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Psst! We're moving!
The next day, Chu Ning woke up early, pretending as if nothing had happened.
She dressed neatly, favoring white clothes. Today, she wore a long wool coat with a belt around her waist, accentuating her slim and soft figure.
When she emerged from the bedroom, Ying Jing was just standing at the kitchen door, drinking water from a cup. Seeing her, his eyes immediately fixed on her waist, staring intently.
Chu Ning didn’t even glance at him, treating him like air.
With the indoor heating, Ying Jing only wore a pure white short-sleeved T-shirt to bed. Under the same roof, their two shades of white were quite harmonious. On the dining table, there was breakfast that he had prepared ten minutes earlier.
Without any ceremony, Chu Ning sat down and slowly started eating.
After hesitating for a few seconds, Ying Jing also sat at the table, “Eh? Don’t you have anything to ask me?”
Chu Ning didn’t even raise an eyelid, “What do you mean?”
“How about last night’s situation?”
Chu Ning snorted, “You’re using the term ‘situation’—was it intense?”
Ying Jing quickly nodded, “It was alright.”
He waited for Chu Ning to continue but saw no trace of curiosity on her face.
“...Aren’t you curious about how our talk went last night?”
Chu Ning took a sip of milk, her drinking posture elegant, not a drop staining her lips. She casually said, “Oh, how did your talk go?”
Ying Jing slightly furrowed his brows but still told her the important details: “I couldn’t gauge President Zhai’s thoughts. She asked many questions about the project, from the basic principles to the project progress and our target positioning. She listened carefully, not out of politeness or courtesy. She also shared many of her insights on tech investments.” Ying Jing’s face showed admiration, “She really has great insight. Her understanding of matters, people, and management is impressive.”
“Zzzz—” a sharp sound rang out.
Chu Ning was forcefully stabbing a soft-boiled egg in the dish with a porcelain spoon, expressionless, and said, “Mm, go on.”
Ying Jing continued earnestly: “However, she didn’t give a clear stance in the end. As you taught me, those who are overly polite and show no flaws are usually very meticulous and good at concealing their emotions. But this first meeting exceeded my expectations. The next time should be better.”
Chu Ning raised her head, “Next time?”
“Yes, President Zhai invited me; it will be in the next few days.”
“Alright, then have a good talk.”
For a moment, silence reigned. Ying Jing put down his spoon, rested his elbows on the table, leaned close, and stared at her, “Hmm... something’s off with you.”
Chu Ning slapped him without hesitation, pushing his face to the left with the palm of her hand, “Get lost.”
She exerted force, and her movement was so swift that Ying Jing had no time to react, hearing his neck crackle.
“Aiyaya!! It’s broken, it’s broken!”
Chu Ning knew exactly what he was like and sneered, “If it’s not broken, I’ll twist it off for you.”
Ying Jing clicked his tongue, “You’re too harsh on me.”
Even his sentence ending revealed his grievance.
Chu Ning ignored him and directly addressed the pressing matter, asking, “Can you still secure the use of your school’s laboratory?”
Ying Jing paused for a moment and said, “It’s difficult.”
The system had been infected by virus code proliferation, leading to a crash. Some core content was lost, and regardless of the severity, once it touched upon regulatory aspects, there was no room for sentiment. Half of the winter break had passed, yet the system repair work was still progressing slowly.
This unforeseen calamity was beyond Ying Jing’s expectations. However, the school side definitely needed someone to take the blame. For the first time, Ying Jing began to understand the feelings behind phrases like “a hundred mouths can’t defend,” “powerless,” and “inadequate.”
He wanted to fight for it, to explain, but found that the world had no one willing to lend him an ear.
It was from this incident that he gradually began to understand Chu Ning.
If even campuses were like this, let alone society where real battles were fought.
Difficulties, helplessness, so what?
Life was inherently full of lurking surprises.
Ultimately, they had to be faced.
Just as Ying Jing was about to tell her his plans, Chu Ning spoke first, “Half of your vacation has passed. After school starts, Phase III of the project must proceed without delay. We need the laboratory.”
—But where to find a suitable one.
