Chapter 405: Want to Poach?

She thinks Lu Cheng is really terrible.

Those educated youths were clearly kept in the dark, yet they still have to thank and praise Lu Cheng, this fake leader.

After being deceived by Lu Cheng time and again, now she is being dragged to collude with him in a mess.

Lu Cheng also feels a bit shameless, but at that time there truly was no way out; as long as they endure once more, the Zhiqing Return to City issue will naturally be resolved.

Now it's a matter of how to endure once again, continuing to stall for time.

Regarding Yang Yin's words, Lu Cheng doesn't care at all: "We're pretty much the same, no one should point fingers at the other."

Yang Yin becomes displeased: "Who's as equal to you? I'm a person with dignity; I would never do such unscrupulous things with you."

Just a moment ago she agreed, now she's changed her mind.

Lu Cheng takes off the jade pendant from his waist and swings it in front of Yang Yin's face.

"Do you know why I can't bear to give it to you?"

Yang Yin looks at the pendant; it looks like an old artifact, surely very precious.

"You're stingy, can't let go, huh."

Lu Cheng puts the pendant back: "It's really not that I'm stingy; it's truly too precious. Do you know the origin of this pendant?"

Yang Yin shakes her head, and Lu Cheng quickly assembles a story in his mind, ready to bluff.

"Actually this is a Five-Claw Dragon pendant. Think about it—who in the past had the right to use the dragon emblem? Who had the right to use a Five-Claw Dragon?"

With so many books at home, including many on history, Yang Yin quickly gives the answer.

"Of course, it was the Emperor."

Lu Cheng nods approvingly: "Not bad, you're quite learned. To be honest, this dragon pendant belonged to the Emperor, but later he fell in love with a concubine and gave this pendant to her."

The Emperor said then that only the most beautiful and clever woman in the world could wear this dragon pendant; conversely, whoever can obtain it must be the most beautiful and gorgeous woman in the world.

"So, do you want to become the most beautiful and clever woman in the world?"

Lu Cheng looks on expectantly; Yang Yin's eyes flicker: "I always feel you're trying to fool me."

"How could that be? You're such a smart girl; who could fool you? Think it over; if you help me accomplish this, I'll give you the jade pendant."

Yang Yin thinks seriously; she doesn't know whether to trust Lu Cheng.

After all, helping him deceive the educated youths is a very unscrupulous act, but she does truly like that pendant.

"Then you must not backtrack; if I help you succeed, you have to give me the pendant."

Lu Cheng readily agrees: "Don't worry, anyone who tries to cheat you is a puppy… uh, think it over, these educated youths aren't that easy to fool; you must use your wit, ah, I'm heading down now."

Before Yang Yin can react, Lu Cheng rushes down the stairs.

Anyway there are still three months left; this matter isn't urgent.

Arriving at the backyard, Zheng Guoping asks: "Why does it take so long?"

In front of Professor Yang and Cai Mu, Lu Cheng can't say he was chatting idly with their daughter inside.

"Oh, I have a slight stomach ache," Lu Cheng replies casually, then changes the subject: "By the way, where were we?"

Zheng Guoping says: "Basically the earlier problems have been sorted out with the help of several academicians."

Lu Cheng nods satisfied; it seems this trip wasn't in vain—relying only on the students to explore can easily lead to dead ends.

With Professor Yang's network and resources, solving problems becomes more than twice as effective.

Professor Yang finally says, the holiday is long; if any difficulties arise, feel free to come over to discuss.

Lu Cheng, excited, says: "Professor Yang, Academician Wang, thank you so much; we'll certainly bother you more, please don't find us a nuisance."

Academician Wang waves his hand with a smile: "You're also contributing to the country; the nation is fortunate to have such eager, diligent, willing‑to‑dedicate youngsters. I certainly don't find you annoying; I actually hope you'll trouble us old folks even more."

"Thank you, Academician Wang, for the encouragement; rest assured, no matter what difficulties we face, we will not give up."

Hearing Lu Cheng's words, Academician Wang is pleased, then his gaze falls on Wei Shu.

"I heard Professor Yang say you're graduating this year. Xiao Wei, any plans after graduation? For instance, would you consider joining our Engineering Institute?"

Hearing this, Wei Shu lifts his eyes from the book, unsure how to answer, when Lu Cheng is startled and quickly interjects.

"Academician Wang, Wei Shu will join our Research Institute after graduation."

Lu Cheng has to make it clear: what does Academician Wang's remark mean? Clearly he wants to poach Wei Shu.

Lu Cheng knows best how strong Wei Shu's professional abilities are.

After just one meeting today, Academician Wang already thought of poaching, which proves Wei Shu's capability.

Lu Cheng would never let him go; the Internal Combustion Engine Project still needs Wei Shu.

Anyway, he's decided now; today he'll openly clash with Academician Wang and will never let Wei Shu be poached.

Hearing Lu Cheng's blunt words, Academician Wang, who's lived decades, can't not know what he means.

"Look, Director Lu is truly a talent‑cherisher, afraid I'll snatch his people, and he's already getting angry with me."

Professor Yang and the others burst into laughter; Lu Cheng has to say: "Academician Wang, no offense, the Internal Combustion Engine Project is crucial for us and we're seriously short of staff…"

"Alright, alright, I'm not trying to steal your people."

Academician Wang pauses: "I think Xiao Wei is well‑suited for research, I want him as my student, to pass on my lifelong knowledge; if time permits, he can occasionally work on projects with me, it won't delay your Internal Combustion Engine Development."

Lu Cheng sighs in relief; it turns out Academician Wang simply loves talent and wants to take Wei Shu as his student assistant.

Academician Wang is of engineer rank; in this era, he's rarer than a giant panda.

Being a student of an engineer is the greatest honor; not only does one's status and compensation improve, but the future research path also gains many resources.

So becoming Academician Wang's student isn't about spending money or gifts; it's about being recognized.

From the looks of the other classmates present, you can see they're all envious of Wei Shu.

Wei Shu becoming Academician Wang's student makes him an engineer assistant, a title they must pass exams for and is hard to obtain.

With the engineer‑assistant title, one enjoys Level‑10 technician benefits, a huge step up from the graduates.

Yet Wei Shu remains completely calm, simply looking at Lu Cheng.

Lu Cheng certainly understood, Wei Shu has always only listened to his words; if he says he does not agree, then Wei Shu will without hesitation abandon this good opportunity.