Chu Shanhe

Not long after, the banquet officially began.

The strings of the violins fell silent, and the entire hall quieted.Everyone stopped chatting and turned their heads toward the grand staircase in the center.

Chu Shanhe descended the steps with a warm smile, raising his wine glass as he looked around the hall.

"Welcome, everyone! It's truly an honor to have so many of the nation's brightest scientists and finest entrepreneurs gathered here today. What a privilege for someone like me—hahaha!"

Thunderous applause erupted.

Up until now, Lin Xian had only seen Chu Shanhe's imposing back.This was the first time he saw the man's face.

His gaze was sharp, and his square face was carved with bold, defined features.Back in his youth, this would've been the textbook definition of "handsome."

Though well over fifty, Chu Shanhe was still full of vigor.Despite his smile, the aura of authority he radiated made everyone hold their breath.

As the applause died down, Chu Shanhe stepped off the staircase and walked to the center of the hall.

He spoke with a booming voice, full of strength:

"For years, I have firmly believed that science and technology are the primary forces of productivity. Everything we enjoy today—the prosperity of our nation, the comforts of modern life—is all thanks to the advancement of science and the tireless efforts of our researchers."

"I believe that the growth of any industry is inseparable from technological support. The unsung heroes, working day and night in their labs, are the ones truly worthy of our respect and admiration."

"A man like me—barely educated—merely rode the wave of this era. I was lucky to make a place for myself in Donghai. But in terms of real contribution to society and the country, I'm nothing compared to our scientists!"

"And that, my friends, is why I'm hosting this Scientific Research Fundraising Banquet tonight! I hope our young entrepreneurs will pay more attention to scientific progress—and do their part to help our nation's science take flight!"

"I won't say any more—"

Chu Shanhe lowered his wine glass and raised a single finger high.

"On behalf of Shanhe Group, I hereby donate 100 million yuan to the Donghai Scientific Development Fund!"

The room exploded.

A hundred million—just like that?

Chairman Chu was making quite the statement.

As the shock wore off, the applause returned—even louder.

But it wasn't over.

After the applause settled, Chu Shanhe once again took the mic with a smile:

"That was just the company's contribution—it doesn't fully express my personal admiration for our scientific community."

"So now, in my own name—I'm donating another 100 million yuan!"

The room went into an uproar.

Two hundred million.Chu Shanhe had opened the night with 200 million yuan in donations.

The atmosphere soared to its peak.

All around the hall, young entrepreneurs clapped with wide eyes and looks of worship.

Clearly, Chu Shanhe's status and influence in Donghai were unparalleled.And this admiration… came from the heart.

…

Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap—

The applause refused to die down.

And that's when Lin Xian noticed something surprising:

That same Professor Xu Yun, who had seemed so aloof and out-of-place all evening—was now clapping with visible emotion in his eyes.

"He seems to really admire Chu Shanhe," Lin Xian murmured.

Zhao Yingjun smiled and shook her head.

"What man doesn't want to be Chu Shanhe?"

"But there's more to it than that. The professor is giving face to Chu Shanhe for a reason.Everything he just said—he meant it. Over the years, he's done a lot for China's scientific community."

"He's invested in research institutes, set up scholarships, sponsored underprivileged students, funded obscure research topics, and helped Chinese scientists return home… He's actually made a real impact."

"In fact, despite Professor Xu's lack of progress all these years… guess who's been supporting him financially this whole time?"

So that's why.

Now Lin Xian understood.

Earlier, he had thought Xu Yun didn't fit in with the banquet crowd at all.Turns out, he only came tonight because of Chu Shanhe.

And based on what Zhao Yingjun just said, everything Chu Shanhe had done…he really was a man of honor—a great hero in his own right.

Truly admirable.

Then came the donation segment.

One by one, the business leaders made their pledges.Even the smallest donations were in the millions.

Zhao Yingjun pledged ten million.

Clearly, everyone in attendance tonight was someone of serious status.Getting into Chu Shanhe's circle wasn't something money alone could buy—being rich was just the starting requirement.

Even Zhao Yingjun hadn't managed to speak a word with Chu Shanhe so far.

After the donations, it was time for the traditional ball.

High-end snacks and drinks were arranged along the outer tables of the hall.The center was cleared to form a dance floor.

A symphony orchestra on the second floor began to play, classical strings echoing through the grand hall.

Sometime during the event, Chu Shanhe had quietly left.Professor Xu had also disappeared once the dancing started.

Now, most guests were on the dance floor, performing tangos with their partners.

A few remained seated around the outer tables, enjoying food and conversation.

Zhao Yingjun sat at a table, elegantly sipping wine and nibbling on pastries.Lin Xian stood quietly behind her.

He noticed something amusing—Many men had wanted to invite Zhao Yingjun to dance.Young and old alike.

But the moment they saw Lin Xian standing there, they all had the same look of sudden understanding.Then smiled politely, and walked away.

"…Maybe I should stand a little farther away?"Lin Xian leaned down and whispered.

Zhao Yingjun dabbed her lips with a napkin, eyes still closed.

"If you stand farther away, then what's the point of me bringing you?"

"Sit. Have something to eat."

…

The rest of the evening was uneventful.

Zhao Yingjun sat in silence, deep in thought.Lin Xian could guess what was on her mind—She was probably trying to figure out how to win over Professor Xu.

She had likely donated ten million tonight just to earn his favor.

But Lin Xian felt that money had probably gone down the drain…

Professor Xu was far too stubborn. Not someone you could persuade easily.

Maybe if Chu Shanhe personally stepped in, it would be possible.

But someone like him? There was no way he'd speak on Zhao Yingjun's behalf.They clearly weren't even in the same league.

No chance, Lin Xian thought.He stopped thinking about it. Nothing he could do.

In the presence of these powerful elites, he was just a nobody.

In his dreams, he was a villain who could turn a city upside down.

But here in Donghai, he couldn't make even a ripple.No one would notice him at all.

Might as well go home early and get back to his "real work"…in the dream.

(End of Chapter)