Xu Xiaoya sat on the sofa angrily, while Luo Xiaowei reminded her, "Maybe Professor Gu is just joking with you. Who recruits graduate students like that? So don't worry about it. Let's go back to Donghai City."
Xu Xiaoya said, "No, Professor Gu spoke very seriously. He was not joking. He was using me to persuade Zhao Qiang."
Luo Xiaowei said, "But there's nothing you can do if Zhao Qiang doesn't agree. Just like here, I offered him a high salary of five thousand a month, but I still couldn't get his agreement."
Xu Xiaoya gritted her teeth and said, "It's impossible, there's no way. I've been classmates with Zhao Qiang for more than three years. I know exactly what kind of person he is. If I can't subdue him, then I'll have been a class monitor for nothing."
Luo Xiaowei asked, "So what do you plan to do?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "Everyone has weaknesses, and Zhao Qiang is no exception. Hehe, his weakness is filial piety. Once his parents speak up, do you think he would dare to refuse? This is what they mean by 'there's always someone stronger, and there's always someone better.'"
Luo Xiaowei was taken aback. Xu Xiaoya's words gave her a great hint. If Liu Huilan and Zhao Weidong asked Zhao Qiang to work part-time at her cousin's company, Zhao Qiang would have to listen. It seems that Xu Xiaoya is really smart. Her cousin is right. She really needs to keep a close eye on Zhao Qiang, otherwise he might be poached by Xu Xiaoya at any time. She is a formidable rival.
Luo Xiaowei nodded approvingly and said, "Senior sister, you are really smart. Which parents don't hope their son will be successful? They will definitely help you persuade Zhao Qiang to agree to pursue a master's degree with such a good opportunity."
Xu Xiaoya smiled slyly: "But just to be on the safe side, I have to sacrifice my reputation a bit. You'll have to cooperate with me later, so don't let anything slip."
Luo Xiaowei couldn't understand: "How can I cooperate if I sacrifice your reputation?"
As Zhao's mother pushed open the door and entered, Xu Xiaoya smiled mysteriously and said, "You'll find out in a moment."
A group of women rushed in, startling Xu Xiaoya and Luo Xiaowei. They had been so focused on negotiating with Zhao Qiang that they hadn't noticed what was happening in the courtyard. Even Yang Guifei herself couldn't stand being stared at by a group of women in their thirties and forties.
"She's so beautiful! We don't have a girl like her in our village!"
"As expected of a child from a big city. Look at their clothes and their demeanor. Huilan, your son is so lucky."
Liu Huilan was a little embarrassed. She explained to Xu Xiaoya and Luo Xiaowei, who looked puzzled, "We're all neighbors. We heard we had guests, so we came to check on them."
Xu Xiaoya and Luo Xiaowei were also polite people, and immediately stood up to greet the women with "Hello, Auntie." The women smiled and commented, "That voice is so sweet. Girls from big cities are so beautiful. They must be using good cosmetics."
Xu Xiaoya and Luo Xiaowei's faces turned bright red, and they were just about to shout in protest, "Who used makeup!"
With a creak, Zhao Qiang's bedroom door opened. In the end, Zhao Qiang still had to take responsibility for these two classmates. He knew very well that these women had come for the purpose of treating these two girls as his girlfriends. If they continued talking, Xu Xiaoya and Luo Xiaowei would probably be driven to tears!
Luo Xiaowei, unable to bear the stares of everyone, was the first to slip into Zhao Qiang's bedroom. Xu Xiaoya, however, grabbed Zhao Qiang's arm and said in a slightly coquettish voice, "Zhao Qiang, you're not even going to introduce me. That's very impolite."
Zhao Qiang shivered. He touched his arm, which was covered in goosebumps. When did his class monitor learn to speak in this tone? Was she trying to act like a lady in front of the villagers? But since she asked, he should introduce her. After all, he was the host now and couldn't be too impolite.
So Zhao Qiang started by talking about Er Kui's wife. When he introduced someone, Xu Xiaoya obediently greeted him. This behavior surprised Liu Huilan. Her son only said that they were classmates, but this behavior was not like that of ordinary classmates. It really seemed like he was introducing a relative from the village to his future wife. Was there something that her son hadn't had time to explain to her?
After greeting everyone again, Xu Xiaoya warmly invited the women to sit down, saying, "Please sit down, everyone, don't be shy." She sounded like she was the hostess. Zhao Qiang was very annoyed and couldn't figure out what was wrong with Xu Xiaoya.
Er Kui's wife was the first to ask a question: "Xiao Ya, right? When are you and Zhao Qiang planning to get married?"
Xu Xiaoya was taken aback. She didn't understand the coded language. The woman in the fine clothes explained quickly, "It means when you two are getting married, so we can ask for some wedding candy! And after the New Year, we'll ask for some red-skinned eggs to eat!"
