Chapter 88 I think I'm late
As the presentation reached its most crucial part, Yan Shuang had just introduced a core data model and was about to elaborate on it when...
"Sizzle!"
A sharp shriek blasted from the speakers, startling everyone in the audience who instinctively covered their ears.
Immediately afterwards, the largest main screen in the center of the stage flickered a few times and then went completely black.
Although the secondary screen connected to Yan Shuang's computer was still lit, the charts on it instantly became pitifully small, almost disappearing into the huge stage background.
Staff immediately rushed up from backstage and anxiously checked the speakers and control panel.
The host quickly walked to the front of the stage, picked up the spare handheld microphone, and said apologetically, "I'm very sorry, esteemed judges and guests, the equipment has suddenly malfunctioned, and we need to pause for ten minutes for emergency repairs."
The lights were turned up a bit, and the murmurs from the audience instantly amplified.
Standing on the stage, Yan Shuang felt that the ten-minute countdown was incredibly long.
Even if she wasn't at fault, the loss of points from the judges and the audience was a real one.
Just as the host signaled that she could take a short break, and the audience began to murmur.
In the guest seats, a figure calmly stood up.
Lin Chengyu looked at the host, his voice clear and gentle, breaking the awkward silence: "Host, if it's convenient, I have an artistic perspective that I'd like to share during this break. Perhaps it can offer a different angle to interpret this wonderful model? I wonder if that would be presumptuous?"
The host, who was worried about how to calm the atmosphere, nodded repeatedly and almost impatiently handed over the microphone: "Of course, sir, please. We welcome interdisciplinary insights!"
Lin Chengyu took the microphone, strolled to the center of the stage, stood next to Yan Shuang, and gave her a reassuring look.
He first pointed to the dark main screen and joked, "Everyone, it seems this big screen also wants to request a five-minute break to protest that we've shown it too many boring numbers."
He smiled at the audience, his tone relaxed, "Perfect timing. I'm an artist, and I get a headache looking at numbers, but I'm particularly interested in the part of their project where they depict market sentiment as a 'fluctuation texture chart.' Don't you think those undulating curves look a lot like Mondrian's grid paintings of people dancing after getting drunk?"
The students from top finance programs at Harvard, MIT, and the University of Chicago immediately relaxed, bursting into laughter as their drowsiness vanished instantly.
He cleverly transformed dry financial jargon into vivid and interesting artistic metaphors, and the atmosphere in the entire venue quickly warmed up with his humorous interpretation, which the students listened to with great interest.
Laughter and applause rang out from time to time.
Seeing this, the host interjected, "This gentleman has very unique artistic insights. You must be a famous artist. Would you mind introducing yourself to everyone?"
Lin Chengyu smiled modestly and said into the microphone, "I wouldn't dare to call myself famous. I am Lin Chengyu, an independent painter who mainly works in Hangzhou and London."
"Lin Chengyu?" Several elegantly dressed Chinese socialites in the audience immediately exclaimed in low voices, exchanging glances that said, "It really is him" and "I've seen his art exhibition at Sotheby's."
Because it was an official break, the atmosphere was lively. Some bold girls in the audience laughed and shouted, "Painter Lin! Your financial art theory is so fascinating, are you as unpredictable as a hedge fund? Do you have a girlfriend?"
This question instantly ignited the gossip spirit of all the young people in the room, drawing whistles, laughter, and expectant glances.
All eyes were on Lin Chengyu.
He stood under the light, raised his eyebrows slightly upon hearing this, and instead of being embarrassed, the corners of his mouth curved into an even deeper smile.
His gaze shifted from the noisy crowd to Yan Shuang beside him, who was blushing slightly because of the scene.
The gaze lingered for only a second or two, but the focus and the subtle emotions that seemed almost palpable were clearly captured by everyone.
He didn't speak.
Everything is understood without words.
That glance was more impactful than any direct answer.
"Wow!!!" The audience erupted in even louder cheers and applause, almost lifting the roof off.
All eyes darted back and forth between him and Yan Shuang, their smiles ambiguous.
at the same time.
Outside the Beckman Center at the University of Southern California, a large number of students and passersby who were unable to enter the venue gathered under a giant open-air live broadcast screen, looking up at the unexpected scene inside.
Shangqiu Zhu stood not far below the screen.
His face showed no signs of intense emotion.
Only those eyes were deep black.
Following behind him, Lin Sheng didn't dare to breathe loudly, carefully observing his boss's reaction.
They had just arrived from the airport, and before they even entered the venue, they were greeted by this amazing scene on the screen.
Shangqiu Zhu looked away from the screen and strode towards the entrance of the report hall where laughter and joy were being broadcast live.
As Lin Sheng watched his retreating figure, he felt a chill rise from the soles of his feet, a chill that was more unsettling than any harsh words or stern expressions.
He dared not say anything more and could only grit his teeth and hurry to catch up.
Shangqiu Zhu stepped into the briefing hall.
Almost the instant he appeared, the students in the back row near the aisle were the first to notice him.
That cold, business-savvy aura and striking good looks instantly shattered the original atmosphere.
The whispers spread rapidly like ripples.
An elderly man with gray hair hurriedly walked up from the crowd, his face filled with surprise.
He was the vice president of USC.
"President Shang! What a distinguished guest! Welcome, welcome!" The vice principal warmly extended his hand. "We sent you an invitation before, but didn't receive a confirmation reply. We thought you were too busy with official business. We really didn't expect you to come and give us your guidance in person!"
Shang Qiuzhu's gaze did not linger on the vice principal for long. He merely shook hands with him briefly before looking past his shoulder and focusing his attention on the two figures standing side by side in the center of the stage.
His lips pressed down very slightly, his voice was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger, yet it inexplicably made the surrounding air feel several degrees colder.
“It’s so lively,” he said slowly. “I think I’m late.”
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