Chapter 37: A Pleasant Conversation

Yu Moxun and Rong Ci instantly felt their scalps go numb.

Yu Moxun hurriedly said, “We’re already preparing the new product; we should have a prototype ready next year.”

“Hmm.” Nan Zhizhi responded coldly, then added, “Before it’s done, don’t come see me again.”

Rong Ci & Yu Moxun: “Yes…”

Nan Zhizhi: “Send me a reflection tonight.”

Rong Ci and Yu Moxun instantly understood their teacher meant a technical summary of today’s exhibition pieces.

Rong Ci & Yu Moxun: “Yes…”

Before he could finish, Yu Moxun added hastily, “Um, Teacher, one night… might be a bit difficult.”

In truth, it wasn’t just a bit difficult—it was extremely difficult.

He said, “A month… would that be okay?”

So many exhibits, each requiring technical summaries—he figured he’d need to write at least tens of thousands of characters, maybe even hundreds of thousands…

How could he possibly finish a full summary in one night?

Nan Zhizhi said nothing, only stared at them.

Though Nan Zhizhi appeared refined and gentle, his gaze was one most people couldn’t withstand.

Yu Moxun immediately shuddered: “Understood! I’ll get it done!”

Rong Ci: “...”

With that, their teacher-student conversation was effectively over.

At that moment, Nan Zhizhi turned to Rong Ci.

Rong Ci stiffened her spine: “Teacher…”

“Who did you marry?!”

Nan Zhizhi glanced at her, spoke coldly, then turned and walked away.

Rong Ci froze for a moment.

Yu Moxun said, “Your husband. He meant your husband.”

Nan Zhizhi’s meaning was: Look at the husband you chose!

Rong Ci finally understood.

But…

“Did they say something?”

Earlier in the conference hall, she and Yu Moxun had been far from the front row.

Though she’d seen Feng Tingshen and Lin Wu stand up to greet their teacher after his speech, she didn’t know what they actually said.

Yu Moxun shook his head: “No idea.”

Rong Ci: “...”

Of course not.

They’d been engrossed in conversation and hadn’t noticed that when Nan Zhizhi left, Lin Lilan and Lin Wu had also stepped out—and had just witnessed them speaking with Nan Zhizhi.

Watching Nan Zhizhi’s retreating back, Lin Lilan told Lin Wu: “It doesn’t matter. She doesn’t have your expertise. Even if she knows Nan Zhizhi, it won’t help her—she can’t become his disciple.”

Lin Wu: “I know.”

She said, “Let’s go.”

Rong Ci and the others had only come out to speak with Nan Zhizhi—they weren’t leaving, since this was a rare chance to network with peers; walking away now would be a waste.

So after Nan Zhizhi left, they returned to the exhibition hall.

Later, they saw Feng Tingshen, but Rong Ci didn’t approach him, and he didn’t come over.

To others, they looked like complete strangers who didn’t know each other.

Lin Wu and the others didn’t leave either.

Earlier at the jewelry store, Lin Lihai had gone up to Rong Ci and told her he still cared for her.

But today, with so many encounters, he never approached her as he had before.

Thinking of it, Rong Ci found it laughable.

But she understood why.

After all, Lin Wu was here—everyone now knew he was her father. If he came over to acknowledge her, and someone found out she was married to Feng Tingshen, what face would he have left standing here?

Lin Wu might even be drowned in public scorn.

Clearly, Lin Lihai’s favoritism toward Lin Wu was extreme.

Lin Lihai didn’t want any association with Rong Ci in this setting, but he couldn’t afford to ignore Yu Moxun.

So while Rong Ci was in the restroom, Lin Lihai, Lin Wu, and Lin Lilan walked over to Yu Moxun.

He introduced himself: “Yu Zong, hello, I’m Lin Lihai, Xiao Wu’s and Xiao Ci’s father. Pleased to meet you.”

Yu Moxun shook his hand politely and said, “So you’re Mr. Lin. A pleasure.”

Lin Lihai glanced at Lin Wu and said, “Xiao Ci has a somewhat stubborn personality. There’s been a misunderstanding between her and Xiao Wu. As her father, I’ve always hoped they’d get along, but Xiao Ci refuses to listen…”

Yu Moxun suddenly understood: “Ah, so that’s how it is…”

“Yes,” Lin Lihai sighed, then smiled. “Still, I’m truly glad Xiao Ci has met someone like you—a talented young man. I heard she’s working at your company. I’d be grateful if you’d look out for her. Thank you.”

It sounded genuinely concerned for Rong Ci.

Had Lin Lihai not deliberately approached Yu Moxun while Rong Ci was away, and had he not known every detail of her past and her marriage to Feng Tingshen, Yu Moxun might have believed him.

But he didn’t say anything—he smiled and replied, “Mr. Lin is too kind. Xiao Ci is exceptionally talented. Having her is a blessing for Changmo.”

Lin Lihai and Lin Wu assumed Yu Moxun was just being polite.

What could Rong Ci’s resume possibly offer Yu Moxun?

At best, she’d be doing menial tasks or routine programmer work…

But Lin Lihai naturally didn’t voice this.

Lin Wu also said nothing.

Lin Lilan gave a faint, dismissive smile.

Lin Lihai added, “Yu Zong, you probably already know Xiao Wu’s situation. She’s always been deeply interested in CUAP, and she very much hopes for a chance to join Changmo…”

Though with Feng Tingshen’s arrangements, Lin Wu would soon meet Nan Zhizhi and would have ample future opportunities to learn about CUAP,

Changmo was thriving, and Yu Moxun came from an excellent background—building a good relationship with him could only be beneficial.

Who knows? They might even collaborate deeply with Changmo in the future.

Yu Moxun looked at Lin Wu and said, “Thank you for your kind words, Miss Lin. You’re truly outstanding. If you joined Changmo, I’d be delighted. But Xiao Ci is my friend…”

Lin Wu no longer needed to join Changmo.

She simply didn’t want to alienate Yu Moxun.

After all, they might become senior-junior disciples someday.

It was always better to have one more friend than one more enemy.

Today, Yu Moxun’s attitude had improved greatly from the banquet.

She didn’t know if it was genuine or feigned—but there was plenty of time.

They might yet become close friends.

Lin Wu said, “I understand. I won’t insist. Yu Zong needn’t worry.”

Yu Moxun smiled: “Thank you for your understanding, Miss Lin.”

From afar, they looked like they were chatting warmly.

Rong Ci stepped out of the restroom and saw it—her steps halted.

Lin Lilan noticed and smiled.