Xu Xiaoya's face flushed red, like a veil! This was something completely unrelated; these rural women had such vivid imaginations!
Zhao Qiang was even more embarrassed. He felt it was necessary to reiterate his relationship with Xu Xiaoya, but Xu Xiaoya spoke up before he could, saying, "Sister-in-law Er Kui, we are still young and have never thought about this. We have more important things to do now, so we can put our personal feelings aside."
Liu Huilan was completely bewildered by Xu Xiaoya's behavior and now regarded her as Zhao Qiang's girlfriend. Hearing that there was something more important than marriage, she eagerly asked, "What important thing?"
Zhao Qiang's head buzzed. He realized that Xu Xiaoya's overly friendly behavior was simply a ploy to use these people to persuade him to agree to pursue graduate studies with her! Damn, this woman is too cunning!
Volume 1 [030] Failure
Xu Xiaoya smiled smugly, her eyes secretly glancing at the deflated Zhao Qiang, and said, "Auntie, it's like this, Zhao Qiang and I applied for graduate school at the University of Science and Technology together, and now the results are out, we've both been admitted, so for the next few years we still need to focus on our studies, and we dare not think about anything else."
"Huaxia University of Technology, located in Donghai City?" the woman in the floral polyester shirt asked in surprise.
Xu Xiaoya said, "Yes, our supervisor is a doctoral supervisor, and he is internationally renowned."
Er Kui's wife asked, "Isn't Huaxia University of Technology the school that even the top scorer in the college entrance exam in town couldn't get into?"
The woman in the cotton-padded shirt said, "Of course, Huilan, you are so lucky to have such a promising son. Although his grades weren't great when he took the college entrance exam, he unexpectedly got into a good graduate program. You can enjoy the good life with your son from now on!"
Liu Huilan didn't know what was so great about Huaxia University of Technology, but since everyone thought it was good, it must be good. She was so excited that tears welled up in her eyes. "Xiaoqiang, is this true?"
What else could Zhao Qiang do? Besides, Xu Xiaoya really wasn't lying. So, Zhao Qiang nodded helplessly, "Mom, that's how it seems on the surface, but actually I don't plan to pursue a master's degree..."
Xu Xiaoya quickly said, "Auntie, Zhao Qiang is afraid of adding to the family's burden, but I have already promised him that as long as he is willing to go to graduate school, all expenses will be paid by my family. Zhao Qiang has been disagreeing. Please help me persuade him."
"Tsk tsk," the woman in the Kono DVD T-shirt exclaimed, "No wonder you're a rich girl who drives your own car, Huilan, we're so envious of you! Your son is successful, and your wife is beautiful and rich."
Xu Xiaoya's face turned bright red, but she had to keep a straight face. Liu Huilan pondered for a long time. Unlike outsiders, she wasn't smug. Instead, she considered her son's feelings. Her son was too proud and would definitely not accept the girl's financial assistance. That's why he hadn't told his family about being admitted to graduate school, and he didn't plan to pursue the time-consuming and expensive graduate program. Alas, it was all because of the family's poor financial situation that her son was being dragged down.
Thinking of this, Liu Huilan silenced the noisy women and said, "Everyone, my son and I have something to discuss. Let's call it a day. Everyone, go home, go home."
The host gave them the order to leave, and the women couldn't stay any longer. They weren't stupid; they quickly thought of the cost of graduate school. Everyone in the village knew that Zhao Qiang was working part-time to support himself while studying at university. They were afraid that the cost of graduate school at a university of science and technology would be even higher, and he would have even less time to work outside. No wonder Liu Huilan immediately looked worried.
Everyone had left, and Luo Xiaowei was hiding in her bedroom, refusing to come out. In the living room, only Zhao Qiang, his mother, and Xu Xiaoya remained. Liu Huilan glanced at her son, then at Xu Xiaoya, and said to Zhao Qiang, "Xiaoqiang, why don't you make a statement?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Mom, although it's true that I'm going to pursue a master's degree, I have no intention of doing so. I want to graduate peacefully, then make some money to start my own business. I'm already in my mid-twenties, and I can't waste my life on studying."
Xu Xiaoya objected anxiously, "Zhao Qiang, you're wrong. Do you know the saying, 'Sharpening your axe won't delay your work'? Ordinary college graduates are everywhere these days, and there are countless unemployed people. But if you follow Professor Gu to pursue a master's degree, you'll become a rare talent for the country, and your salary will far exceed what your current degree can offer!"
Liu Huilan suddenly made up her mind and said, "Xiaoqiang, Mom agrees with Xiaoya's opinion. The family will fully support you. You must make your parents proud and bring honor to your Zhao family ancestors!"
