Volume 2 [160] Cultivating is Cultivating Everything
…Zhao Qiang couldn't sleep all night. The air conditioner in the bedroom was on full blast, warm and cozy. Normally, it would be the easiest time to fall asleep on a day like this, but his mind was a mess. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Su Su's image and the scene of her singing to him while wrapped in a quilt. As Zhao Qiang thought about it, he would grin foolishly. Su Su had helped him rediscover his dream from his student days, and Zhao Qiang decided to cherish this dream with all his heart.
When Hu Le, Liu Dazhuang, and the other two arrived in the morning, they brought over twenty catties of fried dough sticks. Zhao Qiang cooked a large pot of rice porridge himself, then shredded the pickled vegetables his mother had brought, mixed them with soy sauce and sesame oil, and the four classmates ate heartily in the lounge. Xu Xiaoya and Luo Wei didn't come today. Luo Wei had a contract to discuss, and Xu Xiaoya went to the tire factory to settle accounts. She hadn't paid for the business optimization and consumables she had purchased last time, and today she went to ask her mother for the money.
"Hehe, everyone's eating here. I was wondering why no one was in the office." The door to the lounge was pushed open, and Hu Qian walked in, bringing with her a cool and aloof aura. Wang Nian immediately stood up to offer her a seat.
Hu Qian said, "You guys eat, don't mind me." Hu Qian casually found a chair and sat down. She took off her thick down jacket, revealing her voluptuous figure. Every word and smile made the four men present feel their hearts flutter.
Liu Dazhuang and his friends had limited appetites; they were full after two bowls of rice porridge. The three of them went to the game store to play games, and of course, they also tried to pick up two female saleswomen. They were all from the same school and knew each other, so there were no obstacles in communicating with them.
"Sister Hu, is something the matter?" Zhao Qiang asked. Now that there were only the two of them left, it was easier to talk.
Hu Qian nodded: "The planning map for the Rednet Technology Building has been completed. I would like to ask if you have any opinions."
Zhao Qiang chewed on a fried dough stick and said, "What objection could I possibly have to your building?"
Hu Qian said, "Zhao Qiang, we've gotten to know each other pretty well. I want you to be honest with me. What do you think of me? Am I worthy of your continued trust and cooperation?"
Zhao Qiang thought for a moment and said, "It's worth it."
Hu Qian got up and locked the door to the lounge. Zhao Qiang wasn't stupid enough to think she was trying to seduce him; he guessed she wanted to tell him something very secret. Sure enough, Hu Qian said solemnly, "Zhao Qiang, I know you have a powerful team behind you. My family needs your help. If you can help our Hu family recover, I'll be willing to be your slave for the rest of my life!"
Zhao Qiang was taken aback: "Sister Hu, I don't quite understand what you mean. It's just about optimizing software and cooperation, how did it escalate to this level? You're putting pressure on me. I'm just an ordinary student, how can I be compared to your family?"
Hu Qian said, "No, listen to me. I need a practical technology that can rival a solar cell. Today I received news that Professor Gu, in collaboration with scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed a 'mixture of materials.' You once claimed that as long as I gave you this semi-finished mixture, I could manufacture a solar cell sample. Is that true?"
Zhao Qiang nodded. He was happy to hear the news. He originally thought there would be no news until after the New Year, but he didn't expect to get a semi-finished product now. This meant that Wei's repair would be completed ahead of schedule, and it also meant that his repair tools would be upgraded!
Hu Qian said, "As soon as the news was confirmed, the Yang family's support rate soared, and the situation is very unfavorable for our Hu family. I know that my grandfather is very disappointed in me, and I also know that I am not cut out for this. But I still want to ask you to give me a technology that can rival the future energy battery. Whatever the price, I will give it to you as long as I have it!"
Zhao Qiang was stunned for a moment. It turned out that there was some shocking news about the rivalry between Yang Shiqi and Hu Qian. But what did their family affairs have to do with him? He just wanted to make money and be recognized by the state so that no one could bully him in the future. He also wanted to be a privileged person!
