Yu Moxun and Rong Ci felt their scalps prickle with apprehension.
Yu Moxun hurriedly said, "We are already preparing the new products. We should have the prototypes ready by next year."
"Mhm." Nan Zhizhi gave a cold response before adding, "Until they are done, there is no need for you to come see me again."
Rong Ci and Yu Moxun replied in unison, "Yes..."
Nan Zhizhi continued, "Send me a technical summary tonight."
Rong Ci and Yu Moxun immediately understood that the "summary" their teacher referred to was a technical review of the works exhibited today.
"Yes..." they both answered.
As soon as the words left his mouth, Yu Moxun added tentatively, "That... Teacher, doing it in one night might be a bit difficult."
In truth, it wasn't just a bit difficult; it was nearly impossible.
He pleaded, "Could we have a month? Is that okay?"
With so many exhibits and various technical summaries to write, he estimated it would require at least tens of thousands of words, perhaps even over a hundred thousand. How could they possibly summarize everything perfectly in a single night?
Nan Zhizhi didn't speak. He simply stared at them.
Although Nan Zhizhi appeared refined and elegant, he possessed a gaze that was difficult for most people to withstand.
Yu Moxun shuddered instantly. "Understood! We guarantee the mission will be completed!"
Rong Ci remained silent.
At this point, the conversation between the mentor and his students had effectively come to an end. However, Nan Zhizhi's gaze shifted toward Rong Ci.
Rong Ci kept her back stiff. "Teacher..."
"What a man you've chosen!"
Nan Zhizhi threw her a sharp glance, dropped that cold remark, and turned to walk away.
Rong Ci froze for a moment.
Yu Moxun whispered, "Teacher is talking about your husband."
Nan Zhizhi's meaning was clear: Take a good look at the kind of husband you picked!
Rong Ci understood this well enough. It was just...
"Did they say something to each other?"
Earlier in the conference hall, she and Yu Moxun had been sitting quite far from the front row. Although they saw Feng Tingshen and Lin Wu stand up to greet their teacher after his speech, they couldn't hear the specifics of the exchange.
Yu Moxun shook his head. "I have no idea."
Rong Ci was speechless.
That made sense. They had been so engrossed in their own conversation that they didn't notice Lin Wu and Lin Lilan coming out at the same time, witnessing their entire interaction with Nan Zhizhi.
Watching Nan Zhizhi's departing figure, Lin Lilan said to Lin Wu, "It's fine. She doesn't have your professional skills. So what if she knows Nan Zhizhi? It won't do her any good; he would never take her as a disciple."
"I know," Lin Wu replied calmly. "Let's go."
Rong Ci and Yu Moxun had only stepped out to speak with Nan Zhizhi; they weren't planning to leave yet. After all, this was an excellent opportunity to network with industry peers. Leaving now would be a terrible waste.
Thus, after Nan Zhizhi left, the two returned to the exhibition hall.
Later, they spotted Feng Tingshen, but Rong Ci didn't approach him, and he didn't come toward her either. To any outsider, they truly looked like complete strangers who didn't know each other at all.
Lin Wu and her companions stayed as well.
Previously, when Lin Lihai had seen Rong Ci at the jewelry store, he had taken the initiative to greet her, claiming he cared for her. But today, in such a public setting, they had crossed paths several times, yet he hadn't made a single move to show her any concern.
Rong Ci found it laughable. But she knew exactly why.
Lin Wu was there. Everyone knew he was Lin Wu's father now. If he walked over to acknowledge Rong Ci and someone discovered she was actually Feng Tingshen's wife, where would he hide his face?
Worse, Lin Wu might be drowned in the public's criticism.
It was clear that Lin Lihai's favoritism toward Lin Wu was beyond obvious.
Lin Lihai wanted no connection with Rong Ci in this setting, but he couldn't bear to miss out on knowing someone like Yu Moxun. Consequently, while Rong Ci was in the restroom, he, Lin Wu, and Lin Lilan approached Yu Moxun.
He introduced himself, "Manager Yu, hello. I am the father of Lin Wu... and Rong Ci, Lin Lihai. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Yu Moxun gave him a polite handshake. "So it is Mr. Lin. A pleasure."
Lin Lihai glanced at Lin Wu and sighed. "Rong Ci's personality is a bit extreme, and there are some misunderstandings between her and Lin Wu. As a father, I've always hoped they could get along, but unfortunately, Rong Ci just won't listen..."
Yu Moxun acted as if he had just realized something. "Oh, so that's how it is..."
"Indeed." Lin Lihai finished his sigh and forced a smile. "However, I am very happy for Rong Ci that she was able to meet a talented young man like you. I heard she started working at your company; please look after her in the future. I'm counting on you."
He sounded like a deeply concerned father.
If Lin Lihai hadn't deliberately waited until Rong Ci was away to strike up this conversation, and if Yu Moxun didn't know everything about Rong Ci's past and her relationship with Feng Tingshen, he might have actually believed him.
But Yu Moxun didn't expose him. Instead, he smiled and said, "You are too kind, Mr. Lin. Rong Ci is exceptionally talented. It is Changmo's good fortune to have her."
Lin Lihai and Lin Wu both assumed Yu Moxun was just being polite. Given Rong Ci's resume, what could she possibly help Yu Moxun with? At most, she was likely doing menial tasks or the work of an ordinary programmer.
Of course, Lin Lihai didn't say that out loud. Lin Wu heard it but didn't comment, while Lin Lilan merely gave an indifferent, faint smile.
Lin Lihai continued, "Manager Yu, you should already be aware of Lin Wu's situation. She has always been very interested in CUAP, so she sincerely hopes for a chance to work at Changmo..."
Even though Feng Tingshen had arranged for Lin Wu to meet Nan Zhizhi soon meaning she would have plenty of chances to learn about CUAP later Changmo was developing so well, and Yu Moxun had such a prestigious background, that building a relationship with him could only be a good thing. Perhaps there would even be deep cooperation with Changmo in the future.
Yu Moxun looked at Lin Wu and said, "I appreciate the sentiment, Miss Lin. You are indeed very outstanding, and I would be very happy to have you join Changmo. However, Rong Ci is my friend..."
Lin Wu wasn't strictly determined to work at Changmo anymore. She just didn't want to be on bad terms with Yu Moxun. After all, they might very well be fellow disciples in the future. It was better to have one more friend than one more enemy.
Today, Yu Moxun's attitude was much better than it had been at the banquet. She didn't know if his change in attitude was sincere or fake, but they had plenty of time. They might yet become good friends.
Lin Wu said, "I understand, and I won't force it. You needn't worry, Manager Yu."
Yu Moxun smiled. "Thank you for your understanding, Miss Lin."
From a distance, the group appeared to be having an incredibly pleasant conversation.
Rong Ci paused as she stepped out of the restroom and saw the scene.
Lin Lilan noticed her and let out a small, satisfied smile.
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