Chapter 66
After leaving Professor Yan's office, Ji Zhixing took stock of his work and felt that there were some things he needed to deal with before going to Beijing.
First, there's the property reward I just received.
He doesn't plan to live there. Whether he stays at Guangling University or goes to another university, living on campus will be more convenient. However, this is his home, so he should at least take a look to get a feel for it.
"System, have the procedures at Four Seasons Cloud Top been completed?" Ji Zhixing asked.
He didn't know when the system started preparing this task reward. If he bought the property on the day he completed the task, he probably wouldn't have had time to complete all the formalities.
The property in Phase III of Seasons Cloud Top, which your great-grandson designated for purchase, has not yet been handed over; the relevant procedures are currently being processed.
"Oh? So it's an off-plan property," Ji Zhixing said. "Take care of the paperwork then. Just let me know when the property is ready for handover."
Since the system upgrade, he has gained access to all the knowledge in the world. He cherishes this rare opportunity and is therefore very reluctant to spend his energy and time on trivial matters, including the affairs of Zero Gravity Company.
Xu Dongyang and Lin Lang were understanding of his busy schedule lately. They would handle the company's affairs themselves if they could, but it was definitely inappropriate for him to hold the title without doing any work and remain detached from the company for so long. Therefore, Ji Zhixing decided to finalize the affairs of Zero Gravity Company before going to Beijing.
Back in the dorm, Xu Dongyang and Lin Lang weren't there. Of course, they'd been going to the company whenever they had time this semester, so they were rarely in the dorm.
Thanks to Xu Dongyang's efforts, Zero Gravity Company has been officially established for several months, and its production and promotional activities are proceeding in an orderly manner.
He took out his phone and called Xu Dongyang: "Um... where is the company address?"
Xu Dongyang on the other end of the phone was both amused and exasperated: "Boss! Our company has been established for months, and you're only now thinking of asking for the address!"
Ji Zhixing touched his nose. After the successful development of the zero-gravity seat, he had been busy with a series of things such as papers, press conferences, and academic reports, and had completely abandoned the company.
Xu Dongyang didn't really blame Ji Zhixing. After all, they had agreed that Ji Zhixing would be in charge of research and development, while he would be responsible for business operations.
He sent the location to Ji Zhixing's phone and urged, "Hurry up! Hurry up! Today is the first day of sales!"
Ji Zhixing then remembered that Xu Dongyang had told him a few days ago that the first batch of zero-gravity seats had rolled off the production line and started packaging, and would be available for sale soon. It turned out it was today; he had completely forgotten.
Zero Gravity Company and its factory are located in the western suburbs of Guangling City. It took Ji Zhixing a full hour and a half to get there by taxi. Only then did he realize how hard Xu Dongyang and Lin Lang had worked during this time.
In order to balance their studies at school and the company's production and operation activities, they often have to travel back and forth between the two places, which takes up three hours just on the road.
Therefore, when Ji Zhixing saw Xu Dongyang and Lin Lang, he felt particularly guilty. He had been very busy and tired lately, but Xu Dongyang and Lin Lang hadn't had it easy either.
Overwhelmed with emotion, he said dryly, "You've worked hard."
"It's no hard work, it's all for the people!" Lin Lang joked, hooking his arm around Ji Zhixing's neck and pulling him inside.
Xu Dongyang followed along, saying, "If you hadn't offered to come, we wouldn't have dared to bother you."
In his view, none of the various matters Ji Zhixing had been busy with lately were more important than Zero Gravity Company. Therefore, even on such an important day as the launch, he only mentioned it to Ji Zhixing and did not insist that he come.
"It's my fault," Ji Zhixing said. Even if he was only in charge of research and development, it was indeed outrageous that the company hadn't taken a single step since its inception.
Xu Dongyang put his arm around his shoulder: "Don't say that. The company is able to choose such a good location because of you."
"Huh? Is this place considered good?" Ji Zhixing asked, puzzled.
