Heilin Pavilion

"Teacher Wang, you may speak now," the Principal said.

Teacher Wang replied, "Principal, this Lin Xuan intends to lead a team from Shangqing University to research chips and lithography machines."

"What?"

The Principal froze.

His expression mirrored the look of pure disbelief that Teacher Wang had worn when she first saw the news.

"Teacher Wang, are you certain?" the Principal asked skeptically.

A student leading a group of other students to research lithography machines and chips?

It was simply too preposterous.

Could Teacher Wang have misheard the news?

"A very capable doctoral student from Shangqing University revealed this to me. It should be true," Teacher Wang nodded.

"I'll send someone to investigate further," the Principal said, stroking his chin in deep thought.

"If it is true, we must seize this opportunity and publicize it extensively."

Having said that, the Principal immediately made a phone call to issue instructions. "Go and investigate something for me right now."

Half an hour later.

The cell phone of the Yundu University Principal rang, and he answered immediately.

"Did you find anything out?" the Principal asked anxiously.

"I did," the person on the other end replied. "Principal, I confirmed it. Lin Xuan has indeed assembled a team of over twenty students to research chips and lithography machines, and Shangqing University has already approved his project."

"Hahahaha—" The Principal put down his phone, his face wreathed in smiles. "I didn't expect it to be true. Lin Xuan really is going to lead students from Shangqing University to research chip and lithography technology."

If Lin Xuan were conducting this research within the Tianmu Group, no one would question it.

But this was a school!

None of the Shangqing University students had practical experience; they were all fledglings just starting out. Furthermore, Lin Xuan's own major was Computer Science.

This was a project that was simply impossible to complete.

Once this leaked out...

And if he bought some paid trolls to guide the narrative...

There would certainly be many people cursing Lin Xuan for biting off more than he could chew, and criticizing both him and Shangqing University for wasting resources.

The reputations of both Lin Xuan and Shangqing University would undoubtedly suffer.

They could also use this opportunity to promote Yundu University.

They had been suppressed by Shangqing for too long.

Finally, they had a chance to hold their heads high.

The Yundu University Principal immediately picked up his phone and gave orders: "I need you to handle something for me. I want you to quickly get a specific topic onto the trending search lists of all major platforms."

Hearing that there was work to be done, the person on the other end sat up straight.

"Principal, whatever it is, just say the word. I'll make sure it's arranged beautifully."

The Principal replied, "The topic is: Lin Xuan leading Shangqing University students to research chips and lithography machines."

"Okay, no problem. I'll arrange it right away."

After hanging up, the Principal couldn't suppress the smile on his face.

"Shangqing University definitely wanted to research chips and lithography machines in secret."

After all, researching a project that was impossible to complete was hardly a glorious endeavor.

"Now that I've exposed it, Shangqing University is going to have a massive headache."

The Principal looked at Teacher Wang with a smile. "Teacher Wang, you did well this time. Perform well this semester, and I will find a way to help you get promoted to Associate Professor."

Teacher Wang had originally felt that the Principal's actions were a bit underhanded and wanted to persuade him otherwise, but upon hearing this promise, her face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Principal."

The Principal sneered, the corners of his mouth lifting.

With this matter exposed, he believed Lin Xuan's mythical status would be dragged down, and his ability to attract new students would weaken.

Next year, his own school should be able to recruit quite a few top-tier students.

Over at Weibo, they had also received the payment from Yundu University.

A staff member from the technical department asked, "Supervisor, should we tell Lin Xuan about this?"

Lin Xuan was someone who could hack into their Weibo platform at will. They had no way to stop him. If Lin Xuan got upset and destroyed their defense systems, or 'accidentally' caused their app to crash, it would be a devastating blow to them.

They couldn't afford to offend someone like that.

The supervisor said, "No need to tell him. Just follow the client's request and put this news on the trending list. Lin Xuan will resolve this matter himself."

Lin Xuan was simply too good at proving people wrong.

Smearing Lin Xuan would bring traffic to their platform. Later, when Lin Xuan clarified the situation, it would bring another wave of traffic.

It had to be said.

Aside from the fact that Lin Xuan often made them handle trending searches for free and possessed terrifying hacking skills, everything else was great—especially his ability to generate heat for their platform.

That afternoon.

All major platforms were dominated by the trending topic: "Lin Xuan leads Shangqing University team to research chips and lithography machines."

The paid trolls meant to steer public opinion were effective.

Aside from a few comments expressing faith in Lin Xuan, the comment sections were filled with ridicule and sarcasm.

— Although I really like Lin Xuan and have always treated him as my idol, researching lithography machines and chips... can this really succeed?

— Is this Lin Xuan actually overconfident? Does he think he's omnipotent? A Computer Science major thinking he can lead students to research such advanced lithography machines and chips? Is he crazy?

— A waste of school resources! Where are the shareholders of Shangqing University? Why don't they come out and stop Lin Xuan?

— If they actually manage to research advanced chips and lithography machines, I'll do a handstand and eat shit!

— To the guy above, don't speak too soon. Last time, someone said they'd do a handstand and eat shit regarding Lin Xuan, and in the end, they were actually forced to do it.

— Right, right, right! I remember that too. I watched that livestream. It was disgusting. God, that left a deep impression. Now that you mention it, I realize Lin Xuan is very good at face-slapping. Forget it, I'll trust Lin Xuan to avoid getting slapped in the face myself.

— Can this time really be the same as before? I'm putting my words right here: It is impossible for Lin Xuan to develop advanced lithography machines and chips. If he does, everyone here can bear witness—I will livestream myself doing a handstand and eating shit!

— Upstairs, I've screenshotted your comment.

— I seriously suspect there is corruption at Shangqing University. The leaders must have taken Lin Xuan's money to allow him to research this impossible project. Lin Xuan is probably using this project to embezzle money!

— That can't be right. The Tianmu Group makes so much money a year; Lin Xuan isn't short of cash. Why would he use this project to embezzle?

— You just don't get it. This is the ugly face of capitalists. They never think they have too much money.

— If Lin Xuan really embezzled money, that would be truly disgusting. To think I treated him as an idol!