Qian Wenzhao was an exceptionally sharp host.
Observing expressions, adapting on the fly—he was a master of it.
When Zhang Kuang and the other five triggered the meeting's explosion, with everyone gearing up for an all-out battle, he knew that continuing the meeting any further would just be a waste of time.
Might as well end it early.
So, he completely changed his usual style of conducting meetings.
He tossed aside the remaining pages of his prepared script.
All that was left to say were pointless words.
After introducing Qin Siyang and Li Tianming, and seeing that no one else had any more questions, he directly announced: "Today's meeting is now concluded."
Hearing Qian Wenzhao declare the meeting over—without even bothering with closing remarks—the previously bustling conference rooms froze for a moment.
Qin Siyang was stunned.
'It is over?'
'Isn't there supposed to be a speech from me, the master of the Vine Core, afterward?'
'Why did Old Qian just cut it off like that?'
Li Tianming scratched his head as well.
"Huh? That's it? Old Qian sure runs meetings... efficiently."
Qian Wenzhao had learned from Li Tianming's experience.
This group of researchers hated wasting time the most.
So he didn't even bother with formalities, just to make sure the attendees could leave the meeting comfortably.
The others were also a bit in disbelief.
'It's over?'
'That is way too fast…'
But it was also sharper, more efficient, and saved everyone time for preparations.
At this point, who still had the heart to sit in a meeting?
And so, the room burst into applause.
After expressing their thanks, everyone left the meeting.
Qin Siyang confronted Qian Wenzhao: "Old Qian, what about my speech? I practiced that script for almost a week, memorized it backward and forward, and you just cut it?"
Qian Wenzhao waved him off nonchalantly, "Whatever you had to say isn't important anymore. Better to save time."
"You little—"
"Enough, enough, not talking about this anymore. The meeting's over. Governor Jonathan, Mayor Chen, do you have any further instructions on behalf of the state and city government?"
Jonathan smiled and nodded, "This meeting was a great success, exceeding my expectations. It was an honor to witness it firsthand. Director Qian, you did a great job!"
"Thank you, Governor."
Chen Zhongming also laughed, "Director Qian, just appointed, and already hosting a meeting like this—quite lucky! If you ask me, you might be getting promoted again soon!"
"Thank you for the recognition, Mayor."
The hosts and guests were all delighted, the room filled with cheer.
Except for Qin Siyang—everyone else had varying degrees of joy on their faces.
Though their joys were each for different reasons.
They all discussed having a celebration banquet.
Jonathan insisted on treating.
Since most attendees were from Huaguo, he picked a roast lamb restaurant suited to their tastes and took everyone out for a feast.
With one hand grabbing lamb and the other raising glasses, the crowd engaged in lively conversation.
During the meal, Qin Siyang also learned, thanks to Jonathan's hints, why the governor supported him hosting the meeting.
Jonathan's son, Edward, had also just graduated high school this year and was joining the special admissions program.
Because of Jonathan's diligent work in the state government and the recognition he received from higher-ups, his son could freely choose any university or research institute for his studies.
Jonathan hoped that his son Edward could join Li Tianming's research team.
After three rounds of drinks, Jonathan's face was already flushed.
He threw an arm around Qin Siyang and said: "Xiao Qin, Edward's personality is a lot like yours—charming since childhood. You two will definitely get along great!"
"In the future, I'll be counting on you to look after him!"
Qin Siyang, still under eighteen, was drinking soda.
He could only go along with Jonathan's words perfunctorily.
"Of course, of course."
Then he glanced at the others.
He was just a student. Jonathan was a governor.
Not to mention the massive status gap, he wasn't even allowed to drink with the adults.
Entertaining Jonathan should've been someone else's job, right?
Meanwhile, Chen Zhongming and Qian Wenzhao were deep in discussion, while Li Tianming was constantly on the phone:
"I told you, whichever university Qin Siyang picks for special admissions, I'll go there too. No point in contacting me."
"Yes, I know special admissions haven't started yet. Let's talk terms when it begins."
"Alright, that's it. Goodbye."
Qin Siyang looked at his own phone—silent and lifeless—feeling a little annoyed.
But there was nothing he could do.
According to the United Government's regulations, to prevent cheating, universities and research institutes weren't allowed to contact students about special admissions before it officially started.
After Qin Siyang's acquisition of the Vine Core became public knowledge, schools and research institutes immediately started calling him.
But the moment he mentioned discussing special admission terms, the conversation had to be paused.
Now, after this meeting, they could only reach out to Li Tianming—they couldn't talk to Qin Siyang directly.
There were still three months left until special admissions.
By then, his phone would probably explode with calls.
Jonathan was still promoting his son: "Just tell Professor Li, no need to go easy on him. Treat him like a restaurant cleaner or a bellhop at a clothing store. Washing test tubes, cleaning lab benches, scrubbing petri dishes—Edward will handle it all!"
"Alright, got it."
"Xiao Qin, you're such a kind kid. Come, cheers!"
"Cheers!"
After dinner, everyone headed home.
Jonathan arranged for a car to take Qin Siyang, Li Tianming, and Qian Wenzhao back to District 14121.
Qian Wenzhao sat in the front passenger seat. Li Tianming and Qin Siyang sat in the back.
"Old Li, you didn't drink much tonight."
Li Tianming loosened his tie, sighing, "Didn't have time. I barely ate any lamb! One call after another—I had to repeat the same thing nearly a hundred times."
Qin Siyang said, "Alright, rest well tonight. Tomorrow we go hunt gods."
"Huh? You're still hunting gods tomorrow? You've already secured your special admission; all that's left is negotiating terms. Why not take a break? Besides, tomorrow's Saturday!"
"Life never stops, so neither does the grind!"
"Then grind on your own. I need a break."
"Old Li, you're a respectable man. I gave you a big chunk of the Vine Core, and you're not even going to show some appreciation? Doesn't it burn your hands to just take it? Doesn't it prick your conscience? Doesn't it make you feel less like a man?"
"You little—", Li Tianming sighed, "I haven't seen Fenghe in over ten days. Let me rest one more day. The day after tomorrow, alright?"
"Deal!"
Li Tianming shot Qin Siyang a disgruntled look, "Before I met you, I at least got weekends off. Now it's like I work non-stop. You're worse than a sweatshop boss!"
A few hours later, the three of them got out of the car and went their separate ways.
Qian Wenzhao went home.
Li Tianming went to Chen Fenghe's place.
Qin Siyang went to the principal's office.
Since they had just wrapped up an important event, all three of them relaxed and took it easy.
But just because they were relaxing didn't mean everyone else was.
At that very moment…
The United Government's Department of Education had just received dozens of petitions.
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