Zhao Qiang glared at Xu Xiaoya with resentment. He was furious. "Xu Xiaoya, you've ruined me! You've dragged my parents into endless torment again! I wish I could kick you a couple of times to vent my anger!"
Zhao Qiang took a deep breath and said, "Mom, I'll think about it. Anyway, there's still some time before graduation, so we'll talk about it then. Oh, right, I just remembered that I have some things to take care of at the company where I work. Mom, I'll go back to school this afternoon, and I'll come back to visit you next time I have a holiday."
Xu Xiaoya was stunned. She hadn't expected Zhao Qiang to use this trick to escape, and the look Zhao Qiang gave her made her heart tremble. Zhao Qiang was angry, completely angry at what she had done!
Liu Huilan nodded: "Xiaoqiang, it's all because your parents are incompetent that you have to work at school. Think carefully about pursuing a master's degree. Your father and I support you."
Zhao Qiang went back to his room to pack his backpack, then left home without looking back. No matter how smart Xu Xiaoya was, she could avoid him by simply avoiding him, so no matter how capable she was, she couldn't use her skills!
Xu Xiaoya and Luo Xiaowei were extremely embarrassed. Luo Xiaowei was alright and didn't do anything, but Xu Xiaoya knew that Zhao Qiang had just returned home and then back to school because of her. She hurriedly said goodbye to Liu Huilan and then drove after Zhao Qiang.
"Zhao Qiang, get in the car, we're going back to Donghai City too." Xu Xiaoya opened the car window and called out to Zhao Qiang, who was waiting for the bus outside.
Zhao Qiang ignored her as if he hadn't heard her. Xu Xiaoya said, "Zhao Qiang, I was wrong, okay? I shouldn't have pressured you like that, but I really did it for your own good. The future prospects of pursuing a master's degree are definitely much more useful than just getting a regular university degree!"
Just then, the bus arrived, and Zhao Qiang boarded. Xu Xiaoya angrily chased after him but was helpless and could only watch him leave. Luo Xiaowei got off the bus and advised Xu Xiaoya, "Forget it, I think he'll figure it out himself one day."
Xu Xiaoya said somewhat absentmindedly, "Am I being too selfish? Zhao Qiang is a very gentle person in the class. The fact that he's like this means he's really angry with me."
Luo Xiaowei said, "Alright, what's the use of thinking about this now that things have come to this? Let's hurry up and leave, it'll be dangerous to travel after dark."
The following evening, in room 404 of the boys' dormitory, Zhao Qiang was lying on the table chatting with Xiao Wei on his laptop.
"Brother, don't be upset. Our future is bright. You need to cheer up."
Zhao Qiang took out the nine thousand yuan from his pocket and threw it on the table, saying, "It's all Xu Xiaoya's fault. If I gave this money to my mother now, she definitely wouldn't want it. She would make me keep it for graduate school. My good vacation has been ruined like this."
Xiao Wei said, "Actually, brother, you're being too cautious. So what if you go to graduate school?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I got these grades entirely because of your help. If Professor Gu finds out, I'll be doomed!"
Xiao Wei said, "Then you should just never let him know for the rest of your life."
Zhao Qiang said, "There are no secrets in this world. If you walk by the river long enough, you're bound to get your shoes wet."
Xiao Wei said, "As long as you have research results, so what if the professor knows that you cheated on your grades?"
Zhao Qiang chuckled and said, "What research results do I have? Don't tease me."
Xiao Wei said, "Brother, you still have me. The internal structure of the laptop has been basically modified. All that's left is a little upgrade. So now I have the time and energy to continue repairing and modifying the external devices. Let's discuss what you need most right now."
The news was very encouraging, but Zhao Qiang thought for a long time and still didn't know what he needed most. Sometimes people are like that; when they don't think about it, they feel like they need everything, but when you have to choose one thing, they just can't choose.
Xiao Wei said, "Then I'll help my brother decide. How about we modify a pair of glasses that can see through things?"
Zhao Qiang was somewhat excited: "Can it see through clothes? This idea is brilliant."
Xiao Wei said, "Brother, your thoughts are filthy."
Zhao Qiang replied without blushing, "There's nothing I can do, I'm a man."
Xiao Wei said, "But I'm sorry to disappoint you, brother. All I can do right now is make these glasses see through metal and plastic. They're a maintenance aid designed to help repairmen better diagnose machine malfunctions."
Only see through metal and plastic? Although the function is a bit limited, it's still better than ordinary glasses. Zhao Qiang was still very happy: "Okay, being able to see through metal and plastic can be called a magical device. What do I need to prepare for you?"
Xiao Wei said, "I can continue to use the box where I originally lived, so there is no shortage of raw materials for the time being. Brother, you just need to find a pair of glasses. After all, my ability is only to modify, not to create out of thin air."
