Chapter 57: The Dilemma of Dualities

Wang Xiang had a few drinks, and though not intoxicated, he appeared a bit excited (considering that drunk driving wasn't as strictly regulated in 2000). "Chen Xiao, you're still young. I don't know what the market truly demands at the moment, but I have a strong feeling that our Delong VCD will definitely succeed this time."

After a few drinks, Wang Xiang continued, "This time, Delong VCD is a standalone brand separate from Delong Electronics. President Li mentioned that I'll receive 30% ownership due to my contribution in technology. I'll also assume the roles of legal representative and general manager of the company."

Wang Xiang went on, "Chen Xiao, though you're much younger than me, I've always considered you as my brother. I graduated from university and spent over a decade at Delong. What do you want? Money? No, I just want you to acknowledge me!"

"This era is quite absurd. Many of my elementary school classmates back in my hometown joined the workforce after completing elementary school. Now, many of them are big shots owning villas and driving luxury cars. Yet here I am, still working at an electronics factory, earning meager wages."

Wang Xiang hiccupped, "I admit, I lack business acumen. However, I believe this is an opportunity!"

Every individual possesses their own personality and skill deficits.

Wang Xiang was the quintessential technical talent, and entrusting him with managing a company would likely present challenges. Chen Xiao, at least, would never allow Wang Xiang to solely manage a company.

Upon reaching home, Chen Xiao patted Wang Xiang on the shoulder and refrained from further comments.

...

At the Chen family residence, Zhang Biao, former general manager of Jiangcheng Machinery Factory, Director Liu from the same factory, and Su Desheng's wife, Wang Qin, were present.

Zhang Biao had been employed at a certain bureau in Jiangzhou. However, following a significant incident involving Zhongjing Company's equipment, Zhang Biao's regularization was delayed due to ongoing investigations. Consequently, he was temporarily suspended from duty.

Su Desheng remained detained, and Wang Qin was distressed, hence her presence alongside Zhang Biao.

Both Zhongjing Company and Jiangzhou Machinery Factory faced tremendous challenges.

Apart from using BOOM equipment, the factory also sold such equipment.

To tackle the aftermath, Zhang Biao needed to acquire production rights for Chen Xiao's developed motherboard and expedite the replacement of old and new equipment by Zhongjing Company.

Director Liu was in an even tougher spot. Though he had been on the brink of promotion, recent events had thrown him into turmoil.

Currently, over a dozen pieces of factory equipment remained unrepaired, severely hampering production progress.

Zhang Biao brought two bottles of Wuliangye liquor and two packs of Huazi cigarettes. He arrived with a cheerful expression.

"Chen Qiang, you're an old worker at our machinery factory. Uncle Chen also worked here. Look, you're still living in the factory's residential area. It's like old times."

Zhang Biao said quite tactfully, "This time, I'm seeking your opinion. Please agree to Zhongjing's use of CNC machine tool mainboards, and I also invite you to return to Jiangcheng Machinery Factory."

"After all, Jiangzhou is far from home. Plus, Chen Xiao needs to take the college entrance exams. It would be more convenient if you're closer to home. I've set aside the position of a technical director at Jiangcheng Machinery Factory for you. There won't be much work, just overseeing everything. The monthly salary is 1,200 yuan."

The "honorary position" of technical director had formerly belonged to Gao Hongze. He enjoyed perks like meals, entertainment, and other luxuries.

A monthly salary of 1,200 yuan was substantial!

At the time, civil servants in Jiangcheng rarely earned as much, usually averaging six to seven hundred yuan monthly.

Director Liu quickly added, "That's right, Old Chen. People tend to return to their roots. You've dedicated many years to Jiangzhou Machinery Factory. It's a good time to come back."

Chen Qiang glanced at Zhang Biao's unusually kind demeanor, taken aback by the sudden warmth. When had a leader ever been so amiable?

Wang Qin also chimed in, "Old Chen, Su Qiao and your son Chen Xiao were classmates. Old Su was kind to you in the past. I hope you can extend a helping hand in this matter."

Chen Qiang looked forlorn. What did it mean to extend a helping hand?

It sounded as if he had orchestrated Su Desheng's downfall.

Furthermore, Su Desheng's investigation was unrelated to CNC machine tools' BOOM, but rather stemmed from other economic issues.

Chen Qiang replied, "My son has already been accepted early by Shuimu University and Yanjing University. My job at Jiangzhou isn't an issue. My son is also involved in developing motherboards, so I'm not up-to-date on the situation."

Hearing this, Wang Qin's emotions ran wild. She wanted to cry!

Her son should have been the one accepted early!

Chen Qiang exchanged wine and cigarettes with Zhang Biao and said, "Mr. Zhang, please take your leave."

While Chen Qiang wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, he still remembered the look Su Desheng had given him—like he wanted to tear him apart.

He was an ordinary individual and couldn't repay cruelty with kindness.

A broom wouldn't suffice to sweep these people away.

Lin Hui, however, struggled to control her emotions, saying, "Please excuse us. We need some rest."

Zhang Biao and company looked embarrassed, exiting the premises with their gifts.

Outside, Zhang Biao fumed, "That bastard! If I ever get a chance, I won't let him off the hook!"

After venting, he spotted Chen Xiao standing by the door.

Chen Xiao smiled and quipped, "Manager Zhang, in this lawful society, who are you planning to eliminate?"

Zhang Biao's expression shifted, his gaze locking onto Chen Xiao before storming off.

Chen Xiao refrained from probing further upon his return home. His father had his own thoughts on the matter, and Chen Xiao knew better than to pry.

Still, he had observed Zhang Biao's venomous demeanor and decided to exercise caution.

In his final semester of senior year, UU reading www.uukanshu.com emerged.

On the first day of school, Teacher Liao summoned Chen Xiao to the principal's office.

Chen Xiao needed to make a decision regarding the simultaneous early admissions offers from Shuimu University and Yanjing University.

Principal Wang spoke with a grin, "Chen Xiao, you're a source of pride for our school! The teachers are keen on hearing your thoughts."

"Both Shuimu University and Yanjing University have their merits..."

Chen Xiao began, "Can I choose neither?"

"What?"

Principal Wang, Director Tan, and Teacher Liao were left dumbfounded.

Choose neither?

President Wang said, "Chen Xiao, you must be aware that these are Shuimu University and Yanjing University!"

Teacher Liao hastily chimed in, "Chen Xiao, even if you're considering another university, you should choose a guaranteed option now."

Chen Xiao wasn't being arrogant and thinking he was above it all. He simply believed that since he disliked both choices, there was no reason to make one.

If there were a coastal city or a school in Jiangzhou that accepted him, Chen Xiao would undoubtedly opt for that.

His aversion to Yenching University and Shuimu University stemmed from two reasons.

First, he disliked Yanjing's environment. Before his rebirth, he spent a month on a business trip to Yanjing.

Second, the reputations of Yenching University and Shuimu University were tainted before his rebirth.

These institutions were no longer cultivating scientific researchers who made significant contributions to the nation, but rather, a generation of G-knowledge enthusiasts. Students and professors from these schools appeared to hold a stronger resentment towards Xia Country than even Western countries. Online, they were mockingly referred to as "Yenching University in the United States" and "Shuimu University in the United States" by netizens.

Chen Xiao responded, "I don't have an affinity for either, so I don't think I need to choose."