When discussing serious matters, Chu Ning’s expression was extremely focused, her eyes reflecting earnest determination. She said, “Such specialized laboratories are hard to come by. I’ve asked around and currently have three options. Option A’s rental fee is outrageous, and I personally don’t recommend it. Option B is affordable, but after reviewing their equipment parameters, they can’t keep up with your project. Considering everything, the third option is the most suitable—an average-sized lab hosting several teams. Conveniently located in Zhongguancun Science Park, the annual rent is about 250,000 yuan.”
After finishing, she looked at Ying Jing, “Any thoughts?”
Ying Jing exhaled in surprise, “You can judge whether it suits our project based on equipment parameters now?”
Chu Ning remained calm, briefly mentioning, “I’ve brushed up on some of your field knowledge.”
Ying Jing exclaimed delightedly, “Do you know how incredibly charming you are when you say things like that?”
Chu Ning almost bit her tongue.
She frowned slightly, steering the conversation back on track, “Tell me your thoughts.”
Ying Jing propped his chin with one hand, seemingly already decided, “Let’s put the lab issue aside for a few days.”
“Huh?”
“I have a more suitable place.”
“Where?”
“Mingyao Technology Innovation.”
Chu Ning pondered for a moment and said, “What do you mean?”
“Mingyao has the top comprehensive science labs domestically, with detailed classifications. Moreover, they have an excellent process where key instruments and equipment are updated every three years until the latest model on the market.” Ying Jing’s eyes sparkled as he spoke, full of yearning.
Mingyao Technology Innovation had grown strong and big, fast and precise in less than a decade, stepping out of the country to become a pioneer leader in the Asian region. They had capital, boldness, and more importantly, determination and vision.
Technology fundamentally required patience, focus, and concentrated efforts to develop.
Chu Ning understood all these principles, but, “Why would their company agree to your request?”
Ying Jing smiled, “I’m not sure either, but I’ll do my best to secure it.”
Reflecting on past details, Chu Ning frowned, “When did you get so close to Tang Yao?”
“Not close at all, I’ve only interacted with him twice.” Ying Jing chuckled, “Both times shamelessly.”
Seeing his casual demeanor, Chu Ning held little hope for this matter, considering it just another of his empty boasts and wishful thinking.
She began to contemplate deeply again, strategizing how to negotiate with the third lab to lower the rent a bit more.
Ying Jing interrupted her thoughts, suddenly saying, “By the way, I’ll move back to school in a few days.”
Chu Ning raised her eyes.
He calmly stated, “I’ve stayed here too long. It’s not appropriate if neighbors see me coming in and out frequently.”
Chu Ning lifted the corner of her mouth slightly, indifferently saying, “There’s nothing inappropriate about it. There are plenty of people coming in and out of my place, one more doesn’t make a difference.”
The dumbfounded look on Ying Jing’s face made Chu Ning feel pleasant.
“...You’re teasing me again.” Ying Jing protested.
Chu Ning smiled faintly, saying nothing.
“By the way, is your water heater broken?” Ying Jing recalled the cold shower from last night, still shuddering: “Yesterday, I stank of alcohol and perfume, unbearable. And there was no hot water, so I had to take a cold shower. Damn, I froze to death!”
Chu Ning nonchalantly got up, preparing to go to work.
Turning her back to him, she casually threw over her shoulder, “Oh, then it’s probably really broken.”
“Alright, I’ll leave a bit later and fix it for you.” Ying Jing said, “I’ll need to borrow a toolbox.”
“No need.”
“Huh?”
Chu Ning took out a pair of high heels from the shoe cabinet, leaned on the cabinet, stood on one foot, and gracefully changed shoes. She turned her head and gave Ying Jing a very friendly smile, “In two hours, it will naturally be fixed.”
Ying Jing was stunned.
Chu Ning raised an eyebrow, “I’ve already cast a spell on it.”
With that, she closed the door and left.
Only then did Ying Jing slowly realize… she did that on purpose?
Each busy with their own affairs, after Chu Ning went to work, Ying Jing wasn’t idle either.
He first tried calling Secretary Jiang of Mingyao Technology Innovation. Secretary Jiang, named Jiang Qi, was the person who previously inquired if he needed assistance with the lab system repair.
Ying Jing initially wanted to call Tang Yao directly but realized it would be too abrupt and impolite given his status. So he compromised, deciding to probe first through Secretary Jiang.
After two rings, the other end quickly answered, “Mr. Ying, hello.”
