With global currency devaluation, I'll wear these back and take my whole family flying!

"Not going back?"

Shen Tao was startled by what he heard, but then his face lit up with joy, and he asked excitedly, "Mom, you're going to stay in Longcheng?"

Seeing her son so happy, Zheng Hong was moved again, and nodded with tears in her eyes: "Yes, your sister Aci has arranged a very good job for your mother, with a much higher salary than in Longyang."

Upon hearing this, Shen Tao looked at Shen Ci and said very seriously, "Sister, thank you."

"You're welcome. Your mother has had a tough life. You should study hard and repay her in the future." It was rare for Shen Ci to say such things in front of others.

But for Shen Tao, this is indeed the most important thing to remind him of, and it is indeed what he should do most in the future.

“I know. I was torn between applying to a university in Funan that is closer to home or applying to a better university in Longcheng. I was worried about my mom. Longcheng is too far away, and I miss her a lot.”

“But I think people should have a long-term vision. In order to give my mother a better life in the future, I finally chose the university in Longcheng. I know that the four years of university will be a very long and difficult four years for both my mother and me.”

At this point, Shen Tao looked at his mother and then at his sister: "Now it's all good, we have a home in Longcheng now."

For this mother and son who depend on each other for survival, home is wherever they are.

Shen Ci smiled and said to Zheng Hong, "Auntie, you can talk to me if you have any problems at work. You don't need to worry too much about Tao Tao's part-time job. It's the beginning of university, and many students who have worked hard for the college entrance examination are letting loose and having fun. Tao Tao is really sensible, and the part-time job is relatively flexible and won't interfere with anything."

Many years after graduation, Shen Ci belatedly realized that college life is the happiest time of one's life, especially the first and second years.

"Okay, I understand, Aci. Thank you for these past two days. I appreciate you working hard for me."

“It’s not hard work. My mom and aunt miss Tao Tao a lot. Once things settle down, we can keep in touch with them.” After saying this, Shen Ci hesitated for a moment and then added, “But don’t let my grandma and uncles know that I’ve arranged a job for you.”

"Don't worry, I won't tell them." Zheng Hong said, not forgetting to instruct her son, "Tao Tao, you're not allowed to tell your dad either, not even when I come to Longcheng."

Tao Tao nodded obediently.

*

Chairman's Office, Li's Group.

Li Wanchang sat in his office chair, frowning as he looked at the documents handed to him by the department manager for a long time. After a long while, he slowly uttered three words: "So many?"

"That's still a conservative estimate," the manager said in a low voice.

Li Wanchang took a deep breath and tapped his fingers on the desk, his mind clearly agitated.

Having acquired the right to use European technology, they needed to develop corresponding high-end artificial intelligence products. However, the production budget for these products was ridiculously high. Although they were positioned as a high-end product line, the initial investment already indicated that there was almost no possibility of making a profit in the future, and they might even lose money.

Although Li Wanchang already knew in his heart that the group was losing money to gain publicity, he still couldn't help but feel dizzy when he actually saw that string of numbers.

For a businessman, losing money is the greatest shame.

"Can't we cut corners on materials any further?" Li Wanchang asked, unwilling to give up.

The manager shook his head: "The technical department said that the materials used in this batch of high-end lines must be above those of the standard lines, otherwise the performance won't be up to par."

"I'm fucking doing charity here," Li Wanchang couldn't help but swear, but then asked soberly, "Does the group have sufficient funds?"

The manager nodded: "There is no problem with funding. Most of the group's projects have entered the profit-generating period, and there is a steady stream of funds flowing back into the group."

“Then let’s do it. We only bought the right to use this European technology code for three years. Every day we delay is a day’s loss of money.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the phone rang. It was an international number; it was his son calling.

Li Wanchang was stunned. At this time, his son should be sleeping at night.

"dad!"

The call connected, and Li Xiao's excited voice came through. Li Wanchang couldn't help but ask, "Xiao-zai, you're not asleep?"

Li Xiao's voice couldn't hide his joy: "I can't wait to share the good news with you. Just now I received two reply emails. The things you asked me to do are progressing better than expected."

Upon hearing this, Li Wanchang was overjoyed, finally hearing good news: "Really? That's wonderful, son, you did a great job!"

During his two years abroad, Li Xiao received frequent praise and affirmation from his father for his good performance, which was undoubtedly a boost to his morale. Now he is focused on the group and his career, and seems to have completely recovered from his abrupt breakup with Shen Ci.

"But that's not enough, I still have time." Li Xiao added confidently, "Dad, don't worry, when I graduate and return to China, I will definitely complete the task you assigned me!"

With such a promise, Li Wanchang placed his trust in his son: "You have already received unanimous praise from the board of directors for helping the group get Lucas. If everything goes smoothly this time, everyone will look at you in a different light."

“I know, Dad. I’m thinking of not going home for Chinese New Year this year. I want to focus all my energy on this matter.”

Li Wanchang hesitated slightly. If his son didn't come back for the New Year, his wife would definitely nag him endlessly. But the bigger picture was more important, and his son's choice was a sign of growth.

"Okay, then you can focus on this matter. Remember to keep in touch with Keying often, and you two can get engaged when you graduate and come back."

Li Xiao paused for a moment on the other end of the phone, then silently replied, "Mm."

"Then you should get some rest and not stay up late; it's bad for your health."

"Dad, wait a minute."

"What? Is there something else?"

"Of course, have you forgotten what I told you before? Any progress?"

Li Wanchang pursed his lips and said truthfully, "I've contacted two, but progress hasn't been very smooth."

"Hmph..." Li Xiao couldn't help but snort coldly: "They're quite united. The one I contacted before also refused outright. Dad, you need to increase the reward. A generous reward will surely attract brave men. Human nature is the most vulnerable to temptation. You need to make the pie bigger to make it more enticing."

"The terms offered are already very good; you won't find another company in the industry with such generous benefits."

"But not agreeing means it's not enough."

Li Wanchang hesitated for a moment, but spurred on by his son, he hardened his heart and said, "I understand. I will try again with more effort, and I will let you know the results."

Li Xiao remained optimistic: "It's definitely possible. I don't believe this studio is really that invincible. There's no such thing as a secret that stays hidden forever!"