Chapter 13: There are plenty of people who want to cooperate; it's not his turn.

Yu Yan was taken aback when she realized that Xiang Jingheng would also be attending today's meeting.

Seeing that she was clearly stunned for a moment, Cheng Yun said, "I told you on the phone yesterday that Xiangshi Technology would also be attending today's meeting, didn't you hear me?"

...No, there really isn't.

Gan Xiaoxing took Xiang Jingheng's arm and went to the other side to meet their friends. Cheng Yun turned slightly to Yu Yan and said, "Xiang's Technology has been committed to chip research and development for many years and is very willing to invest in it. I don't know if you've heard of Xiaoxing's Research Lab. It's a domestic research lab affiliated with Huada University. It also does chip research and development. Xiang's Technology has invested 500 million yuan in it."

Yu Yan nodded, her face expressionless: "I've heard of it."

Xiang Jingheng also contributed a lot to the establishment of this research lab back then.

“Five hundred million.” Cheng Yun sneered. “President Xiang isn’t stingy. I think he’s quite willing to spend money when it’s necessary.”

Yu Yan glanced at Gan Xiaoxing, who was whispering something to Xiang Jingheng not far away, and gave a faint "hmm": "She is quite generous."

Men are always generous to the women they love.

Cheng Yun glanced at Yu Yan, her eyes filled with heartache.

When the Xiang and Yu families were united by marriage, the Xiang family benefited immensely from the Yu family. Within three years of the marriage, the Xiang family's stocks had multiplied several times. However, when they divorced, the Xiang family made Yu Yan leave with nothing, refusing to give her a single penny.

They have absolutely no shame.

Such things might be commonplace in the business world's wealthy marriages, but they are completely intolerable in the scientific research circle, and Xiang's Technology's reputation has been ruined as a result.

The Yu family has always been low-key and has a very upright family style. They never engage in academic cliques. However, many people in both academic and research circles have benefited from the Yu family's kindness. Even if the Yu couple retires and Yu Yan's parents pass away, Yu Yan will not become an orphan. Many people protect her openly and secretly.

Yu Yan's uncle and aunt are also in the scientific research field; any one of them could be a key figure in the nation's scientific endeavors.

Besides... there's also Shao Muyan.

"Over the years, the Xiang family has been trying to repair its relationship with the Yu family, but as far as I know, your eldest uncle and youngest uncle have ignored the Xiang family and are both angry with them. Xiang Jingheng's personal attendance at the academic conference this time is probably to establish cooperation with WD Research Lab. You should keep that in mind."

"Um."

Yu Yan nodded, her expression still expressionless. "There are many companies that want to cooperate; it's not Xiang's turn."

Cheng Yun smiled slightly; she liked hearing those words.

Junior sister is about to stand up for herself!

—

Xiang Jingheng was pulled by Gan Xiaoxing to exchange pleasantries with the school leaders of Shangzhou University, but both sides seemed somewhat distracted.

"Is that Xiaoyan?"

The president of Shangzhou University stretched his neck and waved to Yu Yan across the distance: "Xiao Yan."

When Yu Yan heard someone call her, she asked her senior sister and the team to sit down first, and walked straight to Principal Mu, bowing and greeting him: "Uncle Mu".

Principal Mu stepped forward and helped her up, his stern face filled with a warm smile.

"It's good that you're back."

Principal Mu was a student of Yu Yan's grandfather before his death, and also a classmate of her uncle. He watched her grow up.

Not only him, but Yu Yan knew every single one of these big shots in the front row. She had to go up and greet everyone who was present, which was different from the business world.

She was familiar with the people and the environment, so she didn't need to pretend or engage in feigned small talk.

The elders were very happy to see her return and asked her with concern where she was staying and if she had any difficulties in her life or work.

Principal Mu was quite familiar with the Yu family's situation. "Your parents' house is where your Ya-ge, Nan-ge, and their brother live. As far as I know, your grandparents' house is where Mu Yan lives. Do you remember your Uncle Shao? Here's what we'll do: after the meeting, pack your things and come with me. I'll arrange accommodations for you."

While they were chatting, Xiang Jingheng and Gan Xiaoxing were listening nearby.

Gan Xiaoxing's smile froze. Yu Yan, who used to be invisible, had suddenly become the center of attention, which made her feel awkward, uncomfortable, and very strange.

Looking again at Jing Heng, who was also staring intently at Yu Yan, she felt a sour feeling in her heart, as if she had eaten a lemon.

Yu Yan quickly waved her hand and told Principal Mu that it wasn't necessary. Just as she was about to say that she was currently living with Shao Muyan in her grandparents' house, Principal Mu smiled towards the door.

"Speak of the devil, and he appears; she's talking about you, Uncle Yan."

Yu Yan turned her head and saw Shao Muyan had arrived.

He was followed by an entire scientific and technological innovation team, a grand and imposing sight.

They were all dressed in suits and ties, all young talents, but Shao Muyan still stood out in the crowd, exceptionally dazzling.

A black suit, a white shirt, and a dark gray tie—the most ordinary attire—looked elegant and refined on Shao Muyan's nearly 1.9-meter-tall, broad-shouldered, and narrow-waisted body, exuding a graceful, composed, and mature air.

Uncle Yan looked more serious and proper in his formal attire, which was slightly different from his casual appearance at home.

Perhaps it's because she's seen so many international friends in the past three years, but this Asian face looks exceptionally beautiful to Yu Yan.