102: Chapter 102 Soul-Searching Questions—The Same Style

With the Vice President of the University of Political Science and Law taking strong control of the room, the defense was finally brought back on track.

After Zhao Yang finished speaking, the Criminal Investigation experts took turns asking a few more questions before announcing that he had passed the defense with honors.

Next, everyone tacitly urged Vice Chancellor Sun Shuxin to organize a dinner—now that his first Disciple had donned the doctoral cap, it would be against the laws of nature if he didn't treat them to a meal.

Three or four younger students from the University of Political Science and Law immediately surrounded Zhao Yang, offering one congratulation after another. As for the group from Shuimu whose eyes were nearly popping out, they were all kept at a distance.

Zhao Yang gave Professor Lin a helpless look from afar before being whisked away from the auditorium by the teachers and students of the University of Political Science and Law.

Everyone from Shuimu looked at Professor Lin in unison.

One boy said anxiously, "Professor Lin, what should we do? I have questions for Brother Yang."

A girl nearby added, "I want to ask too; that new language is so cool!"

Professor Lin huffed, "What's the rush? The monk can run, but the temple can't. Just wait a few days."

The girl said with a long face, "But... Professor Lin, I just remembered—I definitely have to cite Brother Yang's paper. But for a paper from our Department of Computer Science, it feels weird to have a Criminal Investigation paper in the references."

The boy nodded in agreement, "Yeah, I'll most likely have to cite it too."

Professor Lin fell silent.

Because he himself couldn't avoid this literature either, and it would likely be a key citation.

But the problem was—he was the Vice Dean of the School of Electronic Information at Shuimu University. If his paper's references included an article from the doctoral thesis database of Handong University of Political Science and Law's Criminal Investigation department, wouldn't his peers laugh their heads off?

He gritted his teeth.

This kid Zhao Yang was truly something else.

If he didn't deliver a satisfactory result for the Department of Computer Science doctoral thesis, he definitely wouldn't let him off!

...

On the other side, Lu Yike, relying on her status as one of the University of Political Science and Law's own, successfully mingled her way to Zhao Yang's side. To emphasize her position, she called him "Director Zhao" at every turn, her face practically screaming "sycophant."

Cups and glasses clinked at the dinner party.

Everyone there was a scholar, so there were no messy antics. Having been immersed in the Imperial Capital's System for over a year, Zhao Yang was already smooth and appropriate in his conduct, blending into the University of Political Science and Law circle in just a few words.

During the meal, he paid close attention to the trends in Handong Province politics. At first, the conversation was quite serious—personnel changes in the political and legal System, the development situation in Handong Province—all very standard.

As more wine was consumed, the topic drifted toward private matters.

Soon, the focus fell on Former Secretary Zhao Lichun.

At this time, he was still the second-in-command of Handong Province, but his actual authority had already surpassed the top leader. What everyone talked about most was naturally his precious son, Zhao Ruilong. It was said that the Zhao family, in order to make the boy settle down, had forced him to get married. As a result, the household was now in chaos, and everyone was betting on when he would get a divorce.

Zhao Yang found it secretly amusing. He remembered that in the show, Zhao Ruilong was indeed still single despite his age, but that was in 2015. It turned out that at this point in 2001, the kid had actually been married. Obviously, they divorced later—given what a troublemaker Zhao Ruilong was, probably no woman could stand him.

After three rounds of drinks, the conversation was in full swing.

A woman in her fifties suddenly entered the private room. Her hair was coiled meticulously, and she wore a crisp uniform. With a kind smile on her face, she greeted everyone. It turned out to be Lu Yike's mother, Judge Wu.

"Mom?" Lu Yike stood up in surprise. After her mother finished exchanging pleasantries with a few acquaintances, she hurried to pull her aside. "What are you doing here?"

Judge Wu's face darkened. "I can't come? Didn't you say your leader was here? Hurry and introduce me."

"What does my leader being here have to do with you?"

"How can you talk to me like that? I'm your mother. Can't I meet your leader and put in a good word for you?" As she spoke, she scanned the dining table. "Which one is the Director Zhao you mentioned?"

"I'm seriously done with you... Wait here."

Lu Yike turned and walked to Zhao Yang's side, lowering her voice. "Director Zhao, my mother is over there and wants to meet you. It's really just some cliché advice... I'm so sorry for the trouble."

Zhao Yang smiled. "All parents feel the same way; it's fine."

He followed Lu Yike to Judge Wu and took the initiative to extend his hand. "Hello, you must be Yike's mother, Judge Wu? Yike often mentions you, saying you're an excellent judge."

Judge Wu didn't hear a word he said; she was staring blankly at his face.

This young man was way too handsome!

No—he was way too young. He looked twenty-five or twenty-six at most. Such a young prospective deputy division chief? Even if promotions were fast in the Imperial Capital, they couldn't be this fast, could they?

Seeing her staring intently at Zhao Yang without responding, Lu Yike quickly tugged at her sleeve. "Mom! Director Zhao is talking to you!"

Judge Wu finally snapped out of it, full of apologies. "I'm so sorry, Director Zhao... I didn't expect you to be so young. You look even younger than our Yike."

Zhao Yang couldn't help but laugh. "In terms of age, Yike really does seem to be a year older than me."

"Ah?" Judge Wu was completely stunned, her lips trembling slightly. "Is... is that true? You're younger than Yike? Only twenty-three this year?"

Lu Yike just wanted to return her mother for a refund.

Meeting the leader for the first time and obsessing over his age! Do you really have no fear of him making life difficult for your daughter back at work?

"Mom!" she said anxiously. "Why do you keep focusing on Director Zhao's age?"

Judge Wu finally realized her gaffe and quickly apologized again. "Director Zhao, I am truly sorry. It's just that it's my first time meeting such an outstanding young man like you."

Zhao Yang gave a faint smile. "You're too kind, Judge Wu. It's just that the organization trusts me to take on more responsibilities; I wouldn't call myself outstanding."

Judge Wu's gaze toward Zhao Yang grew more and more affectionate. "Director Zhao, Yike is all alone in the Imperial Capital and relies entirely on your care. Her father and I keep that in mind. Since we've met today, I must thank you on behalf of my husband."

"It's only right. Please don't be so polite, Judge Wu."

After chatting a bit more about family matters and saying goodbye to her old acquaintances from the University of Political Science and Law, Judge Wu left first.

That night, as soon as Lu Yike entered the house, she was dragged into the inner room by her mother.

Judge Wu's expression was somewhat serious. "Yike, let me ask you, how much do you know about your Director Zhao?"

Lu Yike was taken aback. "How much could I know? Just work-related stuff."

"Do you know what his family does?"

"Why are you asking that?"

Judge Wu paused and lowered her voice. "I've seen the watch on his wrist before in the evidence of a major corruption case. It looks unremarkable, but it costs six figures."

Lu Yike paused, then burst into laughter, laughing until tears nearly came out.

Judge Wu was bewildered by her laughter. "What's so funny! That watch isn't something an ordinary person can afford, which is why I'm asking about his family situation."

Lu Yike wiped the corners of her eyes and cleared her throat. "Mom, I really don't know what Director Zhao's family does. However, I have seen the list of personal assets he reported to the organization."

"What was listed?"

"Two high-end duplex residences in the Imperial Capital, valued at 6.05 million; one Xishan Villa..."

Judge Wu's eyes grew wider and wider. Truly Lu Yike's mother, she finally uttered the same Soul-searching question: "He's so rich, why is he still working?"

Lu Yike's face stiffened as she said solemnly, "To serve the people."