The western part of Guangling City was quite desolate. He hadn't seen any decent companies or factories along the way; the roadsides were lined with farmland and villages. He assumed that Xu Dongyang had chosen this location to build the factory to save costs.
“That’s really great!” Xu Dongyang said. “This area has been planned as an industrial park. Did you notice how high the road surface is as you walked here? Look over there, the supporting infrastructure has been under construction for a long time.”
He was running around the city looking for land to build a factory. Later, the construction bureau probably heard about it and contacted him, introducing him to this piece of land.
The municipal government has high hopes for this new industrial park and plans to offer a series of preferential policies to companies that move in, including low-interest loans, rent reductions and exemptions, tax refunds and exemptions, as well as various support and subsidy provisions.
Therefore, countless companies have set their sights on the industrial park, but the municipal government intends to develop it in a high-tech direction, so it has set very high entry barriers. Many companies are openly and secretly trying to get a piece of the pie in the pie of policy support. And this pie just fell right into Zero Gravity Company's lap.
Xu Dongyang was still slightly uneasy at that time, so he went to consult the director. The director said that the Construction Bureau had taken the initiative to extend an olive branch because Zero Gravity Company had high technological content, low production pollution, and a very famous founder.
With such a company setting the precedent, the Construction Bureau can easily draw lines for other companies interested in setting up operations there. The implication is that this industrial park is a prestigious, high-end location; anyone wanting to come should think twice about whether they are a phoenix like Zero Gravity Company, while those with only a slight connection to technology shouldn't bother trying.
Only after understanding this did Xu Dongyang feel at ease to seize this windfall. With the help of the Construction Bureau, he secured a bank loan and went into full-scale production to build the factory.
Ji Zhixing then realized there was such a thing: "It's good, but it's too tiring for you to run back and forth like this every day."
"It's okay!" Xu Dongyang waved his hand energetically. "Just get through this semester, and by senior year I can apply for course exemptions under the guise of starting a business. Things will be much easier then."
Xu Dongyang led Ji Zhixing on a tour of the laboratory and production workshop, and then took him to his office on the top floor.
There, the sales staff were busy. When they saw Xu Dongyang and Lin Lang accompanying a young man, they recognized him at a glance as one of the company's three founders, who were rarely seen.
Many people stopped what they were doing, hesitating whether they could go over and ask for an autograph or a photo, after all, he is the first Fields Medal winner from China!
When Ji Zhixing realized that his presence was disrupting everyone's work, he immediately hid in Xu Dongyang's office.
"What time will it go on sale?" Ji Zhixing asked.
Xu Dongyang replied, "12 o'clock sharp!" At this time, working people get off work and students get out of class, so they are generally free.
Ji Zhixing took out his phone and saw that it would be five minutes later.
Lin Lang stared at the page view count in the backend, his heart pounding. Although the data looked impressive, he couldn't be sure how many of them were genuine purchase intentions and how many were just there for the spectacle.
They actually wanted to do a pre-sale, but they were afraid it would bring negative publicity to Ji Zhixing. Although pre-sales are already quite common, some unscrupulous media outlets that prioritize traffic could make a big fuss about it.
Time passed second by second, and at 12:00, all 10,000 zero-gravity seats that had been put on the shelves were sold out instantly.
Ji Zhixing was stunned. It was as if he had just blinked and the number 10,000 had become 0.
Lin Lang nervously checked the backend, fearing that there might actually be some kind of bug.
When the deafening cheers from the sales department came from outside the office, the three of them finally realized what was happening and high-fived each other in celebration.
Lin Lang started howling excitedly, and Xu Dongyang was all smiles.
The smooth initial sale indicates that Zero Gravity has gotten on track and there's nothing to worry about for now—it's time to say goodbye.
Ji Zhixing stated bluntly, "I want to resign from the board of directors."
Lin Lang was instantly silenced, as if someone had grabbed his throat. Xu Dongyang was also dumbfounded.
"Our company is about to become a big and strong company, and you're quitting at this time?"