Zhao Qiang remembered that he used to have a pair of sunglasses, which he wore when he went to work on the construction site in the summer. He rummaged through his drawer and actually found them. So he put them and the black box on his computer desk. Xiao Wei started the modification program, and a command box appeared on the screen. One instruction after another began to run, and a cloud of white mist slowly formed in front of the screen.
Suddenly, the indoor lights went out, and the newly formed mist vanished in an instant. Zhao Qiang was startled: "What happened?"
Xiao Wei exited the command box and reappeared on the screen. "Brother, the power is out. I think the excessive power consumption during the last modification of the electronic watch aroused the school's suspicion. They must have added power limiting devices in the dormitory building. There's no way to continue the modification. The power stored in my chip alone is not enough to meet the modification needs. Both internal and external energy are required."
(Two long chapters in a row, please vote! I guarantee three chapters today, and one extra chapter for every fifty more votes. Thank you for your support!)
Volume 1 [031] Gradually Getting the hang of it
Last time, Zhao Qiang's modification of the electronic watch caused the school to lose over a thousand kilowatt-hours of electricity. Although it was determined that the problem originated in dormitory 404, no high-power-consuming appliances could be found. Therefore, the school could not impose the cost of the thousand kilowatt-hours of electricity on dormitory 404. The logistics department had to bear the cost themselves. To prevent further losses, the power would be cut off immediately if the current in the dormitory building was too high.
Zhao Qiang said dejectedly, "Forget it, we'll figure something out later. It's uncertain whether anyone will be on duty in the power distribution room. We might have to work in the dark tonight."
The next morning, Zhao Qiang took the bus to work at Home Inn Computer Company. Since he was already back, he might as well earn some extra money to spend, since he was just idling around anyway.
Before even entering the door, Wang Yidong was heard cursing: "What kind of damn power bureau is this? I spend more than three thousand yuan a month on electricity. What kind of mess is this? Do you think I'm a pig? In the past, it would only cost six or seven hundred yuan at most. They must have read the meter wrong or printed the wrong bill. I'm going to complain about them."
Ma Xiaohua said, "Mr. Wang, I checked with the electricity bureau's billing department, and the electricity consumption is indeed correct. The meter has also been tested and there is no problem. So we can't not pay the electricity bill. If we don't pay, they will cut off the power this afternoon, and we will have to pay a reconnection fee if we want to restore the power."
Zhao Qiang carefully slipped through the crack in the door. Reminded by what happened last night, Zhao Qiang knew that the electricity bill of more than three thousand yuan must be related to Xiao Wei. After arriving at work, he plugged in his laptop and turned it on. Most of the internal modifications Xiao Wei made to the laptop were completed during this time, so it was normal for it to consume too much power.
Sigh, let me, Zhao Qiang, punish you on behalf of the kind customers who have been harassed by you, Zhao Qiang, found a reason for himself.
Wang Yidong deflated like a punctured balloon. Without the power, how could his company possibly operate? Utterly helpless, he said, "Just pay it back, consider it stolen! ... Zhao Qiang, weren't you on holiday at home? What are you doing here?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Good morning, Mr. Wang. There was nothing much going on at home, so I went back to check on things and came back."
Wang Yidong said, "Okay, Zhang Chunjiang is on sick leave today. Keep an eye on things at the company and help out any customers who come in for repairs. I'm not feeling well today, so I'm going out for a walk. Damn it, after paying the electricity bill, this month's work has almost been for nothing."
It would be strange if Wang Yidong felt comfortable after paying more than three thousand yuan in electricity bills for nothing.
Ma Xiaohua hurriedly went to the power bureau to pay the electricity bill. Zhao Qiang was the only one left in the company. After thinking for a while, Zhao Qiang went into the repair room, plugged in the power, and turned on his laptop. However, his first words were to Xiao Wei: "Don't waste the company's electricity, or Boss Wang will be furious."
Xiao Wei said, "Brother, the company's electricity can't be wasted, and the dormitory's electricity can't be wasted now, so how can I repair and modify it?"
Zhao Qiang scratched his head: "Let me think of another way. If all else fails, we can find a place to rent with a stable power supply."
Xiao Wei said, "Okay, I'm going to look up information online. I'll contact you via my smartwatch if anything comes up."
Zhao Qiang sat at Ma Xiaohua's desk for a moment, lost in thought. If only he were a computer expert, if only he were truly learned, he would dare to accept Luo Xiaowei's invitation and even pursue a master's degree with Professor Gu. He would then ask Xiaowei if she could modify a brain-developing device, and if he could transform it into a super brain, that would be awesome.
Zhao Qiang was daydreaming when someone carried a computer into the store. "Boss, can you take a look at my computer? It keeps saying it failed to save. I reinstalled the system myself, but the problem persists. It's really weird."