"I can't think of any way I can help you. Of course, I'll ask my big boss behind the scenes, but as far as I know, you're probably going to be disappointed." Zhao Qiang didn't have any military products on hand, so he didn't want to leave Hu Qian with any hope.
Hu Qian's face immediately darkened, as if all her strength had been drained away. "Oh, thank you for your trouble, Zhao Qiang."
Seeing that Hu Qian was about to leave, Zhao Qiang stopped her and said, "Sister Hu, I know you're in a bad mood, but there are some things I still need to explain to you regarding the cooperation."
Hu Qian said, "I have accepted all the requirements you put forward. I will fully fund and operate the project, holding 49% of the shares."
Zhao Qiang said, "Things have changed slightly now."
Hu Qian's expression was blank. "How much of a share do you want?"
Zhao Qiang said, "It's not about the shares. Sigh, you don't look well today. How about we talk about it later?"
Hu Qian suddenly shivered. What was she doing? She hadn't really expected to acquire technology that could rival the battery industry. If she adopted this attitude now and Zhao Qiang got upset and canceled the cooperation, it would be a complete disaster! The incident in Hedian District last time was a living example, and she couldn't afford to repeat the same mistake.
"No," Hu Qian seemed to have been injected with a powerful stimulant, immediately regaining the demeanor of a strong woman. "Go ahead and say it. I'll accept any reasonable request."
Zhao Qiang said, "Actually, I want to add a project related to operating systems."
Hu Qian was somewhat surprised: "You have an operating system? It's completely different from Microsoft's?"
Zhao Qiang nodded: "It's already 60% complete, but it's just the kernel. It still needs to be improved. As for the functionality, I can give you a clear answer. It will be far superior to Microsoft's. Moreover, based on my analysis of the current level of computer technology, after this operating system is released, no one in the world will be able to find any vulnerabilities. This operating system should be sold within five to eight years."
Hu Qian was astonished to learn that no one could find any vulnerabilities within two years. Imagine what it would be like if an operating system were given two years to develop freely. Microsoft would be no match for it. The fact that it had no vulnerabilities would be enough to win over hundreds of millions of users. Combined with antivirus software, this would be an even bigger prospect than simply developing one.
"State your requirements," Hu Qian said directly this time, after several setbacks.
Zhao Qiang said, "The operating system, antivirus software, and optimization software will be operated as one project. You will take 30% of the shares and full management rights. That's all. Xu Xiaoya will discuss the details with you."
Hu Qian's pretty face twisted slightly, but it was only a brief moment before she gritted her teeth and said, "Deal! Zhao Qiang, I've been defeated by you in this life. Don't even think about making me forget you!"
Zhao Qiang said, "Then I am truly honored to be remembered by such a beautiful girl as you for a lifetime."
Hu Qian almost blurted out "Honor my ass," but her girlish modesty wouldn't allow her to swear. "Just tell me everything else you have. I'd rather give up my 30% stake."
Zhao Qiang, completely oblivious to the situation, replied, "That's all. I'll let you know if there is anything else."
Hu Qian said with exasperation, "Can't you settle down and do some useful military research?"
Zhao Qiang said, "No, Sister Qian, I don't have the final say on this. It's the big boss who decides. His original intention was to do repairs. He's not good at fighting. If you have anything broken, I can help you fix it."
"Fast charging repair?" Hu Qian asked rhetorically.
Zhao Qiang said, "How could it not be? This is an improvement on the original charger, which shortens the charging time, so of course it counts as a repair."
"Where's the operating system?" Hu Qian continued to demand, wanting to silence Zhao Qiang so she could vent her resentment.
Zhao Qiang said, "Microsoft's operating system has vulnerabilities from time to time. When they release a new operating system, it is a major improvement. Of course, it can be considered a repair of the original operating system. Including optimization software, isn't that also a matter of patching and fixing?"
