41: Chapter 42 AI-Assisted Glasses

Yu Bo thought of Yin Tianxue's instructions, checked the time, and politely declined, "Thank you for the kind offer, President Shen, but I already have an appointment with another team tonight."

"That is a pity." Shen Nian didn't push, her smile remaining proper. "However, Chairman Yu, you might really want to consider this evening's gathering."

"Oh?" Yu Bo looked at her.

"Besides you and me, there are a few other friends." Shen Nian explained, "They are a startup team, two men and one woman. They are working on AI-powered smart navigation glasses, specifically designed for the visually impaired. The core algorithm and hardware design are quite good, but commercialization and funding are their weaknesses. Their mentor is a senior from my university days who asked me to help take a look and offer some advice."

She paused, looking at Yu Bo with sincere eyes: "I think this project has great social value, and the technology has highlights. I happen to have dinner scheduled with them tonight to chat. Chairman Yu, you have a sharp eye, would you like to come and meet them? Consider it a favor to me, and it might give you another potential investment option?"

Yu Bo hesitated. He did indeed have dinner scheduled with members of another energy storage materials team, but the time could be adjusted. Regarding Shen Nian's proposal, professionally speaking, it seemed worth hearing.

"What is the background of their team?" Yu Bo asked.

"The founder is an engineering PhD, a tech genius, a bit stubborn but very pure. The co-founder studied industrial design and has great aesthetic sense. There is also a junior, just graduated this year, responsible for market and user research; she is very clever and also quite pretty." Shen Nian introduced them briefly, her tone objective. "They are currently lacking a guide with business acumen and resources. I think you, Chairman Yu, are quite suitable."

Yu Bo pondered for a moment. This project did sound quite interesting. Moreover, since Shen Nian was so "enthusiastic" in her recommendation, if he kept refusing, it would seem petty.

"Fine, then I will trouble you this evening, President Shen." Yu Bo nodded. "I will let that team know and reschedule."

"That's great!" Shen Nian's smile deepened. "I'll let them know to add a seat. The place is called 'Fisherman's Cottage' on the back street of the university; it's very unique. Six-thirty, I'll send you the location."

"Okay, see you at six-thirty." Yu Bo bid her farewell, watched her back disappear into the twilight, took out his phone, first rescheduled with the originally planned team, and then sent a message to Yin Tianxue.

"Shen Nian introduced a team working on AI glasses for the blind tonight. It's interesting, so I'm going to take a look. The team is two men and a woman, and their mentor is her senior. Dinner is near the university, don't worry."

Soon, Yin Tianxue replied: "Mm, mind your boundaries. Drink less. Stay in touch."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Yu Bo replied with a playful emoji.

At six-thirty in the evening, Yu Bo arrived at "Fisherman's Cottage" on time. This was a private restaurant opened in an old residential house; the environment was quiet and had a great atmosphere.

Shen Nian had already arrived and was sitting at a four-person table by the window. Three other people were already at the table, just as Shen Nian had said—two men and one woman.

One of the men was about thirty, wearing black-rimmed glasses and a plaid shirt—the typical engineering guy look—and was fiddling with a prototype of the glasses on the table, looking focused. The other man was slightly younger, dressed fashionably, with a more artistic vibe; he must be the designer. As for the girl, she looked to be in her early twenties, wearing a ponytail, delicate and lovely, with a lively smile on her face, talking to Shen Nian.

Seeing Yu Bo enter, Shen Nian immediately waved with a smile: "Chairman Yu, over here!"

The eyes of the three people at the table instantly focused on him. Yu Bo walked over, and Shen Nian stood up to introduce them.

"This is Chairman Yu Bo of 'Tinglan Capital'. Chairman Yu, these three are the founding team of 'Mingtu Technology'." Shen Nian introduced them in turn, "This is the CEO and CTO, Zhou Ming, a PhD from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This is the co-founder, Lin Yuan, who is responsible for product design. This is our junior, Su Xiaoxiao, who is responsible for market and user research."

"Hello, Chairman Yu!" The three said in unison. Zhou Ming and Lin Yuan were a bit reserved, while Su Xiaoxiao's eyes were shining, carrying undisguised curiosity and a hint of admiration.

"Hello, nice to meet you." Yu Bo nodded politely and sat down in the empty seat next to Shen Nian.

