Chapter 208: Li Dong Gets Criticized

Li Dong's stubborn streak kicked in.

If they want to play games, then he would play along!

Back at the company, Li Dong told Zhou Haidong, "Tell Wang Cheng and the others to stop waiting idly. Instead, they should take the initiative to find out who vandalized the stores. Once they find them, figure out who's behind it."

Zhou Haidong nodded.

Li Dong added, "Tell Wang Cheng that if they find out who the mastermind is, I'll reward each of them with 10,000 yuan!"

Zhou Haidong was taken aback. Ten thousand per person meant a total of sixty thousand yuan. Li Dong was really generous.

After a few more words, Li Dong dismissed Zhou Haidong, and Liu Qi came in, saying, "President Li, there's a signing ceremony at Jiang University tomorrow. They've invited you to attend. How should we respond?"

Li Dong was aware of this; Huang Zhigao had already called him about it.

Far Horizon had agreed to donate 500,000 yuan to establish a scholarship at Jiang University, aimed at rewarding outstanding students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

In return, Jiang University promised to hold a special recruitment fair for Far Horizon every year and to prioritize recommending excellent graduates for employment at Far Horizon.

This arrangement was better than Li Dong had expected, with Far Horizon providing the funding and Jiang University contributing personnel. It was a win-win.

However, Li Dong did not want to attend the signing ceremony. He thought for a moment and said, "Just say I'm busy lately and have General Manager Sun attend instead."

The ceremony was meant to be a high-profile event. Besides representatives from the university and even the president and education bureau, many student representatives would also be there.

Li Dong didn't want to be in the spotlight, especially at the university. There was no need to be overly conspicuous.

---

Li Dong didn't attend the signing ceremony the next day.

However, he did visit Jiang University, not to see Sun Tao but because Huang Zhigao had asked to meet him.

Upon entering Huang Zhigao's office, Li Dong was greeted with an excessive amount of enthusiasm.

The more enthusiastic Huang Zhigao was, the more wary Li Dong became. Was Huang Zhigao plotting something?

Li Dong had already reached his psychological limit with the 500,000 yuan donation. He wouldn't agree to any more.

Unexpectedly, Huang Zhigao didn't bring up money at all. After a few pleasantries, he said, "Li Dong, the university is hosting a Mid-Autumn Festival Gala, which will also serve as a welcome event for new students. Could you make some time to give a short speech?"

Li Dong was surprised by Huang Zhigao's request. He didn't even want to attend the signing ceremony, let alone speak at the gala.

When Huang Zhigao finished, Li Dong quickly said, "Dean, let's forget about this. I don't have anything valuable to say and would only embarrass myself."

"Ah, you're being modest."

Huang Zhigao laughed, "You're one of the leading figures of the post-80s generation. If you spoke at the event, it would certainly inspire your junior classmates. This is a great opportunity for the country and the people."

Li Dong rolled his eyes. Now it was being elevated to a national service level.

Regardless of Huang Zhigao's persuasion, Li Dong was determined not to agree.

Unable to persuade Li Dong, Huang Zhigao could only smile wryly and say, "You really don't act like a young person. Such opportunities are hard to come by, and it's like I'm forcing you to go to battle."

Li Dong smiled without responding.

Seeing this, Huang Zhigao added, "Alright, since you're not willing, I won't press you. However, there's something else you need to do for me."

Li Dong glanced at him, thinking Huang Zhigao's real intention was not the gala.

He didn't respond immediately, simply smiling, "Dean, what's the matter?"

Huang Zhigao knew Li Dong wasn't easily fooled. If Li Dong agreed without thinking, Huang Zhigao would have to question how long Li Dong's success could last.

Putting aside those thoughts, Huang Zhigao became serious, "It's actually not a big deal, but a friend of mine asked me for help, so I'm asking you now."

"Go ahead."

"It's like this. My friend has started a small vegetable farm…"

As soon as Huang Zhigao finished, Li Dong said, "That's not a big deal. I'll have someone from the procurement department talk to them. As long as the products are good, it's a win-win. I should thank you for introducing a potential partner."

Huang Zhigao's request was indeed minor. His friend had a 800-acre vegetable farm and wanted to supply Far Horizon's stores.

Li Dong welcomed such direct cooperation. It saved costs and expanded channels. He would be delighted if Huang Zhigao's friend had an 8,000-acre farm.

With Li Dong's response, Huang Zhigao sighed in relief and smiled, "Thank you. My friend has been pestering me, and I really couldn't refuse. As for the quality of the vegetables, don't worry. He was a professor at the Agricultural University, specializing in green fruits and vegetables. We've been eating his produce for years."

If Huang Zhigao wasn't lying, this would be even more credible. After all, professors and deans aren't known for eating poorly. If they've been consuming the produce for years, it should be of good quality.

Of course, Li Dong wouldn't rely solely on Huang Zhigao's word. He trusted his procurement department to verify the quality. Huang Zhigao didn't have that much influence over him.

With the deal settled, Huang Zhigao achieved his goal.

After chatting a bit more, Li Dong saw someone coming for Huang Zhigao and decided to leave.

Huang Zhigao saw Li Dong to the door and then ushered in the slightly stunned teachers.

Unlike their earlier cheerful demeanor, Huang Zhigao's face was now stern and his speech formal, showing none of the previous warmth.

The teachers opposite him sighed in relief. This was the true dean; the previous smile must have been an illusion.

---

After leaving the teaching building, Li Dong was about to return to the company when he was called out.

"Li Dong!"

Li Dong turned around to see a girl in military training attire calling him.

He looked at her for a moment and asked in confusion, "Did you call me?"

He glanced around, wondering if it was a case of mistaken identity.

Su Yu, with a slightly annoyed expression, said, "Don't you remember me? I'm the girl who asked you for directions last time."

Li Dong's expression cleared in recognition, though he felt frustrated internally. "I met you only once, and that was when I was half asleep. You're now in military uniform; it's no surprise I didn't recognize you."

"Is there something?"

Su Yu, looking a bit awkward, hesitated and said, "Are you busy right now?"

Seeing the stack of books beside her, Li Dong understood and asked, "Do you need help?"

Su Yu forced a smile. This wasn't how the scenario was supposed to play out. Ideally, she should ask, and he should say, "I'll help you."

Despite her frustration, Su Yu agreed, "If you're not too busy, could you help me out?"

Li Dong glanced at the large stack of books and hesitated. He hadn't exercised in a while; carrying so many books seemed daunting.

After a moment's thought, Li Dong asked, "Is it far?"

Su Yu nearly cried, thinking, "What kind of man are you? You should be single for life!"

Despite her complaints, Su Yu managed a forced smile, "Not far, just to our dormitory building, No. 6 Apartment. It's very close."

Hearing that it was Building 6, Li Dong relaxed slightly. Less than 300 meters shouldn't be a problem.