Hu Qian said, "You actually have a point, don't you? It can be powered by batteries."
Zhao Qiang said, "Speaking of which, this could certainly be considered an improvement on ordinary batteries, but initially, this project wasn't mentioned. It was something that Gu Jiaotou and the Chinese Academy of Sciences came up with themselves based on fast chargers. I just helped them communicate with the higher-ups, and they gave me a response, which led to the development of the slow-release device and the 'material.'"
"It seems you can't do anything without the excuse of 'repair'."
Hu Qian secretly moved into the tunnel.
Zhao Qiang said solemnly, "This is my job. I, Zhao Qiang, will be a qualified repairman for life." Hu Qian said, "So you're saying there's almost nothing you can't fix or improve?"
Zhao Qiang said, "More or less, but my skills are limited, and I'm still in the learning stage."
Hu Qian asked, "What about improving the weapons?"
Zhao Qiang shook his head: "I've never been involved before, and there's no such instruction from above, so I can't make the decision."
Hu Qian said, "Improving the software is definitely not a problem, as you just mentioned."
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes."
Hu Qian suddenly smiled slyly and said, "What about the guidance system? Do you think there's any possibility of improving our country's current guidance system? If so, how much would the accuracy be improved?"
Zhao Qiang was completely bewildered. He hadn't expected to fall into Hu Qian's trap. She was still trying to steer him towards the military industry; it seemed she wasn't giving up. But what did it matter what he repaired, as long as he could make money? So Zhao Qiang didn't directly refuse. "I've never been involved before, so I don't know the outcome."
Hu Qian said, "It's okay, I'll give you a chance to get in touch. Repair is your job, and I don't think you'll refuse repair work. Even if you can't handle the higher-ups, there's still the big boss. You'll be responsible for communicating with him, right?"
Zhao Qiang said, "We'll talk about it later, but the price varies depending on the item being repaired, so you should be prepared."
Hu Qian said, "Money is not a problem. As long as the problem can be solved, everything is negotiable. Zhao Qiang, I think I've figured out your temper a bit. And I have to say, I might really not be able to forget you. You're a very interesting person."
Zhao Qiang chuckled and said, "Sister Qian, I don't have a girlfriend yet. Are you trying to woo me? But I don't think we're a good match. I'm still a student, and you must be quite old."
Hu Qian's pretty face was even more distorted than before. Suddenly she blurted out, "Zhao Qiang!" In fact, Hu Qian was only one year older than Zhao Qiang, but she was precocious and had a long, foxy face, making her look like a mature woman in her late twenties.
Zhao Qiang grabbed a fried dough stick from the table and ran out of the break room. In the courtyard, Liu Dazhuang and saleswoman Liu Huamei were playing badminton. As he ran, Zhao Qiang leaned over and said, "You two are so talented, you can play badminton even in this strong wind."
Liu Dazhuang chased after Zhao Qiang, asking, "What's wrong? Did your butt get burned?"
Zhao Qiang pointed to Hu Qian, who had already left the lounge, and said, "It wasn't the universe that exploded."
Hu Qian took a couple of steps and suddenly realized it wasn't a good idea. Her impressive breasts were definitely not suitable for running and jumping; if she insisted on chasing Zhao Qiang, she would expose herself completely. In the end, Hu Qian had no choice but to give up and get into her Mercedes and drive away.
I'm still asking for monthly votes; if you have any, please give them to me.
Volume 2 [161] Final Exams
At noon, Zhao Qiang went to Tianmeng Nightclub and watched another group breast performance. The data results were satisfactory to Zhao Qiang. Although the amount of slimming tea consumed by each person was not large, they all excreted a certain amount of fat. The side effects were not obvious, with only a few people experiencing mild diarrhea. Analyzing the food they ate, it was possible that it was related to a virus, and it was not necessarily caused by drinking slimming tea. Therefore, Zhao Qiang was almost certain that the slimming tea would be effective in the later production of this batch. The production experiment was a success.
