrong script? So what, are you going to write me the correct script?!”
“...” Chu Ning was shouted at for no reason, warningly looking at him.
Ying Jing’s boldness seemed to be gilded. He glared back.
Big eyes glared at big eyes, passersby occasionally glanced back, whispering and giggling.
Were they crazy, accompanying this kid in foolishness?
Truly, near fools become fools.
Chu Ning placed her hands on her waist, stepping forward.
Ying Jing turned his face to the left, refusing to look at her.
After a long silence, only a sigh was heard, “You, this person...”
Chu Ning paused halfway through her sentence, suddenly reaching out to cup his face and roughly turning it back.
Facing each other, squeezing his face to form two chubby cheeks.
Chu Ning felt it wasn’t enough, rubbing it forcefully, lowly asking: “Is it because you think I’ll definitely come to comfort you? Hmm?”
The faint scent emanating from her wrist was like a bewitching potion, the light and shadow swaying on her face, quietly covering Ying Jing’s eyes.
His voice grew deeper, almost dreamlike, “Then, are you willing to comfort me? Hmm?”