Chapter 97: Without Your Company, My Life Would Be Barren! (Part 2/2)

“I simply made a decision that followed my heart. I believe the Mathematics Department at Jingcheng University will definitely develop better and better!” Tang Feng said with a slight smile.

“As long as you have this confidence! Now, Professor Gao and the others are all placing their hopes on you! You need to work even harder!” Lu Tao said earnestly.

“I understand,” Tang Feng nodded, “I’ve already promised Professor Gao that I will complete the derivation process of all formulas within three days.”

“Do you need any help? If so, just let me know! Don’t be polite with me!” Lu Tao offered proactively.

“Not for now. The favor you did for me last time, by speaking with Xiaoli’s counselor, was already troubling enough,” Tang Feng replied.

“It was nothing, not worth mentioning! Besides, you really do need an assistant! Xiaoli is your girlfriend, so she is the most suitable candidate,” Lu Tao said with a smile.

“Anyway, I still want to say thank you. When I have time, I’ll treat you to a meal,” Tang Feng promised.

“Now that you mention it, I just remembered! My brother-in-law called me several times, asking me to invite you to the hotel where he works for a meal,” Lu Tao mentioned.

“How about this weekend?” Tang Feng suggested.

“Sure! Just give me a call in advance, and I’ll come to pick you up,” Lu Tao agreed readily.

After chatting for a while longer, they ended the call.

Tang Feng returned to Xiaoli’s side.

“Professor Lu called, inviting me to have a meal at his brother-in-law’s hotel this weekend,” Tang Feng said as he sat down.

“His brother-in-law wants your help to improve his cooking skills, right?” Xiaoli guessed.

“Anyway, Professor Lu has been pretty good to me. His brother-in-law seems like a straightforward person too. Since I have the ability, it’s only right to help them,” Tang Feng replied.

“That makes sense,” Xiaoli nodded, “To give a rose is to hand a fragrance to yourself. They will surely not treat you badly.”

“How’s your preparation going? Do you have any ideas for the paper you’re planning to write?” Tang Feng changed the subject.

“I’m planning to start with bank reforms, to see if I can write a paper on that,” Xiaoli answered.

“Bank reforms? That’s a good angle! You can start by collecting materials and then write a draft! I’ll help you polish it later,” Tang Feng suggested.

“Okay! But don’t polish it too much, or I’ll feel like the paper isn’t my own work,” Xiaoli cautioned him.

“Don’t worry! I know what I’m doing,” Tang Feng said with a smile.

As mealtime approached, Tang Feng and Xiaoli left the library for the school cafeteria.

After eating, they strolled around the campus.

Tang Feng walked Xiaoli to her dormitory building.

“By the way, I have an interview at 8 a.m. tomorrow in the school’s office building meeting room, so I might not have time to accompany you,” Tang Feng mentioned as if he had just remembered.

“It’s okay!” Xiaoli shook her head, “I’ll continue collecting materials at the library tomorrow morning! Call me when you’re done!”

They parted ways.

Tang Feng hummed a tune on his way back to the dormitory.

Su Ming and the others were playing on the computer when they saw Tang Feng return, they immediately surrounded him.

“Boss, is it true that you refused Professor Qiu Gang’s invitation? Is that news real?” Zhang Hao couldn’t wait to ask.

“Where did you get that news from?” Tang Feng was somewhat surprised.

After all, the incident with Qiu Gang coming to him today was only known to a few people.

“Jingcheng University’s BBS (TL: BBS is Bulletin Board System)!” Zhang Hao replied while dragging Tang Feng in front of the computer.

Tang Feng saw the BBS forum of Jingcheng University.

He felt a bit nostalgic.

After all, for him, BBS and such were things of the distant past.

Even in 2003, these forums were still so popular, attracting countless computer users.

The BBS forum of Jingcheng University was among the best.

He also saw the post about him refusing Qiu Gang.

The content of the post, although a bit exaggerated, was mostly in line with the truth.

“Boss, come on, tell us! Is it really true?” Su Ming’s eyes were filled with hopeful anticipation.

“It’s true,” Tang Feng nodded, “Professor Qiu Gang did come to me. But some content in this post is exaggerated. I have great respect for Professor Qiu. I just refused the conditions he offered.”

“Boss, you’re really awesome! Professor Qiu Gang is a top mathematician in our country! He personally invited you, and you could still refuse!” Zhang Hao gave a thumbs up.

“I followed my heart’s choice! After all, I am a student of the Mathematics Department at Jingcheng University, and both Professor Lu and Professor Gao have been very good to me. Of course, another very important point is that Xiaoli is also a student here,” Tang Feng said softly.

“What if… I’m just saying if… Tsinghua University poaches Xiaoli, would you follow her?” Zhang Hao asked a sharp question.

“There are no ifs. Xiaoli and I are the same kind of people. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be together,” Tang Feng replied decisively.

“That makes sense. Boss, after this incident, your influence in the Mathematics Department and even in the school will definitely increase! We must cling to your coattails! Our future depends on you!” Su Ming said, hugging Tang Feng’s leg.

Tang Feng, seeing their actions, was almost at a loss for words.

“Boss, I found that many people in the forum are speaking with a tone of jealousy! They say you’re a flash in the pan and will soon run out of talent! I’m replying to them right now!” Zhang Hao said.

“Those are just some internet trolls who can’t see others doing well. Engaging with them is simply a waste of time. You might as well play a couple of games,” Tang Feng advised with a laugh.

Having lived through the mobile internet era, he was well aware of internet trolls on various apps.

If someone with a weak mental state saw those negative comments, they might even develop depression!

In extreme cases, a few people couldn’t bear the pressure and chose suicide.

So, for these unscrupulous internet trolls, he had nothing but disdain.

The most effective way to deal with them was to ignore them.

“Boss, I have to say, you have a strong mentality! We should all learn from you!” Zhang Hao couldn’t help but admire.

Tang Feng checked the time; it was already half-past ten at night.

He said goodnight to his roommates and went to bed.

However, he didn’t fall asleep immediately.

He opened the system control panel.

At this moment, his account had 11,835 points.

For him, this was the most points he had since getting the system.

He browsed the store and decided to spend 9,000 points to exchange for a martial arts secret manual.

Although his physical condition had greatly improved, he knew nothing about fighting.

If he got into a fight, he would probably only get beaten up.

He didn’t want to fight with others, but society is full of different people. In case he encountered trouble, he at least wanted to ensure he wouldn’t be at a disadvantage.

The moment he exchanged the points, numerous fighting techniques flooded into his mind.

He hadn’t even had time to absorb them when he fell asleep.

When he woke up, it was already seven in the morning.

Su Ming and the others were not in the dormitory.

He quickly washed up and changed into a new set of clothes.

After all, he was about to face interviews from many important media outlets and needed to take it seriously.

Then, he went to have breakfast with Xiaoli.

Coincidentally, Xiaoli and her roommates were coming out of the dormitory.

“Tang Feng, you’re dressed so formally today. Are you attending an important event?” Yu Li asked, sizing him up.

“I have an interview this morning,” Tang Feng answered truthfully.

“I see. Xiaoli, you two go ahead! We’ll leave first!” Yu Li said and left with Guan Qian and Ning Xiao.

“Aren’t they going to the cafeteria for breakfast?” Tang Feng was puzzled.

“They ate some snacks in the dormitory for breakfast,” Xiaoli replied.

“Is that so? Didn’t you eat some with them?” Tang Feng asked with a smile.

“No!” Xiaoli shook her head, “I wanted to eat with you!”

Tang Feng held her hand, and they walked to the cafeteria, chatting and laughing.

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