Zhang Lingfeng added more than a dozen new test subjects to Zhao Qiang's experiment. Zhao Qiang divided these people into three groups, reduced the dosage of the slimming tea again, and asked them to continue reporting data the next day. Of course, the previous batch of test subjects had to continue taking it. Zhao Qiang wanted to see how many days it would take to complete a weight loss process under different dosages. In his planned slimming tea, it was impossible for a person to lose weight successfully in one go. If that were the case, he wouldn't make any money.
The final exams were held as scheduled two days later. This was the last exam for senior students at Tunghai University. Next summer, they will only need to return to submit a thesis. As long as they pass the defense, they will receive their graduation certificate. Given the huge scene caused by the last midterm exam, all students studied hard this time, and Tunghai University experienced an unprecedented study boom.
After a hearty breakfast, Zhao Qiang and Hu Le returned to their dormitory. The exam room had been arranged so that everyone would be together, but not in front of or behind each other. Besides, there were still multiple exam papers to be taken, so Liu Dazhuang and the others had given up on cheating. Fortunately, they had studied fairly well during this period. Getting an excellent grade was impossible, but passing should be no problem. Anyway, they were graduating soon, so it didn't matter how many points they got, as long as they got the certificate.
"Hey, Zhao Qiang's back! Everyone come quick!" someone shouted outside the dorm. Immediately, a group of boys rushed out of their rooms and surrounded Zhao Qiang's dorm room. "Qiang, you got first place in the whole department last time, perfect scores on every test! Awesome! What happened to you all this time? Where did you go to work?"
Few people at Donghai University knew that Zhao Qiang had started a company in Ximian. Even Hu Le and Liu Meihua were unaware of the background of Qimingdeng Electronics. Furthermore, no one knew about the shareholding structure of the Rednet Building, which was about to be built, or the new company.
"You're amazing! Working doesn't interfere with your studies. We're probably in trouble. If we fail this exam, our graduation will likely be affected. But you already have a wealth of work experience, so you're starting ahead of us." Someone said enviously.
"Zhao Qiang, teach us how you cheated last time, or don't blame me for being rude." This was a threat.
"I heard you got good grades and even your class monitor got seduced. Damn, I didn't realize you were such a closet pervert. Your class monitor is even more of a pervert; he kept it all to himself for three and a half years before finally... well, you know." This is jealousy.
Liu Dazhuang started shooing people out: "Come on, come on, we need to go to the exam hall, don't delay our exam."
There were already quite a few people waiting outside the examination hall, all looking uneasy. Every now and then, someone would touch the cheat sheet hidden in their waist or chest, wandering around outside the examination hall with a feeling of wanting to cheat but being afraid of being caught.
Xu Xiaoya arrived early. She had to take the last exam of her university life seriously. Several female classmates surrounded her and chattered, "Class monitor, you started a company?" Many people thought so. Even those who knew more about the matter thought Zhao Qiang was just a repairman hired by Xu Xiaoya.
Xu Xiaoya mumbled, "I'm working for someone else, a computer company. It's nothing special." One of her roommates said, "What? Liu Meihua and Zhou Junjun are working there part-time, right? I heard they make a combined 3,000 yuan a month, and they said they'd get benefits in a couple of days. Why don't they let us do something so good?"
Xu Xiaoya had a headache. Her roommates were all show and no substance, and they loved gossip. If she arranged for them to join Shunfeng Technology, Zhao Qiang would definitely object. "Liu Meihua and Zhou Junjun applied for the jobs themselves. I'm not in charge of recruitment, but I can keep an eye out for you if the company expands next year."
Another girl said, "Okay, please, class monitor. Otherwise, we won't have anywhere to do our internship. We don't have high requirements. We just want to sit in an office, not do any physical labor, not have to serve anyone, and earn two to three thousand yuan at the end of the month."