Dinner began. Shen Nian was indeed a great host, naturally guiding the conversation and letting the slightly reserved Zhou Ming introduce their project. Once Zhou Ming started talking about technology, he immediately seemed like a different person, speaking endlessly. Although some terminology was difficult for non-professionals to follow, one could see his passion and confidence in the technology.

Lin Yuan displayed their product design drawings and some models; the aesthetics and human-centric considerations were very well thought out. Su Xiaoxiao shared their gains and poignant stories from their in-depth research into the visually impaired community; her tone was sincere and very infectious.

Yu Bo listened quietly, occasionally asking a few key questions that went straight to the core of commercialization and user experience. His questions were sharp and precise, making the three of them both excited and nervous, leading them to answer even more earnestly.

Shen Nian added information at appropriate times, either explaining some technical background or sharing some industry experience, appearing both professional and appropriate. She no longer deliberately showed off her feminine charm but was completely integrated into this "Technology + Business" discussion, becoming a reliable "bridge" and "consultant."

Throughout the dinner, the atmosphere was lively and pragmatic. Yu Bo's interest in the project grew stronger. The technology had breakthroughs, the design had warmth, the team was young but full of passion, and they were solving real social pain points with significant social value.

Su Xiaoxiao was very lively, occasionally pouring tea and water for Yu Bo, asking questions about investment and entrepreneurship, her eyes full of admiration. Yu Bo answered patiently, his attitude gentle but maintaining an appropriate distance.

Shen Nian saw all of this, just listening with a smile, occasionally chatting with Lin Yuan beside her about design trends.

As dinner neared its end, a preliminary understanding and intention had been reached.

Yu Bo put down his chopsticks, looked at the three expectant young people in front of him, and gave his preliminary response: "Dr. Zhou, Designer Lin, Miss Su, your project has a very good technical direction, the social value is prominent, and the team is passionate; I highly recognize these points."

"However," Yu Bo changed the subject, his tone becoming rigorous, "Investment is not charity; ultimately, it depends on the product's market acceptance and commercial prospects. The prototype and data you have shown so far are more of a verification of technical feasibility and initial user experience; there is still a long way to go before it becomes a truly mature, reliable, and scalable product."

Zhou Ming nodded immediately: "Chairman Yu, you are right; we are also constantly improving."

"Therefore, 'Tinglan' can preliminarily consider investing a portion of seed funding to support you in completing the next stage of key iterations and deeper user testing." Yu Bo gave a clear signal. "However, the specific investment amount and equity share need to wait until we have seen a more detailed business plan, especially…" He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three of them, "Only after I have seen your product's performance in real user scenarios with my own eyes and collected more solid first-hand user experience feedback can we make a final determination."

Zhou Ming and Lin Yuan looked at each other, both seeing excitement in each other's eyes. Shen Nian also nodded slightly, expressing appreciation for Yu Bo's attitude, which both offered hope and maintained rigor.

"Chairman Yu, don't worry!" Zhou Ming immediately stated, "Our previous prototype testing and initial user research were all completed with the help of the Municipal Disabled Persons' Federation. They gave us a lot of valuable opinions and support. If you have time, we can go to the Federation together tomorrow for a live demonstration, and also let you communicate with real users!"

Yu Bo pondered slightly. He had originally planned to return tomorrow morning, but since he was interested in this project, staying an extra half day for a field inspection was indeed necessary. Moreover, this could also more intuitively verify the true quality of the project Shen Nian had recommended.

"Okay." Yu Bo nodded. "Then tomorrow morning, I will go to the Federation with you to take a look. Please arrange the specific time and location and notify me."

"That's great! Thank you, Chairman Yu!" The three of them almost jumped up, thanking him repeatedly.

Su Xiaoxiao was even happier, her cheeks turning red, the admiration in her eyes looking at Yu Bo deepening: "Chairman Yu, you are truly wonderful! We will definitely show you our best state tomorrow!"

"You're welcome; this is the necessary process." Yu Bo's tone was calm. "Investment is a two-way choice, and we also have to be responsible for the project and the funds."

The matter was settled, and dinner came to an end. As they left, the three of them excitedly thanked Yu Bo and Shen Nian again. Su Xiaoxiao, still blushing, whispered to Yu Bo: "Chairman Yu, see you tomorrow! I definitely won't let you down!"

"See you tomorrow, I look forward to your performance." Yu Bo nodded at her, his attitude still gentle and polite, but maintaining a distance.