Chapter 406: I Have Conditions

Being able to be Academician Wang's assistant is an opportunity that no one can even beg for, but Wei Shu wants to ask Lu Cheng for his opinion.

Academician Wang's face showed a hint of embarrassment, and he couldn't help but self‑deprecatingly say, "Look at me, a distinguished national‑level engineering academician, and I'm still not as good as some little department head."

Beside them, Yang Kaiming hurriedly explained, "You don't know this: Lu Cheng is the president of our school's Student Committee, elected entirely by democratic vote, and he often uses his own money to support students."

So that's why, Academician Wang understood; after chatting with these students for a while, he found that each one's professional ability was extremely strong.

Pick any one at random, and they're a talent that other subordinate units are trying to poach.

Yet Lu Cheng manages to gather all those talents into the Research Institute; that must mean he possesses a certain personal charisma that makes so many people willingly follow him.

When Academician Wang looked at Lu Cheng again, his gaze added a note of admiration: he's a fine seed for leadership.

As for Academician Wang taking Wei Shu on as a student while not hindering internal‑combustion engine research, Lu Cheng of course had no reason to refuse.

Otherwise it would delay Wei Shu's future; moreover, given his relationship with Wei Shu, if Wei Shu truly has such an academician as a mentor, it could later benefit Lu Cheng as well—what's not to like?

"Lao Si, aren't you going to kowtow and become a disciple yet?"

Upon hearing that Lu Cheng seemed to agree, Academician Wang hurriedly objected, "No need, no need; that's old‑fashioned feudal thinking. We don't do that kind of ceremony."

But just saying it verbally isn't enough; it looks too informal, Lu Cheng immediately said, "Then let Wei Shu offer a cup of tea. Academician Wang, you can sit here generously; the ceremony can't be omitted. Everyone will be a witness, and if you later try to back out, that won't be allowed."

Academician Wang pointed a finger at Lu Cheng, helpless as ever.

"Your mouth, I just can't argue with you…"

Laughter and chatter rang in the courtyard; the conversation was winding down, and everyone had gained a lot from this tea gathering. Just as they were about to take their leave, Yang Yin suddenly opened the window.

"Lu San'er, about what you just told me in my room, I've thought of a solution."

Lu Cheng was about to reply, "Why so fast?", but quickly noticed the uneasy looks from Professor Yang and Cai Mu.

The meaning was obvious: you weren't just going to the restroom, why did you end up in our daughter's bedroom?

"Heh, I just… got lost and accidentally ended up on the second floor."

Lu Cheng forced a brief explanation, then hurriedly pulled Zheng Guoping to leave.

Professor Yang couldn't help but make small talk, offering to have everyone dine together, but Lu Cheng knew he had already been a nuisance today; having so many people eat at someone else's place would be a bit inconsiderate.

Of course, Lu Cheng didn't even suggest taking Professor Yang and the others out to a restaurant; otherwise it would seem that Professor Yang hadn't fulfilled his host duties, which would be like slapping someone's face.

So at that moment, a few polite words and then quietly leaving was best; both sides could exit gracefully.

After leaving the courtyard, sunlight filtered through the green shade in a spread, and when they reached the Alley Entrance, the few of them finally stopped their bicycles.

The group discussed where to eat; Lu Cheng suggested simply having Yangchun noodles with a few side dishes. No one objected—Yangchun noodles are delicious.

Just as they arrived, they saw a State-run Hotel a short distance away on the street, with quite a crowd.

A hotel that's usually crowded generally doesn't have bad flavor.

Just as they were about to pedal, Zheng Guoping suddenly patted Lu Cheng's shoulder, turned around, and saw Yang Yin running out of the alley, a small camera hanging around her neck.

Lu Cheng saw at a glance that it was foreign‑made.

The alley stretched long, shaded by trees; the girl moved spryly, her skirt fluttering… The few of them stared at the scene, momentarily stunned.

Lu Cheng looked left and right and said, "Hey, hey, watch your image. Professor Yang saw us; next time they might not let us come."

Zheng Guoping snorted, "If they don't let us come, it's your fault. We only gave a quick glance, and you ran into someone's bedroom."

