Professor Yuan asked this question not to interfere with his student’s private affairs, but because he was worried that something might happen to Li Shu. Li Shu was still a child who hadn’t graduated from school yet, although he was strong in professional ability, the things in society are completely different from those in school. People who have struggled in society are not opponents that a child who has never left the ivory tower can confront.
He sensed that someone in the He Group was paying too much attention to Li Shu. He had been here before and had cooperated with the He family before, so he could feel that this time was different from every other time before, although the feeling was faint. At first, he didn’t understand the reason until he felt those eyes at noon.
Li Shu sat on the sofa, took the water handed over by Professor Yuan, and took a slow sip. He could tell that the person in front of him was worried about him. From the first time he met Professor Yuan, Li Shu has sensed infinite goodwill from him. Looking through the memories of the original owner, he discovered that this professor had been very concerned about him since the original owner’s enrollment. No matter what the reason was, Li Shu would not turn a blind eye to such kindness.
Therefore, he slowly set down the cup in his hand, “Li Heyuan, but Professor, I’m not sure if it’s him.”
“Li…” Professor Yuan’s eyes suddenly widened, “Who are you talking about? Li Heyuan? Is it that Li Heyuan?”
Li Shu nodded. He didn’t know why the male protagonist didn’t change back to his own surname after returning to his family, and was still using the name he had originally chosen. But the fact was so. Li Shu asked Lu Yuanqing about this, and Lu Yuanqing told him that he was supposed to change his name, and even if he didn’t change his name, his surname must be changed. But Li Heyuan, who was indifferent to everything else, cared a lot about this matter. He refused to change his name no matter what, even though it brought more obstacles to his path.
Naturally, some people were curious about why he refused to change his name. Moreover, the surname Li wasn’t even the surname of Li Heyuan’s mother, so why would he attach such importance to a surname with no blood relations?
Over the years, this had become an unsolved mystery. Now that Li Heyuan had fully taken control of the He Group, naturally no one would question his name anymore. No matter where you are, strength speaks.
To be honest, Li Shu is very pleased that Li Heyuan had grown to where he is today.
“If there isn’t another Li Heyuan in the family, then the person I’m talking about is the one you mentioned, Professor,” Li Shu said, lowering his eyes to hide his emotions.
“That kind of person…” Professor Yuan was really tempted to ask how Li Shu got involved with someone like him. Having taught at B University for so many years, he was well aware of many things that had happened there. Precisely because of this, he found it even more unbelievable. It wasn’t that he doubted Li Shu, but the idea that someone like that would know an ordinary student was really incredible.
Li Shu’s background was well-known to him: a very ordinary family from a small county, with absolutely no possible connection to Li Heyuan. Therefore, he was even more puzzled.
Despite his curiosity, Professor Yuan knew he shouldn’t dig too deeply into it. Li Shu was just his student and he had no right to pry into his personal affairs.
He stood up, walked to Li Shu’s side, and patted him on the shoulder. “I shouldn’t be asking you about these things. Li Shu, remember, if you encounter difficulties, you can come to me. Don’t be afraid. You are my student, and seeking help from your teacher is only right.”
“I know, Professor.”
Professor Yuan didn’t say more. “Get some rest early. There’s still a lot of work to do.”
Li Shu lay in bed, still thinking about the matter. The Professor Yuan from his classmates’ mouths seemed like a completely different person compared to the one he knew. To his classmates, Professor Yuan was extremely strict, business-like, completely devoted to his work, and even somewhat aloof.
But the Professor Yuan in front of Li Shu wasn’t like that at all. He genuinely cared for Li Shu and treated him like a junior from his family. If the original owner’s memories were correct, there was no familial connection between him and Professor Yuan. Before coming to B University, there had never been such a person in the original owner’s life.
Why did Professor Yuan treat the original owner so well?
The following days were extremely busy. They went to the company early in the morning and returned to the hotel at night. This continued for a week before they had a bit of free time.
During this period, Li Shu did not meet Li Heyuan.
This was normal. Li Heyuan was the president of the He Group, while Li Shu was just a student brought by his professor. Their work areas did not overlap. If neither had the intention to meet, there naturally wouldn’t be any opportunity.
Without meeting, the mission couldn’t proceed. 1314 looked at the glaring negative happiness value and became worried.
[Host, why aren’t you anxious at all?] After enduring for a few days, 1314 finally couldn’t resist and asked when Li Shu was preparing to rest.
It simply couldn’t believe that with such a good opportunity, the host was just completing the work, as if he had completely forgotten about the mission. 1314 began to wonder if Li Shu really didn’t care about the mission at all. This wasn’t just 1314 worrying too much. While the missions in the previous worlds were completed, the process and outcome were always different from what 1314 had expected. In the first two worlds, it hadn’t sensed a strong desire in Li Shu to complete the mission, which was very different from other hosts.
