Mu Jiahe nodded, "I think the dean did the right thing. Specialization is key. The academy is paying him to teach and nurture students, not to research all sorts of messy things."
Xiao Xun was unhappy upon hearing this, "Messy things? I can't agree with you there. I'm not just talking nonsense; it's only these 'messy things' you speak of that have the potential to defeat the calamity legions. Relying on magic, this planet would have been destroyed long ago."
Mu Jiahe countered, "If it was destroyed, it means you haven't learned enough. Do you think you can win against the calamity by relying on these mages? They might be effective against the minor soldiers, but to confront the true calamity legion commanders, the Four Demon Kings, the Three Elders, yes, and the Demon God Nero, there's no hope with those fantastical ideas."
Xiao Xun was in a good mood earlier today, but hearing Mu Jiahe's discouragement, he continued, "What's more, the current situation is that your mages and soldiers can't even defeat the minor soldiers of the calamity legions. Even the leaders of so many countries have come here to seek refuge. Why? Isn't it because I'm winning battles against the calamity legions on the front lines? If it weren't for these fantastical things I've come up with, this planet would have been gone two months ago."
Seeing how angry Xiao Xun was, Mu Jiahe's expression softened. She patted his shoulder, "What's the use of you getting so angry? I'm just stating facts."
Xiao Xun's hard work over these days was met with Mu Jiahe's dampening words. He took a step back and spread his hands, "Fine. The calamity legions are immune to magic and have the backing of future technology. What use are my things? Child's play. You're right, facing the apocalypse, I really can't stop it." With that, he took off his shoes and socks and lay down on the bed.
Mu Jiahe followed him onto the bed. Xiao Xun turned his back to her, clearly upset.
If this were before, Mu Jiahe would have definitely said, 'Don't turn your back on me.'
But now, Mu Jiahe gently shifted her body and slipped her hand inside Xiao Xun's robe, "You're not taking off your clothes to sleep, aren't you afraid of catching a chill?"
Xiao Xun trembled as if electrocuted, "Your hands are so cold!"
Mu Jiahe snuggled closer to Xiao Xun, "Then you can warm me up."
When the two returned to their original world, the first thing Xiao Xun did upon waking was to search for the blueprints of shells needed for airplanes and tanks. To his surprise, he didn't even need his own technology; the search websites were full of them.
After looking at a few pictures, he realized that having gunpowder wasn't enough; other things were needed. Xiao Xun was about to ask Mu Jiahe if her world had what he needed.
However, the words stopped on his lips. After last night's events, Xiao Xun decided to work alone and not discuss military matters with Mu Jiahe to avoid further disappointment.
Xiao Xun still had to drive Mu Jiahe to work, as he was currently an unemployed youth and a 'kept man' who lived off her.
This situation would likely continue until Xiao Xun found a job or Mu Jiahe sold her shares in Saint Roman.
Yun Mei reported Xiao Xun's situation to his mother almost daily. His mother, having learned of Xiao Xun's activities and being busy herself, hadn't contacted him much.
However, Yun Mei did tell Xiao Xun one thing: that his parents had closed down the restaurant.
He didn't pay much attention to it, thinking, "They probably closed it to prepare for my wedding with Mu Jiahe and couldn't manage it. It's good they closed it; that restaurant was tiring every day and didn't make much money anyway."
The negotiations between Saint Roman and Longtan Group were nearing completion, with discussions on personnel retention, salary adjustments, and the renewal of all cooperative relationships.
Longtan Group was unusually generous, and the negotiations did not overly trouble Mu Jiahe. Mu Jiahe's assistant, secretary, and several key group leaders stated their thoughts on their future situations, and Longtan Group provided corresponding contracts.
At this rate, it would take at most three days for Longtan Group to complete the acquisition of Saint Roman Group. Although Mu Jiahe's shares weren't a large percentage, they were worth tens of billions by market value. After all, it was a large conglomerate, and most importantly, it held the domestic agency rights for Jingji Group, which was equivalent to holding a golden ticket.
