Having achieved financial freedom, I reorganized my workplace.

Chapter 77 What a boastful person!

The expert theory exam is over.

Originally, everyone was supposed to go to the school's training base in the afternoon to learn more and prepare for tomorrow's practical exam, but Lin Chen didn't go and went straight back to the hotel to sleep.

After so many years of rigorous training, Lin Chen has come to realize that the key to passing this expert assessment is not how brilliant your theories are or how skilled you are.

The key is whether you can win over the reviewers.

You can't have any illusions about this world or this society; that's just courting death. The more illusions you have, the harder you'll fall.

Wu Di, who was just coasting through school and had no real skills, is still sitting comfortably in the position of director. Connections are a million times more useful than real talent.

Thinking about this, Lin Chen had no expectations for tomorrow's practical exam at all; on the contrary, he felt a bit disgusted.

Tang Yuwei gave him theoretical questions, and he did so well on the test, which added to his inner turmoil. Normally, if he had done poorly, he could have just accepted his fate, but now that he did well, he had a glimmer of hope, which made him feel numb.

I drifted off to sleep when Director Song called.

"Lin Chen, have you finished the theoretical exam for the expert selection? How did it go?" Song Jiehui was quite concerned about Lin Chen.

Lin Chen casually replied, "It's alright."

"I've inquired about it for you. All the judges this time are external hires. The head of the evaluation team is an associate professor from the School of Hydraulic Engineering at XX Hydropower School, named Li Bowen. I don't know him and can't be of much help, but I remember you graduated from that school, right? Try to find someone you know and see if you can get in touch with them." Song Jiehui's words were blatantly suggestive.

Since Song Jiehui had encouraged Lin Chen to apply for the expert position, he naturally wanted to contribute as well, since it would be extremely beneficial for him if Lin Chen really became an expert in the company.

Li Bowen?

Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat, and his body trembled involuntarily. He knew this person; he was an outstanding lecturer in their college back in the day. He had excelled academically in university and had almost been persuaded by Li Bowen to pursue a master's degree under him before graduation.

He had some impression of this teacher's personality: he was stubborn and had a scholarly integrity in his bones. He was rigid in his principles when it came to classes and exams. If someone was late, they had to leave; if they failed a course, they had to retake it. He showed no leniency whatsoever.

Many students feared and hated him. It is said that in the early years, some students tried to give him gifts to help them pass the exam, but he kicked them out of his office right in front of them without giving them any leeway.

Lin Chen said calmly, "Director Song, I do know this teacher. He was one of our college's teachers back then. But knowing him won't help. This isn't something that can be solved just by knowing him."

To be honest, Lin Chen never thought he would take this path.

Song Jiehui on the other end of the phone immediately perked up, his tone full of exasperation: "Lin Chen, don't make mistakes at crucial moments! Knowing someone is already a huge advantage; you need to turn that 'knowing' into a reliable way to get things done, understand?"

Lin Chen bluntly pointed out, "Director Song, are you implying that I should bribe him?"

Song Jiehui retorted, "This isn't bribery; it's public relations, and it's a science."

What a brilliant PR move.

Lin Chen: "This isn't a good idea. He's a professor, a respected teacher, and I remember him being quite upright and incorruptible. Wouldn't doing this backfire?"

Song Jiehui: "It's never wrong to be overly polite, it just depends on whether you're willing to spend a lot. Ultimately, Lin Chen's matter is your own business, so I'll stop here and not say anything more."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Chen felt even more uncomfortable sleeping.

He wasn't unaware of Song Jiehui's meaning; the company's "public relations" was, frankly speaking, about giving gifts, and everyone tacitly understood this.

Lin Chen wasn't against giving gifts. Although he wasn't familiar with this business, spending some money for this expert was nothing. It was reasonable to make a sacrifice, as long as things could develop in a positive direction.

The object of his affections is Li Bowen.

