Reborn in 2014: A One-Man Tycoon

While Meng Chuan and his group were rushing to Shanghai, they were also busy with other matters.

Inside the headquarters of the central company, Ge Wei's face was terribly gloomy.

He summoned Xiao Chen to his office, slammed his hand on the table, and roared:

"Xiao Chen, tell me the truth. How did you come up with the idea that the root cause of a nation's rise and fall lies in its system? Don't tell me you dreamed about it while you were sleeping. I want the truth!"

Xiao Chen was startled by Ge Wei's sudden outburst of anger.

The economics conference was pre-recorded, and the details have not yet been made public.

However, once the video of this meeting is broadcast, the central company will inevitably become the center of public opinion.

Faced with Ge Wei's anger, Xiao Chen trembled uncontrollably and stammered:

"It really was something I suddenly thought of while I was sleeping, brother-in-law, no, Mr. Ge, how could I dare to lie to you?"

"How dare you speak so harshly!"

Ge Wei, his face flushed with anger, grabbed Xiao Chen by the collar:

"Do you know how much trouble your so-called 'idea' has caused the company? The other party is already going to call the police. How long are you going to keep this a secret?"

Call the police?

Xiao Chen was so frightened that his legs went weak, and he knelt down with a thud, saying in a tearful voice:

"Mr. Ge, I was wrong. To be honest, I heard about this research direction from a live stream by an internet celebrity. I thought it was quite interesting, so I wrote it down. I really didn't know it was someone else's research direction."

Ge Wei swayed.

He really hoped that, as Xiao Chen said, it was his own idea.

In that case, it would be purely a study of overlap.

But just as he had guessed, Xiao Chen had obtained it from somewhere else.

There's no denying it.

Because Meng Chuan said he would retrieve the data from Douyin.

Once it's confirmed that Xiao Chen's ID visited that internet celebrity's live stream, there's no way to deny it.

Growing angrier by the thought, Ge Wei kicked Xiao Chen and said through gritted teeth:

"You idiot! You dare to lie to me?"

Xiao Chen was terrified and clung to Ge Wei's leg, pleading desperately:

"President Ge, please help me! I really didn't mean it. I know I was wrong."

At this moment, other senior executives of the central company also rushed over upon hearing the news, all showing expressions of worry.

A senior executive said with a serious expression:

"President Ge, we already know. This matter has a very bad influence and must be dealt with seriously."

Another senior executive echoed this sentiment:

"Xiao Chen must be fired, and the company must also issue an apology letter on its official website to explain the matter clearly, otherwise the company's reputation will be ruined."

Ge Wei suppressed his anger, softened his tone, and smiled ingratiatingly:

"Both of you, this matter doesn't actually involve any legal issues..."

I only learned about the other party's research direction and did not intend to plagiarize the research data or results.

Strictly speaking, this is not illegal.

After all, Xiao Chen's sister is Ge Wei's new girlfriend, and he still wants to protect her.

Before he could finish speaking, one of the shareholders angrily rebuked him:

"Mr. Ge, don't be so reckless. For listed companies like ours, public opinion and moral consequences are more serious than legal ones. Besides, you also bear responsibility for this. Either he or you will take the blame. You decide what to do!"

After saying that, the shareholder and the other executives left in a huff.

"Brother-in-law, please help me! If you put all the blame on me, then I'll be in trouble in the future..."

Xiao Chen got up and pleaded desperately.

Once you're branded with the stigma of plagiarizing others' research.

He became infamous in the industry after that.

"Now you're scared? Get out of here!"

Ge Wei clenched his fists angrily and kicked Xiao Chen again.

A chilling glint flashed in his eyes, and he gritted his teeth, saying:

"Meng Chuan, I will never let you get away with this."

Ge Wei truly hated him.

Once again, he fell into Meng Chuan's trap.

Meanwhile, Meng Chuan returned to Shanghai University in Shanghai.

As soon as he arrived at the school gate, he saw a line of text scrolling continuously on the huge electronic screen above the school gate:

[Congratulations to our freshmen Meng Chuan and Jiang Zhenyu for participating in the Political Economy Annual Conference, with Meng Chuan being the keynote speaker.]

Jiang Zhenyu immediately became so excited that he danced with joy:

"Wow, that's awesome! Quick, take a picture of me, I need to upload it to the family group chat."

Meng Chuan looked at Jiang Zhenyu with amusement.

Dean Zuo Silan smiled:

"Come on, all of you stand here, I'll take a picture of you, we'll make it into a poster later."

It's so good that the dean himself can take photos.

This is a great honor.

What Meng Chuan and Jiang Zhenyu didn't know was that...

The entire Shanghai University was in an uproar because of them.

Although the video of the annual meeting has not yet been broadcast on the media.

But why would Shanghai University keep something that would make the school look good hidden?

The celebrations were already being openly displayed at the school gate, on the campus network, and elsewhere.

The freshmen are currently undergoing military training.

But they already knew about this news yesterday.

Everyone idolized Meng Chuan to the point of worship.

Students from the School of Economics, in particular, were even more excited than when the country won the bid to host the Olympics.

Because everyone knows how significant this political and economic conference is.

Even students who didn't know before were forced to learn about it amidst this overwhelming publicity.

When Huo Wanxi learned of this news, she was completely stunned.

She never expected it.

The freshman wearing a mask whom she mistook for someone else in the library that night turned out to be her long-awaited Prince Charming—Meng Chuan.

Her face flushed instantly, and she was filled with shame.

She finally understood why the netizen with the username "Old ginger is spicier" had said:

The phrase "His name is the best explanation" perfectly encapsulates this.

Yes, given the name Meng Chuan, how could he possibly put on an act in the library just to get close to me!

Moreover, Huo Wanxi had a vague feeling.

The phrase "Old ginger is spicier" is very likely referring to Jiang Zhenyu.

After all, they are classmates!

Furthermore, they jointly completed the paper "The root cause of the rise and fall of nations lies in their institutions".

No wonder "Old ginger is spicier" was so assertive that night, saying he was just being delusional.

"I was really delusional. Meng Chuan must have a terrible impression of me. Waaah... what should I do?"

Huo Wanxi felt ashamed, helpless, and worried.

Of course, some people are happy while others are sad.

Sun Yishan was the most unhappy person in the whole school.

Sun Yishan's head was split open.

I rested at home for a few days.

His head was still wrapped in bandages, and he was wearing a hat. He had just returned to school today.

However, the entire school was filled with news about Meng Chuan.

"Damn it, damn Meng Chuan."

Sun Yishan was so angry that his head ached.

My head feels like it's about to explode.

He feels uncomfortable whenever he hears the name Meng Chuan.

Unfortunately, Meng Chuan's name could be seen or heard everywhere in the school.

Sun Yishan was so angry that he hid in his dormitory for a whole day.

Finally, evening arrived, and out of sheer boredom, he opened Douyin (TikTok).

Looking to browse live streams featuring beautiful women that can bring men physical and mental pleasure.

As luck would have it, he opened Huo Wanxi's live stream.

Huo Wanxi's eyes were filled with tears as she faced the camera.

"Meng Chuan, I'm so sorry... I misunderstood you..."