In the following days, Jiang Xiaoli would call Hu Jingxin every day.

It has to be said that Hu Jingxin has grown up very quickly.

With the help of Mrs. Hu, they offered condolences to the families of the dead and injured, rebuilt the production workshop, adjusted the company's management structure, and established cooperation with new suppliers...

Hearing that she had accomplished so much in just ten days, Jiang Xiaoli couldn't help but praise her, "Xin Xin, you're really amazing!"

Hu Jingxin said with a smile, "It's all thanks to the foundation laid by my dad. Apart from a few people who listened to my second uncle and disagreed with me, everyone else started to support me after my mom stepped in."

She asked with concern, "Are your grandfathers and uncles still picking on you?"

“At first, yes,” Hu Jingxin replied. “They just felt that my mom and I couldn’t support Xingyun Daily Chemicals. But actually, everyone had more complaints about my second uncle. He was in charge of the production department at the company’s factory. People usually didn’t pursue his minor flaws, but on the day of the fire, when my dad rushed into the fire to put it out, he hid far away and disappeared.”

"This is a classic case of 'those who do many evil deeds will surely perish'," Jiang Xiaoli commented.

"Yes, people just don't usually say it, but everyone has seen and remembered what my second uncle has done."

Hu Jingxin paused for a moment and then said, "Xiao Li, I'd like to ask you some questions. Is this a convenient time for you?"

Upon hearing this, she leaned back on the sofa and adjusted to a comfortable position, saying, "It's convenient, just tell me."

"Do you remember when you talked to my parents about product development and innovation?"

She replied, "Yes, I remember. You wanted to push things forward?"

“Actually, my dad started taking action after we talked before the Lunar New Year,” Hu Jingxin said. “He funded a research group in the Chemical Engineering Department of Shanghai University. This research group has recently hit a bottleneck and needs more funding. Do you think I should continue?”

Jiang Xiaoli couldn't help but give Mr. Hu a thumbs up. When one cannot afford to build an independent research and development center, cooperating with universities is indeed a good solution.

She asked, "Xin Xin, what does the funding agreement between Uncle and this research group say? If there are any research results or patents, who will own them?"

Hu Jingxin replied, "A Yuan and I discussed it, and if we understand correctly, we will provide certain financial support to the research group. Once there are research results, the technical patents will belong to the research group's teachers and students, but 'Xingyun Daily Chemicals' will have the right to use the patents. However, the patent licensing fees need to be negotiated separately."

Jiang Xiaoli couldn't help but complain, "If there are no research results, your money will go down the drain. If there are research results, the fees still need to be negotiated. This agreement is interesting. If they make exorbitant demands in the future, will we have to accept it?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Hu Jingxin said excitedly, "I just felt something was off, and now I finally understand!"

She chuckled softly, "It's true that both sides want to gain more benefits when signing an agreement, but it's clear that you're the ones who are at a disadvantage right now."

Hu Jingxin was conflicted. "Xiaoli, what should I do now? I know that scientific research is very expensive, but the initial investment of 1 million yuan is already gone in less than a year. If I stop funding now, the 1 million yuan will be wasted. If I continue to invest..."

She thought for a moment and asked, "Don't worry, have you heard about the project your uncle sponsored? If it yields results, how much will it help Xingyun Daily Chemicals?"

"They are researching a new ingredient that, when added to skincare products, will provide long-lasting hydration. If we could have this, Xingyun Cosmetics would definitely create a sensation in the skincare industry."

“That’s still very important,” Jiang Xiaoli said. “Right now, research funding is tight at all universities. There aren’t many projects like theirs that can attract investment from external companies. I think you can renegotiate with them. You can continue to fund them, but the terms of the funding agreement need to be revised.”

Hu Jingxin nodded, but she still didn't quite understand. "Xiao Li, what do you think should be done?"

She smiled and said, "Let's change it to not making ourselves the ones who get ripped off. Two points: if they still insist on negotiating the patent licensing fee separately, then we'll require that 'Xingyun Daily Chemicals' be the sole authorized company to use the patent for this product."

If they don't agree to grant you sole authorization, then the sublicensing fee cannot exceed the funding amount. They can't expect you to fund their research for free, only to have them later demand exorbitant fees from you.

Hu Jingxin nodded repeatedly, "I understand! Xiao Li, you're really quick-witted!"

Jiang Xiaoli laughed heartily, “My principle in life is never to suffer a loss. But Xin Xin, scientific research results are like betting. If you bet on it, you have everything; if you bet on it, you lose everything. I suggest you do some research first. If there are other better options, then giving up the previous 1 million is the best solution.”

"Okay, I understand."

Just as she was about to hang up, Zhong Yuan's voice came through the receiver, "Little Pear!"

She chuckled softly, "Brother Yuan, what's wrong?"

Zhong Yuan hesitated for a moment, and Jiang Xiaoli couldn't help but tease him, "Brother Yuan, why are you so hesitant? Are you going to ask me for money?"

"No, I have money now!"

Zhong Yuan hesitated for a moment but still told the truth, "Little Pear, if I stay here with Xin Xin and don't go to Great Britain for your wedding, do you think Brother Zong will blame me?"

When the phone went silent, Zhong Yuan was so anxious his heart was about to jump out of his throat.

He urged, "Little Pear, say something! Don't you also think I'm being unfair by prioritizing my girlfriend over my friends? Oh dear, I really am..."

"It's nothing," Zong Jiayu replied.

Zhong Yuan was dumbfounded. He wasn't sure if he was hallucinating. He cautiously called out into the microphone, "Brother Zong?"

Zong Jiayu responded, "It's me, Dayuan. Although I really wish you could be at my wedding, I understand how you feel. It's normal that you're worried about Hu Jingxin's family after what happened."

"Brother Zong, are you being sincere or sarcastic?" He felt uneasy. "My heart is pounding."

Zong Jia was exasperated. "Do you think I'm that bored that I'd deliberately say the opposite of what you mean?"

He was finally relieved. "Hehe, Brother Zong, to be honest, I wanted to attend your wedding with Xiaoli more than anyone else, but with Xin Xin's family in this situation, I'm really scared..."

“I understand!” Zong Jiayu said. “If I were you, I would make the same choice as you.”

Zhong Yuan muttered to himself, "Hehe, that's good. I was really afraid that you and Fuzi would think I was like a pumpkin, only caring about this one thing."

Zong Jia chuckled, "How silly! Can your situations be the same?"

"Hehe." Zhong Yuan was actually happy to be scolded. "Brother Zong, don't worry, once Xin Xin's matter is settled, when you go back to Kyoto for your banquet, I'll cover all the drinks for you! Nobody will be able to get you drunk!"

"Okay, it's a deal."

"It's a deal!"