If I were to actually bring something to a teacher I once respected, a teacher who couldn't tolerate any flaws and wouldn't even make an exception for a passing grade, wouldn't it be embarrassing to just show up at their door? Wouldn't it backfire and insult their character?

Lin Chen has been out of school for ten years now. How many decades does one have in a lifetime? He teaches thousands of students a year. How could he possibly still remember you? Even if he did, so what? Who are you to him?

But if I don't try, damn it, I'll really be wasting the test questions Yuwei gave me.

However, Lin Chen did not know where Li Bowen lived.

Making a phone call would be too inappropriate.

It's a bit annoying.

Around 3:30, Tang Yuwei called again. As soon as Lin Chen answered, she couldn't wait to say, "Class monitor, I found out that the head of the expert review panel for tomorrow's selection is Li Bowen, a teacher from our university!"

Lin Chen was surprised that she had found out about it too; it seemed that many people already knew about this news.

"I know, he taught me before," Lin Chen replied.

"Wow, class monitor, what a coincidence! I'm his student too!" Tang Yuwei's tone was full of excitement.

Lin Chen didn't beat around the bush and asked directly, "What's your relationship with him like?" He knew it wasn't a good idea, but the thought couldn't help popping into his head. After all, Tang Yuwei had only graduated a year ago, so maybe she had some connections.

Tang Yuwei: "I'm a terrible student, and he doesn't like me. But I'm close to his wife. She's Teacher Zhou from the art academy, and she's the one who teaches me to dance. I also know that his house is right next to the school."

Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat: "Then do you think it would be appropriate for me to go see him?"

Tang Yuwei smiled slightly: "It's quite appropriate. It's only natural for students to come back and visit their teachers. Who can find fault with that?"

Lin Chen didn't even realize he was being a little shameless: "We can't go empty-handed, that would be a bit impolite."

"We definitely can't go empty-handed, that would be too impolite." Tang Yuwei, you're so thoughtful.

"How about bringing some fruit?"

"Fruit would be great, some durian or cherries, they look nice and taste delicious."

"Are you coming with me?" Lin Chen added. With her there, he felt more confident and seemed more natural.

"No problem," Tang Yuwei readily agreed.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Chen chuckled to himself. He realized that no matter how much he went around in circles, he still had to go through the public relations route, just using a more respectable way of saying it.

Anyway, let's go take a look; it's better than sitting around waiting to die.

Even if we take a step back and consider the students looking at the teacher, what's wrong with that?

Tang Yuwei arrived quickly, dressed in a student-style outfit. The gray and white color-blocked dress made her look fresh and energetic, and her lively eyes made her look very charming.

The two didn't linger, bought some fruit, and headed to Teacher Li Bowen's house. They knocked on the door and waited a full two minutes before hearing a response. The inner door opened, and a gentle-looking woman emerged—Teacher Li's wife, Zhou Lili. Her eyes were full of wariness as she scanned the two of them, speaking slowly, "You are…"

"Teacher Zhou, do you remember me? I'm Yuwei. I'm here to visit you and Teacher Li."

Tang Yuwei immediately smiled, her eyes crinkling into a charming smile. Lin Chen stood beside her, secretly relieved. If he were alone, he probably wouldn't have been able to utter a single coherent sentence.

Zhou Lili paused for a moment, then relaxed, and kindly stepped aside to let the two in: "Oh, it's Tang Yuwei. Come in and sit down." After they sat down, she pointed to Lin Chen and asked Tang Yuwei, her tone slightly inquisitive: "And this is?"

Tang Yuwei didn't hesitate at all and said frankly, "He is my boyfriend Lin Chen. He used to be Teacher Li's student. We came back to our alma mater together today, and when we talked about Teacher Li, we thought we would come and visit him together."

Boyfriend? Sure, sure.

Teacher Zhou nodded meaningfully, took the fruit, and then called out, "Li Bowen, your student has come to see you. Aren't you going to come out and greet him? Who are you hiding from all day?"