It would be understandable if Ji Zhixing withdrew during the research and development phase, but the most difficult work has already been completed, factory production is now on track, and sales results are very promising. Now that it's harvest time, why choose to withdraw?!
Lin Lang raised his hand to check Ji Zhixing's forehead temperature: "You don't have a fever, how could you have such a confused idea?"
Xu Dongyang had some guesses in his mind.
Ji Zhixing explained, "As you know, I still want to focus on academics and research in the future. But a person's time and energy are limited, so now that the company is on the right track, I..."
Lin Lang hurriedly interrupted him: "The zero-gravity seat still needs further upgrades. You can still do scientific research while staying at the company!"
Ji Zhixing shook his head: "Upgrading can be done with Yi Deng, Yan Ru and the others, or by hiring more professional researchers, but that's not the direction I want to research."
He had once been deeply involved in the research and development of zero-gravity seats. However, after his three-day visit to the research institute, he has been pondering what kind of research path he should pursue in the future. Although he hasn't yet made a clear decision, he hopes that his research achievements will benefit the country.
After hearing Ji Zhixing's words, Lin Lang and Xu Dongyang both fell silent.
Having shared a dormitory with Ji Zhixing for two and a half years, they knew him quite well. After no longer having to worry about making a living, Ji Zhixing basically ignored everything else and devoted himself entirely to his studies. After returning from the research institute, he began to pay attention to the country's scientific and technological progress and needs.
Therefore, Ji Zhixing's decision was not entirely unexpected.
"But don't you think it's a shame?" Xu Dongyang asked.
After struggling for so long, they finally became successful people in the general sense, but Ji Zhixing wanted to change course and start over.
Winning the Fields Medal for solving the Navier-Stokes equations sounds prestigious, but it doesn't mean that Ji Zhixing can rely on this academic achievement for the rest of his life. He will definitely need to make further breakthroughs to truly establish himself in the academic world.
Because Ji Zhixing is too young, ten or twenty years from now, when people are used to the application of the Navier-Stokes equations, and when a new generation of students can easily obtain the solutions to the Navier-Stokes equations from textbooks, the halo brought by the Navier-Stokes equations will gradually fade.
There are indeed cynical comments online, but they don't amount to much. If Ji Zhixing doesn't make any further breakthroughs, the criticism will only increase. Rather than carrying that kind of pressure, staying at Zero Gravity Company and enjoying virtually risk-free returns is the safest path.
“Everyone has different life goals.” Ji Zhixing patted Xu Dongyang on the shoulder, thanking him for his kindness, but his mind was made up.
Seeing that he couldn't persuade Ji Zhixing, Xu Dongyang sighed and said, "Then you should keep your shares and be the major shareholder. Our company is about to go public. If you sell your shares now, all your previous investments will be wasted."
As for the major shareholder, Ji Zhixing felt a little embarrassed. It basically meant taking money for nothing and having the right to complain to the board of directors.
Lin Lang cut to the chase: "Let's decide on this, stop dawdling."
"Okay then," Ji Zhixing said. Xu Dongyang and Lin Lang were both so sincere, it would be hypocritical for him to refuse again.
After finalizing the deal with Zero Gravity Company, Ji Zhixing planned to leave.
Xu Dongyang handed him an umbrella: "Take this with you. The weather forecast says it will rain from 12:30 to 15:15."
"When did weather forecasts become so accurate?" Ji Zhixing realized as soon as he said it that since the Navier-Stokes equations describing fluids already have a general solution, weather forecast models built using the Navier-Stokes equations as numerical algorithms must be even more accurate.
Many people online have expressed their gratitude to Ji Zhixing for this. Nowadays, weather forecasts are accurate enough to cover the entire week ahead; if it says it will rain on a certain date, it definitely will. And if it says it will rain at a certain time, the error is usually no more than fifteen minutes. No one needs to carry an umbrella just in case of unexpected rain anymore.
For farmers who rely on the weather for their livelihood, the rainfall forecast can help them plan their irrigation schedules effectively. They no longer need to rush to harvest overnight before a possible downpour, and they will no longer face the tragic situation of their drying wheat being flooded by a sudden rainstorm.