Ying Jing was surprised, “You remember me?”
“I saved your number. Please go ahead with whatever you need.”
Being the first administrative secretary to Tang Yao, handling matters was naturally concise, efficient, and to the point. Communicating with such a person didn’t require elaborate words—just get to the point.
Ying Jing explained his request, asking if renting the lab was possible. Business-wise, price negotiations were manageable.
After finishing, Jiang Qi said, “Please hold on.”
Then, silence ensued.
This waiting period was excruciating. By Ying Jing’s estimation, the probability of rejection was higher.
Just as he was feeling anxious, Jiang Qi replied, “Around ten o’clock, President Tang has half an hour free. If convenient, please come over.”
Ying Jing was utterly surprised that Tang Yao would personally meet him. He quickly agreed, “I’ll definitely be on time!”
“Alright, Mingyao Technology Innovation’s administrative office building, west tower of Intime Center. Take the elevator directly to the thirty-second floor.”
Ying Jing arrived fifteen minutes early.
As he stepped out of the elevator, he coincidentally met Jiang Qi walking from the right, quietly discussing something with someone beside him. Turning his head and seeing Ying Jing, he was slightly surprised, “Mr. Ying, you’re here so early?”
Ying Jing was surprised, “You know me?” He vaguely remembered they hadn’t met before.
Jiang Qi instructed the person beside him, “Go ahead and ensure everything is arranged.”
After concluding the matter, he walked towards Ying Jing, smiling warmly, “Your team worked in the lab for a few days last time. I saw you with President Tang.”
Ying Jing extended his hand, “Nice to meet you.”
“President Tang is still in a meeting, which should conclude in about fifteen minutes. Please wait in his office first.” Jiang Qi led the way.
Tang Yao’s office was in the southeast corner, spanning about a hundred square meters, fitting for a rising tech magnate. The overall gray style was textured, giving a direct sense of neatness and grandeur.
From the office, an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of Chang’an Street.
Ying Jing scanned the room once and stopped looking around. When Tang Yao entered, he saw Ying Jing sitting properly in the reception area, back straight, sitting upright.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Tang Yao strode in, speaking while unbuttoning his suit jacket with one hand, then extending his hand, “Hello.”
Ying Jing shook hands, brief and firm.
Tang Yao walked around the spacious desk. Before sitting down, the female secretary came with a stack of documents for him to sign. His signing speed was fast, and he roughly reviewed each document’s contents, taking another ten minutes.
As the secretary left, she lightly nodded at Ying Jing and closed the door.
Tang Yao capped his pen, wet his lips, and said, “Secretary Jiang has reported to me. Tell me your thoughts.”
Ying Jing remained composed, politely looking into the other’s eyes, and said, “Our school’s lab can’t be used anymore due to a system crash. The second phase of my project is completed, and the third phase is about to begin. This stage requires extensive experimental data support, but our school...” Ying Jing paused, candidly saying, “Probably won’t allow further usage.”
Tang Yao placed his hands folded on the desk, listening quietly.
“The third phase involves too much equipment and software with high requirements. Ordinary comprehensive labs can’t keep up with our pace. Therefore, I’ve come to seek your advice, hoping to rent Mingyao Technology Innovation’s lab in Zhongguancun Science Park.”
As Ying Jing spoke, he observed Tang Yao’s reactions.
But Tang Yao showed no reaction. His expression was flat, revealing no emotional preferences.
Time ticked by second by second.
Unconsciously, Ying Jing clenched his hands resting between his legs.
He started to feel apprehensive and nervous.
Just as he thought this matter was doomed, Tang Yao finally spoke, “Continue.”
Half the burden lifted from his shoulders—there was still hope!
Ying Jing said, “We don’t need continuous usage. The intensive experiment phases are roughly three-day cycles. Based on our current progress, we’ll need the lab intensively about three times a month, no more than five times. The rental fee will certainly not be below the market rate for similar labs.”
Upon hearing this, Tang Yao smiled slightly, his tone normal but his gaze unmistakably proud, “Mingyao’s labs have no peers; they strive to be unique.”
Ying Jing was momentarily taken aback, silently cursing himself for misspeaking.
Of course, Tang Yao wasn’t someone who enjoyed flattery—he simply had that confidence.