Of course, 1314 knew that Li Shu’s situation was unique and couldn’t be judged by common standards.
[What’s the point of being anxious?] Li Shu asked back.
He truly wasn’t anxious because he knew that when encountering things, there are many unnecessary emotions, which may even interfere with your normal judgment. No matter what one faces, it is best to abandon these useless emotions.
1314 knew that being anxious wouldn’t help, but it couldn’t help it. Sometimes it even wondered if it and the host’s personalities had been swapped. The host was always so calm, while it is always worried and happy about various things.
As if realizing its worry, Li Shu softened his tone. [Don’t worry. Some things will soon be resolved. Trust me, I won’t let you be trapped in this small world.]
1314 had no choice but to believe Li Shu.
After the first phase ended, their work became less intense, no longer as hectic as the previous days. With more free time, the young people of similar ages easily started chatting.
Li Shu and his two senior brothers sat together, sorting through meeting documents while chatting.
“The workload at the He Group is really intense. Working here is busier than any other job the professor has taken us to,” one of the senior brothers sighed.
“This is the He Group, of course it’s different,” the other senior brother responded.
“True. Xiao Li, is this your first time doing such intense work? Are you getting used to it?”
Li Shu put away the materials beside him and answered, “I’m used to it.”
“I really admire you. You manage to complete such heavy and complex tasks without making any noise. Before, I didn’t understand why the professor brought you along, but now I get it.”
They genuinely admired Li Shu. Previously, they really couldn’t understand why the professor brought an undergraduate junior along or why he treated him so differently. Now they understood. If they were in the professor’s position, they would bring Li Shu too.
Competent and capable people are always welcomed everywhere.
After spending time together over this period, Li Shu had become quite familiar with the two senior brothers. Smiling, he said, “If you keep saying that, I might get arrogant.”
“You should be proud, Xiao Li. Are you planning to continue studying under the professor? We’re all looking forward to you joining us.”
Li Shu: “If the professor doesn’t mind, I would love to come.”
“Of course, I wouldn’t mind. Having such an excellent student join me would make other professors envious,” Professor Yuan said as he entered, naturally picking up on their conversation.
He was very optimistic about Li Shu, and this job made him have a better opinion of Li Shu. Teachers all like students who are hardworking, talented and willing to make progress and Li Shu happened to have all three of these qualities.
“Teacher, you must keep your word. We’re all waiting for our junior brother to join us,” one of the senior brothers said.
Professor Yuan asked with a smile, “When have I ever gone back on my word?”
Indeed, anything Professor Yuan had promised, he had always delivered on.
They packed their things and left together. Today’s work ended early, and to reward them for their hard work, Professor Yuan decided to treat them to a big meal.
Everyone was in high spirits. But just as they were stepping out of the office building, a well-dressed, elegant man in a black suit approached them.
This man was Li Heyuan’s assistant. Professor Yuan recognized him. Although he didn’t know the reason for his visit, he stopped.
“Excuse me for the interruption. Mr. Li, there’s a small matter that requires your attention. Could you stay for a while?”
The assistant’s attitude was very respectful, which made Professor Yuan suspicious. He moved a few steps forward, shielding Li Shu behind him, and asked, “May I ask what business you have with Xiao Li?”
Assistant Yang gave a polite, official smile. “It’s just a minor matter that I need Mr. Li’s help with. Don’t worry, Professor Yuan. We’ll ensure he returns to the hotel afterward.”
Professor Yuan couldn’t help but feel uneasy. He recalled the gaze he had felt that afternoon and the question he had asked Li Shu that evening. Li Shu said that the person was the president of He Group. Nothing had happened over the past few days, so he had relaxed, thinking he was overthinking things. But now, it seemed his concerns were justified.
He was quite familiar with the He Group, so he naturally knew that Assistant Yang was someone that worked closely with Li Heyuan. The only person in the entire group who could order him to do something and still make him have such an attitude was Li Heyuan.
While Professor Yuan pondered how to take Li Shu away without offending anyone, Li Shu stepped out from behind him, “Professor, you can go back first. I’ll return shortly.”
Since Li Shu had said so, Professor Yuan couldn’t say much more.
The assistant led Li Shu straight to the top floor of the office building, which was Li Heyuan’s office area. Without any stops, they proceeded to the largest office. After knocking and receiving a response, the assistant opened the door.
Li Shu immediately saw the man standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, his back turned to them—he looked solitary, indifferent, and formidable.