In addition to rainfall forecasts, the prediction of extreme weather is now very accurate, which avoids some wishful thinking and also avoids many threats to personal safety caused by heavy rain and strong winds.
In short, with accurate weather forecasts, people can arrange their lives, travel, work, and other activities more freely.
Many people, whenever they benefit from an accurate weather forecast, routinely post "Thank you, top student!" on Weibo's super topic.
Yes, although Ji Zhixing isn't in the entertainment industry or a public figure, he already has a super topic on Weibo. This super topic is like a lucky charm; people gather here mostly to pray for passing various exams and getting their papers approved, and occasionally to exchange news about Ji Zhixing.
On Ji Zhixing's way back to Guangling University by taxi with an umbrella, a new post appeared in the super topic.
Ji Zhixing declines all offers from prestigious universities, intending to pursue further studies in the country.
"Really? Isn't this a bit irrational?"
"The news is true. I have a friend at Guangling University who said it's spread throughout the entire school."
"I can't understand it. What was the top student thinking? How could he just turn down such a great opportunity like that?"
"Don't try to guess what top students are thinking; their perspectives might be different from ordinary people. Just like Yu Zhuli from Peking University, so many people advised him to go abroad, but he remained unmoved."
"I'm actually glad that Ji Zhixing stayed, otherwise there's no guarantee that he won't become another Yin Xi in the future."
"There's nothing wrong with being like Yin Xi; she's a professor at Harvard now. Yu Zhuli, who is also a math genius, is only an assistant professor. How pathetic."
"Actually, it's all a personal choice, and outsiders have no right to say anything. But Yin Xi's statement, 'I won't go back to China, even if things get chaotic abroad, I won't go back,' is very uncomfortable. I remember he was studying abroad on a government scholarship, right?"
"That's why I admire Ji Zhixing and Yu Zhuli even more for choosing to stay."
"I admire them, but... I hope they will have a good future."
“I said, don’t make it sound like Ji Zhixing made some great sacrifice. Maybe he’s just self-aware and doesn’t dare to embarrass himself in front of real academic talents.”
"Watching a frog at the bottom of a well." (Image of an elderly person on the subway)
"Too lazy to lane." (I'd be mortified if I even glanced at it.jpg)
"I remember this account. It's posted sarcastic comments several times before. What grudge do they have against Ji Zhixing?"
Upon seeing this comment, Jianxi angrily slammed her mouse down. What grudge could she possibly hold? Does ruining someone's future count?!
Ji Zhixing didn't need to be so ruthless back then, deliberately causing him to receive a disciplinary action right before graduation. He couldn't even get his degree certificate, and after graduation, he repeatedly failed in his job search, only able to return to his hometown and find a temporary job at a state-owned enterprise through connections, barely enough to make ends meet. Without a permanent position, he was not popular in the marriage market and couldn't find a suitable partner.
All her misfortunes were thanks to Ji Zhixing. Whenever Jianxi encountered something unpleasant, she would always drag Ji Zhixing out to curse him. She also frequently lurked in this super topic, waiting for an opportunity to vent her dissatisfaction.
At first, some people argued with him, but later they almost all ignored him, which made him even more frustrated.
Just as I was about to continue typing, I saw a new trending topic appear in the right-hand list: Zero Gravity Seats Now on Sale, followed by the word "Explosive".
Jianxi's heart skipped a beat. He had been unwilling to seriously think about what he had missed. Whenever he thought about the zero-gravity seat, he would comfort himself: Ji Zhixing was working on his Navier-Stokes equations, and the zero-gravity seat might not be successfully developed.
But now...
Jane stared intently at the entry for a long time before finally deciding to click on it.
Many media outlets have published related news about the project, as it involves the first Fields Medal winner in China and Ji Zhixing has subtly or overtly promoted it in previous interviews. Therefore, the media are paying close attention to the sales debut of the Zero Gravity Seat, and many have already prepared press releases, just waiting for Zero Gravity Company to launch the product so they can rush to publish the news.