Xu Xiaoya shook her head inwardly. She was already incredibly busy every day, and these people actually wanted to sit in an office, drink tea, and get paid for nothing. What were they thinking? Seeing Zhao Qiang approaching from afar, Xu Xiaoya abandoned the girl and went to greet him.
"Zhao Qiang, are you ready?"
Zhao Qiang nodded: "Don't worry, I'll definitely make sure you get first place this time. I'll give you a chance for the last exam of your student life."
Xu Xiaoya rolled her eyes at Zhao Qiang: "Forget it, I've come to terms with it. Exam results don't mean anything. The key is to achieve results at work. I bought some New Year's goods. Tonight, we'll go to Gu Jiao Tou's house for dinner, and then we'll have to wait for the Spring Festival to visit relatives."
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay, you make the decisions about these things. I'll wait for you at the school gate after the exam this afternoon."
The entrance bell rang, and snowflakes began to fall. The temperature was particularly low this year, and it snowed frequently, but the examination hall was packed with people, so it didn't feel too cold.
Looking at the digital watch on his wrist, Zhao Qiang smiled. Last time, Wei had been helping him answer the questions behind the scenes, which was why he was able to get full marks on every test. This caught Professor Gu's eye and brought about a turning point in his life. But this time, he could only rely on himself. All the textbooks had been imprinted in his brain, and Zhao Qiang could recall any page at any time and copy it word for word. As for his computing power, his super-powerful biochip, even if it couldn't compare to Wei's, was definitely more powerful than any other one currently available on Earth. So, getting full marks this time would still be extremely easy.
As Zhao Qiang pictured Xu Xiaoya's playful and slightly angry expression, his heart softened. He figured he should give his class monitor some face since she was so competitive. He decided to deliberately answer a few questions wrong. After all, without the pressure from Professor Gu, it didn't matter how many points he got. His life should be about maintenance, not a perfect score on a test.
At 11:30, Zhao Qiang followed the crowd out of the examination room. He had actually finished the paper long ago, but it was too cold outside, so he took a nap in the examination room. The invigilation of the final exam was greatly reduced, so no one paid any attention to him.
"Dazhuang, call Liu and Zhou, let's go eat off-campus together. The restaurants will probably be crowded." Zhao Qiang instructed Liu Dazhuang. During exams, most students cannot go out, so the restaurants are packed.
Xu Xiaoya also ran over carrying her schoolbag. She was wearing knee-high riding boots, a pink silk scarf around her neck, and a thick Bosideng long down jacket over it, instead of various expensive imported brands.
"Hold my bag, it's freezing!" Xu Xiaoya tossed the bag to Zhao Qiang, who casually slung it over his shoulder. Suddenly, he felt a strange gaze on him from behind. Zhao Qiang whirled around and saw a familiar figure disappearing into the dormitory building—it was Qian Feihao. Zhao Qiang chuckled inwardly and ignored him; Zhang Lingfeng was searching for him everywhere. He was sure Qian Feihao would suffer a terrible fate once Zhang Lingfeng found him, because he had almost killed Zhang Lingfeng on the scaffolding outside the Holiday Inn.
Xu Xiaoya also noticed Qian Feihao's evasive behavior. She didn't say anything, but instead exclaimed, "You scoundrel! You kept saying you'd protect my Ancang, but after the fire, you disappeared. You were the one who saved him, and you didn't even say thank you!"
Zhao Qiang said, "Ignore him, let's go eat."
To Zhao Qiang's surprise, the restaurants outside the school were very popular. He wondered if everyone else had the same thought: that the restaurants would be crowded. But since he was already there, he couldn't go back to the restaurants. So he went into a more upscale restaurant with fewer customers and ordered a table full of dishes. Everyone sitting there was an employee of Shunfeng Technology, so they knew that Zhao Qiang was a big eater.
Liu Dazhuang wanted to open a bottle of wine, but Xu Xiaoya stopped him, saying, "We have an exam this afternoon, let's eat first."