Chapter 135: Invitation

That evening, Chen Mo left the hotel with Zhu Li to attend the business exchange.

This was his second public event since arriving, with various experts, scholars, industry leaders, and other important people taking part. Chen Mo was not good at socializing, so he felt reluctant inside, but he still had to go.

Just as they reached the hotel entrance, he saw the car waiting to pick him up.

In the front passenger seat was the staff member responsible for picking him up, named Sun Xian. Chen Mo’s status was now exceptional, placing him among the top domestic leaders, so Sun Xian showed him great respect. Sun Xian did not speak much, and Chen Mo was content with the quiet, turning to look out the window at the Capital’s night view.

The hotel where he was staying was not far from the exchange venue. In just five minutes, they arrived at their destination.

Led by Sun Xian, Chen Mo soon met Wu Hequan, the chairman of the Internet Association.

Wu Hequan was in his late middle age, with graying hair, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, and a smile on his face that made him look very energetic. As an Academician of the Academy of Engineering, he did not have the stiffness of a typical scholar but seemed more like a practical doer.

At that moment, Wu Hequan was greeting other guests. Upon learning that Chen Mo had arrived, he immediately excused himself and strode over to Chen Mo. “I have been hoping to meet you, young brother Chen. I didn’t expect my wish to come true so soon after mentioning it. You are truly accomplished at such a young age. The future belongs to young people like you.”

Apart from the previous Haisha Charity Night, Chen Mo had not attended any major exchanges and was not very familiar with formalities. However, he could sense the politeness in the other’s tone and did not want to be impolite, so he hurriedly replied modestly, “I have long admired Academician Wu. It is an honor for a student like me to meet you tonight. There is much I need to learn from Academician Wu in the future.”

Chen Mo’s words were neither arrogant nor humble, and his calm and composed demeanor showed the bearing of a person in authority.

Wu Hequan’s eyes were full of appreciation. Despite achieving so much at a young age, Chen Mo showed none of the arrogance typical of young people. He was the most outstanding young person Wu Hequan had seen in years, far better than his own students.

After looking Chen Mo over, Wu Hequan said, “When I was your age, I was still buried in books, unaware of the world. Young brother Chen, you have achieved so much at such a young age—it’s truly remarkable. You are more accomplished than I was. The new generation surpasses the old, and I, as the old wave, am about to be washed up on the shore.”

“Academician Wu, please don’t say that. You are a pioneer. Without people like you paving the way, students like me might not even know where the shore is.”

Wu Hequan laughed at Chen Mo’s modest words, thinking the young man was a bit sly. Then he looked at Zhu Li beside Chen Mo. “And she is?”

“Academician Wu, I am Zhu Li, head of the marketing system at Legion Ant Company. I am accompanying my Boss to the exchange. Please continue your conversation; I need to use the restroom.” Zhu Li shook Wu Hequan’s hand and left.

After Zhu Li left, Wu Hequan warmly took Chen Mo’s hand and led him inside. Without any introduction, the people around recognized Chen Mo.

This young man was the highly talked-about Chen Mo, the founder and Big Boss behind Legion Ant Company. Chen Mo used to keep a low profile, so few knew him, but after his recent exposure, many now recognized him.

“Young brother Chen, let’s find a spot to chat.” Wu Hequan seemed afraid Chen Mo would run away, holding onto him tightly.

“Alright,” Chen Mo nodded.

They turned a corner and stepped into the courtyard. Wu Hequan glanced around before speaking. “Young brother Chen, I sought you out for a small matter.”

“Please go ahead,” Chen Mo said, curious about what this senior expert wanted to discuss.

“You see, our older generation is almost spent. The country needs fresh blood. Would you be interested in joining the Academy of Engineering?”

Chen Mo was unsure how to respond.

So that was why this senior expert had been so secretive—it was about this.

“Academician Wu, well… I am a company Big Boss. It might not be suitable for me to join the Academy of Engineering,” Chen Mo said. “Besides, a young guy like me taking a spot would waste the hard work of other seniors. Wouldn’t that make me the bad guy?”

There were many restrictions to joining the Academy of Engineering. As a company Big Boss, it might not be appropriate.

“The dean has been notified and has applied to higher-ups to see if an exception can be made. Perhaps you could be specially recruited outside the usual quota—talent should not be bound by convention,” Wu Hequan said.

“This…”

“Long time no see, Brother Chen Mo.”

While they were talking, a deep voice interrupted their conversation. Li Chengzhi, wearing a sharp suit and a smile, walked toward them. He looked very capable, like a successful entrepreneur.

“Instructor Li,” Academician Wu said, slightly surprised to see Li Chengzhi.

“Teacher Wu,” Li Chengzhi greeted Wu Hequan respectfully. “Teacher Wu, are you trying to recruit Brother Chen Mo into the Academy of Engineering? It just so happens that I came for a similar reason. Why not let me talk to Brother Chen Mo?”

“Of course,” Wu Hequan said with a smile.

“Teacher Wu, I saw your niece inside earlier. She seemed to be looking for you,” Li Chengzhi said.

“Then you two chat; I’ll head inside.”

Wu Hequan bid them farewell and hurried inside with a smile.

Left alone, Li Chengzhi walked over and stood beside Chen Mo. “Brother Chen Mo, about the Smart Assistant, I want to thank you first.”

“You’re welcome. It was a fair trade,” Chen Mo said.

“Have you thought about the matter from last time? Would you consider joining the Academy of Engineering? The higher-ups are very supportive of talents like you and are likely to make an exception. I already reported it last time. There was some resistance then, but it’s not a big issue now.”

Li Chengzhi glanced at Chen Mo, then looked outside. The higher-ups could not ignore a genius like Chen Mo. Bringing him into the Academy of Engineering would be hugely beneficial.

“Don’t rush to refuse. If an exception is made, we won’t force you to do or research anything specific. It would just be an honorary title, not publicly announced. You would receive a stipend and, when necessary, provide technical support within your capabilities or mentor one or two students.

Right now, many people are watching you. Having this title would reduce a lot of trouble. It would also make many research-related matters easier. Plus, we would assign personnel to protect your family.”

“If the conditions are as you say, I can agree to join,” Chen Mo said.

As long as there were no restrictions, he had no problem joining. As a descendant of Huaxia, it was appropriate to help within his means. His interests would not be harmed, and he would gain benefits—there was no reason not to.

His family had always been his biggest concern. Li Chengzhi’s words touched on his weakest point, and it was because of that last sentence that Chen Mo agreed.

Li Chengzhi laughed heartily. Last time, Chen Mo was still a newcomer, and making an exception was difficult. But now, after the Intelligent Robot was revealed, many objections had been silenced.

“Then it’s settled,” Li Chengzhi said with a smile. “I’ll notify you when there’s news.”

“Instructor Li, you look so happy. Did it work?” Wu Hequan came back in.

“As long as it passes the final approval from above, it’s done.”

Wu Hequan also smiled. “Then let me congratulate Brother Chen Mo in advance. Come, let me introduce you to someone.”

With that, Wu Hequan took Chen Mo’s hand and led him into the room. Li Chengzhi glanced inside, then turned and left the venue.