Chapter 72: In Reality, I'm Just a Kid

Tao Jiang broke into a cold sweat almost instantly!

For a moment, the word "but" before Chen Xiao's statement seemed almost irrelevant.

If Chen Xiao really decided not to attend Jiangzhou University due to this incident, it would undoubtedly become a major news story in Jiangzhou. What would the other cities say? How would the news media cover it?

Headlines like "Champion of Jiangyang Province Escapes in Frustration Because Jiangzhou Fails to Provide a Suitable Research Environment" would circulate widely.

Moreover, Jiangyang Province had not only labeled Chen Xiao as the top scholar in the college entrance examination but also recognized him as a promising scientific research talent.

Tao Jiang, being well-informed, could already visualize the uproar that would follow. Not only would he be criticized within Jiangzhou University, but Yanjing University, Shuimu University, and various media outlets would also have their say.

Tao Jiang swallowed hard.

Chen Xiao continued, "Actually, solving the issue with Delong Electronics' workers is quite manageable. Zhongjing and Linghua's companies can each contribute a bit. We can ensure the same wages, reorganize the workforce, and create a smoother transition. Changing the working environment shouldn't pose significant problems."

Zhou Linghua quickly added, "Linghua's company will soon be recruiting workers for the upcoming season, and we can accommodate around 30 workers from Delong. Zhongjing has taken over Delong's VCD and DVD production lines and has already absorbed around 50 to 60 Delong employees. It shouldn't be too challenging."

"Ah!!" Now it was Zhang Biao's turn to feel dejected! He had been busy for so long, and now there wasn't even a morsel of food left for him?

"Leader Tao!" Zhang Biao exclaimed.

Tao Jiang rubbed his temples and said, "Chen Xiao's perspective is quite reasonable. Technological advancement is the primary driving force for a city's development. Jiangzhou's CNC machine tool motherboards have gained nationwide recognition. We can't simply disregard that."

"Alright, all of you can go back now. I'll report this to the higher-ups."

Tao Jiang mentioned reporting to higher-ups, but in reality, he was already acting on it, implementing Chen Xiao's proposal.

The resolution for Delong Electronics was to divide it into two parts. The production of VCDs and DVDs would be taken over by Zhongjing. The matter of retaining the compact VCD line was still under discussion. Zhongjing would absorb around 70% of Delong's electronics workers.

Due to the link between the CNC machine tool motherboard production and Chen Xiao's research and development work, along with his patent involvement, it would be handled according to Chen Xiao's recommendation. The production technology would be entrusted to ADLINK.

"Thank you, Uncle Tao!" Chen Xiao said with a smile.

"Leader Tao, I apologize for causing you such trouble," Zhou Linghua also expressed his gratitude promptly.

Zhang Biao was the only one feeling downcast. At this point, he wasn't even sure if he wanted Delong's VCD and DVD production lines anymore!

This was similar to the feeling of working so hard for a long time, gathering so much, only to have someone else swoop in and claim it all.

In Zhou Linghua's car, Zhou Linghua couldn't help but praise Chen Xiao, "Chen Xiao, I didn't expect you to handle this situation so brilliantly! Without your input, today's meeting might have ended very differently."

Chen Xiao chuckled.

"I realized that discussing the patent matter with ZF directly or resorting to legal action was unrealistic. Legal proceedings would be time-consuming, and there's no guarantee of a favorable outcome. Furthermore, it would take a while for any legal action to yield results, and that delay wouldn't necessarily align with our goals."

Zhou Linghua sighed, "I also came to that conclusion. However, the situation was quite dire, and I couldn't see a way out."

Chen Xiao admitted candidly, "I'm just a high school student who happened to score well in the college entrance examination. Fortunately, Leader Tao is reasonable and agreed to consider my proposal. But honestly, he could have easily dismissed what I said. At the time, I wasn't sure if he would listen."

In fact, Chen Xiao had anticipated the possibility of getting expelled from Jiangzhou University or even facing a severe reprimand. In this audacious era, that's how leaders usually responded.

"What if he hadn't agreed?" Zhou Linghua inquired further, "Would you have gone to the media? Consider changing universities?"

Chen Xiao sighed with a tinge of helplessness, "Mr. Zhou, like I mentioned, I'm just a kid with a bit of a reputation. I don't have the energy for that kind of thing. If I got expelled, I might consider going to Yanjing or Shanghai. I could sell the patent to a powerful company, make some money, and move on."

Chen Xiao's thoughts were that even if he lost the opportunity for profit from the CNC machine tool motherboard patent, it wouldn't be a significant loss. Basic technology like this couldn't generate substantial income.

"President Zhou, I'm quite thirsty. Could you please pass me the water?"

Wang Qin immediately handed a bottle of mineral water to Chen Xiao.

Chen Xiao unscrewed the cap and took a few big swigs. It was so refreshing!

"!" Zhou Linghua couldn't help but look at Chen Xiao with a renewed perspective. This kid was improving his influence by simply drinking water?

Zhou Linghua regained his focus and said, "Let's have a meal together. Afterwards, I'll ask Sister Qin to drop you back."

Wang Qin rolled her eyes playfully, "Sister Qin? I'm only a few years older than Chen Xiao. Just call me Qin."

Zhou Linghua treated Chen Xiao to a warm meal, taking him to Jiangzhou's only newly opened Western restaurant.

During dinner, Chen Xiao contemplated a question.

While he had the design diagram for the MP3 and the MP3 decoding chip, how could he actually implement it?

To unlock more technological branches, he needed both influence and capital.

Chen Xiao's primary goal at this point was to accumulate wealth and enhance his influence.

Without the funds to invest in production equipment on his own, the best way was to collaborate with Zhou Linghua.

As for the specifics of their collaboration, that would depend on the circumstances.

"Mr. Zhou, are you available in the next few days? There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

Zhou Linghua inquired, "What's the matter? Feel free to share."

Chen Xiao coughed slightly and confessed, "Well, I have a small innovation in mind."

"Pfft!" Zhou Linghua nearly choked on his coffee. "You have an invention?"