A short while later, Li Bowen came out. Ten years had passed, and his teacher's hair had turned completely white, but he was still in good spirits. In particular, his eyes were still very bright, and his every move exuded the composure of a scholar.

Lin Chen and Tang Yuwei quickly stood up to greet him. Li Bowen stared at Tang Yuwei for a long time, his eyes full of confusion. Then he turned his head and glanced at Lin Chen, his eyes suddenly lighting up as he immediately recognized him: "You're Lin Chen, right?"

"It's me, teacher." Lin Chen's Adam's apple bobbed, his nose suddenly tingled, and his eyes welled up with tears. Ten years had passed, and his teacher still remembered him. This unexpected warmth almost made him hold back his tears.

That's rare.

"How could I not remember?" Li Bowen smiled kindly, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing. "Back then, I asked you to take the entrance exam for my graduate program, but you absolutely refused, saying you didn't like using connections. That kid, he's too honest."

Lin Chen felt a pang of bitterness in his heart. It was precisely because of this honesty that he had wasted ten years at Xinhai Company, remaining mediocre. But even if he pursued a master's degree, he probably wouldn't escape this fate.

"Teacher Li, you're so biased! You still remember Lin Chen even though he graduated ten years ago, but you've already forgotten me after only one year," Tang Yuwei pouted and acted coquettishly.

Teacher Li looked Tang Yuwei over carefully again, and suddenly realized, "You, you, aren't you Tang Yuwei who often skips class and fails her exams?"

"Yes, yes, teacher, you finally remembered me!" Tang Yuwei was both angry and amused, and sighed helplessly.

The atmosphere finally improved a bit.

"Great, so you two are both doing well now," Teacher Li asked again.

"We both work at Xinhai Water Group, but she works at the provincial branch and I work at the county branch," Lin Chen replied calmly.

"Xinhai Water Group? You're in the provincial branch, or the county branch?" Teacher Li seemed skeptical, giving the two of them another once-over before cautiously replying, "Are you two here to take that expert selection exam?"

Tang Yuwei immediately interjected, "Teacher Li, Lin Chen is here to test my expertise. I'm not taking the test; I don't have that level of ability. I'm just here to see you."

Lin Chen was speechless and could only stand there awkwardly. Li Bowen stared at Lin Chen, pursed his lips thoughtfully, and before he could say anything, there was another knock on the door.

The teacher's wife got up and opened the door, and then seven or eight people poured out, filling the room instantly. Lin Chen, with his sharp eyes, immediately recognized that these people were basically those who had handed in their theory exams quickly this year.

It seems that those who have a way will always find a way, and those who have no way will never find a way.

What's meant to happen will happen eventually.

Of course, Wu Di was also in it.

That bastard.

When Wu Di saw Lin Chen, he narrowed his eyes, feeling quite incredulous.

"Teacher Li, we've come back to see you." They were all carrying bulging gift boxes, exquisitely packaged and obviously very valuable. As they entered, they all pushed past Lin Chen and Yu Wei and surrounded Li Bowen.

His attentiveness was even more affectionate than that of a biological son.

Some people peeled oranges for the teacher and put them directly to the teacher's mouth; some people gently massaged the teacher's back with just the right amount of pressure; and some people, having nowhere to sit, simply sat on the ground and hugged the teacher's legs. The whole scene was very heartwarming.

This kind of teacher-student relationship is truly touching.

Li Bowen looked at the group of people in front of him with a blank expression, clearly not recognizing any of them. However, not wanting to lose face, he could only smile and nod, "You're all here, haha. Teacher is getting old and his memory isn't good. You all look familiar, but I just can't remember your names."

"Teacher Li, you have taught so many students that it's perfectly normal that you don't remember us. But we've always thought of you, and we made a special trip to visit you today."

