booktalesy Chapter 711: A New Academic Life
Chapter 711: A New Academic Life
Huang Xiaochuan knew Chen Zhe very well and was aware of his talent, so he said, "Old Chen, how about this? I think with your academic background and achievements, being a researcher is too much of a waste of your talent. To be honest, the current president of the University of Finance and Economics is my senior, and I can help you get a teaching position there. After all, the university platform makes it easier for you to mentor students, which can extend your academic career to the greatest extent possible."
At this point, Huang Xiaochuan paused slightly before continuing, "I recently established a branch of the Hong Kong Economic Research Institute in Shanghai, and I'm currently struggling to find a trustworthy person to head it. If you don't object, you could help me take over this. It might be a bit tough, since you'll have to juggle two things, but I think it would be more beneficial for your future academic development, and you could actually make a difference. What do you think?"
Chen Zhe was stunned for a moment, staring blankly at Huang Xiaochuan for a long time, unable to speak. He hadn't expected that his old classmate would offer such great help and give him trust beyond his imagination during his most dejected time. He understood very well that the path Huang Xiaochuan had planned for him was a path full of hope and dignity. He knew what kind of resources a branch dean of a research institute would have, and he also understood the significance of a faculty position at the University of Finance and Economics.
Huang Xiaochuan's trust in him included the allocation of tens of millions of yuan in research funding and the ownership of research results every year. Chen Zhe was filled with gratitude and didn't know how to express his thanks to his old classmate.
"Ogawa"
Huang Xiaochuan waved his hand and said, "Alright, given our relationship, don't get sentimental with me. Let's get this over with quickly. I'll contact my senior brother right now. If he knew such a huge windfall had fallen into his lap, he'd be ecstatic!"
Huang Xiaochuan immediately called his senior, Hong Yongze, to tell him about the matter and share his thoughts.
Hong Yongze was more than willing; this was a windfall! Chen Zhe was a renowned economist, and with the deep friendship between him and his junior, Huang Xiaochuan, Hong Yongze would never rest in peace if he didn't bring this great scholar to the university.
This is definitely an academic talent with enormous resources! If other universities found out, they would fight tooth and nail to snatch him away, especially now that universities are expanding their enrollment and are desperately seeking talent!
Upon learning that Chen Zhe was currently in Huang Xiaochuan's office, Hong Yongze immediately hung up the phone and called a driver to take him to Huang Xiaochuan's office in the Guangda Real Estate Building in Pudong. There was no time to lose!
Before Hong Yongze arrived, Chen Zhe asked about Ding Yi and Zhang Gaolei.
Huang Xiaochuan laughed and said, "Gungun is something else now. You have to call him County Magistrate Ding now."
Upon hearing this news, Chen Zhe was taken aback: "What? He's become the county magistrate?"
Huang Xiaochuan calmly explained with a smile, "He's a deputy! And he's only going there on a temporary assignment. You know how things are within the system! This is just the prelude to his promotion!"
Chen Zhe exclaimed, "Even a deputy is a county head! I never imagined our 222 district would produce a county head!"
Huang Xiaochuan then reminded him: "You're wrong! Our old classmate Wu Duo is now a full-fledged division chief, that's a real seventh-rank official."
Chen Zhe suddenly realized, "Oh right, I almost forgot about the class monitor!"
Then, somewhat embarrassed, he added, "I've been abroad for too long, and I don't usually pay attention to these levels and stuff. I'm out of touch."
Huang Xiaochuan comforted him, saying, "Everyone has their own expertise. You're focused on your studies, so naturally you won't think about these things. It's normal. You don't need to be so modest."
Chen Zhe continued, "What about Old Zhang?"
"Old Zhang went to the United States. He's negotiating a deal with Motorola. It involves a large sum of money, and he brought a whole negotiation team with him this time," Huang Xiaochuan told Chen Zhe about Zhang Gaolei's recent whereabouts.
Just as the two were talking, Hong Yongze arrived.
Upon seeing Chen Zhe, Hong Yongze held onto Chen Zhe's hand tightly and refused to let go.
Huang Xiaochuan teased from the side, "Senior brother, senior brother, sit down and talk slowly, can't we not get so excited? You're the principal now, can't we be a little more reserved?"
Hong Yongze reluctantly let go of Chen Zhe's hand, but he still couldn't help but roll his eyes at Huang Xiaochuan to express his dissatisfaction.
After sitting down, Hong Yongze said to Chen Zhe, "Chen Zhe! The University of Finance and Economics is your alma mater, so of course we warmly welcome you back. On behalf of the more than ten thousand teachers and students of the university, I solemnly declare that I sincerely welcome you home! Your return is truly an honor for the university!"
Hong Yongze's words left Chen Zhe, who was already somewhat awkward with social interactions, at a loss for words. He quickly waved his hand and said, "Principal Hong, you're too kind!"
"Hey, what do you mean by principal? If we're talking about your relationship with Xiao Chuan, I'd say I'm your senior. You could call me senior, it wouldn't be an exaggeration." Hong Yongze kept trying to get closer to Chen Zhe.
Huang Xiaochuan laughed to himself. His senior brother really knew how to talk to different people, no wonder he was able to sit in the position of principal.
He chimed in sarcastically, "Hey senior brother, are you using people only when you need them, and then discarding them when you're done? Typical of someone who removes the ladder after climbing onto the roof, or dismantles the bridge after crossing the river. Now that you have Junior Brother Chen, you don't need Junior Brother Huang anymore?"
Hong Yongze wasn't annoyed by Huang Xiaochuan's banter; instead, he laughed and said, "Stop trying to sow discord between me and Junior Brother Chen. It's only right that I'm welcoming him back from overseas."
Then Hong Yongze said to Chen Zhe seriously, "Junior Brother Chen, I know about your situation. Please rest assured about the school. I will initiate the special appointment process as soon as I get back. You will receive the treatment of a full professor and doctoral supervisor, and the school will provide you with the greatest support in all other aspects. Your academic expertise is exactly what our university's economics and management disciplines need right now. I believe that with your joining us, our university will definitely achieve more results in economics and management in the future."
Chen Zhe was moved by Hong Yongze's words. He hadn't expected to be treated so kindly and couldn't help but regret not returning to China sooner.
"Principal Hong and Xiao Chuan! I don't know how to thank you enough!"
Huang Xiaochuan smiled and patted Chen Zhe on the shoulder: "Alright, we're all family, so let's not be formal. Besides, you have the talent to back it up, and you deserve this kind of platform."
Hong Yongze smiled and nodded, then suggested, "Junior Brother Chen, when are you available? Let's go to the school and I can show you some hospitality."
Chen Zhe glanced at Huang Xiaochuan, then at the enthusiastic Hong Yongze, and tentatively suggested, "How about tomorrow?"
"Okay, then tomorrow!" Hong Yongze made the final decision.