Chapter 399: A Rare Opportunity

Yang Yin dropped a harsh remark, turned away in a huff and walked off, and Lu Cheng got a bad feeling, hurriedly grabbing her arm.

"Are you, taking advantage of my being away from school these past few days, digging up some new leverage against me?"

Yang Yin lifted her head: "I don't need to dig up anything new; the leverage I already have now is enough to ruin you."

Lu Cheng truly had no way to handle this young lady; after all her father is a famous professor.

Because of developing this internal combustion engine, Lu Cheng had been hoping Professor Yang could give some guidance, but Professor Yang was extremely busy, the summer break was almost here, and she hadn't found time.

"You just said I'd regret it; you must have something to ask me, right? Speak up, what's the matter?"

"You just treated me badly; I don't want to talk about it now."

"No, you…" Lu Cheng took a deep breath: "Fine, fine, I'll apologize, okay? Now hurry up and tell me, I'm still busy."

The good attitude hasn't even lasted a minute, and she pulled her face back again; Yang Yin knew that's just how he was, so she stopped nitpicking.

"Why are you in such a hurry? I know what you're busy with—just discussing some internal combustion engine issue. The thing I want to talk about is also related to the internal combustion engine."

Lu Cheng's eyes lit up, roughly guessing: "Is your dad available now?"

Yang Yin nodded: "Hmm, you've been wanting his guidance, right? My dad said, when summer break comes, you can bring those classmates to our house for discussion and exchange."

"We have to wait until summer break?"

Lu Cheng muttered; if it's during summer break, Professor Yang will have time, but the students have to go home.

Because everyone lives frugally, to save travel costs, they basically go home only once per semester.

Now Lu Cheng has recruited twenty students for the Research Institute, all of whom have exceptionally strong professional abilities.

Among them, three are from Capital City and can come over during summer break, but the others might not be able to.

Seeing Lu Cheng stare blankly, Yang Yin extended her hand and waved it in front of his face.

"What are you thinking? My dad said that if you all come over, he'll invite a few academicians to our house, and then discuss together with you—that's a very rare opportunity."

Indeed it's a rare chance; being able to have an academic discussion with Professor Yang and receive her guidance is already an honor for these students.

Professor Yang will also invite a few more academicians, making it an even more once‑in‑a‑millennium opportunity.

"Hm? Wait a moment, I'll go inside and discuss with them."

Even though it's summer break, Lu Cheng thought it over and still didn't want to miss this chance.

When he entered the office, everyone saw that Lu Cheng had returned, and the discussion finally stopped.

"Hey Third, when did you get back?" Zheng Guoping asked, his throat dry from the discussion, and he took a sip of water.

"I just got back, and I have something to tell everyone. Not long ago, we kept wanting Professor Yang to help guide us, and now she's agreed, but it has to be scheduled for the summer."

Everyone understood as soon as they heard that; if it's during summer, many people will find it inconvenient.

Lu Cheng added, "I'm not forcing anyone; although this is a rare academic exchange opportunity, I know everyone hasn't been home for half a year, so participation is voluntary."

"Those willing to stay can live on campus; I'll submit a request to the school, and regarding meals, I'll seek some subsidies from the Iron Science Institute."

Since Lu Cheng wants everyone to stay, he must provide them with basic shelter, food, and clothing security.

At the school, he holds the position of president; at the Iron Science Institute, he serves as director, so no one will doubt his ability to arrange it.

Now everyone has to consider whether to stay or go home.

It's indeed quite a dilemma.

Having been away from home for half a year and with summer break approaching, everyone's thoughts naturally want to return home first to see their parents.

But being able to have academic exchange with the professor is also a very rare chance.

After a brief discussion, Lu Cheng said nothing more; whether they go home or stay, he respects everyone's opinion.

The final tally showed that nearly half chose to stay and the other half chose to go home, mainly because the farming season was approaching and they wanted to help their families.

However, the other half requested that Lu Cheng compile the documents and mail them, so they can read them at home.

Lu Cheng greatly appreciated everyone's eagerness to acquire knowledge and readily agreed.

Afterwards, Lu Cheng left the office and told Yang Yin about this.

"Alright, I'll go back and tell my dad, and then you can just come over directly."

"Please thank your dad for me."

This academic exchange is free of charge, purely because Professor Yang, seeing how eager these kids are to learn, voluntarily offered to help.

Lu Cheng expressed sincere gratitude, but as Yang Yin turned to leave, she spun around on the spot.

"Then why don't you thank me?"

"What am I thanking you for? You don't even understand technology development."

"Then I even ran errands for you, you really have no conscience, huh!"

Lu Cheng, helpless, "Fine, fine, I thank you."

Yang Yin didn't like hearing such slogan‑like words.

"I don't need billions of people to thank me; your thanks is enough, but you can't just thank me verbally, can you?"

Lu Cheng truly had no way with this young lady: "Then tell me, how do you want me to thank you?"

Yang Yin showed a sly smile, looking at Lu Cheng's waist where a Jade Pendant hung; she always saw him like to wear it.

Lu Cheng thought Yang Yin was looking at his crotch, and immediately covered himself, saying, "Stop messing around, you're still young, and besides, I don't sell myself."

Yang Yin, angry, kicked, "You filthy rogue, who wants your body? I want that."

Yang Yin nudged it with her mouth, and Lu Cheng finally realized she meant the Dragon Pendant.

This was given to him by Master Xu Erye, who once said the Dragon Pendant was a reward from the emperor to Lord Zuo Zongtang back then.

Whether the anecdote is true is uncertain, but judging by the Jade Pendant's exquisite craftsmanship and material, it would be extremely valuable in later generations.

Of course, such antiquities cannot be measured by money.

Master valued this Dragon Pendant highly; many Senior Brothers wanted it but couldn't take it, yet he gave it to Closed‑door Disciple Lu Cheng.

This also shows Master's affection for him, so regardless of how much the Dragon Pendant might be worth in later generations, Lu Cheng would never sell it.

His feelings toward his Master are priceless.

So when Yang Yin asked for that Dragon Pendant, Lu Cheng instinctively refused.

"You think it's beautiful, I won't give it, pick another."

"No swap, I just want it."

Lu Cheng extended his hand, feigning a strike, and Yang Yin, startled, hurriedly turned their head and clasped their head.

"Stingy ghost…"

Watching Yang Yin's angry, huffing departure, Lu Cheng's eyes unintentionally lingered on the back of Yang Yin's skull.