As Yang Zimo understood her boyfriend Qin Chuan's personality, she knew his pride and inherent arrogance well, despite his humble farmer background and lack of connections. If Qin Chuan were to discover that she hadn't leased the laboratory through connections but had actually bought the entire floor for a considerable sum, it might lead to further complications. At this critical juncture, Yang Zimo absolutely could not afford any such setbacks, as it would not only delay the MP3 project but also introduce a transactional element into her relationship with Qin Chuan. Their affection, she felt, should remain pure, untainted by such considerations.
"You're truly a big spender," Fang Rumei remarked. "To directly purchase the entire floor for ten million yuan and even have the property deed transferred to Qin Chuan's name. I never imagined you were so wealthy!"
Slightly embarrassed by her good friend's teasing, Yang Zimo replied, "It's not that much, really. Ten million yuan isn't an exorbitant price! I see it as an investment. This place is destined to become the most renowned technology hub in Beijing and even across China. The current price per square meter is nearly seven thousand, and with the equipment, renovations, and other miscellaneous expenses for the lab, it totals three million. I believe that with the property value appreciation in a few years, this investment will be quickly recouped." Yang Zimo's eyes sparkled with a shrewdness she had often seen in Qin Chuan's gaze as she finished speaking.
"But the problem is," Fang Rumei pointed out, "you've put the deed in Qin Chuan's name. Even if it makes money, you won't get any of it! And you're doing something so significant without telling him! If that man ever changes his mind, you'll be left with nothing!"
Yang Zimo's expression remained serene as she smiled faintly. "It doesn't matter. If a man truly decides to leave, even ten million yuan wouldn't stop him. I don't want our relationship to be entangled with any financial obligations. As of now, Qin Chuan and I are simply dating, and neither of us has intruded upon the other's work, especially in financial matters."
Fang Rumei was rendered speechless by her friend's words. She couldn't comprehend such a stance. If it were her, she would definitely want her boyfriend to know about such a grand gesture. It would make him feel indebted and care for her even more.
Meanwhile, Qin Chuan and his two companions, Xu Ronghua and Li Chunsheng, had left the laboratory and embarked on their quest for talent. To maximize their efficiency, Qin Chuan proposed they split up, each visiting a renowned university. Qin Chuan chose Tsinghua University, a place he was somewhat familiar with. Xu Ronghua opted for the University of Science and Technology, while Li Chunsheng headed to the University of Industrial Technology.
Qin Chuan had visited Tsinghua University once before for a commercial shoot for his company's products, with Fan Bingbing as the lead actress. Driving towards the gates of Tsinghua University, he saw the campus bustling as always, filled with the nation's brightest young minds. Those who studied here were destined for bright futures, at least in terms of basic needs and guaranteed employment, as Tsinghua University's reputation alone was a major draw for many companies. However, this prestige also bred a certain arrogance among its students; they wouldn't join just any company, but rather carefully selected their employers. To Qin Chuan, however, this wasn't an issue. With sufficient capital, he believed these proud students would eventually lower their heads.
As Qin Chuan drove through the Tsinghua campus, his first target was the Dean of Students, a Mr. Wen, whose name was Wen Changqing. He possessed the air of a true intellectual. Qin Chuan had a brief encounter with him during the commercial shoot, and their impressions of each other were positive. He parked his car below the Dean's office, and just as he was about to get out, his gaze suddenly sharpened, fixed on the scene outside. Standing at the entrance of the Dean's office were several strikingly familiar figures. A young man with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and slightly tanned skin, and a radiant young woman with striking features and a graceful figure. They were conversing with a middle-aged man, who was indeed the Dean of Students, Wen Changqing.
"What a coincidence!" Upon recognizing the individuals at a distance, Qin Chuan felt how small the world was. Fate had a way of bringing people together, and precisely when he least expected it. The dark-skinned, thick-browed young man was none other than Liu Dongqiang, whom he hadn't seen in a long time. The bright-eyed girl was, of course, Shang Honglian. A large transport vehicle was parked nearby. Qin Chuan suddenly recalled that Liu Dongqiang was currently his franchisee in Beijing, the sole one in the capital. The "Divine Shield" lockers were to be promoted, and a place like Tsinghua University was an ideal location. He presumed Liu Dongqiang was there to deliver products.
Qin Chuan hesitated, contemplating whether to get out of the car. He was wary of encountering Shang Honglian, whom he hadn't contacted since she confessed her feelings. If he stepped out now, the matter of the Beijing laboratory would surely not remain a secret from her. However, observing Liu Dongqiang and Shang Honglian's cheerful interaction with Wen Changqing, it was clear they had a close relationship. With Liu Dongqiang present, Qin Chuan felt his task of recruiting talent at Tsinghua might proceed more smoothly. He remained undecided for a few seconds.
But this hesitation lasted only two or three seconds before Qin Chuan steeled himself, pushed open the car door, and stepped out. Recruiting talent was more important than facing Shang Honglian. As the saying goes, "if you have many lice, you won't feel bitten." As long as he remained resolute, Shang Honglian would not be able to influence him.
"Liu Dongqiang!" Qin Chuan called out as he alighted from the car.
At the entrance of the Dean's office, Liu Dongqiang, who was laughing and chatting with Wen Changqing, turned his head sharply at the sound of his name. Upon recognizing the person calling him, he instinctively rubbed his eyes, thinking he was seeing things or hallucinating. After rubbing his eyes several times, Liu Dongqiang was certain that the young man standing before him was Qin Chuan.
"Boss Qin, how... how can you be here?" Liu Dongqiang exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement and surprise. He immediately opened his arms and embraced Qin Chuan tightly.
"Yes, I also find it quite a coincidence. In such a large city like Beijing, that we would run into each other here!" Qin Chuan said, patting Liu Dongqiang's back with a smile. He then shifted his gaze to Shang Honglian, who had been stunned into silence. With a smile, he greeted her, "Honglian, long time no see!"
Shang Honglian finally snapped back to reality, her emotions overflowing with excitement, even more intensely than Liu Dongqiang's. When Qin Chuan had appeared, Shang Honglian had thought it was a dream; how else could the person in her dream be standing right in front of her? But soon, her excitement and thrill transformed into profound melancholy. Her expression was akin to a wife abandoned by her husband, her eyes filled with a mournful gaze. In the past few months, Qin Chuan hadn't contacted her even once. She had even gathered the courage to send him several text messages, but they had all disappeared like stones into the ocean, leaving her heartbroken.