Being able to become an E-level Life Form at this age, even with various devices assisting, implies a significant innate development rate.
The fourth-level development potential is even considered the lowest grade.
Zhang Huaiyuan frowned slightly, something wasn’t right. Wasn’t Li Ming merely at third-level development potential? How come he seemed more formidable than those at the fourth level?
"Uh... Ming, don’t be discouraged... You’ll definitely be heavily focused on in training... Ouch!" Ge Hong grimaced and stared at Zhang Huaiyuan: "Zhang, you’re stepping on my foot!"
Zhang Huaiyuan gave an awkward smile, while Li Ming was nonchalant, and the group laughed it off.
Soon, however, three or four people in black suits emerged from the elevator, looked around, and then fixed their gaze in their direction.
"Looks like they’re really heading our way." Zhang Huaiyuan and the others had noticed these people earlier, and seeing them approach made Ge Hong somewhat nervous: "I hope nothing’s amiss."
"No worries, we’re in Jingnan." Zhang Huaiyuan said gravely, though his breathing had quickened a bit.
The leader was a short-haired woman, appearing quite competent, showcasing a standard professional smile: "Are you Zhang Huaiyuan... Ge Hong... Liang Long..."
She listed everyone’s names systematically, but Li Ming’s name was not mentioned.
Because of their position, the group stood right behind Li Ming, and she didn’t look down at the young man who was enjoying his barbecue.
"Yes, that’s us." Zhang Huaiyuan stood up, "May I know who you are?"
"My name is Liu Yao, and I am from Le Bo Company, here for this young friend." Liu Yao pointed at Liang Long, the somewhat dark-skinned young man, clearly taken aback.
"Yes." Liu Yao smiled warmly: "Liang Long, second-level excellent development potential, from a poor family, made it to the Capital University of Science and Technology all on his own. Our company highly values people like you."
"What do you mean?" Liang Long still didn’t understand.
"You might not know, but getting into Capital University of Science and Technology is not the end; it’s just the beginning."
"Even though the University of Science and Technology provides some resources for support, those alone are hardly enough. Without bringing in resources of your own, no matter how capable or ambitious you are, you can’t catch up to others and will be lost in the crowd."
"I know that due to certain circumstances, it might be hard for your family to provide the needed support, so we can sign a contract with you. During your university years, we will provide full assistance."
The room fell silent, everyone’s gaze shifting between Liang Long and Liu Yao’s group.
After digesting the news, Liang Long was clearly tempted. His family situation was such that he often relied on Zhang Huaiyuan’s care due to financial constraints.
However, there was also a certain pride within him, believing that relying on oneself was the best approach.
"There is no such thing as a free lunch." Zhang Huaiyuan frowned.
"Of course." Liu Yao responded calmly: "In exchange, after graduation, you will need to work for us for a few years, repaying the resources and related interest provided until you are free from these obligations."
It sounded reasonable, after all, they were also looking to make a profit.
"You guys..." Zhang Huaiyuan felt something was off, but before he could finish, he was interrupted by Liu Yao: "Sorry, but we weren’t looking to recruit you."
"Our company’s minimum requirement is a second-level development potential, only Liang Long meets the criteria."
"You’re only at the first level, and your family’s financial condition can only be considered acceptable, with limited prospects. Liang Long is much better than you."
Zhang Huaiyuan’s face turned red from frustration.
Liu Yao smiled and said: "In fact, I think he should be your leader, so please do not interrupt while I am speaking with him."
After making this statement, she expected Zhang Huaiyuan to be so furious he’d lose his senses, thinking him to be a naive young man with a heavy guard, easily manipulated with just a bit of instigation.
However, what returned to normal quickly from being flush, gave her a peculiar glance and simply sat down.
"You can’t just say it like that..."
Liang Long hesitated, flattered by the compliments as any young person would be.
Besides, he genuinely thought he was no less worthy than others, except for his humble background.
But that last statement about leadership felt wrong. Although nobody mentioned it, Zhang Huaiyuan wasn’t their leader.
"Is the pricing of resources provided in your contract clearly marked? Is it at cost price, market price, or above market price?"
"The interest, is it calculated based on the aggregate principal or on the cumulative resources provided?"
"Is there a definite outline of the compensation for work after graduation, or will that be decided then?"
Liu Yao’s expression changed slightly, before finally looking down, Li Ming, having wiped his mouth with a napkin, said, "Show me the contract."
"And you are?" Liu Yao frowned, to which Zhang Huaiyuan eagerly replied: "Li Ming, E-level Life Form, third-level development potential, also a student at the Capital University of Science and Technology this year."
"What?" Liu Yao’s face immediately changed, an E-level Life Form, excellent evaluation?
"Are you wondering why you don’t have his information?" Wang Bing said coldly.
Liu Yao, facing the always back-turned teenager, felt an inexplicable pressure and then blurted out in embarrassment: "Either sign or don’t, it’s not like we desperately need you..."
"That’s a typical reaction when a scam is exposed, becoming furious out of humiliation." Wang Bing added.
"Miss Liu, no offense, but your methods of creating discord are too low-end." Zhang Huaiyuan finally spoke, having calmed down.
Liu Yao’s expression fluctuated, not understanding why, but after Li Ming spoke, this group seemed to have found their backbone.
"Never mind, I really don’t want to deal with you." Liang Long also made his refusal clear.