Tens of billions were insignificant for Longtan Group; their quarterly financial report alone exceeded two hundred billion.
After dropping Mu Jiahe off, Xiao Xun had nowhere to go. The building was still under renovation, but the relocation of Longtan's headquarters was already a hot topic.
In addition to spending two billion yuan to purchase the Jingji Group building, they also invested heavily in a piece of land in the CBD to construct an even taller and larger new headquarters. Once completed, it was hailed by the media and netizens as a landmark building in G City.
Just as Xiao Xun was about to go for a casual stroll, his phone rang. It was his cousin, Liu Shijia.
Xiao Xun was curious. At this time, shouldn't his cousin be at work? How could she have time to call him?
"Hello! Cousin, what's up?"
Liu Shijia's voice sounded tired, as if she hadn't had much rest lately. "Are you busy recently?"
"Not busy."
Liu Shijia said, "I'll treat you to a meal!"
Xiao Xun was greatly surprised, "Wow! Which direction did the sun rise from today?"
Liu Shijia didn't respond to his banter and directly said, "At the restaurant we used to go to often. Come early."
Xiao Xun said "oh," and Liu Shijia hung up.
Looking at his phone, Xiao Xun wondered, "Could someone have bullied my sister?"
Thinking of this, he drove directly to the restaurant Liu Shijia mentioned. Upon arriving, he checked the time; it was only a little past ten, not yet a mealtime.
However, the restaurant was open. Xiao Xun and Liu Shijia often ate there because it offered large portions, was cheap, and the owner was kind.
The owner couldn't believe it when he saw such a luxury car. "Did you drive this car?"
Xiao Xun smiled and nodded, "I'm working as a driver for someone now."
The owner nodded, thinking the same. After all, he knew Xiao Xun's situation. Back then, they would order just one dish when they came to eat.
"Even as a driver, you dare to drive your boss's car around. Be careful your boss fires you."
"Haha, if I get fired, I'll just find another job."
The owner handed Xiao Xun a bottle of Coke, "It's been a while since I've seen you, kid. I thought you'd gone back to your hometown. Why did you think of coming to my place to eat today?"
Xiao Xun yawned. He had been too tired lately and never got enough sleep. "My sister asked me to come. She didn't say anything about what it was for."
"Then sit here for a moment while I tidy up the kitchen."
Xiao Xun stood up, "Do you need me to help out?"
The owner was not polite, "Sure!"
When he had free time, he often came here to help. Although the owner ran a small restaurant and didn't need many people, he really liked Xiao Xun because he was quick with his hands and knew his way around the kitchen. He even taught him a few private recipes he had figured out himself.
However, when the owner found out he was a university student, he felt it was a waste for him to work for him, otherwise he would have hired him long ago.
The owner looked at Xiao Xun working, "It's obvious you haven't touched a wok in a while; your hands are quite rusty."
Xiao Xun smiled, "I found a good boss who provides food and lodging, so I don't have to cook myself."
Just then, someone outside shouted, "Is the boss here?"
Xiao Xun recognized his cousin's voice and said to the owner, "Uncle, when she comes out, don't say I'm here!"
The owner, though unsure of Xiao Xun's intentions, nodded in agreement.
Xiao Xun stopped what he was doing and listened from the side.
It turned out Liu Shijia had booked a standard room and pre-ordered some dishes, all of which Xiao Xun liked.
The owner entered the kitchen and said to Xiao Xun with the order slip, "See how good your sister is to you? These dishes are all your favorites."
Xiao Xun shook his head, "I'm afraid they're delicious, but hard to swallow!"
With that, he walked out of the kitchen and tiptoed to the outside of the private room. He heard Liu Shijia on the phone, but he didn't know who she was calling.
"Okay, I understand. I won't say anything out of line. He's my brother. Alright, alright... I know what to do. I'll contact you later."
Xiao Xun quickly retreated a couple of steps, almost stepping on the owner's foot. The owner, holding a teapot, shoved it into Xiao Xun's hand, "Here, you take it in!"
He walked in holding the teapot and said to Liu Shijia, "Have some water first. The food will be ready soon."