The comments section was also quite lively.
"Sold out in a second! Anyone who bought one, please post a picture so I can absorb some of their good luck!"
"My hand speed has been tested countless times during 618 and Double 11! I still couldn't get it."
"When will the next batch of sales start? I see their online store is empty, there's nothing there."
"Damn, I've been waiting for this for months, and the first wave is only a tiny bit!"
"How could you only order 10,000 pieces? Waaaaah—"
"It seems that's all the production capacity we have. We'll see if Zero Gravity will expand its production lines."
"Buying at a premium, DM me if interested."
Suddenly, the internet was flooded with regret and resentment from those who missed out on the Zero Gravity Seat. Insiders also gossiped about the origins of the Zero Gravity Club, and everyone was thoroughly enjoying the drama. Many people were envious of the current treatment of the nine Zero Gravity Club members.
"Sigh, why didn't I apply to Guangling University back then? Otherwise, I might have been able to get a ticket on the ship." (Sad.jpg)
"Honestly, opportunity is just as important as ability!"
"I remember seeing photos of the founding of the community before. Besides the three founders, there were 12 members. Did three of them drop out along the way?"
"This is... another opportunity slipping away?"
"Haha, someone's more unlucky than me, and suddenly I'm not so depressed anymore."
"Honestly, I'd love to interview those three people to find out how they feel right now."
What was he feeling? Ji Su'an turned his phone face down and collapsed onto the bed, utterly dejected. Regret was an understatement; he had clearly boarded that ship, yet he had jumped ship before it even set sail…
He knew he had no one to blame but himself for being too rash, too confident, and... too arrogant. Deep down, he wasn't entirely convinced of Ji Zhixing's abilities, even after Ji won first prize in the CUPT competition; he didn't feel he'd lost to him in any way. With this mindset, he inevitably became critical of the Zero Gravity Club, and ultimately...
Ji Su lay quietly on the bed, letting the feeling of regret gnaw at his heart.
Meanwhile, Jian Xi on the other end of the network was in excruciating pain. He was just one step away! Just one step away! If Fan Chuanshuo had been arrested earlier, he might not have been exposed, and he would be enjoying the super high salary at Zero Gravity Company now!
Jianxi angrily pounded the keyboard, his jealousy and resentment fueling his hatred for Ji Zhixing. He picked up the keyboard and furiously typed online.
However, the comment section was too lively, and his comments quickly sank to the bottom, with no one even arguing with him. After a while, a new account appeared, which clearly shared his views. Jianxi then joined him in a sarcastic and sarcastic exchange, thoroughly enjoying herself. She even felt like they had known each other for a long time and sent him a private message to add him as a friend.
The two chatted privately for a long time and found they shared the same views, almost to the point of wanting to become sworn brothers. After chatting for a while longer, they gradually felt an unexpected familiarity with each other.
"You are... Xue Hua?"
"You are... Jane?"
Damn! Jianxi suddenly felt that the passion she had just felt when she insulted Ji Zhixing vanished instantly. It turned out that... the only people who couldn't stand Ji Zhixing were the two of them who had left the club.
Xue Hua also had mixed feelings. He was doing better than Jian Xi after graduation, but it was completely different from the brilliant and successful entrepreneurial life he had imagined. Seeing Zero Gravity Society, which had once competed with him, achieve great success made him even more resentful.
Ji Su'an also noticed the two persistently sarcastic accounts. After all, he was from the School of Computer Science, so he easily found the IP addresses of the two accounts and immediately determined that they belonged to Xue Hua and Jian Xi.
Ha, two losers, nothing to show for themselves in real life, just keyboard warriors online. He couldn't associate with people like that, so he casually clicked the report button. Ji Su'an cheered himself up and went to the library.
A note from the author:
Before heading to Beijing, let me explain the aftermath of the zero-gravity seat incident. Those two villains won't have any particularly disgusting scenes later on, so don't worry—
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