After confirming Han Lie’s decision to advance to the small real-money competition, Tencent Finance arranged another exclusive interview, a clear sign of the importance they attached to him.
Han Lie himself didn’t take it too seriously, mostly just wanting to get it over with.
The main reason was that there weren’t any obvious benefits; just being the weekly champion wasn’t very persuasive.
However, the university demonstrated extraordinary interest.
Not only did Liu Hong come directly to the dormitory, but he also brought several important figures. Accompanying him were Director Che of the University Office, Dean Liu of the Business School, Student Union President Yu Xueqin, and Wang Tianqing, Head of the Student Union’s Publicity Department.
Director Che was particularly enthusiastic. "Student Han, the honor you have brought to our university is crucial, significant, and precious! I represent the university leadership in offering you our sincere congratulations!
We hope that you will continue to exert yourself, apply your talents and abilities, and keep adding glory to our school!
The School of Humanities won’t let down any student who has made significant contributions to the university!
Do you have any requests or difficulties?
Don’t hesitate to speak up!
My visit here today is to take care of any concerns you may have!"
Liu Hong quickly chimed in with support. "Right, Han Lie, whatever reward you want, Director Che and Dean Liu can decide for you!"
Dean Liu was more succinct. "Little Han," he said, "let me give you the lowdown. If you can make it to the grand finals, you’ll definitely get a spot in next year’s exchange program. You can pick any university, and the Business School will cover all expenses!"
At this pronouncement, Yu Xueqin and Wang Tianqing, who had accompanied them, flushed with envy.
Yu Xueqin, from the School of Foreign Languages, was a "legend from humble beginnings"; he came from a relatively average family and had become Student Union President purely on merit.
Wang Tianqing was the belle of the School of Arts and Media, socially adept, with a sweet voice and numerous admirers.
But when it came to opportunities , such attributes were utterly useless.
Their family circumstances couldn’t compare with those of the rich second-generation students in the School of International Relations who could go abroad whenever they wished. They had joined the Student Union primarily to enhance their post-graduation competitiveness.
A fully-funded trip abroad?
They didn’t even dare to dream about it!
They only dared to covet those university-sponsored but self-funded exchange programs, fighting tooth and nail with a crowd of others for a chance.
For instance, one of the most popular programs at the School of Humanities was a one-year exchange at the University of Wisconsin in America. Tuition fees were waived, but all other expenses still amounted to 12,000 USD.
Eighty thousand RMB—by no means a small sum—was already considered the most cost-effective target.
There were only three spots available each year. And how many people were vying for them? This year, 127.
And what did Dean Liu’s promise entail? It meant Han Lie could pick the best and most expensive university to attend; all he had to do was go, and the Business School would reimburse all expenses!
Incredible! Saving money was secondary; the real point was to actually profit!
Fixed costs would be processed through official accounts. As for variable costs, like living expenses, the standard procedure was to set an allowance and disburse it in advance.
An allowance of 20,000 USD was no exaggeration. Spend it sparingly, maybe do some odd jobs, and you could come back and buy a car.
That was a potential swing of 200,000 RMB!
Who wouldn’t be envious?
Yu Xueqin and Wang Tianqing didn’t dare to speak up, carefully sizing up Han Lie. They were undoubtedly envious and jealous, and perhaps, other thoughts were stirring within them too.
However, Han Lie did not take the leaders’ promises seriously.
Making empty promises? Hell, I’m a master at that myself... Besides, trying to buy me off with such a meager benefit? Who are they insulting?
Han Lie smiled calmly. "Director Che, Dean Liu, I have no requests or difficulties. If my final results aren’t good, I’ll have no face to make any requests. If my results are exceptionally good, then I won’t need to. Don’t you agree?"
Upon hearing this, all the visitors were stunned.
Such arrogance! But also, such confidence!
Indeed. For such a lengthy competition, if someone truly made it to the very end, how formidable must their abilities be?
To put it plainly, every contestant who managed to rank in the top 20 of the live trading grand finals was unequivocally among the elite tier of market harvesters. Achieving long-term, stable profits would be effortless for them.
Once their performance was outstanding enough, countless major institutions would extend olive branches. Who would even care about a mere spot in an exchange program then?!
Wang Tianqing was visibly struck by Han Lie’s commanding aura.
Yu Xueqin, however, felt a pang of discomfort. Something he considered critically important was treated as insignificant by Han Lie, a realization that was deeply frustrating.
Dean Liu was taken aback for a moment before his eyebrows furrowed slightly.
Director Che’s enthusiasm, however, remained undiminished.
"No problem at all!" Director Che exclaimed. "Student Han’s pragmatic thinking is a good thing! It gives me even more confidence in you. However, the university certainly cannot neglect to reward a student for their contributions. We’ll discuss this further, yes, further!" ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel⁂fire.net
Han Lie nodded with a light smile. "Thank you for your understanding."
His calm composure once again left a profound impression on everyone present.
Actually, Han Lie had adopted this somewhat "intense" demeanor primarily because he didn’t want the university to attempt any foolishness.
It wasn’t wise to assume they wouldn’t try something absurd. On the contrary, it was highly probable. This university couldn’t be judged by common sense.
Now that I’ve made my stance clear, they’ll have to think twice about whatever they’re planning. Because I don’t need anything from the university; it’s the university that needs me.
Having grasped this crucial point, Han Lie remained rock-solid. Director Che continued with small talk for a while longer, but finding no opening, he covertly signaled to Liu Hong with his eyes.
Liu Hong immediately took the cue. "Han Lie, about the Tencent Finance interview..."
For such minor matters not involving his core interests, Han Lie was quite willing to be obliging. "How do you think I should respond?" he asked.
Wang Tianqing stepped forward and said sweetly, "Han Lie, the questions for Tencent’s exclusive interview are roughly these. Please take a look. Would it be alright for you to respond following this framework?"
She handed over a handwritten outline, with the key points highlighted in red.