A middle-aged man spoke, his tone overly sincere, but Lin Chen recognized him. He was clearly from the electrical engineering department next door, and had absolutely no teacher-student relationship with Li Bowen.

However, no one called it out; everyone tacitly continued their act.

Li Bowen smiled and waved his hand, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness."

Another man immediately chimed in, his tone humble and respectful: "Professor Li, I know you are currently dedicated to research in wastewater purification and are also an expert in water management theory in our country. I am very interested in this and plan to study under you for my master's degree next year to further improve myself. I wonder if I am still old enough to do so?"

Lin Chen watched from the side, secretly admiring him. This guy had obviously done his homework, figured out Li Bowen's research direction, and spoke flawlessly, both flattering his teacher and making connections in a natural way. He was much better than those who only knew how to give money and gifts.

"It's never too late to learn, and there's no end to learning." Li Bowen was indeed intrigued, and his tone softened considerably. "As long as you are truly interested in academics and can settle down to study, you can apply anytime. Academics cannot tolerate any impetuosity."

"Thank you so much, Teacher Li!" The man immediately smiled and handed the gift box forward. "Teacher Li, it's a deal then. You must reserve a spot for me next year. Consider this little gift as my apprenticeship gift."

Wow, that's brilliant! Even the gift-giving is done in such a perfectly legitimate way.

Someone nearby chimed in, their tone full of admiration: "Professor Li, I've been reading your works lately, especially your paper 'Sewage and Social Relations,' it's simply a masterpiece! I've read it at least five times, and each time I gain new insights. Your analysis of sewage and social relations is profound and thorough, even explaining the side effects incisively. After reading it, my admiration for you is like a never-ending river!"

Lin Chen felt a chill run down his spine. Sewage and social relations? How could they connect these? And so incisively? This flattery was utterly outrageous; how could he say it without batting an eye? He and Tang Yuwei stood in the corner, completely invisible, with no chance to even interject.

Li Bowen was clearly flattered by the praise, his eyes brightening considerably, but he still feigned reluctance: "This is too much of a compliment. These are just some of my humble works, published to boost my sales figures. They're nothing to mention, nothing at all."

"Professor Li, you are too modest!" The man who had just given the gift immediately chimed in, "I have also read that paper. Whether it is the arguments, evidence, or the subsequent reasoning process, every part fully demonstrates your profound academic foundation and rigorous scientific attitude. Given time, this paper will surely attract widespread attention and discussion in the academic community and become an industry benchmark."

It's numb, really numb.

Li Bowen was truly delighted. He couldn't help but smile and wave his hand, saying, "I'm not being modest. In China, our research center is definitely one of the best in the field of wastewater research."

Once the topic started, it was completely out of control.

"Professor Li, you are truly a role model for us. You have dedicated your life to scientific research, just to contribute to society. You are someone we should all learn from."

"Yes, yes, with experts like you leading the way, our country's sewage treatment industry will definitely get better and better, and will surely break down barriers and reach new heights."

"Professor Li was known for his rigor and erudition at our school. Now that he is dedicated to the field of wastewater treatment, he will surely become a leading expert in the industry, making significant contributions to our wastewater treatment and bringing tangible benefits to the people."

Li Bowen suddenly spoke earnestly: "This is something I have always insisted on. I have always believed that research should not be lofty and unrealistic, nor should it be limited to theory. It must be able to be applied to practice and bring practical value to society and the people."

"Teacher, you are truly outstanding and will always be our role model. It was definitely worth the trip to see you during this exam."

The room was filled with a chorus of praise that lingered for a long time.

Throughout the entire process, no one actually discussed the selection of experts, but you could clearly feel that this was omnipresent.

Seeing this, Lin Chen felt utterly disheartened.

I simply can't compare.

Even if you try, you can't beat them.

These people should fucking be experts.

They can only be experts.

They can boast so much, without any psychological pressure or burden.

It perfectly matches the unique temperament of the company's experts.