Changing the subject, he said abruptly, “Your virtual aircraft engine modeling isn’t considered mainstream in today’s tech market. One might even say it’s niche. Why did you choose to pursue this?”
Ying Jing candidly replied, “Even the most niche endeavors, if no one does them, will remain perpetually cold. Moreover, I love models—I enjoy seeing the codes I write turn into tangible things. More importantly, I believe I can.”
Tang Yao’s lips curved slightly, his expression flickering with ambiguous meaning.
Ying Jing didn’t feel guilty about his ambitious words. He acknowledged the challenges: “The inherent technical difficulty of aircraft engines means they won’t be widely adopted or considered by many. From the initial general-purpose programming languages to later commercial simulation languages, and even future integrated modeling, it requires not just time but also money, effort, and might yield no returns at all.”
“But, if we don’t try, there’s no possibility at all.”
Driven by passion and fueled by ambition, technology itself was an equivalent exchange. Given the long road ahead, if no one carried the weight forward, success would never arrive.
Tang Yao remained calm, asking, “If this path is ninety-nine steps, but the hundredth step leads to success, what then?”
Ying Jing laughed, confidently responding, “Then I am honored to be part of that one percent!”
Tang Yao still wore the same expression, slightly lowering his head, silent.
Ying Jing realized dealing with such a person was truly exhausting. In comparison, Chu Ning’s straightforwardness and decisive working style felt refreshing and smooth.
His request was unreasonable to begin with; Mingyao’s business scope didn’t include external rentals. Ying Jing mentally sentenced himself to failure and stopped pursuing the matter, rising halfway through his apology, “Then, thank you for your time, President Tang.”
Midway through his action, Tang Yao interjected, “As far as I know, your cooperation agreement with Ningjing Investment has been terminated.”
Ying Jing paused.
“What about your subsequent funding? Is it guaranteed?”
“...” Ying Jing was somewhat bewildered. Funding, supply, and assurance were things he hadn’t considered because Chu Ning said she would handle it.
“We have a new company.”
Tang Yao smiled, “Ms. Ning is a person who sees things through. She specifically established a new company to continue collaborating with you.”
His words carried hidden meanings. Ying Jing looked at him.
Tang Yao leaned back in his chair, one hand loosely draped across his abdomen, the other lightly supporting his chin, and said,
“But have you considered the high probability of this venture being cut short midway? If the funding chain breaks while your project is advancing, all subsequent work will stall. I believe Ms. Ning isn’t someone who invests purely out of sentiment. All preparations are done in advance—sales channels, product positioning. If contracts with suppliers are signed but timely delivery isn’t possible, you’re aware of the tech industry. Finished products involve high-precision manufacturing, even exports. Thus, breach penalties in the supply chain are enormous.”
Tang Yao sat up straight, his distinct fingers lightly tapping the desk, “I’m not exaggerating. After all, you’ve already experienced one failure. Ms. Ning learned from it and wants absolute autonomy, but the risks involved are significant. To put it another way, capability can’t match ambition. Just one misstep—”
He curled his fingers slightly, tapping the desk, “Game over.”
Ying Jing’s gaze became probing, his tone unconsciously firm, “Several interested companies are already in talks. Funding isn’t an issue.”
Tang Yao’s lips curved upwards, his current expression revealing hints of sarcasm and disdain.
Ying Jing’s mind was still agile, “President Tang, regarding our project…”
“I’m interested.” Tang Yao directly interrupted, giving him the answer he sought.
Ying Jing’s eyes lit up, but before he could gather momentum, Tang Yao said, “But I only do exclusives.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t invest in other companies. Your team will be incorporated under Mingyao Technology Innovation. I’ll notify relevant departments to establish a separate project for you, set up special funds, and designate a dedicated lab—Mingyao Technology Innovation’s science parks in Zhongguancun, Hangzhou, Taiwan, and even in Tsukuba Science City in Japan and Munich, Germany, will all be open to you.”
His words hit home, resounding and powerful.
After finishing, Tang Yao’s eyes revealed a sharp gleam, completely devoid of his previous mild and composed demeanor.
Looking at Ying Jing, he said, “The guarantees she can’t provide, I can.”
Ying Jing already had a premonition, gazing directly at him, “So?”
Tang Yao concluded decisively, confident and determined, “Abandon your current partners and choose Mingyao Technology Innovation.”
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