188: Chapter 188 The Difficult-to-Win Jia Youran

"Why would a young girl like someone your age?"

"I have money."

"Speaking of which, you suddenly said you earned some money last time. Tell Mom the truth, how much did you actually earn?"

Father Zhao thought to himself, since his son secretly transferred so much money to him last time, he must be worth at least a million.

He was also very curious about what kind of business could suddenly make so much money.

"Anyway, even if I just lie around at home every day from now on, I probably won't be able to spend it all in this lifetime."

Zhao Xiaoshuai's savings were all in the system and couldn't be easily withdrawn; he only had over a hundred thousand in pocket money in his card.

Besides, if he revealed the hundreds of millions he had to his parents now, it might scare them half to death.

His plan was to proceed step by step, gradually revealing his financial strength, and finally revealing the fact that he was a billionaire, giving them time to adjust.

"So secretive. I think you're asking for a beating again."

"Mom, Xinyi is still here. Please save me some face."

"Save what face? Xinyi is one of our own, and your true colors have long been revealed."

The Sister-in-law even chimed in by making a face at Zhao Xiaoshuai.

"How did you two meet? How do you have the social circle to meet a female college student?"

"Didn't I lose weight a while ago..."

Like an interrogation, Zhao Xiaoshuai confessed everything he could, which put his parents' minds at ease.

"Speaking of weight loss, you really slimmed down right before our eyes. Did you take some special medicine? Your aunt's child is also trying to lose weight; can you recommend something?"

To this, Zhao Xiaoshuai could only righteously refuse, "It's all hard work and sweat; there are no shortcuts."

"You say it like it's true, but I know how much patience you have. Still, it's good that you've slimmed down; you look much better. Just look at how fat you were before..."

Seeing his mother about to look for her phone album, Zhao Xiaoshuai quickly said, "Delete those old photos already, why are you still keeping them?"

Chu Xinyi watched her brother-in-law get humbled with a smile on her lips; he only showed this side of himself in front of his parents.

After chatting about family matters for a while, Zhao Xiaoshuai checked the time.

"Xinyi, please accompany my parents to get more familiar with the new house. I have something to take care of and need to head out."

"Alright, Brother-in-law. Where will you be eating tonight?"

"Let's eat here. I'll pick you up on my way back."

Moving his parents into a new home was a part of the plan for the gradual reveal in the future, and also to let them enjoy a better quality of life as soon as possible.

People of their generation didn't have the habit of indulging themselves and preferred to endure unnecessary hardships; Zhao Xiaoshuai could only influence them little by little.

He really had an appointment at noon, and it was with Jia Youran, his hardest-to-book girlfriend-in-waiting, who had initiated the meal.

A high-level meeting concluded.

Jia Youran's project received high praise and expectations, but it still failed to successfully secure research funding.

After all, there was a long line of experts ahead of her who were more senior and whose projects seemed more important.

Although she had proven herself countless times with her strength, the reputation or personal connections others had accumulated over decades were not barriers that could be easily broken.

However, this time she was different from usual and was not too depressed because she had already found a man willing to support her research career.

"Youran, Youran."

Jia Youran slowed her pace, and a gentle, bespectacled middle-aged man caught up to her.

"Director Lin, is something the matter?"

"Your project didn't make the list this time either; it's such a pity."

Jia Youran wore her usual poker face. "There's nothing to pity. The research of the senior experts is also very important, and my project doesn't see any possibility of commercial profitability in the short term, so I can understand not receiving support."

"But don't be discouraged. Why not come to my house today and meet my father? He still has some connections, and maybe he can help you find another way."

The man's family had been in medicine for generations and indeed held some weight in the industry, but it was unrealistic to say he could influence the distribution of tens of millions in research funds.

"No need. Actually, I have already found an investor."

"That's... that's great. But you must be careful; I hear there are a lot of scammers out there. You have a simple mind, so don't get cheated."

"Thank you for your concern, Director Lin. However, the first investment of 7 million arrived a while ago, and the recent progress of the project is all thanks to him."

"..." The man couldn't find anything to criticize for a moment and could only force out, "How would a layman know the value of your project? I'm afraid he has ulterior motives. If he's just after money, that's one thing, but if he's after something else, you need to be careful."

Just then, a black maybach slowly pulled up in front of the two people who had reached the main gate.

The car window rolled down, revealing Zhao Xiaoshuai's handsome and masculine face. "Youran, get in the car."

"Director Lin, I have an appointment with my boyfriend, so I'll take my leave."

The man looked at the obviously expensive luxury car and remained silent.

"What do you want to eat?"

"Anything is fine. I took a half-day off this afternoon to accompany you, and I have to go back to the laboratory tonight."

"How does a busy person like you have time to accompany me today?"

"Don't even talk about it. I was just busy for a few days and turned down a few of your dates, and you actually went and complained to my mom. Today, I'm on an ordered date."

"..." Zhao Xiaoshuai suddenly remembered that he seemed to have mentioned it to Tao Mengjie.

Tao Mengjie was a distant cousin of Jia Youran, so she must have passed the words to Jia Youran's godmother's ears.

But that was fine. It had been several days since he last saw Jia Youran. Since the last time, her favorability had only increased by 7 points, and it was now 207 (Favorability), making her the woman with the lowest favorability among those with whom he had an intimate relationship.

Moreover, Jia Youran was not a very emotional person and was excessively rational; trying to increase her favorability was as difficult as ascending to heaven.

After several interactions, he realized her ideal type should be the kind of man who could silently support her career and research from behind.

Achieving success in medicine was her greatest lifelong pursuit.

Starting from this, Zhao Xiaoshuai roughly had a strategy for conquering her; after all, he was the person who could support her from behind, whether physically or professionally.

He drove Jia Youran to the restaurant that Xing Huiqiong had taken him to last time; the food there was truly excellent.

After ordering the dishes, Zhao Xiaoshuai looked at the placid-faced Jia Youran and slowly asked, "How is the project progressing? Did my 7 million have any effect?"

Sure enough, as soon as her scientific research career was mentioned, Jia Youran came alive.

"The progress is very smooth. We have achieved several phased results and presented a report at the conference today, which received recognition from many senior experts."

"It's just that we still couldn't apply for government funding; my credentials are still too shallow."

"But I've made up my mind. From now on, this project will no longer take money from the public sector; I won't apply for funding again."

"That way, when results are achieved in the future, I can take full responsibility for your share of the credit. I can't let you invest your money in vain and end up with nothing."

Zhao Xiaoshuai smiled calmly. "I don't really care about money. I invested in your project simply because it is your career and your dream."

"I agree with your philosophy, and I like you as a person; that is all."

Receiving recognition for her philosophy and unconditional support, the solid ice of rationality in Jia Youran's heart inevitably developed a few cracks.

[Jia Youran Favorability + 10]