After listening, Shi Jing had only one thought in his mind.

So it turns out that senior researchers and regular researchers are all the same; they all have to work hard to attract investment...

Rong Yu expressed his helplessness: "Senior researchers aren't gods either. Projects also require step-by-step research to yield results. However, senior researchers are definitely different from ordinary researchers. Senior researchers usually have access to better projects and investments."

He added, "You know, project research is very expensive. Often, even if you do research, you may not get results, or even if you do, it will take a very long time. So the client must consider many things when investing money."

"Ah..." Shi Jing did know a little about the costs of project investment.

When Shi Jing heard Rong Yu mention wanting to join the research institute, he learned a little about the titles of researchers in this world.

Generally speaking, the professional titles of researchers in China are divided into intern researcher, assistant researcher, junior researcher, intermediate researcher, and senior researcher. The next level above senior researcher is academician. This illustrates the high status of senior researchers in China, which explains Jing's misunderstanding.

I now realize that even senior researchers don't necessarily handle all national projects.

"Yes, but the title of mentor is still very useful. Although drinking parties are still unavoidable, it is not difficult to attract investment."

"That's true." Shi Jing nodded in agreement.

Someone has worked hard for so many years and has so much experience; they're bound to be more trusted.

However, the drinking culture is still prevalent. Most of the time, business negotiations involve meals, and meals inevitably involve drinking.

"Take advantage of this time to accumulate experience. When you become a formal researcher in the future, you will have experience," Shi Jing said with a smile.

Rong Yu hadn't thought that far ahead: "We shouldn't have to worry about this for the next few years. Only researchers with junior or higher titles are qualified to lead projects, and we still have several years to go."

Although Shi Jing didn't know the specifics of the researcher's promotion, he felt that given Rong Yu's abilities, it shouldn't be a problem.

"You're so talented, you'll be just like your mentor someday," Shi Jing praised. "By the way, how's your company doing? They haven't arranged any more work for you, have they?"

"They're busy promoting new talent right now, they've probably forgotten about me."

"I hope I can forget about it forever," Shi Jing said. "Once I become an intern researcher, can I sign a work agreement with the research institute?"

"Well, if the application is approved." Rong Yu didn't say anything too absolute. Although he believed he had enough knowledge, he hadn't graduated yet, and his application for the intern researcher qualification was through a special recruitment channel arranged by his supervisor.

Shi Jing, however, had high hopes for him: "You can do it. Once you officially start working, settle the contract issue as soon as possible to avoid any unforeseen problems."

Rongyu's agency is always a ticking time bomb; it's best to deal with it sooner rather than later.

"Well, I hope it goes smoothly."

They chatted as they strolled around, and soon spotted a roadside barbershop that was open for business.

"There's one over there, let's go there?"

Rong Yu didn't care about that and went inside.

The shop assistant saw people and quickly came over. Her eyes lit up when she saw the two of them.

"Handsome guy/beautiful lady, anyone want to get their hair done?"

Rong Yu said, "A haircut is all I need."

He doesn't care about hairstyles, he just wants to cut them short.

The shop assistant washed his hair first, and then the barber started cutting it.

While waiting, Jing sat on the sofa and scrolled through her phone.

She casually opened the app and started browsing. She rarely paid attention to gossip on a regular basis; it was only during these spare moments that she would occasionally take a look.

The first few posts were mostly celebrity gossip and information about new dramas, but as I scrolled through, I came across a few posts related to a charity gala. Some were comparisons of celebrities outshining each other on the red carpet, while others were speculations about celebrity relationships.

As Shi Jing scrolled down, she noticed several auction-related posts, including a high-priced prop bracelet belonging to a celebrity named Jiang Qi. Clicking on it, she saw initial praise from fans, but later comments gradually shifted to other props and expressions of anticipation and desire.

Just as Zhang Ningyuan predicted, once the atmosphere is hyped up, it will be much easier to make money.

Shi Jing glanced at the message, then skipped it and continued scrolling. Suddenly, a message caught his eye.

"A female tycoon appeared at a charity gala auction, spending a staggering 200 million just for..."

This opening looks so familiar...

She quickly clicked to read it, and saw that it described the incident of Shi Jing and Lin Youmei arguing over the jadeite collection that day. I didn't dare to attach photos of Shi Jing and Lin Youmei, but the photos of the jadeite collection were very clear.

Damn it! Shi Jing couldn't help but curse under her breath. She really liked that bracelet and had originally planned to wear it, but now that plan was ruined.

Looking at the hundreds of thousands of likes and dense comments below, Shi Jing decided it was best to keep the item hidden. If she wore it out and someone who had seen the post recognized her, wouldn't that be exposing her?

Rongyu's haircut was quick, taking only twenty minutes. The barber used a hairdryer to dry his hair, removing any stray hairs, before removing the cape.

"All done," the barber said as he packed up his tools.

Rong Yu thanked him, stood up from his seat, and tidied his short, clean hair.

He noticed Shi Jing was leaning against the sofa, engrossed in his phone. After paying, he walked over and asked, "What are you looking at?"

Shi Jing was startled by the sudden approaching sound. When she looked up, she saw Rong Yu standing in front of her, his fair and handsome face exceptionally beautiful.

After cutting her hair short, Rongyu's beauty seems to have skyrocketed again.

Shi Jing was momentarily stunned by the beauty. Fortunately, another customer came into the shop, and the sound of the door opening brought her back to her senses.

"Nothing, I was just reading some gossip," Shi Jing replied, without mentioning what he had just seen.

"Let's go, it's getting late. I'll take you home first, then we'll find a place to stay," Shi Jing quickly changed the subject.

Rong Yu was both amused and exasperated by her words. She was a young girl, so carefree and quite adorable.

"Let me take you there. I'll go back by myself after you've checked in," Rong Yu said.

Shi Jing thought it made sense. Transportation was convenient now, and it wouldn't take Rong and herself long to take a taxi back.

She didn't object and agreed immediately.

"Okay, let's go then."

Rong Yu had already paid the money, and the two left immediately.

The hotel Shi Jing chose wasn't too far from the research center. It was located near an upscale residential area and had nice decor. Shi Jing had also checked online reviews before making the choice.

After checking in, she noticed it was almost eight o'clock. Since Rong Yu had to continue working the next day, she didn't ask him to stay for a chat.

The two said goodbye outside the lobby door.