Lu Cheng was helpless; who could have known Yang Yin's loud voice would shout it out like that.

"Tang Yuan, your family is being so polite; we really shouldn't eat at your place, let's go back quickly."

When Yang Yin ran close, Lu Cheng said a line.

"Who's being polite to you? I also want to go with you to eat."

He wasn't actually inviting them to eat; he just wanted to mooch.

"Fine, then at the State-run Hotel ahead, you can run behind us."

Yang Yin pouted dissatisfied, "You're walking the dog; why should I run? I want to ride a bicycle."

Lu Cheng looked at the rear seat; Zheng Guoping was considerate and was about to lift his hips to get off and give up his spot, but Lu Cheng didn't agree.

"That won't do; I've never abandoned a brother."

Zheng Guoping silently gave a thumbs‑up, while Yang Yin, angry, stamped her foot.

Zheng Guoping didn't want to offend her; after all, during this holiday they still had to keep bothering Professor Yang.

"That's not good; don't turn back and let her tell her dad. If Professor Yang gets upset, we won't have a good chance to visit next time."

Lu Cheng thought it reasonable, patted the front bar, and said, "Then you sit up front."

Yang Yin glanced with a hint of disgust, "That's too uncomfortable for the butt, and sitting up front is like being your daughter."

Lu Cheng was almost laughing from anger; seeing that, Zheng Guoping quickly said, "Alright, alright, I'll sit up front."

Yang Yin finally nodded; after the two settled, Lu Cheng hugged Zheng Guoping and gave a strong pedal.

The three rode one bike; at first it wobbled a bit, and Yang Yin at the back grabbed Lu Cheng's clothing.

Fortunately it steadied quickly, but Zheng Guoping still felt awkward; Yang Yin was right—being held by Lu Cheng indeed felt like being a son.

"Ride faster; can't you see pedestrians staring at us? So embarrassing, feels like you're his son."

Lu Cheng insisted on riding leisurely, "That mindset is wrong; don't care what others say. What decides our fate is our own attitude, so you must keep an open heart. Only when we become strong can idle gossip fail to hurt us…"

"How about I ride and you sit up front?"

"No, that won't do!"

Listening to their exchange, Yang Yin giggled from behind.

Lu Cheng casually said, "Listen, even your mother is laughing."

Yang Yin quickly stopped laughing, slapped Lu Cheng on the back, and said, "Get lost; I don't have such a big son."

Zheng Guoping inhaled, "Enough, you two; you're teasing me, right?"

Lu Cheng changed the subject, "By the way, Tang Yuan, you said you thought of a solution earlier—what is it?"

Earlier in the courtyard, Lu Cheng hadn't asked in detail.

Who would have thought Yang Yin now refuses to speak: "I can't tell you right now; I need to see your performance first. In any case, I can definitely help you deal with those Educated Youth."

Lu Cheng shook his head, already knowing that the girl still had conditions.

"No, I even took you to eat plain noodles, and that's still not enough?"

"That's not enough; you all still have to take me out to have fun; I barely managed to get out."

Yang Yin used the excuse of going to school to study with Lu Cheng and the others, which is why she managed to get out; otherwise, Cai Mu usually wouldn't allow her to leave the house, so she stayed home during the holidays to study English.

After all, she's still young, at the age of being playful, and Lu Cheng was eager to hear what Yang Yin's actual plan was, so he could only agree and said.

"Alright, it's perfect that the afternoon is free; where do you want to go for fun?"

"I want to climb the Great Wall; look, I even brought all the cameras from home."

Hearing Yang Yin's plan, Lu Cheng only felt bored; he had climbed the Great Wall many times with others before, and it was nothing but exhaustion.

But he couldn't resist Zheng Guoping and the other outsiders' desire to go; after thinking it over, he realized that after studying in the Capital City for several years, he truly had never been to the Great Wall.

There's a saying that a man who hasn't been to the Great Wall isn't a true hero; I'm about to graduate, and it would be quite a regret not to go once.

Seeing that everyone shared that intention, Lu Cheng agreed.