Ou Yunchen: "Uncle Dong, I asked you here today because I have another favor to ask."
Cai Yadong: "Go ahead."
As Ou Yunchen spoke, he casually patted Cai Zelun's arm. It seemed unintentional, but it was a subtle hint that what he was about to say might have something to do with Cai Zelun.
Ou Yunchen: "I just heard from Zelun that he lost quite a bit of money in the stock market. I understand... It's not just newbies; even seasoned investors often become our leeks."
"Uncle Dong, you know what I do, so I won't beat around the bush with you..."
Cai Yadong, who had been pretending to be drunk and cheerful, immediately perked up. He had been wondering why the real purpose of the gathering hadn't been revealed halfway through. Now, with his son's unintentional assistance, it was finally coming out.
Ou Yunchen: "Uncle Dong, I've applied to the Gulf University this year. I'd like to ask you to be my designated recommender."
The words sent a shiver down Cai Yadong's spine. Gulf University was not a university in the traditional sense. It even had another name – the Gulf Innovation and Research Center. The admission requirements were extremely stringent. While the basic criteria included being in business for over three years, having a team of more than 30 people, and an annual income exceeding 30 million, it also required three recommenders, one of whom had to be a designated recommender. This meant that out of nearly a thousand applicants each year, fewer than fifty would be accepted. The students here came from diverse industries, and each was confident enough to call themselves a leader in their field. Frankly, this wasn't about getting a degree; it was about networking. Once one had the opportunity to become part of this circle, Ou Yunchen would truly have both the money and the influence he desired. If the people here united, they could easily command the wind and summon the rain. Ou Yunchen's ambition was vast, and to enter this institution, he needed Cai Yadong's endorsement. Besides Cai Yadong's standing as an outstanding entrepreneur, the most crucial point was that he was a relative of the university's founder.
Cai Yadong appeared relaxed, but he was already calculating. His recommendation slot was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which he had originally intended to save for his son.
Cai Yadong: "This..."
Ou Yunchen: "Uncle Dong, I won't ask for your recommendation for free. If you trust me, I can teach Zelun how to make money in the stock market without losing."
Teach? Hah, Ou Yunchen must be joking. What was there to teach in the stock market? Those brokerage managers who constantly hawked investment returns to leeks had no serious business in their minds. Ou Yunchen said this because he was privy to insider information. If Cai Zelun dared to buy any stock he mentioned, he was guaranteed to make dozens of times his investment. When Ou Yunchen then told him what portion to sell, it would become a textbook case of guaranteed profit, wouldn't it?!
Cai Zelun was indeed tempted. He knew his father wanted to groom him for Gulf University, but with his current qualifications, it might take him over a decade to reach the admission line. He had become very interested in the stock market recently, and if he could really get Ou Yunchen's guidance, wouldn't using such valuable information to build connections help him gain status within the circle?
Cai Yadong: "Alun, go buy me some cigarettes."
Cai Zelun wanted to stay and hear how Ou Yunchen would help him make money, but upon receiving his father's signal, he knew that the conversation that was about to unfold was no longer appropriate for him to hear. Ou Yunchen also gave Crystal a look. They were both veterans of such gatherings and understood how uninvolved parties should leave at the appropriate time.
As the two of them left, Ou Yunchen finally spoke his mind, his words like precious gems, showcasing his sincerity. When conversing with shrewd individuals, the greatest fear is insincerity, for no one can escape their scrutiny. Only authenticity can be the most effective weapon to disarm them.
Cai Yadong: "At the time, I found it strange that a company like Huaming Capital would associate with the unknown AtL. It seems my guess was right; AtL was indeed a shield for Huaming Capital."
Ou Yunchen: "AtL did benefit to some extent. Although Huaming Capital gave us the projects with the greatest risk, we managed to become a recognized investment firm in the circle by riding their coattails."
Cai Yadong: "But that 60 billion guarantee is no small sum. You still need to be very careful."
Ou Yunchen: "Uncle Dong, Huaming Capital's project has entangled AtL in risk. I must unite with others to avoid being controlled by Tong Li."
Cai Yadong: "I understand, but this recommendation slot is something I only get once in my lifetime..."
Ou Yunchen: "I understand, and I can see that you want to nurture your son. He indeed has great potential."
"But compared to him being able to study at Gulf University years, or even decades, from now, I need your support more urgently."
Cai Yadong: "Let me think about it."
Ou Yunchen: "Uncle Dong, don't worry, I won't disappoint you."
After a while, Crystal returned with a box of cigarettes.
Ou Yunchen: "Why are you alone? Where is Zelun?"
Crystal handed the cigarettes to Cai Yadong with both hands.
Crystal: "Mr. Cai, your son said he had something to attend to and left earlier. He asked us to escort you."
Cai Yadong: "Oh, I just noticed, Yunchen, your secretary is really beautiful. Hey? Is that the same one we met at the company last time?"
Ou Yunchen: "No, for such an important occasion tonight, of course, I would bring the most beautiful one."
Cai Yadong: "I knew it. This lady..." Cai Yadong looked her up and down. Crystal's excellent figure, even in her work attire, was enough to stir the imagination. Perhaps it was her innate allure, her eyes always carrying a hint of tantalizing invitation. Without Ou Yunchen having to say more, Crystal raised her wine glass and toasted the guest. It seemed accidental, but a drop of red wine trickled down her lips, making Cai Yadong swallow hard. Perhaps it was a skill learned from Xu Shuming; she was exceptionally adept at persuading people to drink. Without Cai Zelun around, Cai Yadong seemed more at ease, or perhaps, Crystal's second act was about to begin.
Ou Yunchen took the opportunity to go to the restroom, temporarily leaving the private room.
— Ou Yunchen's WeChat —
Ou Yunchen: "Did the interview go well today?"
Little Mute: "Not well..."
Ou Yunchen: "What happened?"
Little Mute: "Some companies rejected me outright when they saw I was mute..."
Ou Yunchen: "None of them wanted you?"
Little Mute: "There were, but they told me to wait for a notification at home..."
Ou Yunchen: "Then there's still a chance."
Little Mute: "I'm mute, not stupid. I can tell they just don't want to hurt me. I was competing for the same positions as normal, able-bodied people, so they wouldn't choose me..."
Ou Yunchen: "Little Mute, I work hard precisely so you don't have to struggle. You can rely on me."
Little Mute: "But what if one day you don't like me anymore? I still have to live..."
For a fleeting moment, Ou Yunchen suddenly felt as if Little Mute were standing beside him, her large, luminous eyes blinking as she asked if he would always like her. How long was "always"? But this was no longer a question Ou Yunchen could answer. He had always viewed their relationship with a sense of unease. Little Mute seemed to be getting closer to the truth, and an invisible force was pulling her back towards Axe...
Little Mute: "Why aren't you talking?"
Ou Yunchen: "Feeling dizzy."
Little Mute: "What's wrong? Are you sick?"
Ou Yunchen: "I had some drinks during a social event."
Little Mute: "Are you okay? When will it end? Should I pick you up?"
Ou Yunchen: "Yes."
— End of Ou Yunchen's WeChat —
Ou Yunchen felt a bit happy. He had been busy with work for days and hadn't seen Little Mute. But he didn't know that on the other end, Mo Qingyun was also happy. She immediately got out of bed and went to the wardrobe to pick out clothes.